One of the most common questions we hear from readers and clients is simple: what does a Danube river cruise actually cost?
Our Danube River Cruise Guide breaks down pricing across multiple cruise lines using our “True Per Diem” approach – a daily cost comparison that factors in incentives, inclusions and extras so you can see how each sailing really stacks up.
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 2027 Danube River cruise?
- What Danube river cruise deals are there for 2027?
Why Take A Danube River Cruise?
If you are a first-time river cruiser, the Danube is almost certainly where you should start. Flowing through ten countries and four national capitals—Vienna, Budapest, Bratislava and Belgrade—it is the most culturally dense waterway in Europe.
Sailing the Danube feels like moving through a live-action history book. One afternoon you are admiring the glittering neo-Gothic Parliament in Budapest and the next you are sipping Riesling in the shadow of a medieval abbey in the Wachau Valley.
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.
What we love about the Danube:
- The Big Three Capitals. Budapest, Vienna and Bratislava are often the highlights, offering a mix of imperial grandeur and modern European energy.
- The Wachau Valley. This UNESCO World Heritage site in Austria is 22 miles of pure scenic bliss, featuring terraced vineyards, apricot orchards and the blue tower of Dürnstein.
- Mainstream Variety. Because it is the most popular river, you have the widest choice of ships, from budget-friendly to ultra-luxury.
- Christmas Markets. The Danube is the gold standard for holiday cruising, with markets in Vienna, Regensburg and Passau that look like they were designed for a postcard.
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 Regensburg, 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.
Cruises typically highlight marquee stops such as Nuremberg, Passau, Linz, Vienna, Budapest and Bratislava, while Lower Danube itineraries may extend to Belgrade and Bucharest.
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.
Who Sails the Danube?
The 2026 season is seeing a significant “leveling up” of the Danube fleet, with new ships and major brand entries.
- AmaWaterways: For 2026, AmaWaterways has rolled out fleetwide upgrades including enhanced “Chef’s Table” menus and a new all-day dining concept called The Lark. They remain the top choice for active travelers with their extensive fleet of onboard bicycles.
- Avalon Waterways: Best for those who want to “see the river from bed.” Their Panorama Suites feature beds facing the windows rather than the wall. In 2026, they continue to offer their popular “Active & Discovery” sailings for a younger or more energetic demographic.
- Celebrity River Cruises: 2026 marks the debut of Celebrity’s entry into river cruising with ships like Celebrity Compass and Celebrity Seeker. They bring “Edge-class” innovation to the river, including “Magic Edge” cantilevered dining pods and the signature Martini Bar.
- Riverside Luxury Cruises: Operating the former Crystal Cruises fleet (including the massive Riverside Mozart), this is currently the most luxurious way to see the Danube. It features a 1-to-2 crew-to-guest ratio and world-class dining.
- Uniworld: In 2026, Uniworld debuts the S.S. Emilie, a new “Super Ship” inspired by the art of Gustav Klimt. It is a boutique hotel on water, offering an incredibly high level of artistic detail and personalized service.
- Viking: The “omnipresent” choice. With more Longships on the Danube than any other line, Viking offers the most dates and a very consistent, predictable experience that includes one shore excursion in every port.
High Water vs. Low Water: When to Go
The Danube is generally more reliable than the Elbe, but it isn’t immune to Mother Nature.
- Spring (April to June): This is “High Water” season. Heavy rains and melting snow from the Alps can cause the river to rise. If it gets too high, ships cannot fit under the low bridges in places like Regensburg or Passau.
- Late Summer (August to September): This is “Low Water” risk time. If the summer is particularly dry, the river can drop. The “notorious” stretch is between Regensburg and Passau; if levels fall too far, ships may have to stop and guests are bussed to the next deep-water port.
- Winter (November to December): Cold but magical. This is the peak for Christmas Markets. While you won’t spend much time on the sundeck, the festive atmosphere on board and in town is worth the chill.
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?
Because the competition is so fierce on the Danube, you can often find better deals here than on the more specialized rivers like the Douro or the Amazon.
Typical price ranges for a standard 7-night cruise in the 2026 season (see the charts below for 2027 sailings):
- Value Tier (Viking, Riviera, CroisiEurope): Expect to pay between $2,400 and $3,500 per person. Viking often bundles airfare deals that can make this even more attractive.
- Premium Tier (AmaWaterways, Avalon): Rates generally fall between $3,800 and $5,500 per person. This often includes a higher level of dining and more varied excursion choices.
- Luxury Tier (Uniworld, Scenic, Riverside): These all-inclusive experiences start around $6,000 and can climb to $12,000+ per person for top-deck suites.
Summer 2027 Danube Pricing
| AmaWaterways | Avalon | Emerald | Riviera | Scenic | Tauck | Uniworld | Viking | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Ship | AmaVerde | Illumination | Star Ship | MS Geoffrey Chaucer | Space Ship | Savor | S.S. Maria Theresa | Egil |
| Rate | $4,979 | $4,751 | $9,390 | $4,784 | $11,790 | $5,490 | $4,899 | $2,799 |
| Sailing Date | June 21, 2027 | June 8, 2027 | June 12, 2027 | June 14, 2027 | June 16, 2027 | July 15, 2027 | June 13, 2027 | June 19, 2027 |
| Nights | 7 | 7 | 7 | 7 | 7 | 7 | 7 | 7 |
| Itinerary | Melodies of the Danube | Danube Dreams | Danube Delights | The Blue Danube | Gems of the Danube | Heart Of The Danube | Enchanting Danube | Romantic Danube |
| Embark-Disembark | Budapest-Vilshofen | Vilshofen-Budapest | Regensburg-Budapest | Budapest-Budapest | Munich-Budapest | Munich-Budapest | Passau-Budapest | Budapest-Regensburg |
| Cabin Category | Category E | Category D, E | Category E | Emerald Deck Suite | Category E | Category 1 | Classic | Standard F |
| Square Footage | 170 | 172 | 162 | 172 | 160 | 150 | 162 | 150 |
| Room With A View? | Window | Window | Window | Window | Window | Window | Window | Window |
| Per diem | $711 | $679 | $1,341 | $683 | $1,684 | $784 | $700 | $400 |
| Gratuities (on ship) | $25 | $25 | Included | $25 | Included | Included | Included | $25 |
| Gratuities (on shore) | $5.00 | $5.00 | Included | $5.00 | Included | Included | Included | $5.00 |
| Beverages | Included | Included | Included | Included | Included | Included | Included | Included |
| Current Incentive | $250 | $1,000 | $4,695 | $1,435 | $5,895 | N/A | $490 | N/A |
| Value of Incentive | $36 | $143 | $671 | $205 | $842 | N/A | $70 | N/A |
| True Per Diem | $706 | $566 | $671 | $508 | $842 | $784 | $630 | $430 |
| Per Diem/Square Foot | $4.15 | $3.29 | $4.14 | $2.96 | $5.26 | $5.23 | $3.89 | $2.87 |
| Balcony Upgrade | $1,599 | $1,899 | $1,050 | $900 | $1,600 | $400 | $1,000 | $1,200 |
| Balcony Per Diem | $934 | $837 | $821 | $637 | $1,071 | $841 | $773 | $601 |
| updated 2/5/2026 |
* 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.
| RHIN | AmaWaterways | Avalon | Emerald | Riviera | Scenic | Tauck | Uniworld | Viking |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Ship | AmaMora | Illumination | Star Ship | MS Geoffrey Chaucer | Space Ship | Savor | S.S. Maria Theresa | Egil |
| Rate | $4,879 | $4,351 | $9,590 | $3,499 | $10,390 | $5,890 | $4,899 | $2,499 |
| Sailing Date | November 6, 2027 | November 19, 2027 | October 6, 2027 | October 25, 2027 | October 12, 2027 | October 11, 2027 | October 17, 2027 | November 13, 2027 |
| Nights | 7 | 7 | 7 | 7 | 7 | 7 | 7 | 7 |
| Itinerary | Melodies of the Danube | Danube Dreams | Danube Delights | The Blue Danube | Gems of the Danube | Heart Of The Danube | Enchanting Danube | Romantic Danube |
| Embark-Disembark | Budapest-Vilshofen | Vilshofen-Budapest | Munich-Budapest | Budapest-Budapest | Munich-Budapest | Munich-Budapest | Passau-Budapest | Regensburg-Budapest |
| Cabin Category | Category E | Category D, E | Category E | Emerald Deck Suite | Category E | Category 1 | Classic | Standard F |
| Square Footage | 160 | 172 | 162 | 172 | 160 | 150 | 162 | 150 |
| Room With A View? | Window | Window | Window | Window | Window | Window | Window | Window |
| Per diem | $697 | $622 | $1,370 | $500 | $1,484 | $841 | $700 | $357 |
| Gratuities (on ship) | $25 | 25 | Included | $25 | Included | Included | Included | $25 |
| Gratuities (on shore) | $5.00 | $5.00 | Included | $5.00 | Included | Included | Included | $5.00 |
| Beverages | Included | Included | Included | Included | Included | Included | Included | Included |
| Current Incentive | $1,250 | $1,500 | $4,795 | $1,050 | $5,195 | N/A | $490 | N/A |
| Value of Incentive | $179 | $214 | $685 | $150 | $742 | N/A | $70 | N/A |
| True Per Diem | $548 | $437 | $685 | $380 | $742 | $841 | $630 | $387 |
| Per Diem/Square Foot | $3.43 | $2.54 | $4.23 | $2.21 | $4.64 | $5.61 | $3.89 | $2.58 |
| Balcony Upgrade | $1,599 | $1,899 | $1,050 | $900 | $1,600 | $400 | $1,000 | $300 |
| Balcony Per Diem | $777 | $709 | $835 | $508 | $971 | $899 | $773 | $430 |
| Updated 2/5/2026 |
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 | Travelers who want a polished experience without feeling stripped down. Excursions offer a good mix of sightseeing, active options and local experiences, and the inclusions tend to be strong for the price point. |
| 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. |
Is the Danube Right for You?
The Danube is the “safe bet” that almost always pays off. If you love history, music, architecture and the ease of visiting multiple countries without packing and unpacking, this is your river. It offers a perfect balance of grand cities and quiet, scenic stretches that define the classic European travel experience.
Looking to book? Let us help you!
Yes, River Cruise Advisor, Send Me Your River Cruise Recommendations
When you ask for our recommendations, Ralph personally reviews your preferences and responds at no cost. If you would like help booking, he can refer you to his daughter, Britton Frost, a Cruise Planners travel advisor, or to another qualified travel advisor when appropriate. Britton’s booking assistance costs you nothing extra; she is compensated by the cruise line. She can help you compare fares and promotions, choose the right itinerary and stateroom, manage important booking details, and serve as your advocate if questions or problems arise. You are never obligated to book, and Ralph’s recommendations are not influenced by commissions, commercial relationships, or which cruise line or travel advisor ultimately receives your booking.
"*" indicates required fields
What does a Danube river cruise cost per day?
Typically, anywhere between $350 and $900 per day.
Do prices vary by season?
Yes. The guide provides separate pricing charts for Summer 2027 and Autumn 2027, showing lower true per diems in certain seasons.
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.
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?
CroisiEurope typically offers the lowest true per diem.
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.