Translation. Region: Russian Federation –
Source: Infoflot Cruise Center – Infoflot Cruise Center –
An important disclaimer is at the bottom of this article.
Dear friends,
A true New Year's fairytale awaits you on the Danube in the winter of 2026/2027. Our general partner, the cruise company "Sozvezdie," is offering three holiday cruises, coinciding with New Year's, Catholic Christmas, and Orthodox Christmas.
From the chic and elegant city of Vienna, to the cozy Christmas markets of Bratislava, to the bright lights of Budapest, experience the magical holiday spirit by visiting three countries – Austria, Hungary, and Slovakia – in one trip.
Treat yourself to an unforgettable New Year's holiday on a cruise on the Arena, where new discoveries in the cities along the route are harmoniously combined with the comfort and friendly atmosphere on board.
The cruise program is specially designed to facilitate obtaining a Schengen visa to Hungary.
The cruise begins and ends in Vienna, one of Europe's most beautiful and significant cities. There are convenient flights from Moscow to the Austrian capital with a transfer in Istanbul.
Winter cruises on the Danube are another highlight of the "Discovering the World with Sozvezdie" project:
Full charter – during the 2026/2027 New Year's cruises, the Arena will be exclusively available to guests of Sozvezdie Cruise Line. An all-inclusive package tour with a maximum of services – a cruise with accommodation in a cabin of your choice and full board meals, excursions along the route, port fees and tips, transfers, medical insurance, and visa support (if necessary); support, care, and attention from the Sozvezdie group leader and accompanying staff throughout the entire itinerary – an informational chat with preparation before the cruise, meeting tourists at Vienna Airport, support throughout the tour program until departure, and assistance with any questions onboard; fully Russian-language service – excursions, onboard newspaper in Russian.
During the 8 days of New Year's holidays you will visit:
Vienna, the magnificent capital of Austria, blends imperial grandeur with modern comfort. Bratislava, one of the smallest and most intimate European capitals, exudes a blend of Slovak, Hungarian, and Austrian influences. Budapest, the capital of Hungary, is often called the "Pearl of the Danube" for its sumptuous architecture, bridges, and picturesque panoramas. Esztergom, or the "Hungarian Vatican," is one of Hungary's oldest cities and its spiritual center. Komárom/Győr is the starting point for a trip to charming Baroque Győr, a wonderful destination for those who want to experience the "real Hungary" and visit the medieval Pannonhalma Abbey.
Cruise program:
Day 1
Vienna (Austria)
Meeting at the airport of guests arriving on the recommended flight.*
Transfer from the airport to the Arena cruise ship dock. Accommodation on board.
You will spend your first evening having dinner on board, admiring the lights of the Austrian capital.
*Recommended flights will be announced later.
Day 2
Vienna (Austria)
Breakfast on board. First part of a comprehensive sightseeing tour of Vienna (4 hours). Return to the ship for lunch on board.
The second part of a comprehensive sightseeing tour of Vienna, a 4-hour stroll through the city's most picturesque spots. Return to the boat for dinner on board.
Day 3
Bratislava (Slovakia)
Breakfast on board. Walking tour of the Old Town: Bratislava Castle with a panoramic view of the Danube, the main square with its town hall and the enigmatic Roland Fountain, the Gothic Cathedral of St. Martin, and the famous Čumil, a bronze plumber tucked away on Venturská Street.
Return to the ship, lunch on board. Free time to explore the city on your own. Dinner on board.
Day 4
Budapest (Hungary)
Breakfast on board. A sightseeing tour of Buda, the western part of the city on the right bank of the Danube, includes a visit to the Fisherman's Bastion, the Royal Palace, Matthias Church, and a walk across the Széchenyi Bridge (duration: 3 hours).
Return to the ship for lunch on board. Free time to explore the city on your own. Dinner on board.
Day 5
Budapest (Hungary)
Breakfast on board.
A sightseeing tour of Pest's eastern part, including the Parliament, St. Stephen's Basilica, Váci Street, and the Central Market (4 hours). Return to the boat for lunch on board.
Free time to explore the city on your own. Dinner on board.
Day 6
Esztergom (Hungary)
Breakfast on board. A sightseeing tour of the city, including an external view of the Esztergom Basilica, Hungary's largest cathedral, and the Castle Museum.
Return to the ship, lunch on board.
Visit to Vyšehrad with a tour of the fortress and Solomon's Tower.
Day 7
Komárom/Győr (Hungary)
Breakfast on board. Bus excursion to Győr and Pannonhalma Abbey, Hungary's oldest monastery, perched on a hill above the valley.
Return to the ship. Lunch and dinner on board.
Day 8
Vienna (Austria)
Breakfast on board. Transfer to the recommended flight time:
Recommended flights will be announced later.
About the ship Arena:
This modern, comfortable ship, which underwent partial renovation in 2020, is ready to accommodate up to 196 guests.
Thanks to the Twin Cruiser's unique design, where the engine room is completely separate from the passenger compartment, you will enjoy an exceptionally comfortable and quiet cruise on the Danube.
On board, you will find: outside cabins with French balconies and innovative layouts, an open solarium on the sun deck, a panoramic lounge, a restaurant, a library, a sauna and a gym.
The restaurant's menu features European cuisine: breakfast is served buffet-style, and lunch and dinner are à la carte. At the end of the cruise, you'll enjoy a celebratory captain's dinner.
A valid Hungarian Schengen multiple-entry visa is required for cruise travel. Infoflot Cruise Center provides turnkey visa processing services.
The cost of obtaining a Schengen visa to Hungary is €125 per person. Read more
Accommodation in a cabin of your choice; three meals a day, including soft drinks (water, tea, coffee): buffet breakfast, lunch and dinner from a choice of menus. A five-course captain's gala dinner at the end of the cruise; all excursions as per the cruise itinerary; support from the cruise company "Sozvezdie"; comfortable bus transfers as per the itinerary; medical insurance for passengers up to and including 64 years of age (for Russian citizens only); an onboard newspaper in Russian.
Special conditions:
The maximum early booking benefit is 10% – when paying in full for the cruise by February 1, 2026; a 15% discount – for children 14 years and under (inclusive) when occupying standard berths in the same cabin with adults; cruises with installment plans: prepayment – 30% of the cost (the base price is fixed in euros), the rest – no later than 60 days before the start of the cruise or according to the seasonal discount period.
Please note; this information is raw content obtained directly from the information source. It is an accurate account of what the source claims, and does not necessarily reflect the position of MIL-OSI or its clients.