5
Ships
14
Itineraries
19
Cities
262
Sailings per year
2857
River kilometres
The Danube is the only major river in Europe to flow from west to east, passing through impressive landscapes such as the Wachau, the Cataracts and the Danube Delta and meanwhile visiting the capital cities of Vienna, Bratislava, Budapest, Belgrade and Bucharest. The first ships in the A-ROSA fleet have been sailing the 2,850 kilometre-long river since 2002. Today, the Danube fleet totals five ships, including the suite-ship A-ROSA FLORA.
The Cruise Region Danube
The Danube flows from west to east and is 2,857 kilometres long. It has many special highlights to offer: Five European capitals lie along the Danube, the Wachau wine-growing region in Austria, the Cataracts and the Iron Gate as well as the diverse flora and fauna of the Danube Delta.
The five A-ROSA ships sail a total of 14 different itineraries, covering the entire Danube starting from Engelhartszell, near Passau, or from Vienna.
Travelling through the Wachau, which is located between Krems and Melk and was added to the UNESO World Heritage List in 2000, the first stop is the imperial city Vienna. For centuries, the capital of Austria was one of the cultural and political centres of Europe. Famous buildings such as St. Stephen’s Cathedral, the Hofburg, the Albertina and the State Opera line up side by side with the Schönbrunn palace and Belvedere. A visit to the Vienna Prater and a ride on the Giant Ferris Wheel, which opened in 1897, are also a must.
The Slovakian capital Bratislava is only around 70 kilometres further along the river. The imposing Castle, which towers over the banks of the Danube, can be easily recognised from a distance. The same applies to the futuristic Bridge of the Slovak National Uprising with the so-called UFO. But the city has much more to offer. Bratislava combines socialist history and modernity in one. The Old Town and many elaborately restored buildings are also reminiscent of times gone by.
Further upriver, the next capital city awaits: Budapest in Hungary. A very special view unfolds from aboard the ship. To the left is the Parliament Building and to the right Castle Hill, Fisherman’s Bastion and Gellért Hill. The central berth not far from the Great Market Hall invites to stroll through the city and sightsee. From the hilly Buda district, an impressive view over the Pest district is guaranteed. Another highlight is Margaret Island, located in the middle of the Danube. The green park with its many little paths and shady trees is a popular recreational area for locals and is certainly worth a visit.
The Danube leads past Novi Sad to Belgrade, the capital of Serbia. Up-and-coming Belgrade ceased to be an insider tip a long time ago. Many young people liven up the city and dance the night away in the many clubs. Yet the city also offers many sights in addition to its vibrant cultural scene. Must-sees are St. Michael’s Cathedral, Belgrade Fortress, the National Museum of Serbia and Republic Square.
The Cataract Passage is arguably the most impressive scenic route on the journey to the Danube Delta. It leads past deep gorges along steep cliffs. The “Iron Gate”, the Danube breakthrough between the Serbian Carpathians and Banat Mountains on the border with Romania, is particularly fascinating.
On its way to the Black Sea the Danube passes the Romanian city Oltenita, which is about 60 kilometres from Bucharest. From here on, guests are taken on exciting excursions in and around the Romanian capital.
In the Danube Delta, guests are treated to colourful nature and spectacular wildlife. The second largest European delta covers an area of around 5,800 square kilometres, almost three quarters of which is under conservation. The delta is home to around 5,200 different kinds of animals and plants. Birds are particularly abundant, from pelicans and cormorants to several different eagle and buzzard species.
The Danube cruises are complemented by an extensive excursion programme. In six different categories, guests can experience the destination with all their senses, go on an adventure tour, ride an e-bike through Vienna and Budapest and savour fresh local delicacies directly in the region. Exclusive excursions such as a drive around Vienna in a vintage car, a panoramic flight over Budapest or a boat trip in the Delta offer a personalised experience and are tailored to the guests’ wishes. Additional family excursions such as a tour as a history detective in Vienna, a ride on the children’s railway to the Buda Hills or a trip to Bratislava Zoo will capture the hearts of children.
The Danube Fleet
What the Ships Offer …
Five of the 15 A-ROSA ships currently sail the Danube. A-ROSA BELLA and A-ROSA DONNA were the first ships in the entire fleet to enter service in 2002. The sister ships A-ROSA MIA and A-ROSA RIVA followed in 2003 and 2004. A-ROSA FLORA, a suite ship, was introduced in 2014.
In a total of 100 spacious and comfortable outside cabins, the ships can accommodate 242 guests or 206 guests on A-ROSA DONNA. The category C cabins on deck 2 have a French balcony and wide-opening double doors with fly screens. Category B cabins with a full panoramic front are available on deck 3. Category S and A cabins are available on deck 1, from which the river scenery can be admired through panoramic windows. Category A is intended for an occupancy of 3 persons.
The cabins, which are 14.5m² in size, have a sleeping and living area as well as a bathroom. They are furnished with a French double bed, large wardrobe, desk with mirror, chairs, air conditioning, safe, phone and hairdryer. There is a TV in the cabins for guests’ entertainment. They are also equipped with a shower and WC as well as towels for the bathroom. All ships have WiFi, which is already included in the Premium All-Inclusive fare.
Guests can indulge in culinary delights and enjoy live cooking in the Market Restaurant. There is seating both indoors and outdoors. The Premium All-Inclusive fare includes an extensive breakfast, lunch and dinner buffet. High-quality drinks are also included throughout the day and are served at the Café-Bar or Outdoor Bar as well as in the Lounge Bar.
On the sun deck, guests can not only watch the passing scenery from the comfort of the sun loungers, but also enjoy drinks served in the restaurant area. Seasonal specialities and BBQ events are held at the grill station, and large awnings offer shady and wind-protected areas. The pool on the sun deck offers refreshment and can be heated in the colder months. For even more fun, a putting green, mini golf, shuffleboard and giant chess are available.
The SPA-ROSA is the perfect place for ultimate relaxation. The A-ROSA ships are equipped with various saunas. There are experience showers to cool off and then the cosy relaxation area invites to switch off. Guests can also pamper themselves with a massage or beauty treatment. The gym has various equipment such as treadmills, bicycles, cross trainers and weights. There is also the possibility to complete a personal fitness check with a trainer and to have an individual fitness programme created. E-bikes are also available for shore excursions, which can be hired free of charge for individual experiences when booked on the Premium All-Inclusive fare and outside of excursion times.
Individually created evening programmes with entertainers and guest artists are presented in the Panorama Lounge. Guests can conclude the evening on the dance floor with a delicious drink.
A-ROSA FLORA was launched on the Rhine in 2014 and moved to the Danube in 2022. In addition to the standard cabins on deck 1 and the cabins with French balconies on decks 2 and 3, guests in the seven 21m² junior suites and four 29m² balcony suites can enjoy exclusive suite amenities, which include room service, a 24-hour concierge service and welcome champagne. There are also two 18.5m² family cabins for up to 4 people on deck 1 with a sofa bed and extra bed. In total, 96 outside cabins can accommodate up to 183 guests on board.
A-ROSA DONNA underwent an extensive refurbishment in 2019. The public areas – restaurant, lobby, atrium, lounge bar and sun deck – as well as the cabins were redesigned. As with other A-ROSA ships, a separate gourmet space was also created: The A-ROSA Stüberl.
Experience It for Yourself!
Enjoy all the amenities on board A-ROSA.
The Danube Itineraries
The 18-night cruise “Danube Intensive” is a real adventure, allowing guests to explore the five capitals along the Danube and immerse themselves in the unique flora and fauna of the estuary on the Black Sea.
The 14-night sailing “Danube Panorama” includes an extra-long stay in Belgrade and leads to the impressive Cataracts and the “Iron Gate”. In the ports of Vienna, Budapest and Bratislava, there is enough time for plenty of exploring with stays in port of at least 24 hours.
From April to October, the seven-night “Danube Classics” itinerary is very popular. Following in the footsteps of bygone emperors and kings, three of Europe’s most charming capitals are visited: Vienna, Bratislava and Budapest.
In spring and winter, A-ROSA offers four- and five-night cruises that focus primarily on Vienna, Linz and Bratislava, creating unforgettable moments in a minimum of time. On the five-night cruises, guests can additionally experience the Wachau throughout the seasons.
At the end of the year, various A-ROSA Christmas Markets, Christmas or New Year’s sailings offer relaxation, the festive magic of Advent and the romance of Christmas markets.
Children are welcome on board A-ROSA with their parents and grandparents – they even travel free of charge in deck 1 cabins when accompanied by a guardian. A family cruise with A-ROSA also includes entertainment in the Kids Club with a diverse programme of games and creative activities, family excursions and favourite meals at the Kids Buffet.
Facts About the Fleet
Ships | A-ROSA BELLA (2002) A-ROSA DONNA (2002) A-ROSA MIA (2003) A-ROSA RIVA (2004) A-ROSA FLORA (2014) |
Shipyard | Neptun Werft GmbH, Rostock-Warnemünde |
Size | A-ROSA BELLA, A-ROSA DONNA, A-ROSA MIA, A-ROSA RIVA 124.5 m length 14.4 m width 1.70-1.85 m draught A-ROSA FLORA 135 m length 11.4 m width 1.70 m draught |
Capacity | A-ROSA BELLA, A-ROSA MIA, A-ROSA RIVA 242 guests in 100 outside cabins, 48 of them with French balcony A-ROSA DONNA 206 guests in 100 outside cabins, 48 of them with French balcony A-ROSA FLORA 183 guests in 83 outside cabins (70 standard cabins, 11 suites and 2 family cabins) |
Technics | A-ROSA BELLA, A-ROSA DONNA, A-ROSA MIA, A-ROSA RIVA Motor capacity: 2x 800 kW / 2,174 PS total Bow thrusters, shore power A-ROSA FLORA Motor capacity: 4x 331 kW / 1,800 PS total Bow thrusters, shore power |
Public areas | A-ROSA BELLA, A-ROSA DONNA, A-ROSA MIA, A-ROSA RIVA Market Restaurant, Lounge Bar, grill station, SPA-ROSA with Finnish and steam sauna, gym, sun deck, heated pool A-ROSA FLORA Market Restaurant, Lounge Bar, grill station, SPA-ROSA with sanarium and Kneipp footbath, gym, heated pool |
Facts About the River and Region
Length | 2,857 kilometres |
Cities | Belgrade, Bratislava, Budapest, Bucharest, Linz, Vienna |
Sights | Old Town Vienna, Schönbrunn Palace, St. Stephen’s Cathedral, Fisherman’s Bastion, Budapest Parliament, Delta, Cataracts, Iron Gate, Wachau |
Itineraries | 14 different routes from 4 to 18 nights |
Ports of embarkation | Engelhartszell (Passau), Vienna |
Arrival / departure options | Organised arrival by flight or train and transfer from the main station to the ship as well as individual arrival by car, which can be parked in a partner parking garage, or train or flight |
Good to know
Fleet highlight | 29m² balcony suites on A-ROSA FLORA with a balcony and seating for two people |
Perfect for | City breakers, families, lovers of art, culture and nature, active travellers |
Special feature | The 7-night sailing “Danube Classics” can be booked both from/to Engelhartszell (Passau) and one day later from/to Vienna. |
