river cruise budapest to bucharest 2022

Budapest to Bucharest: Cruise 5 Countries in 9 Days

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Many Danube river cruises end at Budapest, after having traveled through southern Germany and Austria. The Enchantment of Eastern Europe cruise from Emerald Waterways , however, begins in the Hungarian capital and continues south, past some of the amazing highlights of five countries —Hungary, Croatia, Serbia, Bulgaria, and Romania—before ending in the fascinating city of Bucharest.

Along the way, Emerald Waterways provides exciting ways to experience the best of each country, from bike rides and hikes with EmeraldACTIVE to the cultural deep dives of EmeraldPLUS . One day you may be exploring architectural highlights in Belgrade and the next sampling the best of Bulgaria’s wines. At the end of every day, you’ll return to your ship, where you can relax in your spacious suite or venture out to one of the lounges and share your discoveries with fellow guests.

Itinerary / 9 DAYS

TRIP HIGHLIGHT

Lunch with locals.

TRIP DESIGNER

Emerald waterways.

DAY 1 Arrive Budapest

DAY 2 Kalocsa

DAY 3 Osijek

DAY 4 Belgrade

DAY 5 Donji Milanovac

DAY 6 Vidin

DAY 7 Veliko Tarnovo and Arbanasi

DAY 8 Bucharest

DAY 9 Return Home

Balkan Discovery

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• FREE Drinks Wine, Beer & Soft Drinks w/ Onboard Lunch & Dinner
• FREE Unlimited Internet
• FREE US$ Shipboard Credit /Stateroom (Veranda & higher categories)
• FREE Guided Tours
• FREE Bicycles for checkout
• Taxes & Fees Included
• PLUS Travel Insurance ‡ Trip Cancellation & Trip Interruption NO AGE LIMIT PRE-EXISTING CONDITION WAIVED NO MEDICAL QUESTIONNAIRE See: Insurance Coverage Summary / Resolution Policy (for Panorama Suite Only)

Dates Deluxe from/person Panorama from/person AIR PROMO from/person SAVINGS up to/couple May 09, 2023 Budapest to Bucharest Avalon Passion $7,351 $3,999 $8,890 $5,599 Free Air $1,300 $ Free Air --> $6,704 Quote

Budapest to Bucharest Budapest to Bucharest

Avalon has designed included activities with a choice of experiences. We invite you to select the tours, activities, and events that interest you most, so you can experience your cruise your way. Plus, we offer independent exploration options and the use of our exclusive AvalonGO APP on most of our cruises. 

Below are 3 types of included shore excursions for you to experience.

• Day 1 BUDAPEST, HUNGARY (EMBARKATION)
• Day 2 MOHÁCS
• Day 3 ILOK, CROATIA – NOVI SAD, SERBIA
• Day 4 BELGRADE
• Day 5 GOLUBAČ–DONJI MILANOVAC. EXCURSION TO LEPENSKI VIR–IRON GATES GORGE
• Day 6 VIDIN, BULGARIA
• Day 7 ROUSSE. VELIKO TÂRNOVO & ARBANASSI EXCURSION
• Day 8 OLTENITA, ROMANIA (DISEMBARKATION)–BUCHAREST
• Day 9 BUCHAREST

BUDAPEST, HUNGARY (EMBARKATION)

Welcome to Hungary. Your Suite Ship® is Ready for Boarding.

Flights into Budapest must arrive by 2 pm.

Guests must be on board ship by 5 pm.

Hungarian History in a Harbor Town

Visit the Adventure Center for today’s activities with your Adventure Host.

ILOK, CROATIA – NOVI SAD, SERBIA

Spend your free time exploring the city on your own this afternoon on Knez Mihailova Street—Belgrade’s central pedestrian thoroughfare with many lively cafés, shops, and cultural spots. Alternatively, enjoy one of the Optional Excursions on offer.

This evening, you might like to join an Optional Excursion for an authentic Bohemian Dinner in the Quarter of Skadarlija.

GOLUBAČ–DONJI MILANOVAC. EXCURSION TO LEPENSKI VIR–IRON GATES GORGE

Vidin, bulgaria.

Rocks, ruins and Balkan Beauty

Join your Adventure Host for today’s special activities.

ROUSSE. VELIKO TÂRNOVO & ARBANASSI EXCURSION

Oltenita, romania (disembarkation)–bucharest.

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• Explore Bucharest from the glorious Athenee Palace Hilton Bucharest hotel, one of the city’s most sophisticated and prestigious landmarks. The hotel is conveniently located in the heart of the city and enjoys views of Revolution Square and is close to Bucharest’s many local attractions.

Bucharest to Budapest

Panorama suite.

• 6-person sitting area
• Bathrobes & slippers
• Choice of bed configuration
• Comfort Collection Beds SM
• Complimentary Wi-Fi
• Easy under-bed luggage storage
• Elegant, contemporary design
• Extra blankets
• Full shower with glass door
• Individual climate control
• Large mirror in bathroom
• Make-up mirror
• Memory foam mattress toppers
• Spacious 3-door closets with shelves for ample storage
• Wall-to-Wall Panoramic Window with Open-Air Balcony®
• Writing desk
• Alarm clock
• Bedside tables with reading lamps
• Coffee table
• Complimentary bottled water
• Direct-dial telephone
• Egyptian super-combed cotton linens
• European-style duvets
• Flatscreen satellite TV with movie channel
• In-room safe
• L’Occitane bath products
• Marble countertops in bathroom
• Nightly turn-down service
• Soft and firm pillows
• Well-stocked minibar

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Bon Voyage!

Avalon shares the flavours of the world with the freshest local ingredients prepared by our talented chefs and served in your choice of venues on board.

From action-packed experiences and interactive discoveries, to traditional sightseeing, you can tailor a vacation to suit your interests and pace.

Avalon's exclusive Panorama Suites SM — exquisite accommodations and a huge Open–Air Balcony SM that provides an indoor/outdoor seating area without sacrificing room space.

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About Silver Spirits

What Does the Complimentary Silver Spirits Beverage Package Cover?

• Includes any drinks up to $15.00

• The Chef’s Table premium wine pairing (Ocean Specialty Dining Only)

• 15% discount on premium beverages above $50

Note: Silver Spirits Beverage Inclusions may vary between River and Ocean voyages and may be subject to change

Complimentary Silver Spirits Beverage Package Applies To:

• Ocean and River, 8-15 Day Voyages, departing 2020 & 2021

• New bookings only made from 1/25 – 1/30/2020

• Does not apply to Expedition Voyages

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River Cruises from Bucharest to Budapest

• Choose from 15 Bucharest tours
• 9 verified reviews from TourRadar travelers
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10 best River cruises from Bucharest to Budapest

Compiled by

Melissa Bucharest travel expert at TourRadar

The Danube from Romania to Budapest with 1 Night in Bucharest and 1 Night in Budapest 2024

The danube from romania to budapest with 1 night in bucharest 2024, highlights of eastern europe (2025) (bucharest to budapest, 2025), along the danube, the balkan peninsula and budapest (port-to-port cruise) (from bucharest to budapest), eastern europe & balkans unveiled 2025 - 11 days, eastern europe & balkans unveiled 2025 - 9 days, the danube from romania to budapest with 1 night in bucharest, 2 nights in transylvania & 1 night in budapest 2024, the danube from romania to budapest with 1 night in bucharest and 2 nights in transylvania 2024, the danube from romania to budapest with 1 night in bucharest 2025, the danube from romania to budapest with 1 night in bucharest and 1 night in budapest 2025.

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“Were treated like royalty on the ss Beatrice, food great and all our tours were exceptional.”

“The food was great, entertainment good, and the crew were very accommodating.”

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Why cruise with emerald cruises.

At Emerald Cruises, your enjoyment comes first. Sail with small cruise ship experts and benefit from our attentive level service, as we bring you closer to some of Europe’s most exciting destinations.

Small ship river cruising expertise

Emerald Cruises specializes in providing a small cruise ship experience . You’ll notice how measured guest numbers, an excellent staff-to-guest ratio, and the purpose-driven design and layout of our award-winning Star-Ships offer you a comfortable and luxurious Europe river cruise experience.

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Our award-winning Star-Ships are your home away from home. Our boutique floating hotels have won several accolades for providing guests with a luxurious ambience, a wealth of amenities, and unique innovations such as our indoor pool that transforms into a cinema space on selected evenings.

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Escape to your private sanctuary of serenity. With our range of suites and staterooms , there’s a cabin option to suit all preferences and budgets, whether you need plenty of space to stretch out, you’re longing for a cozier accommodation, or if you’re looking for a single cabin to sail solo. 

EmeraldDISCOVERY

Emerald DISCOVERY is designed to take you far beyond the standard tourist experience, with an array of exciting excursions . You’ll enjoy an included excursion nearly every day and have the option to join our Emerald PLUS , Emerald ACTIVE , and extra-special Discover MORE ^ excursions to explore each destination in even greater depth.

A wealth of generous inclusions

Your Europe river cruise should also provide complete peace of mind. This is why we cover all port charges, provide all meals on board with accompanying beverages, offer complimentary Wi-Fi, arrange transfers to and from your cruise ship, cover all gratuities on board and onshore, and much more. You’ll also benefit from a first-class English-speaking crew, and enjoy tours led by knowledgeable, local guides.

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Home » The 10 Best Budapest River Cruises and Boat Tours in 2024 (Personally Tested)

The 10 Best River Cruises and Boat Tours in Budapest (Personally Tested)

Last updated: May 6, 2024

Author: Adam Dimitrov — Budapester, Hungarian & City Expert/Guide

🏆 Editor's #1 Choice

✔️ tested by author

⏳ In a hurry and want a recommendation you can't go wrong with?

• Best all-around sightseeing cruise in Budapest.
• Welcome drink and complementary lemonade.
• Best audio guide in the city.
• Weather-proof waiting area.
• Modern, large, and spacious ship.
• Comfortable chairs and great views.

💡 You can also read this article in Hungarian , French , Spanish , Italian , German , Hebrew or Polish .

Are you feeling overwhelmed by the plethora of boat tour options in Budapest? 

Then let me help you choose the best boat tour for you, with the best guide on the topic in existence.

To give honest and accurate recommendations on the best river cruises in Budapest, I decided to personally test the most popular cruises of every major cruise company in Budapest, backed up with photos and details and even a video .

That's seven companies and a dozen cruises tested!

As the person with the most boat tour laps on the Danube under his belt, I have handpicked the 10 best river cruises in Budapest from my many voyages based on their exceptional quality, uniqueness, or value for money. ‍

Every cruise has different strengths and weaknesses, so I have curated this list that caters to almost everyone's needs.

Moreover, I have made browsing these cruises easier for you and added informative FAQs to my article containing valuable insights to help you choose the best river cruise for your preferences.

💡 Want to show some love for my work? Consider booking river cruises directly through the cruise companies using the direct links on this page whenever possible. Thank you! 🙏

Disclaimer: This website uses affiliate links. I get paid a small commission if you purchase anything through my links. It costs you nothing and makes my job of creating high quality articles financially sustainable. Cheers!

Best River Cruises in Budapest in 2022

Cheapest: Mahart's Sightseeing Cruise

Best Value: Mahart's Sightseeing Cruise

Most Complete: Mahart's Sightseeing Cruise

Best Dinner Cruise: Mahart's Sightseeing Cruise

Best Party Boat: Mahart's Sightseeing Cruise

Best Vibes: Mahart's Sightseeing Cruise

Summary & Comparison — Top 10 River Cruises in Budapest

Reviews calculation: I am using the total review count of the activity from GetYourGuide, Tripadvisor and Viator.

Boat Tour Itinerary & Landmarks

Blue = Attractions, Orange = Meeting Points, Colored Layers = Itineraries

💡 Tip: Remember that the decorative city lights are turned off at 23:00 from Mar 26 to Oct 29 (daylight savings time) and at 22:00 from Oct 30 to Mar 31 (standard time).

To truly immerse yourself the breathtaking beauty of the city , there's no better way than embarking on a river cruise. During such cruises, you'll be treated to a captivating array of iconic landmarks and attractions in Budapest , including:

• Hungarian Parliament
• Buda Castle
• Matthias Church
• Fisherman’s Bastion
• Gellert Hill/Citadella
• Gellért Spa
• Budapest University of Technology and Economics
• A host of historic bridges, including the Széchenyi Chain Bridge, Margaret Bridge, Liberty Bridge, and Petőfi Bridge
• Margaret Island
• Palace of Arts
• National Theatre

Most cruises follow a circular route between the southern end of Margaret Island at Margaret Bridge and just south of Liberty Bridge. This route covers most of the significant landmarks mentioned above in Budapest.

Offbeat Landmarks

South of Liberty Bridge are two nice-to-see-but-not-obligatory landmarks, the National Theatre (below) and the Palace of Arts (above), which are as beautiful as the Parliament and Buda Castle.

Some cruises, like Legenda, Hungaria Koncert and Silverline, have a complete itinerary that includes these offbeat landmarks. ‍ ‍

Types of River Cruises in Budapest

By time of day.

Daytime Cruises

• During the summer, daytime cruises are a great way to beat the heat and take a break. Standard sightseeing cruises typically run from 10 am to 10 pm.

Sunset Cruises ‍

• You can turn any cruise into a sunset cruise by booking it specifically for that time. To time your cruise accurately, search Google for "Budapest Sunset Time + Date".

‍ Evening & Night Cruises ‍

• The city's main attractions are illuminated 30 minutes after sunset . Take an evening or night cruise for a chance to see the stunning illuminated sights of Budapest.

By Drink Type

Prosecco Cruises

• ‍ Welcome drinks on cruises usually come in 80ml glasses and offer a selection of sparkling wine, prosecco spritzer, mineral water, and soft drinks.

Cocktail Cruises

• ‍ This cruise offers  3 cocktails , while the other includes  2 cocktails and a folk show .

Beer Cruises ‍

• You can choose between two beer cruises. The first offers unlimited draft beer and a pizza of your choice , while the second includes 5 craft beers with a folk show .

Wine Cruises ‍

• If you love wine, you can enjoy a special wine-tasting cruise . This cruise offers the opportunity to try seven different types of Hungarian wines , each with its own unique flavor and characteristics.

By Activity Type

Sightseeing Cruises ‍

• These cruises offer best way to enjoy the beautiful cityscape of Budapest. Typically, these cruises will provide you with a welcome drink and offer the option to buy other beverages while onboard.

Dinner Cruises ‍

• Enjoy a romantic candlelit dinner cruise with your partner, a buffet libre dinner cruise with a Hungarian folk performance, and more.

Booze & Party Cruises ‍

• Have a blast on a  booze cruise with unlimited prosecco  or on a dedicated party boat.

Food Cruises ‍

• Satisfy your foodie cravings with a lunch or dinner cruise . However, the quality of the food may be mediocre compared to restaurants.

Private Cruises ‍

• Book a boat tour all four yourself, perfect for couples, families or groups.

1. Best Sightseeing Cruise Overall With Welcome Drink and Audio Guide

✔️ Best All-Around  — This cruise has it all for a complete sightseeing experience.

✔️ Welcome Drink  — Choose champagne, wine, beer, a soft drink, or mineral water.

✔️ Great Ship  — Modern, spacious, and well-kept, offering superb views from both decks.

✔️ Audio Guide  — Crystal-clear sound quality via headphones, and available in 30 languages.

✔️ Full Danube Curcuit  — Covers all the must-see and off-beat landmarks, from Margaret Island to the National Theatre/Palace of Arts.

✔️ Family Friendly - Generous discounts for children, including free tickets for ages 0-9 and 50% for ages 10-14.

❌  Pricy  — It's a bit more expensive than other cruises, but the added value makes up for it.

❌  Missing Free Lemonade  — It's not highlighted that the free lemonade is only offered in the summer season.

❌  Headphone Challenges and Hiccups  — The first pair didn't work, the second had a cable that was too short for my height (I'm 190cm), and the third functional pair lacked optimal comfort.

💡 Tip: All cruises have a generous cancellation policy , allowing a full refund if canceled 24 hours before the activity. Additionally, they offer a reserve now, pay later flexible payment scheme.

Legenda's river cruise offers a complete sightseeing experience with a  welcome drink  and an  audio guide in 30 languages.

Audio guide languages include: English, German, French, Italian, Croatian, Dutch, Hungarian, Hebrew, Arabic, Latvian, Finnish, Turkish, Russian, Portuguese, Estonian, Chinese, Thai, Romanian, Korean, Danish, Greek, Swedish, Slovenian, Japanese, Czech, Norwegian, Slovak, Polish, Lithuanian, Spanish.

Their  ship is modern and spacious , providing excellent views from both decks.

The  itinerary covers the iconic sights from Margaret Island to the National Theatre and Palace of Arts.

This cruise is  pricy but offers more value that backs up the higher price. The audio guide has clear sound quality through headphones but needs improvement in content quality and headphone comfort.

Overall, this cruise provides a  high-quality sightseeing experience with no major negatives , which is why it's number one on this list.

🎥 Video : Watch this Youtube video I made of Legenda's sightseeing cruise. 📷 Instagram : Check out reels and photos of Legenda City Cruises.

About Legenda City Cruises

Legenda is the oldest and most reputable cruise company in Budapest. They’ve been operating since (at least) 1990 and are still going strong.

Detailed Breakdown

Sightseeing & views.

• Like on any boat tour in Budapest, the cityscape is breathtaking throughout the trip. The  best spot for sightseeing  on this cruise is the  top deck .
• The cruise itinerary covers all of Budapest's landmarks, including the National Opera and the Palace of Arts.

💡 Tip:  For the best sightseeing and photo opportunities , choose a ship with large open-air decks that offer unobstructed 360° views like Legenda, Rubin Group, and Portum.

• The Gondola is a modern vessel that offers spacious seating, openable windows during the summer, a bar, an audio guide with headphones, and AC/heating.

The Weather-Proof Waiting Area

• Legenda is the only company in Budapest with a floating dock & waiting area that completely shields you from the elements .

• The cruise kicks off with receiving a complimentary welcome drink – choose from champagne, wine, beer, a soft drink, or mineral water. You also get to enjoy an extra free lemonade in the summer season.

The Lower Deck

• The lower deck has a cozy bar at the back, near the stairs to the top deck. Rows of comfy seats offer plenty of room to move about, and the large windows guarantee fantastic views .

The Upper Deck

• It's spacious with unobstructed 360° views from every angle. Ideal for photography and soaking in the city's beauty. Blankets are available upon request.

The Audio Guide

• This was the only audio guide could actually be heard out of all the cruises, thanks to the headphones, as the other ships have loudspeakers.
• The audio quality was excellent , and the narration was available in 30 languages.
• There's room for improvement contentwise. Around half of the mentioned sights aren't relevant to riverside attractions. Plus, the c ontent could dive deeper into the city's history, culture, and be more historically correct instead of telling stories, trivia and myths.
• I encountered some issues with the headphones - the first set was defective, the second set had a cable that was too short, and the third set was uncomfortable and hard to wear.

💡 All the other cruises offer loudspeaker audio guides. Loudspeaker audio guides are often inaudible due to passenger noise. Other common issues include un-synced commentary, irrelevant sights/details mentioned, and infrequent audio.

Quick Facts

• 📅 Schedule: every day from 10:00 to 22:00 (varies)
• 🎟️ Ticket type: mobile or printed
• ✔️ Onboard wi-fi: yes
• ✔️ Open air deck: yes
• ✔️ Air conditioning/heating: yes
• ❌ Pets allowed: no, only service animals
• ✔️ Smoking: yes, outside
• ✔️ Wheelchair accessible: yes
• ✔️ Baby stroller accessible: yes
• ✔️ Infant/children discount: free for young children (age 0-9), about ~50% discount on tickets for teens (age 10-14)

How to Get There

• 📍 Meeting point: Dock 7, Jane Haining rakpart, 1052 Budapest
• ✔️ Centrally located, easy to find and arrive.
• 🗺️ The dock 7 is conveniently located halfway between the Mahart kiosk and Elisabeth Bridge , easily accessible via Tram 2 .

2. Budapest Night Booze Cruise with Unlimited Prosecco and Lemonade

✔️  #1 Most Affordable Booze Cruise  — Experience Budapest's most economical unlimited prosecco cruise on the Danube.

✔️  Excellent Ship — The ship features a charming open-air top deck and two indoor decks with a sophisticated cocktail party-like ambiance.

✔️  Unlimited Drinks  — Drink all the prosecco and lemonade you want.

✔️  Leisurely 90-Minute Ride  — More than enough time to savor your drinks, though drinking responsibly is advised by your friends at Prosecco and Co.

❌ Mediocre Food Platter — For an extra 10€, the food platter is disappointing and hardly qualifies as 'gourmet.'

❌ Remote Meeting Point — The departure area near Margaret Island is not easily accessible.

❌ Inaudible Audio Guide — The ambient noise from passengers drowns out the audio guide, but most are too busy enjoying their drinks to notice.

❓ Is buying food or drinks while on a river cruise in Budapest possible? 💡 Food is not typically included on standard sightseeing cruises. However, you can purchase snacks and drinks at the ship's kitchen bar.

The Rubin Group's boat tour is an excellent choice for those seeking an affordable cocktail-party atmosphere with unlimited prosecco and lemonade. The attentive servers are always on hand to keep guests' glasses full.

The top deck boasts breathtaking 360° views of the cityscape during the 90-minute river cruise, while the two indoor decks offer a cozy and inviting ambiance.

As for the less rosy aspects of this cruise, the optional food platter isn't worth the 10€ price, and the audio guide may be difficult to hear over the party noise. Additionally, the meeting point is further from the city center, so getting there may take some extra time and effort.

Overall, if you're looking for a leisurely cruise centered around drinks and stunning views, Rubin Group's boat tour is an outstanding choice.

🎥 Video : Watch this Youtube video I made of Rubin Group's unlimited prosecco cruise. 📷 Instagram : Check out reels and photos of Rubin Group.

About Rubin Group

Rubin Group   is another solid company, operating since (at least) 2015. They specialize in gastro-themed events rather than standard sightseeing cruises.

• The ship was impressive with a spacious 3-level design and a cocktail party atmosphere . Passengers were seated at 2-person tables .

The Top Deck

• The top deck offered stunning, unobstructed 360° views . It was the perfect spot for taking photos and enjoying the sights . This is the best place to be during the warmer months.

‍ The Mid and Bottom Deck

• There are two indoor decks with  plenty of seats and tables  where the atmosphere is  cozy and inviting .
• The first passengers to board tend to get the best top deck spots, so it's  worth arriving early   if you want a prime spot .

The Drinks Refills

• The  servers were   attentive , constantly  refilling glasses  with prosecco as soon as they were empty.
• Self-service lemonade  is available in two flavors — regular and one with a strange cucumber taste.

The Assorted Food Platter

• The optional assorted food platter for 10€ wasn't what I was expecting.
• It didn't match the advertised images and wasn't gourmet but ordinary , including simple fruits and vegetables, cheese and ham with two sauces, and a pastry dessert. The portion size was smaller than expected.
• Save your money and skip the platter.
• The loudspeaker  audio guide was inaudible  due to the passengers crowding out the narration.
• They increased the volume upon my request, but the  audio guide's content was too basic .
• 📅 Schedule: every day at 19:00 and 21:00
• ❌ Pets allowed: no, except service animals
• ❌ Wheelchair accessible: no
• ✔️ Baby stroller accessible: yes (at least the bottom deck)
• ✔️ Infant/children discount: free for children (age 0-3)
• 📍 Meeting point: Budapest, Szent István park 5, 1137
• ❌ The meeting point is north of Margaret Bridge , which is slightly out of the way compared to other centrally located cruises.
• 🗺️ Use the 2 or 4/6 tram line  and get off at Jászai Mari tér . From there, walk 500 meters towards the north of Margaret Bridge until you spot a large red "0" sign .

3. Historic 19th Century Steam Boat Cruise

❓ Should I book river cruise tickets in advance? Is it worth it? 💡 Yes  — It's worth reserving your ticket in advance to ensure your place on the ship, although you can purchase tickets in person.

This is Budapest's only boat tour offering an authentic 19th-century historic cruise experience . The ship is a replica of the Hungarian paddle steamer , the Kisfaludy, which operated between 1847 and 1887 on Lake Balaton thanks to the initiative of István Széchenyi.

The cruise includes a welcome drink and an English audio guide (via loudspeakers).

The ship features an open-air panorama deck at the front (the best place for 360° views), a semi-covered rear area , and a small top deck near the captain's cabin.

There's also a must-see maritime museum on the bottom deck.

In summary, this cruise provides a high-quality sightseeing experience infused with historic flair you can't get elsewhere in Budapest.

🎥 Virtual tour: take a look at the ship through their interactive virtual tour .

About Dunai Sétahajózási Ltd.

Dunai Sétahajózási Kft. was founded in 2021 by Gergely Fogasy, who also operates a successful cruise company on Lake Balaton since 2019.

• Like on any boat tour in Budapest, the cityscape is breathtaking throughout the trip. The best spot for sightseeing on this cruise is the front panorama deck , where you board the ship.

• The boat tour offers an authentic historical experience aboard a replica of a 19th-century paddle steamer , the Kisfaludy, that once sailed Lake Balaton.

19th Century Maritime Museum

• On the lower deck, there is a captivating maritime museum that displays the lifestyle of 19th century sailors .

• The cruise includes a complimentary welcome drink of your choice - water, prosecco, orange juice or beer.

• The small top deck has four tables , but the chimney and captain's cabin somewhat block the view .
• The orientation of half the tables is perpendicular to the Danube, so one side of the city is always behind your back . The main deck doesn't have this issue.

The Main Deck

• The main deck has a front open-air area with a 360° panorama . Additionally, there is a roof-covered rear area with equally splendid views.

• You can take a closer look at the paddle wheel in the middle or visit the maritime museum on the bottom deck.
• You can also find free umbrellas , which they likely hand out during rainy weather.
• During the cruise, you can enjoy an English-speaking audio guide through loudspeakers.
• The guide was synchronized with the attractions we passed by and provided brief introductions, trivia, and historical information about the landmarks.
• Sometimes loudspeakers can get drowned out by the noise of a crowd, which makes them hard to hear. I didn't experience this during my daytime cruise, but it may be more challenging to hear during the more popular night cruise .
• In between the narration, there's a pleasant classical piano music playing.
• 📅 Schedule: every day at 4:30pm, 5:30pm, 7:00pm, 8:30pm, 10:00pm.
• ❌ Air conditioning/heating: no
• ✔️ Pets allowed: yes
• ✔️ Infant/children discount: free for children (age 0-6)
• 📍 Meeting point: Budapest Jane Henning rakpart 10, Dock 10, 1052
• 🗺️ Use tram line 2 to arrive at Széchenyi István tér or Március 15 tér stop . Go towards Elizabeth bridge (white suspension bridge) and look for Duna Cruises .

4. Best Value Sightseeing Cruise With Welcome Drink

✔️  Exceptional Value  — Costs 40-50% less than Legenda, while still offering a stellar experience, albeit with fewer non-essential amenities (such as audio guides and complimentary lemonade).

✔️  Fun and Lively — This cruise attracts a younger crowd, creating a lively and enjoyable atmosphere.

✔️  Welcome Drink  — Options include prosecco, a seasonal cocktail, mulled wine, or a soft drink.

✔️ Great Ship  — The ship is modern, spacious, and well-maintained, with excellent views from both its decks.

❌  Inconvenient Location  — The meeting point near Margaret Island is not in the city center, thus getting there is a hassle.

❌  Prone to Crowding — The ship may feel cramped during peak travel times, especially the top deck.

❌  Limited Open Air Seats  — The coveted open-air tables on the top deck are claimed quickly and are available on a first-come, first-served basis.

❓  Is it possible to reserve seats on river cruises? 💡 Seats on most river cruises are assigned on a  first-come, first-served  basis. But some dinner cruises might let you reserve a specific spot.

Portum Lines Cruising is an excellent  alternative to Legenda , offering a  lively and fun  sightseeing experience that's especially  popular with younger crowds .

Upon arrival, guests receive a  complimentary welcome drink of  prosecco, seasonal cocktails, mulled wine, or a soft drink.

While they  don't offer  amenities like an  audio guide or complimentary lemonade , the ship is modern and well-maintained, with  excellent views  of Budapest's top sights.

The  top deck  offers both open-air 360° and weather-protected roof-covered sections. While the  lower level  is cozy and comfortable, it's  best to head upstairs  to enjoy the views.

Reaching the  meeting point is inconvenient , and the  ship can get crowded  due to its popularity, especially on the top deck.

Overall, Portum Lines offers an  exceptional river cruise  experience at  great value , perfect for those seeking a fun atmosphere.

🎥 Video: Watch my video summary with live footage of Portum sightseeing cruise.

About Portum Lines

Portum Lines is a solid company operating since (at least) 2014. Their offerings are pretty slim compared to others but still superb in quality.

• During the boat tour, you can enjoy the flawless cityscape of Budapest from certain spots with clear 360° views .
• The cruise itinerary covers most of Budapest's landmarks, except the National Opera and the Palace of Arts.

• The ship is spacious and well-maintained , with two levels similar to Legenda's sightseeing ship.

• The top deck is divided into three areas - the front, middle, and back.
• The front and back sections are open-air , with perfect 360° views - these are the best places to be.

💡 Tip: The best open air seats go fast! You must arrive early and be at the front of the line to snatch them.

• There is a wide indoor section in the middle with tables and chairs lining both sides near the windows.
• Although the views from here are good, they are even better outside in the open air section.

• The lower level is comfortable, cozy, and spacious, with heating and air conditioning to provide a pleasant experience, even on rainy or cold days.
• The lower deck is an indoor space similar to the upper deck's covered section.
• Additionally, there is a small bar on board.

• The cruise includes a free welcome drink of your choice - a sparkling wine, a seasonal welcome drink, or a soft drink.
• 📅 Schedule : every day from 17:00 to 22:00 (varies)
• 🎟️ Ticket type: mobile, printed
• ❌ Pets allowed: no, only services animals
• ✔️ Children discount: free for infants (age 0-2), only on viator
• 📍 Meeting point: Budapest, Dock 42 port, Szent István park, 1138 Hungary ‍
• 🗺️ Use the 2 or 4/6 tram line  and get off at Jászai Mari tér . From there, walk 500 meters towards the north of Margaret Bridge until you spot the Dock 42 sign .

5. No Frills Budget Sightseeing Cruise

When it comes to Budapest cruises, Silverline Sightseeing Cruise is a solid choice with friendly staff and a comfortable meeting point, but it doesn't quite stand out from the crowd.

Unlike most cruises, Silverline's cruise ticket does not include a welcome drink . However, the price is on the low-end . If it were not for their out-of-the-way location, I would recommend the Portum's similarly cheap cruise in a heartbeat.

With a relaxed 60-minute cruising time, this ride offers a leisurely pace that allows you to take in the sights and enjoy the moment.

There is an audio guide app available in 6 languages (English, Hungarian, German, French, Spanish, and Italian).

In summary, Silverline's sightseeing cruise provides a leisurely tour of Budapest's iconic landmarks on the Danube. While not exceptional, it offers a decent experience.

About Silverline Cruises Ltd.

Silverline is a solid company operating since (at least) 2011. They have a decent range of cruise offerings, and run popular cruises in the sightseeing category.

• Like on any boat tour in Budapest, the cityscape is breathtaking throughout the trip. However, Silverline's ships have a roof and support columns on the top deck which means they do not provide a clear 360° view .

• The ship itself is decent , but it doesn't claim the title of the most modern or spacious vessel on the waters. It gets the job done without being overly impressive.
• Silverline rotates boats frequently, so you may not get the same one I did.

• During my trip, I was on the larger two-level boat that previously had rows of seats, but has since been replaced with tables and chairs (according to photos).
• The smaller boat now has the rows of seats , which I found to be cramped and lacking in legroom .
• Both ships have roofs and support columns which partially block the view .

• The main deck offers comfort with ample space, heating, and air conditioning . While indoor views are average , better panoramas await at the front chairs or the open-air section.
• Welcoming and friendly staff at the entrance make a positive impression. I haven't interacted with the ship's crew so I cannot comment on that.

Unneccesary Stop

• During my cruise, we made a stop at Batthyány tér (Buda) , even though no passengers got on or off.
• ✔️Air conditioning/heating: yes
• 📍 Meeting point: Budapest Jane Henning rakpart 10, Dock 11, 1052
• 🗺️ Use tram line 2 to arrive at Széchenyi István tér or Március 15 tér stop . Go towards Elizabeth bridge (white suspension bridge) and look for Silverline Cruises .

6. Best Cocktail Cruise With Three Cocktails

Enjoy a 80-minute cocktail cruise on the Danube with Silverline. Sip up to three delicious cocktails as you cruise aboard a cozy, spacious double-decker ship with splendid views. 

As usual, the  itinerary  covers all the iconic sights from Margaret Island to the National Theatre and Palace of Arts.

While there is no audio guide on board, you can download Silverline's audio guide app . There's a lack of shelter from the elements while boarding, but it's not a big deal (unless you're caught in bad weather).

Overall, a great experience to try in Budapest!

🎥 Video: Take a look at the teaser video for the cruise to get an idea of what to expect.

💡 Keep in mind that the this cruise, the Pizza & Beer cruise and an Unlimited Drink Cruise are happening at the same time and place.

• The scenery is breathtaking and you're taken all the way down to the Palace of Arts & National Theatre .

• For the best views, head to the top deck . However, taking great photos can be challenging due to the roof and side columns obstructing the view.

• The ship is functional , but it is not the newest, most modern, or luxurious vessel available.

Staff & Service 🧑

• The servers was courteous, accommodating and quick. We never had to wait too long for our drinks.

Drinks Menu

• Cocktails are served in proper cocktail glasses as seen on the menu.
• Each guest receives 3 plastic tokens each, which you give to the waitress each time you ask for a cocktail.

• ❌ Baby stroller accessible: no
• ✔️ Infant/children discount: free for children (age 0-6) but food/drinks aren't included.
• 📍 Meeting point: Budapest, Jane Haining Rakpart, Dokk 11, 1052
• 🗺️ Use tram line 2 to arrive at  Széchenyi István tér stop . You can find Silverline Cruises closest to Elisabeth Bridge.

💡 Cruise alternative : Check out Hungaria Koncert's drinks cruise , which offers a cocktail cruise with folk music, onboard an atmospheric and luxurious ship.

7. Best Pizza and Unlimited Beer Cruise

💡 Keep in mind that the Cocktail Cruise , this and the Unlimited Drink Cruise are happening at the same time and place. Click the cocktail cruise section for more details and pics.

Enjoy the stunning river views of Budapest while sipping unlimited beer and one pizza with Silverline's cruise.

However, it's important to note that there is no audio guide available and some of the views may be partially blocked by side columns.

🎥 Video: Take a look at the teaser video for the cruise to get an idea of what to expect. Keep in mind that the Cocktail Cruise and Pizza & Beer cruise are happening at the same time.

• The lower deck doesn't offer great opportunities for sightseeing or taking photos.

The Food and Drinks

• Indulge in a delicious pizza of your choice such as Hawaii, Hungarian, Salami, Ham and Corn, and Quattro Formaggi.
• During the cruise, you can enjoy unlimited draft beer and soft drinks.

• ❌ Infant/children discount: no

8. Budapest Dinner Cruise with Buffet Libre, Folk Dance Show & Music

✔️  Buffet Libre  — this dinner cruise is a great way to taste various Hungarian dishes.

✔️  Two Welcome Drinks  — you can choose from various alcoholic and non-alcoholic options.

✔️  Great Atmosphere  — you feel like you're in an early 20th century cabaret and forget about the outside world for 2 hours.

✔️  Folk Dance and Music Show  — features one of the best live folklore music and dance shows with authentic and award-winning performers.

✔️  Full Danube Circuit  — the cruise covers everything worth seeing, from Margaret Island all the way down to the National Theatre/Palace of Arts.

✔️  Long Cruise  — the cruise lasts 1.5-2 hours, which gives ample time to eat, drink and see the sights at night.

❌  Not Great for Sightseeing  — the views from the ship are mediocre (no 360°, fences blocking the view), spaces for sightseeing are both few/small, the dinner and folk show are more interesting so you'll focus on that and won't see the sights.

❌  Not Fine Dining Quality  — the food is fine, but mid-range restaurants (and up) serve better quality food.

Hungaria Koncert runs this excellent dinner cruise with live Hungarian folk music and dance performance.

There's an unlimited buffet of various Hungarian dishes and a vibe that’s comparable to an early 20th century cabaret.

🎥 Video: Watch my video summary with live footage of Hungaria Koncert's dinner cruise.

About Hungaria Koncert

Hungaria Koncert is a cruise operator and organizes different touristic activities. They've been operating since (at least) 1995.

Cruise Duration

• This cruise lasts 1.5 or 2 hours depending on which cruise you choose — 7 pm or 10 pm . This gives ample time to enjoy the delicious food, the unique folk performance, and explore the ship.

What's Included

• You get to enjoy the show of award-winning music and dance performers who are going to give you an amazing time.

• ‍ You get access to a buffet libre of a variety of Hungarian dishes . Meals include goulash soup, stuffed cabbage, beef stew, somlói Galuska, a variety of strudels, and more.
• The quality of the food is good but isn’t Michelin 2-star grade. Even so, it’s a great way to try out a variety of Hungarian dishes at once.

Dance and Music Performance

• On the top deck, there are folklore dance and music performances for dinner guests only.
• The music gave the trip an early 20th century cabaret vibe .

• The interior of the ship has a classical and luxurious feel , including chandeliers, a teak wood interior, custom-made floor carpet, intarsia decorated walls, and more.

• There are two symmetrical indoor sections on the top deck and a total of four outdoor areas - two on the sides and two at each end of the ship.

• The outdoor side areas are available for sightseeing guests; the rest of the level is reserved for dinner guests.
• T he sides have 180° views , while the front and back are 360° , but fences obstruct the view.

• The lower deck has the same look and feel as the rest of the ship. There is only one area accessible - immediately to the right of the entrance. This area is for people with non-dinner tickets. It includes a bar with reasonable prices, tables with chairs, and a folklore trio performance.
• 📅 Schedule: every day at 19:00, and on weekends at 22:00
• ✔️ Infant/children discount: free for children (age 0-5)
• 📍 Meeting point: Budapest, Id. Antall József rkp., 1051
• 🗺️ Use tram line 2 to arrive at Széchenyi István tér stop.  You can find Hungaria Koncert next to Széchenyi Chain bridge.

💡 Pricing 55€ vs. 72€ — What's the difference? Those with a regular dinner cruise ticket (55€) won't be able to see the folk dance show - they need to buy the 72€ ticket if they do. There's nothing stopping you from going over to the other side for a sneak peek, though.

9. Best Cocktails, Craft Beer or Wine Tasting Cruise

I have already mentioned the dinner cruise offered by Hungaria Koncert above.

However, they also offer a more affordable boat tour with drinks , which takes place on the same ship.

The only difference is that this event is on the ship's lower deck and features a live folk violin trio to entertain you.

There is also an open-air area where you can drink and enjoy spending time.

The basic ticket is reasonably priced and includes a drink . You can also upgrade to options offering craft beer, cocktails, exquisite wines, or even unlimited drinks .

The atmosphere is reminiscent of an early 20th-century cabaret.

🎥 Video: Watch my video summary with footage of Hungaria Koncert's cruise. Even though this is about their dinner cruise, you'll be on the same vessel.

Indoor Area

• The bottom deck area has the same 20th-century cabaret feel as the rest of the ship.

Outdoor Area

• The sides of the view offer 180° views, so unfortunately you can't see both Buda and Pest at the same time.

• The basic ticket is reasonably priced and includes a drink .
• You can also upgrade to options offering craft beer, cocktails, exquisite wines, or even unlimited drinks .
• If you buy the more expensive tickets you will be seated upstairs in the dinner guest area instead of slightly less luxurious bottom deck area.

10. Cheapest Sightseeing Cruise

✔️  Cheapest Cruise in Budapest  — perfect for travelers that value affordability.

✔️  Unlimited Cruises  — for the same day with one ticket, excellent in case you have the urge to binge cruise in Budapest.

✔️  Great for Getting Around  — there's an option to disembark on Margaret Island or at any of the four other stops.

❌  Low Quality  — I'm not mincing words here, this is a bare-bones, low-quality sightseeing cruise.

❌  Smell of Fuel   — a strange smell is often present on the boat.

❌  Five Stops  — the boat docks and undocks 5 times during the cruise, which isn't fun.

❌ Crowded —  the ship is small and cramped to begin with but wait till the Hungarian pupils on school trips arrive.

‍ Update: This boat tour is only available during the summer season.

A dirt-cheap sightseeing cruise that ranks low in quality compared to other options. Great if you're on an  extremely  tight budget.

Note that this cruise does not have public reviews, as it is a public service boat service operated by a government-owned company (Mahart). Tickets must be purchased on the spot and cannot be reserved in advance.

🎥 Video: Watch my video summary with live footage of BK-Mahart's sightseeing cruise.

Detailed breakdown

• It seemed old and in need of renovation.

• Poor seat layout , crowded, partial view due to roof and side columns. It wasn't too crowded when I went, so it was acceptable.

The Bottom Deck

• The smell of gas/fuel , poor seat layout, dim lighting, mediocre views, and uncomfortable seat cushions.

5 Stops During the Cruise

• The ship makes 5 stops , which takes away from the experience, but allows for a drop-off at Margaret Island . The smell of gas intensified during docking.

No Pre-Booking Available

• It is not possible to book this cruise in advance, but tickets can be purchased in person at the BKK-Mahart kiosk .
• 📅 Schedule: Tuesday-Saturday at 12:00, 14:00, 16:00, 18:00 and 20:00 (don't go on Mondays like I did!)
• ❌ Onboard wi-fi: no
• ❌ Wheelchair accessible: yes
• ❌ Baby stroller accessible: yes
• ✔️ Infant/children discount: free for children (age 0-7)
• 📍 Meeting point: Batthyány tér - Vigadó tér, 1051 Budapest
• 🗺️ How to get there: Use tram line 2 to arrive at Március 15.  You can find Mahart ticket booth in front of you after you descend the stairs at Vigado tér. The boat will be the left from it.

Frequently Asked Questions

How can i prepare for a river cruise during the winter or summer.

Summer: Have sunscreen, water, an umbrella, and sunglasses for daytime cruises in the warmer months.

In rainy weather, the open-air deck may be closed. In stormy weather, cruises are canceled. They'll either refund you or offer an alternative cruise if this happens. ‍

Winter: The heated cabin's windows tend to fog up, blocking the views, depending on how well the windows are insulated.

You can always go out to get a few photo shots, then rush back to the safety of the heated cabin. Open-air sightseeing during the winter can be less enjoyable due to cold weather and winds, so it's best to dress warmly, wear layers, and protect your face.

How can I avoid overcrowded boat tours?

If you want to avoid crowded boat tours, you can follow these steps: visit during the off-season, choose daytime tours instead of night tours, or opt for more expensive cruises.

Budapestadventures is your free guide to help explore Budapest. We test, evaluate and review touristic services and activities in the city for your benefit.

• River Cruising

Cruising from Bucharest to Budapest on Uniworld Oct 2022

By beesKate , October 27, 2022 in River Cruising

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This isn’t so much a review or travel log, but random thoughts.   We recently completed the 10 Day Highlights of Eastern Europe traveling from Bucharest to Budapest, which is 7 nights on the ship, and 2 nights in Bucharest.   We sailed the River Duchess.   It had been several years since we’ve last cruised, with a few land trips in between.   We booked this during Covid when Uniworld was offering a more significant discount than normal.   We were watching water levels on the Danube and thankful we could cruise!   This stretch of river is really beautiful!

Although I really enjoy river cruises, there’s always ports I wish we stayed longer or times I would have liked to have done multiple excursions.   I’ve described river cruising as a sampler plate, you learn where you want to go back and revisit.   However, this itinerary is probably going to be a one-and-done.   This is not a critique of the trip itself; Romania, Bulgaria and Serbia are countries it was nice to visit once, but probably won’t return.   I would have liked a little more time in Croatia, even along the Danube which is not as touristic as the Dalmatian coast.   This was our second time Budapest, but it was only ½ a day – docking around lunch time.   In retrospect, we should have stayed an extra night in Budapest, but when we booked our flights, it wasn’t apparent we’d only have ½ a day in Budapest.  

One thing I appreciate about Uniworld is the cultural enrichment they bring to the voyage.   We had 3 separate folk dancing groups (one on an excursion for lunch, and 2 on the ship).   I admit, I’m a sucker for folk dancing -- when I was in high school, I was in the German folk dancing group.   I am glad Uniworld supports these groups, not only professional groups but a very good student group.   We also had a very interesting 2-part lecture/seminar on the history of Serbia, and how it led to the conflicts in the 90’s.   Several of us (of a certain age), admitted we were only vaguely aware of the conflicts and what was happening in this part of the world, but also admitted we were young parents with babies and toddlers at the time and probably didn’t have time to dedicate to the news.   One of the most interesting talks was our cruise director, Mirela (remember to roll the “r”!), gave an almost 2-hour presentation on growing up in communist Romania.   She has probably given this before, and said it was in response to requests.   The guides we had in Serbia and Croatia were very candid about their time during the conflicts and it was very enlightening.   

Considerations if cruising from Bucharest to Budapest, most of the ports are on the south side (Bulgaria, Serbia & Croatia) of the Danube, so cabins on the port (left if inside looking at the front of the ship) will be against the dock, starboard will be on the river side.   Our cabin was 205, which was a complimentary upgrade from stateroom 105, so we didn’t select it and were happy with the upgrade since we’d somewhat hoped it would occur.   But that was one of the changes to Uniworld’s River Heritage Club (previous passengers); previously a complimentary upgrade (if available) was listed as a benefit.   However, we never received an upgrade prior to this cruise when it is no longer listed as a benefit.   I think everyone in the 100’s was upgraded, this may have been a ship-specific thing.  

Also, looking at the Uniworld website, the layout of the stateroom is slightly different now. I presume they updated staterooms without updating their website.   The closets run the across from the bed, with mirrors on the walls.   The desk area is next to the bed, and replaces the night stand on one side.   The furnishing shifted a bit so the bathroom door opens right at the bedside.   We don’t spend that much time in the room, so it’s fine for us.   We really barely used all the closet space.  

There was a lot of bus time on this cruise.   The bus tour of Bucharest ended with us being dropped off at the Old Town area… along with several other cruise line buses.   The previous day (Wednesday) we were in Old Town and there were no busloads of tourists.   I wonder if the port authorities plan to schedule them all the cruises to depart/arrive on the same day?   We were unable to tour Parliament (People’s Palace) because it was closed to touring that day. Instead, we toured the presidential palace.  

It may have been the itinerary, but we did not use Uniworld busses.   Each port had local bus operators, and they varied in comfort level.   The Croatian bus was the newest and nicest, the Serbian was the oldest and tight.   The Bulgarian was somewhere in the middle.   There were several days where the ship would drop us off at a port, we’d go and tour, and the ship would be cruising down the river and pick us up in a different location.   There were a handful of passengers who stayed on the ship and did not go on the excursions.   The scenery on this cruise is really beautiful.   Not many castles, but beautiful forests and hills.  

Has anyone else cruised Uniworld with Stella?   She was on our cruise, going the full trip to Amsterdam.   This was (she thinks) about her 15 th cruise with Uniworld.   She is in her 80’s and stays on the ship, the crew takes care of her and she enjoys meeting and talking to the passengers.   The crew really watched out her.   We met her when one of the waiters in the dining room asked us if it would be okay if she joined us; of course, yes.   She’s an interesting lady.

Speaking of passengers, on this leg, Bucharest to Budapest, there were 72 passengers.   Although there may have been 2 choices of excursions, one always had more people and they would split into 2 groups.   This meant the groups for each guide were considerably larger than they’d been for our other Uniworld cruises.   Most of our groups were 24 – 30+.   Not really what I expected and you don’t realize how important those smaller groups are until you’re all waiting for the one restroom at the venue, and also when the guide is speaking about a room but not everyone can fit into it.   There was no option for a “gentle walker” group.     Perhaps there was a shortage of tour guides along this itinerary.   Two of our guides told us they took a vacation day from their day job to guide us.  

Prior to boarding the bus in Bucharest, I twisted my ankle on some steps in Old Town.   We stopped in a pharmacy across the street from where the bus was picking us up and I was able to purchase wrap/bandage and hobbled to the bus waiting area.   By the time we sat on the bus for the hour + ride to the port, it had really tightened up and I was hobbling down the gangplank to board.   The crew was great and allowed us to get our room immediately and brought me an ice pack – one of those gel-beads filled ones.   I was able to turn it in and get it back again when I needed it (they may have had multiples).   Probably bad for my ankle, but I didn’t let this slow me down.   The ice pack, some ibuprofen and the wrap helped me get through the week.   I did use the Nordic walking sticks for the town of Arbanassi and the Belogradchik red rock climbing.

The dining experience didn’t seem as elevated as it had on past cruises, maybe we’re just getting pickier?   The Duchess did have a great selection of local wines; however, they need to work on what is a local beer.   We were offered Becks, Bitburger and possibly another, but they were all German.   While touring on our own in Romania we had several good Romanian beers, but Uniworld missed an opportunity with not bringing on extremely local (Bulgarian, Serbian and Croatian) beers, even in limited supply.   The restaurant manager did offer to bring some local beers for my husband, but he brought in one (I mean a single beer), he may have bought them for himself as he said he’d provide them out of his private supply.   Then the servers didn’t know where these local beers were kept.   My husband prefers the beer at lunch and wine at dinner, but there was a bit of confusion, so when they brought him a local beer, he drank that.   Once at lunch, the other person at the table pointed to Greg’s beer when asked what he wanted to drink, but we had to explain that was the only one.   I think Greg did get at least one beer from Serbia and Croatia while on board.   Where they missed it (again) was presuming only Greg wanted the beer, and I was kind of ignored while they were sorting all this out, to the extent no one asked me what I wanted to drink for lunch.

I don’t want to leave this post on a negative note.   We really enjoyed visiting the countries, and a river cruise was a great way to do this.   I did not think this trip was up to Uniworld standards and previous trips, but I realize Covid took a toll on the travel industry.   The bedding is still the most comfortable, and we were just a few doors down from the self-serve coffee machine.   The wait staff has several who I felt were up to Uniworld standards, but a few that would have been fine in a restaurant, but really didn’t bring that special touch.   The bartender was great, but his server was so-so.   This cruise reminded me of both why I love river cruising Uniworld, and also where there are plusses with independent travel.   It may be a few years before we do a river cruise again.  

If you have any questions about this itinerary, or would like to know a great guide for a few days in Romania before your cruise starts, please reply with your questions. 

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We did that stretch of the Danube with Avalon, and I agree about the ports mostly.  I think the tourist infrastructure is just not fully developed in most of those countries.  Our Bulgarian guide told us that there were many interesting things to see, but that most of the sites did not have restrooms, sidewalks, etc, to make it easy for tourists.  The Dalmation coast of Croatia is for sure more developed for tourists than the stretch along the river.  

I did LOVE Romania, but mostly because we did a 2 day extension to Transylvania.  Bucharest was a very pretty big city, but at this point in my life, I'm much happier in the smaller towns and countryside.

I did this cruise on Uniworld in 2017 (I think).  Eastern Europe is so different than Western Europe, and I could visibly see what 50 yrs. under Soviet domination did to them.  They're still playing catch up, and they're experiencing a brain drain of educated young people due to lack of economic opportunity.  It may not be a cruise I would do again, but I'm glad I took it and now have a greater appreciation for the challenges those countries face.  

@beesKate , thank you taking the time to write such a detailed review of your recent experience on Uniworld and your impressions of the countries you visited.

BeesKate, thanks for your review. After several cruises with Uniworld, this is one itinerary I’m still interested in. I did enjoy Roz’s review a few years ago. If we go (not sure we’re still up to overseas flights any more), we would jump ship, so to speak, to Tauck as I like their itinerary a little better as it includes more time in Romania

32 minutes ago, jklc123 said: ... we would jump ship, so to speak, to Tauck as I like their itinerary a little better as it includes more time in Romania

We hired a private guide for 4 days because Uniworld barely included anything in Romania.  Since we are both still working, and the "cruise" started on a Wednesday with free time in Bucharest, we didn't want to waste the weekend prior and flew out on Friday evening.  This was really one of the most interesting trips we've been on.  When you go to most of Europe, you know what to expect; you know the basic history.  This was really learning about a pocket of Europe that is very fascinating and beautiful.   

When we were planning for this trip, pre-pandemic, we were emailing back and forth with a guide for 3 days prior to the cruise. Then COVID hit. Oh well.

• 4 months later...

Rambo_Trout

Many thanks for your comprehensive review, Kate.

We shall be on the S. S. Beatrice in May, from Budapest to Bucharest.

We did Vilshofen to Budapest 18 months ago with Crystal, and have done various River (and Ocean) cruises with Viking. We are very happy with Viking, more so with Crystal, but wanted to see how Uniworld is.

Your report is most helpful to us.

Thanks for your insight. We are doing a 3 week Bucharest to Amsterdam tour and this segment is the least traveled part but I am very excited to see it, since we really enjoyed our prior land based travels to Budapest and Prague. We had tour guides that gave such an in depth description of what life was like growing up under the iron curtain.

CastleCritic

Agreed, Im scheduled to leave for this segment on the AMAMagna in exactly a month with extension to Transylvania.  Ive done Vilshofen down to Budapest already (on a cruise basically the week that a certain soon to become worldwide problem started in China).

Budapest and Prague were definitely fascinating when you have a guide who lived through the soviet times. In Prague I had a private guide to walk all the way from the hotel to the castle who was my age who had stories if being in the protests that led to the downfall of the communist regime while STANDING on the square where it happened...we just cant relate in the west.

Our experience in Tallinn was the same. Our guide, who was our age, talked about where she would get Levi's on the black market, her grandmother being the only one of her family to survive the Soviets, and how their family has an exit plan to Finland even now.

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Cruising from Bucharest to Budapest on Uniworld Oct 2022

By beesKate , October 27, 2022 in River Cruising

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This isn’t so much a review or travel log, but random thoughts.   We recently completed the 10 Day Highlights of Eastern Europe traveling from Bucharest to Budapest, which is 7 nights on the ship, and 2 nights in Bucharest.   We sailed the River Duchess.   It had been several years since we’ve last cruised, with a few land trips in between.   We booked this during Covid when Uniworld was offering a more significant discount than normal.   We were watching water levels on the Danube and thankful we could cruise!   This stretch of river is really beautiful!

Although I really enjoy river cruises, there’s always ports I wish we stayed longer or times I would have liked to have done multiple excursions.   I’ve described river cruising as a sampler plate, you learn where you want to go back and revisit.   However, this itinerary is probably going to be a one-and-done.   This is not a critique of the trip itself; Romania, Bulgaria and Serbia are countries it was nice to visit once, but probably won’t return.   I would have liked a little more time in Croatia, even along the Danube which is not as touristic as the Dalmatian coast.   This was our second time Budapest, but it was only ½ a day – docking around lunch time.   In retrospect, we should have stayed an extra night in Budapest, but when we booked our flights, it wasn’t apparent we’d only have ½ a day in Budapest.  

One thing I appreciate about Uniworld is the cultural enrichment they bring to the voyage.   We had 3 separate folk dancing groups (one on an excursion for lunch, and 2 on the ship).   I admit, I’m a sucker for folk dancing -- when I was in high school, I was in the German folk dancing group.   I am glad Uniworld supports these groups, not only professional groups but a very good student group.   We also had a very interesting 2-part lecture/seminar on the history of Serbia, and how it led to the conflicts in the 90’s.   Several of us (of a certain age), admitted we were only vaguely aware of the conflicts and what was happening in this part of the world, but also admitted we were young parents with babies and toddlers at the time and probably didn’t have time to dedicate to the news.   One of the most interesting talks was our cruise director, Mirela (remember to roll the “r”!), gave an almost 2-hour presentation on growing up in communist Romania.   She has probably given this before, and said it was in response to requests.   The guides we had in Serbia and Croatia were very candid about their time during the conflicts and it was very enlightening.   

Considerations if cruising from Bucharest to Budapest, most of the ports are on the south side (Bulgaria, Serbia & Croatia) of the Danube, so cabins on the port (left if inside looking at the front of the ship) will be against the dock, starboard will be on the river side.   Our cabin was 205, which was a complimentary upgrade from stateroom 105, so we didn’t select it and were happy with the upgrade since we’d somewhat hoped it would occur.   But that was one of the changes to Uniworld’s River Heritage Club (previous passengers); previously a complimentary upgrade (if available) was listed as a benefit.   However, we never received an upgrade prior to this cruise when it is no longer listed as a benefit.   I think everyone in the 100’s was upgraded, this may have been a ship-specific thing.  

Also, looking at the Uniworld website, the layout of the stateroom is slightly different now. I presume they updated staterooms without updating their website.   The closets run the across from the bed, with mirrors on the walls.   The desk area is next to the bed, and replaces the night stand on one side.   The furnishing shifted a bit so the bathroom door opens right at the bedside.   We don’t spend that much time in the room, so it’s fine for us.   We really barely used all the closet space.  

There was a lot of bus time on this cruise.   The bus tour of Bucharest ended with us being dropped off at the Old Town area… along with several other cruise line buses.   The previous day (Wednesday) we were in Old Town and there were no busloads of tourists.   I wonder if the port authorities plan to schedule them all the cruises to depart/arrive on the same day?   We were unable to tour Parliament (People’s Palace) because it was closed to touring that day. Instead, we toured the presidential palace.  

It may have been the itinerary, but we did not use Uniworld busses.   Each port had local bus operators, and they varied in comfort level.   The Croatian bus was the newest and nicest, the Serbian was the oldest and tight.   The Bulgarian was somewhere in the middle.   There were several days where the ship would drop us off at a port, we’d go and tour, and the ship would be cruising down the river and pick us up in a different location.   There were a handful of passengers who stayed on the ship and did not go on the excursions.   The scenery on this cruise is really beautiful.   Not many castles, but beautiful forests and hills.  

Has anyone else cruised Uniworld with Stella?   She was on our cruise, going the full trip to Amsterdam.   This was (she thinks) about her 15 th cruise with Uniworld.   She is in her 80’s and stays on the ship, the crew takes care of her and she enjoys meeting and talking to the passengers.   The crew really watched out her.   We met her when one of the waiters in the dining room asked us if it would be okay if she joined us; of course, yes.   She’s an interesting lady.

Speaking of passengers, on this leg, Bucharest to Budapest, there were 72 passengers.   Although there may have been 2 choices of excursions, one always had more people and they would split into 2 groups.   This meant the groups for each guide were considerably larger than they’d been for our other Uniworld cruises.   Most of our groups were 24 – 30+.   Not really what I expected and you don’t realize how important those smaller groups are until you’re all waiting for the one restroom at the venue, and also when the guide is speaking about a room but not everyone can fit into it.   There was no option for a “gentle walker” group.     Perhaps there was a shortage of tour guides along this itinerary.   Two of our guides told us they took a vacation day from their day job to guide us.  

Prior to boarding the bus in Bucharest, I twisted my ankle on some steps in Old Town.   We stopped in a pharmacy across the street from where the bus was picking us up and I was able to purchase wrap/bandage and hobbled to the bus waiting area.   By the time we sat on the bus for the hour + ride to the port, it had really tightened up and I was hobbling down the gangplank to board.   The crew was great and allowed us to get our room immediately and brought me an ice pack – one of those gel-beads filled ones.   I was able to turn it in and get it back again when I needed it (they may have had multiples).   Probably bad for my ankle, but I didn’t let this slow me down.   The ice pack, some ibuprofen and the wrap helped me get through the week.   I did use the Nordic walking sticks for the town of Arbanassi and the Belogradchik red rock climbing.

The dining experience didn’t seem as elevated as it had on past cruises, maybe we’re just getting pickier?   The Duchess did have a great selection of local wines; however, they need to work on what is a local beer.   We were offered Becks, Bitburger and possibly another, but they were all German.   While touring on our own in Romania we had several good Romanian beers, but Uniworld missed an opportunity with not bringing on extremely local (Bulgarian, Serbian and Croatian) beers, even in limited supply.   The restaurant manager did offer to bring some local beers for my husband, but he brought in one (I mean a single beer), he may have bought them for himself as he said he’d provide them out of his private supply.   Then the servers didn’t know where these local beers were kept.   My husband prefers the beer at lunch and wine at dinner, but there was a bit of confusion, so when they brought him a local beer, he drank that.   Once at lunch, the other person at the table pointed to Greg’s beer when asked what he wanted to drink, but we had to explain that was the only one.   I think Greg did get at least one beer from Serbia and Croatia while on board.   Where they missed it (again) was presuming only Greg wanted the beer, and I was kind of ignored while they were sorting all this out, to the extent no one asked me what I wanted to drink for lunch.

I don’t want to leave this post on a negative note.   We really enjoyed visiting the countries, and a river cruise was a great way to do this.   I did not think this trip was up to Uniworld standards and previous trips, but I realize Covid took a toll on the travel industry.   The bedding is still the most comfortable, and we were just a few doors down from the self-serve coffee machine.   The wait staff has several who I felt were up to Uniworld standards, but a few that would have been fine in a restaurant, but really didn’t bring that special touch.   The bartender was great, but his server was so-so.   This cruise reminded me of both why I love river cruising Uniworld, and also where there are plusses with independent travel.   It may be a few years before we do a river cruise again.  

If you have any questions about this itinerary, or would like to know a great guide for a few days in Romania before your cruise starts, please reply with your questions. 

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We did that stretch of the Danube with Avalon, and I agree about the ports mostly.  I think the tourist infrastructure is just not fully developed in most of those countries.  Our Bulgarian guide told us that there were many interesting things to see, but that most of the sites did not have restrooms, sidewalks, etc, to make it easy for tourists.  The Dalmation coast of Croatia is for sure more developed for tourists than the stretch along the river.  

I did LOVE Romania, but mostly because we did a 2 day extension to Transylvania.  Bucharest was a very pretty big city, but at this point in my life, I'm much happier in the smaller towns and countryside.

I did this cruise on Uniworld in 2017 (I think).  Eastern Europe is so different than Western Europe, and I could visibly see what 50 yrs. under Soviet domination did to them.  They're still playing catch up, and they're experiencing a brain drain of educated young people due to lack of economic opportunity.  It may not be a cruise I would do again, but I'm glad I took it and now have a greater appreciation for the challenges those countries face.  

@beesKate , thank you taking the time to write such a detailed review of your recent experience on Uniworld and your impressions of the countries you visited.

BeesKate, thanks for your review. After several cruises with Uniworld, this is one itinerary I’m still interested in. I did enjoy Roz’s review a few years ago. If we go (not sure we’re still up to overseas flights any more), we would jump ship, so to speak, to Tauck as I like their itinerary a little better as it includes more time in Romania

32 minutes ago, jklc123 said: ... we would jump ship, so to speak, to Tauck as I like their itinerary a little better as it includes more time in Romania

We hired a private guide for 4 days because Uniworld barely included anything in Romania.  Since we are both still working, and the "cruise" started on a Wednesday with free time in Bucharest, we didn't want to waste the weekend prior and flew out on Friday evening.  This was really one of the most interesting trips we've been on.  When you go to most of Europe, you know what to expect; you know the basic history.  This was really learning about a pocket of Europe that is very fascinating and beautiful.   

When we were planning for this trip, pre-pandemic, we were emailing back and forth with a guide for 3 days prior to the cruise. Then COVID hit. Oh well.

• 4 months later...

Rambo_Trout

Many thanks for your comprehensive review, Kate.

We shall be on the S. S. Beatrice in May, from Budapest to Bucharest.

We did Vilshofen to Budapest 18 months ago with Crystal, and have done various River (and Ocean) cruises with Viking. We are very happy with Viking, more so with Crystal, but wanted to see how Uniworld is.

Your report is most helpful to us.

Thanks for your insight. We are doing a 3 week Bucharest to Amsterdam tour and this segment is the least traveled part but I am very excited to see it, since we really enjoyed our prior land based travels to Budapest and Prague. We had tour guides that gave such an in depth description of what life was like growing up under the iron curtain.

CastleCritic

Agreed, Im scheduled to leave for this segment on the AMAMagna in exactly a month with extension to Transylvania.  Ive done Vilshofen down to Budapest already (on a cruise basically the week that a certain soon to become worldwide problem started in China).

Budapest and Prague were definitely fascinating when you have a guide who lived through the soviet times. In Prague I had a private guide to walk all the way from the hotel to the castle who was my age who had stories if being in the protests that led to the downfall of the communist regime while STANDING on the square where it happened...we just cant relate in the west.

Our experience in Tallinn was the same. Our guide, who was our age, talked about where she would get Levi's on the black market, her grandmother being the only one of her family to survive the Soviets, and how their family has an exit plan to Finland even now.

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GENERAL RESTRICTIONS:  Cruise fares listed are cruise only in U.S. dollars, per person, based on double occupancy. Single supplement savings are off applicable rates. Cruise fares listed are valid for U.S. residents only. All fares and offers are for new bookings only and are subject to availability, may not combinable with other offers except Viking Explorer Society Travel Credits and Viking Referral Rewards, are capacity-controlled and may be withdrawn at any time without prior notice. Special fares are based upon published full brochure fares; cruise fares do not include pre-paid charges, optional facilities, and personal charges, as defined in the terms and conditions of the  Passenger Ticket Contract  which may be viewed elsewhere on this website. Full brochure fares may not have resulted in actual sales in all stateroom categories and may not have been in effect during the last 90 days. Promotional fares may remain in effect after the expiration date. Air promotion applies to roundtrip flights only from select Viking Cruises U.S. gateways and includes airport-to-ship or hotel transfers, air taxes and air fuel surcharges. Roundtrip airport transfers are included when air is purchased with a cruise or cruisetour package; if air is not purchased from Viking, transfers may be purchased separately. All transfers must be in conjunction with a Viking-purchased cruise, cruisetour, land extension or extra hotel nights. Viking reserves the right to correct errors or omissions and to change any and all fares at any time. For up-to-date prices, please call Viking or your Travel Agent. Additional terms and conditions may apply. Complete terms and conditions may be found in the  Passenger Ticket Contract .

AIR OFFER RESTRICTIONS:  Offer expires August 31, 2024.

NOTE: U.S. flights depart one day prior to check-in date. Paid Business or Premium Economy Class may require travel in economy on flights within North America or Europe. Premium economy is limited to specific airlines and we may not be able to accommodate based on aircraft type and availability. Roundtrip airport transfers are included when air is purchased with a cruise or cruisetour package; if air is not purchased from Viking, transfers may be purchased separately. All transfers must be in conjunction with a Viking-purchased cruise, cruisetour, land extension or extra hotel nights. Air prices are per person based on cruise/cruisetour check-in date and include transfers plus all government taxes/fees of approximately $160 and air fuel surcharges. Air seats are limited; airfares are subject to change and are not guaranteed until full payment of air is received.