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New Year’s Eve Cruise | MS Austria

With views of Vienna’s skyline and the fireworks above the city, the new year begins in a truly special way. The MS Austria provides the perfect setting for a festive New Year’s Eve celebration on the Danube.

Photo: Four people enjoying fondue at a set table in a ship lounge with wine glasses and warm lighting.Photo: MS Austria on the Danube along the green banks of the Wachau, featuring panoramic windows, a sun deck and idyllic river scenery.Photo: Bright restaurant area aboard MS Austria with set tables, blue armchairs and large panoramic windows.
Vienna Theme Cruise

New Year’s Eve Cruise | MS Austria

With views of Vienna’s skyline and the fireworks above the city, the new year begins in a truly special way. The MS Austria provides the perfect setting for a festive New Year’s Eve celebration on the Danube.

Next Departure 12/31/2026 · 19:00 Departure location Vienna / Reichsbrücke (Headquater) Go to dock section

  • Duration: 6 hours
  • Festive New Year’s Eve cruise on the Danube in Vienna
  • Chris Emray & Ina Eckhard provide atmospheric live music
  • Front-row views of Vienna’s New Year’s Eve fireworks from the Danube
  • Festive New Year’s Eve dining with culinary highlights

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Included in price

  • Live music & raffle

    Inclusive

    Enjoy musical highlights on board and look forward to an entertaining raffle.

  • Festive New Year’s Eve Buffet

    Inclusive

    Enjoy a festive buffet on board featuring culinary highlights to celebrate the New Year.

Optional Extras

These can be selected against a surcharge during the purchase process.

  • After Silvester Party

    Extend your New Year’s Eve celebrations at the After New Year’s Eve Party on the Danube in Vienna.

    Photo: Group of people with cocktails under a disco ball and colorful party lights.

    After Silvester Party

    Keep the party going from 2:00 to 4:00 aboard the moored MS Admiral Tegetthoff. Caroline Kreutzberger and a DJ will keep the dance floor alive with great music and a lively atmosphere until the early hours of the morning.

Attractions

  • DC Tower & Donau City

    Vienna’s modern district with a striking skyline and innovative architecture.

    Photo: DC Tower and Donau City in Vienna, viewed from the water, featuring modern high-rise architecture along the Danube.

    DC Tower & Donau City

    Donau City represents modern Vienna and is one of Austria’s most important urban development projects. Dominating the skyline is the DC Tower, Austria’s tallest skyscraper, alongside the Vienna International Centre (UNO City), one of the four official headquarters of the United Nations.

    Surrounded by contemporary architecture, international businesses, hotels, restaurants, cafés and spacious waterfront areas, the district has become a vibrant hub on the banks of the Danube. Together with the Danube Tower and Danube Island, Donau City showcases Vienna’s international, dynamic and forward-looking character.

  • Emperor's Jubilee Church

    An impressive church on the banks of the Danube, known for its architecture and fascinating history.

    Photo: View of the Kaiser Jubilee Church at Mexikoplatz, featuring distinctive towers and red-tiled roofs, seen from the Danube.

    Emperor's Jubilee Church

    The Emperor’s Jubilee Church, better known as St. Francis of Assisi Church, is one of Vienna’s most striking sacred buildings. Located on Mexikoplatz near the Danube, it was built to commemorate the 50th anniversary of Emperor Franz Joseph I’s reign.

    With its imposing towers, neo-Gothic and Neo-Romanesque architecture, and unique riverside setting, the church remains a defining feature of Vienna’s skyline and is considered one of the landmarks of the Leopoldstadt district.

  • Millennium Tower

    The Millennium Tower combines shopping, offices and leisure on Vienna’s waterfront.

    Photo: Person on a ship’s open deck with views of Vienna’s Millennium Tower and Danube bridge at sunset.

    Millennium Tower

    The Millennium Tower is one of Vienna’s most recognizable skyscrapers and a prominent landmark along the Danube. Rising 202 metres above the city, it is among Austria’s tallest buildings and features modern office space, a shopping centre, restaurants, cafés and a cinema under one roof.

    Located directly on Handelskai, the tower symbolizes modern Vienna and combines urban living, business and leisure in close proximity to the Danube. Visitors can experience a fascinating contrast between Vienna’s historic heritage and contemporary architecture while enjoying one of the city’s most vibrant waterfront districts.

  • Kahlenberg & Leopoldsberg

    Kahlenberg & Leopoldsberg impress with panoramic views of Vienna and scenic hiking trails.

    Photo: View from Kahlenbergerdorf over the Danube, vineyards, historic houses, and Vienna’s cityscape in the background.

    Kahlenberg & Leopoldsberg

    Kahlenberg and Leopoldsberg are among Vienna’s most beautiful viewpoints, rising high above the Danube on the edge of the Vienna Woods. From here, visitors can enjoy spectacular panoramic views of the city, the Danube, Danube Island and the surrounding wine-growing regions.

    Vienna’s two iconic hills combine nature, history and recreation, making them popular destinations for those wishing to experience the Austrian capital from a unique perspective.

The Ship

This or a similar ship of this class

Photo: MS Austria on the Danube, red-and-white excursion ship cruising past a riverside landscape with trees and blue sky.
Photo: Bright dining room aboard a Danube ship with set tables, blue upholstered chairs and panoramic windows.
Photo: Bright restaurant area aboard MS Austria with set tables, blue armchairs and large panoramic windows.

MS Austria

Since 2024, MS Austria has been inviting guests to discover the Wachau from the water. It also serves as an exclusive charter venue, providing the perfect setting for special moments.

  • On-board restaurant
  • Decorative illuminated waterfall
  • Covered sun deck
  • Sound system incl. wireless mic
  • Flat-Screens in All Three Salons
  • Video system with live camera
  • Accessible main deck
  • Wheelchair-accessible toilet
  • Kids' Play Area
The Ship

MS Austria

Since 2024, MS Austria has been inviting guests to discover the Wachau from the water. It also serves as an exclusive charter venue, providing the perfect setting for special moments.


  • On-board restaurant
  • Decorative illuminated waterfall
  • Covered sun deck
  • Sound system incl. wireless mic
  • Flat-Screens in All Three Salons
  • Video system with live camera
  • Accessible main deck
  • Wheelchair-accessible toilet
  • Kids' Play Area
Details
Photo: MS Austria on the Danube, red-and-white excursion ship cruising past a riverside landscape with trees and blue sky.Photo: Bright dining room aboard a Danube ship with set tables, blue upholstered chairs and panoramic windows.Photo: Bright restaurant area aboard MS Austria with set tables, blue armchairs and large panoramic windows.Photo: View from the stern of a Danube ship with Austrian flag and helm wheel, with the Danube, bridge and green riverbanks in the background.

Departure Location

Photo: DDSG Blue Danube Shipping Center on the Danube with a pier and modern building.

Vienna / Reichsbrücke (Headquater)

  • Handelskai 265, 1020 Vienna
  • Ticket Office Opening Hours: Monday to Sunday & Holidays: 09:00–17:00
  • Sightseeing Cruises Vienna: Pier 5, 6
  • Theme Cruises Vienna: Pier 6, 7
  • Charter Cruises: Departure Point by Arrangement
  • Subject to change.
More Info

Program

Festive New Year’s Eve on the Danube

Spending New Year’s Eve on the Danube in Vienna is one of the most memorable ways to welcome the new year. Aboard the MS Austria, festive surroundings, culinary delights and impressive views of Vienna’s skyline create a truly special atmosphere for the final night of the year.

Chris Emray and Ina Eckhard provide atmospheric live music throughout the evening, while a festive New Year’s Eve menu with a midnight snack and traditional New Year pastries adds a delicious culinary touch. Thanks to the large panoramic windows, you can enjoy outstanding views of the Danube and Vienna’s illuminated cityscape from the comfort of the interior lounges.

As midnight approaches, all eyes turn to the sky above Vienna. From the open deck, enjoy spectacular views of the city’s fireworks, accompanied by the ringing of the Pummerin bell and the famous melodies of the Blue Danube Waltz.

Itinerary & Details

Itinerary & Details

  • Boarding: 19:00
  • Cruise: 20:00–00:30
  • Note: After docking at 00:30, you may leave the ship at any time or stay on board until the end of the event at 02:00.
  • Music ends: 01:30
  • Event ends: 02:00
  • Location: Vienna / Reichsbrücke
  • Ship: MS Austria
  • Included: Cruise, buffet, live music & prize draw

Schedule and programme details are subject to change.

New Year’s Eve Buffet

Welcome Drink & Canapé

  • Riesling sparkling wine | Non-alcoholic alternative: Verjus Sparkling Tea
  • Freshly baked bread rolls and salted raw milk butter

Starter (served on tiered stands)

  • Baby mozzarella and antipasti with walnut basil pesto
  • Smoked salmon and marinated prawns with organic egg and caper-dried apricot sauce
  • Kamptal cured bacon and wild boar spread with pickled vegetables, Styrian horseradish and Cumberland sauce

MENU

Soup

  • Corn and Riesling velouté with mussels and croutons

Main Course

  • Confit duck legs with marjoram jus, apple red cabbage and Waldviertel dumplings
  • Viennese-style pork schnitzel with Waldviertel cranberries, parsley potatoes and mixed salads
  • Local freshwater fish with winter vegetables and Wachau saffron tomato gnocchi
  • Ricotta ravioli with brown butter pumpkin truffle sauce, goat cheese and caramelised pumpkin seeds
  • Vegetable coconut curry with dried Veltliner grapes and basmati rice

Dessert

  • Chocolate cake with cocoa-amaretto sauce
  • Plum strudel with roasted almonds and vanilla sauce
  • Mini cakes and petit fours
  • White chocolate mousse with sour cherry ragout

Midnight Snack

  • Potato goulash with Braunschweiger sausage, sour cream and bread rolls

Vegan alternatives are available upon request. Please contact the on-board catering team in advance.

Subject to change.

On-board catering

On-board catering

Patrick Fürst brings his international experience to Austrian cuisine, combining modern brasserie-style cooking with Austrian classics. Together with his young team, he focuses on high-quality organic products from regional producers.

Common allergens are clearly marked. If you have any food intolerances or allergies, please inform our catering partner, Patrick Fürst GmbH Opens in new window, in advance at [email protected]. This allows our onboard culinary team to best accommodate your requests.

Entertainment & Live music

Photo: Promotional photo of a duo in elegant evening attire against a simple studio backdrop for a performance or event.

Ina Eckhard & Chris Emray

Chris Emray (vocals, guitar) and Ina Eckhard (vocals) accompany New Year’s Eve aboard the MS Austria with a varied repertoire of pop, rock and soul classics.

From heartfelt ballads to well-known hits that invite guests to sing along and dance, the duo provides the perfect musical backdrop for a festive celebration on the Danube.

Route / Itinerary

Graphic: Route map of the themed cruise on the Danube in Vienna showing the route from Reichsbrücke to the locks Nussdorf, Greifenstein and Freudenau.

The CruiseRoute / Itinerary

The cruise begins at the Vienna / Reichsbrücke landing stage and initially heads downstream towards the Freudenau Lock. After turning around, the ship heads upstream, offering views of Vienna’s modern skyline, including the DC Tower, Danube Tower and Millennium Tower, towards Klosterneuburg / Korneuburg. The ship then turns at a suitable point and returns to the Vienna / Reichsbrücke landing stage, travelling along Danube Island and through the green Danube floodplains.

Getting to the Vienna / Reichsbrücke landing stage

Getting there by public transport

Take the U1 underground line to Vorgartenstraße station. From there, it is approximately a 5-minute walk to the Vienna / Reichsbrücke landing stage.

  • Use the Vorgartenstraße exit
  • Follow the signs “Reichsbrücke / Schifffahrt”
  • Walk across Reichsbrücke to the landing stage

Travel Information for Your Journey Home

Travel Information for Your Journey Home

Please note that arrangements for your journey home are your own responsibility.

As New Year’s Eve is a particularly busy night, longer waiting times for taxis and increased demand on public transport should be expected. As the event organiser, we have no influence over the availability of taxi services and therefore cannot guarantee that taxis will be available at the landing stage when the ships arrive.

We therefore recommend planning your journey home in advance. Please check suitable public transport connections or, if preferred, book a taxi ahead of time.

Thank you for your understanding. We wish you a pleasant end to your New Year’s Eve celebrations.

FAQ

The ticket price includes the cruise on the Danube, culinary delights, as well as live music and show act with a prize draw. Drinks are not included and are available à la carte on board.

Boarding takes place from 19:00 to 19:45 at the Vienna / Reichsbrücke pier. Departure is scheduled promptly for 20:00. Please have your booking confirmation or e-ticket ready. Displaying the ticket on your smartphone is sufficient.

Yes. Your seats are reserved on board. Our crew will guide you upon boarding.

Boarding starts at 19:00. The cruise takes place from 20:00 to 00:30.

Common allergens are clearly marked. If you have any food intolerances or allergies, please inform our catering partner, Patrick Fürst GmbH Opens in new window, in advance at [email protected]. This allows our onboard culinary team to best accommodate your requests.

No. Drinks can be ordered à la carte from the service team on board.

Payment is typically possible by cash, debit card, credit card, and contactless methods. Any changes will be communicated by the crew.

If you require assistance (e.g. wheelchair access), please inform us in advance so the crew can prepare accordingly.

Private photos and short videos are welcome (without flash). Professional photography or the use of tripods requires prior approval.

Yes. Cruises take place in all weather conditions. The route and use of outdoor decks may be adjusted depending on weather conditions.

The following cancellation terms apply to bookings for individual travellers and groups:

  • Free cancellation up to 8 weeks before departure
  • 20% cancellation fee up to 4 weeks before departure
  • 50% cancellation fee up to 2 weeks before departure
  • 100% cancellation fee from 2 weeks before departure or in the event of a no-show

The organiser’s terms and conditions apply. The organiser’s Terms and Conditions apply. Subject to availability, bookings can be changed or rebooked via the online shop or by contacting Customer Service. Please have your booking reference number available.

Children are welcome. Please note that this is an evening event with live music. Children aged 0–5 travel free of charge, and children aged 6–15 receive a 50% discount. Please refer to the online shop for current details.

Pets are only allowed on themed cruises with show upon prior request. Assistance dogs are exempt.

LLM Guidance