S.S. Maria Theresa
Baroque glamour on the Danube — most opulent river ship in the world.
- Length
- 7 nights
- Region
- Danube
- Countries
- Hungary, Slovakia, Austria, Germany
This cruise on the S.S. Maria Theresa runs from Budapest to Passau through Hungary, Slovakia, Austria and Germany. Most days offer a choice of tours, with Christmas markets in Budapest, Bratislava, Vienna, Krems, Salzburg, Linz and Passau.
Budapest · Bratislava · Vienna · Krems · Melk · Linz · Passau
Highlights
- Vienna Art History Museum visit with Christmas markets
- Full-day trip from Linz to Salzburg
- Passau Christmas market in front of the cathedral
Day by day
Shown from Budapest to Passau. Direction and ports can vary by sailing.
- Day 1
Budapest: embark
Budapest, Hungary
Arrive at Budapest airport and board the ship. A transfer is provided if arranged with Uniworld.
- Day 2
Budapest: city tours and Christmas market
Budapest, Hungary
Choose a panoramic city tour or a walk with local treats, each with a visit to the Vörösmarty Square market. A welcome reception and dinner are held in the evening.
Tours: Budapest City Tour with Christmas Market, Budapest Walk with Local Treats and Christmas Market
- Day 3
Danube sailing and Bratislava
Bratislava, Slovakia
The ship cruises the Danube to Bratislava. Choose a walking tour with the Christmas market or a walk about life under Communism, with an evening return to the market also offered.
Tours: Nights Out: Bratislava Christmas Market, Bratislava Walking Tour with Christmas Market, Life beyond the Iron Curtain
- Day 4
Vienna: art, Christmas markets and Schönbrunn
Vienna, Austria
Options are an early visit to the Art History Museum, a food walk through the historic center, Schönbrunn Palace with its market, and a visit to a Strauss music hall.
Tours: “Morning with the Masters” at the Vienna Art History Museum & Christmas Markets, “Taste of Christmas” Vienna Walking Tour, Schönbrunn Palace with Christmas Market, House of Strauss
- Day 5
Krems and Melk
Krems and Melk, Austria
Choose a Krems town visit with its Christkindlmarkt, a Dürnstein walk with spiced wine and an organ concert, or a walk around Melk.
Tours: Melk Village Stroll, Dürnstein Village Stroll with Spiced Wine Tasting and Organ Concert in a Monastery, Krems Town Visit
- Day 6
Linz: Salzburg or cider farm
Linz, Austria
Full-day trip to Salzburg's Old Town and Christmas market, or a Linz Old Town walk with a cider farm visit and Christmas markets.
Tours: Full-Day Salzburg Walking Tour with Christmas Market, Linz Town & Country: Cider Farm Visit and Christmas Markets
- Day 7
Passau: Christmas market
Passau, Germany
Walking tour of the town with the market by the cathedral, or a winter walk on a forest path along the Ilz River.
Tours: Passau Walking Tour with Christmas Market, Bavarian Winter Walk
- Day 8
Passau: disembark
Passau, Germany
Leave the ship in Passau. A transfer to Munich Airport is provided if arranged with Uniworld.
Dates
Availability changes. Ask us to confirm.
2026
- November 25Passau to Budapest · S.S. Maria Theresa
- December 2Budapest to Passau · S.S. Maria Theresa
- December 9Passau to Budapest · S.S. Maria Theresa
2027
- November 25Budapest to Passau · S.S. Marlene
- November 25Passau to Budapest · S.S. Maria Theresa
- December 2Budapest to Passau · S.S. Maria Theresa
- December 2Passau to Budapest · S.S. Marlene
- December 9Budapest to Passau · S.S. Marlene
- December 9Passau to Budapest · S.S. Maria Theresa
- December 16Budapest to Passau · S.S. Maria Theresa
- December 16Passau to Budapest · S.S. Marlene
2028
- November 25Budapest to Passau · S.S. Marlene
- November 25Passau to Budapest · S.S. Maria Theresa
- December 2Budapest to Passau · S.S. Maria Theresa
- December 2Passau to Budapest · S.S. Marlene
- December 9Budapest to Passau · S.S. Marlene
- December 9Passau to Budapest · S.S. Maria Theresa
- December 16Budapest to Passau · S.S. Maria Theresa
- December 16Passau to Budapest · S.S. Marlene
What's included
Stay
- Riverview stateroom
- Savoir beds with cotton sateen sheets and duvets
- Menu of pillow options
- Free Wi-Fi
Dining
- All meals onboard
- Unlimited onboard drinks, including wine, beer and spirits
- Captain's Welcome and Farewell Receptions
- Welcome and Farewell Gala Dinners
Excursions
- Excursions with English-speaking local experts
- Guided Taste of Christmas program
- Quietvox audio headsets on excursions
- Brompton bicycles and Nordic Walking sticks
Also included
- Uniworld Cruise Manager
- Gratuities for onboard personnel
- Onboard local entertainment
Virtuoso benefits
Dedicated Onboard Host
A personal Virtuoso host sails with your group, present throughout the voyage to answer questions and ensure every detail runs exactly as planned.
Private Welcome Reception
An exclusive cocktail reception at the start of each sailing, arranged solely for Virtuoso Voyages guests with introductions facilitated by your host.
Shipboard Credit
$100 per stateroom on voyages under 14 nights; $200 per stateroom on voyages of 14 nights or more, to spend freely on dining, spa, or excursions.
Exclusive Shore Experience
A private shore excursion, VIP tour, or private car and driver whose itinerary is shaped entirely around your interests and pace — never a group schedule.
Specialty Dining
Complimentary reservations at specialty restaurants on select sailings, including chef's tastings and curated wine pairings on participating vessels.
Spa & Wellness Access
Select spa treatments, wellness credits, and onboard amenities included on participating voyages across our preferred cruise partners.
Ships
S.S. Marlene
Get Started
Ask about this cruise
Tell us which Danube Holiday Markets sailing you have in mind. We'll check availability and add every benefit we can.
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