Enjoyment on the water: MS Kaiserin Elisabeth takes you to Bratislava!

Enjoyment on the water: MS Kaiserin Elisabeth takes you to Bratislava!

Autumn in Vienna has a lot to offer, and one of the best ways to enjoy the Danube is on a leisurely boat trip from Vienna to Bratislava. The DDSG Blue Danube offers a real oasis of relaxation on the MS Kaiserin Elisabeth, a ship that is not only in good shape, but also pampers with culinary delights. The day trips take place during the warm season, and even though the 2025 season ended on October 25th, plans for the 2026 season are in the starting blocks. These are expected to begin in May 2026, as can be heard on aviation.direct.

You can start your journey every Friday and Saturday at 9:00 a.m. from the Donaumarina in Vienna. The journey to Bratislava takes around three hours - enough time to enjoy breakfast on board. Not only are rolls with cheese, ham and jam on the buffet, but drinks such as coffee and tea are also included. At lunchtime there will be a small, delicious lunch before you reach Bratislava.

The culinary experience

The real highlight, however, is the all-you-can-eat dinner buffet offered on the return journey. From delicious salads to various main courses and tempting desserts, no wish remains unfulfilled. The return journey started at 4:00 p.m. and took the passengers slowly - due to the countercurrent, at a speed of only around 10.5 km/h - back to Vienna.

The return to the capital is scheduled for around 10 p.m., although delays must always be expected, especially through the Freudenau lock. Tickets cost 65 euros one-way and 99 euros return, although drinks on board have to be paid extra.

Relaxation and comfort

The MS Kaiserin Elisabeth, which was launched in 1995 and was taken over by the DDSG in 2019, offers space for up to 280 passengers. There are air-conditioned areas on two decks, two bars, a restaurant and a beautiful open deck with panoramic views of the passing landscape. However, one thing you shouldn't expect is that there is no WiFi and power sockets are only available in certain places - maybe that's a good way to enjoy the moment without distractions.

The pier in Bratislava is particularly conveniently located: the Eurovea shopping center can be reached in a few minutes on foot, as can the old town and the Nivy shopping center. This means you can enjoy the Slovakian capital to the fullest during your stay before returning to the MS Kaiserin Elisabeth.

Another interesting aspect of the current economic situation is the financial markets, which have been characterized by volatility in recent weeks. As reported on stockanalysis.com, three out of four major indexes closed higher, with Google posting an 11% rise following a better-than-expected quarterly report. Such news can have a positive impact on consumer sentiment, which could also boost tourism next year.

The fact that there is already such great anticipation for the boat trips to the Slovakian capital shows that a good knack for leisure activities is required. Above all, the tasty offerings on the MS Kaiserin Elisabeth appeal to many. We just have to wait and see what the coming season has in store!