Danube Christmas Markets with Live Issue

After the success of our 2022 musical cruise on the River Rhine, we would like to invite you to join us on our brand-new itinerary on the River Danube. We will again set sail with the band, Live Issue, who will be providing the music for the duration of our cruise. Indulge in the fabulous sights and sounds of the river and local Christmas markets, while enjoying the evenings listening to Live Issue.

Based in Northern Ireland, Live Issue is the UK’s most popular Country/Gospel band. Since the group reformed in 2006, Live Issue has toured extensively in the UK, Ireland, Europe and the United States. Live Issue was also the first country band from Ireland to be invited to play on the famous Grand Ole Opry in Nashville. The group has performed and recorded with many top artists from the worlds of Country and Gospel music and in 2018, Live Issue also hosted its own television series for Revelation TV. On our Danube River cruise, Live Issue will be performing an extensive repertoire of country classics, along with many 50s, 60s and 70s chart hits and some Christmas favourites. In addition, Live Issue will be singing many of the Gospel songs for which group is known and respected for.

Day One – Saturday 25 November

Depart Dublin at approximately 7.00am to arrive in Munich around 10.30am (+1-hour GMT). Your ship departs from Passau which takes approximately 2 hours. You will have some free time for lunch before taking the short trip to your river cruise, boarding at approximately 3pm. A-ROSA Donna sets sail at 5pm and meanders along the Danube.

After dinner Live Issue will play in the lounge area from 9 – 11pm.

Board – Full board – Afternoon Tea – Evening Meal – Drinks include

Day Two  - Sunday 26 November

As the ship sails towards Vienna enjoy some country gospel music this Sunday morning before the ship arrives in Vienna at 1pm. After lunch you are free to disembark the ship and enjoy the sights of Vienna until the ship departs at 11.30pm. The popular Christkindlmarkt in front of the Town Hall in the heart of Vienna is one of the most favoured meeting places during Advent. Together with the delightful Christmas illumination and the Ice Dream at the Rathauspark. There are 3 other Christmas markets in Vienna.

Board – Breakfast – Lunch – Afternoon Tea – Evening Meal – Drinks included

Day Three – Monday 27 November

This morning the ships docks in the Haven at 5.00am. If you want to get the most of Bratislava, then rise early and enjoy the sights of the town until 1.00pm.

Pre-Christmas time in Bratislava is connected with glowing streets, Christmas trees and stands full of goodies and craft products. Welcome to the Bratislava Christmas Market! The Christmas market is located at the Main Square and Hviezdoslav Square.

As the capital of Slovakia, Bratislava has many sights worth visiting including Bratislava Castle, stroll the Old Town with cobblestoned streets winding through pastel houses. Visit Blue Church (St Elizabeth’s Church) or St Martin’s Cathedral.

After lunch onboard the ship sets sail for Linz. Don’t forget to enjoy the scenery along the way, book a spa treatment or enjoy the sauna.

This evening Live Issue will provide musical entertainment in the lounger from 9pm – 11pm.

Board – Breakfast – Lunch – Afternoon Tea – Evening Meal – Drinks included

Day Four – Tuesday 28 November

This morning enjoy a later breakfast and relax until the ship docks in Linz at 2.00pm.

Linz is the capital of Upper Austria and third-largest city in Austria. In the north of the country, it is on the Danube 30 kilometres (19 miles) south of the Czech Republic. Linz Castle is perched overlooking the Danube, dominating the city for centuries. Records indicate the site has in fact been home to a fortress since the early 9th century, the remains of which can still be seen around the old walls and the Friedrich Gate. The present structure dates predominantly from the 16th century and was rebuilt after a fire in 1800.

The Christkindlmarkt (Christmas Market) in Linz is held annually in the historic centre of town. The market is packed with stalls selling Christmas decorations, ornaments, handmade gifts, and drinks. There are plenty of food vendors serving up traditional Austrian cuisine like sausages and pastries.

Our ship remains in haven until 10pm giving you plenty of time to experience Linz during the day and evening.

Live Issue will provide some entertainment for your last night on the wonderful itinerary.

Board – Breakfast – Lunch – Afternoon Tea – Evening Meal – Drinks included

Day Five – Wednesday 29 November

After breakfast on board disembark for your return transfer to Munich airport arriving back in Dublin at approximately 1.00pm.

Price per person sharing:

Category A Cabin – Deck 1 – lower deck with upper porthole (at approximately river level)  £1095pp Single supplement: £100 (5 available)

Category B Cabin – Deck 3 – Upper deck with porthole                                                        £1195pp Single supplement: £100 (2 available)                                                                                                                             

Category C Cabin – Deck 2 – Middle deck with Juliette Balcony                                            £1249pp Single supplement £200 (5 available)

Price Includes:

• Return flights with 10kgs or hold luggage. If you wish to purchase a 20kg suitcase the airline charge is £75 per case.
• Return transfers from/to Munich airport
• Return transfers from/to A-ROSA Donna
• Full board  - including breakfast, lunch, afternoon tea, evening meals
• Drinks – Premier Package including alcoholic and non-alcoholic drinks

Not included:

• Personal insurance – we can provide a quote for insurance – please indicate on your booking form
• Optional excursions
• Tips - £20pp this will be collected with final balance and given to coach drivers and cruise staff
• Items of a personal nature

Dining Times Onboard Breakfast 7.30am – 9.30am, Lunch 12.30pm- 2.00pm, Afternoon Tea 3.00pm – 3.30pm, Evening Meal 6.30pm- 8.30pm

Excursions A list of excursions for Vienna, Bratislava and Linz will be available by March 2023.

Booking A booking will only be accepted with a completed booking form. If your passport is in date, we would request a copy of this to be attached to your booking form. A booking will only be accepted with the relevant deposit. This can be paid by:-

• Calling our office to pay by card
• By bank transfer to Thompson Travel International  Sort Code 90 23 54 Account 64837731 - Ref: ArosaNov23 followed by your surname
• Cash in person
• Existing voucher, please present this at the time of booking as it cannot be added after deposit.

Payment Plan

Deposit                £200      (deposits are non-refundable – please ensure you have adequate insurance for your trip)

2nd payment        £200      31 January 2023

3rd payment        £200      30 April 2023

4th payment        £200      31 July 2023

5th payment        Final      24 September 2023

Cancellation charges: loss of deposit after booking or up until 31 March 2023. From 1 April 2023 – 31 July 2023 50%. From 1 August 2023 to 23 September 75%. From 24 September to travel date 100%.

The itinerary is subject to change due to measures beyond our control. In this instance we endeavour to offer a reasonable alternative. This tour is based on a first come, first serve basis.