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New Year on the Danube

Free Superior Drinks Package on all European River Cruises
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New Year on the Danube

From £1,849 pp

Welcome in the New Year on this splendid winter cruise along the mighty Danube. Experience the imperial grandeur of Vienna and the elegance of Budapest, browse at the atmospheric Yuletide markets and enjoy the enchanting New Year’s Eve celebrations on board.

What’s Included:

  • Return flights from the UK & overseas transfers
  • Four visits and tours including guided tours in Budapest, Bratislava, Vienna and Schönbrunn Palace
  • Live classical quartet recital on board
  • Hungarian folklore show on board
  • All meals on board from dinner on your day of arrival through to breakfast on your day of departure, including New Year’s Eve Gala Dinner, midnight drinks and canapés, a New Year’s Day brunch and the Captain’s Dinner and farewell drinks
  • Complimentary drinks with meals and from 6pm to midnight from the bar
  • Complimentary on-board tea and coffee
  • Complimentary on-board Wi-Fi (connection speeds may vary)
  • Return scheduled flights from 13 regional airports (a supplement may apply)
  • Five-star service from an English-speaking crew and knowledgeable local guides
  • Services of a Riviera Travel cruise director and concierge
  • All port charges, airport taxes and overseas transfers
  • ABTA, ATOL and IATA protection

Riviera Plus 

Customers in all deluxe and superior suites and all upper-deck cabins will benefit from a wealth of unique, new benefits:

  • A bathroom stocked with luxury toiletries upon arrival
  • A bottle of champagne awaiting you when you arrive
  • Locally inspired gifts for you to take home
  • Enjoy a massage, spa treatment or hairdresser with a 10% discount
  • Receive 10% off our convenient onboard laundry services
Danube - Budapest-panorama-city-skyline,-Budapest,-HungaryLowRes
Day 1 - Arrive Budapest

Arrive at the airport for your flight to Budapest from where a coach transfers you to your cruise ship moored in this beautiful city. The dedicated crew are there to welcome you on board, ensuring you settle in and familiarise yourself with this first class floating hotel that will be your home for your New Year sojourn.

You’ll be mesmerised by the beautiful twinkling garlands and luscious décor, a striking backdrop to welcome in the new year. The ship remains here overnight so take in the views of the sparkling lights of the city as you enjoy your first dinner on board.

Dinner

Day 2 - Budapest

Budapest is always an atmospheric and fascinating city, but at this time of the year, the muted colours of its magnificent archaic spires and grand domes are especially captivating on the wintry skyline. The twin cities of Buda, built around the hilltop fortress, and Pest, with its wide boulevards, were fought over through the centuries. The Ottomans ruled here for 150 years before being ousted in the late 17th-century, but their legacy lives on in the many thermal baths fed by hot springs, giving rise to Budapest’s other sobriquet – the ‘City of Spas’. After the end of Ottoman rule, Budapest became an imperial city of the Habsburg Empire, attracting great cultural and commercial wealth. The historic and palatial buildings, the superb Roman ruins and exquisite Art Nouveau architecture also provide a truly impressive setting for the acclaimed Yuletide markets.

This morning we enjoy a guided tour of this captivating city which truly does live up to its reputation as the ‘Pearl of the Danube’. Castle Hill is Budapest in microcosm: two churches, seven museums and a theatre among streets and squares with their own special atmosphere and a dramatic view across the river to the awe-inspiring neo-Gothic Parliament. There’s also free time to explore under your own steam, so perhaps take in one of the city’s fine museums or simply wander the markets. Soak up the traditional atmosphere as classical music fills the air along with the delicious smells of spicy gingerbread and peppery goulash – and don’t forget the mulled wine to stave off the winter chill!

Back on board for lunch we slip our mooring and our Danube adventure begins. Wrap up and take to the deck to enjoy a kaleidoscope of winter scenery before stepping back into the warmth of the ship’s inviting lounge. Join new found friends for welcome cocktails before a superb dinner as we sail towards Bratislava.

Day 2 - Budapest

Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

Day 3 (New Year's Eve) - Bratislava & Vienna

After a delicious breakfast, this morning we explore Slovakia’s fast-emerging capital city, Bratislava, on a guided tour. Until recently swathed in the drab uniformity of Communism, the city has rekindled the splendour of its imperial past in its beautifully restored old town. Equally impressive is the imposing white fortress, former seat of the rulers, which enjoys commanding expansive views across the Danube.

You’ll have plenty of free time to explore the cobble-stoned streets of this captivating city – so what’s it to be? Why not head to the regal Primatial Palace with its fabulous Hall of Mirrors? Built in the late 1700s in a classical style, the once home to the archbishop of Esztergom now holds a rare collection of tapestry works from the 17th-century. Alternatively wander the maze of streets, admiring the charming baroque architecture, until you reach the main square. Absorb the café culture with a freshly brewed coffee and maybe sample some local delicacies such as skalický trdelník. This hollow pastry treat comes with the likes of almonds, apricots or walnuts, before being dusted with sugar.

After lunch on board we begin sailing towards Vienna for the New Year’s Eve celebrations which includes an excellent New Year’s Eve dinner. After NYE dinner, there will be a classical recital on board.

As the clock strikes midnight our wonderful crew will serve celebration drinks and canapés as you welcome in the New Year.

Day 3 (New Year's Eve) - Bratislava & Vienna

Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

Day 4 - (New Year's Day) - Vienna

For many waking in Vienna on New Year’s Day will be a highlight of the cruise. The city’s very name provokes images of elegance, fine music, wide boulevards, Baroque architecture and a rich tapestry of peoples who were drawn here from all corners of Europe. For 200 years until the First World War, Vienna was the cultural centre of Europe and many of the showpiece buildings, galleries, aristocratic palaces and magnificent churches you see today were built to reflect its imperial status.

The city was the seat of the Habsburg emperors and home to some of the world’s finest classical composers, including Beethoven, Brahms, Mozart and of course, a whole family of Strausses.

In this capitvating city, there’s also the colossal Hofburg, the former royal court that is now home to a collection of museums, the Crown Jewels and the Spanish Riding School and the Vienna Boys’ Choir. Then there are the lavish Imperial Apartments and an outstanding collection of relics of the Holy Roman Empire. There has also been a Yuletide market in Vienna since the Middle Ages and today the markets held over the festive period sell a huge range of seasonal gifts and mouth-watering treats. This morning we enjoy a tour in the company of a local guide who will offer insights into why Vienna is one of Europe’s great capitals, now proudly embellished in winter sparkle.

There will also be time to browse the stalls of the markets where the irresistible smell of roasting chestnuts fills the air. Alternatively retreat to the refined yet cosy elegance of a traditional Viennese café for a steaming hot chocolate and a tempting pastry.

After lunch on board we visit the magnificent Schönbrunn Palace. Once the summer residence of the Habsburgs, this former royal residence now houses a range of world-class museums and galleries. Your included entrance and audio guide allows you into the dazzling state rooms, with their wealth of priceless artworks and the family’s impressive royal carriages. The palace also hosts a superb Yuletide market, specialising in traditional handicrafts and nostalgic toys.

Day 4 - (New Year's Day) - Vienna

Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

Day 5 - Budapest

We have sailed overnight, you draw back the curtains to see the early morning mist rising over this gentle pastoral landscape, draped in a blanket of glistening frost. Seek out a good vantage spot in the lounge, sink into a comfy chair and watch this lovely slideshow of winter wonderland scenery effortlessly gliding by – what could be more relaxing! A sumptuous brunch will be served, giving you the perfect opportunity to mark the New Year and share your favourite moments.

This afternoon head up to the sun deck to enjoy the bracing river breeze as the Captain skilfully navigates our return course to the Hungarian capital. For the more energetic, perhaps a visit to the ship’s fitness centre to keep up your usual routine or start something new.

Our ship will be moored right in the heart of Budapest this evening so why not take a stroll before the magnificent Captain’s Dinner. A lively Hungarian folklore show draws this glorious day to a close, giving you time to bid farewell to your travelling companions and reflect on all the wonderful places you have experienced on this most magical of cruises.

Day 5 - Budapest

Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

Day 6 - Depart Budapest

Transfer to the airport for your return flight to the UK.

Breakfast

Riviera Travel - MS William Wordsworth

MS William Wordsworth is one of Riviera Travel’s new ‘all suite’ ships.  Launched in 2019 she offers excellent standards of accommodation consistent with Scylla’s (the ship operator) other 5 star ships. Standard Suites are large at 183 ft² with floor to ceiling windows opening to a rail on the middle and upper decks. Suites on the lower deck are slightly smaller at 172 ft² and feature high level windows. 6 Superior Suites and 4 Deluxe Balcony Suites are available on each ship at 247 ft² and 269 ft² respectively. Deluxe Balcony Suites, located on the upper deck, also feature a small private balcony. This superb vessel carries 44 in-house trained crew members serving just 176 guests (similar size vessels may carry well over 190 passengers) giving the ratio which our experience proves is concurrent with our first class service levels. An outstanding ship it would be very easy to just say ‘luxurious’ but it’s much more than that, a unique yet exquisite blend of understated taste, style and elegance at the highest level. A spacious new vessel as you enter a gleaming, richly coloured marble-floored lobby flooded with natural light from a stunning atrium above. The ship is beautifully illuminated throughout, including the exterior and imaginatively furnished with harmonious colour schemes, all designed to create the serene atmosphere reflective of the golden age of cruising.

Riviera Travel Emily Bronte Atrium

Onboard Features & Facilities

  • 88 comfortable outside suites, most with French balconies, some with private balcony
  • For and aft sundecks with sun-shades, deck chairs & loungers
  • ‘Whirlpool’ splash pool
  • Stylish restaurant with open seating with tables of 4 and 6
  • Main lounge with bar & piano
  • Bistro bar & restaurant
  • Complimentary coffee and tea throughout the day with speciality patisseries in the afternoon
  • Elevator to Diamond, Ruby and Emerald decks
  • Wellness area, massage, nail salon and hairdresser
  • Onboard souvenir shop*
  • Laundry service*

* Payable locally.

Accommodation & Amenities

88 spacious, elegantly appointed staterooms and suites range in size from 172 – 269 ft² or indulge even more in one of the 6 Superior suites or 4 Deluxe Balcony Suites. Most accommodations featuring floor to ceiling glass sliding doors opening to a French Balcony, so you can enjoy the ever-changing scenery however you wish.      

Deluxe Balcony Suite

269 ft² – Diamond (Upper) Deck

  • Floor to ceiling glass doors opening to a private balcony with table and chairs and additional floor to ceiling windows
  • Enhanced sitting area
  • Larger private marble bathroom with WC, wash basin & glass shower enclosure with Crabtree and Evelyn bath products, Bathrobes and slippers
  • Hotel style beds, the best mattresses and fine cotton bed linen
  • A bed turn down service operates during dinner
  • Seating area with 2 chairs and a table
  • In room safe, mini-bar, hair dryer, full-length mirror, plenty of storage space & telephone
  • Tea & Coffee making facilities
  • Flat-screen televisions with satellite TV channels, GPS and for & aft camera views.
  • Individually controlled air-conditioning
Riviera Travel Thomas Hardy Deluxe Balcony Suite
Riviera Travel Emily Bronte Stern Suite

Superior & Superior Stern Suite

247 ft² – Diamond & Ruby (Upper & Middle) Deck

  • Floor to ceiling glass doors opening to French balcony
  • Enhanced sitting area
  • Marble bathroom with WC, wash basin & glass shower enclosure with Crabtree and Evelyn bath products
  • Hotel style beds, the best mattresses and fine cotton bed linen
  • A bed turn down service operates during dinner
  • Seating area with 2 chairs and a table
  • In room safe, mini-bar, hair dryer, full-length mirror, plenty of storage space & telephone
  • Tea & coffee making facilities
  • Flat-screen televisions with satellite TV channels, GPS and for & aft camera views.
  • Individually controlled air-conditioning

Diamond Deck & Ruby Deck Suite

183 ft² – Diamond & Ruby (Upper & Middle) Deck

  • Floor to ceiling glass doors opening to a French balcony
  • Private marble bathroom with WC, wash basin & glass shower enclosure with Crabtree and Evelyn bath products
  • Hotel style beds, the best mattresses and fine cotton bed linen
  • A bed turn down service operates during dinner
  • Seating area with 2 chairs and a table
  • In room safe, mini-bar, hair dryer, full-length mirror, plenty of storage space & telephone
  • Tea & Coffee making facilities
  • Flat-screen televisions with satellite TV channels, GPS and for & aft camera views.
  • Individually controlled air-conditioning

 

Riviera Travel Thomas Hardy Stern Suite
Riviera Thomas Hardy Lower Deck Cabin

Emerald Deck Suite

172 ft² –  Emerald (Lower) Deck

  • Smaller Fixed Window
  • Private marble bathroom with WC, wash basin & glass shower enclosure with Crabtree and Evelyn bath products
  • Hotel style beds, the best mattresses and fine cotton bed linen
  • A bed turn down service operates during dinner
  • Seating area with 2 chairs and a table
  • In room safe, mini-bar, hair dryer, full-length mirror, plenty of storage space & telephone
  • Tea & Coffee making facilities
  • Flat-screen televisions with satellite TV channels, GPS and for & aft camera views.
  • Individually controlled air-conditioning

 

Riviera Travel - Suite Ship Deck Plan
DepartShipEmbarkFrom  
Dec 23William WordsworthBudapest£2549Cabin Upgrades
Lower DeckCabin172 ft², Fixed WindowsSold  
Lower DeckCabin172 ft², Fixed WindowsSold  
Middle DeckSuite183 ft², French BalconySold  
Middle DeckSuperior Suite247 ft², French BalconySold  
Upper DeckSuite183 ft², French Balcony£2549  
Upper DeckSuperior Stern Suite247 ft², French Balcony£2799  
Upper DeckSuperior Suite247 ft², French Balcony£2899  
Upper DeckDeluxe Balcony Suite269 ft², Outside BalconySold  
DepartShipEmbarkFrom  
Dec 28Riviera RadianceBudapest£1999Cabin Upgrades
Lower DeckCabin172 ft², Fixed Windows£1999  
Middle DeckCabin172 ft², French Balcony£2599  
Middle DeckSuperior Suite258 ft², French Balcony£2999  
Upper DeckCabin172 ft², French Balcony£2799  
Upper DeckSuperior Suite258 ft², French Balcony£3299  
Upper DeckGrand Suite344 ft², Outside Balcony£3799  
Dec 29William WordsworthBudapest£1899Cabin Upgrades
Lower DeckCabin172 ft², Fixed Windows£1899  
Middle DeckSuite183 ft², French Balcony£2399  
Middle DeckSuperior Suite247 ft², French Balcony£2799  
Upper DeckSuite183 ft², French Balcony£2599  
Upper DeckSuperior Stern Suite247 ft², French Balcony£2949  
Upper DeckSuperior Suite247 ft², French Balcony£3049  
Upper DeckDeluxe Balcony Suite269 ft², Outside Balcony£3349  

Solo Occupancy On the lower deck there are a limited number of standard cabins available for single occupancy without a supplement.  For other cabins the sole occupancy price is twice the per person rate less £500.

Click Here to check current availability and book online


Why Choose This Cruise?

Riviera Travel’s river cruises have caused a bit of a revolution in the UK market and sell more river cruises in the UK than any other river cruise line.  A range of brand new ships, styled classically have impressed with their high standards for the price.  Riviera’s 30 years of land-touring experience are carried into their river cruise excursions, providing good value off ship experiences.  Whilst some may require higher levels of inclusions and finer dining, Riviera’s river cruises deliver consistently high standards for their loyal UK customers.

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