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.