MS Donau Kristallschiff

MS Donau Kristallschiff is a riverboat (Flussschiff) owned and operated by the German travel company “Donauschiffahrt Wurm + Kock” (translated as “Danube Shipping”), headquartered in Passau, Germany. The vessel is homeported in Passau and operates 1-day cruise trips on the Danube River.

The ship was launched in 1982 by the shipbuilder Hitzler-Werft in Regensburg, Germany and reconstructed in 2007 by OSWAG-Werft in Linz, Austria. With a draft of 1.3 m and total power output of 1,000 hp, she accommodates up to 600 passengers. The vessel has 388 indoor seats—208 on the Entrance Deck and 180 on the Gallery Deck. The Navigation Bridge (Wheelhouse) is located forward on the Middle Deck, while the Sun Deck (Observation Deck) features bench seating for scenic viewing.

As a day-trip riverboat, MS Donau Kristallschiff has no passenger cabins. A distinctive feature of the vessel is the over 30 m (100 ft) long crystal arches along her sides. She has two galleys (kitchens), modern and efficient air-conditioning and heating systems, and is powered by two Deutz marine diesel engines.

In 2007, Wurm + Kock inaugurated the refitted MS Donau as “Donau Kristallschiff” (“Danube Crystal Ship”). The conversion transformed a regular passenger vessel into a floating crystal palace adorned with Swarovski crystal elements. The interior design was inspired by the mythological nymph Isa. Fiona Swarovski, Austrian businesswoman and fashion designer, served as the ship’s godmother at the naming ceremony held in Passau on May 7, 2007.

The Kronsaal (on the Entrance Deck) offers 208 seats and features two large, crystal-filled stone pavilions with illuminated water fountains. Above the Gallery Deck hang two enormous crystal chandeliers, each over 12 m tall. The “Harfentreppe” (Harp Staircase) connects the Kronsaal to the “Bel Etage” on the Middle Deck. Guests are welcomed by a bust of Neptune, god of the sea, positioned in front of a 3.5 m wide water curtain.

A crystal walkway links the Middle Deck to the spacious Sun Deck (capacity 350 seats). The Aft Deck (Achterdeck) serves as a cozy outdoor lounge. A short staircase leads to the Sun Deck, designed as a garden-style alfresco dining area. The deck features premium teak flooring, shaded seating, lush live plants, and an outdoor bar.

Other Donauschiffahrt vessels homeported in Passau include Gisela, Johanna, MS Passau, Regina Danubia, Sissi, Stadt Linz, and SUNliner Cabrioschiff.

Donau Kristallschiff is part of Wurm + Kock’s “crystal fleet,” which also includes the Kristallprinzessin and Kristallkönigin.

Donauschiffahrt Wurm + Kock

Donauschiffahrt Wurm + Kock is a German cruise company specializing in 1-day river tours along the Danube between Regensburg and Vienna. With a fleet of 13 ships, it is the largest day-cruise operator on the Bavarian-Austrian stretch of the Danube. Nine ships are based in Passau, two in Deggendorf and Linz, and three in Regensburg.

Donauschiffahrt offers onboard buffet-style dining, à la carte snacks, and drinks (including wine by the glass, soda, coffee, and tea), with professional service and scenic views of the riverfronts and countryside along the route.

• The company’s DONAU-Card provides a 20% discount on ferry travel only. Discounts do not apply to additional services such as catering or combo packages.
• Children aged 6–13 receive a 50% discount on the adult fare.
• Children under 5 years old travel free of charge.
• These offers apply to all itineraries departing from Germany (Passau, Regensburg) and Austria (Linz).

Wurm + Kock Danube Cruise Itineraries from Passau

From Passau, Donauschiffahrt offers the following cruise tours:

• “Three Rivers Sightseeing Tour” – a 45-minute Passau city cruise passing St. Stephan’s Cathedral, the confluence of the Danube, Inn, and Ilz rivers, Oberhaus Castle, and Maria Hilf Monastery. Live commentary is provided. Operated March–November. Price: EUR 8.90 pp.
• “Eventful Roundtrip with the Crystal Ship” – roundtrip from Passau to Kasten and Obernzell. Duration: 2 hours. Operated April–October. Price: EUR 14.80 pp.
• “Bavarian-Austrian Danube Valley” – Upper Danube Valley roundtrip from Passau to Engelhartszell (Austria) and Schloegen (river loop). Duration: 5 hours. Operated April–October. Fares: Passau–Engelhartszell (EUR 16.50 roundtrip / EUR 14.50 one-way), Passau–Schloegen (EUR 18.50 roundtrip / EUR 16.50 one-way).
• “Day Trip from Passau to Linz” – duration approx. 5 hours. Operated April–October. Prices: EUR 26 (one-way), EUR 29 (roundtrip), EUR 34 (ship one-way + return by bus), EUR 38 (ship one-way + return by train).
• Holiday Cruises – themed buffet cruises such as “Sunday Buffet Cruise” (EUR 43, gourmet lunch, Regina Danubia), “Advent Buffet Cruise” (EUR 43, live folk music), “Christmas Buffet Cruise” (EUR 48, Regina Danubia), and “Winter Cruise to Engelhartszell” (EUR 16.50, 3-course menu).
• Dinner Cruises – themed evening voyages including “Italian Night” (EUR 44.50, live music), “Summer Night Buffet Cruise” (EUR 40, DJ music), “Spare Ribs Buffet Cruise” (EUR 28.50, live music), “Candlelight Dinner Cruise” (EUR 44.50, buffet, live music), and “New Year’s Eve Cruise” (EUR 99.50, buffet, live music).
• Fireworks Cruise – themed “Danube Fire Enchantment” (EUR 34–61, includes 3-course menu).

Danube riverboat tours are a great way to enhance a European holiday, offering scenic views of cultural landmarks and landscapes. These day cruises are also popular for special events such as weddings, celebrations, private parties, and themed holiday voyages (like Christmas and New Year’s Eve).