Full-Day Cruise From Vienna

Overview

The MS Kaiserin Elisabeth leaves Vienna at 09:00 and follows the Danube all the way to Bratislava, arriving at midday. It is a proper ship rather than a river shuttle: two decks, two bars, air conditioning, and a sun deck with open views in every direction. Boarding opens at 08:00 and closes at 08:45.

The sailing day is built around food. An extended continental breakfast is served on the way out, a lunchtime snack appears midday, and the return leg in the evening runs as a buffet, which adds goose dishes during a stretch of November. Drinks from the bars cost extra.

In Bratislava the ship docks for 4 hours of free time before the 4:00pm departure back to Vienna, with arrival around 10:00pm. There is no guided city tour, so the time ashore is entirely your own: old center, museums, or the shopping mall right next to the harbor, which one reviewer appreciated on a hot day. This suits travellers who want a slow, comfortable day on the water with a city break in the middle, and who do not mind a long return leg.

What's Included

Itinerary

1. Boarding in ViennaArrive at the dock between 08:00 and 08:45, at least 30 minutes before departure. The listing recommends arriving early.
2. Depart ViennaThe ship leaves at 09:00 and breakfast is served during the outbound crossing.
3. Arrive BratislavaDocking at 12:00, with 4 hours of free time to explore the city on your own.
4. Depart BratislavaAll passengers re-board for the 4:00pm departure. An evening buffet is served on the return sailing.
5. Arrive ViennaThe ship arrives back at 10:00pm, ending a full day on the water.

What To Expect From The Tour

A day on this cruise runs long and centers on the ship itself, so it pays to prepare for both the sailing and the city stop.

• Bring your ID. The route crosses a border, so carry a passport or ID card that entitles you to cross. The listing lists this under what to bring and know before you go.
• Plenty of food. Breakfast, a lunchtime snack and the evening buffet are included, and several travellers said there was more food than they could finish, with a diverse evening buffet. Only beverages cost extra, though one reviewer found the drinks affordable.
• Long but slow day. The return leg alone runs into the evening, with arrival back in Vienna around 10:00pm. Reviewers who accepted the pace described the day as relaxing, with one noting the sunset from the ship as a highlight.
• No city guide. Time in Bratislava is unguided, and one reviewer called the missing guide the only flaw. Plan your own route; note the pier sits a bit away from the old town, as another traveller pointed out.
• Plan your transport. There is no pickup included, and one reviewer had trouble reaching the dock by taxi because the address was not recognized. That traveller recommended going by subway.
• Sun deck time. Weather shapes this part of the day, so dress with the deck in mind.

Common issues. The return sailing is long, with arrival in Vienna around 10:00pm, and both the listing and some reviewers acknowledge this. There is no guided tour in Bratislava, and one reviewer felt the pier sits a bit far from the old town. One reviewer also reported difficulty finding the dock by taxi and suggested the subway instead. Beverages are not included, and some travellers mentioned that clearer boarding information would help.

Common Questions