River voyages through Europe offer an enchanting way to experience timeless cities and landscapes. If you’re dreaming of sailing the Danube, this detailed Viking River Cruise Danube Waltz 2025 review will help you plan the perfect itinerary.
Before we jump into the details of our trip, just a heads-up—this blog post only scratches the surface when it comes to photos! If you’d like to see more, be sure to check out my YouTube video here.
Viking River Cruise Danube Waltz 2025
Imagine waking up to medieval castles, terraced vineyards, and the historic cities of Germany, Austria, Slovakia, and Hungary.
The Viking River Cruise Danube Waltz 2025 is not just a trip. It’s a curated experience filled with culture, history, and the gentle rhythm of river life.
Whether you’re mapping out your first Danube River cruise itinerary or searching for honest insights, this comprehensive guide covers destinations, excursions, and must-know Danube River cruise tips.
Viking River Cruise Danube Waltz Schedule
The Viking River Cruise Danube Waltz 2025 schedule offers a thoughtfully curated itinerary through Europe’s most scenic and historic cities. From the Bavarian beauty of Passau to the grand architecture of Budapest, this Danube River cruise showcases unforgettable destinations and enriching excursions.
Pre-Cruise & Embarkation Day
Your river voyage begins with a flight to Germany. Viking makes it easy with airport-to-ship service. Once we landed, Viking representatives whisked us away to Passau.
The drive itself felt like a fairy tale. Rolling hills, Bavarian farms, and small villages dotted the landscape. Finally arriving at the river at Passau, Germany – even more magical!
Pro tip: Arrive a day or two early if you can. While we didn’t add extra days before this cruise, we realized how valuable that time would be. On our next cruise, we’ll definitely be adding a few days before the voyage to rest, explore, and adjust to the new time zone.
Let me explain: Viking gives you the option to extend your stay in the port city before the cruise. You still have the luxury of them meeting you at the airport and driving you to the town.
They take care of you even if you add a couple of days. This helps with jet lag and gives you time to explore Passau before boarding.
Boarding Viking Alta and Settling In
Once in Passau, we boarded the Viking Alta. This was Embarkation Day, which took place on Sunday, the day before our full itinerary began.
The first afternoon included unpacking, a delicious lunch on the Aquavit Terrace, and a much-needed walk through Passau’s Old Town.
Now that we are settled in let's look day by day at the excursions because experiencing Europe is what Viking is all about.
Viking Danube Waltz Excursions
Day 1: Monday – Exploring Historic Passau
Passau sits gracefully where the Inn, Ilz, and Danube rivers converge. Over 2,000 years old, this Bavarian city charms visitors with cobbled streets and baroque churches.
Our guided walking tour uncovered the town’s layered history, from Celtic roots to medieval trading hub.
Listen to the old town hall bells when the clock chimes. It is so pretty, along with the design of the exterior!
Though not on every guides list, make sure to see St. Pauls, which was built in the Gothic period.
Interior of St. Paul's.
Alter of St. Paul's.
Don’t miss: St. Stephen’s Cathedral with its world-famous pipe organ.
Unfortunately, the pipes were under construction, but there is so much more to see. The interior is exquisite, with baroque architecture grandeur!
I particularly love the ceilings!
Afternoon Sailing: Austria Awaits
After lunch, the ship cast off for Austria. Cruising the Danube while passing old castles and serene countryside was unforgettable.
We entered our first lock, a fascinating feat of river engineering.
And enjoyed seeing a castle and villages on the way. It was so charming!
Here is a cute village along the Danube River.
Strudel Demonstartion
After we passed through the lock and enjoyed the scenery, we headed back inside for a fun strudel demonstration.
Watching the chef roll out dough on a large linen cloth was so authentic and fun. They even gave us the recipes.
Day 2: Tuesday – Linz, Austria
Linz welcomed us with a blend of ancient and modern. Originally a Roman settlement called Lentia, today it’s Upper Austria’s vibrant capital.
Here is a view of the town square which was very close to our ship.
We ventured with our guide to St. Ignatius. Also known as Old Cathedral it was build in the mid 1600s.
Interior of St. Ignatius is in the Baroque style.
The art and craftsmanship in all the churches on the trip are amazing!
We enjoyed a city tour followed by free time.
Afternoon Adventures – Old Palace & Gazebo
Highlights included discovering a palace courtyard, spotting what we think was an old moat, and climbing to a stone gazebo overlooking the town. It was picturesque!
This is the entrance to the old palace. We decided not to go into the museum but simply adventure through the grounds.
Our guide told us that the view from the old palace was worth the climb. She was right!
We discovered what we think are the remains of the moat behind the palace.
It started to rain, so we climbed higher and found this old stone gazebo to take shelter.
Evening Entertainment
That night, talented local musicians performed aboard the ship.
The blend of traditional and contemporary music using a cello and guitar made for a memorable evening.
Day 3: Wednesday Morning – Krems + Gottweig Abbey
Krems, surrounded by the famous Wachau Valley vineyards, was our next stop.
Our excursion to Gottweig Abbey was a standout. Founded in 1083, this working monastery has endured fires, wars, and centuries of change.
The church was outstanding!
The interior of Göttweig Abbey Church is stunning in Baroque grandeur.
Today, the abbey produces wine and apricots — both delicious! This abbey was a favorite excursion!
Also at the abbey is the emporers' residence. Apparently, they never stayed there, but the interior is very pretty!
Starting with the main staircase, you will find a painting on the ceiling of the Emporer depicting a god.
Every room is filled with paintings, tapestries, and art.
I even discovered a huge gallery wall.
Rumor has it that Napoleon Bonaparte stayed in this bedroom at Gottweig Abbey in Krems, Austria.
Afternoon – Krems Adventures
Back in Krems, after lunch, we explored at leisure.
We found the Gothic church St. Nicholas, built in the 1200s, a hidden gem with its stained glass windows and dark architecture.
Most Catholic churches in Europe are open to the public. We went inside, and there was no one there, so we enjoyed a few moments of admiring the beauty.
Cobblestone streets led us to a vintage shop full of European curiosities.
Danube River cruise tip: Always allow time for self-guided exploring. These unscheduled moments often become the most treasured memories.
Day 4: Thursday – Vienna + Schonbrunn Palace
Arriving in Vienna felt like stepping into an imperial era.
The morning tour introduced us to the grandeur of the Austro-Hungarian Empire. We took a bus through the city and then spent some time in the main cathedral. But my favorite part was discovering an elevator on the left side of the church that takes you to the bell tower.
Let's first talk about the cathedral. This is St. Stephens built in the 14th and 15th century and located in the heart of Vienna.
This is the interior. Remember to walk down the left side to find the room to take an elevator to the bell tower.
From the bell tower, you can see the city and the beautiful roof of the church.
After lunch on the ship, we took off to Schonbrunn Palace with Viking.
Afternoon – Schonbrunn Palace
We marveled at the Schonbrunn Palace, once home to Empress Maria Theresa and the birthplace of Marie Antoinette. This tour was worth every penny!!
Every room was an abundance of ornateness. The grand great gallery was a favorite!
Here is a close-up of the ceiling. Honestly, I could write a whole post about this palace and its design. It rivals Versailles in France.
There are so many photos of all the rooms that it is hard to pick, but I wanted to share this room with you. Remember, a YouTube video shows you much more of this palace and the whole Viking River cruise.
Supposedly, Maria Theresa delivered all 16 babies in this room, including Marie Antoinette.
And let's not forget the gardens. We were there a little too early for spring flowers, but a walk around the gardens was still relaxing and beautiful.
Outside of the market was a spring market with local crafters. This was a nice treat, so we did some window shopping.
Due to its size and rich history, Vienna can feel overwhelming. One day barely scratches the surface. This city needs a whole week.
Day 5: Friday – Bratislava, Slovakia
In Bratislava, cold weather didn’t dampen spirits. Our tour traced the city’s roots from Celtic settlements to Roman times and later Slavic influences.
Charming streets, medieval buildings, and riverside views made this a delightful stop. The architecture of the opera house is exquisite.
Day 6: Saturday – Budapest, Hungary
Budapest greeted us with grandeur. Watching the Parliament building glide by from the ship at sunrise was breathtaking.
Our panoramic tour highlighted both Buda and Pest, separated by the Danube but united in spirit.
We browsed the Great Market Hall, picked up Hungary’s famous sweet paprika, and, with a friend, explored Castle Hill, a UNESCO World Heritage site. They said it was very nice!
After lunch on the ship we ventured out with our new friends to find their Airbnb, which I feature in my YouTube video here.
It was the perfect end to our European sojourn. And with roundtrip airport transfers, getting home was a breeze.
Disembarkation Day – Sunday
It was time to say farewell to the Viking Alta on Sunday morning.
Because our flight was in the morning, we had to have our luggage outside the door around 2:30 am and be on the bus by 4 am.
But in true Viking hospitality fashion, they still provided breakfast with a buffet.
The ride to the airport was smooth, and a Viking representative escorted us to the ticket counter to check in.
Once checked in, we went through security; the rest was history.
Viking River Cruise Cabin Tour and Ship Tour
Are you curious about the Viking River Cruise Danube Waltz 2025 cabins and ship design? This section highlights the cozy accommodations and thoughtful ship features that make Viking River Voyages so comfortable and enjoyable.
Though compact, the cabins were cleverly designed and beautifully decorated.
Because of the limited floor space in the room, we unpacked. Suitcases slid neatly under the beds, maximizing space.
The cabins, while snug, were thoughtfully appointed. Because we were on the bottom floor in room 123, we had a window up high. Did I mention that all passengers have a window or balcony on Viking river cruises?
Let's talk about the beds. Marty and I have found the bed to be firm and comfortable, but others complained it was too hard for them. If your bed is hard, ask your attendant if they have something to put on the mattress to make it more comfortable.
Heated bathroom floors were a luxury once they started working! It was a little cold on the first few days, but once it was working, the floor was nice and toasty, and it made the toilet seat more bearable, too. LOL!
The ship itself was designed for comfort and relaxation. The main dining room offered spacious seating with large windows, so you never missed a view while enjoying your meals. Breakfast, lunch, and dinner were beautifully presented with options that reflected the regions we visited.
The Aquavit Terrace was a favorite spot. This casual dining area at the front of the ship was perfect for a lighter meal or simply enjoying a coffee while watching the riverbanks drift by.
There were also comfortable lounges and a small library area where guests could relax, read, or socialize.
The open-air upper deck provided panoramic views and was ideal for sailing through scenic stretches of the Danube. This was one of Marty's favorite spots, especially for sharing a local beer with his new friend John. They would go to local grocery stores and ask for local beer recommendations.
Viking Alta offered a peaceful atmosphere with around 190 passengers. The small size meant no crowds and a relaxed pace.
Viking River Cruise Danube Waltz Review
During the voyage, we befriended fellow travelers John and Bea. We even visited their Budapest Airbnb while in Budapest. I share a tour of their Airbnb, excursions, the ship and cabin in my YouTube video here.
River cruises foster a sense of community rarely found on larger ships. The experience was very pleasant and nice.
Food
Meals featured local European cuisine. Despite dietary restrictions (gluten and dairy free), there were plenty of delicious options.
One evening, a chef hosted a strudel-making demonstration and shared tips for allergy-friendly versions. I share the recipe in my Instagram stories here.
Staff
Every crew member was welcoming and attentive. Their hospitality elevated the entire journey.
We had one person who took care of our room and always had a bottle of water for us inside the room. This was very helpful for taking medicine.
The waiters in the dining room are very nice too. Don't be surprised if you find a favorite one or two like we did. With my allergies I decided to stick with the same person as well as I could. Sometimes it all depended on if you get there early enough to get their table.
Let's talk about the staff who went on excursions with everyone. See the Viking employee wearing red at the bottom of the photos?
Viking employees wear red shirts, making it easy to spot them in the crowd. They tend to stay near, and if you can see them, then you know they have not left you. LOL!
Excursions
Morning excursions were included, and they are fantastic!
Optional afternoon tours, like Schonbrunn Palace, were well worth the extra cost.
QuietVox headsets made hearing guides effortless. These headsets make a world of difference in your excursion experience.
Coffee & Tea Station
A guest favorite! Specialty coffees, teas, and homemade treats were available daily at a dedicated station.
This station is fantastic! With the click of a button, you can have a cappuccino, espresso, frappuccino, and more. There is hot water for a selection of teas, regular water, or bubble water.
No allergy-friendly treats in the coffee station, so plan accordingly.
Overall, this station was used very often.
Danube River Cruise Tips
- Book early to get the best cabin choices and pricing.
- Bring layers for weather changes.
- Use the QuietVox headset for all tours.
- Schedule extra days before or after the cruise for rest and exploration.
- Stay flexible and leave room for spontaneous adventures.
I found the smaller towns to be the best at adventuring. They were quieter and I felt more relaxed walking around on our own.
Danube River Cruise Which Direction is Best
Danube River cruise which direction is best? Many travelers debate this.
We chose to go from Passau to Hungary, but starting in Germany gave us the joy of sailing into iconic Budapest at the end — a perfect finale.
Many travelers agree starting in Germany and ending in Budapest is ideal. It allows the trip to build toward the grand finale of Hungary’s capital.
Sailing into Budapest as your final destination offers breathtaking views and a satisfying conclusion to your European journey. However, if you are leaving in the middle of the night like we did then you will most likely be heading to bed early and miss out on the night time entertainment which I heard was a real treat.
There are pros and cons to both directions. For example if you want to come early to get a few days to overcome the jet lag then Hungary may be the better because it is a bigger city with more to do.
Conclusion
All in all, we enjoyed the Viking river cruise Danube Waltz 2025 and are looking at planning another one. If you have never been to Europe, Viking is a great way to dip your toe into the experience.
The trip is very busy, and you will see so much in such a short time. I promise you will get your money's worth.
Whether you’re a seasoned cruiser or new to river voyages, this experience is a memorable way to see Europe’s heartland.
Ready to sail?
The Danube Waltz awaits — and it’s even better than you imagined.
For more travel ideas, check out another favorite cruise – Disney Cruise, where I share a beginner's guide to Disney Cruises.
Happy Sailing!
Hi Linda! Thanks for the in-depth information. What airport did you arrive at in Passau? Berlin is the largest, but I know there a few in Austria. Just curious how Viking had you arriving. We are going next year….
We flew into Munich and then they took us by bus to Passau. Munich is a very nice and clean airport.