MS Kristallkonigin

MS Kristallkönigin cruise ship (also known as Kristallkoenigin) 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 Regensburg and operates 1-day cruise trips on the Danube River.

The ship was launched in 2011 by the shipbuilder Lux-Werft at its shipyard in Mondorf (near Bonn, Germany). It has a draft of 1.4 m and a total power output of 1000 hp. The ship’s maximum passenger capacity is 600, with 325 indoor seats (180 on the Main/Entrance Deck and 145 on the Gallery/Upper Deck). The Navigation Bridge (Wheelhouse) is located forward on the Gallery Deck. The Sun Deck (Observation Deck) features lounge furniture and 4-seat tables.

Kristallkönigin (“Crystal Queen”) is one of Wurm + Kock’s newest vessels from the so-called “Crystal Fleet.” Along with her sister ships Donau Kristallschiff and Kristallprinzessin, her interior is decorated with original Swarovski crystal elements. Externally, the ship features unique crystal crowns on both sides, each with a diameter of approximately 15 m (50 ft). The interior is designed as a gallery, providing panoramic views from the Upper/Gallery Deck (Bel Etage) to the Main/Entrance Deck below. A spiral staircase adorned with two Swarovski crystal artworks and an elevator connect the two decks. The spacious Sun Deck is styled as a garden, with 300 seats (rattan furniture) and an aft lounge area.

The vessel features a sparkling crystal bar, several flat-screen displays, a state-of-the-art kitchen, and advanced air-conditioning and heating systems. The riverboat is powered by two Deutz marine diesel engines.

As a day-trip riverboat, MS Kristallkönigin has no passenger cabins. Other Donauschiffahrt vessels homeported in Regensburg include Bruckmadl and Kristallprinzessin.

Donauschiffahrt Wurm + Kock

The company "Donauschiffahrt Wurm + Kock" specializes in 1-day Danube River cruises between Regensburg and Vienna. With a fleet of 13 vessels, Wurm + Kock is the largest day-trip 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’s Danube cruises include onboard buffet-style dining, à la carte snacks and drinks (including wines by the glass, soda, coffee, tea), professional service, and scenic views of riverfront cities and the Bavarian-Austrian countryside.

• The company’s DONAU-Card offers a 20% discount on ferry travel only. The offer excludes catering and combo packages.
• Children aged 6–13 receive a 50% discount off the adult fare.
• Children up to 5 years old travel free of charge.
• These discounts apply to all departures from Germany (Passau, Regensburg) and Austria (Linz).

Wurm + Kock’s Danube Cruise Itineraries from Regensburg

From Regensburg, Donauschiffahrt offers the following cruises:

• “Historical Strudel” (Regensburg City Tour): A 45-minute round-trip sightseeing cruise on MS Kristallkönigin, with live commentary on the city’s history and landmarks. Operated April through October. Price: EUR 8.90 per person.
• “Eventful Roundtrip from Regensburg to Walhalla”: A 2-hour round-trip cruise to the Walhalla Memorial, a hall of fame honoring distinguished German figures such as sovereigns, politicians, scientists, and artists. Operated April through October by MS Kristallkönigin and MS Kristallprinzessin. Price: EUR 14.80 per person.
• Holiday Cruises: Themed voyages include “Sunday Buffet Cruise” (EUR 46), “Advent Buffet Cruise” (EUR 46), “Christmas Buffet Cruise” (EUR 51, lunch or dinner), “New Year’s Weekend” (EUR 47.50, gala buffet, lunch or dinner), “New Year’s Eve Cruise” (EUR 141, gala buffet and live music), and “City Cruise Regensburg–Straubing–Passau” (EUR 36).
• Dinner Cruises: Themed evening cruises such as “Italian Night” (EUR 43, 3-course menu), “Sunset Cruise” (EUR 21, optional menu), “Candlelight Dinner” (EUR 47.50, 3-course menu), “Crystal Enchantment” (EUR 47.50, gala buffet), “Christmas Enchantment” (EUR 48, 4-course menu), and “Valentine’s Day Cruise” (EUR 48, 3-course menu with live music).
• Fireworks Cruise: “Walhalla Fire Enchantment” (EUR 69).

Danube riverboat tours are among the best ways to experience Central Europe’s cultural highlights. These one-day cruises are also popular for private events such as weddings, celebrations, and themed occasions like Christmas or New Year’s Eve.