“Ocean liners go to countries; small ships navigate through countries.”
Most iconic cities were built on riverways and protected coastlines. Blue Danube Holiday Cruises take you to centuries old historic places. Along the way there is always plenty to see on both banks and at every port of call. The scenery is always interesting with towns, castles and monasteries built on river banks. You can idly gaze at the scenery, as others have done for thousands of years before, as you drift downstream. Smaller boats are more intimate, they can access more secluded, harder to get to places. Coastal and river vessels visit a new port each day, and passengers can visit up to five countries in a week. Immerse yourself in the culture and feel the life blood of each country.
Our itineraries are port-intensive with full programs of carefully planned culture-rich shore excursions, most of which are included. The focus is on culturally immersing yourself in the places you visit with much shorter time to access historic sites. We offer land excursions to match all activity levels. Our guests dine in authentic restaurants, have a tipple in local taverns and enjoy local specialities in local cafes. We go where the big ships can’t. This means there is no waiting for a ferry to take you ashore. You can get on and off as often or as little as you like. Either way you can relax as you are in good hands.
In contrast our ships have a shallow draft. This means we pull up on uninhabited islands on a coastal cruise in Croatia, where you can enjoy a refreshing ocean swim. The staff are always on standby with kayaks, fresh towels and a warm shower to wash off the salt. There is rarely a single other boat in sight and you won’t have to fight off over 3000 other ocean liner passengers to enjoy quiet contemplation in a picturesque spot.
The intimate nature of coastal and river ships also means you'll soon get to know your fellow passengers. They are like minded individuals who are interested in the destinations, cultures and local cuisine. A Blue Danube cruise is limited to under 150 people, so you actually also get to know the staff. They are highly trained and genuinely passionate people with a focus on the human connection and personalized service. The crew get to know you and your preferences and strive to pamper you from start to finish. It’s a nice change from the anonymity of larger boats, where you may not see the same people from day to day.
In small ships the cabins have been designed with real people in mind. Each one is roomy and light, with its own en-suite. There are quality fitting and attention to detail you cannot get on a large scale. It’s the difference between staying in a boutique B&B and a big faceless hotel chain.
The cuisine on board is prepared daily with care by a small team of local chefs who really know the region’s food. The menu is inspired by market-fresh produce and designed to reflect the traditional flavors of a destination. Once you step onshore your own local tour leader is ready to provide tips on the best market stalls to visit, the bars with the punchiest local cocktail or the most authentic local restaurant to spend the evening at. You are visiting with a local.
Our onboard experience is more laid-back than ocean voyages, with no formal dress code. There's usually a captain's reception and gala dinner, where some people opt for smarter outfits, but it's not obligatory. Pack layers to cope with cool mornings and comfortable shoes or sneakers to walk comfortably through historic ports with narrow and cobblestone streets.
When it comes to sailing, inland waterways are very calm and flat, so seasickness is never an issue.
Why Choose a Cruise with Blue Danube Holidays?
We spend significant time traveling, training and researching to stay up to date. We offer destination knowledge, learned on location. Blue Danube Holidays has thousands of satisfied customers. We take the time to understand our clients and carefully plan each journey. We offer advice and guidance, so you know what to expect.
With the internet it is possible to book almost any travel deal yourself but if things go wrong you are on your own, often in another language. With Blue Danube Holidays, you pay no more, you draw on our years of experience and resources, so you know you’re in good hands.
