Ship
Departures
Passengers
128
Crew
37
Launched
2015
Cruise Code
WNV
Overview
Read 3 reviews and enjoy exclusive savings on Avalon's 7 Day Christmastime on the Danube. Enter a stunning world of cherished Christmas traditions along the Danube River. Board your Avalon Suite Ship in Nuremberg, Germany, with its medieval fortifications, gothic churches, and palaces. The Old Town is illuminated with festive lights and decorations and the Christmas market, one of the most famous in the world, has dozens of stalls offering traditional wares, such as Lebkuchen (spiced gingerbread), Glühwein (hot mulled wine), and unique decorations and ornaments....read more
Learn about local Christmas traditions, and cruise to historical Regensburg, the only German city not bombed during WWII. Experience Passau’s charming Christmas market set against the breathtaking backdrop of St. Stephen’s Cathedral—a masterpiece of baroque architecture. Arrive in lovely Melk, Austria, and tour the magnificent 11th century Benedictine Abbey—one of Europe’s largest monasteries. As you cruise through the wintery landscape of the picturesque Wachau Valley, enjoy the view with a tasting of traditional Austrian cookies. This Christmas river cruise ends in Austria’s magical capital of Vienna, home to the sounds of Mozart, Strauss, and the Vienna Boys’ Choir. See the famous sights with a Local Guide and enjoy a tour through the Christmas markets to get a taste of all the best flavors Austria offers during this sparkling time of year on the Danube River.
Notes: Christmas markets generally operate from late Nov until the third week of Dec.
Learn about local Christmas traditions, and cruise to historical Regensburg, the only German city not bombed during WWII. Experience Passau’s charming Christmas market set against the breathtaking backdrop of St. Stephen’s Cathedral—a masterpiece of baroque architecture. Arrive in lovely Melk, Austria, and tour the magnificent 11th century Benedictine Abbey—one of Europe’s largest monasteries. As you cruise through the wintery landscape of the picturesque Wachau Valley, enjoy the view with a tasting of traditional Austrian cookies. This Christmas river cruise ends in Austria’s magical capital of Vienna, home to the sounds of Mozart, Strauss, and the Vienna Boys’ Choir. See the famous sights with a Local Guide and enjoy a tour through the Christmas markets to get a taste of all the best flavors Austria offers during this sparkling time of year on the Danube River.
Notes: Christmas markets generally operate from late Nov until the third week of Dec.
Itinerary
Welcome to Germany! Your Suite Ship is Ready for Boarding. Flights into Nuremberg must arrive by 3 pm. Guests must be on board ship by 5 pm.
Indulge in traditional holiday fare and hot libations to warm your heart and soul.
OVERNIGHT DOCKING IN NUREMBERG (D)
Legends and History Lessons
- Classic: Choose a Guided Tour of Nuremberg's medieval architecture, gilded fountain, Gothic cathedral, and Kaiserburg Castle, OR:
- Classic: Join a Guided Tour of the historic Nuremberg Rally Grounds - used by the Third Reich.
Spend free time on your own to browse the spruce stalls of the Christmas Markets of Nuremberg. Sample favorite Bavarian fare - from dozens of bratwurst varieties, gingerbread, mulled blueberry wine, and countless other culinary delights of the Christkindlmarkt. Enjoy live entertainment as you sail.
EVENING/OVERNIGHT CRUISE TO REGENSBURG (B/L/D)
Christmas Magic in Bavaria
- Classic: Join a Guided City Walk and see Altes Rathaus (Old Town Hall) and Porta Pretoria - entrance to the Castra Regina fortress built in 179 AD.
Take time to browse Regensburg's sparkling Christmas markets.
- Discovery: Enjoy hot-mulled wine, candied almonds, gingerbread, or bratwurst. Enjoy a Christmas Traditions Lecture on board.
EVENING/OVERNIGHT CRUISE TO PASSAU (B/L/D)
Saint Stephen's, Salzburg, and the Story of Silent Night
- Classic: Join a Guided City Walk to learn more about this beautiful "City of Three Rivers."
You may like to join a Guided Optional Excursion to Salzburg, Austria. See the setting of The Sound of Music, and learn the story behind the beloved Christmas hymn, Silent Night. Spend free time in Passau's charming Christkindlmarkt near magnificent St. Stephen's Cathedral. Take a brief evening cruise to Linz.
Enjoy live entertainment onboard.
OVERNIGHT CRUISE TO MELK (B/L/D)
Frescoes Above the Wachau Valley
- Classic: Take a Guided Tour of Melk's magnificent Benedictine Abbey to marvel at its frescoed ceilings.
- Discovery: Enjoy an Austrian Cookie Tasting while sailing through the splendid Wachau Valley to Vienna.
VIENNA: Vienna's Winter Wonderland
This evening, you may choose to attend an Optional Excursion to a Royal Waltz Concert for an unforgettable evening of music in an elegant hall.
OVERNIGHT DOCKING IN VIENNA (B/L/D)
Royal Collections and Culinary Confections
- Discovery: Join a Guided Tour of Vienna ending at magical Christmas Advent Markets! Along the way, discover the history of Austrian foods and traditions as you sample local specialties.
You may join a Guided Optional Tour of Schonbrunn Palace - summer home of the Habsburg dynasty for 300 years. Spend free time on your own to enjoy the Christkindlesmarkt or relax by the fire's glow in a Viennese cafe this evening.
OVERNIGHT DOCKING IN VIENNA (B/L/D)
Your cruise ends with breakfast this morning. (B)
Trip Inclusions
Avalon Suite Ships
Float along Europe's most famous waterways in relaxed luxury aboard one of Avalon's award-winning Suite Ships. Read more
Our Vision. Your View.
With the only Open-Air Balconies in river cruising, experience Europe with a view like no other in a Panorama Suite. Read more
Exclusive Meets Inclusive
Avalon features all the right inclusions which compliment your luxurious river cruise experience. Read more
Avalon Choice
Personalise your cruise to make it your own with Avalon Choice. Select whichever included excursions interest you the most. Read more
Active & Discovery
Avalon's Active & Discovery river cruises offer activities for travellers with varying interests & for all energy and fitness levels. Read more
From View to Table
Savour regional cuisine and familiar favourites using the freshest local ingredients throughout your river cruise. Read more
Trip Reviews (3) Most Recent 'Christmastime on the Danube' Reviews
5.0
5 Star
4 Star
3 Star
2 Star
1 Star
Christmas Wonderland 1
Rita , VIC, Australia, Dec 2016
An amazing cruise over the festive season! This time of year brought a different traveller to the river, we had a few families on board which was fantastic giving the cruise a different vibe! Weather was great but unfortunately no snow. Ship and staff were fantastic as was the food and selection. Our second cruise and I'm sure it wont be our last.
9 Day Christmas on the Danube 1
Ric Lester, WA, Australia, Nov 2016
We had an absolute ball on this river cruise. The boat was amazing, cabin excellent, meals wonderful, staff amazing, cruise director was excellent and very approachable and the we met some wonderful people. Will definitely be doing another cruise with Avalon!
Christmas on the Danube 2
Mortimer & Glenise Kuhlmann, WA, Australia, Dec 2015
This was the best holiday we have ever had. The Cruise Guide was amazing and made everything hassle free from Day 1. Accommodation & service was excellent and the meals on board were outstanding. Great tour guides were organized at the key tourist stops & we loved walking through the villages exploring in our free time. Our fellow travelers were a ...read more good mix & we developed some good friendships. We would recommend Avalon to anyone who wishes to holiday on the rivers. Global Journeys were so easy to book the holiday through, especially with Michelle White assisting us to follow the process. The Internet booking system is so well set up & responses to each stage were immediate. The hotel bookings, transfers, river cruise & airline bookings all progressed without any problems. Thank you to Michelle at Global Journeys & the Avalon team.
Deck Plans
Deluxe Stateroom
Category E
Category E
Deluxe Stateroom
Category D
Category D
Panorama Suite
Category B
Category B
Panorama Suite
Category A
Category A
Panorama Suite
Category P
Category P
Royal Suite
Cabins
Deluxe Stateroom (Cat. E & D)
- Deluxe Stateroom (172 sq ft)
- Twin Windows
- Comfort Collection Bed with Egyptian super-combed cotton linens, woolen blankets & European style duvets
- Private bathroom featuring full shower, hairdryer & premium L'Occitane bath amentities
- Spacious three-door closets and easy under-bed luggage storage
- Flatscreen satellite with movie channel
- In-room safe, writing Desk/Vanity & direct-dial telephone
- Complimentary Wi-Fi access
- Individual thermostat
- Bathrobes & slippers
Panorama Suite (Cat. B, A & P)
- Wall-to-wall Panoramic Window measuring 11'- 50% larger than industry standard (200 sq ft)
- Wall-to-wall Panoramic Window opens to transform the living space into a large Open-Air-Balcony
- Open-Air-Balcony with spacious sitting area
- Comfort Collection Bed with Egyptian super-combed cotton linens, woolen blankets & European style duvets
- Private bathroom featuring full shower, hairdryer & premium L'Occitane bath amentities
- Spacious three-door closets and easy under-bed luggage storage
- Flatscreen satellite with movie channel
- In-room safe, writing Desk/Vanity & direct-dial telephone
- Complimentary Wi-Fi access
- Individual thermostat
- Bathrobes & slippers
Royal Suite
- Wall-to-wall Panoramic Window measuring 11'- 50% larger than industry standard (300 sq ft)
- Wall-to-wall Panoramic Window opens to transform the living space into a large Open-Air-Balcony
- Open-Air-Balcony with spacious sitting area
- Comfort Collection Bed with Egyptian super-combed cotton linens, woolen blankets & European style duvets
- Private bathroom featuring full shower, hairdryer & premium L'Occitane bath amentities
- Spacious three-door closets and easy under-bed luggage storage
- Flatscreen satellite with movie channel
- In-room safe, writing Desk/Vanity & direct-dial telephone
- Complimentary Wi-Fi access
- Individual thermostat
- Bathrobes & slippers
Brochure
Avalon River Cruises (2024-25)
Embark with Avalon on your choice of over 75 cruises on 12 rivers (plus the Galápagos!) featuring 24 countries in Europe, Asia, South America, and Egypt. Discover tradition and timeless beauty on the Rhine, Danube, Seine, Rhône, and Saône—to name a few. Discover how generations of graceful traditions live on while sailing the Mekong in Southeast Asia...more or unlock the secrets of the Sphinx on the mysterious Nile in Egypt. Welcome aboard! Where shall we sail next?
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16 Dec 2025
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22 Dec 2025
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17 Dec 2025
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23 Dec 2025
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Avalon Expression
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29 Nov 2026
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05 Dec 2026
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11 Dec 2026
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08 Dec 2026
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23 Dec 2026
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03 Dec 2025
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09 Dec 2025
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Avalon Tranquility II
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04 Dec 2025
Wednesday
10 Dec 2025
Ship Name
Avalon Envision
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Wednesday
10 Dec 2025
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16 Dec 2025
Ship Name
Avalon Impression
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15 Dec 2025
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21 Dec 2025
Ship Name
Avalon Tranquility II
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Tuesday
16 Dec 2025
Monday
22 Dec 2025
Ship Name
Avalon Envision
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$7,712
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Wednesday
17 Dec 2025
Tuesday
23 Dec 2025
Ship Name
Avalon Expression
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29 Nov 2026
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05 Dec 2026
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Avalon Vista
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05 Dec 2026
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11 Dec 2026
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Avalon Impression
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Tuesday
08 Dec 2026
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14 Dec 2026
Ship Name
Avalon Passion
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Friday
11 Dec 2026
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17 Dec 2026
Ship Name
Avalon Vista
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Monday
14 Dec 2026
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20 Dec 2026
Ship Name
Avalon Expression
From: $8,398
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Thursday
17 Dec 2026
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Note
Your Global Journeys Travel Advisor will check the availability of your departure date when you enquire. Additional savings may apply. We guarantee the lowest price in Australia. T&C’s apply.
Your Global Journeys Travel Advisor will check the availability of your departure date when you enquire. Additional savings may apply. We guarantee the lowest price in Australia. T&C’s apply.
Cabin Upgrades Optional cabin upgrades. Upgrades priced per person
| Category E (Prices Shown) | $ 0 |
| Category D (Prices Shown) | $ 0 |
| Category B | $ 1,628 - $ 1,714 |
| Category A | $ 1,714 - $ 1,800 |
| Category P | $ 1,757 - $ 1,842 |
| Category S | $ 3,085 - $ 3,171 |
Note
Upgrade prices shown are per person. Your Global Journeys Travel Advisor will confirm and include the upgrade price in your quote.
Upgrade prices shown are per person. Your Global Journeys Travel Advisor will confirm and include the upgrade price in your quote.
Note
Tour & cruises prices are per person. Prices shown have savings applied, are subject to availability and may be withdrawn at any time without notice. Pricing and trip details are correct at this point in time, however are subject to confirmation at the time of booking and are subject to change by Avalon. For cruise itineraries, cabin images are sourced from Avalon. These should be treated as indicative only. Cabin inclusions, upholsteries and room layout may differ to the image(s) shown depending on the ship selected and your sailing dates.
Tour & cruises prices are per person. Prices shown have savings applied, are subject to availability and may be withdrawn at any time without notice. Pricing and trip details are correct at this point in time, however are subject to confirmation at the time of booking and are subject to change by Avalon. For cruise itineraries, cabin images are sourced from Avalon. These should be treated as indicative only. Cabin inclusions, upholsteries and room layout may differ to the image(s) shown depending on the ship selected and your sailing dates.
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