Christmas on the Danube River: Riverside Luxury Cruise with All-Inclusive Dining, Drinks & Excursions
Setting the standard for river cruising, this Luxury Escapes exclusive seven-night Riverside Luxury Cruises voyage is sure to be the highlight of your holidays. Sailing either November or December 2025, you’ll unlock the festive magic of central Europe in opulence above and beyond your wildest dreams.
Be spoilt for choice with carefully curated winter-themed excursions, tours and tastings – discover Christmas cheer aplenty as you taste gingerbread in Vienna, trace Linz’s storied squares and take in the Bavarian charm of Passau, visiting the many holiday markets in each city along the way. Experience it all in unparalleled comfort with Riverside Luxury Cruises’ signature brand of personalised hospitality.
Your journey takes you to: Vienna, Austria – Krems, Austria – Linz, Austria – Passau, Germany – Linz, Austria – Melk, Austria – Vienna, Austria.
package Options
- Packages valid for one person (twin room) – you MUST purchase TWO packages
- Passage on a seven-night all-inclusive cruise aboard Riverside Mozart in a Harmony Suite
- 20 meals included – seven breakfasts, six lunches and seven dinners
- All-inclusive dine-around access to four white-glove service restaurants, with menus inspired by regional produce
- Daily afternoon tea, plus unlimited cakes, waffles and ice cream
- All-inclusive premium drinks package including premium wines, spirits and Taittinger champagne
- 24-hour butler service with complimentary in-suite dining and minibar (replenished twice daily)
- An exclusive invitation to a Riverside Signature Event
- Your choice of handpicked off-shore excursions in each port
- All port taxes, service charges and onboard entertainment
- Return airport transfers to and from the cruise ship
- Gratuities for onboard personnel
- Packages valid for one person (twin room) – you MUST purchase TWO packages
- Passage on a seven-night all-inclusive cruise aboard Riverside Mozart in a Harmony Suite
- 20 meals included – seven breakfasts, six lunches and seven dinners
- All-inclusive dine-around access to four white-glove service restaurants, with menus inspired by regional produce
- Daily afternoon tea, plus unlimited cakes, waffles and ice cream
- All-inclusive premium drinks package including premium wines, spirits and Taittinger champagne
- 24-hour butler service with complimentary in-suite dining and minibar (replenished twice daily)
- An exclusive invitation to a Riverside Signature Event
- Your choice of handpicked off-shore excursions in each port
- All port taxes, service charges and onboard entertainment
- Return airport transfers to and from the cruise ship
- Gratuities for onboard personnel
- Packages valid for one person (twin room) – you MUST purchase TWO packages
- Passage on a seven-night all-inclusive cruise aboard Riverside Mozart in a Riverside Suite
- 20 meals included – seven breakfasts, six lunches and seven dinners
- All-inclusive dine-around access to four white-glove service restaurants, with menus inspired by regional produce
- Daily afternoon tea, plus unlimited cakes, waffles and ice cream
- All-inclusive premium drinks package including premium wines, spirits and Taittinger champagne
- 24-hour butler service with complimentary in-suite dining and minibar (replenished twice daily)
- An exclusive invitation to a Riverside Signature Event
- Your choice of handpicked off-shore excursions in each port
- All port taxes, service charges and onboard entertainment
- Return airport transfers to and from the cruise ship
- Gratuities for onboard personnel
- Packages valid for one person (twin room) – you MUST purchase TWO packages
- Passage on a seven-night all-inclusive cruise aboard Riverside Mozart in a Riverside Suite
- 20 meals included – seven breakfasts, six lunches and seven dinners
- All-inclusive dine-around access to four white-glove service restaurants, with menus inspired by regional produce
- Daily afternoon tea, plus unlimited cakes, waffles and ice cream
- All-inclusive premium drinks package including premium wines, spirits and Taittinger champagne
- 24-hour butler service with complimentary in-suite dining and minibar (replenished twice daily)
- An exclusive invitation to a Riverside Signature Event
- Your choice of handpicked off-shore excursions in each port
- All port taxes, service charges and onboard entertainment
- Return airport transfers to and from the cruise ship
- Gratuities for onboard personnel
- Packages valid for one person (twin room) – you MUST purchase TWO packages
- Passage on a seven-night all-inclusive cruise aboard Riverside Mozart in a Harmony Suite
- 20 meals included – seven breakfasts, six lunches and seven dinners
- All-inclusive dine-around access to four white-glove service restaurants, with menus inspired by regional produce
- Daily afternoon tea, plus unlimited cakes, waffles and ice cream
- All-inclusive premium drinks package including premium wines, spirits and Taittinger champagne
- 24-hour butler service with complimentary in-suite dining and minibar (replenished twice daily)
- An exclusive invitation to a Riverside Signature Event
- Your choice of handpicked off-shore excursions in each port
- All port taxes, service charges and onboard entertainment
- Return airport transfers to and from the cruise ship
- Gratuities for onboard personnel
- Packages valid for one person (twin room) – you MUST purchase TWO packages
- Passage on a seven-night all-inclusive cruise aboard Riverside Mozart in a Harmony Suite
- 20 meals included – seven breakfasts, six lunches and seven dinners
- All-inclusive dine-around access to four white-glove service restaurants, with menus inspired by regional produce
- Daily afternoon tea, plus unlimited cakes, waffles and ice cream
- All-inclusive premium drinks package including premium wines, spirits and Taittinger champagne
- 24-hour butler service with complimentary in-suite dining and minibar (replenished twice daily)
- An exclusive invitation to a Riverside Signature Event
- Your choice of handpicked off-shore excursions in each port
- All port taxes, service charges and onboard entertainment
- Return airport transfers to and from the cruise ship
- Gratuities for onboard personnel
- Packages valid for one person (twin room) – you MUST purchase TWO packages
- Passage on a seven-night all-inclusive cruise aboard Riverside Mozart in a Riverside Suite
- 20 meals included – seven breakfasts, six lunches and seven dinners
- All-inclusive dine-around access to four white-glove service restaurants, with menus inspired by regional produce
- Daily afternoon tea, plus unlimited cakes, waffles and ice cream
- All-inclusive premium drinks package including premium wines, spirits and Taittinger champagne
- 24-hour butler service with complimentary in-suite dining and minibar (replenished twice daily)
- An exclusive invitation to a Riverside Signature Event
- Your choice of handpicked off-shore excursions in each port
- All port taxes, service charges and onboard entertainment
- Return airport transfers to and from the cruise ship
- Gratuities for onboard personnel
- Packages valid for one person (twin room) – you MUST purchase TWO packages
- Passage on a seven-night all-inclusive cruise aboard Riverside Mozart in a Riverside Suite
- 20 meals included – seven breakfasts, six lunches and seven dinners
- All-inclusive dine-around access to four white-glove service restaurants, with menus inspired by regional produce
- Daily afternoon tea, plus unlimited cakes, waffles and ice cream
- All-inclusive premium drinks package including premium wines, spirits and Taittinger champagne
- 24-hour butler service with complimentary in-suite dining and minibar (replenished twice daily)
- An exclusive invitation to a Riverside Signature Event
- Your choice of handpicked off-shore excursions in each port
- All port taxes, service charges and onboard entertainment
- Return airport transfers to and from the cruise ship
- Gratuities for onboard personnel
Dining & bars
- Marketplace
- Blue Restaurant
- Bistro
- Vista Grill & Bar
- Vista Deck barbecue (weather permitting)
- Waterside
- Cove Piano Bar
- Vintage Room (charges apply)
- Coffee and tea station
Entertainment
- Connoisseur’s Club
- Palm Court
- Fitness centre
- Indoor counter-current pool
- Indoor Jacuzzi
- Spa
- Bicycles
- Jogging track
- Finnish sauna
- Steam bath
- Salon
- Library
Other services
- Butler service
- Laundry service
- Elevator (indoor only)
- Wi-Fi
Surcharges may apply to select facilities and services
Your cruise begins and ends in Vienna, Austria.
Your cruise departs Vienna, Austria at 3am on Day 2 (boarding commences at 10am on Day 1, last call 5pm on Day 1) and returns to Vienna, Austria at 10am on Day 8. Please ensure you arrive in time for boarding.
Roundtrip transfers from Vienna International Airport (VIE) to the ship are included on the first and last day only.
Return flights are not included in your package and must be purchased separately. Please do NOT book your flights until your cruise is confirmed.
A visa may be required for the destination you are visiting. It is each traveller’s responsibility to ensure they are holding a current visa. Please take the time to visit our preferred vendor website Visas Direct to assist you with any visa application requirements and processes. If you require any supporting documentation when applying for your visa please let us know and we would be more than happy to assist. Click here to visit the website.
Need flights? Our dedicated flights concierge can assist with your flight requirements (subject to availability). Contact sales@luxuryescapes.com.
Day 1: Vienna
Arrive in Vienna, an enchanting city that comes alive with Christmas cheer over the festive season. On arrival to Vienna International Airport (VIE), you will be greeted by a Riverside Luxury Cruises representative and transferred to the ship. Acquaint yourself with your cabin and freshen up after your journey, then set out to explore this magical city as you wish.
As the afternoon drifts away, spend your free time wandering the many Viennese holiday markets – including the beloved Christkindlmarkt of Rathausplatz – sipping on spiced mulled wine as you shop for Christmas presents and decorations. Return to the ship to enjoy the remainder of the evening onboard acquainting yourself with the opulent Riverside Mozart. Sit down to a gourmet meal at Waterside Restaurant and settle in for your first night on board.
Meals: Dinner
Accommodation: Riverside Mozart
Day 2: Vienna – Krems
This morning, sail to Krems, where your adventure may take an artistic turn. Begin in the heart of the Danube’s Wachau Valley, strolling through the idyllic village, covered in vineyard-lined hills, historic houses and beautiful courtyards. You may like to walk the world-renowned Art Mile, wandering through the museums and galleries home to a vast collection of fine art from classical modern artists to the more contemporary.
Alternatively, stay near the banks of the river on a visit to Stein, a historic port city that dresses up for Christmas with twinkling fairy lights and forest green wreaths. As you explore, learn the history and traditions of the city, while you look on in wonder at architectural wonders such as the Gottweigerhof church and town hall.
Nature lovers will perhaps choose to relish a visit to Kittenberger Erlebnisgarten, where over 50 themed gardens sprawl with Advent-themed decorations at this time of year.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Afternoon Tea and Dinner
Accommodation: Riverside Mozart
Day 3: Linz
Today, arrive in Linz – a city of unparalleled beauty and festive winter charm. As you step into the heart of this magical destination, you’ll be transported back in time to the golden age of the Habsburg dynasty. Stroll through the baroque-styled Main Square and let the stunning architecture and vibrant atmosphere – donned with red bows, mistletoe and Christmas lights – capture your heart. Wander through the winding streets of the Old Town and discover hidden treasures around every corner, from cosy cafes to stylish boutiques. Immerse yourself in the city’s rich history at the Schlossmuseum, where you’ll be awed by the stories of the royal family and their legacy before visiting the magnificent Mariendom (New Cathedral), a breathtaking masterpiece of architecture that can hold up to 20,000 worshippers.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Afternoon Tea and Dinner
Accommodation: Riverside Mozart
Day 4: Linz, Austria – Passau, Germany
Arrive in the morning to make the most of Passau, Germany’s cookie-cutter city set on the confluence of three rivers: the Danube, Inn and Ilz. This access meant the city was utilized as an important military base for many years. Now, the city stands as a place of culture and history, with the mighty fortress Veste Oberhaus overlooking the cobblestoned streets. Constructed in the early 1200s, its architecture is a reminder of bygone grandeur while now serving as a museum dedicated to the tales of Passau’s history.
Spend your time exploring the city’s laneways, shopping in the boutique stores and wandering along the river’s edge. Return to the ship to unwind in the comfort and warmth of your cabin, before joining your fellow travellers for a festive meal.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Afternoon Tea and Dinner
Accommodation: Riverside Mozart
Day 5: Passau
Your second day in Passau is entirely yours to create holiday magic. Make your own way to the Veste Oberhaus castle, or immerse yourself in the infectious Christmas cheer as you explore the enchanting markets in Saint Stephen’s Cathedral Square.
Return to the Riverside Mozart for dinner and an early evening departure.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Afternoon Tea and Dinner
Accommodation: Riverside Mozart
Day 6: Linz, Austria
Return to enchanting Linz for another full day of spirited holiday celebrations among its beautiful, Baroque architecture. You may choose to spend three hours on a walking tour of the city, discovering its most treasured Christmas scenes and markets, or immerse yourself in history by exploring nearby Salzburg, Mozart’s city of birth. Alternatively, take a drive north to the Czechia castle of Cesky Krumlov, a 13th-century residence presiding over a colourful array of snowcapped homes and a market in the town’s main square.
You’ll depart late this evening. Enjoy plenty of time to discover Linz on your own before returning to Riverside Mozart in time for dinner.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Afternoon Tea and Dinner
Accommodation: Riverside Mozart
Day 7: Linz – Melk
This morning, watch the riverside scenery pass by as you turn southwest towards Melk. Make the most of this gorgeous town by watching the twinkle of Christmas lights that deck the stalls of its holiday market in Old Town. Here, you can visit the historic Melk Abbey, considered one of the finest examples of baroque architecture in Europe. This UNESCO World Heritage-recognised monastery, home to Benedictine monks who dedicate their lives to culture and education, sits atop a rocky formation overlooking the Danube.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Afternoon Tea and Dinner
Accommodation: Riverside Mozart
Day 8: Vienna
As this is your final morning onboard, enjoy a sumptuous breakfast before being transferred to Vienna International Airport (VIE) for your onward journey. Alternatively, you may like to journey to Schonbrunn Palace and its lovely Christmas markets. Set up in the UNESCO World Heritage-recognised gardens of the palace, this festive scene is finest when veiled in a fresh coat of crisp white snow. Navigate the lavishly decorated halls of the former imperial family’s residence, before spending your time wandering the market stalls, savouring the last moments of your holiday adventure, and making memories to last you through the last few nights before Christmas.
Meals: Breakfast
Update 5 June 2024, 1.45pm AEST: Package inclusions updated
IMPORTANT: Purchasing this deal does not complete your booking. A member of the Cruise Team will process your booking and email the cruise line confirmation to your chosen email address. You will then be required to complete your online check-in and print your e-ticket and baggage tags; you will also be able to add drink packages, specialty dining, shore excursions, spa treatments etc.
This Cruise package is valid for the following departure dates:
- 22 November 2025
- 6 December 2025
IMPORTANT: Please allow for travelling time. International flights are not included in your package and must be purchased separately. It is your responsibility to make your own travel arrangements and ensure that you arrive in Vienna, Austria on time for your cruise.
Booking Process
- Select which package option you would like, taking care to choose the correct cabin option
- Click on the green ‘Check Availability’ tab
- Using the plus or minus adjust the number of people you would like to book then click the ‘View Available Dates & Prices’ tab
- Click the blue ‘Select’ button then the green ‘Review & Payment’ tab at the bottom right of the screen
- Fill out your preferred payment method and click the green ‘Pay Securely Now’ tab
- Once your order is complete, you will receive your Luxury Escapes automated booking summary email (this is not your cruise confirmation). The Cruise Concierge team will process your booking and email the cruise line confirmation to your chosen email address.
- Should you require assistance with your cruise, please contact our Cruise Concierge team at cruises@luxuryescapes.com who will be happy to assist with any of your queries and who will support you right up until you return from your journey
IMPORTANT: The Twin-Room Package is valid for ONE PERSON (based on twin room). You must purchase TWO PACKAGES.
Solo Traveller Surcharge: Solo travellers must pay a surcharge and packages are subject to availability. Please contact Luxury Escapes to enquire.
Please note that packages cannot be split.
AMENDMENTS & CHANGES
Name Change or Corrections
- Name corrections may incur a fee.
- Name changes are not permitted.
48-Hour Change of Mind ‘No Questions Asked’ Refund Guarantee:
- All cruise bookings have a 48-hour ‘Change of Mind Guarantee’ where any monies paid (less unrecoverable costs) within 48 hours of the initial purchase date will be refunded – no questions asked.
- Bookings outside the 48-hour ‘Change of Mind’ window will be non-refundable and non-changeable. Cancellations outside of the 48-hour ‘Change of Mind’ period will not be provided, except as required by Australian Consumer Law, your local law or as otherwise provided for in the Fine Print.
Cabin Sizes and Bedding Configuration
This cruise includes the following cabin types:
- Harmony Suite: 20sqm, king bed (convertible into twin beds), window
- Riverside Suite: 20sqm, king bed (convertible into twin beds), French balcony, floor-to-ceiling windows
IMPORTANT
- Some cabins may have obstructed views and/or porthole window.
- Maximum room capacity is one adult for solo travellers, two adults for twin-share cabins/suites/staterooms or four people for quad-share cabins.
- Please note that there are no wheelchair-accessible cabins.
- Please contact the Luxury Escapes sales team on sales@luxuryescapes.com for further information.
- The Riverside Signature Event will either be VIP after-hours access to the Belvedere Palace and Gardens with Klimt’s ‘The Kiss’ and a privte musical performance, or a VIP wine reception at Klosterhof Spitz.
Inclusions
- Passage on a seven-night all-inclusive cruise aboard Riverside Mozart
- 20 meals included – seven breakfasts, six lunches and seven dinners
- All-inclusive dine-around access to four white-glove service restaurants, with menus inspired by regional produce
- Daily afternoon tea, plus unlimited cakes, waffles and ice cream
- All-inclusive premium drinks package including premium wines, spirits and Taittinger champagne
- 24-hour butler service with complimentary in-suite dining and minibar (replenished twice daily)
- An exclusive invitation to a Riverside Signature Event
- Your choice of handpicked off-shore excursions in each port
- All port taxes, service charges and onboard entertainment
- Return airport transfers to and from the cruise ship
- Gratuities for onboard personnel
Exclusions
- Return flights
- Visas
- Single supplement
- Meals/drinks not stated in the itinerary/inclusions
- Travel insurance (recommended)
- Dining inclusions do not include drinks (unless otherwise stated). Menus are subject to change without notice.
Onboard Dining
- Dining onboard is open-seating
- Included dining is available at the following restaurants: Marketplace, Blue Restaurant, Bistro, Vista Grill, Waterside
Itinerary
- In the event of strikes, lockouts, riots, weather conditions or mechanical difficulties, or for any other reason, any scheduled sailing or port of call may be subject to change.
- Some itineraries may include tender ports.
Passenger Restrictions
- Children under the age of 18 must be accompanied, in the same or connecting cabin, by a parent or other responsible adult over the age of 21 for the duration of the voyage.
- Infants under 3 months cannot be accommodated onboard.
- Guests who will have entered their 24th week of pregnancy or later at any time during the cruise cannot be accommodated due to safety concerns. Pregnant guests under 24 weeks must provide a doctor’s letter upon request confirming fitness to travel and estimated due date.
Travel Insurance
- Travel insurance is strongly recommended. Luxury Escapes/Scoopon recommends purchasing travel insurance as soon as possible after purchasing this package.
Passports & Visas
- A visa may be required. It is the traveller’s responsibility to ensure they’re holding a current visa for the countries they’re visiting. If the traveller is on a non-Australian passport, a valid re-entry visa may be required.
- Important: Please start arranging your visa at least 6-8 weeks prior to departure to account for any delays due to consulate operating hours and processing time.
- A valid passport with a minimum validity of 6 months beyond your return travel date is required for all passengers (including children and infants).
Domestic:
- A valid passport or government-issued photo identification is required for all passengers. A current Medicare card can be used for guests under 18 years of age and must be presented upon embarkation.
- When travelling within Australia, please check current state/territory border entry requirements to ensure you’re eligible to travel and have completed any required permits or passes.
International:
- A visa may be required. It is the traveller’s responsibility to ensure they’re holding a current visa for the countries they’re visiting. If the traveller is on a non-Australian passport, a valid re-entry visa may be required.
- Important: Please start arranging your visa at least 6-8 weeks prior to departure to account for any delays due to consulate operating hours and processing time.
- A valid passport with a minimum validity of 6 months beyond your return travel date is required for all passengers (including children and infants).
Health & Vaccinations
- Travellers are advised to check recommended vaccinations with their local health professional at least 45 days prior to departure, as some vaccinations require 30 days or more to be effective.
- Proof of vaccination is not usually required unless you are coming from an infected area.
- Proof of Yellow Fever vaccinations is required for entry into some countries, in particular in Africa. Please check with your health professional that you hold the appropriate vaccination entry requirements for your destination.
- Guests may be required to provide proof of vaccination against COVID-19 from our ground operator prior to embarkation. Please contact the Luxury Escapes Cruises Concierge team on cruises@luxuryescapes.com for further information.
- Important: The hotel, transportation and/or destination you are travelling to may have health, insurance and vaccination requirements in place. Please ensure you stay up to date with any requirements prior to your departure.
Timings
- Timing provided on the itinerary is based on current schedules provided by
Currency Onboard and Tipping
- The currency onboard is EUR.
- Service charges (gratuities) for onboard personnel are included in your package.
Fitness Requirements
- Travellers should have a good level of physical fitness and mobility and must be able to negotiate uneven surfaces and climb stairs.
- Disability access is limited during the cruise, please consider this when making your booking.
- Travellers acknowledge that they are required to have a good level of health and fitness to undertake any activities in this package. Further, travellers acknowledge and agree that neither Luxury Escapes nor the third-party provider will be able to provide medical or other assistance in the event that they are unable to complete any aspect of the tour as a result of their health or physical condition (nor is Luxury Escapes liable for any loss, damage, expense, injury or death arising from such).
Surcharges
Any prices quoted exclude specific costs/measures which may be introduced at a later stage as a result of Government changes due to COVID-19 health and safety restrictions. Our trusted third-party suppliers will inform guests of these changes as soon as possible.
Deposits
The deposit amount is 25% and the final payment date is due 110 days prior to embarkation. Please note: other deposit options may be available on your package which differ from the above and which will be outlined in the ‘fine print’ and payment section of the specific package.
PLEASE NOTE: We reserve the right to modify prices for marketing and commercial reasons. Please note that full terms and conditions apply. Refer to website’s terms and conditions.
Cruise itineraries are not guaranteed and are subject to change. While the cruise line will make all reasonable efforts to provide a cruise in accordance with the published schedules and itineraries, factors such as weather, mechanical difficulties or other unforeseen circumstances may affect scheduled itineraries.
Package inclusions are correct at the time of purchase. Refer to your booking summary email for details.
Please note this cruise is operated by Riverside Luxury Cruises, one of our trusted partners. You will be contacted post-purchase with further details.