One of the best memories of my first trip to Europe was the boat ride down the Danube River while the sun was setting. Seeing Budapest’s most iconic landmarks against the twilight sky and then watching them light up is truly a memorable moment.
My cruise down the Danube River was organized by my tour with Rick Steves’ Europe. The trip lasted approximately one hour and included a beverage – I got champagne to celebrate the moment! Our boat consisted of two levels: the first level was indoors with ceiling-to-floor windows, which allowed for great views, and a second level that was uncovered. The second level had a few seats towards the front and standing room only in the back. The boat did offer an audio tour headset for those who were interested.
For those worried about motion sickness, the first level is the better option. While seated on the first level, I barely noticed any swaying but I felt the boat rocking while standing on the top deck. I did manage to stay on the second floor long enough to capture a few amazing pictures of the Hungarian Parliament Building.
If you are interested in a Danube River cruise, I highly recommend purchasing a ticket for one that departs shortly before sunset. The views are just beautiful!!! Some cruises, similar to the one I took, last about an hour and the cost includes a beverage and the audio tour. This option is perfect for those who may have limited time. For those wishing to spend more time on the Danube, there are cruises that last longer and include dinner and a traditional Hungarian show.
I suggest arriving early for your cruise to ensure a great seat, especially if you are interested in sitting on the top deck. As I shared, our boat had just a few seats available on top, with the rest of the outer deck being standing room only.
Most cruises are accessible for those with mobility-related disabilities. Our cruise ship had an accessible first floor; however, to get to the second floor, one had to climb a spiral staircase.
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