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Danube River Christmas Markets Gay Daddy Cruise 2025
7 nights from Regensburg, Germany to Budapest, Hungary
November 30 December 07, 2025
Viking River Cruises Viking Atla
Come join our intimate and super-friendly group of Gay Daddies, Bears, admirers and friends aboard the Viking Atla for a special Christmas-themed cruise on the Danube River. From Regensburg, Germany (near Munich) to Passau, Germany; cruise through the scenic Wachau Valley and stop in Krems, Austria; overnight in Vienna; then overnight in Budapest before disembarkation in Budapest. Sailing in early December means we get to visit the famous European Christmas Markets in every port, but still get home in time to spend the holidays with loved ones. The magic of Christmas, In the heart of Europe, On a Viking ship that’s still affordable!
Enjoy visits to Europe’s delightful Christmas markets, onboard festivities and more-all designed to complement your itinerary’s regular highlights. Join us in exploring the lands where our most cherished holiday traditions began and treat yourself to a true European Christmas. Here is a preview of all you will enjoy during a Christmas Market cruise with Viking.
Discover grand cities, medieval towns and quaint villages along the "Blue Danube", highlighting three countries: Germany, Austria and Hungary. Stroll among the stalls at Budapest’s Christmas market and immerse yourself in the cheerful atmosphere of Vienna as you shop for handmade decorations. Visit the fairy-tale village of Regensburg, one of Europe’s best-preserved cities, and delight in the city’s joyful festivities.
Highlights of the Danube River Cruise
A Danube River cruise takes you into the heart of Middle Europe, where stately castles, fairytale villages and cultural centers have long been witnesses to history. The river’s banks are brimming with historic treasures, natural beauty and vibrant capitals. Here are a few highlights Viking reveals to you:
• Exuberantly decorated Christmas markets nestled in charming cities
• Yuletide cookies, cakes and other freshly baked treats
• Cobblestone streets illuminated by holiday lights
• The angelic songs of strolling carolers
• Storybook villages and snow-capped castles on the riverside
• Hand-carved toys and ornaments from Christmases past
• Onboard music performances, tree trimming and cooking demonstrations
• Good tidings and cheer shared with rosy-cheeked market vendors
Your Ship - Viking River Cruises Viking Longship Atla
We sail out of Regensburg on the sleek Viking Longship Atla. Cruise Critic awards her 4 out of 5 stars, and members’ ratings average nearly 5 out of 5! The first thing you notice upon boarding is all the natural sunlight—yes, views from anywhere on board will be great! Decked out in Scandinavian styling, the ship makes clever use of space. And you can feel good knowing you’re on a ‘green’ ship with hybrid diesel-electric engines that burn less fuel and produce 20% fewer emissions. Solar panels on top help fuel the engines and the ship’s chef even maintains an organic herb garden up there!
Because we spend so much time in port, the focus is more on the destinations, and less on the actual sailing. That’s why a shore excursion in each port is included in the price of this cruise! Now, there’s no gym on board: you’ll get your exercise exploring the fabulous cities and towns we visit. And there’s no theater with huge Broadway style productions, because you’ll still be in port checking out the local nightlife instead! That said, you’ll still have plenty to appreciate on board. Service is top notch! According to Cruise Critic, food is “another highlight” with a menu that focuses on regional cuisine and signature dishes that are “perfectly prepared.” The décor throughout is understated and minimalist. Little touches everywhere will amuse, pamper (heated bathroom floors!) and amaze you.
Longship Features
• 95 comfortable outside staterooms (25 Standard Staterooms, 22 French Balcony Staterooms, 39 Veranda Staterooms, 7 Veranda Suites, 2 Explorer Suites)
• All suites feature two full-size rooms with a veranda off the living room & a French balcony in the bedroom
• Sun Deck with 360-degree views & shaded sitting area; organic herb garden & solar panels; putting green & walking track
• Aquavit Terrace & Lounge, a revolutionary indoor/outdoor viewing area at the bow of the ship for al fresco dining
• Viking Lounge & Bar with floor-to-ceiling glass doors
• Restaurant with floor-to-ceiling windows for panoramic views
• Library & onboard shop
• Elevator from Middle to Upper Deck only; no elevator access for categories E & F
• Free Wi-Fi (connection speed may vary)
• Laundry service
• Ecologically friendly hybrid engines producing less vibrations for a smoother ride
• 40" flat-screen Sony TV with infotainment system featuring Movies On Demand, plus CNBC, CNN, National Geographic & more
Exclusive extras for our group only
• Special discounted rates at our host hotel in Munich before the cruise and in Budapest after the cruise. Plus optional tours in each city may be offered.
• Welcome Aboard Party (with free drinks!) - come meet your fellow Daddies and friends in a warm, welcoming, and casual atmosphere. Play our fun mingling/get-to-know-you activity, and start forging friendships that will last a lifetime.
• Free Welcome Aboard Gifts include a lanyard for your sailing card… and then some other surprises!
• Onboard Host/Cruise Director—We'll be there to make sure you have a great vacation. Our colleagues will resolve any issues that may arise, answer questions, and help you enjoy your cruise to the utmost. We'll coordinate and host activities and parties each day—all of which are optional (it's your vacation: pick and choose what you want to be a part of).
• Exclusive excursions just for our group (in addition to the free excursions offered by the ship).
• From our standing group dinner reservation, to our daily happy hour; from our private activities on board to our private excursions in port—you’ll always have a seat waiting for you (if you want it).
• Special Daddy group activities on board (card games, trivia contests, happy hours, parties, etc.)
• We promise your Daddy Cruise experience will far exceed what the cruise line delivers without us. If not, we'll make it up to you.
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Danube River Christmas Markets Gay Daddy Cruise 2025 Itinerary
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Date |
Port |
Meals |
30 Nov |
Regensburg, Germany |
D |
01 Dec |
Regensburg, Germany |
B, L, D |
02 Dec |
Passau, Germany |
B, L, D |
03 Dec |
Wachau Valley / Krems, Austria |
B, L, D |
04 Dec |
Vienna, Austria |
B, L, D |
05 Dec |
Vienna, Austria |
B, L, D |
06 Dec |
Danube Bend / Budapest, Hungary |
B, L, D |
07 Dec |
Budapest, Hungary |
B |
Day 1 - Regensburg, Germany Arrive in Regensburg (via Munich) and get yourself settled into your cabin. Then use the rest of the afternoon/evening to wander this ancient German city, famous for its well-preserved medieval core. Perhaps check out the Christmas Market here?
Day 2 - Regensburg, Germany The UNESCO World Heritage city of Regensburg is transformed during the holiday season as its medieval streets are donned with festive cheer. Narrow passageways open to hidden courtyards with stalls laden with handcrafted wares, including dolls, pottery and silk paintings. The scent of home-baked spiced gingerbread, cinnamon and glühwein fills the air. The world-famous boys’ choir, the Regensburger Domspatzen, was formed at the city’s cathedral in 975 and travels the globe, performing to admiring audiences internationally.
Day 3 - Passau, Germany
Passau was settled over 2,000 years ago by the Celts and then became a strategic fortress town for the Romans primarily financed by nearby salt mines. We’ll visit the ancient fortress Veste Oberhaus that overlooks the city, and then on to St Stephen’s Cathedral which houses the second largest cathedral organ in the world. Evening time you’ll be free to continue exploring, or make your way back to the Christmas Market.
Day 4 - Wachau Valley / Krems, Austria
Sail through a serene tapestry of terraced vineyards, forested slopes, charming towns and castle ruins in Austria’s Wachau Valley, celebrated as perhaps the most scenic stretch of the Danube.
Home of the oldest known grave in Austria (a boy who lived over 27,000 years ago!), Krems is part of the Wachau Valley UNESCO World Heritage Site. Today’s tour will include Gottweig Abby, a Benedictine abby over 1,000 years old, and Steiner Tor—an original city gate, still standing after 500 years.
Day 5 - Vienna, Austria
Ah, Vienna! Where to begin?? There’s the Kunsthistorisches Museum (Museum of Fine Arts), the Schloss Schonbrunn Palace (UNESCO World Heritage Site), and over half a dozen major Christmas Markets. Also symphony and ballet, a thriving LGBTQ community, historical sites galore, and even legal brothels! Surely there’s something for everyone in this thriving European capital of culture. There’s so much here that we’ll stay overnight so you have two full days to explore.
Day 6 - Vienna, Austria
The yuletide season transforms Vienna’s beautiful squares into delightful Christmas markets. Festive lights illuminate the Old Town. The Schönbrunn market, set in front of the baroque Hapsburg summer palace, and Freyung market, nestled in the city center, are the perfect destinations for unique handmade decorations. Seasonal music and choral singing provide a merry ambience to holiday festivities in Am Hof Square, while the market at Belvedere Square mixes excellent shopping opportunities with views of the stately palace and adjacent lake to create a fairytale atmosphere.
Day 7 - Danube Bend / Budapest, Hungary Nicknamed "Paris of the East" because of its natural and man-make beauty, Budapest is the cultural and historic capital of central Europe. We dock next to the world famous Parliament Building. The Christmas Markets here are some of the best in the world. As are the art museums, cathedrals, palaces and historical sites. We’ll spend the day touring many of these, and then you’ll have time to explore further on your own. We remain overnight in Budapest, so you can stay out as late as you like, no problem!
Day 8 - Budapest, Hungary
Alas, our adventure comes to a close this morning as we disembark and head home…or do we? How about a few extra nights in Budapest? There’s no way we did and saw everything yesterday!
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Viking Longship Atla
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Guests: 190 • Crew: 53 • Year Built: 2013 • Decks: 4 • Guest Cabins: 95 • Length: 443 feet
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Danube River Christmas Markets Gay Daddy Cruise 2025 Rates
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Standard Stateroom |
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Window Stateroom. Stateroom size: 150 sq. ft. Hotel-style beds 79 inches x 63 inches (with optional twin-bed configuration), Half-height picture window, Private bathroom with shower and premium bath products, Telephone, refrigerator, safe, hair dryer & bottled water replenished daily, Bathrobe and slippers available upon request, Individual climate control, Space under bed for storing suitcases, Roomy wardrobe with wooden hangers, Voltage: 220V and 110V in stateroom. Sony 40-inch flat-panel TV with premium entertainment package. |
$ 3,274
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French Balcony Stateroom |
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Stateroom size: 135 sq. ft. Floor-to-ceiling sliding glass doors open to create a French balcony. Hotel-style beds 79 inches x 63 inches (with optional twin-bed configuration), Half-height picture window, Private bathroom with shower and premium bath products, Telephone, refrigerator, safe, hair dryer & bottled water replenished daily, Bathrobe and slippers available upon request, Individual climate control, Space under bed for storing suitcases, Roomy wardrobe with wooden hangers, Voltage: 220V and 110V in stateroom. Sony 40-inch flat-panel TV with premium entertainment package. |
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Veranda Stateroom |
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Stateroom size: 205 sq. ft. Floor-to-ceiling sliding glass doors open to a full-size veranda. Hotel-style beds 79 inches x 63 inches (with optional twin-bed configuration), Half-height picture window, Private bathroom with shower and premium bath products, Telephone, refrigerator, safe, hair dryer & bottled water replenished daily, Bathrobe and slippers available upon request, Individual climate control, Space under bed for storing suitcases, Roomy wardrobe with wooden hangers, Voltage: 220V and 110V in stateroom. Sony 40-inch flat-panel TV with premium entertainment package. |
$ 4,274
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Veranda Suite |
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Stateroom size: 275 sq. ft. Full-size veranda off the spacious living room. Floor-to-ceiling sliding glass doors, known as a French balcony, in the bedroom. Hotel-style beds 79 inches x 63 inches (with optional twin-bed configuration), Half-height picture window, Private bathroom with shower and premium bath products, Telephone, refrigerator, safe, hair dryer & bottled water replenished daily, Bathrobe and slippers available upon request, Individual climate control, Space under bed for storing suitcases, Roomy wardrobe with wooden hangers, Voltage: 220V and 110V in stateroom. Sony 40-inch flat-panel TV with premium entertainment package. |
$ 6,174
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Prices include almost everything: your berth and transportation from port to port including taxes, onboard entertainment and activities, free shore excursions in every port, all your meals and snacks including beer/wine/soft drinks with meals, free WiFi on board, all Daddy Cruise extras, and much more!
Taxes & charges of $250 pp, and optional insurance are additional.
ROOMMATE Matchup Program let us help you find a suitable roommate. $290 non-refundable matchup fee guarantees a roommate to help you save money.
Current rates may be lower or higher than rates as listed above based on current promotions and availability of cabins at the time of booking. An agent will apprise you of any changes, available pricing promotions and cabin options specific to your interests before moving forward with any booking or charging of your credit card.
First deposit of $950 per person is required upon booking. Full payment is due October 25, 2025
Round trip economy airfare from USA or Canada is available starting at $799/person!
Optional shore excursions will be offered.
Prices are cruise only and DO NOT INCLUDE return airfare! Please ask for airfare add-ons back to your home city.
Fares are subject to availability and may change without prior notice.
Please ask for further details.
Special Airfares |
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Pre-Cruise Hotels |
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Post-Cruise Hotel |
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