Amsterdam to Budapest Sept 6-2026

We’re on that trip as well. Our TA from Pavlus spoke with Tauck this past Monday; she was told to “hang tight”. I expect we’ll hear on Monday or Tuesday after they reopen.

We watch with interest as we scheduled on the “return” cruise from Budapest on Sept 20. We certainly expect some modifications will be needed…but watching and waiting! We are traveling before and after so there are a lot of other travel details that we are prepared to deal with if needed.

The MS Treasures has certainly stayed active and looping all around Amsterdam and the Netherlands over the last few weeks while operating “Off Itinerary”. Today tracked from Nijmegen to Rotterdam and beyond. Also see several boats now moving east of Bratislava and Komarno Slovakia, closer to Budapest.

My wife and I are on this trip. We have not heard anything from Tauck. 10 days out….need better communication on status of trip. So far not impressed but understand the complexities of the issue.

I just spoke to Tauck. Wad told trip still on and their European partners are telling them water levels are “looking a little better”.

RicardoD

Daily water levels can also be referenced on this website:
https://amsterdamexperiences.nl/danube-river-water-levels/

Ekahi51D, did they say if there are any modifications to the itinerary, such as some bussing?

Sandman

We are also on the return trip from Budapest on the 20th and hoping things will be good by then. We have made reservations for independent travel to Morocco if they cancel or materially alter the trip.

They said no modifications reported from European contractors. I specifically asked about that.

Billie_Guthals

Thanks for this input. Looking forward to meeting up with some of you on the 6th. Fingers crossed 😊

GVB

I realize the Sept. 1 Heart of the Danube (east to Budapest) is a different cruise, but FYI we have been offered the opportunity for a cancellation with full refund, The stated alternative is bus Bratislava-Budapest and two nights hotel (Al Habtoor) in Budapest.

Did you mean Al Habtoor Palace Hotel?

GVB

Yes. My mistake. Also wish to extend my thanks to Tauck for the cancellation option and to the informative commenters throughout the forum.

British

You would see way more of Budapest staying in a hotel, there is so much more to see than Tauck shows you. I guess people doing land tours will find so many of the cites the river cruises visit much quieter than usual at this time of year.

SusanMcGarvey

@GVB did they say on when they will bus you - at the end of a touring day or the beginning of a touring day? And did they mention the length of the bus ride? I think it's 2.5-3hours??

GVB

The letter indicated “activities” in Bratislava followed by a 3 1/2 hour bus to Budapest. That would be Day 6 on that cruise.

British

There is not much to see in Bratislava

tcrosse

There is a scenic route from Bratislava to Budapest and a direct, flat route. The time I sailed from Budapest to Bratislava it was at night so I have no idea how scenic it was. A stay at a good hotel in the middle of Pest could be quite pleasant.

British, I humbly disagree. We were bussed to Bratislava in 2018 and tho the hotel wasn’t great, we had a wonderful walking tour and saw many government buildings and historic sites. We also had a lecture from a local expert who shared a lot of knowledge about the city, especially what life was like during WWII and under communism. Great cafes and local shops, especially beautiful crystal. I wouldn’t mind visiting there again.

kfnknfzk

Agree. Bratislava also makes for a very easy day trip from Vienna. The old town area is great for strolling. The dumplings—regional specialty—are delicious.

British

Been to Bratislava twice. Just last year on a Danube cruise, probably got the same walking tour and history tour as you did. It can all be done in less than a day.

BSP51

Several years ago we were on Uniworld Budapest to Passau. After the Bratislava stop we were given the choice of sailing to Vienna or taking a bus which stopped half way at a very quirky restaurant for dinner. It had several rooms and all of the walls and ceilings were covered in old musical instruments. Hundreds, if not thousands. We sat at a large communal table. The food was good but secondary to the ambiance and uniqueness of the venue.

Just received letter from Tauck. The trip is on and there will be contingencies to be determined. They will keep us abreast if anything changes. States they want us to be aware that the trip will be compromised and may include land based hotels. No offer for a refund.

https://amsterdamexperiences.nl/danube-river-water-levels/

Disappointed that there’s no offer for a refund, like all the other recent trips. My concern is that things will change while in route. We did this exact trip in 2018 and had to be bussed the last third. Not wild about doing that again.

737steve

This website was mentioned above. I watch it as well for our October Munich-Budapest cruise.
However, I have noticed that the water levels shown depend on what web browser is used!
Firefox and Google Chrome differ substantially. Not sure why.

New letter just received. Many changes…last 4 nights at hotels. Other changes. Full refund minus insurance now offered.

We just cancelled. We’ve done this trip before so no need to deal with bussing. Been there, done that in 2018.

Sandman

Ekahi51D, we are on the opposite end of your trio leaving Budapest on the 20th. Could you share more information from your Tauck letter as I am working on alternate plans. Thanks. What have you decided to do?

Sandman, we are in the same boat as you…pun intended. We have already booked some alternate and refundable plans in the event we cancel the Sept 20 cruise if that is an option. Anxious to hear details from Tauck on both the 9/6 and 9/20 trips.