It’s probably no longer a secret that we at Chill Report love Christmas. Fortunately, there are also many travel tips for Advent and the pre-Christmas period. One of them is an Advent Cruise with the DDSG Blue Danube from Vienna, which is available this year with four different themes.
Leisurely on the road
It is a special feeling when you slowly glide past the festively illuminated towns on a majestic ship. The Danube is a fantastic place for this, as not only picturesque villages await along the impressive river, but also the enchanting panoramas of nature. The DDSG Blue Danube, which was founded in 1995 as the successor to the First Danube Steamship Company established in 1829, is an expert when it comes to unforgettable river cruises. Guests embark on excursions on the Danube on nine ships – from Lower Austria to Bratislava. The Advent Cruises are a highlight every year.
“Our Advent cruises invite you to escape from everyday life and experience special moments together – whether it’s children laughing on the Nikolo cruise, a relaxed brunch with a view of the wintry Danube or an atmospheric evening cruise with live music.”
Wolfgang Fischer, Managing Director DDSG Blue Danube
Four Advent Cruises on the Danube
The festive season kicks off with a St. Nicholas boat trip on Saturday, December 6. Both in the morning and in the afternoon, the MS Admiral Tegethoff will take you on a two-hour, family-friendly cruise from Vienna’s Reichsbrücke bridge past the skyline of DonauCity, the DOnaudurm and the Danube Island. The price of € 42 for adults and € 39 for children includes a family buffet, a children’s program with interactive magic show and comedy, face painting and a visit from St. Nicholas and a gift.
On all four Sundays in Advent, there is a brunch on Danube waves on the MS Admiral Tegetthoff. It all starts at 10 am at the Reichsbrücke, where it docks again at 2 pm. Live music by artists Nastja Isabella or Stelle Kranner, accompanied by a piano, entertains on board. During the cruise, you can enjoy an extensive buffet with many vegetarian and vegan options in addition to the view. Adults pay € 69, while children aged six to 15 pay € 34.50.
Christmas Dreamboat and Winter Wonder Wave
On December 12 and December 18, the evening cruises are full of atmosphere. Guests board between 5 and 6 p.m., with departure at 7 p.m. By the time you get back to the Reichsbrücke at 10.30 pm, you can enjoy all kinds of live music from bands such as the Christmas All Stars or the party band Hydra. You can fortify yourself in style at the festive specialty buffet while the twinkling lights of the city pass by outside. Adults pay €75, while children aged six to 15 pay half price.
Caroline Kreutzberger and Andy Lee Lang will provide the musical backdrop for the “Winter Wonder Wave” Advent Cruise on December 13, 2025. The elegant themed cruise is designed to bring winter to life on the water with a touch of glamor. World-famous winter and Christmas hits will increase the anticipation of the festive season immeasurably. Here too, adults pay € 75 and children aged six to 15 pay half price.
