Danube River: Cruising Eastern Europe
The Danube is one of Europe's most entrancing rivers, winding its way through ten countries from its source in the fabled forests of Germany and eventually rushing into the Black Sea. Throughout its journey, it passes through bustling metropolitan centers like Vienna and Budapest, rolling countryside, and the towering limestone cliffs of the Iron Gate gorge between Serbia and Romania. It makes one of the most romantic backdrops for a honeymoon a couple could imagine, and on a river cruise you'll be able to follow the banks of this watery road through Hungary, Serbia, Croatia, Bulgaria, and Romania without ever repacking your bag. — Jackie D'Antonio
By Day
You'll start each day in a new city, which allows you to explore so much more of Eastern Europe than you could on a traditional vacation. A guided tour that gives you an overview of each destination is available when you arrive (you can always skip it if you'd rather venture off on your own right away). The afternoons are open to let you craft your itinerary. You can check out a performance of traditional Puszta horsemanship in Kalocsa, Hungary, or explore the baroque buildings in the Croatian city of Osijek, which has been populated since the last part of the Stone Age. The beauty of this type of cruise is that you aren't stuck to any one itinerary. If you feel like doing a ton of sightseeing, have at it. But if you want to just relax, have lunch at a local restaurant and explore the smaller shops in a quiet section of town, that's fine, too. You have much more time in port than you do on a more traditional ocean cruise, as well as a few days to explore Budapest and Bucharest at the start and end of your sailing.
By Night
Most of your nights will be spent onboard the ship, traveling the river toward your next destination in the morning. But this isn't an open-ocean cruise; you can watch the scenery of the small towns, rolling countryside, and historic fortresses pass by from your balcony. The ship also has a sauna and two whirlpools, as well as a lounge, atrium, and plenty of places that give you a 360-degree view of the river. You should also consider purchasing the ship's beverage package, which gives you unlimited cocktails and premium beverages for the duration of the trip. This is your honeymoon, right? So relax in the Bellevue Bar (just under the captain's bridge) and soak up the atmosphere.
Where to Stay
Book a stateroom on one of the upper two decks of the Viking Primadonna, the ship that runs the new Passage to Eastern Europe itinerary. The deluxe digs in this category are more spacious, and they all have private balconies—perfect for chilling out with a glass of wine at night as you watch the scenery pass. One thing to note: there are four state- rooms (205, 206, 305, 306) that have separate beds (as opposed to the hotel-style beds that are standard in all the other cabins).
What to Wear
Jacket and tie are not required, so just stick to comfortable, casual clothes with a few dressy (but not formal) outfits for evenings. You may want to bring something spiffy for the captain's dinner, but other than that just plan on dressing as you normally would when sightseeing in a city: comfy shoes, a light jacket, sunglasses. Bonus: there's a laundry service onboard, so no need to overpack.
When to Go
The Passage to Eastern Europe itinerary is new for 2011, with sailings on select dates from April through November.
