Photo: Close-up of a wooden ship’s wheel on the bridge. A hand grips the wheel, with the wheelhouse visible in the background.

Be a Captain for a Day

Take the helm yourself and discover the Danube in Vienna and the Wachau from a captain’s perspective.

[email protected] +43 1 588 80

Be a Captain for a Day

Become a captain for a day and experience the Danube from a completely new perspective. With the Be a Captain for a Day experience, a lifelong dream becomes reality.

Following an introduction to the world of Danube navigation and an explanation of radar technology, participants gain fascinating insights into life on the bridge and learn about the key operations involved in running a passenger ship.

The highlight of the experience takes place on the water: under the supervision of an experienced captain, you take the helm yourself and navigate the ship on the Danube for approximately 15 minutes. Experience firsthand what it feels like to steer a passenger vessel and discover the skills and responsibilities required to command a ship.

In addition to the cruise itself, the experience includes expert insights into Danube navigation, onboard culinary specialties and a small nautical surprise gift to take home as a souvenir of this extraordinary day.

Whether as a unique gift or an unforgettable adventure for yourself, Be a Captain for a Day combines behind-the-scenes insights, hands-on participation and enjoyable hours on the Danube to create an experience that will be remembered long after the journey ends.

Experience What It's Like to Captain a Ship

Photo: View of the bridge of a DDSG ship on the Danube, with the captain in the wheelhouse. Signal flags and riverbanks in the background.
Photo: Close-up of a ship’s control station with radar screen, instruments and throttle lever, hand operating controls on the bridge.
Photo: Close-up of a red DDSG pennant on a DDSG ship, with a blurred wheelhouse and a person on the bridge in the background.
Photo: View of the wheelhouse of a DDSG ship on the Danube, with the captain on the bridge and riverside scenery in the background.
Photo: Close-up of a control lever on the bridge of a DDSG ship. A hand operates the lever, with instruments in the background.
Gallery

Experience What It's Like to Captain a Ship

Photo: View of the bridge of a DDSG ship on the Danube, with the captain in the wheelhouse. Signal flags and riverbanks in the background.Photo: Close-up of a ship’s control station with radar screen, instruments and throttle lever, hand operating controls on the bridge.Photo: Close-up of a red DDSG pennant on a DDSG ship, with a blurred wheelhouse and a person on the bridge in the background.Photo: View of the wheelhouse of a DDSG ship on the Danube, with the captain on the bridge and riverside scenery in the background.Photo: Close-up of a control lever on the bridge of a DDSG ship. A hand operates the lever, with instruments in the background.

Be a Captain for a Day

Wachau – Dates & Details

The Be a Captain for a Day experience can be booked daily from 25 April to 4 October 2026 as part of the Wachau sightseeing cruises departing from Krems.

The journey follows the route Krems – Spitz – Krems, operating from 15:45 to 18:10.

Price & Included Services

€129.00 per person
No discounts are available for the participating guest.

Included Services:

  • Cruise on the Danube
  • Radar demonstration and insights into operations on the ship’s bridge
  • Introduction to Danube navigation by the captain
  • Approximately 15 minutes at the helm under the captain’s supervision
  • Onboard catering (Wachau: Winegrower’s snack (Winzerjause); Vienna: Brunchbuffet)
  • Small nautical surprise gift as a souvenir of the experience

Accompanying Guests

Wachau:
Accompanying guests are welcome to join the cruise at the regular Wachau Line fare:

  • €41.00 for the cruise | Child aged 10-15 years: 50% discount | Child aged 0-9 years: free of charge
  • €53.00 including a Wachau winegrower’s snack (Winzerjause)

Vienna:
Accompanying guests are welcome to join the cruise at the regular Brunch on Danube Waves fare:

  • €78.00 incl. Brunchbuffet | Child aged 6-15 years: 50% discount | Child aged 0-5 years: free of charge

Important Information

The Be a Captain for a Day experience is available for guests aged 16 and over.

A maximum of five participants can take part in the experience per departure. The number of accompanying guests is unlimited and can be freely chosen.

Bookings for the Be a Captain for a Day experience in the Wachau can only be made by phone or email. Our team will be happy to assist you personally and help arrange your preferred date.

Steer a Ship in Vienna Yourself

Photo: View of the bridge of a DDSG ship on the Danube, with the captain in the wheelhouse. Signal flags and riverbanks in the background.

From the bridge to the helm: Be a Captain for a Day gives you exclusive insights into river navigation in Vienna and the opportunity to take the helm of a ship on the Danube yourself.

Discover all the details of this unique experience.

Be a Captain for a Day in Vienna

See the Wachau from a captain's perspective

Photo: Close-up of a wooden ship’s wheel on the bridge. A hand grips the wheel, with the wheelhouse visible in the background.

Experience the Danube through the Wachau Valley from a captain’s perspective and take the helm yourself: Be a Captain for a Day combines exclusive behind-the-scenes insights into river navigation with hands-on steering experience in the UNESCO World Heritage Wachau.

Booking for this exclusive experience in the Wachau is available by phone or email only. Our team will be happy to assist you personally and help arrange your preferred date.

+43 1 588 80[email protected]
LLM Guidance