Choosing the Right River Cruise:
Danube River Cruise Comparisons
by Murray Lundberg
Updated December 13, 2010
In this continuation of my main River Cruise Comparison, I'll try to make the comparison easier by comparing apples with apples as much as that's possible. The river cruises that I'm using are 13-15 day cruises that feature the Danube River, departing in May, with the lowest category of French-balcony or higher cabins. Prices posted here are per person, based on double occupancy, including port taxes.
Tauck World Discovery - Amsterdam to Budapest by Riverboat: Amsterdam to Budapest, 15 days (map)
- Departs: Friday, May 27, 2011
- Ship: ms Swiss Sapphire (or one of sister ships) - launched in 2008; 361 feet long, 118 passengers, 29 mostly European crew
- Price: $7,490 ($499.33 per day)
- Stateroom: Category 3, ca. 170 sq. ft. - French balcony
- Ship features: lounge, restaurant, alternative bistro dining (lighter fare) Lido Bar, library, boutique, fitness center, whirlpool on sun deck (open 24 hours), laundry service (limited)
- Includes: wine with dinner, gratuities
Scenic Tours - Jewels of Europe: Amsterdam to Budapest, 15 days (map)
- Departs: Monday, May 16, 2011
- Ship: Scenic Diamond (or other Scenic "Space Ship") - launched in 2009; 443 feet long, 169 passengers, 48 crew
- Price: $7,240 ($482.67 per day)
- Stateroom: Category C, 200 sq. ft. - full balcony
- Ship features: bar, lounge, 3 restaurants, boutique, library, free shipwide wi-fi, outdoor swimming pool, indoor whirlpool and sauna, laundry service, queen beds, dock in the heart of cities
- Includes: airport transfers, onboard meals, excursion at each port (multiple choices in Amsterdam, Wurzburg, Passau, Vienna and Budapest), wines, beer and soft drinks with lunch and dinner, espresso all day, all gratuities
Uniworld - European Serenade: Amsterdam to Vienna, 13 days (map)
- Departs: Tuesday, May 03, 2011
- Ship: River Duchess - launched in 2003 (refurbished in 2009), 360 feet long x 55 feet wide, 134 passengers
- Price: $5,641 ($433.92 per day)
- Stateroom: Category 1, 151 sq. ft. - French balcony
- Ship features: main lounge, Captain's Lounge and library, restaurant, sky lounge, fitness center, sauna, massage treatments, boutique, free wi-fi in public areas
- Includes: excursion at each port (11 in total - headsets provided), bicycles and Nordic walking sticks, European wines, beer and soft drinks with dinner, bottled water, laundry services, daily newspaper
AMA Waterways - Magnificent Europe: Amsterdam to Budapest, 16 days (map)
- Departs: Saturday, May 21, 2011
- Ship: ms AmaLyra - launched in 2009, 360 feet long, 38 feet wide, 140 passengers, 41 European crew
- Price: $6,363 ($424.20 per day)
- Stateroom: Category C, 170 sq. ft. - French balcony
- Ship features:
- Includes: 24-hour specialty coffee and tea
Avalon Waterways - Grand European Tour: Amsterdam to Vienna, 13 days (map)
- Departs: Sunday, May 29, 2011
- Ship: Avalon Imagery - launched in 2007, 443 feet long, 170 passengers, 43 crew
- Price: $4,972 ($382.46 per day)
- Stateroom: Category B, 172 sq. ft. - French balcony
- Ship features: lounge, bar, fitness center, restaurant, free shipwide wi-fi, hair salon
- Includes: airport transfers, onboard meals, full buffet breakfast with sparkling wine, regional wines, beer or soft drinks with dinner, excursion at each port (11 in total - headsets provided)
Viking River Cruises - Grand European Tour: Amsterdam to Budapest, 15 days (map)
- Departs: Saturday, May 21, 2011
- Ship: Viking Sky - launched 1999, 360 feet long, 150 passengers, 35 international crew
- Price: $5,412 ($360.80 per day)
- Stateroom: Category C, 170 sq. ft. - French balcony
- Ship features: bar, restaurant, boutique, library, free shipwide wi-fi, outdoor swimming pool, indoor whirlpool and sauna, laundry service
- Includes: airport transfers, onboard meals, excursion at each port, wine with dinner