S.S. Maria Theresa, 10 Night Enchanting Christmas & New Year’s ex Passau, Germany to Budapest, Hungary

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.

Day 1 – Passau (Embark)
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.

Day 2 – 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.
* A special Captain’s Welcome Reception and Dinner will be prepared for you this evening.

Day 3 – Linz (Salzburg)
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..

Day 4 – Grein
On today’s agenda—a walk through charming Grein and a peek inside Austria’s oldest theater.

Day 5 – Melk, Cruising the Wachau Valley, Dürnstein
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.

Day 6 – 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.

Day 7 – 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.

Day 8 – 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.

Day 9 – 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.

Day 10 – 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.
* A special Captain’s Farewell Reception and Dinner will be prepared for you this evening.

Day 11 – Budapest (Disembark)
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.

“Regal in its opulent 18th-century decor, a floating homage to the former Austrian empress….Besides indulgent dining and an elegant atmosphere, this is one of the prettiest ships out there.” – Cruise Critic editors


One of Europe’s most beloved and longest reigning monarchs, the great Habsburg ruler Maria Theresa, was so extraordinary that we expanded our Super ShipTM fleet in her honor. Named “Best New River Ship” by Cruise Critic editors her maiden season, the S.S. Maria Theresa features ultra-luxurious accommodations and an array of thoughtful personal touches, ensuring a truly indulgent and unforgettable voyage along the Danube and Main Rivers.


Staterooms and suites on the Hofburg Deck have balconies with floor-to-ceiling windows that, with the touch of a button, will raise the glass to create a completely enclosed conservatory. Designated suites provide triple-accommodation options.

Leading the Way since 1976 We were the first American company to set sail in Europe, and we’ve been revolutionizing the landscape of river cruising ever since. With more experience than practically any other line on the rivers, we spent our time developing deep local connections, destination expertise, and the most incredible crew in the industry. Over the years we’ve grown to offer unparalleled itineraries on the rivers of Europe, Egypt, India, Southeast Asia, and the Peruvian Amazon.

The Original Floating Boutique Hotels We took everything travellers love about boutique hotels and made it float—think warm and personalized service, unique design schemes that highlight your destination, locally-inspired dining, thoughtfully curated activities, and ultra-comfortable furnishings. Each member of our fleet is one-of-a-kind, a work of art with its own bespoke details, custom fabrics, and local craftsmanship to bring the destinations outside in. Many of our ships even share a design team with the award-winning Red Carnation Hotel Collection. And the best part is, you’ll wake up to a wonderful new place to explore every day.

The Highest Quality in All-Inclusive Luxury River Cruising Our all-inclusive itineraries are tailored to deliver authentic luxury. You can keep your wallet closed the entire trip, and still find everything you need and more to have a fantastic time. What truly distinguishes the meaning of “All-Inclusive” at Uniworld is our commitment to quality and passion for Tiny Noticeable Touches™. Handmade Savoir beds, a wide selection of premium wines and spirits, and delicious cuisine made with locally sourced ingredients—every piece of the Uniworld experience is hand selected to transform good experiences into exceptional ones.*

No Request Too Large, No Detail Too Small® “No request too large, no detail too small”—that’s our driving ethos, and every member of the Uniworld crew lives by it. Our service is second to none. With a 2.4-to-1 crew-to-guest ratio and the longest tenured team in the business, our team starts to learn your name and your drink order from day 1. It’s little touches like this that make you feel like family onboard with us, and what makes returning for your next sailing feel like coming home.

Our Travel Family We’re proud to be a part of The Travel Corporation (TTC) collection of award-winning travel brands—including Trafalgar Tours, Luxury Gold, Insight Vacations, Contiki, and African Travel. We share a collective ethos: treat your guests, your staff, and the local communities you visit like family, and you’ll create the most rewarding travel experiences out there.

*Note: Inclusions may vary in Egypt, Asia, and Peru.

Select the Deck to view detail.

S.S. Maria Theresa - Bavarian Deck

Maria Theresa - Schonbrunn Deck

S.S. Maria Theresa - Hofburg Deck

S.S. Maria Theresa - Schönbrunn Deck

Select the Cabin to view detail.

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
Additional amenities and service include: in-suite butler service; packing and unpacking assistance; in-room breakfast; daily fruit and cookie plate, and an elegant evening snack; Nespresso coffee machine and fine teas; fully stocked mini bar; bottle of wine upon arrival; shoe shine; and free laundry service

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
Additional amenities and service include: in-suite butler service; packing and unpacking assistance; in-room breakfast; daily fruit and cookie plate, and an elegant evening snack; Nespresso coffee machine and fine teas; fully stocked mini bar; bottle of wine upon arrival; shoe shine; and free laundry service

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

French Balcony

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

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