7Nights

Danube Enchanting New Year's 2026

Two hands clink filled champagne glasses against a festively lit background.
Blick auf das Parlamentsgebäude von Budapest bei Nacht. Es ist gold beleuchtet und über dem Gebäude ist ein Feuerwerk zu sehen.
Snow-covered trees are reflected in the calm waters of the Danube under a clear blue sky.

Highlights of the Danube Cruise

The old year ends like the new one begins: With a new outlook.

From Passau to Cruising Day, Wachau, Budapest, Vienna, Dürnstein and Linz to Passau.

What do you think about on New Year’s Eve? About the year just gone? Or about what might lie ahead in the new one? In Vienna, the main thing you think is “Wow!”. Because at midnight, the Ferris wheel in the Prater pales in comparison to the fireworks shooting up into the sky. Fountains of fire, torrents of stars, blazes of gold and explosions of colour welcome the new year, and Vienna invites you to dance. But this imperial city is not the only breathtaking city on the Danube. “Budapest is like Paris without the perfume”, is how the people of Budapest describe their city. You can see why. The stunning Baroque buildings, the picturesque narrow streets with their little boutiques and cafés, and in the middle of it all the Danube inviting you for a relaxing drink at the end of the day – all of this recalls the city on the Seine. What’s different is that there’s a little crumbling here and there, and the metro is a little rickety. But who cares? As you continue on in a westward direction, you can reflect on the year gone by and the year to come. As you do so, the Wachau valley – a UNESCO World Heritage Site – glides by, its precious vineyards resting under a thin blanket of snow, preparing for a successful year ahead. A bit like you in the SPA-ROSA.

The Budapest parliament building in autumn in the background, seen from a leafy park. In the foreground is a single park bench.

Budapest

On one bank of the Danube is hilly Buda with its Fisherman’s Bastion and Castle Hill; on the other, there’s flat Pest with its House of Parliament. These two beautiful districts couldn’t be more different. Perhaps that’s why it took until 1873 for the two cities on opposite sides of the river to merge and form Budapest.

Blick über Wien mit verschneiten Dächern und dem gotischen Turm des Stephansdoms bei klarem Himmel

Vienna

The bells of St. Stephen's Cathedral are ringing in the New Year with a powerful and melodious ring. And at the Prater, fireworks ignite to amaze your eyes. There's no doubt about it: Happy New Year! And while couples sway to the beat of a waltz on the so-called New Year's Eve Trail right across the city centre, there is also cheering, toasting and dancing on board the A-ROSA until the early morning. But this trip is more than just a New Year's Eve gala.

raus! +Dopplung

Linz

Baroque facades, numerous churches and, at the centre, the river. As you can see, it’s possible to describe Linz, Austria’s largest port city, in a single sentence. But that would be doing it an injustice, since there’s a whole lot more to Linz than buildings and water. In recent years, this former industrial hub has morphed into a European cultural stronghold. No matter whether it’s theatre, cinema, art or music, there’s both great demand and great support for culture here. The city also provides magnificent views – particularly in the evening – from the pilgrimage church on the Pöstlingberg hill.

Itinerary

Routenkarte Donau Silvesterzauber mit den Häfen Passau, Linz, Dürnstein, Wien und Budapest.
Routenkarte Donau Silvesterzauber mit den Häfen Passau, Linz, Dürnstein, Wien und Budapest.

Passau is the departure point for your exciting Danube cruise. A university city, it combines old-town charm and ecclesiastical history with a young, modern vibe. As the ship departs, enjoy the thrill of heading off along the Danube for the first time – and look forward to your cruise, with its many experiences, picturesque natural scenery and magnificent towns and cities. Welcome aboard!

Two children are playing next to the bed in a cabin on a river cruise ship. One child is laughingly looking over the edge of the bed.

Cruising Day

During your cruising day, enjoy watching the scenery drift by as you look forward to the next towns and cities. Our tip: the SPA-ROSA is a great place to unwind and pamper yourself during your day on the river.

raus!

Wachau

You are about to enjoy a real treat for the senses as you experience the Wachau up close. You will be mesmerised by the famous Danube valley between Melk and Krems. Taking in this fascinating river landscape as you stand on the sun deck of one of the A-ROSA Danube fleet is a once-in-a-lifetime experience. It is no wonder that the Wachau is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. This really is an absolute must-see.

A mystical river landscape in the Wachau with hills on the riverbank. At the foot of the hill lies a village and at the top stands a castle. The sun shines over the hills onto the river.

Do you know how many bridges Budapest has? There are seven in total – and they span the river between the neighbourhoods Buda and Pest. The most well known is probably the Széchenyi Chain Bridge. Take a look at Budapest’s imposing structures for yourself as you cruise down the Danube. And if you go out onto the sun deck of your A-ROSA ship, you’ll also have an unobstructed view of Budapest’s famous parliament building. The perfect way to experience a stunning city.

Blick auf die historische Fischerbastei in Budapest. Im Hintergrund ein Blick auf das Parlamentsgebäude von Budapest und über die Stadt bei Sonnenuntergang.

This is a real highlight of your Danube cruise: Vienna, the capital of Austria with that extra-special something. The locals sound as though they are singing when they speak, and it is customary for certain business owners to address their regular customers with their full title. That’s just the way things are done here. With its wealth of museums, galleries, palaces and castles, plus the state opera and many theatres, the city enjoys a lively cultural scene all year-round. The Viennese are proud of their city – and rightly so!

Fireworks over the nighttime skyline of Vienna with illuminated historic buildings and a dark sky.

From the Ringstrasse over the St Stephen's Cathedral to the Giant Ferris Wheel in the Prater, Vienna has plenty to offer for your second day. Visit a cosy coffee house and experience the true Viennese coffee culture. Schönbrunn Palace is also worth a visit. The beautiful baroque complex is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and also boasts modern technology: an elaborate virtual reality film lets visitors relive the history of the palace.

Blick über Wien mit verschneiten Dächern und dem gotischen Turm des Stephansdoms bei klarem Himmel

Vienna

Dep 06:00 am

This is a real highlight of your Danube cruise: Vienna, the capital of Austria with that extra-special something. The locals sound as though they are singing when they speak, and it is customary for certain business owners to address their regular customers with their full title. That’s just the way things are done here. With its wealth of museums, galleries, palaces and castles, plus the state opera and many theatres, the city enjoys a lively cultural scene all year-round. The Viennese are proud of their city – and rightly so!

A woman sits relaxed with a glass of water in her hand in a cabin on a river cruise ship in front of the French balcony and looks out at the Danube through the open door.

Dürnstein

Arr 01:00 pm Dep 08:00 pm

Dürnstein is one of the most famous tourist destinations along the Austrian Danube. Experience how the beauty of the wine terraces meets the tradition of medieval architecture. The English King Richard the Lionheart was imprisoned in the ruins of Dürnstein Castle in the 12th century - a destination not be missed. 

View of the ruins of Dürnstein castle by the Danube, surrounded by hilly landscape in misty autumn atmosphere with sunlight filtering through tree branches.

Your Danube cruise is the perfect opportunity to get to know the Austrian city of Linz. It offers an exciting mix of cultural attractions and true works of art. You’ll discover a modern, cosmopolitan city whose diversity, design and creativity really make it stand out. And no visit to Linz would be complete without a trip to a cafe to sample its specialities, such as the famous Linzer Torte.

The baroque Trinity Column in Linz on a square surrounded by historic houses at dusk with a cloudy sky.

Today we dock again in Passau. You will return home from the Queen of the Rivers with so many beautiful and wonderful impressions. And if you don't want to leave quite yet, why not explore the city and region on your last day? You can also extend your cruise in one of our partner hotels. See you soon and ahoy!

Winterliche Landschaft in Passau mit schneebedeckten Bäumen und Gebäuden, spiegelnd im ruhigen Fluss

A-ROSA Premium all inclusive

Enjoy your most beautiful time with maximum comfort and with the all-round carefree package: A-ROSA Premium all inclusive.

Your desired cabin? Voilà! Sauna, fitness area, pool? Always at your service! Top culinary menus? Enjoy your meal! Attractive discounts on all massage and beauty treatments? Of course! Plus many other benefits that will always put a smile on your face, while you have nothing to do but think about your next wish.

  • Full BoardPlus: Comprehensive breakfast, lunch and dinner buffets with live-cooking stations, embarkation snack, as well as daily tea and coffee time
  • Special Welcome (5 nights and more) & Farewell dinners (7 nights and more)
  • Tea, coffee and coffee specialities for breakfast, water, soft drinks, sparkling wine, as well as a selection of beer and wine included throughout the day, during bar opening hours
  • A-ROSA Best Price until 31 July 2025, Super Early Booking Discounts for bookings made until 30 November 2025 and Early Booking Discounts for bookings made until 28 February 2026 for cruises from March – October 2026 and bookings made until 31 August 2026 for cruises from November 2026 until January 2027.
  • Kids up to 15 years of age cruise for free on deck 1¹
  • One free change of reservation up to 30 days before departure
  • Comprehensive service concept with Guest Relations Management
  • Varied onboard entertainment for cruises of 7 nights or more with local performers
  • Room service in every cabin grade (during bar hours)²
  • A-ROSA App with information about your cruise
  • Special prices for additional services on board, e.g. SPA treatments, workshops³
  • Free e-bikes for independent exploration, subject to availability⁴
  • English-speaking travel and hotel management
  • Transfer between airport or TGV train station and ship when arrival is booked through A-ROSA⁵
  • Toiletries as well as bathrobes on request


¹ Children up to and including 15 years of age travel free of charge when accompanied by at least one (two in Cat. G) supervising adult on Deck 1. From Deck 2 children receive a 30 % discount. Furthermore, children up to 7 years of age accompanied by 2 supervising adults can use a sofa bed free of charge on the A‑ROSA SENA in categories B - D. On the A‑ROSA ALVA, A‑ROSA ALEA & A‑ROSA CLEA children accompanied by at least one supervising adult receive a 30 % discount. The children’s discount is only valid for the cruise itself. Limited availabilities on all cruises.
² Drinks only, according to the room service menu. Except A-ROSA ALVA, A-ROSA ALEA and A-ROSA CLEA
³ Except A-ROSA ALEA and A-ROSA CLEA
⁴ A-ROSA ALVA, A-ROSA ALEA & A-ROSA CLEA: E-bike rental not available.
⁵ If a flight or TGV booking is made through A-ROSA, the transfer is included. You will receive the relevant details with your travel information.

PLEASE NOTE: Transfer between railway station and ship on the Danube & Rhine can be booked for an additional fee.

Be quick and secure the A-ROSA Best Price - our early booking levels: 

  • Until 31 July 2025 A-ROSA Best Price
  • Until 30 November 2025 Super Early Booking Price
  • Until 28 February 2026 for cruises from March – October 2026 and bookings made until 31 August 2025 for cruises from November 2026 until January 2027

Choose exactly the cabin you like. If available, we will book your desired cabin with cabin number.

Dates & Prices

Spacious, comfortable outside cabin. Elegant design and first-class materials ensure an atmosphere of well-being. Cabin facilities: safe, air-conditioning, TV, hair dryer, bathroom with shower and toilet, sauna towel, wool blanket, telephone, bathrobe.

raus!

Spacious, comfortable outside cabin. Elegant design and first-class materials ensure an atmosphere of well-being. Cabin facilities: safe, air-conditioning, TV, hair dryer, bathroom with shower and toilet, sauna towel, wool blanket, telephone, bathrobe.

A category A cabin on a Danube ship with a double bed and an additional bed, as well as a window, seating options, and a desk with a television.

Spacious and comfortable outside cabin with panorama window. Elegant design and first-class materials ensure an atmosphere of well-being. Cabin facilities: safe, air-conditioning, TV, hair dryer, bathroom with shower and toilet, sauna towel, wool blanket, telephone, bathrobe.

A category B cabin on a Danube ship with a double bed and panoramic window, as well as seating options and a desk with a television.

Spacious, comfortable outside cabin with Juliette balcony. Elegant design and first-class materials ensure an atmosphere of well-being. Cabin facilities: safe, air-conditioning, TV, fly screen, hair dryer, bathroom with shower and toilet, sauna towel, wool blanket, telephone, bathrobe.

A category C cabin on a Danube ship with a double bed and an open French balcony, as well as seating options and a desk with a television.

Spacious, comfortable outside cabin. Elegant design and first-class materials ensure an atmosphere of well-being. Cabin facilities: safe, air-conditioning, TV, hair dryer, bathroom with shower and toilet, sauna towel, wool blanket, telephone, bathrobe.

A category A cabin on the A-ROSA DONNA with a double bed and window, seating options, a desk and flat-screen TV, with luggage and bathrobes in the cabin.

Spacious, comfortable outside cabin. Elegant design and first-class materials ensure an atmosphere of well-being. Cabin facilities: safe, air-conditioning, TV, hair dryer, bathroom with shower and toilet, sauna towel, wool blanket, telephone, bathrobe.

A category A cabin on the A-ROSA DONNA with a double bed, an additional bed, and a window, as well as seating options, a desk, and a flat-screen TV, with luggage and bathrobes in the cabin.

Spacious, comfortable outside cabin. Elegant design and first-class materials ensure an atmosphere of well-being. Cabin facilities: safe, air-conditioning, TV, hair dryer, bathroom with shower and toilet, sauna towel, wool blanket, telephone, bathrobe.

A category A cabin on the A-ROSA DONNA with a double bed and window, seating options, a desk and flat-screen TV, with luggage and bathrobes in the cabin.

Spacious, comfortable outside cabin with panorama window. Elegant design and first-class materials ensure an atmosphere of well-being. Cabin facilities: safe, air-conditioning, TV, hair dryer, bathroom with shower and toilet, sauna towel, wool blanket, telephone, bathrobe.

A category B cabin on the A-ROSA DONNA with a double bed and window, as well as seating options, a desk, and a flat-screen TV, with luggage and bathrobes in the cabin.

Spacious, comfortable outside cabin with Juliette balcony. Elegant design and first-class materials ensure an atmosphere of well-being. Cabin facilities: safe, air-conditioning, TV, fly screen, hair dryer, bathroom with shower and toilet, sauna towel, wool blanket, telephone, bathrobe.

A category C cabin on the A-ROSA DONNA with a double bed and an open French balcony, as well as seating options, a desk, and a flat-screen TV, with luggage and bathrobes in the cabin.

Spacious, comfortable outside cabin. Elegant design and first-class materials ensure an atmosphere of well-being. Cabin facilities: safe, air-conditioning, TV, hair dryer, bathroom with shower and toilet, sauna towel, wool blanket, telephone, bathrobe.

raus!

Spacious, comfortable outside cabin. Elegant design and first-class materials ensure an atmosphere of well-being. Cabin facilities: safe, air-conditioning, TV, hair dryer, bathroom with shower and toilet, sauna towel, wool blanket, telephone, bathrobe.

A category A cabin on a Danube ship with a double bed and an additional bed, as well as a window, seating options, and a desk with a television.

Spacious and comfortable outside cabin with panorama window. Elegant design and first-class materials ensure an atmosphere of well-being. Cabin facilities: safe, air-conditioning, TV, hair dryer, bathroom with shower and toilet, sauna towel, wool blanket, telephone, bathrobe.

A category B cabin on a Danube ship with a double bed and panoramic window, as well as seating options and a desk with a television.

Spacious, comfortable outside cabin with Juliette balcony. Elegant design and first-class materials ensure an atmosphere of well-being. Cabin facilities: safe, air-conditioning, TV, fly screen, hair dryer, bathroom with shower and toilet, sauna towel, wool blanket, telephone, bathrobe.

A category C cabin on a Danube ship with a double bed and an open French balcony, as well as seating options and a desk with a television.

Arrival & hotel

You want a relaxed arrival and departure? Then choose one of these hotels! Your advantage: You arrive already one or two days before disembarkation and can consciously look forward to the journey with A-ROSA. Or you can let your vacation come to an end in a very juicy way before you start your journey home. All hotels are personally and carefully selected by us to round off your vacation.

The hotel is located in the ‘Innstadt‘, which is part of the newly developed district ‘InnViertel‘ of Passau. The hotel offers two and three-room appartments. You can reach within walking distance (approx. 10 minutes) the pedestrian area and the old town with the university and Stephen’s cathedral. A parking lot in the underground car park can be booked additionally for a surcharge per night. Each appartments is equipped with the following facilities: air conditioning, free Wi-Fi, flatscreen TV, safe, kitchenette, spacious bathroom with underfloor heating, towel dryer, shower (some rooms with a bathtub), hairdryer, make-up mirror, toilet. The hotel has also a lift.

Included services
Overnight stay incl. breakfast, extended stay possible

Hotelbilder kontrollieren!

Double occupancy

€ 118 pp

Double occupancy

€ 128 pp

3-person occupancy

€ 108 pp

4-person occupancy

€ 98 pp

Hotel Residenz stands out with one of Passau’s top locations: right by the Danube, in the heart of Passau’s old town. All attractions are within easy walking distance. Rooms are modern and comfortable, the “Comfort” category and above have air conditioning. The hotel has five exclusive Suites or Junior Suites that are designed very differently. For prices and availability, please enquire when making your reservation. Soak up the hotel’s calm atmosphere by either relaxing in the small but comfortable sauna or listening to classical music with a glass of wine in the hotel’s very well-stocked library.

Included services
Overnight stay incl. breakfast, extended stay possible

Hotelbilder kontrollieren!

Double occupancy

€ 108 pp

Arrival FRIDAY - SATURDAY

Double occupancy

€ 88 pp

Arrival SUNDAY - THURSDAY

Double occupancy

€ 118 pp

Arrival FRIDAY - SATURDAY

Double occupancy

€ 98 pp

Arrival SUNDAY - THURSDAY

Single occupancy

€ 158 pp

Arrival FRIDAY - SATURDAY

Single occupancy

€ 138 pp

Arrival SUNDAY - THURSDAY

Double occupancy

€ 128 pp

Arrival FRIDAY - SATURDAY

Double occupancy

€ 108 pp

Arrival SUNDAY - THURSDAY

The Hotel Spitzberg is ideally located just 500 metres from the main railway station and the centre of Passau. The historic part of the house was built in the 19th century and has rooms with art nouveau stucco ceilings. In 2010, the hotel was reopened with completely new furnishings, new bathrooms, new reception, hotel bar and breakfast room to 4-star standard. The rooms are equipped with bathtub or shower/WC, satellite TV, minibar, safe and free WLAN.

Included services
Overnight stay incl. breakfast, extended stay possible

Hotelbilder kontrollieren!

Double occupancy

€ 98 pp

Single occupancy

€ 138 pp

Double occupancy

€ 108 pp

Single occupancy

€ 148 pp

Double occupancy

€ 118 pp

Single occupancy

€ 168 pp

Triple occupancy

€ 98 pp

This modern hotel in Passau is located in quiet green surroundings just 200 m from the Danube and 500 m from the town centre on the other side of the river. Enjoy a complimentary drink on arrival in the light-filled lobby, by the palms on the terrace or in your comfortable hotel room. The hotel bar is open in the evenings. Alternatively, you can enjoy complete relaxation in the spa, which offers a Finnish sauna, a steam room, a whirlpool and an infrared sauna. Free Internet access and a bottle of mineral water are available in each room. For luggage and passenger transfers to / from the A-ROSA transfer in Passau (distance from / to hotel approx. 1–2 km) we recommend a taxi.

Included services
Overnight stay incl. breakfast, extended stay possible

Hotelbilder kontrollieren!

Double occupancy

€ 98 pp

Single occupancy

€ 138 pp

Double occupancy

€ 118 pp

Single occupancy

€ 148 pp

Triple occupancy

€ 98 pp

Double occupancy

€ 128 pp

Single occupancy

€ 168 pp

The traditional Hotel & Restaurant Blauer Bock is located right on the banks of the Danube in Passau. Observe the hustle and bustle on the promenade and the ships arriving and departing from the terrace and enjoy traditional and modern Bavarian cuisine at the in-house restaurant. All 26 of the hotel's state-of-the-art rooms are uniquely designed with their own character, with no two rooms being alike.These rooms are furnished with high-quality furniture and lovingly crafted details to make you feel right at home.

The hotel offers an Ariane check-in machine, which allows you to check in and out around the clock.

Included services
Overnight stay incl. breakfast, extended stay is possible

A double room at Hotel Blauer Bock Passau, complete with a comfortable double bed, stylish wall art, a desk, TV and a mirror.

Double occupancy

€ 148 pp

Single occupancy

€ 198 pp

Double occupancy

€ 158 pp

Single occupancy

€ 208 pp

The MK Hotel Passau is conveniently located in the heart of Passau. Just a few metres from the train station and the pedestrian zone and directly on the Danube, it is an ideal starting point, whether you are travelling for business or pleasure. The rooms are characterised by clear structures and high-quality materials. Oak wood, plenty of cosiness, a large bed, air conditioning, rain shower, free high-speed Wi-Fi and a flat-screen TV provide a pleasant atmosphere for your stay.

Included services
Overnight stay incl. breakfast, extended stay is possible

Double occupancy

€ 108 pp

Single occupancy

€ 168 pp

A perfect starting point for your Passau exploration tour is the "Holiday Inn - the niu, Flux Passau", just a stone's throw from the Danube and the historic city centre. The name "Flux" is inspired by the merging of the rivers Danube, Inn and Ilz into one single stream. This hotel offers 129 rooms with many amenities. Enjoy snacks and drinks at the 24-hour bar in the hotel's Living Lobby or cosy up with a book or magazine in the seating area.

Included services
Overnight stay incl. breakfast, extended stay is possible

Double occupancy

€ 78 pp

FRI - SUN

Double occupancy

€ 78 pp

MON - THUR

Double occupancy

€ 78 pp

Saison 2 | Anreise So. - Do.

Double occupancy

€ 88 pp

Saison 2 | Anreise Fr. - Sa.

Double occupancy

€ 88 pp

Saison 3 | Anreise So. - Do.

Double occupancy

€ 108 pp

Saison 3 | Anreise Fr. - Sa.

Season 1: November - February 
Season 2: March - April & October
Season 3: May - September

Single occupancy

€ 98 pp

FRI - SUN

Single occupancy

€ 98 pp

MON - THUR

Season 1: November - February 
Season 2: March - April & October
Season 3: May - September

Ships on this cruise

A-ROSA DONNA

The river cruise ship A-ROSA MIA sails past Esztergom on the Danube with the St. Adalbert Cathedral at sunrise.

A-ROSA MIA

A large river cruise ship of A-ROSA on the Danube, with several decks and red accents, sails past a wooded riverside landscape.