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Danube Holiday Markets

Danube Holiday Markets

About This Cruise

Budapest has celebrated Christmas for a thousand years, since the reign of St. Stephen, the king who founded Hungary and encouraged the spread of Christianity throughout his realm. As you ramble through the Christmas Market on Vörösmarty Square, admiring the handmade porcelain, stop to watch as kürtos kalács (a pastry) is baked on rods over an open fire and then coated with sugar before it's handed to you.

In Bratislava, where a lively young art scene is revitalizing the compact city core, stalls abound with traditional Slovakian Christmas items such as medovníky (spiced ginger cookies) and šúpolie (figurines made from corn husks). Experience Uniworld's exclusive "Taste of Christmas" program in the heart of Vienna during the day.

Glorious baroque architecture, delightful concerts and ravishing scenery will make this Christmas season unforgettable as you sail through the holidays on the Danube.

Please note that most Christmas Markets in Europe end their season on the 23rd of December and will not be available after that date.

Who Is This Cruise For?

  • Adults only

    S.S. Maria Theresa is an adults-only ship

  • Couples

    An adults-only atmosphere made for two

  • Over 50s

    A gentle pace with daily excursions and no sea days

  • Solo travellers

    Low or no single supplement on selected cabins

Type

River, Luxury

Ship

S.S. Maria Theresa

Departure Date

16 December 2026

Cruise Line

UNIWORLD Boutique River Cruises

Duration

7 Nights

Select Your Cabin Type
Select your cabin type
Call Us at 01 6874149

Itinerary

Hungary

Budapest

Arrive at the Budapest Ferenc Liszt International Airport. If you have arranged a Uniworld arrival transfer, you will be greeted by a Uniworld representative and transferred to the ship.

Hungary

Budapest

Located on opposite sides of the Danube, Buda and Pest each have their own distinctive character and allure. You’ll get a taste of this dynamic capital city with your choice of tours, and visit Budapest’s celebrated Christmas Market—one of the largest in Europe. Christmas has been celebrated in Budapest for a thousand years, since the time of St. Stephen, the king who founded the nation of Hungary and encouraged the spread of Christianity throughout his realm, but the city began as a Roman encampment almost a millennium before that. Over the centuries it was controlled by Germans, Austrians, Ottomans, and Communists, all of whom have left traces.

Slovakia

Bratislava

Once hidden from the world behind the “Iron Curtain,” Slovakia retains an air of mystery and intrigue, and its small capital city has an unexpectedly colorful history. You’ll learn more about Bratislava’s past from a local expert and also visit the local Christmas Market—a relatively new (and thoroughly delightful) tradition for Slovakians. How do you say “Merry Christmas” in Slovak? “Veselé Vianoce!” The heart and soul of Slovakia, Bratislava is full of surprises. The city straddles the mighty Danube and has played a leading role in the politics and culture of the region for many centuries. Unlike cities with venerable Christmas Markets, Bratislava just established its first holiday market in 1993. But the Slovakians have quickly embraced the seasonal traditions of their Austrian and Hungarian neighbors—and you’ll get to embrace them as well.

Austria

Vienna

Renowned for its art and architecture, its classical music, its decadent pastries, and its lengthy list of famous former residents, the refined city of Vienna is a cultural treasure trove. Experience the city with your choice of tours, as well as something extra special—VIP access to an extraordinary collection of art.

Austria

Krems

Enjoy a handful of delightful excursions that inspire the holiday spirit in this beautiful millennium-old town and surrounding valley—both of which have been designated UNESCO World Heritage Sites.

Austria

Linz

Your ship docks at Linz, a modern yet historic city that extends across the shimmering waters of the Danube. From there, you’ll head to Mozart’s birthplace of Salzburg, which is nestled in a glorious alpine setting that sparkles like a winter wonderland this time of year. Fans of “The Sound of Music” may recognize locations from the Oscar-winning film in the city’s Old Town, the site of the grand cathedral and absolutely enchanting Christmas Market.

Germany

Passau

Passau is a crossroads in more ways than one—three rivers meet here and three nations nearly do, making for a fascinating cultural mosaic. Get to know the town with a guided stroll, then visit the local Christmas Market on the square in front of the cathedral. You’ll find a lot to enjoy here—from miniature houses and blown-glass ornaments to spun-sugar confections—in more than 70 stalls.

Germany

Passau

Disembark the ship in Passau. If you have arranged a Uniworld departure transfer, you will be transferred to Munich Airport for your flight home.

Overview

Budapest has celebrated Christmas for a thousand years, since the reign of St. Stephen, the king who founded Hungary and encouraged the spread of Christianity throughout his realm. As you ramble through the Christmas Market on Vörösmarty Square, admiring the handmade porcelain, stop to watch as kürtos kalács (a pastry) is baked on rods over an open fire and then coated with sugar before it's handed to you.

In Bratislava, where a lively young art scene is revitalizing the compact city core, stalls abound with traditional Slovakian Christmas items such as medovníky (spiced ginger cookies) and šúpolie (figurines made from corn husks). Experience Uniworld's exclusive "Taste of Christmas" program in the heart of Vienna during the day.

Glorious baroque architecture, delightful concerts and ravishing scenery will make this Christmas season unforgettable as you sail through the holidays on the Danube.

Please note that most Christmas Markets in Europe end their season on the 23rd of December and will not be available after that date.

Suite

Grand Suite

Lavishly appointed riverview stateroom (410 sq ft - 38 sq m) with a French balcony

Handcrafted Savoir® Beds of England, walk-in closet, hair dryer, safe, individual thermostat, flat-screen TV with infotainment center and satellite, and bottled water

The Grand Suite offers extra benefits, including a separate spacious living room, bathroom with a separate rain shower and tub, and secluded toilet and bidet area

Marble bathroom includes Asprey bath and body products, plush towels, towel warmers, backlit magnifying mirror, heated mirrors, comfortable bathrobes and slippers

Butler service, such as packing and unpacking assistance, shoe shining, complimentary laundry service, and in-room breakfast delivery

In-room treats: fresh fruits and treats from your pastry chef delivered daily, a complimentary menu of specialty snacks and cocktails, Nespresso coffees and fine teas, a fully stocked mini bar, and a bottle of wine upon arrival

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Suite

Suite

Lavishly appointed riverview stateroom (305 sq ft - 28.3 sq m) with an enclosed balcony with floor-to-ceiling windows

Handcrafted Savoir® Beds of England, built-in closet, hair dryer, safe, individual thermostat, flat-screen TV with infotainment center and satellite

Marble bathroom with Asprey bath and body products, plush towels, towel warmer, comfortable bathrobes and slippers, heated mirror and backlit magnifying mirror

Butler service, such as packing and unpacking assistance, shoe shining, complimentary laundry service, and in-room breakfast delivery

In-room treats: fresh fruits and treats from your pastry chef delivered daily, a complimentary menu of specialty snacks and cocktails, Nespresso coffees and fine teas, a fully stocked mini bar, and a bottle of wine upon arrival

Balcony

Deluxe Balcony

Lavishly appointed riverview stateroom (194 sq ft - 18 sq m) with an enclosed balcony with floor-to-ceiling windows

Handcrafted Savoir® Beds of England, built-in closet, hair dryer, safe, individual thermostat, flat-screen TV with infotainment center and satellite

Marble bathroom with Asprey bath and body products, plush towels, towel warmer, comfortable bathrobes and slippers, heated mirror and backlit magnifying mirror

Balcony

French Balcony

Please note this category is only available for 2026 sailings.

Lavishly appointed riverview stateroom (194 sq ft - 18 sq m) with a French balcony

Handcrafted Savoir® Beds of England, built-in closet, hair dryer, safe, individual thermostat, flat-screen TV with infotainment center and satellite

Marble bathroom with Asprey bath and body products, plush towels, towel warmer, comfortable bathrobes and slippers, heated mirror and backlit magnifying mirror

Balcony

French Balcony A

Please note this category is only available for 2027 & 2028 sailings.

Lavishly appointed riverview stateroom (194 sq ft - 18 sq m) with a French balcony

Handcrafted Savoir® Beds of England, built-in closet, hair dryer, safe, individual thermostat, flat-screen TV with infotainment center and satellite

Marble bathroom with Asprey bath and body products, plush towels, towel warmer, comfortable bathrobes and slippers, heated mirror and backlit magnifying mirror

Balcony

French Balcony B

Please note this category is only available for 2027 & 2028 sailings.

Lavishly appointed riverview stateroom (194 sq ft - 18 sq m) with a French balcony

Handcrafted Savoir® Beds of England, built-in closet, hair dryer, safe, individual thermostat, flat-screen TV with infotainment center and satellite

Marble bathroom with Asprey bath and body products, plush towels, towel warmer, comfortable bathrobes and slippers, heated mirror and backlit magnifying mirror

Outside

Classic

Lavishly appointed riverview stateroom (162 sq ft - 15 sq m)

Handcrafted Savoir® Beds of England, built-in closet, hair dryer, safe, individual thermostat, flat-screen TV with infotainment center and satellite

Marble bathroom with Asprey bath and body products, plush towels, towel warmer, comfortable bathrobes and slippers, heated mirror and backlit magnifying mirror

Note: windows in these staterooms are situated at the water line

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regional

Baroque Restaurant

The Baroque Restaurant can be found on the Schönbrunn Deck.

cafe

Viennese Café

Enjoy classic Austrian specialities and sample the famous Viennese passion for coffee.

room

24-Hour Room Service

Craving a bite in between breakfast, lunch or dinner? Inquire about 24-hour room service and à la carte menus. 
Sun Deck

Sun Deck

Escape to the Sun Deck, with life-sized chess board and ample seating area- the perfect place to take in the 360 panoramic views.

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Bar, Pool Deck

Bar du Leopard

Offering a great view of the beautiful indoor pool, the Bar du Leopard features a full-service bar.

Cinema

Lipizzan Cinema

The ship's state-of-the-art 3D cinema—is the first of its kind in the river cruise industry, with Dolby surround sound and 20 plush seats for comfortable viewing. Movie lovers can enjoy a selection of fine films and a choice of snacks (including popcorn, candy, and even hors d'oeuvres).

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Lounge

Habsburg Salon

The Habsburg boasts a panoramic view, a full-service bar and a dance floor. It's the perfect place to unwind with a good book, or enjoy a spot of tea.

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Reception, Atrium

Reception

The Reception can be found on the Schönbrunn Deck.

Spa

Serenity River Spa™

Relax at the Serenity River Spa™ with a soothing facial or massage treatment.

Yoga, Wellness

Wellness on the Water™

Start your day with sunrise yoga on the top deck, a TRX® Suspension Training class, or work out at your own pace in the well-equipped fitness center.

Pool

Bar du Leopard Pool

Revitalise your body with a refreshing swim in the heated pool while viewing the ever-changing scenery that effortlessly passes by you.

Gym

Fitness Centre

If you would prefer to stay onboard and exercise, your all-inclusive, state-of-the-art fitness centre offers everything you need.

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The Generations Collection

Share the joys of river cruising with the entire family.

Find out more here.