Christmas on the Danube

7 nights Dec 21, 2026

The Christmas on the Danube is a 7-night Europe cruise aboard MS Lord Byron, operated by Riviera Travel. Departing Budapest on December 21, 2026, the voyage visits 6 ports. Fares start from $3,499 per person.

Itinerary

Day 2 Dec 22, 2026 Esztergom, Hungary This former royal seat is the cradle of the Hungarian nation – and a very attractive one at that. The Cathedral of Our Lady of the Assumption and Saint Adalbert, a neoclassical basilica that stands high above the city, is particularly worth visiting. Esztergom can look back on a long history. Celts settled on the prominent Várhegy (Castle Hill) back in 150 BCE. The Romans also built a settlement there after conquering the region. At one point, the city was part of the Ottoman Empire, whose rulers also recognised the value of its strategic location right on the Danube. All of these influences are still apparent in Esztergom today – and they are what makes it so special.

Day 3 Dec 23, 2026 Bratislava 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. Go to Bratislava Cruises visiting Bratislava

Bratislava photo — Day 3 Dec 23, 2026 Bratislava 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. Go to Bratislava Cruises visiting Bratislava

Day 4 Dec 24, 2026 Melk 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. Go to Melk Cruises visiting Melk

Melk photo — Day 4 Dec 24, 2026 Melk 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. Go to Melk Cruises visiting Melk

Day 6 Dec 26, 2026 Vienna, Austria 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. Go to Vienna, Austria Cruises visiting Vienna, Austria

Vienna, Austria photo — Day 6 Dec 26, 2026 Vienna, Austria 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. Go to Vienna, Austria Cruises visiting Vienna, Austria

Pricing

Lowest fare we've tracked over the observed 83-day span: $3,249 · range $3,249–$4,349

Current prices

Per person · 2 guests · incl. taxes & fees

Inside

Not available

Oceanview

Not available

Balcony

Not available

Suite

from $3,499

$499 / night

Fare rows

Ruby Deck- Superior Suite (Middle)

Cabin grade

Available

from $3,499

$499 / night

per person · incl. taxes

Diamond Deck - Superior Stern Suite (Upper)

Cabin grade

Available

from $4,599

$657 / night

per person · incl. taxes

Prices verified Jun 20, 2026

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

Price history

30 days

Cabin grades

Suite

Lowest Suite $3,499 3 Diamond Deck - Superior Stern Suite (Upper) $4,599 5 Ruby Deck (Middle) 6 Ruby Deck- Superior Suite (Middle) $3,499

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

Show all 22 cabin grades

Name	Supplier code	Type
Not listed
Diamond Deck (Upper)	4	Balcony
Ruby Deck (Middle)	5	Balcony
Standard cabin - Middle Deck	SMD	Balcony
Standard Cabin - Upper Deck	SUD	Balcony
Emerald Deck - Sole Occupancy (Lower)	12	Oceanview
Emerald Deck - Sole Occupancy (With Suppl) (Lower)	13	Oceanview
Ruby Deck - Sole Occupancy (Middle)	15	Oceanview
Emerald Deck (Lower)	7	Oceanview
Category A (Main Deck)	A	Oceanview
Category A+ (Upper Deck)	A+	Oceanview
Category B (Lower Deck)	B	Oceanview
Diamond Deck Suite (Upper)	1	Suite
Diamond Deck - Superior Suite Sole Occ (Upper)	10	Suite
Diamond Deck- Deluxe Suite Sole Occ (Upper)	11	Suite
Emerald Deck - Superior Suite (Lower) Sole Occ	14	Suite
Diamond Deck- Superior Suite (Upper)	2	Suite
Diamond Deck - Superior Stern Suite (Upper)	3	Suite
Ruby Deck- Superior Suite (Middle)	6	Suite
Emerald Deck - Superior Suite (Lower)	8	Suite
Diamond Deck - Deluxe Suite (Upper)	9	Suite
Suite - Middle Deck	SU	Suite

Ship

Your ship MS Lord Byron 5★ **442** GT **140** guests Built **2025** How can one adequately sum up the brand new, wonderfully elegant five-star MS Lord Byron? How can we describe this extraordinary vessel that’s truly one of the finest ships of its type afloat anywhere in the world? Quite simply, every single aspect and element is designed to the highest possible specification and our own exacting standards to bring you the very best and most enjoyable river cruising experience, in the most luxurious comfort. We have worked tirelessly with our Swiss partner Scylla AG, one of the world’s most experienced luxury rivership builders with a pedigree stretching back over nearly 40 years, to design the perfect vessel, with virtually no expense spared. You’ll feel the unmistakable understated opulence of this extraordinary vessel as you board through the spacious, marble-floored lobby. Stylish furnishings using environmentally friendly materials are beautifully combined with the most advanced safety systems … and the work of a wonderful designer’s eye conjuring up the classic lines and sophistication of a luxurious ocean liner. As always, the finesse is in the detail - beautifully crafted tropical hardwoods, wrought iron, highly polished copper and brass, all beautifully illuminated then added to soft leather furnishings and imaginative colour schemes, promotes a subtle, chic ambience of exceptional taste. Intuitive, unobtrusive service is graceful, efficient yet friendly as you might expect from a Swissoperated ship with 35 staff serving just 140 guests. This outstanding ratio of 4:1 allows a personal touch which makes such a difference to your cruise. Plus unlike other vessels typically carrying up to 200 passengers, you’ll enjoy simply far more space – as well as a smaller, more intimate dining experience. Go to MS Lord Byron Cruises on MS Lord Byron

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