I cannot wait! My first Team Member on Tour journey is about to begin. I’ll be traveling from Passau to Budapest and back again aboard the MS Princess Katharina. The best part? I won’t just be experiencing the route from the ship—I’ll also be exploring it by bike. Whether on deck or on two wheels, I’m excited to see what highlights this journey has in store for me!
As the MS Princess Katharina gently glides along the Danube, I stand on deck, letting my gaze drift over the water. The soft rocking, the quiet lapping of the waves against the ship—everything around me fades away as my Bike & Boat adventure truly begins.
Then, Budapest unfolds before me, and I immerse myself in Hungary’s captivating history. I allow the city’s charm to sweep me away before venturing into the Danube Bend. Next, Vienna awaits, offering new perspectives and its winding lanes. In Bratislava, I sense the vibrant fusion of history and modernity as I wander through the enchanting streets of the old town.
Next, I continue into the enchanting Wachau, where I gently glide by bike through charming villages and endless vineyards. Castles stand proudly above me, and I breathe in the sweet, fragrant scent of the grapevines. Finally, my path winds through the romantic river landscape of the Donauschlinge at Engelhartszell—a sight that fills me with pure wonder.
Throughout this entire cycling journey, I am lovingly cared for by a wonderful crew on board, whose warmth and hospitality never fail to make me feel at home. Whether it’s the attentive service, the delightful, themed evenings, or the cozy moments at the bar, the team does everything with heart to ensure each guest has an unforgettable experience. The food is simply exquisite, and the cocktails are made with a passion that shines through. Whatever the day holds, the crew always greets me with a smile, and their exceptional hospitality truly makes this journey something extraordinary.
A typical day on a Bike & Boat Tour begins with a leisurely breakfast in good company. From there, the day is yours to shape, whether it’s unwinding on deck, strolling through a charming town, or setting off on a scenic ride to the next harbor. With all the logistics handled by the crew, all that’s left to do is grab a rental bike and start pedaling. The evening before, a detailed briefing covers everything you need to know about the next day’s route, ferry connections, and most importantly, the ship’s return times.
In the afternoon, back on board, guests are welcomed with freshly brewed coffee and delicious cake. Those who wish can take a short stroll before it’s “anchors away!” and the ship sets sail for the next destination. Before dinner, another briefing provides insights for the following day, followed by a shared meal in good company. As the evening winds down, many guests gather at the bar, enjoying a cool drink and the relaxed ambiance of life on the water.
My favorite moment was sailing out of Vienna on the third day. I’ve seen the city from countless angles, but never from a ship gliding down the Danube in the golden light of sunset. Swans gracefully accompanied us as we drifted along, and eventually, near Schwechat, we watched planes take off into the evening sky. It was a truly special experience—one that gave me an entirely new perspective on Vienna.
I consider the MS Princess Katharina to be a truly elegant ship, ideal for river cruises along the Danube between Passau and Vienna or Budapest. With its stylish decor, the gentle swaying, and the warm smiles of the crew, every voyage becomes a memorable experience. Here, I can unwind, gaze across the water, and lose myself in the stunning beauty of the Danube.
