This Uniworld River Cruise takes you from Passau to Budapest on their Enchanting Christmas and New Year itinerary!
Embark on a magical 15-day Christmas and New Year’s river cruise with Uniworld Boutique River Cruises, taking you from Passau to Budapest. Immerse yourself in the enchanting spirit of the holiday season as you sail along the Danube River, winding through charming European towns and cities adorned with festive lights and decorations. Explore beautifully preserved medieval towns, visit charming Christmas markets, and witness historic landmarks in their holiday splendor. Experience the joy of Christmas and ring in the New Year in the heart of Europe, all while enjoying Uniworld’s impeccable service, luxurious accommodations, and delectable holiday-themed cuisine.
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 Christmas carol was composed. 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. This unforgettable journey offers a perfect blend of cultural immersion, holiday cheer, and a truly unique way to celebrate the season as you create cherished memories on the waterways of Europe.
Enchanting Christmas and New Year with Uniworld River Cruise
Included Items
DINING
- 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
EXCURSIONS
- 8 days of excursions, including “Choice Is Yours” options, all fully hosted by English-speaking local experts
- Guided “Taste of Christmas” program
- State-of-the-art Quietvox portable audio-headset system on all excursions
- Use of Nordic walking sticks
ACCOMMODATIONS
- 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
EXPERIENCES
- 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
Map
Uniworld Boutique River Cruise Map
More Information
Itinerary Days 1-5 +
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.
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.
Itinerary Days 6-11 +
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.
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.
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.
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 with your choice of tours.
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.
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.
Ship Information +
“Regal in its opulent 18th-century decor, a floating homage to the former Austrian empress….Besides indulgent dining and an elegant atmosphere, this is one of the prettiest ships out there.” – Cruise Critic editorsOne of Europe’s most beloved and longest reigning monarchs, the great Habsburg ruler Maria Theresa, was so extraordinary that we built an entire Super Ship in her honor. Named “Best New River Ship” by Cruise Critic editors her maiden season, the S.S. Maria Theresa features ultra-luxurious accommodations and an array of thoughtful personal touches, ensuring a truly indulgent and unforgettable voyage along the Danube and Main Rivers.
Staterooms and suites on the Hofburg Deck have open-air balconies that, with the touch of a button, will raise the glass to create a completely enclosed conservatory. Designated suites provide triple-accommodation options. Adjoining staterooms are available; please inquire at time of booking.
Booking Terms & Conditions
Advertised price based on 23 December 2025 departure in a Classic cabin. Pricing is correct as of 18 November 2024 and includes the offer discount*, subject to availability at the time of booking. Offers may be withdrawn or prices updated by the supplier at any time, so please enquire with our expert consultants for the latest pricing, terms and conditions. Single supplement may also apply.