7Nights

Danube Christmas 2025

Winterliche Donaulandschaft
Flussreise zum Weihnachtsmarkt
Weihnachtsmomente mit A-ROSA

Highlights of the Cruise on the Danube

Christmas fairytale: a river cruise on the Danube

From Passau to Wachau, Vienna, Bratislava, Dürnstein, Melk and Linz to Passau.

Weihnachten in Wien mit A-ROSA

Wien

Wien besitzt viele traumhafte Plätze. Und jetzt kommt’s: Auf wohl jedem funkelt ein anderer Weihnachtsmarkt und lockt mit dem Duft von Zimt, Punsch und lauter süßen Spezialitäten! Überall erklingt Weihnachtsmusik, und traditionelles Kunsthandwerk verführt zum Shoppen vor imperialer Kulisse. Und zwischen all der quirligen Vorfreude: Zeit, sich einfach mal treiben zu lassen. In erholsamen Stunden an Bord, in denen die Donau in festlicher Ruhe durch ihr Tal fließt. Flankiert von großartigen Winterlandschaften, erhabenen Klöstern und Ritterburgen. Es war einmal ... wie im Märchen.

A-ROSA Kreuzfahrten nach Bratislava

Bratislava

Direkt am Dreiländereck mit Österreich und Ungarn, an der südwestlichen Grenze der Slowakei, liegt die Hauptstadt Bratislava, größte Stadt des Landes. Die Spuren der österreichisch-ungarischen Doppelmonarchie sind in der Altstadt allgegenwärtig. Ein gemächliches Leben zwischen Barock und Rokoko, Palais und Palisaden, Kunst und Kaffeehäusern. Genießen Sie Ihren Tag individuell im weihnachtlichen Bratislava.

Weihnachten in Linz

Linz

Bei Ihrer Kreuzfahrt auf der Donau können Sie die österreichische Großstadt Linz kennenlernen. Hier prickelt es nur so vor Kultur und wahren Kunstschätzen. Zur Weihnachtszeit überzeugt Linz vor allem mit seinem vielseitigen Angebot auf den Weihnachtsmärkten. Auf dem Christkindlmarkt auf Weihnachten einstimmen - einfach herrlich!

Itinerary

Map: Danube Christmas 2025
Map: Danube Christmas 2025

Passau is the departure point for your exciting Danube cruise. A university city, it combines old-town charm and ecclesiastical history with a young, modern vibe. As the ship departs, enjoy the thrill of heading off along the Danube for the first time – and look forward to your cruise, with its many experiences, picturesque natural scenery and magnificent towns and cities. Welcome aboard!

Passau im Winter

Wachau

You are about to enjoy a real treat for the senses as you experience the Wachau up close. You will be mesmerised by the famous Danube valley between Melk and Krems. Taking in this fascinating river landscape as you stand on the sun deck of one of the A-ROSA Danube fleet is a once-in-a-lifetime experience. It is no wonder that the Wachau is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. This really is an absolute must-see.

Donaukreuzfahrten durch die Wachau

Vienna

Arr 05:00 pm

This is a real highlight of your Danube cruise: Vienna, the capital of Austria with that extra-special something. The locals sound as though they are singing when they speak, and it is customary for certain business owners to address their regular customers with their full title. That’s just the way things are done here. With its wealth of museums, galleries, palaces and castles, plus the state opera and many theatres, the city enjoys a lively cultural scene all year-round. The Viennese are proud of their city – and rightly so!

Weihnachtsmarkt in Wien

Trips

Built according to plans of architect Otto Thienemann in the style of Palladian Classicism, the Palais Eschenbach was opened in 1872 by Emperor Franz Joseph I. Here you enjoy the concert of the Vienna Supreme Orchestra. The entire house is still preserved inside and outside in its original substance. The ballroom is the ceremonial room of the building due to its valuable wall and ceiling features.

price:

€ 79.00 per person

duration:

approx. 3.5 Hours

transport:

Bus and walking

level:

Easy

Hint:

Concert tickets only; transfer can be organised separately on board

Städtereise nach Wien mit A-ROSA genießen

Built according to plans of architect Otto Thienemann in the style of Palladian Classicism, the Palais Eschenbach was opened in 1872 by Emperor Franz Joseph I. Here you enjoy the concert of the Vienna Supreme Orchestra. The entire house is still preserved inside and outside in its original substance. The ballroom is the ceremonial room of the building due to its valuable wall and ceiling features.

price:

€ 65.00 per person

duration:

approx. 3.5 Hours

transport:

Bus and walking

level:

Easy

Hint:

Concert tickets only; transfer can be organised separately on board

Cocktailgenuss mit A-ROSA

This is a real highlight of your Danube cruise: Vienna, the capital of Austria with that extra-special something. The locals sound as though they are singing when they speak, and it is customary for certain business owners to address their regular customers with their full title. That’s just the way things are done here. With its wealth of museums, galleries, palaces and castles, plus the state opera and many theatres, the city enjoys a lively cultural scene all year-round. The Viennese are proud of their city – and rightly so!

Wien entdecken mit A-ROSA

Trips

On this tour, you will get to know Vienna's most historically significant sights. We will begin with a drive along the Ringstrasse with its magnificent buildings, such as the State Opera, the Museum of Art History and the Museum of Natural History, the Hofburg Palace, the Parliament Building, the city hall, the university, the stock exchange and past numerous palaces and monuments to famous composers, poets and artists. We will then continue to travel along the Prater with its famous Ferris Wheel to St. Charles's Church and the Viennese Music Association. One of Vienna’s landmarks can only be reached by foot due to its location – St. Stephen's Cathedral. After a brief tour of the outside, you will be taken back to your cruise ship.

price:

€ 59.00 per person

duration:

approx. 3.5 Hours

transport:

Bus and walking

level:

Moderate

Flussreise Wien

Bratislava, home to approximately 450,000 inhabitants and located on the left bank of the Danube, is a young capital city – the youngest in Europe, in fact. Throughout the old town, you’ll see traces of the Austro-Hungarian Empire wherever you go. This leisurely city of baroque and rococo, palaces and palisades, and art and coffee houses is a perfect place to wander around, marvel at impressive sights, relax and unwind.

Weihnachtsmarkt in Bratislava

Trips

Taking you directly to the most beautiful view, the Bratislava City Express will deliver you to the Bratislavský Hrad (Bratislava Castle). From the 85-metre-high plateau, you can see far over the Danube. The city owes its name to Duke Wratislaw, who built the complex in the middle of the 17th century. Maria Theresia decided to reconstruct the castle a century later as you'll see on your visit today. After the castle, you will explore the historical centre with its Renaissance houses and baroque palaces by foot.

price:

€ 39.00 per person

duration:

approx. 2 Hours

transport:

City Express and walking

level:

Moderate

Bratislava Städtedtrip mit A-ROSA

Dürnstein is one of the most famous tourist destinations along the Austrian Danube. Experience how the beauty of the wine terraces meets the tradition of medieval architecture. The English King Richard the Lionheart was imprisoned in the ruins of Dürnstein Castle in the 12th century - a destination not be missed. 

Dürnstein

Trips

The alleys of Dürnstein’s historic centre are cosy and car-free. Your relaxed stroll leads you to the Collegiate Church with its blue and white spire. With its colourful painting, the precious reliefs and the four obelisks, it is one of the most beautiful baroque towers in Austria. The English King Richard the Lionheart is inseparably connected with the history of Dürnstein. He was imprisoned in the castle of Dürnstein before he was released for a ransom. The ruins of the former Kuenringer castle lie above the town and dominate the image of the little town.

price:

€ 29.00 per person

duration:

approx. 2 Hours

transport:

walking

level:

Moderate

Dürnstein

Dürnstein

Dep 10:00 am

Dürnstein is one of the most famous tourist destinations along the Austrian Danube. Experience how the beauty of the wine terraces meets the tradition of medieval architecture. The English King Richard the Lionheart was imprisoned in the ruins of Dürnstein Castle in the 12th century - a destination not be missed. 

A-ROSA Donau Wellness Panoramasauna

Melk

Arr 01:00 pm Dep 08:00 pm

"Gateway to the Wachau": Step into the UNESCO World Heritage Site and admire the Danube valley from above. The town of Melk with its impressive Benedictine monastery sits majestically enthroned on a hill and offers you a breathtaking view. A perfect blend between city and nature.

Melk im Herbst

Trips

The Benedictine Abbey Melk is not only the landmark of the Wachau, but also one of faith and Austrian history. Since its founding in 1089, it has been continuously inhabited by Benedictine monks. It is regarded as a masterpiece of fusion of art, culture and nature, of faith and science. Enjoy a wonderful view of the Wachau from the 60-metre-high Melk Abbey, before taking a look at the imposing interior with its many baroque rooms.

price:

€ 79.00 per person

duration:

approx. 2 Hours

transport:

Bus and walking

level:

Moderate

Melk entdecken mit A-ROSA

Your Danube cruise is the perfect opportunity to get to know the Austrian city of Linz. It offers an exciting mix of cultural attractions and true works of art. You’ll discover a modern, cosmopolitan city whose diversity, design and creativity really make it stand out. And no visit to Linz would be complete without a trip to a cafe to sample its specialities, such as the famous Linzer Torte.

Weihnachten in Linz

Trips

Linz has a long history. The capital of Upper Austria with its approx. 200,000 inhabitants is first mentioned in the second century as a Roman Lentia. The main square is surrounded by houses with baroque facades and beautiful Renaissance courtyards. Discover the town hall from the 15th century and the Feichtingerhaus from the 18th century. On your walk through Linz you will see the grand official Landhaus in Renaissance style as well as the Mozarthaus. The Old Cathedral, which was the Diocese of Linz' until 1909, was the work of the famous organist Anton Bruckner. Linz was the European Capital of Culture in 2009 - let yourself be inspired by this vibrant city.

price:

€ 29.00 per person

duration:

approx. 1.5 Hours

transport:

walking

level:

Moderate

Kreuzfahrten nach Linz

Passau is the departure point for your exciting Danube cruise. A university city, it combines old-town charm and ecclesiastical history with a young, modern vibe. As the ship departs, enjoy the thrill of heading off along the Danube for the first time – and look forward to your cruise, with its many experiences, picturesque natural scenery and magnificent towns and cities. Welcome aboard!

Weihnachten mit A-ROSA

A-ROSA Premium all inclusive

Enjoy your most beautiful time with maximum comfort and with the all-round carefree package: A-ROSA Premium all inclusive.

Your desired cabin? Voilà! Sauna, fitness area, pool? Always at your service! Top culinary menus? Enjoy your meal! Attractive discounts on all massage and beauty treatments? Of course! Plus many other benefits that will always put a smile on your face, while you have nothing to do but think about your next wish.

  • Full BoardPlus: Comprehensive breakfast, lunch and dinner buffets with live-cooking stations, embarkation snack, as well as daily tea and coffee time
  • Tea, coffee and coffee specialities, water, soft drinks, beer, prosecco, as well as a selection of wines included throughout the day
  • A-ROSA Best Price until 31 July 2024, Super Early Booking Discounts for bookings made until 30 November 2024 and Early Booking Discounts for bookings made until 28 February 2025 for cruises from March – October 2025 and bookings made until 31 August 2025 for cruises from November 2025 until January 2026.
  • Kids up to 15 years of age cruise for free on deck 1¹
  • One free change of reservation up to 30 days before departure
  • Comprehensive service concept with Guest Relations Management
  • Varied onboard entertainment for cruises of 7 nights or more with local performers
  • Room service in every cabin grade (during bar hours)²
  • A-ROSA App with information about your cruise
  • Special prices for additional services on board, e.g. SPA treatments, workshops³
  • Free e-bikes for independent exploration, subject to availability⁴
  • English-speaking travel and hotel management
  • Transfer between airport or TGV train station and ship when arrival is booked through A-ROSA⁵
  • Toiletries as well as bathrobes on request
  • Ship transfers


¹ Children up to and including 15 years of age travel free of charge when accompanied by at least one (two in Cat. G) supervising adult on Deck 1. From Deck 2 children receive a 30 % discount. Furthermore, children up to 7 years of age accompanied by 2 supervising adults can use a sofa bed free of charge on the A-ROSA SENA in categories B - D. On the A-ROSA ALVA, A-ROSA ALEA & A-ROSA CLEA children accompanied by at least one supervising adult receive a 30 % discount. The children’s discount is only valid for the cruise itself. Limited availabilities on all cruises.
² Drinks only, according to the room service menu. Except A-ROSA ALVA, A-ROSA ALEA and A-ROSA CLEA
³ Except A-ROSA ALEA and A-ROSA CLEA
⁴ A-ROSA ALVA, A-ROSA ALEA & A-ROSA CLEA: E-bike rental not available.
⁵ If a flight or TGV booking is made through A-ROSA, the transfer is included. You will receive the relevant details with your travel information.

PLEASE NOTE: Transfer between railway station and ship on the Danube & Rhine can be booked for an additional fee.

A-ROSA Early Booking Price for bookings made until 30 November 2024 for selected 2025 cruises. Also applies for bookings made until 28 February 2025 for cruises from March – October 2025 and bookings made until 31 August 2025 for cruises from November 2025 until January 2026.

Choose exactly the cabin you like. If available, we will book your desired cabin with cabin number.

Dates & Prices

Spacious and comfortable outside cabin. Elegant design and first-class materials ensure an atmosphere of well-being. Cabin facilities: safe, air-conditioning, TV, hair dryer, bathroom with shower and toilet, sauna towel, wool blanket, telephone, bathrobe.

A-Rosa Silva Kabine S

Spacious and comfortable outside cabin. Elegant design and first-class materials ensure an atmosphere of well-being. Cabin facilities: safe, air-conditioning, TV, hair dryer, bathroom with shower and toilet, sauna towel, wool blanket, telephone, bathrobe.

A-Rosa Silva Kabine A

Spacious and comfortable outside cabin with Juliette balcony. Elegant design and first-class materials ensure an atmosphere of well-being. Cabin facilities: safe, air-conditioning, TV, hair dryer, bathroom with shower and toilet, sauna towel, wool blanket, telephone, bathrobe.

A-Rosa Silva Kabine C

Spacious and comfortable outside cabin with Juliette balcony. Elegant design and first-class materials ensure an atmosphere of well-being. Cabin facilities: safe, air-conditioning, TV, hair dryer, bathroom with shower and toilet, sauna towel, wool blanket, telephone, bathrobe.

A-Rosa Silva Kabine C

Generously sizes and comfortable family cabins with two extra beds. Elegant design and first-class materials ensure an atmosphere of well-being. Cabin facilities: safe, air-conditioning, TV, hair dryer, bathroom with shower and toilet, sauna towel, wool blanket, telephone, bathrobe.

A-ROSA Donau Familienkabine

Generously sized Junior Suite with Juliette balcony, sofa, spacious bathroom and walk-in closet. Elegant design and first-class materials ensure an atmosphere of well-being. Additional services: check-in and personal welcome from 12.00 h, Suite cocktail with the hotel manager, room service, free use of the mini bar, fresh flowers and fruit, laundry and ironing service, butler service.

2-bed junior suite E, A-ROSA FLORA

Generously sized Balcony Suite with balcony, sofa, bathroom with daylight and walk-in closet. Elegant design and first-class materials ensure an atmosphere of well-being. Additional services: check-in and personal welcome from 12.00 h, Suite cocktail with the hotel manager, room service, free use of the mini bar, fresh flowers and fruit, laundry and ironing service, butler service.

A-Rosa Silva Suite

Spacious and comfortable outside cabin. Elegant design and first-class materials ensure an atmosphere of well-being. Cabin facilities: safe, air-conditioning, TV, hair dryer, bathroom with shower and toilet, sauna towel, wool blanket, telephone, bathrobe.

A-Rosa Silva Kabine S

Spacious and comfortable outside cabin. Elegant design and first-class materials ensure an atmosphere of well-being. Cabin facilities: safe, air-conditioning, TV, hair dryer, bathroom with shower and toilet, sauna towel, wool blanket, telephone, bathrobe.

A-Rosa Silva Kabine A

Spacious and comfortable outside cabin with Juliette balcony. Elegant design and first-class materials ensure an atmosphere of well-being. Cabin facilities: safe, air-conditioning, TV, hair dryer, bathroom with shower and toilet, sauna towel, wool blanket, telephone, bathrobe.

A-Rosa Silva Kabine C

Spacious and comfortable outside cabin with Juliette balcony. Elegant design and first-class materials ensure an atmosphere of well-being. Cabin facilities: safe, air-conditioning, TV, hair dryer, bathroom with shower and toilet, sauna towel, wool blanket, telephone, bathrobe.

A-Rosa Silva Kabine C

Generously sizes and comfortable family cabins with two extra beds. Elegant design and first-class materials ensure an atmosphere of well-being. Cabin facilities: safe, air-conditioning, TV, hair dryer, bathroom with shower and toilet, sauna towel, wool blanket, telephone, bathrobe.

A-ROSA Donau Familienkabine

Generously sized Junior Suite with Juliette balcony, sofa, spacious bathroom and walk-in closet. Elegant design and first-class materials ensure an atmosphere of well-being. Additional services: check-in and personal welcome from 12.00 h, Suite cocktail with the hotel manager, room service, free use of the mini bar, fresh flowers and fruit, laundry and ironing service, butler service.

2-bed junior suite E, A-ROSA FLORA

Generously sized Balcony Suite with balcony, sofa, bathroom with daylight and walk-in closet. Elegant design and first-class materials ensure an atmosphere of well-being. Additional services: check-in and personal welcome from 12.00 h, Suite cocktail with the hotel manager, room service, free use of the mini bar, fresh flowers and fruit, laundry and ironing service, butler service.

A-Rosa Silva Suite

Arrival & hotel

You want a relaxed arrival and departure? Then choose one of these hotels! Your advantage: You arrive already one or two days before disembarkation and can consciously look forward to the journey with A-ROSA. Or you can let your vacation come to an end in a very juicy way before you start your journey home. All hotels are personally and carefully selected by us to round off your vacation.

The hotel is located in the ‘Innstadt‘, which is part of the newly developed district ‘InnViertel‘ of Passau. The hotel offers two and three-room appartments. You can reach within walking distance (approx. 10 minutes) the pedestrian area and the old town with the university and Stephen’s cathedral. A parking lot in the underground car park can be booked additionally for a surcharge per night. Each appartments is equipped with the following facilities: air conditioning, free Wi-Fi, flatscreen TV, safe, kitchenette, spacious bathroom with underfloor heating, towel dryer, shower (some rooms with a bathtub), hairdryer, make-up mirror, toilet. The hotel has also a lift.

Included services
Overnight stay incl. breakfast, extended stay possible

Appartementhotel Rivers

Double occupancy

€ 108 pp

Single occupancy on request

Size ca.

63 qm

for up to 2 persons

Double occupancy

€ 118 pp

3-person occupancy

€ 98 pp

4-person occupancy

€ 88 pp

Size ca.

73 qm

with 2 bedrooms

for up to 4 persons

This modern hotel in Passau is located in quiet green surroundings just 200 m from the Danube and 500 m from the town centre on the other side of the river. Enjoy a complimentary drink on arrival in the light-filled lobby, by the palms on the terrace or in your comfortable hotel room. The hotel bar is open in the evenings. Alternatively, you can enjoy complete relaxation in the spa, which offers a Finnish sauna, a steam room, a whirlpool and an infrared sauna. Free Internet access and a bottle of mineral water are available in each room. For luggage and passenger transfers to / from the A-ROSA transfer in Passau (distance from / to hotel approx. 1–2 km) we recommend a taxi.

Included services
Overnight stay incl. breakfast, extended stay possible

Hotel Atrium Garni

Double occupancy

€ 88 pp

Single occupancy

€ 128 pp

Double occupancy

€ 108 pp

Single occupancy

€ 138 pp

Double occupancy

€ 118 pp

Single occupancy

€ 158 pp

Triple occupancy

€ 88 pp

Located in a historical building dating back to the 14th century, Hotel Passauer Wolf has a very special atmosphere. Yet the hotel also meets state-of-the-art standards from extensive refurbishment in 2009. The fantastic location in the middle of the old town, right between the cathedral and the pedestrian zone, makes the hotel a perfect starting point for sightseeing and shopping. Enjoy your complimentary welcome drink at the bar or in your comfortably furnished room. Then relax in the hotel spa’s whirlpool and sauna. Use of the spa is included in the booking price. Free Internet access and a bottle of mineral water are available in each room. For luggage and passenger transfers to / from the A-ROSA transfer in Passau (distance from / to hotel approx. 1–2 km) we recommend a taxi.

Included services
Overnight stay incl. breakfast, extended stay possible

Hotel Passauer Wolf Garni

Double occupancy

€ 88 pp

Single occupancy

€ 128 pp

Double occupancy

€ 108 pp

Single occupancy

€ 138 pp

Double occupancy

€ 128 pp

Single occupancy

€ 158 pp

3-person occupancy

€ 98 pp

Hotel Residenz stands out with one of Passau’s top locations: right by the Danube, in the heart of Passau’s old town. All attractions are within easy walking distance. Rooms are modern and comfortable, the “Comfort” category and above have air conditioning. The hotel has five exclusive Suites or Junior Suites that are designed very differently. For prices and availability, please enquire when making your reservation. Soak up the hotel’s calm atmosphere by either relaxing in the small but comfortable sauna or listening to classical music with a glass of wine in the hotel’s very well-stocked library.

Included services
Overnight stay incl. breakfast, extended stay possible

Hotel Residenz Garni 2025

Double occupancy

€ 88 pp

SUN - THU

Double occupancy

€ 108 pp

FRI - SAT

Double occupancy

€ 98 pp

Double occupancy

€ 108 pp

FRI - SAT

Single occupancy

€ 128 pp

SUN - THU

Double occupancy

€ 108 pp

FRI - SAT

Double occupancy

€ 118 pp

SUN - THU

The Hotel Spitzberg is ideally located just 500 metres from the main railway station and the centre of Passau. The historic part of the house was built in the 19th century and has rooms with art nouveau stucco ceilings. In 2010, the hotel was reopened with completely new furnishings, new bathrooms, new reception, hotel bar and breakfast room to 4-star standard. The rooms are equipped with bathtub or shower/WC, satellite TV, minibar, safe and free WLAN.

Included services
Overnight stay incl. breakfast, extended stay possible

Aussenansicht Spitzbergam Tag

Double occupancy

€ 88 pp

Single occupancy

€ 128 pp

Double occupancy

€ 98 pp

Single occupancy

€ 138 pp

Double occupancy

€ 108 pp

Single occupancy

€ 158 pp

Triple occupancy

€ 88 pp

Hotel Wesenufer is located right by the Danube in Wesenufer, which is near Engelhartszell (7 km) and Waldkirchen am Wesen (4 km). The nearest train station is Passau (37 km). The hotel building itself is more than 300 years old and was carefully renovated in 2008 and 2013. All rooms feature a modern interior design to make you feel at ease. The rooms – some of which have a balcony or terrace looking on to the Danube – are equipped with a flatscreen TV, free Wi-Fi, a phone, a safe, a minibar and a bathroom with a shower, toilet and hairdryer. The hotel also has three wheelchair-accessible rooms. Enjoy the view of the Danube from your terrace, the seasonal and regional meals in the Schloss restaurant, and the sauna and steam bath in the spa. Free parking is available on request. Guest and luggage transfer to and from the ship is available for a fee payable at the hotel. When booking, please inform the hotel of your requirements.

Note: Check-in on Sunday is only possible until 17:00. The restaurant is closed on Sunday evening.

Included services
Overnight stay incl. breakfast, extended stay possible

Hotelzimmer Wesenufer

Double occupancy

€ 98 pp

Single occupancy

€ 128 pp

Double occupancy

€ 108 pp

Single occupancy

€ 138 pp

Double occupancy

€ 128 pp

Single occupancy

€ 158 pp

Ships on this cruise

A-ROSA FLORA

A-ROSA FLORA