Europe and Mediterranean: Enchanting Christmas & New Year's Cruise

Uniworld Boutique River Cruises

A festive extravaganza celebrating two holidays in grand and unforgettable style. Celebrate the holiday season in truly extraordinary fashion with a special Uniworld itinerary that gives you the best of four different countries at their most magical time of year. Cruise the mighty Danube, visiting classic capitals like Budapest and Vienna. Spend Christmas Eve in Passau, then ring in the New Year in elegant style in Budapest. Festive celebrations are plentiful during this cruise — what better way to create perfect holiday memories? Commemorate a splendid musical heritage as you lift your voice and sing "Silent Night" in Oberndorf, where the beloved Christmas carol was composed. Sip a cocktail with a princess in the seven-towered Artstetten Castle. Spend Christmas Day in Salzburg and enjoy a holiday lunch within the walls of St. Peter's Abbey. Discover the seasonal delicacies of Slovakia in Bratislava's picturesque downtown and enjoy the merriment of traditional hospitality in an Austrian wine village. Ring out the old year and ring in the new with art, wine, and song as you cruise through four nations during this enchanting season.

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 $50 shipboard credit per person (maximum $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

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

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

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 Grein

Overview

Grein by the Danube is known as "Strudengau´s Pearl". The old town and its historic center have been well-preserved, a romantic spot for rest and recreation on the banks of the Danube. Grein, wonderfully embedded in the gently rolling Mühlviertel hills, makes a perfect place for relaxing holidays in the heart of nature. Around 1900 Grein became a renowned recreational area and holiday resort, especially in summer. Today the lovely town on the Danube river is still worth a visit: its picturesque town center awaits all culture lovers!Visitors can enjoy an excellent meal at one of the traditional inns and restaurants where culinary delights and regional specialties are served, relax and unwind in a very charming ambiance so essential for their personal well-being. Tourists can take a look back in time and discover Grein on their own by following the historical tracks and signs. They will soon recognize that this town is steeped in history and offers still plenty of cultural highlights and attractions, among them the Biedermeier-style façades and traditional buildings.

Day 5 Melk

Overview

The famous Benedictine abbey of Melk, one of Europe´s most splendid example of Baroque architecture, attracts hundreds of thousands of visitors each year. Beyond the mighty masterpiece of Baroque art, a not less worthy cultural-historical jewel presents itself. Melk, which was first mentioned as "Medilica" in a document in the year 831, received its town charter more than 100 years ago. This lovely town is like a picture book come alive! The town center is quite small, however you still find such a great variety of architectural gems like in hardly any other town of Europe, enabling the visitor to travel throughout the centuries of its history.

Day 6 Vienna

Overview

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 7 Vienna

Overview

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 8 Bratislava

Overview

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 9 Budapest

Overview

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 10 Budapest

Overview

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 11 Budapest

Overview

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

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

Departure Date - 12/23/2024

Inside Stateroom

N/A

River-View Stateroom

$6,299

Balcony Stateroom

$7,399

Suite Stateroom

N/A

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 $50 shipboard credit per person, maximum $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

    Package ID: UNIMAREUR20211223