For those looking for a memorable break over the festive period we heartily recommend our river cruise over Christmas and New Year along the Danube aboard the 100-passenger MS River Crown. We will travel through the very heart of Europe in great comfort and whilst exploring ashore, we will see a wonderful mix of the historic and cultural diversity of the region, witness stunning scenery and visit picturesque towns and villages, all with their own unique history and adorned with festive decorations.
Christmas in Central Europe is a special time and nowhere is this more evident than in the cities, towns and villages of the Danube. Our cruise has been planned to include the Christmas markets in Vienna, a ‘Mozart tour’ in Salzburg, and a day in the lovely Wachau Valley with a visit to the village of Weissenkirchen where the traditional joys of Christmas can be best enjoyed. For those who wish to attend Midnight Mass on Christmas Eve we have made arrangements for a visit to magnificent Melk Abbey.
Other highlights of our festive journey will include ample time in Budapest to explore the wonders of the city, a tour of the scenic Danube Bend and the charming city of Bratislava. Take the opportunity to see in the New Year in the wonderful city of Vienna and be on deck for the mighty bells of St Stephen’s as they ring in the New Year. On New Year’s Day, we will attend a concert at one of Vienna’s splendid music venues.
River Crown
We are delighted to have chartered the elegant 100-passenger MS River Crown, a spacious and well-designed vessel which was built in 2008 and is undergoing a comprehensive upgrade in 2025. The atmosphere on board is friendly and informal and within days you will have made new friends in the open-seating restaurant, on the shore excursions or whilst relaxing in the comfortable public areas. You will find yourself amongst like-minded people in an English-speaking environment and for those who seek peace and quiet, there will always be the opportunity to find a secluded spot on the Sun Deck, in one of the relaxing public areas or to simply rest in your well-appointed cabin. Guest Speakers will provide a series of interesting talks and our Cruise Director will host informative port briefings. After a day exploring ashore, you will return to the comfort and peace of a well-run and exceedingly comfortable vessel.
Itinerary
Day 1 London to Vienna, Austria.
Fly by scheduled flight. On arrival transfer to the MS River Crown and embark. After dinner this evening enjoy a concert on board featuring works by Mozart and Strauss. Moor overnight in Vienna.
Day 2 Vienna.
This morning there will be a choice of tours. Join a city sightseeing tour of Vienna, driving around the ‘Ring’ and visiting the Old Quarter including St Stephen’s Cathedral and the Christmas market outside the City Hall. Alternatively, you may wish to join an excursion to the Schonbrunn Palace and Gardens which has its own Christmas market. Return to the ship for lunch in Tulln and sail.
Day 3 Linz for Salzburg.
After breakfast today there will be an opportunity to join a full day tour to Salzburg, birthplace of Mozart and famous for its architectural treasures and music festival. Our guided excursion will concentrate on Mozart’s family and his musical contemporaries. Following lunch in a local restaurant we will enjoy a special concert of music by Salzburg’s most famous son. Return to the ship in the late afternoon. Alternatively, take a morning tour of Linz and after lunch on board enjoy an afternoon at leisure.
Day 4 Melk & Weissenkirchen.
This morning we will reach the picturesque Wachau Valley, famous for its wine. We will moor under the shadow of the great Baroque abbey which is situated on a cliff high above the Danube. After a guided tour of the abbey we will drive to the charming town of Weissenkirchen for some seasonal gluhwein and traditional Schrammel music. This evening there will be the opportunity to attend Midnight Mass in the magnificent setting of Melk Abbey.
Day 5 Christmas Day on the Danube.
A relaxing day as we enjoy the good food and festivities of Christmas Day on board.
Day 6 Esztergom to Budapest, Hungary.
On this morning’s excursion, we visit Hungary’s second city, Esztergom, and its magnificent cathedral. Continue outside the city to the villages and towns of the scenic Danube Bend. We re-join the vessel in Budapest and enjoy a late lunch on board and an afternoon and evening at leisure to relax or explore independently. This evening we hope to arrange an optional evening of music ashore (subject to schedules and availability).
Day 7 Budapest.
Spend the morning on an excursion that will include the old quarter and the Fishermen’s Bastion, for fine views of the city. Return to the ship for lunch and this afternoon, depart on a tour to the Palace of Godollo, built in 1740 and the favoured home of Sissy, the wife of Emperor Franz Josef.
Day 8 Budapest.
Today we will visit the famous city of Eger, situated east of Budapest on the southern slopes of the Bukk Mountains. On arrival you will see the Basilica of St John the Apostle, built in 1831, and the second largest Cathedral in Hungary. Also see Eger Castle, revered among Hungarians as the fortress where a brave band of warriors halted the progress of an army of 80,000 Turks. Our tour will end with lunch in a local restaurant where we will also have the chance to taste the famous Bull´s Blood wine. Return to the ship for some time to relax before enjoying drinks on board and music by a local Gypsy Orchestra prior to dinner this evening. Moor overnight.
Day 9 Budapest.
A morning city tour will include the highlights of the former twin cities of Buda and Pest. See the ornate Houses of Parliament, the beautiful Matthias Church and admire the view from the top of the Fisherman’s Bastion. In the afternoon, drive out of Budapest to Godollo, a small Baroque town where we visit the 18th century palace. This evening we hope to arrange an optional evening of music ashore (subject to schedules and availability).
Day 10 Esztergom & the Danube Bend.
Today you have the choice of staying on board as the MS River Crown cruises from Budapest to Esztergom. Alternatively, you may join the overland tour which will include the scenic and cultural highlights on Hungary’s Danube Bend and second city of Esztergom with its cathedral. This evening we continue cruising towards Slovakia.
Day 11 Bratislava, Slovakia & Vienna, Austria.
This morning there will be a guided walking tour of the pretty city of Bratislava, formerly known as Pressburg and a former capital of Hungary. See the old quarter, the ornate Baroque Palace and the ancient city gates. This afternoon, whilst cruising to Vienna, we will be joined by musicians who will provide entertainment into the evening for our New Year’s Eve celebrations.
Day 12 Vienna.
After a leisurely breakfast we will drive to one of Vienna’s grand music venues for a New Year’s concert. Return to the ship for lunch and this afternoon a city tour of Austria’s elegant capital will take us around the famous Ringstrasse and the Old Quarter including St Stephen’s Cathedral.
Day 13 Vienna.
Today there will be a choice of included tours from Vienna. Join a tour to the beautiful Vienna Woods, including the Roman City of Baden with its thermal springs, and Heiligenkreuz where the Medieval cloister houses the remains of the last Babenberger. Alternatively, you may wish to join an excursion to the Schonbrunn Palace and Gardens, the favourite summer residence of Maria Theresa. Return to the ship for lunch and enjoy an afternoon at leisure to explore at your own pace.
Day 14 The Wachau Valley.
Today we reach the Wachau Valley, arriving in the morning in the picturesque town of Durnstein, where King Richard the Lionheart was imprisoned. Enjoy some free time ashore to explore and perhaps sample some of the town’s delicious Marillenschnaps or strudel. We then continue our short sail on to Melk, where on arrival we will see the great Baroque Abbey situated high above the Danube, and after lunch on board, our afternoon excursion will take us to this imposing abbey including the Imperial Staircase, the Marble Hall and the abbey church. In the evening join your fellow travellers for farewell drinks and dinner.
Day 15 Vienna to London.
Disembark after breakfast and transfer to the airport for your return scheduled flight to London.
Dates and Prices
SPECIAL OFFER – SAVE £300 PER PERSON FOR A LIMITED TIME ONLY
Prices per person based on double occupancy
| 21 December 2026 to 4 January 2027 | ||
|---|---|---|
| Category | Brochure Price | Special Offer Price |
| Premium with French Balcony Middle Deck | £6595 | £6295 |
| Premium with French Balcony Upper Deck | £6995 | £6695 |
| Deluxe with French Balcony Middle Deck | £7195 | £6895 |
| Deluxe with French Balcony Upper Deck | £7795 | £7495 |
| Queen Suite with Balcony Upper Deck | £9795 | £9495 |
| Standard Single with porthole | £6595 | £6295 |
| Premium with French Balcony Middle Deck for sole use | £8595 | £8295 |
Tour Reference Code: RCRC211226C
PRICE INCLUDES: Economy class scheduled air travel • 14 nights aboard the MS River Crown on a full board basis • House wine, beer & soft drinks with lunch & dinner • Shore excursions • Noble Caledonia onboard team including Guest Speaker • Gratuities • Transfers • Port & airport taxes.
Not Included: Travel insurance, optional evening music event in Budapest.
Christmas or New Year on the Danube:
21st to 28th December 2026 & 28th December 2026 to 4th January 2027
If you wish to either celebrate Christmas or New Year on the Danube, you can join our shorter 7 night cruise, details for which can be viewed below:
Christmas on the Danube - 21st to 28th December 2026
New Year on the Danube - 28th December 2026 to 4th January 2027
Please be aware that our website does not display real-time availability. As a result, the categories and prices listed above are subject to change. For the most up-to-date information, please call us at 020 7752 0000 and speak with one of our experienced Travel Consultants.
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Deck Plan
River Crown
We are delighted to have chartered the elegant 100-passenger MS River Crown, a spacious and well-designed vessel which was built in 2008 and is undergoing a comprehensive upgrade in 2025. The atmosphere on board is friendly and informal and within days you will have made new friends in the open-seating restaurant, on the shore excursions or whilst relaxing in the comfortable public areas. You will find yourself amongst like-minded people in an English-speaking environment and for those who seek peace and quiet, there will always be the opportunity to find a secluded spot on the Sun Deck, in one of the relaxing public areas or to simply rest in your well-appointed cabin. Guest Speakers will provide a series of interesting talks and our Cruise Director will host informative port briefings. After a day exploring ashore, you will return to the comfort and peace of a well-run and exceedingly comfortable vessel.
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Ship Directory
Ship Directory
Please find below further details pertaining to the ship or click on the adjacent Directory to download.
VESSEL TECHNICAL DETAILS
Passengers: 100
Length: 135 metres
Width: 11.40 metres
Draft: 1.60 metres
Year built:2008 / Refurbished: 2025
Cruise speed: 22 km/h maxAIR-CONDITIONING
Cabins/suites and public areas are heated and have air-conditioning.
ALARM
An alarm will be sounded in the event of an emergency. Please follow the instructions provided on board for what to do should an emergency occur.
CABIN SIZES & FACILITIES
All cabins/suites are spacious and welldesigned and feature an en-suite bathroom, individually controlled air-conditioning, ample storage space, writing/dressing table, television, telephone, safety deposit box, hairdryer and mini-bar.
The five Standard Single Cabins are located on the Main Deck and measure 12 square metres. These cabins feature a single bed and portholes that do not open.
Premium Cabins are located on the Middle and Upper decks and measure 15.5 square metres. They feature a double bed with two separate mattresses that be configured as twin or double. Premium cabins benefit from a French balcony providing wonderful views and access to fresh air. The bathroom has a shower and sliding doors of frosted glass.
Deluxe Cabins are located on the Middle and Upper decks and measure 22 square metres. The fixed double bed is located diagonally to the front of the window and there is a separate seating area. The spacious marble bathroom has a shower and a natural light window.
Queen Suites are located on the Upper Deck and measure 30 square metres. The suites feature both a French balcony and a separate balcony with chairs and a table, and a living room area with a separable sliding door. The fixed double bed is located diagonally to the front of the window. The spacious marble bathroom has a separate bath and shower as well as a double wash basin.
THE CLUB
The Club area on board comprises of two small lounges on the Upper Deck and is the perfect location if you are seeking somewhere quiet to relax with a good book and a tea or coffee whilst admiring the passing scenery.
DAILY PROGRAMME
A daily programme, detailing the following day’s arrangements as well as any specific information about the day’s activities, is produced on board and delivered to your cabin each evening.
DRESS CODE
During the day, comfortable and casual attire is appropriate. Evening attire is smart casual though you may like to bring something a little dressier for the welcome and farewell dinners.
DRINKS
Complimentary house wine, beer and soft drinks are included with lunch and dinner on board. Water is provided during breakfast, lunch and dinner and bottled water is available in your cabin and replenished daily. Tea and Coffee is available 24-hours day in the Atrium Lobby.
ELECTRICITY
Voltage is 220V and sockets accept European-style two round pin plugs. In the bathroom there is a 110V socket which may be used for electric razors only. We recommend that you bring an international adaptor. For safety reasons, the use of electrical irons or other devices such as kettles, are not permitted on board.
EMERGENCY & SAFETY PROCEDURES
In the unlikely event of an emergency during your cruise, please remain calm and follow the instructions of the crew. We request that all guests carefully review the safety instructions on the inside of their cabin door.
FIRE SAFETY
On your cabin door is a deck plan displaying your closest (and all other) emergency exits. Emergency exits are marked in green and fire extinguishers are fitted in all corridors. Should you detect fire or smoke please alert the reception desk immediately and await instructions from the crew.
FIRST AID
A number of the crew members are fully trained and certified to provide First Aid.
GRATUITIES
Gratuities have been included in your holiday price.
HOUSEKEEPING
Your cabin will be cleaned once a day and you will be provided with an evening ‘turn down’ service.
LAUNDRY
Laundry service is available on board. Laundry bags and a price list can be found in the closet of your cabin. Once you have filled out the laundry form, please include it in the bag and place it on your bed in the morning before you go to breakfast. Laundered items will be returned the next day. Dry cleaning services are not available on board.
LIBRARY
A selection of fiction and travel literature is available in the book cases located in the Atrium Lobby. A selection of fiction and travel literature is available on a self-serve basis.
LIFT
There is a lift on board that services the Upper and Middle decks.
LOUNGE & BAR
The Lounge & Bar is located on the Upper Deck and is open from 10.00 am until at least midnight offering a fine selection of drinks and bar snacks. Floor-to-ceiling panorama windows, beautiful rosewood panelling and warm and inviting decor provide a convivial atmosphere for conversation among fellow travellers. Relax in the comfortable sofas and chairs and listen to the onboard lectures or the musician playing background music on the piano.
LOST PROPERTY
Lost property can be handed into the ship’s reception. Please ensure you have all your belongings with you before you return home. Should you leave any items on board the ship, please contact Noble Caledonia. If we are able to recover your item(s) we will contact you to arrange delivery or collection and to advise of any associated costs.
MEALS
The restaurant is located on the Upper Deck and features floor-to-ceiling panoramic windows so that you can enjoy the passing scenery as you dine. All meals on board are prepared by the highly skilled Executive Chef and his team and consist of European-style food. The restaurant has open seating, allowing you to sit where and with whom you like at each meal.
In the morning for early risers, tea, coffee and pastries are available from 06.30 am. Breakfast is served buffet style, lunch is a combination of a delightful buffet and hot dishes served to order and dinner is a served four course meal. In addition, house wine, beer and soft drinks are included at both lunch and dinner. Afternoon tea is also provided with a choice of cakes and, to finish the day, snacks are available in the lounge in the late evening. If you have any dietary requirements such as vegetarian, low salt, gluten free and low cholesterol, please notify the Reservations Department.
We regret that not all dietary requirements can be guaranteed. If you have any specific or special foods that you require, we recommend that you take some with you although we will endeavour to accommodate your needs. Once on board please speak to the Chef or Maitre D’ at dinner on your first night on board to reconfirm your needs.
MOORING
Docking space is allocated by the local river authorities. Views from cabins may occasionally be restricted. On occasion other river cruise vessels may dock alongside the ship. This may restrict cabin views, and you may find that embarking and disembarking necessitates walking through another ship’s reception area, and/or for their passengers to do the same.
PAYMENTS ON BOARD
The ship offers a cash-free system during your cruise and purchases are charged to your onboard account. The day before your cruise ends you will receive an itemised invoice for any onboard charges incurred. Please review the invoice carefully before settling your bill. All onboard charges will be in Euros, payable with Visa, Mastercard, debit cards or cash at the end of the cruise. Personal cheques are not accepted. Regrettably, the ship is not able to offer a money-changing service on board as this would be contravening official regulations.
QUESTIONNAIRES
We are always looking for ways to improve our holidays and the services provided and in order to do this we welcome feedback from our guests. Your comments are important to us therefore we request that you complete the questionnaire that will be provided to you on board.
QUIETVOX/AUDIO SYSTEM
Noble Caledonia has arranged for all passengers to have access to a ‘Quietvox’ audio system for use during the shore excursions. Further details shall be provided to you following your embarkation.
RECEPTION
Reception can be contacted 24 hours a day, except when the crew member on night watch duty is doing their intermittent security round during which a sign will be replaced at Reception.
SAFE
Your cabin is equipped with a small safe for your personal use. We recommend placing valuables in the safe whenever you are away from your room.
SUN DECK
There are loungers and armchairs available on the Sun Deck as well as a putting green and a giant chess board. To ensure your safety, the Sun Deck area may be closed in the evenings and when sailing through sections of the river where bridges are low. Please also note that the Sun Deck and its steps may become slippery if the weather is cool or dew forms.
SMOKING
Smoking in your cabin or in any of the vessel’s public areas is strictly prohibited. Smoking is only permitted on the Sun Deck in designated areas.
TELEPHONE
To make an internal call please dial the corresponding cabin number. To make an external call, please contact Reception who will advise of the rates.
TOILETRIES
A selection of toiletries are provided including shampoo, shower gel, soap and tissues.
WELLNESS CENTRE
This is located on the Middle Deck. There is a spa area with a hairdresser as well as a sauna, Jacuzzi and shower area. The small gym has a variety of exercise equipment available for use.
WI-FI
Complimentary Wi-Fi is available in the cabins and public areas. There may be times when the internet connection is slow or not available such as when the ship sails through rural areas or locks.
Please note: These details should be used as a guideline only. Information is subject to change.
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Deck Plan
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Deck Plan
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Deck Plan
Travelling with You
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Professor Richard Butterwick-Pawlikowski
Professor Richard Butterwick-Pawlikowski graduated in History from Cambridge, before obtaining his doctorate from Oxford. He taught European history at Oxford and Queen’s University Belfast before moving to the School of Slavonic and East European Studies at University College London, where he has been Professor of Polish-Lithuanian History since 2013. He is also Principal Historian of the Polish History Museum in Warsaw. Richard’s academic interests range across the history and culture of Europe, especially in the eighteenth century. An admirer of the baroque and classical styles in the arts, he delights in Mozart’s operas. He has published four single-authored books, four edited books, and many articles in scholarly periodicals and collections, and is in frequent demand as a speaker at international conferences.
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Book with Confidence
Speak to one of our advisors on 020 7752 0000