From Bavaria’s Heritage to the Balkans’ Vibrant Heart

The From Bavaria’s Heritage to the Balkans’ Vibrant Heart is a 11-night Europe cruise aboard VIVA RUBY, operated by VIVA Cruises. Departing Passau (Munich) on May 8, 2026, the voyage visits 13 ports. Fares start from $5,450 per person.

Length: 11 nights
Departs: May 8, 2026
Returns: May 19, 2026
Ports of call: 13
Days at sea: 1

from $5,450

$495 / night per person, incl. taxes & fees

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from $5,450 pp

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Itinerary

Day 1 Apr 11, 2027 Passau (Munich) Departs 15:00 Passau is known as a three-river city and is the first port on the Danube that is navigable by cruise ships. From here the big tours via Vienna, Bratislava and down to the Black Sea start. But the city itself also has a lot to offer, such as the opera house, the Ilz, a small river that is great for hiking, or St. Stephen's Cathedral and the old town hall. A visit to the Passau Glass Museum is particularly recommended, if you want to turn your back on the city, you can go to the Mariahilf pilgrimage church just outside. Passau (Munich) port guide Search cruises visiting Passau (Munich)

Passau (Munich) photo — Day 1 Apr 11, 2027 Passau (Munich) Departs 15:00 Passau is known as a three-river city and is the first port on the Danube that is navigable by cruise ships. From here the big tours via Vienna, Bratislava and down to the Black Sea start. But the city itself also has a lot to offer, such as the opera house, the Ilz, a small river that is great for hiking, or St. Stephen's Cathedral and the old town hall. A visit to the Passau Glass Museum is particularly recommended, if you want to turn your back on the city, you can go to the Mariahilf pilgrimage church just outside. Passau (Munich) port guide Search cruises visiting Passau (Munich)

Day 2 Apr 12, 2027 Bratislava 15:00 – 19:00 4.0 hrs ashore Slovakia’s capital is situated exactly at the point where the country meets Austria and Hungary. This makes it the only capital city in the world that borders more than one neighbouring country. Due to its location, Bratislava has been an ethnic melting pot since ancient times. This influence can be seen in every corner of the city. Cultures meet and merge together. The streets of the old town – lined with well-preserved baroque and rococo city palaces – are filled with the sound of people speaking different languages. And it almost seems as though the music of the Habsburg era still echoes through the city. Bratislava port guide Search cruises visiting Bratislava

Bratislava photo — Day 2 Apr 12, 2027 Bratislava 15:00 – 19:00 4.0 hrs ashore Slovakia’s capital is situated exactly at the point where the country meets Austria and Hungary. This makes it the only capital city in the world that borders more than one neighbouring country. Due to its location, Bratislava has been an ethnic melting pot since ancient times. This influence can be seen in every corner of the city. Cultures meet and merge together. The streets of the old town – lined with well-preserved baroque and rococo city palaces – are filled with the sound of people speaking different languages. And it almost seems as though the music of the Habsburg era still echoes through the city. Bratislava port guide Search cruises visiting Bratislava

Day 4 Apr 14, 2027 Belgrade 09:00 – 23:00 14.0 hrs ashore The meeting point of Central Europe and the Middle East is situated where the Sava flows into the Danube. This gateway to the Balkans is open, cosmopolitan and full of fun. By simply strolling through the city, you can travel back through the history of Belgrade, admire its architecture and encounter European modernism. And while you discover culinary specialties on every corner, your eye will be drawn to the magnificent influences of the Ottoman Empire, which gives way to socialist classicism on the next corner. Every visitor ends up in Belgrade’s medieval fortress sooner or later, which features moats and a beautiful park. It’s time for a little break. Belgrade port guide Search cruises visiting Belgrade

Belgrade photo — Day 4 Apr 14, 2027 Belgrade 09:00 – 23:00 14.0 hrs ashore The meeting point of Central Europe and the Middle East is situated where the Sava flows into the Danube. This gateway to the Balkans is open, cosmopolitan and full of fun. By simply strolling through the city, you can travel back through the history of Belgrade, admire its architecture and encounter European modernism. And while you discover culinary specialties on every corner, your eye will be drawn to the magnificent influences of the Ottoman Empire, which gives way to socialist classicism on the next corner. Every visitor ends up in Belgrade’s medieval fortress sooner or later, which features moats and a beautiful park. It’s time for a little break. Belgrade port guide Search cruises visiting Belgrade

Day 6 Apr 16, 2027 Novi Sad 09:00 – 16:00 7.0 hrs ashore Novi Sad is a city in northern Serbia on the banks of the Danube River. Standing atop a riverside bluff, much of Petrovaradin Fortress dates to the 17th and 18th centuries, with an iconic clock tower and a network of tunnels. Across the river is the old quarter, Stari Grad, site of the Gothic Revival Name of Mary Church and the neo-Renaissance City Hall. ― Novi Sad port guide Search cruises visiting Novi Sad

Novi Sad photo — Day 6 Apr 16, 2027 Novi Sad 09:00 – 16:00 7.0 hrs ashore Novi Sad is a city in northern Serbia on the banks of the Danube River. Standing atop a riverside bluff, much of Petrovaradin Fortress dates to the 17th and 18th centuries, with an iconic clock tower and a network of tunnels. Across the river is the old quarter, Stari Grad, site of the Gothic Revival Name of Mary Church and the neo-Renaissance City Hall. ― Novi Sad port guide Search cruises visiting Novi Sad

Day 8 Apr 18, 2027 Budapest 09:00 – 19:00 10.0 hrs ashore On one bank of the Danube is hilly Buda with its Fisherman’s Bastion and Castle Hill; on the other, there’s flat Pest with its House of Parliament. These two beautiful districts couldn’t be more different. Perhaps that’s why it took until 1873 for the two cities on opposite sides of the river to merge and form Budapest. Right from the start, the landmark of this new metropolis was Buda Castle, a monumental structure that rises high above Budapest and provides mesmerising views across the city. In terms of monumental grandeur, the House of Parliament is certainly on a par with Buda Castle. Erected to mark the millennium celebrations of 1896, this gigantic building was completed in just 22 years. Considering it is 96 metres high, 268 metres long and 118 meters wide, with a total of 691 rooms, that’s an incredible achievement. Budapest is a place where you keep coming across echoes from days gone by. There are traces of Ottoman rule, the extravagant Habsburg era and Soviet socialism – different cultural influences that have combined to create a vibrant, lively city that’s a must-see destination. Budapest port guide Search cruises visiting Budapest

Day 10 Apr 20, 2027 Vienna, Austria 08:00 – 23:00 15.0 hrs ashore The Viennese have a special aura about them. They come across as a bit arrogant, but underneath it all they’re warm-hearted. You could say the same about the city itself. Once you’ve been there a few hours and settled in, you won’t want to leave again anytime soon. There are all those cafes to visit, where the traditional Viennese coffee-house culture is still very much alive and well. The city’s history, with its emperors, Elisabeth of Austria and the ostentatious Habsburgs, adds to its fascination. Then there’s the music of the First Viennese School – this city brought out the best in its composers, making its own special contribution to great masterpieces. What’s more, the Austrian capital also produces excellent cuisine. It’s no coincidence that the city’s famous Wiener schnitzel and Sachertorte became popular all around the world. Vienna, Austria port guide Search cruises visiting Vienna, Austria

Vienna, Austria photo — Day 10 Apr 20, 2027 Vienna, Austria 08:00 – 23:00 15.0 hrs ashore The Viennese have a special aura about them. They come across as a bit arrogant, but underneath it all they’re warm-hearted. You could say the same about the city itself. Once you’ve been there a few hours and settled in, you won’t want to leave again anytime soon. There are all those cafes to visit, where the traditional Viennese coffee-house culture is still very much alive and well. The city’s history, with its emperors, Elisabeth of Austria and the ostentatious Habsburgs, adds to its fascination. Then there’s the music of the First Viennese School – this city brought out the best in its composers, making its own special contribution to great masterpieces. What’s more, the Austrian capital also produces excellent cuisine. It’s no coincidence that the city’s famous Wiener schnitzel and Sachertorte became popular all around the world. Vienna, Austria port guide Search cruises visiting Vienna, Austria

Day 11 Apr 21, 2027 Melk 11:00 – 15:00 4.0 hrs ashore Melk has acquired a nice name: The gateway to the Wachau. Anyone approaching the historic city on the Danube will see Melk Abbey very early on, towering high above the river. This is part of the UNESCO World Heritage Site and is well worth a visit in all seasons. The impressive baroque ensemble has been looked after by the monks of the Benedictine order since 1089. Culture, faith and science come together in the splendid rooms of the monastery. Melk port guide Search cruises visiting Melk

Melk photo — Day 11 Apr 21, 2027 Melk 11:00 – 15:00 4.0 hrs ashore Melk has acquired a nice name: The gateway to the Wachau. Anyone approaching the historic city on the Danube will see Melk Abbey very early on, towering high above the river. This is part of the UNESCO World Heritage Site and is well worth a visit in all seasons. The impressive baroque ensemble has been looked after by the monks of the Benedictine order since 1089. Culture, faith and science come together in the splendid rooms of the monastery. Melk port guide Search cruises visiting Melk

Pricing

Lowest fare we've tracked over the observed 76-day span: $5,450 · range $5,450–$5,450

Current prices

Per person · 2 guests · incl. taxes & fees

Inside

Not available

Oceanview

from $5,450

$495 / night

Fare rows

Double Cabin - Emerald Deck

Cabin grade

Available

from $5,450

$495 / night

per person · incl. taxes

Balcony

from $5,875

$534 / night

Fare rows

Double Cabin Aft - Ruby Deck

Cabin grade

Available

from $5,875

$534 / night

per person · incl. taxes

Double Cabin - Ruby Deck

Cabin grade

Available

from $6,075

$552 / night

per person · incl. taxes

Double Cabin - Diamond Deck

Cabin grade

Available

from $6,550

$595 / night

per person · incl. taxes

Suite

from $9,095

$826 / night

Fare rows

Suite - Diamond Deck

Cabin grade

Available

from $9,095

$826 / night

per person · incl. taxes

Prices verified Jun 23, 2026

Prices come from third-party data feeds via VIVA Cruises and may differ from the cruise line's current fare. Confirm the final price before booking. How our pricing works

Price history

30 days

○ = last available date (sold out, or no longer listed).

Cabin grades

Oceanview

Lowest Oceanview $5,450 2BS Double Cabin - Emerald Deck $5,450

Balcony

Lowest Balcony $5,875 2BD Double Cabin - Diamond Deck $6,550 2BHR Double Cabin Aft - Ruby Deck $5,875 2BR Double Cabin - Ruby Deck $6,075

Suite

Lowest Suite $9,095 SUD Suite - Diamond Deck $9,095

Lines step between recorded price changes. Plot up to 6 lines at once.

Show all 11 cabin grades

Name	Supplier code	Type
Not listed
Double Cabin Aft - Ruby Deck	2BHR	Balcony
Double Cabin - Diamond Deck	2BD	Oceanview
Double Cabin - Ruby Deck	2BR	Oceanview
Double Cabin - Emerald Deck	2BS	Oceanview
Junior Suite - Diamond Deck	JSD	Suite
Junior Suite - Ruby Deck	JSR	Suite
Beyond Suite - Diamond Deck	MSD	Suite
Suite - Diamond Deck	SUD	Suite
Suite - Ruby Deck	SUR	Suite
Unique Suite - Diamond Deck	USD	Suite

Ship

Your ship VIVA RUBY 4★ 80 guests Built **2002** Experience a journey filled with moments of relaxation, indulgence, and personalized service aboard the VIVA RUBY (formerly SWISS RUBY). Our lovingly renovated cultural ship has been shining in new splendor since 2025—modernized, elegant, and with great attention to detail. The 40 comfortable cabins, including eight newly designed suites on the top deck, offer the highest level of comfort and a stylish ambiance. The suites, in particular, impress with their spacious feel, modern design, and high-quality materials, ensuring an unparalleled travel experience. Enjoy the passing scenery from the sun deck—relaxed on a lounge chair with a refreshing drink in hand. Let our chefs pamper you with exquisite gourmet creations in the main restaurant and experience moments of pleasure for all the senses. In the Panorama Lounge, a cozy atmosphere with a magnificent view awaits you—ideal for winding down the day with a coffee or cocktail. Come aboard the VIVA RUBY and experience an unforgettable journey on a ship that perfectly combines exclusivity, comfort, and warm hospitality. The VIVA RUBY is the smallest ship in our fleet - and also one of the most exclusive. With space for a maximum of 80 guests, it offers a particularly personal and informal atmosphere on board. Following the extensive renovation in 2025, the ship has 40 comfortable outside double cabins, including 32 elegant double cabins on two decks and 8 spacious suites on the top deck. On the Diamond Deck, you will find cabins with French balconies from which you can enjoy the passing scenery from your bed. Each cabin is comfortably equipped with TV, radio, minibar, safe, hairdryer, air conditioning, shower and WC. You are warmly welcomed in the inviting entrance hall with reception. Directly adjacent is the stylish lounge with panorama bar and dance floor, which invites you to linger and socialize. On the Smaragd Deck, a small boutique invites you to browse and discover. The VIVA RUBY's restaurant offers culinary delights for all the senses - in a timelessly elegant ambience that invites you to linger and enjoy. VIVA RUBY ship guide Search cruises on VIVA RUBY

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