Viking River Cruise: Exploring the Romantic Danube from Budapest to Regensburg
by Clarence Thompson
In September 2022, I stumbled upon a captivating opportunity that would soon become an unforgettable voyage: the Viking River Cruise along the Romantic Danube. As my companion and I waded in the pool at the Vidanta resort in Riviera Maya, a chance encounter with a fellow traveler introduced me to the allure of river cruises. With 19 cruises under my belt—including Alaskan, Bermudian, Hawaiian, Trans-Atlantic, and Caribbean escapades—I was eager to embark on this new adventure.
Our new friend raved about his experiences aboard Viking River Cruises, particularly his journeys along the Romantic Danube route, as well as others. Intrigued by his stories, I was immediately sold on the idea of celebrating my 75th birthday in 2023 with this exciting river expedition.
With a desire for perfection given this milestone event in my life, meticulous planning ensued over the next six months. Despite various options available with other river cruise companies, Viking set itself apart. Every detail was orchestrated through the company, from the airfare—a remarkable $799 round trip via Austrian Air—to the strategically chosen Air Plus service at a rate of $100 for added flexibility. While doing additional research we learned that Austrian Air was a budget airline. Consequently, we decided to switch carriers and for no extra charge, we were booked on Turkish Air. Certified as a 4-Star Airline by Skytrax,  this change significantly enhanced our travel experience.
We also decided to visit Budapest two days before the cruise to immerse ourselves in the city's charm. The InterContinental Budapest, also secured through Viking, provided a comfortable and scenic base for our explorations. Though a corner room was elusive, our early check-in, Danube-facing room, and other requests were fulfilled, showcasing Viking's dedication to ensuring our satisfaction.
Viking's hospitality was upon full display upon our arrival in Budapest, with a luxurious Mercedes Benz SUV awaiting us. A minor glitch at Istanbul airport in which a representative of Viking was to greet and escort us to our connecting gate failed to appear. But after informing Viking about this upon our return, the company offered us a $450 voucher each. That gesture underscored Viking's commitment to excellent service. Once at the hotel, a knowledgeable Viking representative was there to facilitate our check-in and streamline our three-day itinerary, thereby elevating our experience by optimizing our activities.
Our days ashore were a symphony of exploration. Budapest unveiled its treasures, including the iconic Hungarian Parliament Building and the poignant Shoes on the Danube, a chilling depiction of the shoes left behind by the thousands of Jews who were murdered during WW II, and a visit to the Central Market Hall that yielded a treasured Hungarian Paprika.
Budapest's amalgamation of Buda and Pest—connected by the splendid Chain Bridge, the elegant Liberty Bridge, and the regal Elisabeth Bridge—unfolded a captivating history. Our journey continued through Vienna, a city of grandeur and sophistication. A mesmerizing symphony performance and leisurely days marked by tranquil moments atop the ship's deck enriched our experience.
The voyage commenced on our third day as we boarded the Viking Egil, one of their impressive 443-foot Long Ships accommodating a cozy 190 passengers. Viking operates 76 river vessels that cruise 11 different rivers in Europe. Not surprisingly, we were among a limited number of fellow travelers of color. However, based on our conversations with other passengers and company employees, that diversity will undoubtedly flourish in the coming years, based on evolving travel trends.
Day 4 was the free excursion. We covered or drove by the Fisherman’s Bastion, the House of Terror Buda Castle district, City parks, St Matthias Church, Hero Square, and the Opera House. The people were extremely friendly. We met these 2 couples that we ended up eating our meals with. Both of the men were Pastors… who would have thunk it. We have been in contact with them since returning home.
Our next stop after Budapest was Vienna. During the day there was a 4-hour tour of the city and afterward, we were dropped in Vienna's central district, which had an amazing shopping area. That evening was the highlight of Vienna… the Symphony.
The next day in Vienna was a nice leisure day. We spent time reading, journaling, and relaxing on the top deck. Contrasting oceanic voyages, river cruises forgo sprawling pools and glitzy entertainment for a more intimate ambiance. The absence of turbulent waters ensures a smoother ride, while impeccable service and exquisite cuisine on the Viking Egil left an indelible impression.
Our next port of call was a small town called Krems. We took an excursion to Gottweig Abbey which is a working monastery of 15 monks who toiled in the vineyards. This is an unbelievable monastery to witness as an observer and not a practitioner. As we continued our excursion, we went through 16 Locks, but that was mostly at night when we were sleeping.
Each port showcased awe-inspiring Gothic architecture. Passau, the City of Three Rivers, boasted the towering St. Stephen's Cathedral, adorned with the world's largest organ with 17,974 pipes. Regensburg, our final stop, proved equally enchanting, inviting us to traverse its cobblestone streets and embrace its beauty.
Armed with my trusty smartphone and a new GoPro camera gifted by my children, I captured over 655 photos, immortalizing the journey's splendor. A noteworthy revelation emerged: while a balcony cabin may be coveted during ocean cruises, the spectacle of a river cruise reveals its allure on both sides of the vessel. The lounge and top deck provided the best vantage points to view the picturesque landscapes gliding by.
As the voyage drew to a close, I was satisfied that I had made the right decision when it came to my birthday celebration. The Romantic Danube left me thinking that I would do this again and recommend it to others to give it a shot. I look forward to future voyages and enjoying Viking's exceptional service and the allure of new rivers and destinations.
Our Viking River Cruise along the Romantic Danube from Budapest to Regensburg was an exciting journey filled with history, culture, and picturesque landscapes. This unique adventure allowed us to explore the heart of Europe, immersing ourselves in the beauty of each port of call. From the grandeur of Budapest to the elegance of Vienna, and the charm of Passau and Regensburg, every destination offered a glimpse into the region's rich heritage.
Viking's attention to detail, impeccable service, and commitment to passenger satisfaction were evident throughout the trip. The carefully curated itinerary, the warmth of the staff, and the culinary delights served on board the Viking Egil made this river cruise a truly memorable experience.
As a seasoned traveler with a penchant for cruising, I was pleasantly surprised by the intimacy and tranquility of a river cruise compared to traditional ocean voyages. The absence of large crowds and the opportunity to witness the stunning landscapes from both sides of the ship's deck were unexpected highlights.
The Romantic Danube cruise not only celebrated a significant milestone in my life but also ignited a newfound passion for exploring the world's rivers. With Viking as my chosen cruise line, I eagerly anticipate future journeys along different rivers and diverse itineraries. The allure of the river, coupled with the exceptional service of Viking, ensures that my next adventure will be nothing short of extraordinary
Clarence Thompson is a resident of Chicago, IL, and a World Class Cruiser