Enchanting Christmas & New Year's

Enchanting Christmas & New Year's

About This Cruise

Cruise the mighty Danube, visiting classic capitals like Budapest and Vienna. Spend Christmas Eve in Passau, then ring in the New Year in elegant style in Budapest. Festive celebrations are plentiful during this cruise—what better way to create perfect holiday memories?

Commemorate a splendid musical heritage as you lift your voice and sing "Silent Night" in Oberndorf, where the beloved Christmas carol was composed. Meet the Count of Castle Clam. Spend Christmas Day in Salzburg and enjoy a holiday lunch within the walls of St. Peter's Abbey. Discover the seasonal delicacies of Slovakia in Bratislava's picturesque downtown and enjoy the merriment of traditional hospitality in an Austrian wine village. Ring out the old year and ring in the new with art, wine, and song as you cruise through four nations during this enchanting season.

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

23 December 2026

Cruise Line

UNIWORLD Boutique River Cruises

Duration

10 Nights

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

Itinerary

Germany

Passau

Arrive at Munich Airport. If you have arranged a Uniworld arrival transfer, you will be greeted by a Uniworld representative and transferred to the ship docked in Passau.

Germany

Passau

Old-town Passau is built on a spit of land that looks almost like a ship with its narrow prow jutting into the water, a fitting shape for a city that has been an important center of river trade since it was founded by the ancient Romans. Today a local expert shows you the highlights of this delightful and accessible town located at the confluence of three rivers— the Danube, Inn, and Ilz.

Austria

Linz

Your ship docks in Linz today. From there, you’ll travel to the alpine city of Salzburg for a delightful full-day excursion. Mozart’s birthplace, Salzburg, is nestled in a glorious alpine setting that sparkles like a winter wonderland. Fans of “The Sound of Music” may recognize locations from the Oscar-winning film in the city’s Old Town, the site of a grand cathedral and a wonderful Christmas Market..

Austria

Grein

On today's agenda—a walk through charming Grein and a peek inside Austria’s oldest theater.

Austria

Melk

Melk Abbey has an unexpectedly opulent library filled not only with rare and precious books but also secret doors and optical illusions. After your visit, cruise the Wachau Valley to the tiny village of Dürnstein, where you can browse the shops selling apricot schnapps, hike up to the ruins of a castle, taste mulled wine, and attend an organ concert at a local church. Your river adventure today takes you through one of the most beautiful regions in Austria, bookended by two picturesque and historic towns, Melk and Dürnstein.

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, followed by an evening concert of Mozart and Strauss, performed at a 12th-century monastery.

Austria

Vienna

A day of free time to explore Vienna at your leisure awaits. Maybe the Viennese love for music, food, drink, and stunning architecture will compel you to visit one of the many pubs, coffeehouses, wine taverns, art museums, and sprawling palaces.

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, then have free time to check out the whimsical street art and sample delicious delicacies found only in Slovakia.

Hungary

Budapest

Located on opposite sides of the Danube, Buda and Pest each have their own distinctive character and allure. Get a taste of this dynamic capital city during today's tour. This evening, celebrate the new year with a special dinner, then join us in the lounge after for a festive night of music and dancing.

Hungary

Budapest

Start off the New Year on a high note with an excursion to a village of talented artisans and craftspeople who live and create beautiful things together. The village is also home to two museums you’re welcome to visit—one devoted to lovely ceramics and the other to the art of marzipan.

Hungary

Budapest

Disembark the ship. If you have arranged a Uniworld departure transfer, you will be transferred to the Budapest Ferenc Liszt International Airport for your flight home.

Overview

Cruise the mighty Danube, visiting classic capitals like Budapest and Vienna. Spend Christmas Eve in Passau, then ring in the New Year in elegant style in Budapest. Festive celebrations are plentiful during this cruise—what better way to create perfect holiday memories?

Commemorate a splendid musical heritage as you lift your voice and sing "Silent Night" in Oberndorf, where the beloved Christmas carol was composed. Meet the Count of Castle Clam. Spend Christmas Day in Salzburg and enjoy a holiday lunch within the walls of St. Peter's Abbey. Discover the seasonal delicacies of Slovakia in Bratislava's picturesque downtown and enjoy the merriment of traditional hospitality in an Austrian wine village. Ring out the old year and ring in the new with art, wine, and song as you cruise through four nations during this enchanting season.

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

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

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.

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).

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.

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.

The Generations Collection

Share the joys of river cruising with the entire family.

Find out more here.