riverboat cruise passau

River cruises from Passau

Entdecken Sie unsere Donau-Kreuzfahrten

Experience our danube river cruises.

Kommen Sie an Bord der  A-ROSA Kreuzfahrtschiffe  und entdecken Sie die Donau ab Passau. Sie erreichen Metropolen wie Wien oder Budapest ganz bequem vom Fluss aus. 

Ihre aufregende Donau-Kreuzfahrt mit der  A-ROSA BELLA ,  A-ROSA DONNA ,  A-ROSA MIA ,  A-ROSA RIVA  und  A-ROSA FLORA  startet in Engelhartszell (Passau), eine kleine Gemeinde in Oberösterreich nahe der deutsch-österreichischen Grenze, in welcher sich der A-ROSA Anleger befindet. Sie reisen bis nach Passau an und wir bringen Sie mit einem Transfer direkt zu Ihrem Schiff. Von dort aus kann Ihre erlebnisreiche Flusskreuzfahrt beginnen.

Step on board the A-ROSA cruise ships and discover the Danube from Passau. You can visit the metropolises along the Danube such as Budapest or Vienna . 

Your exciting river cruise with the A-ROSA BELLA, A-ROSA DONNA, A-ROSA MIA, A-ROSA RIVA and A-ROSA FLORA starts in Passau / Engelhartszell. Engelhartszell is a small city in Upper Austria near the German-Austrian border, the A-ROSA pier is located here. You will travel to Passau and our transfer will take you directly to your ship. Here we will set of  for your eventful river cruise.

We recommend arriving one day before your river cruise for a relaxed arrival. For example, spend the night in one of our partner hotels. This will give you the opportunity to get to know the region around Passau better. The Three Rivers City with its charming baroque style is definitely worth a visit. 

City trips along the Danube

Von passau bis ins donau-delta, discover the unique danube-region.

Genießen Sie Ihre Flusskreuzfahrt auf der Donau, einen der längsten Flüsse Europas, der durch insgesamt zehn Länder fließt – so viele wie kein anderer Fluss. Bei einer Donaukreuzfahrt können Sie abwechslungsreiche Städte und Landschaften erleben. Neben großen Metropolen wie Wien oder Budapest, bietet die Donau auch Naturhighlights. Jede Region, die die Donau durchfließt, hat ihr eigenes charakteristisches Flair, das sich nicht nur in den Häfen und Städten zeigt, sondern auch in der umliegenden Landschaft. Die schönsten Naturschauspiele bieten dabei die Schlögener Schlinge, die Katarakten sowie das Donau Delta, an deren Ufer steile und ursprüngliche Felsformationen zu entdecken sind. 

There’s nothing like a river cruise on the Danube. One of Europes longest rivers, it flows through a total of ten countries – more than any other river. As you drift along, you’ll experience a wide range of different cities and landscapes, grand metropolises such as Vienna and Budapest as well as many natural highlights. Every region through which the Danube passes has its own unique atmosphere, it appears not only in the ports and cities but also in the surrounding countryside. The most beautiful natural areas include the Danube Loop, the Iron Gates gorge and the Danube Delta, with its steep cliffs and primeval rock formations. Each of the towns and cities along the Danube also has its own distinctive charm. As the ship enters the various harbours, you can marvel at very different skylines - from historical to modern, the cities combine various architectural styles. Discover the diversity of this great river and the surrounding regions on a Danube cruise. It’s an experience the whole family will enjoy.

Danube Mini Cruise Cities & Nature 2024

From Engelhartszell (Passau) to Wachau, Vienna, Bratislava and Linz to Engelhartszell (Passau).

from  € 599  pp

Danube Christmas Markets 2024

From Engelhartszell (Passau) to Vienna, Bratislava and Linz to Engelhartszell (Passau).

from  € 1,105  pp

Danube Christmas 2024

From Engelhartszell (Passau) to Bratislava, Vienna and Melk to Engelhartszell (Passau).

from  € 1,719  pp

Danube Christmas Dream 2024

From Engelhartszell (Passau) to Dürnstein, Vienna, Bratislava and Melk to Engelhartszell (Passau).

River cruises from Passau in 2025

Danube Mini Cruise 2025

From Passau to Wachau, Vienna, Melk, Ybbs and Linz to Passau.

from  € 498  pp

Danube Discovery 2025

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

from  € 798  pp

Danube Classics 2025

From Passau to Wachau, Vienna, Esztergom, Budapest, Bratislava, Krems and Melk to Passau.

from  € 998  pp

Danube City Panorama 2025

From Passau to Wachau, Tulln, Bratislava, Budapest, Esztergom, Vienna and Linz to Passau.

from  € 1,648  pp

Danube Intensive 2025

From Passau to Wachau, Vienna, Budapest, Kalocsa, Mohács, Vukovar, Belgrade, Cataracts, Novi Sad, Ilok, Cruising Day, Bratislava and Melk to Passau.

from  € 2,998  pp

The best sights and destinations in Budapest

FISHERMEN’S BASTION OF BUDAPEST

High up on the castle hill, where the fish market was situated in the Middle Ages, the Fishermen’s Bastion of Budapest towers over the city. The building owes its name to the fisherman’s guild for which the Bastion was built. In the Middle Ages, this guild was supposed to defend that part of the city wall. With its conical towers, the building is a real eye-catcher. Today, it’s a wonderful place to take in a view of the Danube and the district of Pest. The monument was built between 1895 and 1902.

SCHÖNBRUNN PALACE VIENNA

Schönbrunn Palace - The residence of the famous Empress Sisi has not only historical significance, but also a magnificent location and an opulent interior. Leopold I had had it built as a hunting lodge in the late 17th century. Half a century later, Maria Theresa had it expanded into a true Baroque palace. The living spaces of Sisi and Emperor Franz Joseph I, which have been preserved in their entirety, are particularly impressive. The adjoining palace garden, the palace theatre, the Viennese Neptune Fountain and the zoological garden are also worth a visit.

Bratislava Castle

Bratislava Castle - The ‘Bratislava City Express’ takes you to Bratisavský Hrad – or Bratislava Castle – the landmark of Bratislava. Enjoy a sweeping view over the Danube from the 85-metre-high cliff. The city owes its name to its commissioner Count Wratislaw, who had the site built in the middle of the 17th century. A century later, Maria Theresa decided to renovate it for representational purposes. Did you know that the castle also features as the design on Slovak euro coins?

Prater Vienna

The Prater and the Ferris wheel - The Prater invites you to take a relaxed walk in the river landscape of the Danube. The spacious area is made up of idyllic meadows and forests. You will find the Wiener Riesenrad, a Ferris wheel, in the north-western part of the Prater. Enjoy Vienna from above and treat yourself and your nearest and dearest to a romantic evening dinner in one of the Ferris wheel’s luxurious gondolas. Every quarter of an hour, you will be served with new delicacies on ground level before you are lifted into the air again. Perfect for wedding days, those newly in love or happy couples.

IF YOU HAVE ANY QUESTION JUST CALL US:

+1 833 YES VIVA (+1 833 937 8482) 

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River cruises from Passau

The perfect starting point to explore the danube.

Passau is the ideal starting point for a river cruise on the Danube. Its location on the border with Austria makes it just a stone's throw from here to Germany's southern neighbors. On a Danube cruise from Passau to Budapest, you will cross three countries and get to know some of the most beautiful and historic cities and landscapes in Central Europe. Experience stunning architecture from different centuries in Budapest and Vienna. Immerse yourself in the wonderful world of Baroque in the historic center of Passau and Melk Abbey. And admire the excellently preserved medieval architecture of Regensburg. But the many smaller towns on the banks of the Danube are also worth a visit. Moreover, the Danube is not only the second longest river in Europe, but also one of the most beautiful. Vineyards, orchards, grain fields and floodplain landscapes alternate here, so there is something new to discover on every part of the river. Last but not least, the Danube is also the perfect river for all lovers of fine food and drink. The sweet and savory specialties of Bavaria, Austria and Hungary are among the most popular dishes in all of Europe. On Danube cruises, beer drinkers and wine lovers alike get their money's worth.

• Aarrival and departure

City Highlights

The oldest city in the Netherlands exudes authentic Dutch flair with its gabled houses, small cheese shops and delicacies on the Grote Markt. Yesterday and today go hand in hand in the narrow streets. A visit to the Gothic Sint-Stevenskerk, including its crypt, and a stroll down Lange Hezelstraat shopping street should therefore be on your sightseeing itinerary. A freshly baked kibbeling in the wintry Kronenburgerpark is the perfect place to recover afterwards.

You should definitely take advantage of the stopover in Utrecht to see this beautiful Dutch city at your leisure. Whether you visit the famous Central Museum of Ancient and Modern Art or prefer to discover the provincial capital from the water on a relaxing canal cruise, you'll be amazed by the historic architecture and the many lovingly restored houses. The city's symbol, the 112-meter-high Utrecht Cathedral, towers majestically above the city center. Built between 1321 and 1382, it is the oldest and tallest church tower in the Netherlands. If you climb the 465 steps, you will be rewarded with a fantastic view. If you prefer a more leisurely pace, take a pleasant stroll through the alleys and typical Dutch courtyards that Utrecht is known for. Or how about a visit to the colorful flower market? Utrecht is always worth a visit.

The port city of Rotterdam is located in the Netherlands and is one of the most interesting places in the world. Modern architecture plays a major role here. The impressive sights include the horseshoe-shaped market hall with its huge range of goods and colorful crowds. Historic ships can be admired in the old harbor with the striking white house. The Witte de With street is a great place to stroll, store and party. The futuristic-looking central station, the Tüte, also invites pub crawls and shopping.

Emmerich is located on the Rhine in North Rhine-Westphalia and has a beautiful Rhine bridge and the Eltenberg, the local mountain. There is also a Rhine promenade for walking. If you want to learn more about the art of coffee, you can visit the Museum of Coffee Technology, which is famous in the town of Emmrich. Nearby is the town of Kleve, which is also well worth a visit with its swan castle, zoo and historic gardens.

Maastricht is a university city in the extreme south of the Netherlands. The city is characterized by its medieval architecture and vibrant cultural scene. In the cobbled old town you will find the Gothic St. John's Church  and the Romanesque St. Servatius Basilica with an important collection of sacred art. On the banks of the Meuse River, which flows through the city center, stands the futuristic Bonnefanten Museum of Fine Arts.

Nearby Roermond is the city of Venlo, which, with 101,984 residents, has almost twice the population of its neighboring city. The small stores in the center are perfect for a day of shopping. If you are looking for art and culture, you should visit the Limburgs Museum, which tells a lot about the Limburg people and culture. Another point of reference is the Oude Markt in the center of Venlo, where you can find many restaurants, which are especially recommended if you are in the mood for a delicious wine in sunny Holland. 

Description and information on river cruises in the Netherlands

This river cruise through the Netherlands and Belgium will take you to three of the largest metropolises in the two Benelux countries. From Düsseldorf you will first travel downstream to Amsterdam. The charm of Holland's largest city lies in its unique ring of canals, which is also a UNESCO World Heritage Site because of its historical significance. Discover the city's many narrow and crooked historic buildings by the water on a walk, bike ride or boat tour. From Amsterdam, travel on to Antwerp. Flanders' bustling metropolis combines history and modernity more harmoniously than almost any other city in Europe. Centuries-old buildings such as the Church of Our Lady, the Castle of Steen and the beautiful houses on the Grote Markt are combined here with many examples of modern architecture, such as the Museum aan het Stroom. Here, old Flemish masters meet a very lively contemporary art scene in the city's art museums. And don't forget to sample one of the hundreds of beers in Antwerp. Your river cruise through the Netherlands and Belgium ends in modern Rotterdam. At the mouth of the Rhine River in the North Sea, you will not only experience Europe's largest port, but also ultra-modern architecture and a very interesting gastronomic offer.

On this river cruise from Düsseldorf, you will be introduced to Belgium's two largest and most famous cities, Antwerp and Brussels. The first stop on the river cruise is Antwerp, where history and modernity meet in concentrated form. With the Church of Our Lady, the Castle of Stone, the houses on the Grote Markt and numerous other magnificent buildings, the old town of the Flemish metropolis is one of the most beautiful historic centers in Europe. Antwerp is one of the most dynamic metropolises in Western Europe, where time has not stood still. Europe's second largest port, the world's largest diamond trading center and a vibrant art and fashion scene make Antwerp a hotspot of modernity. The journey continues to Brussels - the capital of both Belgium and Europe. Brussels also has a beautifully preserved historic center, with the magnificent Grand Place and medieval town hall at its heart. A visit to Brussels includes a tour of the most important European political institutions. And of course, don't miss the chance to taste a chocolate or two at one of Brussels' world-famous chocolatiers. On the way back to Düsseldorf you will visit Nijmegen, the oldest city in the Netherlands. The gabled houses and small stores exude a very special Dutch charm.

On this river cruise through the Netherlands, immerse yourself in some of the country's oldest and most beautiful cities. The first stop on the cruise is Nijmegen, the oldest city in the country. The main sights of Nijmegen are the Stevenskerk and the market square with the Boterwaag, the Sint-Stevenspoortje and numerous beautiful mansions. From Nijmegen you drive across the Meuse River to Maastricht, the southernmost city in the Netherlands. Maastricht is not only known for its beautifully preserved city center with the Romanesque Saint Servatius Basilica and Gothic Saint John's Church, but is also popular for its southern flair. Downstream on the Meuse, the trip continues through Roermond, with its many boutiques and quaint cafes, to Venlo, where you must have seen the Old Town Hall and the Limburgs Museum. Children will love spending their day in Venlo at Toverland amusement park or Klein Zwitserland play park. Via the old fortified town of Gorinchem, continue your river cruise to Dordrecht - one of the oldest cities in Holland - which, with its many waterways, exudes the typical charm of the country. Visit the Grote Kerk, the acclaimed collection of paintings in the Dordrecht Museum and the Augustinian monastery Het Hof. Your journey across the Rhine and Meuse rivers ends in Arnhem, which is best known as a museum town. Here you can choose from the wine museum, the water museum and the open-air museum.

This river cruise through the Netherlands and Belgium is a voyage of discovery to some of the most beautiful cities in the two Benelux countries. From Düsseldorf you will travel to Amsterdam, where you can enjoy the unique charm of Holland's largest city along the canals. The mix of dozens of small canals, hundreds of bridges and countless leaning houses is what makes Amsterdam such a special city. Amsterdam's art and shopping scene are also among the best in Europe. Then you will be introduced to Hoorn, a typical Dutch coastal town on the shores of the IJsselmeer. In this enchanting port city, you'll breathe in the flair of the Golden Age and experience maritime history at every turn. Set off from Hoorn on a sailboat or take a trip on a steam train. From Hoorn travel on to Rotterdam, Holland's largest port city, where you can also experience Europe's largest port. A boat trip along the miles of quays is a very special experience. The next port of call is Ghent. In the Flemish university city, you will hardly be able to decide what to do first: a visit to the imposing Castle of the Counts, the majestic Saint Bavo Cathedral or the picturesque Belfry. Or would you rather stroll along the waterfront along Graslei and Korenlei? Ghent's medieval city center is without a doubt one of the most beautiful old towns in Europe. During your next stop in Antwerp, you can also visit numerous medieval sights. However, Antwerp is also a vibrant modern city with an extremely lively fashion and art scene. Your river cruise through the Netherlands and Belgium ends in Nijmegen, the oldest city in the Netherlands.

The starting point for a river cruise to the Netherlands is the state capital Düsseldorf in North Rhine-Westphalia. Thanks to its excellent connections to the freeway network, major airport and important train station, Düsseldorf is easy to reach from all over Germany. The team at VIVA Cruises is happy to help all guests plan their trip to Düsseldorf.

VIVA All-Inclusive: only the best for you

With VIVA Cruises, all-inclusive means you can relax and enjoy yourself. Your physical well-being is taken care of with selected meals and drinks. In addition, we offer you relaxing care products. And if you need a good connection, use our WLAN. For otherwise good connections - especially with our on-board staff - the included gratuity takes care of that.

Welcome with a welcome champagne - for a wonderful stay on board

Full board with breakfast buffet, lunch, dinner (multi-course gourmet menus, served on site) and snacks with free table choice and flexible meals

Cold and hot high quality non-alcoholic drinks and a selected range of alcoholic beverages; see our bar menu.

High Tea: once per trip a selection sweet and savory treats such as scones, sandwiches, cupcakes, chocolates and macarons. Various teas are also offered to match.

Daily freshly filled minibar and reusable water bottle in the cabin

Selected beauty products from RITUALS

Free WiFi on board - for undisturbed reception

Tips for the whole crew

The right excursions for your river cruise

The guests aboard our top floating hotels are all different. That's why we develop an equally diverse excursion program for each of our fascinating itineraries. Whether you are an epicurean, a nature lover or an art lover, our selection of experiences will open up new perspectives for you on every voyage.

Arrival and departure to your VIVA ship

On request, we are happy to organize your stress-free arrival and departure and transfers. Call us: +49 211 274 032 50 or send an e-mail to: [email protected]

Our berth in Amsterdam is usually located at  Port of Amsterdam, Ruyterkade Oost IJ RO1.  You will receive further information with your travel documents two weeks prior to your trip. 

If you are traveling to Amsterdam by your own car, we recommend the following parking garages nearby:

Piet Heingarage  Piet Heinkade 59  1019 GM Amsterdam  Piet Heingarage | Amsterdam

IJ-oever Centrum  Vriesseveem 9  1019 GM Amsterdam  IJ-oever Centrum | Amsterdam 

VIVA CRUISES CUSTOMER SERVICE

Do you have questions or want to book a trip? We are happy to help.

+49 (0) 211 274 032 50

Monday to Friday 9:00 a.m.-6:00 p.m.

[email protected]

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Passau River Cruises

Founded by the Celts over 2,000 years ago, Passau is one of Bavaria’s oldest cities. Known as the “City of Three Rivers,” it rests at the confluence of the Inn, Ilz and Danube rivers. The city has long enjoyed its strategic position and grew to great economic and political power because of it. The legacy of its past prosperity lives on in graceful arcades, colorful houses with rococo facades and the glorious baroque St. Stephen’s Cathedral, home to one of Europe’s largest pipe organs. Passau is also where two nations meet; it is here that the German-Austrian border begins.

Grand European Tour

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Romantic Danube

Danube Waltz

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NEW! Treasures of the Danube

Christmas on the Danube

Danube Christmas Delights

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2024-2027 RIVER CRUISE AND AIR FARES:  Offer applies to bookings made from December 1-31, 2024. Terms & conditions for select promotions may vary. $25 deposit is applicable to all River itineraries. Special fares plus up to FREE International airfare valid on select departures of Grand European Tour, Lyon Provence & the Rhineland, European Sojourn and Capitals of Eastern Europe, London, Paris & D-Day, Rhine & Main Explorer . Airfares may vary on other gateways & departures. Airfare does not have to be purchased to get cruise\cruisetour offer. All prices are in US dollars and for US residents only. Additional restrictions may apply. 2024 : Pay in full at time of booking. 2025 : Pay in full by January 31, 2025. 2026 : Pay in full by May 31, 2025. 2027 : Pay in full by January 15, 2026. Offers expires December 31, 2024.

$25 DEPOSIT:  For itineraries 35 days or less, a $25 deposit applies to May 2025 & onward departures; for itineraries greater than 35 days, a $25 deposit applies to July 2025 & onward departures; World Cruise products excluded; call for details.

AIR UPGRADE:  Upgrade to Premium Economy air from $799 per person or Business Class air from $3,499 per person based on select gateways and dates. Additional airline-imposed baggage charges may apply; for more information visit  Airline Luggage Restrictions  . Air prices are per person based on cruise/cruisetour check-in date and include transfers plus all government taxes/fees of approximately $160 and air fuel surcharges. Air seats are limited; airfares are subject to change and are not guaranteed until full payment of air is received. For more information about customized air services and US gateways, visit the Viking Air Plus page.

GENERAL RESTRICTIONS:  Cruise fares listed are cruise only in U.S. dollars, per person, based on double occupancy. Single supplement savings are off applicable rates. Cruise fares listed are valid for U.S. residents only. All fares and offers are for new bookings only and are subject to availability, may not combinable with other offers except Viking Explorer Society Travel Credits and Viking Referral Rewards, are capacity-controlled and may be withdrawn at any time without prior notice. Special fares are based upon published full brochure fares; cruise fares do not include pre-paid charges, optional facilities, and personal charges, as defined in the terms and conditions of the  Passenger Ticket Contract  which may be viewed elsewhere on this website. Full brochure fares may not have resulted in actual sales in all stateroom categories and may not have been in effect during the last 90 days. Promotional fares may remain in effect after the expiration date. Air promotion applies to roundtrip flights only from select Viking Cruises U.S. gateways and includes airport-to-ship or hotel transfers, air taxes and air fuel surcharges. Roundtrip airport transfers are included when air is purchased with a cruise or cruisetour package; if air is not purchased from Viking, transfers may be purchased separately. All transfers must be in conjunction with a Viking-purchased cruise, cruisetour, land extension or extra hotel nights. Viking reserves the right to correct errors or omissions and to change any and all fares at any time. For up-to-date prices, please call Viking or your Travel Agent. Additional terms and conditions may apply. Complete terms and conditions may be found in the  Passenger Ticket Contract .

AIR OFFER RESTRICTIONS:  Offer expires December 31, 2024.

NOTE: U.S. flights depart one day prior to check-in date. Paid Business or Premium Economy Class may require travel in economy on flights within North America or Europe. Premium economy is limited to specific airlines and we may not be able to accommodate based on aircraft type and availability. Roundtrip airport transfers are included when air is purchased with a cruise or cruisetour package; if air is not purchased from Viking, transfers may be purchased separately. All transfers must be in conjunction with a Viking-purchased cruise, cruisetour, land extension or extra hotel nights. Air prices are per person based on cruise/cruisetour check-in date and include transfers plus all government taxes/fees of approximately $160 and air fuel surcharges. Air seats are limited; airfares are subject to change and are not guaranteed until full payment of air is received.