Lower Danube
River Cruise

There are cruises—and then there are Riverside Luxury Cruises. Our recent sailing on the Riverside Debussy from Giurgiu, Romania to Budapest, Hungary was nothing short of extraordinary.

From the moment we stepped aboard, we were enveloped in an atmosphere of refined elegance. Riverside’s attention to detail sets them apart—impeccable service, sparkling-clean suites, and an effortless sense of comfort and sophistication. In our suite we enjoyed spacious accommodations with panoramic windows, plush bedding, and a serene design that made every moment on board feel indulgent.

But perhaps the most memorable part of the Riverside experience was the culinary excellence. The cuisine is a celebration of fresh ingredients and regional inspiration, perfectly paired with fine wines and artful presentation. Whether savoring a leisurely breakfast overlooking the riverbanks of Romania or a delightful dinner as the ship glided towards Belgrade, every meal was a highlight and a treat for the senses.

The itinerary itself was a cultural feast—five countries in eight nights, with stops that showcase the soul of Eastern Europe. From the medieval charm of Vidin and its striking Belogradchik Rocks, to the Iron Gates gorge, Belgrade’s energy, and the baroque beauty of Budapest, each port offered new experiences. Riverside’s curated excursions offered in each of the ports blended history, culture, and artistry in seamless fashion.

• Ruse, Bulgaria: Dubbed "Little Vienna," Ruse is a stunning Bulgarian city known for its magnificent Belle Époque architecture and its designation as a European Heritage Label recipient. We enjoyed our stroll along the wide boulevards, green squares, and the extensive Danube promenade.

• Vidin, Bulgaria: Vidin is one of Bulgaria's oldest towns, nestled beautifully on the Danube and completely dominated by the imposing, well-preserved medieval Baba Vida fortress. Here, we ventured out to hike the Belogradchik Rocks before spending the afternoon tasting some impressive Bulgarian wines.

• Turnu Severin, Romania: This Romanian town is the gateway to the spectacular Iron Gate Gorge, where you can see the visible remains of a strategically important bridge the Romans once built. The city’s landmark is the medieval Severin Fortress, a bustling place with a magnificent town hall and a beautiful water tower. We enjoyed our time at the Iron Gates Museum before we spent a beautiful sunny afternoon sailing through the Iron Gates region.

• Belgrade, Serbia: Belgrade, one of Europe’s oldest cities, sits dramatically at the confluence of the Sava and Danube, dominated by the iconic Kalemegdan Citadel. We were charmed by the architecture and vibrant cafe culture of the city. Our morning at the Museum of Yugoslavia helped us better understand the history of this region and the impact of former President Tito. There is much to see and do in Belgrade so plan some extra time in the city if your itinerary allows for it.

• Vukovar, Croatia: As the largest Croatian Danube port, Vukovar has a war-torn but inspiring history and has become a powerful symbol of Croatia's independence. We visited the beautiful Baroque Eltz Palace, the poignant water tower monument, and the solemn Ovcara Memorial Center. The information shared by our guide about the murals we passed on our e-bike tour helped us better understand the complicated history - and riding the e-bikes was a fun way of seeing this delightful town.

• Kalocsa, Hungary: Kalocsa is a great place to experience the local culture and understand the more rural part of Hungary's history before diving into Budapest. Kalocsa is famous worldwide for its paprika—which we learned all about at the Paprika Museum—and spectacular folk art. We saw beautiful embroidered folk costumes, painted buildings, traditional dancing, and enjoyed several local wines and foods on our afternoon at a local property that specializes in sharing many of the traditional aspects of Hungarian culture.

• Budapest, Hungary: Budapest is one of the world's most beautiful UNESCO World Heritage cities, offering a stunning mix of Roman ruins, Turkish baths, grand castles, and architectural styles from Gothic to Art Nouveau. Separated by the Danube into Buda and Pest, this vibrant capital is renowned for its rich Jewish heritage, abundant traditional coffee houses, and superb Hungarian cuisine. Budapest is a fabulous city to visit and you need several days here to dig through the many layers of the city. The Parliament Building should be on everyone's must see list. It's even more spectacular at night!

Aside from being immersed in a region of the world previously "off-limits" for most Americans, and being able to enjoy a slower pace of travel via a river cruise, what truly distinguished the Riverside cruise, though, was there commitment to luxury without pretension. Every detail—from the personalized gluten-free menu options available at every meal to the genuine warmth of the crew—reflected the line’s promise of a bespoke experience. Sailing through the region where many of the crews members grew up added an extra level of specialness as they shared personal stories during casual conversations to help bring the area's customs to life. 

If you’re seeking a river cruise that combines European elegance, exceptional cuisine, and flawless service, Riverside delivers all of that and more. This wasn’t just a journey along the Danube—it was an immersion in true luxury.