Gallery

New Year’s Eve Cruise | MS Kaiserin Elisabeth

An elegant New Year’s Eve celebration on the Danube in Vienna awaits aboard the MS Kaiserin Elisabeth. A festive buffet, live entertainment and spectacular views of the illuminated city provide the perfect setting for a stylish start to the new year.

Photo: MS Kaiserin Elisabeth cruising on the Danube beneath white and red fireworks.Photo: Elegantly set dining area aboard MS Kaiserin Elisabeth with white napkins and views of the Danube.Photo: Elegantly set table aboard a ship where four guests raise glasses of white wine during a fine dining experience.
Vienna Theme Cruise

New Year’s Eve Cruise | MS Kaiserin Elisabeth

An elegant New Year’s Eve celebration on the Danube in Vienna awaits aboard the MS Kaiserin Elisabeth. A festive buffet, live entertainment and spectacular views of the illuminated city provide the perfect setting for a stylish start to the new year.

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

  • Duration: 6 hours
  • Unforgettable New Year’s Eve cruise aboard the MS Kaiserin Elisabeth
  • Live music with Nastja Isabella and a DJ well past midnight
  • Outstanding views of Vienna’s New Year’s Eve fireworks from the open deck
  • Festive New Year’s Eve buffet for a delicious start to the new year

Buy ticket

Loading...

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.

  • 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.

  • Klosterneuburg

    A cultural gem on the Danube with unique treasures and rich history.

    Photo: View over Klosterneuburg with Klosterneuburg Monastery, whose towers and domes rise above the town.

    Klosterneuburg

    Majestically located above the Danube, Klosterneuburg Abbey has combined culture, history and tradition for over 900 years. Founded in 1114 by Margrave Leopold III, the abbey impresses with Romanesque and Baroque architecture as well as outstanding treasures such as the famous Verdun Altar and the Austrian Archducal Crown. It is also home to Austria’s oldest winery.

The Ship

This or a similar ship of this class

Photo: MS Kaiserin Elisabeth cruises along the Danube past a green riverside landscape, featuring a sun deck and reflections in the water.
Photo: MS Kaiserin Elisabeth on the Danube, passing forests and rolling hills, with sun deck and panoramic windows.
Photo: Elegantly set dining area aboard MS Kaiserin Elisabeth with white napkins and views of the Danube.

MS Kaiserin Elisabeth

The MS Kaiserin Elisabeth impresses with elegance, a spacious 360° outer deck, deck chairs, two bars, and diverse dining – the newest addition to the DDSG Blue Danube fleet.

  • On-board restaurant
  • Sound system incl. wireless mic
  • LCD screens for presentations and live streaming
  • Two Bars
  • Partially covered walk-around sun deck
  • Sun loungers on the open deck
  • Retractable sun and weather awning
  • Accessible facilities
  • Air conditioning
The Ship

MS Kaiserin Elisabeth

The MS Kaiserin Elisabeth impresses with elegance, a spacious 360° outer deck, deck chairs, two bars, and diverse dining – the newest addition to the DDSG Blue Danube fleet.


  • On-board restaurant
  • Sound system incl. wireless mic
  • LCD screens for presentations and live streaming
  • Two Bars
  • Partially covered walk-around sun deck
  • Sun loungers on the open deck
  • Retractable sun and weather awning
  • Accessible facilities
  • Air conditioning
Details
Photo: MS Kaiserin Elisabeth cruises along the Danube past a green riverside landscape, featuring a sun deck and reflections in the water.Photo: MS Kaiserin Elisabeth on the Danube, passing forests and rolling hills, with sun deck and panoramic windows.Photo: Elegantly set dining area aboard MS Kaiserin Elisabeth with white napkins and views of the Danube.Photo: Restaurant and bar area of MS Kaiserin Elisabeth with set tables, blue chairs, and a classic wooden bar.

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

Welcome the New Year in Style on the Danube

Bid farewell to 2026 aboard the MS Kaiserin Elisabeth and enjoy an elegant New Year’s Eve celebration on the Danube. As Vienna’s illuminated skyline glides by, a festive atmosphere, culinary delights and unforgettable moments create a truly special setting for the final night of the year.

A sparkling aperitif, an exclusive New Year’s Eve buffet, a midnight snack and traditional New Year pastries accompany the evening, while Nastja Isabella and a DJ provide the perfect soundtrack with popular hits and lively dance music.

As midnight approaches, Vienna is transformed into a sea of lights. 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.

Start 2027 surrounded by Viennese tradition, festive elegance and breathtaking views on a memorable New Year’s Eve cruise through Vienna.

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 Kaiserin Elisabeth
  • Included: Cruise, buffet, live music & prize draw

Schedule and programme details are subject to change.

New Year’s Eve Buffet

Aperitif Reception

  • Prosecco with pomegranate syrup & rosemary | Non-alcoholic alternative: orange juice with grenadine
  • Amuse-bouche | Chef’s greeting

Starters & Salads

  • Salmon mousse in a crispy basket refined with avocado
  • Roast beef rolls with truffle cream
  • Mediterranean mezze (falafel | dips | pita | tofu skewers) (vegetarian; partly vegan)
  • Beetroot tartare with horseradish cream (vegetarian)
  • Freshly baked bread | butter (vegetarian)
  • Fennel and orange salad with saffron vinaigrette (vegan)
  • Viennese potato salad (vegan)

Soup

  • Pheasant consommé with vegetable julienne and homemade semolina dumplings

Main Courses

  • Veal saltimbocca with parsley potatoes
  • Corn-fed chicken with truffle cream sauce and sweet potato gnocchi
  • Pork medallions with mashed potatoes, bacon chips & homemade pepper sauce
  • Pan-fried salmon fillet served with saffron risotto
  • Filled ravioli with porcini mushrooms and sage butter (vegetarian)

Desserts

  • Tarte au citron with meringue (vegetarian)
  • Salted caramel cheesecake with hazelnut brittle (vegetarian)
  • International cheese selection with grapes, served with white baguette & chutney
  • Modern interpretation of Somlauer Nockerl (vegetarian)

Midnight Snack

  • Lentil goulash with freshly baked baguette

Subject to change.

On-board catering

On-board catering

JP Donau Catering Gastronomy

Enjoy a diverse culinary experience on board and indulge in the high-quality catering services provided by JP Donau Catering Gastronomy.

If you have any questions regarding our culinary services, the on-board catering team will be happy to assist you:

JP Donau Catering Opens in new window |info@donaucatering.at

Entertainment & Live music

Portrait of a smiling woman with long curly dark hair, wearing a leopard-print top, running her hand through her hair.

Nastja Isabella & DJ

Nastja Isabella (vocals) & Peter Ambryk (DJ, percussion, drums) captivate audiences with stylish live sound, powerful stage presence, and a unique atmosphere.

Their versatile repertoire ranges from pop and funk to R&B – combining timeless classics from the 70s with current hits to create unforgettable musical moments.

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, JP Donau Catering Opens in new window, in advance at info@donaucatering.at. 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