Christmas on the Danube
By Gilly Bachelor, Travel Expert
This year will be my first Christmas away from home—the first since I lost my Mum and Dad. I wanted something different: not to shy away from the season, but to celebrate it in a meaningful and memorable way. A sunny beach holiday didn’t feel right, but Riviera Travel’s Christmas on the Danube River Cruise felt perfect—a festive journey combining culture, history, and holiday cheer.
As a river cruise expert, I love this style of travel. The ships are small and intimate, docking right in the heart of each city. It’s like stringing together a sequence of incredible city breaks, but with all the comfort and ease of a floating hotel. The ships celebrate local foods, wines, and entertainment, making it a wonderful way to experience each destination authentically.
This December, I’ll be aboard Riviera’s newest ship, the MS Radiance, on the Upper Diamond Deck with my hubby (Brian). The ship feels like a boutique floating hotel, welcoming just 178 guests in 89 cabins. Our double cabin offers panoramic river views from a full-length private balcony, a small seating area, twin beds configurable as a king and an en-suite shower room. The ship’s elegant design, comfortable lounges, Mosaic Café, fitness centre, and festive décor create the perfect setting for a Christmas escape.
Our eight-day (7 night) cruise begins in Budapest, where the riverside palaces and twinkling lights set the tone. A welcome dinner aboard the beautifully decorated Radiance sparks excitement for the days ahead.
In Esztergom, we explore the magnificent Basilica and browse the festive Christmas market, sampling traditional chimney cake and soaking up the joyful atmosphere. As the ship glides toward Bratislava, the riverbanks reveal picturesque villages and landscapes, and we enjoy a guided tour of the old town and castle.
Next, we visit Melk Abbey, an Austrian Baroque masterpiece in the Wachau Valley, followed by the choice of Linz or Salzburg, both adorned in festive splendour. Salzburg, with its fortress and links to Mozart, is particularly magical at this time of year. Christmas Eve or Christmas Day on board is a highlight: a Gala Dinner, a live classical quartet, and Hungarian folklore performances transform the Radiance into a floating celebration of the season.
In Vienna, the city’s imperial architecture, dazzling Christmas markets, and the Schönbrunn Palace captivate. After a guided tour, guests can retreat to a café for Sachertorte or enjoy a live Christmas recital on board. The cruise concludes in Budapest, where a guided tour of Castle Hill, the Parliament Building, and the city’s Christmas markets is capped with a Hungarian folklore show—an unforgettable finale.
River cruising offers the perfect balance of comfort, discovery, and cultural immersion. At Christmas, it becomes something even more special: a way to celebrate the season, explore incredible cities, and enjoy local food, music, and traditions without the stress of constant packing and unpacking. After disembarking, I’ll extend the festive magic with two nights at the Aria Hotel Budapest, reflecting on the sights, sounds, and warmth of a truly remarkable Christmas on the Danube.
If this Christmas on the Danube has sparked your imagination, river cruising offers an extraordinary way to explore the world in comfort and style. From the majestic Danube and romantic Rhine, to the scenic Seine, the cultural richness of the Douro, the historic waterways of the Po and Po Delta, the exotic charm of the Mekong, and the vibrant landscapes of the Amazon, there is a river adventure for everyone. Discover iconic European capitals, quaint towns, and hidden gems with a range of leading cruise lines including Riviera Travel, Viking, Uniworld, AmaWaterways, Scenic, and many more. You can find more inspiration in Gilly’s Christmas Away Collection
Whether you are seeking a festive Christmas escape, a cultural city break, or a truly immersive journey through history and nature, river cruising offers something unique at every turn. Get in touch to find out more about how you can explore these incredible rivers, savour local cuisine and wines, and experience the comfort of life on board a boutique ship. Your next unforgettable adventure awaits!