MS Kristallprinzessin

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

The vessel was launched in 2012 by the shipbuilder OSWAG Werft at its shipyard in Linz, Austria. Her draft is 1.4 m, and her total power output is 900 hp. The ship’s maximum passenger capacity is 290. There are 140 indoor seats, all located on the Entrance/Main Deck. The ship’s Navigation Bridge (called the “Wheelhouse” on riverboats) is located forward on the Upper Deck, where the Freideck/sundeck area (aft) is furnished with comfortable seating.

Kristallprinzessin (“crystal princess”) is one of Wurm+Kock’s newest ships in the “crystal fleet.” Like the fleetmates Donau Kristallschiff and Kristallkonigin, her interiors feature original Swarovski crystal elements. The boat has a yacht-style design. Both entrances feature crystal portals, while inside there is an illuminated tree made of thousands of Swarovski crystals—pink flowers and branches serve as chandeliers. A glass dome crowns the staircase—also adorned with numerous Swarovski crystals—that leads to the spacious Freideck (Free Deck/Sun Deck).

The ship has two restrooms (themed “gold” and “silver”), a sparkling crystal bar, several flat screens, a projector, a state-of-the-art galley, and modern, powerful air-conditioning and heating systems. The riverboat is powered by two Deutz marine diesel engines.

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

Donauschiffahrt Wurm + Kock

The shipowner “Donauschiffahrt Wurm + Kock” specializes in 1-day boat tours on the Danube River between Regensburg and Vienna. With a fleet of 13 ships, Wurm+Kock is the largest day-trip cruise operator on the Bavarian–Austrian Danube. Nine ships are based in Passau, Germany, two are homeported in Deggendorf, Germany and Linz, Austria, and three in Regensburg, Germany.

Donauschiffahrt’s Danube cruising experience includes onboard buffet-style dining, à la carte–priced snacks and drinks (including wine by the glass, soda, coffee, and tea), professional service, and views of the city riverfronts and the Bavarian–Austrian countryside along the route.

• The company’s DONAU-Card offers a 20% discount on shipping (ferry travel) only. These discounted deals do not include additional services (such as catering or kombi-beds).
• Children ages 6–13 pay half the full adult price (50% discount).
• Children up to 5 years old travel free of charge.
• These offers apply to all itineraries/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) is a roundtrip sightseeing cruise operated by MS Kristallprinzessin. Narration about the city’s history and main sights is provided via the ship’s loudspeakers. The cruise lasts 45 minutes, operates April through October, and is priced at EUR 8.90 per person.
• “Eventful Roundtrip from Regensburg to Walhalla” is a roundtrip from Regensburg to the Walhalla memorial, operated by MS Kristallkonigin and MS Kristallprinzessin. Walhalla is a hall of fame honoring distinguished German nationals—sovereigns, politicians, scientists, and artists—located east of the city. The cruise lasts 2 hours, operates April through October, and is priced at EUR 14.80 per person.
• Holiday cruises from Regensburg (prices per person) 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, live music), and “City Cruise Regensburg–Straubing–Passau” (EUR 36).
• Dinner cruises from Regensburg (prices per person) include “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, live music).
• The fireworks cruise from Regensburg is themed “Walhalla Fire Enchantment” (EUR 69).

Danube day trips are among the best ways to enrich a vacation in some of Europe’s most celebrated cultural cities. Day river cruises are also frequently booked for special events (weddings, celebrations, private parties) and as themed excursions (such as Christmas and New Year’s Eve).