The Danube River Cruise Guide is part of a continuing series of comparison charts and articles featuring European river cruises offered by world-class river cruise lines. Our goal is to provide an overview of the destination and answer the question: What does a Danube cruise cost? by assessing a True Per Diem for each cruise – or the daily cost breakdown of the trip once all extra fees are added to the cruise fare.
Comparison charts serve as a guide and attempt to answer the most frequently asked questions from our readers:
- What does a Danube river cruise cost?
- How does the cruise I am looking at compare to Danube river cruises offered by other companies?
- What is the price for an entry-level cabin?
- What’s the price for an upgrade?
- What’s included in a 2026 Danube River cruise?
- What Danube river cruise deals are there for 2026?
Why Take A Danube River Cruise?
The Upper Danube is often the first choice for travelers new to river cruising. Stretching across ten countries and flowing through four capital cities, the Danube offers an unmatched variety of culture, history, and scenery. Cruises typically highlight marquee stops such as Nuremberg, Passau, Linz, Vienna, Budapest, and Bratislava, while Lower Danube itineraries may extend to Belgrade and Bucharest.
The river begins in Germany’s Black Forest, weaving its way east toward the Black Sea. The most popular stretch for cruising, the Upper Danube between Germany and Hungary, delivers a “greatest hits” experience of Central Europe. Guests may:
- Bike through Austria’s Wachau Valley between Melk and Dürnstein.
- Tour UNESCO World Heritage sites like Český Krumlov.
- Attend a concert or waltz performance in a Viennese palace.
- Sail past Budapest at night, when the city glows along the riverbanks.
For seasoned travelers, the Danube continues to surprise – with plenty of variations and excursions to pick from, it hasn’t gotten old to us yet.
The Danube River Cruise Experience
Most itineraries run between Vilshofen, Passau, or even Regensberg, Germany and Budapest, Hungary, lasting seven to ten nights. Although Munich is sometimes marketed as a start or end point, it’s not located on the river – guests are bussed from Munich to their point of embarkation. Other cruises operate roundtrip from Budapest or Vienna.
Along the way, the scenery is a big part of the experience. You’ll pass charming towns with colorful rooftops and cobblestone streets, the rolling hills of Austria, and the vineyards of the Wachau Valley. Iconic cities like Salzburg, Vienna, and Budapest offer a mix of historic sights and charming culture. The river itself changes from wide, pastoral stretches to dramatic gorges like the Iron Gates, giving each day a new backdrop.
Understanding The Pricing Charts
The prices in this chart are based on double occupancy. The upgrade costs for a cabin with a balcony are per person. The value of the incentive is broken down per day, per person. True per diem will include the savings of incentives/discounts offered at the time of research as well as the imputed value of items that are not included.
Prices and details reflect information available at the time of research. Cruise lines offer varying incentives with differing time limits or deadlines, and it is best to work with a travel advisor to check active promotions. The incentives that are included in the charts were current at the time they were compiled and may no longer apply or there may be a new special offer.
What Does A Danube Cruise Cost?
Summer 2026 Danube Pricing
| AmaWaterways | Avalon | CroisiEurope | Emerald | Riverside | Riviera | Scenic | Tauck | Uniworld | Viking | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Ship | AmaVerde | Illumination | MS France | Star Ship | Debussy | MS William Wordsworth | Space Ship | Joy | S.S. Maria Theresa | Atla |
| Rate | $4,449 | $5,830 | $1,918 | $8,990 | $6,619 | $2,749 | $11,390 | $5,390 | $4,799 | $2,649 |
| Sailing Date | June 22, 2026 | June 20, 2026 | June 20, 2026 | June 24, 2026 | June 10, 2026 | June 15, 2026 | June 22, 2026 | August 3, 2026 | June 21, 2026 | June 21, 2026 |
| Nights | 7 | 7 | 5 | 7 | 7 | 7 | 7 | 7 | 7 | 7 |
| Itinerary | Melodies of the Danube | Danube Dreams | The Beautiful Blue Danube | Danube Delights | Danube Legends | The Blue Danube | Gems of the Danube | Heart Of The Danube | Enchanting Danube | Romantic Danube |
| Embark-Disembark | Budapest-Vilshofen | Vilshofen-Budapest | Passau-Budapest | Munich-Budapest | Budapest-Nuremberg | Budapest-Budapest | Munich-Budapest | Munich-Budapest | Budapest-Passau | Budapest-Regensburg |
| Cabin Category | Category E | Category D, E | Category A | Category E | Symphony Suite | Emerald Deck Suite | Category E | Category 2 | Classic | Standard F |
| Square Footage | 170 | 172 | 118 | 162 | 188 | 172 | 160 | 150 | 162 | 150 |
| Room With A View? | Window | Window | Window | Window | Balcony | Window | Window | French Balcony | Window | Window |
| Per diem | $636 | $833 | $384 | $1,284 | $946 | $393 | $1,627 | $770 | $686 | $378 |
| Gratuities (on ship) | $25 | $25 | $25 | Included | Included | $25 | Included | Included | Included | $25 |
| Gratuities (on shore) | $5.00 | $5.00 | $5.00 | Included | Included | $5.00 | Included | Included | Included | $5.00 |
| Beverages | Included | Included | Included | Included | Included | Included | Included | Included | Included | Included |
| Current Incentive | $750 | $1,500 | N/A | $4,495 | N/A | N/A | $5,695 | N/A | $480 | N/A |
| Value of Incentive | $107 | $214 | N/A | $642 | N/A | N/A | $814 | N/A | $69 | N/A |
| True Per Diem | $558 | $649 | $414 | $642 | $946 | $423 | $814 | $770 | $617 | $408 |
| Per Diem/Square Foot | $3.28 | $3.77 | $3.51 | $3.96 | $5.03 | $2.46 | $5.08 | $5.13 | $3.81 | $2.72 |
| Balcony Upgrade | $1,499 | $1,799 | N/A | $1,050 | N/A | $1,150 | $1,600 | N/A | $900 | $1,300 |
| Balcony Per Diem | $773 | $906 | N/A | $792 | N/A | $587 | $1,042 | N/A | $746 | $594 |
| updated 8/21/2025 |
* Per Diem – The rate divided by the number of nights on board, indicated per person but based on double occupancy. Solo travelers will, in most cases, pay single supplements.
* Beverages – All river cruise companies below offer complimentary soft drinks, speciality coffees, beer and wine during lunch and dinner.
* Current Incentive (per person) – Companies offer a range of incentives, from early-booking savings to two-for-ones and reduced or free air. The incentives are always changing so be sure to check with your travel advisor or the cruise company about current offers.
Autumn 2026 Danube Pricing
| AmaWaterways | Avalon | CroisiEurope | Emerald | Riverside | Riviera | Scenic | Tauck | Uniworld | Viking | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Ship | AmaReina | Impression | MS Modigliani | Star Ship | Debussy | MS Geoffrey Chaucer | Space Ship | Savor | S.S. Maria Theresa | Tor |
| Rate | $4,149 | $5,530 | $1,772 | $8,390 | $6,879 | $2,249 | $9,990 | $5,790 | $4,799 | $2,149 |
| Sailing Date | November 4, 2026 | November 17, 2026 | October 7, 2026 | November 1, 2026 | September 30, 2026 | October 28, 2026 | October 26, 2026 | October 12, 2026 | October 18, 2026 | November 13, 2026 |
| Nights | 7 | 7 | 5 | 7 | 7 | 7 | 7 | 7 | 7 | 7 |
| Itinerary | Melodies of the Danube | Danube Dreams | The Beautiful Blue Danube | Danube Delights | Danube Legends | The Blue Danube | Gems of the Danube | Heart Of The Danube | Enchanting Danube | Romantic Danube |
| Embark-Disembark | Budapest-Vilshofen | Vilshofen-Budapest | Passau-Budapest | Munich-Budapest | Budapest-Nuremberg | Budapest-Budapest | Munich-Budapest | Munich-Budapest | Passau-Budapest | Regensburg-Budapest |
| Cabin Category | Category E | Category D, E | Category C | Category E | Symphony Suite | Emerald Deck Suite | Category E | Category 2 | Classic | Standard F |
| Square Footage | 160 | 172 | 118 | 162 | 188 | 172 | 160 | 150 | 162 | 150 |
| Room With A View? | Window | Window | Window | Window | Balcony | Window | Window | French Balcony | Window | Window |
| Per diem | $593 | $790 | $354 | $1,199 | $983 | $321 | $1,427 | $827 | $686 | $307 |
| Gratuities (on ship) | $25 | 25 | $25.00 | Included | Included | $25 | Included | Included | Included | $25 |
| Gratuities (on shore) | $5.00 | $5.00 | $5.00 | Included | Included | $5.00 | Included | Included | Included | $5.00 |
| Beverages | Included | Included | Included | Included* | Included | Included | Included | Included | Included | Included |
| Current Incentive | $1,250 | $1,500 | N/A | $4,195 | N/A | N/A | $4,995 | N/A | $480 | N/A |
| Value of Incentive | $179 | $214 | N/A | $599 | N/A | N/A | $714 | N/A | $69 | N/A |
| True Per Diem | $444 | $606 | $384 | $599 | $983 | $351 | $714 | $827 | $617 | $337 |
| Per Diem/Square Foot | $2.78 | $3.52 | $3.26 | $3.70 | $5.23 | $2.04 | $4.46 | $5.51 | $3.81 | $2.25 |
| Balcony Upgrade | $1,399 | $1,799 | N/A | $1,050 | N/A | $850 | $1,600 | N/A | $900 | $1,500 |
| Balcony Per Diem | $644 | $863 | N/A | $749 | N/A | $473 | $942 | N/A | $746 | $551 |
| updated 2/28/2024 |
Which Company Is Right For Me?
| Cruise Company | Best For |
|---|---|
| AmaWaterways | Travelers who like to stay active. Days include biking and hiking along the river and in towns, plus excursions mixing history, culture and outdoor adventure. Evenings highlight local food, wine and culture. |
| Avalon Waterways | Guests who want a combination of well-planned sightseeing and comfortable, thoughtfully designed ships. The ships are airy with panoramic windows, and excursions include early museum access, guided city tours and easy ways to see the landmarks before the crowds. |
| CroisiEurope | Travelers who want an approachable, no-fuss cruise with European charm. Excursions cover the main highlights, the line offers solid inclusions at a lower price point than some of the others. |
| Emerald Cruises | Those who without feeling stripped down. Excursions are well-chosen and give a good mix of sightseeing, active and local experiences. More inclusions than some other lines at a similar price point make it an appealing option for many travelers. |
| Riverside Luxury Cruises | Luxury travelers who enjoy attentive service and a quieter, more intimate atmosphere. Onboard is where Riverside shines, with elegant public spaces, refined dining and staff who notice the little details. Excursions are thoughtfully curated and most cabins feature walk-in closets. |
| Riviera | Guests looking for value. Riviera is a UK-based company with competitive pricing and well-run itineraries. A good choice for those who want a solid cruise experience without paying luxury fares. |
| Scenic | Luxury travelers who want everything included. Excursions, dining and onboard wellness options like salt rooms and spas are all part of the experience. Ships feel luxurious, and service is highly attentive. |
| Tauck | Slower travelers who want seamless, expertly guided tours. Tour directors are top-notch, itineraries flow effortlessly and special-access experiences let you see sites in ways others can’t. |
| Uniworld | Those who enjoy elegance with personality. Ships are boutique in style, full of art and unique décor, with all excursions included and service and dining carefully considered. |
| Viking | Best for travelers who want a consistent, dependable experience. Ships are comfortable and excursions cover the cultural highlights. |
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What does a Danube river cruise cost per day?
The article breaks down cruise costs into a “True Per Diem”—the per-person, per-day cost after accounting for incentives and extras. For example, a 7-night “Beauty of the Danube” cruise on CroisiEurope lists a true per diem of $384, whereas a similar cruise on Scenic comes to $946 per day
Do prices vary by season?
Yes. The guide provides separate pricing charts for Summer 2026 and Autumn 2026, showing lower true per diems in autumn—for instance, CroisiEurope’s springtime per diem drops from $384 to $354, and Scenic decreases from $946 to $983
How much extra does upgrading to a balcony cost?
Upgrade prices for balcony cabins are available. For example, Scenic adds $1,600 to the fare, raising the per diem from $946 to $1,042; CroisiEurope lists “N/A” (no balcony available)
Are beverages and gratuities included?
Beverages are included on all cruises shown. Shipboard gratuities are typically $25 per day, and onshore gratuities around $5 per day, though some cruise lines (like Emerald, Riviera) include gratuities in fare
Which cruise line is the least costly per day?
As of Summer 2026, CroisiEurope offers the lowest true per diem: $384 per person per day, whereas Scenic is at the high end: $946 daily
What is the typical cruise duration and route?
Most Danube river cruises range from 7 to 10 nights, typically between Vilshofen, Passau, Regensburg, or Budapest
Why is the “True Per Diem” concept useful?
It gives travelers a realistic daily cost—including discounts and fees—making comparisons easier across cruise lines
On our 2-week Avalon cruise last August we went to Mauthausen in upper Austria. Tip to save you a ton of money. Instead of booking 1 cruise for 2 weeks, we booked 2 separate cruises at 1 week each so we doubled all the incentives savings such as free airfare, money off per couple and free pre-paid gratuities. That also allowed us to fly in and out of Munich so the airfare was cheaper than flying in and out of 2 different cities. With all the savings the trip ended up being a BOGO so we vacationed for 2 weeks and netted out only paying for 1. To top it all off, we earned double welcome back credits so we booked 2 more back-to-back cruises this August flying in and out of Amsterdam. Another benefit is we stayed on the ship during the changeover in Budapest so we only had to unpack once for a 2-week trip.
None require suits and ties. We find AmaWaterways, Avalon, and Amadeus to be a bit more casual than some of the others.
Which river cruise line offers a casual atmosphere—no suits and ties required?
Looking for information about Avalon Danube Dream cruise in April or May 2024. 2 couples from St. Louis, Mo
Looking for Fall 2023 2 seniors, celebrating our 60th Anniversaire
Looking for Fall 2023 for 2 seniors, celebrating 60th anniversaire.
Do you have smiller for 1st of Oct to 8of Oct 2022.tfor 2 adult. Thx
Do you have a similar chart for September/ October 2022? Thank you.
Interested in cruises that include Concentration Camps. Only river Cruise.
Hi Al,
I think there was a problem when I updated the page. Try it now. They are for 2022.
are these charts for 2020 or 2021?
Now that things seem to be stabilizing, we’re going to begin updating the charts.
Great chart. Do you have one for 2022 now that cruising is coming back?
I’m curious about cruises in September, 2021. What companies are expecting to be sailing in this late/post (we hope) COVID world? Will there be substantial pricing changes?
Thank you for all this work and info. I intend to lead a group of circa 25 retirees during the spring of 2021.
Based on your chart, the line of our choice is Viking; besides, our group cruised with them before.
Do you have a phone email for a group perrson?
Do they offer RETURN CRUISER discounts?
Ditto for senior discounts
Our participants will originate anywhere in the USA. What is the best way to approach the air part?
Thank you
Respectfully
NL
You’re welcome!
Thank you for all the valuable info
What is the best recommended cruise for Budapest and Vienna. Experienced world travelers but I have not been to this area of Europe before nor on a European River Cruise. Moderate budget but not bottom of the barrel either. My sister lives in Idaho and I am in Arizona.
Where is APT?
Interested cruises to include Lower Danube and perhapsps Russian Rivers