Home > All River Cruises > Europe River Cruises > Enchanting Christmas & New Year's Cruise

Enchanting Christmas & New Year's Cruise

No Reviews No Booking FeesDedicated Travel Advisor

Enchanting Christmas & New Year's Cruise

No Reviews No Booking FeesDedicated Travel Advisor
Our Price From 8,558 Per Person
Exclusive Savings 1,041 Per Person
 Trip Length
11 Days
 Trip Starts
Passau
 Trip Finishes
Budapest
11 Day Enchanting Christmas & New Year's Cruise Itinerary (Uniworld)
Countries Explored: Germany, Austria, Slovakia, Hungary
Our Price From 8,558 Per Person
Exclusive Savings 1,041 Per Person
 Trip Length
11 Days
 Trip Starts
Passau
 Trip Finishes
Budapest
11 Day Enchanting Christmas & New Year's Cruise Itinerary (Uniworld)
Countries Explored: Germany, Austria, Slovakia, Hungary
Ship
Departures
Passengers
150
Crew
58
Launched
2015
Cruise Code
UNIECY
Ship
Departures
Passengers
150
Crew
58
Launched
2015
Cruise Code
UNIECY

Overview

Book online and enjoy exclusive savings on Uniworld's 11 Day Enchanting Christmas & New Year's Cruise. A festive extravaganza celebrating two holidays in a truly extraordinary fashion across four countries. Cruise the mighty Danube, visiting classic capitals like Budapest and Vienna. Spend Christmas Eve in Passau, then ring in the New Year in elegant style in Budapest. Festive celebrations are plentiful during this cruise—what better way to create perfect holiday memories?

Commemorate a splendid musical heritage as you lift your voice and sing “Silent Night” in Oberndorf, where the beloved...read more Christmas carol was composed. Meet the Count of Castle Clam. Spend Christmas Day in Salzburg and enjoy a holiday lunch within the walls of St. Peter’s Abbey. Discover the seasonal delicacies of Slovakia in Bratislava’s picturesque downtown and enjoy the merriment of traditional hospitality in an Austrian wine village. Ring out the old year and ring in the new with art, wine, and song as you cruise through four nations during this enchanting season.
Book online and enjoy exclusive savings on Uniworld's 11 Day Enchanting Christmas & New Year's Cruise. A festive extravaganza celebrating two holidays in a truly extraordinary fashion across four countries. Cruise the mighty Danube, visiting classic capitals like Budapest and Vienna. Spend Christmas Eve in Passau, then ring in the New Year in elegant style in Budapest. Festive celebrations are plentiful during this cruise—what better way to create perfect holiday memories?

Commemorate a splendid musical heritage as you lift your voice and sing “Silent Night” in Oberndorf, where the beloved...read more Christmas carol was composed. Meet the Count of Castle Clam. Spend Christmas Day in Salzburg and enjoy a holiday lunch within the walls of St. Peter’s Abbey. Discover the seasonal delicacies of Slovakia in Bratislava’s picturesque downtown and enjoy the merriment of traditional hospitality in an Austrian wine village. Ring out the old year and ring in the new with art, wine, and song as you cruise through four nations during this enchanting season.

Itinerary

Arrive at Munich Airport. If your cruise package includes a group arrival transfer, or if you have purchased a private arrival transfer, you will be greeted by a Uniworld representative and transferred to the ship docked in Passau. (D)

Old-town Passau is built on a spit of land that looks almost like a ship with its narrow prow jutting into the water, a fitting shape for a city that has been an important center of river trade since it was founded by the ancient Romans. Today a local expert shows you the highlights of this delightful and accessible town located at the confluence of three rivers— the Danube, Inn, and Ilz. (B/L/WD)

Featured Excursions: Choice of Passau Walking Tour OR Bavarian Winter Walk

Note: A special Captain's Welcome Reception and Dinner will be prepared for you this evening.

Your ship docks in Linz today. From there, you'll travel to the alpine cities of Salzburg and Oberndorf for a delightful full-day excursion. Mozart's birthplace, Salzburg, is nestled in a glorious alpine setting that sparkles like a winter wonderland. Fans of “The Sound of Music” may recognize locations from the Oscar-winning film in the city's Old Town, the site of a grand cathedral and a wonderful Christmas Market. You'll also visit the nearby town of Oberndorf, where the world's most beloved Christmas carol was composed and performed for the first time. (B/L/D)

Featured Excursion: Full-Day Salzburg and Oberndorf

On today's agenda—a walk through charming Grein and a peek inside Austria's oldest theater. (B/L/D)

Featured Excursions: Choice of Grein Walking Tour with Oldest Austrian Theater OR Castle Clam Visit

Melk Abbey has an unexpectedly opulent library filled not only with rare and precious books but also secret doors and optical illusions. After your visit, cruise the Wachau Valley to the tiny village of Dürnstein, where you can browse the shops selling apricot schnapps, hike up to the ruins of a castle, taste mulled wine, and attend an organ concert at a local church. Your river adventure today takes you through one of the most beautiful regions in Austria, bookended by two picturesque and historic towns, Melk and Dürnstein. (B/L/D)

Featured Excursions: Choice of Melk Abbey with Library Visit OR Dürnstein Village Stroll with Spiced Wine Tasting and Organ Concert in a Monastery

Renowned for its art and architecture, its classical music, its decadent pastries, and its lengthy list of famous former residents, the refined city of Vienna is a cultural treasure trove. Experience the city with your choice of tours, followed by an evening concert of Mozart and Strauss, performed at a 12th-century monastery. (B/L/D)

Featured Excursions: Choice of “Morning with the Masters” at the Vienna Art History Museum OR Private Mozart and Strauss Concert OR Vienna's Historic Trails and Local Treats OR Vienna - Imperial City Highlights

A day of free time to explore Vienna at your leisure awaits. Maybe the Viennese love for music, food, drink, and stunning architecture will compel you to visit one of the many pubs, coffeehouses, wine taverns, art museums, and sprawling palaces. (B/L/D)

Featured Excursions: Choice of Schönbrunn Palace After Hour Visit OR Vienna Culinary Walking Tour

Once hidden from the world behind the “Iron Curtain,” Slovakia retains an air of mystery and intrigue, and its small capital city has an unexpectedly colorful history. You'll learn more about Bratislava's past from a local expert, then have free time to check out the whimsical street art and sample delicious delicacies found only in Slovakia. (B/L/D)

Featured Excursion: Bratislava - Small but Precious Walking Tour

Located on opposite sides of the Danube, Buda and Pest each have their own distinctive character and allure. Get a taste of this dynamic capital city during today's tour. This evening, celebrate the new year with a special dinner, then join us in the lounge after for a festive night of music and dancing. (B/L/D)

Featured Excursion: Budapest Panoramic Highlights with Franz Liszt Academy Visit

Start off the New Year on a high note with an excursion to a village of talented artisans and craftspeople who live and create beautiful things together. The village is also home to two museums you're welcome to visit—one devoted to lovely ceramics and the other to the art of marzipan. (B/L/FD)

Featured Excursion: Szentendre Artists' Village

Note: A special Captain's Farewell Reception and Dinner will be prepared for you this evening.

Disembark the ship. If your cruise package includes a group departure transfer, or if you have purchased a private departure transfer, you will be transferred to the Budapest Ferenc Liszt International Airport for your flight home. (B)

Arrive at Munich Airport. If your cruise package includes a group arrival transfer, or if you have purchased a private arrival transfer, you will be greeted by a Uniworld representative and transferred to the ship docked in Passau. (D)

Old-town Passau is built on a spit of land that looks almost like a ship with its narrow prow jutting into the water, a fitting shape for a city that has been an important center of river trade since it was founded by the ancient Romans. Today a local expert shows you the highlights of this delightful and accessible town located at the confluence of three rivers— the Danube, Inn, and Ilz. (B/L/WD)

Featured Excursion: Passau Walking Tour

Note: A special Captain's Welcome Reception and Dinner will be prepared for you this evening.

Your ship docks in Linz today. From there, you'll travel to the alpine cities of Salzburg and Oberndorf for a delightful full-day excursion. Mozart's birthplace, Salzburg, is nestled in a glorious alpine setting that sparkles like a winter wonderland. Fans of “The Sound of Music” may recognize locations from the Oscar-winning film in the city's Old Town, the site of a grand cathedral and a wonderful Christmas Market. You'll also visit the nearby town of Oberndorf, where the world's most beloved Christmas carol was composed and performed for the first time. (B/L/D)

Featured Excursion: Full-Day Salzburg and Oberndorf

On today's agenda—a walk through charming Grein and a peek inside Austria's oldest theater. (B/L/D)

Featured Excursions: Choice of Grein Walking Tour with Oldest Austrian Theater OR Castle Clam Visit

Melk Abbey has an unexpectedly opulent library filled not only with rare and precious books but also secret doors and optical illusions. After your visit, cruise the Wachau Valley to the tiny village of Dürnstein, where you can browse the shops selling apricot schnapps, hike up to the ruins of a castle, taste mulled wine, and attend an organ concert at a local church. Your river adventure today takes you through one of the most beautiful regions in Austria, bookended by two picturesque and historic towns, Melk and Dürnstein. (B/L/D)

Featured Excursions: Choice of Melk Abbey with Library Visit OR Dürnstein Village Stroll with Spiced Wine Tasting and Organ Concert in a Monastery

Renowned for its art and architecture, its classical music, its decadent pastries, and its lengthy list of famous former residents, the refined city of Vienna is a cultural treasure trove. Experience the city with your choice of tours, followed by an evening concert of Mozart and Strauss, performed at a 12th-century monastery. (B/L/D)

Featured Excursions: Choice of “Morning with the Masters” at the Vienna Art History Museum OR Nights Out: Private Mozart and Strauss Concert OR Vienna's Historic Trails and Local Treats OR Vienna - Imperial City Highlights

A day of free time to explore Vienna at your leisure awaits. Maybe the Viennese love for music, food, drink, and stunning architecture will compel you to visit one of the many pubs, coffeehouses, wine taverns, art museums, and sprawling palaces. (B/L/D)

Featured Excursion: Schonbrunn Palace After Hours Visit

Once hidden from the world behind the “Iron Curtain,” Slovakia retains an air of mystery and intrigue, and its small capital city has an unexpectedly colorful history. You'll learn more about Bratislava's past from a local expert, then have free time to check out the whimsical street art and sample delicious delicacies found only in Slovakia. (B/L/D)

Featured Excursion: Bratislava Christmas Market

Located on opposite sides of the Danube, Buda and Pest each have their own distinctive character and allure. Get a taste of this dynamic capital city during today's tour. This evening, celebrate the new year with a special dinner, then join us in the lounge after for a festive night of music and dancing. (B/L/D)

Featured Excursions: Choice of Budapest Panoramic Highlights with St. Stephen's Cathedral OR Budapest Walk with Local Treats & Christmas Market OR Jewish Budapest

Start off the New Year on a high note with an excursion to a village of talented artisans and craftspeople who live and create beautiful things together. The village is also home to two museums you're welcome to visit—one devoted to lovely ceramics and the other to the art of marzipan. (B/L/FD)

Featured Excursion: Szentendre Artists' Village

Note: A special Captain's Farewell Reception and Dinner will be prepared for you this evening.

Disembark the ship. If your cruise package includes a group departure transfer, or if you have purchased a private departure transfer, you will be transferred to the Budapest Ferenc Liszt International Airport for your flight home. (B)

Trip Inclusions

  • 4 countries: Austria, Germany, Hungary, Slovakia
  • 4 UNESCO World Heritage sites
  • Services of an experienced Uniworld Cruise Manager
  • Group Transfers are included on arrival and departure days (please see terms and conditions for transfer guidelines)
  • Gratuities for onboard personnel (ship staff, crew, Cruise/Tour Manager) are included during the cruise/tour
  • Captivating onboard local entertainment
  • Cultural enrichment, including a Signature Lecture

  • 8 days of excursions, including “Choice Is Yours” options, all fully hosted by English-speaking local experts
  • State-of-the-art Quietvox portable audio-headset system on all excursions
  • Use of Nordic walking sticks

  • All meals onboard, prepared using the finest and freshest ingredients
  • 10 breakfasts, 9 lunches, 10 dinners
  • Captain's Welcome and Farewell Receptions
  • Welcome and Farewell Gala Dinners
  • Unlimited beverages onboard, including fine wine, beer, spirits, specialty coffee and tea, soft drinks and mineral water

  • 10-night cruise in a riverview stateroom on the stately S.S. Maria Theresa
  • Lavishly appointed riverview staterooms and suites have handcrafted Savoir® Beds of England, high thread count 100% Egyptian cotton sheets and European duvets, and a menu of pillow options
  • Free Internet and Wi-Fi access

  • Itinerary and inclusions are subject to change
  • Price is for land, cruise and internal flights as specified. Flights not specified are not included

  • 4 countries: Austria, Germany, Hungary, Slovakia
  • 4 UNESCO World Heritage sites
  • Services of an experienced Uniworld Cruise Manager
  • Group Transfers are included on arrival and departure days (please see terms and conditions for transfer guidelines)
  • Gratuities for onboard personnel (ship staff, crew, Cruise/Tour Manager) are included during the cruise/tour
  • Cultural enrichment, including captivating onboard local entertainment

  • 8 days of excursions, all fully hosted by English-speaking local experts
  • State-of-the-art Quietvox portable audio-headset system on all excursions
  • Use of Nordic walking sticks

  • All meals onboard, prepared using the finest and freshest ingredients
  • 10 breakfasts, 9 lunches, 10 dinners
  • Captain's Welcome and Farewell Receptions
  • Welcome and Farewell Gala Dinners
  • Unlimited beverages onboard, including fine wine, beer, spirits, specialty coffee and tea, soft drinks, and mineral water

  • 10-night cruise in a riverview stateroom on the stately S.S. Maria Theresa
  • Lavishly appointed riverview staterooms and suites have handcrafted Savoir® Beds of England, high thread count 100% Egyptian cotton sheets and European duvets, and a menu of pillow options
  • Free Wi-Fi

  • Itinerary and inclusions are subject to change
  • Price is for land, cruise and internal flights as specified. Flights not specified are not included
  • Please note that most Christmas Markets in Europe end their season on the 23rd of December and will not be available after that date.
All-Inclusive Luxury
All-Inclusive Luxury

Uniworld has elevated all-inclusive river cruising in Europe to an entirely new level. Read more

Floating Boutique Hotels
Floating Boutique Hotels

Float along Europe's most famous waterways in relaxed luxury aboard one of Uniworld's award-winning river ships. Read more

Curated Experiences
Curated Experiences

Shore excursions for every traveler type. Select whichever included excursions interest you the most. Read more

Wellness
Wellness

Your Uniworld experience includes many options for you to stay fit both on board and onshore. Read more

Outstanding Service
Outstanding Service

Uniworld strives to go above and beyond to deliver you a truly exceptional travel experience. Read more

Culinary Excellence
Culinary Excellence

Be treated to world-class cuisine made from fresh ingredients, locally sourced from the destinations you visit. Read more

All-Inclusive Luxury
All-Inclusive Luxury

Uniworld has elevated all-inclusive river cruising in Europe to an entirely new level. Read more

Floating Boutique Hotels
Floating Boutique Hotels

Float along Europe's most famous waterways in relaxed luxury aboard one of Uniworld's award-winning river ships. Read more

Curated Experiences
Curated Experiences

Shore excursions for every traveler type. Select whichever included excursions interest you the most. Read more

Wellness
Wellness

Your Uniworld experience includes many options for you to stay fit both on board and onshore. Read more

Outstanding Service
Outstanding Service

Uniworld strives to go above and beyond to deliver you a truly exceptional travel experience. Read more

Culinary Excellence
Culinary Excellence

Be treated to world-class cuisine made from fresh ingredients, locally sourced from the destinations you visit. Read more

Play Youtube Video

Deck Plans

Ship Profile
 
Classic
Bavarian Deck (Level 1)
 
French Balcony
Schonbrunn Deck (Level 2)
 
Deluxe Balcony
 
Suite
 
Grand Suite
Hofburg Deck (Level 3)

Cabins

Classic Stateroom

  • Lavishly appointed riverview stateroom 162 sq ft/ 15 sq m
  • Half-Height Window(s)
  • The finest linens, towels and Savoir® beds for an incredible night's sleep
  • Built-in closet, hair dryer, safe
  • Individual thermostat
  • Flat-screen TV with infotainment center and satellite
  • Bottled water
  • Marble bathroom with Asprey bath and body products, plush towels, towel warmer, cozy bathrobes and slippers

French Balcony Stateroom

  • Lavishly appointed riverview stateroom 194 sq ft/ 18 sq m with a French balcony
  • The finest linens, towels and Savoir® beds for an incredible night's sleep
  • Built-in closet, hair dryer, safe
  • Individual thermostat
  • Flat-screen TV with infotainment center and satellite
  • Bottled water
  • Marble bathroom with Asprey bath and body products, plush towels, towel warmer, cozy bathrobes and slippers

Deluxe Balcony Stateroom

  • Lavishly appointed riverview stateroom 194 sq ft/ 18 sq m with a Full balcony
  • The finest linens, towels and Savoir® beds for an incredible night's sleep
  • Built-in closet, hair dryer, safe
  • Individual thermostat
  • Flat-screen TV with infotainment center and satellite
  • Bottled water
  • Marble bathroom with Asprey bath and body products, plush towels, towel warmer, cozy bathrobes and slippers

Suite

  • Lavishly appointed riverview suite 214 sq ft/ 20 sq m with a French balcony
  • Bottled water and in-suite Butler service
  • The finest linens, towels and Savoir® beds for an incredible night's sleep
  • Built-in closet, hair dryer, safe
  • Individual thermostat
  • Flat-screen TV with infotainment center and satellite
  • Marble bathroom with Hermès bath and body products, plush towels, heated mirrors, cozy bathrobes, and slippers
  • Additional special amenities and services

Grand Suite

  • Lavishly appointed riverview suite 410 sq ft/ 38 sq m with a French balcony
  • Bottled water and in-suite Butler service
  • The finest linens, towels and Savoir® beds for an incredible night's sleep
  • Built-in closet, hair dryer, safe
  • Individual thermostat
  • Flat-screen TV with infotainment center and satellite
  • Additional special amenities and services
  • The Royal Suite offers extra benefits, including a separate spacious living room, bathroom with a separate rain shower and tub, and secluded toilet and bidet area

Deck Plans

Ship Profile
 
Classic
Bavarian Deck (Level 1)
 
French Balcony
Schonbrunn Deck (Level 2)
 
Deluxe Balcony
 
Suite
 
Grand Suite
Hofburg Deck (Level 3)

Cabins

Classic Stateroom

  • Lavishly appointed riverview stateroom 162 sq ft/ 15 sq m
  • Half-Height Window(s)
  • The finest linens, towels and Savoir® beds for an incredible night's sleep
  • Built-in closet, hair dryer, safe
  • Individual thermostat
  • Flat-screen TV with infotainment center and satellite
  • Bottled water
  • Marble bathroom with Asprey bath and body products, plush towels, towel warmer, cozy bathrobes and slippers

French Balcony Stateroom

  • Lavishly appointed riverview stateroom 194 sq ft/ 18 sq m with a French balcony
  • The finest linens, towels and Savoir® beds for an incredible night's sleep
  • Built-in closet, hair dryer, safe
  • Individual thermostat
  • Flat-screen TV with infotainment center and satellite
  • Bottled water
  • Marble bathroom with Asprey bath and body products, plush towels, towel warmer, cozy bathrobes and slippers

Deluxe Balcony Stateroom

  • Lavishly appointed riverview stateroom 194 sq ft/ 18 sq m with a Full balcony
  • The finest linens, towels and Savoir® beds for an incredible night's sleep
  • Built-in closet, hair dryer, safe
  • Individual thermostat
  • Flat-screen TV with infotainment center and satellite
  • Bottled water
  • Marble bathroom with Asprey bath and body products, plush towels, towel warmer, cozy bathrobes and slippers

Suite

  • Lavishly appointed riverview suite 214 sq ft/ 20 sq m with a French balcony
  • Bottled water and in-suite Butler service
  • The finest linens, towels and Savoir® beds for an incredible night's sleep
  • Built-in closet, hair dryer, safe
  • Individual thermostat
  • Flat-screen TV with infotainment center and satellite
  • Marble bathroom with Hermès bath and body products, plush towels, heated mirrors, cozy bathrobes, and slippers
  • Additional special amenities and services

Grand Suite

  • Lavishly appointed riverview suite 410 sq ft/ 38 sq m with a French balcony
  • Bottled water and in-suite Butler service
  • The finest linens, towels and Savoir® beds for an incredible night's sleep
  • Built-in closet, hair dryer, safe
  • Individual thermostat
  • Flat-screen TV with infotainment center and satellite
  • Additional special amenities and services
  • The Royal Suite offers extra benefits, including a separate spacious living room, bathroom with a separate rain shower and tub, and secluded toilet and bidet area

Brochure

River Cruises

Uniworld River Cruises (2024-25)

Sailing by river means enjoying all the conveniences of a traditional cruise, along with all the benefits of land travel. Stopping in multiple destinations on every trip, you’ll visit bustling cities and hidden gem villages, unpacking only once. River cruising is the best way to cruise, and the best and most luxurious river cruises are with Uniworl...mored.

Brochure

River Cruises

Uniworld River Cruises (2024-25)

Sailing by river means enjoying all the conveniences of a traditional cruise, along with all the benefits of land travel. Stopping in multiple destinations on every trip, you’ll visit bustling cities and hidden gem villages, unpacking only once. River cruising is the best way to cruise, and the best and most luxurious river cruises are with Uniworl...mored.

Availability

Exclusive Savings
Monday 23 Dec 2024
Thursday 02 Jan 2025
Ship Name S.S. Maria Theresa
From: $9,699 $9,514
Save $185 Enquire
Exclusive Savings
Monday 23 Dec 2024
Thursday 02 Jan 2025
Ship Name S.S. Maria Theresa
From: $14,299 $14,022
Save $277 Enquire
Exclusive Savings
Tuesday 23 Dec 2025
Friday 02 Jan 2026
Ship Name S.S. Maria Theresa
From: $9,599 $9,416
Save $183 Enquire
Earlybird Saving
Wednesday 23 Dec 2026
Saturday 02 Jan 2027
Ship Name S.S. Maria Theresa
From: $9,599 $8,558
Save $1,041 Enquire
Exclusive Savings
Tuesday 23 Dec 2025
Friday 02 Jan 2026
Ship Name S.S. Maria Theresa
From: $18,599 $18,236
Save $363 Enquire
Earlybird Saving
Wednesday 23 Dec 2026
Saturday 02 Jan 2027
Ship Name S.S. Maria Theresa
From: $14,099 $12,567
Save $1,532 Enquire
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.

Cabin Upgrades Optional cabin upgrades. Upgrades priced per person

Classic  (Prices Shown) From $ 0
French Balcony From $ 1,600
Deluxe Balcony From $ 3,700
Note
Upgrade prices shown are per person. Your Global Journeys Cruise Travel Advisor will confirm and include the upgrade price in your quote.

Cabin Upgrades Optional cabin upgrades. Upgrades priced per person

Classic  (Prices Shown) From $ 0
French Balcony From $ 1,700
Deluxe Balcony From $ 3,800
Suite From $ 7,500
Note
Upgrade prices shown are per person. Your Global Journeys Cruise 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 Uniworld. For cruise itineraries, cabin images are sourced from Uniworld. 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.

Similar River Cruises

11 Day Remarkable Rhine & Historic Holland (Uniworld)

11 Days Amsterdam Basel

Operated By: Uniworld

From 6,672
Save 155
11 Day Rome, Venice & the Jewels of Veneto (Uniworld)

11 Days Venice Rome

Operated By: Uniworld

From 7,733
Save 2,026
17 Day Danube Grandeur & Prague (Uniworld)

17 Days Belgrade Prague

Operated By: Uniworld

From 10,223
Save 2,676
17 Day Danube Grandeur & Prague (Uniworld)

17 Days Prague Belgrade

Operated By: Uniworld

From 10,223
Save 2,676