Europe and Mediterranean: Danube Holiday Markets Cruise

Uniworld Boutique River Cruises

Celebrate the season in the birthplace of many beloved holiday traditions. Budapest has celebrated Christmas for a thousand years, since the reign of St. Stephen, the king who founded Hungary and encouraged the spread of Christianity throughout his realm. As you ramble through the Christmas Market on Vörösmarty Square, admiring the handmade porcelain, stop to watch as kürtos kalács (a pastry) is baked on rods over an open fire and then coated with sugar before it's handed to you. In Bratislava, where a lively young art scene is revitalizing the compact city core, stalls abound with traditional Slovakian Christmas items such as medovníky (spiced ginger cookies) and šúpolie (figurines made from corn husks). Experience Uniworld's exclusive "Taste of Christmas" program in the heart of Vienna during the day. Glorious baroque architecture, delightful concerts, and ravishing scenery will make this Christmas season unforgettable as you sail through the holidays on the Danube.

All-Inclusive Cruise

  • True All-Inclusive Boutique River Cruising™

  • All gratuities for onboard services

  • Unlimited fine wine, beer, spirits and nonalcoholic beverages**

  • Shore excursions with local experts as your guide

  • Internet and Wi-Fi

  • All arrival and departure day transfers

  • Locally sourced cuisine

Executive Member Benefit

  • Executive Members receive an annual 2% Reward, up to $1,000, on qualified Costco Travel purchases

  • Receive a US $ 50 shipboard credit per person (maximum US $ 100 per stateroom)♦

Digital Costco Shop Card

  • Member Exclusive: Digital Costco Shop Card with every Uniworld® river cruise†

Sailing Itinerary

Note: Cruise itineraries are subject to change. Please verify ports and times directly with the cruise line.

Day 1 Passau

Overview

 
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The town on the three rivers – the Danube, the Inn and the Ilz – got its name from the Roman fort of Batavis. After 739 AD Passau grew to become the biggest bishopric on the Danube, its domain extending all the way to Hungary. After the great fire of 1662 the prince bishops rebuilt the town in the Baroque style. One of the highlights of the Old Town is the beautiful Cathedral of St Stephan, which boasts the biggest church organ in the world. High up above the town and the rivers stand the Veste Oberhaus Castle and the Maria Hilf Abbey, both of which are also well worth a visit.

Day 2 Passau

Overview

 
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The town on the three rivers – the Danube, the Inn and the Ilz – got its name from the Roman fort of Batavis. After 739 AD Passau grew to become the biggest bishopric on the Danube, its domain extending all the way to Hungary. After the great fire of 1662 the prince bishops rebuilt the town in the Baroque style. One of the highlights of the Old Town is the beautiful Cathedral of St Stephan, which boasts the biggest church organ in the world. High up above the town and the rivers stand the Veste Oberhaus Castle and the Maria Hilf Abbey, both of which are also well worth a visit.

Day 3 Linz

Overview

 
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Dive into the world of tomorrow today in Linz ~ Danube: The Ars Electronica Center fascinates visitors with the CAVE, in which they can wander through three-dimensional worlds and are invited everywhere to experiment! The opposite bank of the Danube is marked by the impressive Lentos Art Museum with its glass architecture and masterpieces of the 19th and 20th century. The old city center is delightful with its idyllic back lanes, historical buildings and one of the largest medieval main squares in central Europe. Taking a ride through the city on the bright yellow Linz City Express, up to Pöstlingberg with the steepest track railway in Europe from 1898, or on the Danube with a ship turns every sightseeing tour into an adventure. One of the busiest shopping streets in Austria is located right in the city center. Countless shops invite window-shoppers and taking a break in one of the numerous cozy Linz coffeehouses provides an opportunity to taste the original Linzer Torte. Linz ~ Danube has a wide variety of attractions for those interested in art and culture. There are events such as the Linz Winter of Culture, the Passion, the Linz ~ Danube marathon, the Linz Danube Summer, the Linz Pflasterspektakel, and the Bruckner Festival. In addition, the visualized Linz "Cloud of Sound" and the Ars Electronica Festival draw thousands of visitors every year. During Advent Linz is transformed into an enchanting city of with hundreds of nativity scenes, Advent markets and Christmas concerts.

Day 4 Krems an der Donau

Overview

 
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Krems at the river Danube is worth a visit during any season! Dive into the region at the Nibelungen stream: The Wachau valley - world cultural heritage of the UNESCO! There are not many cities in Austria which can offer such a great variety in cultural, historical or culinary offers as the attractive "double town" of Krems-Stein. Located in the eastern-most part of the Wachau valley, the town - more than 1000 years old - impresses its visitors with historical buildings in the old town centre, having been announced "world heritage" by the UNESCO in 2000. Enjoy the different faces of the town when walking through the old town, marked by shops, restaurants and coffee shops. Due to the realization of the "Kremser Kunstmeile" (art mile), Krems has set yet another sign of its cultural importance. An extensive sports offer combined with numerous large events (the annual Wachau-marathon, including more than 10.000 participants), adds to the existing range of possibilities.

Day 5 Vienna

Overview

 
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Today, Vienna is once again in the center of Europe. But not so long ago, Vienna was just on the western side of the Iron Curtain. Many visitors are surprised to learn that Vienna is actually further east than Prague and Berlin. Vienna was once the heart of a vast realm, the Habsburg Empire. For a time, the possessions of the Habsburgs, who ruled for more than 600 years, were so far-flung that it was said that the sun never set on its dominions. All that came to an end more than 80 years ago. Today, Austria is a small country of about eight million people. But Vienna still has heart. It is one of the most comfortable, interesting, beautiful capital cities in the world. The Vienna of today is a modern, international metropolis in the heart of Central Europe, a city with a quality lifestyle and an embraceable joy for living. Vienna caters to your needs in terms of education, social and health services and also offers a wide range of leisure and cultural activities.

Day 6 Bratislava

Overview

 
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Bratislava, the capital of Slovakia, is set along the Danube River by the border with Austria and Hungary. It’s surrounded by vineyards and the Little Carpathian mountains, crisscrossed with forested hiking and cycling trails. The pedestrian-only, 18th-century old town is known for its lively bars and cafes. Perched atop a hill, the reconstructed Bratislava Castle overlooks old town and the Danube.

Day 7 Budapest

Overview

 
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Budapest, Hungary’s capital, is bisected by the River Danube. Its 19th-century Chain Bridge connects the hilly Buda district with flat Pest. A funicular runs up Castle Hill to Buda’s Old Town, where the Budapest History Museum traces city life from Roman times onward. Trinity Square is home to 13th-century Matthias Church and the turrets of the Fishermen’s Bastion, which offer sweeping views.

Day 8 Budapest

Overview

 
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Budapest, Hungary’s capital, is bisected by the River Danube. Its 19th-century Chain Bridge connects the hilly Buda district with flat Pest. A funicular runs up Castle Hill to Buda’s Old Town, where the Budapest History Museum traces city life from Roman times onward. Trinity Square is home to 13th-century Matthias Church and the turrets of the Fishermen’s Bastion, which offer sweeping views.

Onboard the S.S. Maria Theresa

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Costco Member Reviews

Lavishly appointed and meticulously designed the S.S. Maria Theresa features luxurious accommodations and numerous personal touches, ensuring a truly indulgent and unforgettable voyage. Named in honor of one of the Habsburg Empire's most beloved rulers, the magnificent S.S. Maria Theresa cruises the Rhine, Main, and Danube rivers in grand Uniworld fashion.

Onboard Activities

Activities & Services (included in cruise)

Pool

  • Fitness Center
  • Guest Lecturers
  • Pool - Outdoor
  • Pool - Indoor/Covered
  • Bars/Lounges
  • Concierge Desk
  • Elevators

Activities & Services (available for an extra fee)

Spa

  • Spa Services/Massage
  • Dry Cleaning/ Laundry Service
  • Duty-Free Shops/Boutiques

Costco Travel makes every effort to verify the accuracy of all information provided. Additional fees for amenities or services may be charged by the cruise line. Amenities or services may be discontinued or revised by the cruise line without notice. Staterooms designated as wheelchair-accessible do not necessarily meet ADA requirements. Costco Travel is not responsible for inaccuracies or provider modifications.

Dining

Main Restaurant

Main Dining

Main Restaurant (open seating): This seating option allows you to choose when and with whom you dine. Menus are a blend of classic cuisine with a touch of contemporary elegance, and are created using only the finest and freshest ingredients often brought onboard from local ports of call. You'll be surrounded by the beauty of passing riverbank towns and villages.


Times, costs and other specifics are outside the control of Costco Travel. All information is at the sole discretion of the cruise line and is subject to change without notice. Dining time and table size preferences are submitted to the cruise line on a first-come, first-served request basis and are confirmed aboard ship. Questions, concerns and/or special needs regarding dining arrangements must be addressed with the maitre d' hotel aboard ship. Every effort is made to accommodate travelers' preferences; however, Costco Travel cannot guarantee dining arrangements. In specialty restaurants, space is limited and reservations are recommended. A cover charge and dress code may apply.

Staterooms

Classic Stateroom with Window (Category: CL)

Category: CL

Stateroom with French Balcony (Category: FB)

Category: FB

Deluxe Stateroom with Open-Air Balcony (Category: DB)

Category: DB

Grand Suite with French Balcony (Category: GS)

Category: GS

Suite with Open-Air Balcony (Category: S)

Category: S

Deck Plan

Cruise Ship
Hofburg Deck
Key to Symbols
SymbolDescription
Third berth availableThird berth available

Ship Facts

S.S. Maria Theresa ship image
  • Ship Name: S.S. Maria Theresa
  • Year Built: 2014
  • Year Entered Present Fleet: 2015
  • Maximum Capacity: 155
  • Number of Crew: 57
  • Capacity Based on Double Occupancy: 155
  • Country of Registry: The Netherlands
  • Total Staterooms: 78
Costco Travel makes every effort to verify the accuracy of all information provided. Additional fees for amenities or services may be charged by the hotel, resort or cruise line. Amenities or services may be discontinued or revised by the provider without notice. Hotels, resorts, ships or accommodations designated as wheelchair-accessible do not necessarily meet ADA requirements. Costco Travel is not responsible for inaccuracies or provider modifications.

Available Dates & Prices

Departure Date

Inside Stateroom

River-View Stateroom

Balcony Stateroom

Suite Stateroom

Terms & Conditions

*Price shown is per person based on double occupancy and is valid for select stateroom categories only. Click on the Terms & Conditions link below for details.

**Unlimited beverages include premium wine and premium spirits. Diamond List of wine and spirits is available at an additional cost.

♦Executive Members receive a US $ 50 shipboard credit per person, maximum US $ 100 per stateroom. Executive Member benefit is valid for primary cardholder only. Shipboard credit is per stateroom based on double occupancy. Shipboard credit will be applied to your onboard account. Any unused portion of the credit is nontransferable, nonrefundable and may not be redeemed for cash.

†One Digital Costco Shop Card per room/stateroom, per stay. The exact amount of the Digital Costco Shop Card will be calculated during the booking process. The Digital Costco Shop Card promotion is nontransferable and may not be combined with any other promotion. A Digital Costco Shop Card will arrive by email approximately 10 days after the start of your cruise. Click on the Terms & Conditions link below for additional information.

Ship's registry: The Netherlands

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    Package ID: UNIMAREUR20211209