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Amsterdam to Budapest Sept 6-2026
Hello, checking for any updates anyone may have received about this scheduled river cruise. With Tauck being down for software updates I wonder if anyone has heard anything from them. Expecting that some changes will need to be made but hoping tour is still a “ go”.
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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”.
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?
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.
Thanks for this input. Looking forward to meeting up with some of you on the 6th. Fingers crossed 😊
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?
Yes. My mistake. Also wish to extend my thanks to Tauck for the cancellation option and to the informative commenters throughout the forum.
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.
@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??
The letter indicated “activities” in Bratislava followed by a 3 1/2 hour bus to Budapest. That would be Day 6 on that cruise.
There is not much to see in Bratislava
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.
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.
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.
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.