Travel story: Danube cruise in golden autumn

A relaxed start in the city of three rivers

To start the trip in a relaxed manner, my companion and I arrived in Passau the day before. This gave us plenty of time to soak up the atmosphere of this beautiful city on three rivers before embarking the next afternoon.

The MS PRINZESSIN KATHARINA was already waiting for us guests at the pier in Passau-Lindau. After a smooth check-in, we were able to move into our cabin and get our first impressions of the ship. Everything had been prepared with care and we immediately felt welcome. Our tour guide on board, Moni, accompanied us from the first to the last day. With her warm manner, attentive service, and great dedication, she made sure that we guests felt well taken care of at all times.

In the evening, it was finally time to cast off. We toasted the start of our Danube cruise with a glass of sparkling wine. As the silhouette of Passau slowly disappeared behind us in the twilight, I felt a great sense of anticipation – for the days ahead, full of discoveries along the river.

Evening view of Passau with illuminated historic buildings along the Danube River, colorful sunset sky, and Veste Oberhaus fortress on the hill.

My highlight: Wine worlds in Krems

On the second day, our route took us through the picturesque Wachau region. Already in the morning, the sun deck offered a magnificent view of the rolling hills and vineyards, which were ablaze with the most beautiful autumn colors.

In Krems, we had an excursion on the program that our guests could book with us on an optional basis and which was a real highlight for me: the wine experience world of the Krems Winery. During a varied tour, you learn exciting facts about the journey of wine – from the vines to the historic cellar. Surprising effects, interesting insights, and small tastings in between made this visit a very special experience that I can highly recommend.

In the afternoon, we returned on board and continued down the Danube. At dusk, the lights of Vienna finally appeared—an atmospheric moment and the prelude to the next big highlight of the trip.

Modern wine cellar in Krems with wooden barrels, concrete walls, pendant lighting, and a tasting table with wine glasses.

Helge Kirchberger

Imperial flair meets modern metropolis

The third day was all about the Austrian capital. Even the drive in that morning was impressive: the magnificent Belvedere Palace on the left, the Ringstrasse with its imposing buildings on the right – Vienna showed itself from its most beautiful side right away. During their stay, guests could either explore the city on their own or take part in the excursions on offer. I decided to set off on my own. St. Stephen's Cathedral, the elegant boulevards, and, of course, the famous Viennese coffee houses were not to be missed. For me, a slice of Sacher torte in a cozy atmosphere was just as much a part of the experience as strolling through small alleys with their hidden shops.

I particularly liked the mixture of imperial architecture and lively city life. Vienna seems both traditional and modern at the same time – and it is precisely this contrast that makes the city so exciting.

In the evening, I returned on board, full of impressions and with the feeling that a single day is hardly enough to discover all that Vienna has to offer.

Ornate baroque facade of Belvedere Palace in Vienna with white stone sculptures, arched windows, and decorative elements under a cloudy sky.

Between basilica, river bends, and sparkling lights

On the morning of the fourth day, we reached Esztergom. Even from a distance, the basilica, perched high on the castle hill, catches the eye. Many guests opted for the optional excursion to the Danube Bend – a program that combines culture, nature, and cuisine. After visiting the cathedral and the crypt, the bus journey continues through the Hungarian Wachau countryside to Visegrád. From a vantage point, there is an impressive view over the Danube Bend before lunch in a typical local restaurant rounds off the excursion.

Meanwhile, the MS PRINZESSIN KATHARINA continued down the Danube. There was also a special moment on board: the arrival in Budapest. On the left, the hilly Buda with its castle and citadel; on the right, lively Pest with the parliament building – a scene that was particularly impressive from the sun deck.

In the afternoon, an optional city tour offered the opportunity to see the most important sights. Those who wished could spend the evening on the “Budapest by Night” excursion – with atmospheric lighting and music.

Esztergom Basilica with green dome sits atop a hill overlooking the calm Danube River. The historic buildings reflect in the water under a cloudy sky.

From Csárda to Chain Bridge – a day full of contrasts

The day began with a hearty breakfast on board while the Danube glistened in the morning light. Guests then had the option of taking part in an excursion to a csárda, a traditional Hungarian tavern serving local specialities. There was also a demonstration of traditional horsemanship at a nearby farmstead.

We decided to explore the city on our own. A stroll through the alleys of Pest and a visit to Vörösmarty Square were on the agenda, as was a walk across the Chain Bridge, which connects Buda and Pest. A landmark that is definitely worth seeing.

Back on board, we enjoyed lunch and later took in the special atmosphere of this metropolis from the sun deck. In the evening, Budapest was transformed into a sea of lights – a perfect end to the day.

Night view of illuminated Chain Bridge spanning the Danube River in Budapest with Hungarian Parliament building and historic waterfront.

Charming old town and sweet treats

We docked in Bratislava in the morning. Even from the ship, we could see the mighty castle towering high above the Danube. We took small tour buses up to the castle—the ride alone was an experience—and once we reached the top, we were rewarded with a magnificent view of the city.

Bratislava itself surprised me with its charming old town. The colorful houses, narrow streets, and historic squares are both lively and inviting. A special highlight for us were the city's famous “Kringel” or “Pressburger Kipferl” – freshly baked, still warm, and simply delicious.

After the tour, we had time to let the impressions sink in before returning on board in the afternoon. As the MS PRINZESSIN KATHARINA headed upstream on the Danube, we enjoyed the view of the Slovak capital from the water once again.

Bridge of the Slovak National Uprising spanning the Danube River in Bratislava at sunset, with modern city skyline and residential buildings.

Baroque, wine, and a festive finale

In the morning, we arrived back in the picturesque Wachau region. Even from a distance, we could see the baroque Melk Abbey towering majestically above the Danube. Together with my companion, I took part in the optional excursion to Melk Abbey. After a short bus ride from the pier, the guided tour of the monastery began. During the tour, we visited the museum rooms, the marble hall, and the library. The view from the abbey down into the Danube Valley was particularly impressive – a moment that rounded off the visit perfectly.

This was followed by a wine tasting with three different Wachau wines. Each drop told a story about the region, and the combination of culture and enjoyment made this excursion a very special experience. Afterwards, the bus took us back to the ship.

Back on board, we enjoyed the trip through the autumnal Wachau region. Vineyards, rolling hills, and colorful forests slowly passed by the ship – the perfect backdrop for the last leg of our journey. In the evening, another highlight awaited us in the form of a 5-course captain's dinner. Over fine cuisine, good conversation, and a particularly atmospheric ambiance, we looked back together on the many impressions of the past week. It was a fitting end to our Danube cruise.

Melk Abbey perched on a hill overlooking the Danube River with a passenger boat below. Dramatic sunset sky with pink and orange clouds.

My recommendation

After the tour, it is worth taking another quick stroll through the abbey garden. The view of the Danube valley from there is particularly picturesque—and often quieter than the major vantage points.

Many memories to take home

After an eventful week on the Danube, it was time to say goodbye on the eighth day. In the morning, we docked in Passau, the starting point of our journey. While the suitcases were brought ashore and the guests prepared for their journey home, there was still a brief moment to reflect on the many impressions.

From the autumnal vineyards in the Wachau region to the magnificent buildings of Vienna and the lights of Budapest – each stop had its own charm. For me, this river cruise was a successful blend of culture, nature, and enjoyment. With many memories in my luggage, I said goodbye to the MS PRINZESSIN KATHARINA – and already knew that this trip would remain unforgettable.

Two women, Sabine and Moni, smiling together at a dining table on a river cruise ship with wine glasses and elegant wooden interior.