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  1. Home
  2. River Cruises
  3. Europe
  4. Danube
  5. Grand Danube
Carriages in front of old town square

Grand Danube - Taste of Christmas

Two full weeks carry you through Central and Eastern Europe at the most festive time of year. This grand Christmas sailing passes some of the continent's most beloved holiday markets, from Nuremberg and Vienna to Budapest, while opening the lesser-known festive traditions of the southeastern Danube.

Duration14 nights
RiversDanube
CountriesAustria, Bulgaria, Croatia, Germany, Hungary, Romania, Serbia, Slovakia
Duration14 nights
RiversDanube
CountriesAustria, Bulgaria, Croatia, Germany, Hungary, Romania, Serbia, Slovakia

Highlights of your Taste of Christmas Experience

Holiday magic, wherever you sail
Holiday magic, wherever you sail
Each Taste of Christmas sailing is built around how that region celebrates, from the food on the table to the lights on the water.
Regional holiday menus
Regional holiday menus
Your Executive Chef builds the menu around the season and the region, so what's on your plate matches where you are.
two women at a christmas market booth
On-shore evenings that sparkle
Evening port stays are built into these sailings so you see each town after dark, when squares are lit and the season is at its best.

What's included with your cruise

An opened luggage on top of a bed in a stateroom
More room to breathe
  • Choose from suites, solo staterooms, and connecting rooms. Most include our signature twin balconies.
  • Daily housekeeping and turn-down service
  • Bathrobe, slippers and full bathroom amenities
  • Refillable water bottle to take with you
  • Onboard WiFi
chefs preparing a fresh meal
A flavor for every moment
  • All onboard meals
  • The Chef's Table, specialty restaurant
  • Wine, beer, and soft drinks with meals
  • Specialty coffee and tea
  • Sip & Sail cocktail hour daily
  • All-day snacks in the Lark Lounge
  • Welcome cocktail reception
back lit bicycle ride
Adventures on your terms
  • Choose from up to six expert-led experiences each day
  • Gentle, regular and active options are available for most activities
  • Wellness Host with daily fitness, stretch and meditation classes on most sailings
Riding bikes through Antwerp
Designed for the way you travel
  • A Cruise Manager who knows everything about your route and will lead your journey the whole way
  • Regional music and performances
  • Experiences for solo travelers
  • Onshore experiences, onboard amenities, and port charges included

Important: Dates, fares & itineraries are subject to change.

Port Charges (included in cruise price): $646 per person in 2026. $756 in 2027. $783 in 2028.

Single Supplement for Cruise: 50% of per person double occupancy fare; Suites 100% of per person double occupancy fare. Please see terms below for details.

Single Supplement for Land: A single supplement charge will be applied to pre- and post-cruise hotel extensions. Please ask your travel agent or call for pricing details.

Bedding: Please select bedding configuration at the time of booking.

Option A: Two twin beds

Option B: One large bed (larger than queen size).

Terms & Conditions

2026: All rates are per person in CAD, cruise-only, include port fees, and are based on double occupancy in an entry-level stateroom unless otherwise noted. Offers apply to select sailings and new bookings only. Unless a reduced single supplement is specifically stated, solo travelers in double-occupancy staterooms must pay the full single supplement before receiving any discounts. Ask about Solo Traveler promotions. Offers are not combinable with other promotions or discounts, are capacity-controlled, subject to availability, and may change or end without notice. Stateroom upgrades, optional land programs, and airfare are not included. Additional restrictions apply. AmaWaterways reserves the right to correct errors or omissions at any time.


2027/2028: All rates are per person in CAD, cruise-only, inclusive of port fees and gratuities, and are based on double occupancy in an entry-level stateroom unless otherwise noted. Offers apply to select sailings and new bookings only. Unless a reduced single supplement is specifically stated, solo travelers in double-occupancy staterooms must pay the full single supplement before receiving any discounts. Ask about Solo Traveler promotions. Offers are not combinable with other promotions or discounts, are capacity-controlled, subject to availability, and may change or end without notice. Stateroom upgrades, optional land programs, and airfare are not included. Additional restrictions apply. AmaWaterways reserves the right to correct errors or omissions at any time.

Ships

AmaBella sailing on the river
AmaBella

Newly reimagined, AmaBella blends elegant design with the luxury of uncrowded spaces.

Staterooms: 80
Passengers: 160
AmaMagna sailing along the Danube River past the Hungarian Parliament in Budapest
AmaMagna
Experience the ease of a ship with space to truly relax. Dine with new friends at Al Fresco, settle into a suite with a full balcony, or watch the Danube drift by on the Sun Deck, crisp glass of Grüner Veltliner in hand
Staterooms: 98
Passengers: 196

Frequently Asked Questions

Why travelers choose AmaWaterways

Iconic Christmas Markets

“She said it was the best food she has ever had! She was so happy and insisted that we put down a deposit on a future cruise and we recently selected Rhine Castles Swiss and Alps for June 2026. In conclusion: AmaWaterways made our honeymoon so wonderful and we can’t wait to travel again with them!”

MS
Michael S.
Best of the Danube

“The “Tastes of Slovakia” tour gave us a chance to sample some delicious local beer and cheese pairings at a pub. Toasting to our friendship and connecting with the locals was a real highlight for us.”

MF
Meghan F.
Christmas Markets on the Danube

“We chose the “Imperial Vienna” tour and the architecture in Vienna was incredible. I was blown away by the ornate buildings. We also stopped along the way to taste some traditional apple strudel at a restaurant recommended by our Cruise Manager during our free time — sure enough, it was incredible!”

MF
Meghan F.

Recognized by travelers and the industry

Oprah Daily
US News & World Report
Cruiseline.com Member Choice Awards
Wave Award
ASTA
ASTA
Travel Leaders Network
TTG Media
Travel and Leisure Worlds Best
Condé Nast
Trevello
Global Traveler Collection
USA Today
USA Today
USA Today
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Let us help you choose the right cruise
Not sure where to start? Our river cruise experts are here to help you find the perfect journey, tailored to your interests and travel dreams.

Spend the morning savoring Vienna, then cross into Slovakia to explore Bratislava’s charming old town and festive Christmas market. Choose a guided tour or hike to the hilltop castle for breathtaking winter views over the Danube.

Discover Budapest’s rich history and holiday sparkle–from the bustling Great Market Hall to Buda Castle’s panoramic views. Warm spices, artisan stalls, and glittering lights make this a magical winter stop.


Itinerary

Select Cruise Year

Select Direction

Select Optional Land Packages

View Cruise Days

Explore the daily onshore experience options available throughout your cruise.

Dates, Prices and Offers

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Direction
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Themed sailing
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Price per person