Cruise · Imagine Cruising · 26 nights

All-inclusive luxury Danube river & northern lights Arctic Circle voyage

All-inclusive river cruise includes unlimited drinks, Wi-Fi and specialty coffee throughout
Two-night Amsterdam hotel stay bridges the river and ocean cruise segments
Intimate 172-guest river ship followed by Holland America Line's full-service ocean vessel

$10,999 pp twin share

26 nights

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1/ 13

Budapest, Hungary

Budapest

Bratislava, Slovenia

Vienna, Austria

Linz, Austria

Passau, Germany

Alesund, Norway

Trondheim

Tromso, Norway

Tromso

Andalsnes

Bergen, Norway

When & how much

Departure & Pricing

Your departure

Departs Wed 22 Sep 2027 Budapest

Returns Mon 18 Oct 2027 Rotterdam

Duration 26 nights

Ship Rotterdam

From pp twin share $10,999

Upgrades, transfers, accommodation and more can be quoted on enquiry — call 1300 414 198.

Cruise Snapshot

26 Nights

Dual voyage combining a luxury Danube river cruise with an Arctic Circle ocean cruise to Norway's northern lights region

Seven-night all-inclusive river cruise on The Gentleman from Budapest to Passau along the Danube
Fourteen-night ocean cruise on Rotterdam crossing the Arctic Circle to witness the northern lights
Overnight stays in Budapest, Amsterdam, Tromsø and Alta with included shore excursions in Vienna, Bratislava and Linz

Trip Details

Departs: Wed 22 Sep 2027
Returns: Mon 18 Oct 2027
Embarks: Budapest
Disembarks: Rotterdam
Ship: Rotterdam
Operator: Imagine Cruising

Golden Danube spires, vineyard-cloaked hillsides, and shimmering Arctic skies – this dual voyage pairs Van Loon's river elegance with Holland America Line's ocean sophistication.

Step on board The Gentleman in Budapest, where illuminated bridges frame the Danube after dark. Days unfold gently as you drift past sunlit riverbanks and fairy-tale towns, pausing to explore Vienna's imperial grandeur. An Amsterdam stay bridges the two journeys before you join Holland America Line's Rotterdam and head for Norway's dramatic coastline. Crossing into the Arctic Circle, marvel at the northern lights dancing overhead as you reach the wild beauty of the far north.

Your final days on board bring the gentle rhythms of Bergen and Scotland's Shetland Islands before you sail back into Rotterdam. It's a holiday of striking contrasts, uniting Central Europe's storybook rivers with the raw drama of the Arctic.

$10,999

pp twin share

Enquire

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Life in transit

Rotterdam

Details · Holland America Line

Rotterdam

Rotterdam is a Holland America Line Pinnacle-class ship that entered service in 2021, the seventh ship in the line's history to carry the name. Carrying around 2,670 guests, she features the World Stage theatre, Music Walk live-music venues and Holland America's signature dining line-up.

Guests: 2,668
Crew: 1,053
Gross tonnage: 99,935
Speed: 18 knots
Length: 299.79 m
Launched: 2021
Deck plans: 12

Decks · top first

Rotterdam · Deck plans

Deck 12 — Observation Deck

Source: Holland America Line, captured 5 August 2026. Deck plans are provided by the cruise line and are subject to change at any time.

Day by day

Itinerary

1
Fly overnight to Budapest
Your holiday begins as you fly overnight from Australia to your destination.
2
Budapest: Hotel stay
Arrive in Budapest and check in for an overnight stay, giving you a first taste of the city's elegant streets and riverside lights before boarding tomorrow.
3
Budapest: Embark ship & overnight in port
Transfer to the river and embark The Gentleman, settling into your cabin as Budapest's glittering skyline slips past.
The Gentleman
4
Budapest
A full day to discover Budapest itself, with the option to join the Budapest Highlights Tour by Coach and see the city's most iconic sights.
5
Bratislava - Hainburg
Sail into Slovakia's compact capital, where a walking tour of Bratislava reveals the cobbled old town.
6
Vienna
Vienna's sophistication takes centre stage as you join the Vienna Highlights Tour by Coach, passing grand avenues and stately architecture.
7
Dürnstein
The Wachau Valley narrows around you as you arrive in Durnstein, its pastel houses and ruined hilltop fortress rising above the vineyards.
8
Linz
Step ashore for the Linz Walking Tour, tracing the city's riverside promenade and historic squares.
9
Passau: Overnight in port
Your river journey reaches its final port in Passau, where three rivers meet beneath a skyline of baroque spires.
10
Passau: Disembark ship & Amsterdam hotel stay
Disembark in Passau and fly via Munich to Amsterdam for a two-night hotel stay.
11
Amsterdam hotel stay
Wander the canal-side paths, browse boutique shops or simply relax at your hotel before joining your ocean cruise tomorrow.
12
Rotterdam: Embark ship
A transfer brings you to the ship for embarkation, exchanging river life for the open sea as Holland America Line's Rotterdam carries you into the next chapter of your journey.
Rotterdam
13
Relax at sea
Enjoy a leisurely day at sea, with time to relax on deck, take in the ocean views, and savour the ship's dining and entertainment.
14
Ålesund
Ålesund's Art Nouveau streets rise from the water's edge amid steep fjords, a graceful welcome to Norway.
15
Trondheim
Norway's ancient capital welcomes you with its handsome wooden waterfront and cathedral spire.
16
Crossing the Arctic Circle
A quietly momentous morning as Rotterdam crosses into the Arctic Circle, the light and scenery shifting with every passing mile.
17
Tromsø: Overnight in port
Tromsø, gateway to the Arctic, offers a full day free to explore its harbourside streets, browse local galleries or simply watch the ever-changing northern light from the deck.
18
Tromsø
A second day in Tromsø brings more time to discover the city at your own pace, or perhaps venture further afield in search of the northern lights after dark.
19
Alta: Overnight in port
Alta welcomes you to a landscape shaped by ice and midnight sun, an excellent base for exploring at your own pace.
20
Alta
Alta offers a further day ashore, whether that means a quiet wander through town, a longer excursion into the surrounding wilderness, or simply relaxing on board.
21
Crossing the Arctic Circle
Rotterdam crosses back over the Arctic Circle as you begin the journey south, the northern light softening with each passing hour.
22
Åndalsnes
Sheer mountains plunge straight into the fjord at Åndalsnes, a dramatic backdrop for a day spent exploring the town on foot.
23
Bergen
Bergen's colourful harbourfront and hillside setting make for a memorable final Norwegian port.
24
Lerwick
Lerwick, the UK's northernmost outpost, brings rugged coastal scenery and a proud maritime heritage.
25
Relax at sea
Unwind with a peaceful day at sea, enjoying the ship's amenities, fine dining, and the tranquility of the open ocean.
26
Rotterdam: Disembark ship & fly home
Your holiday complete, today you'll head to the airport for your flight home.
27
Arrive home
Arrive home after your 27-day Arctic Circle and Danube river voyage.

What you get for the price

Inclusions & exclusions

What’s included

Seven-night all-inclusive river cruise on The Gentleman with unlimited drinks, Wi-Fi and specialty coffee
Fourteen-night full-board ocean cruise on Rotterdam
Included shore excursions: Budapest Highlights, Walking tour of Bratislava, Linz walking tour and Pöstlingbergbahn, Vienna Highlights
One night five-star hotel in Budapest at InterContinental Budapest with breakfast
Two nights four-star hotel in Amsterdam at Hotel Jakarta Amsterdam with breakfast
All flights, taxes and transfers
Overnight in port in Budapest, Passau, Tromsø and Alta

Not included

Travel insurance

Where you’ll stay

Accommodation

The Gentleman: Launched in 2024, this 135-metre vessel accommodates up to 172 guests across 86 elegantly appointed cabins. Floor-to-ceiling windows and a generous sun deck invite guests to fully appreciate Europe's scenic waterways, while stylish interiors showcase Dutch craftsmanship. Onboard facilities include the Baroness Restaurant, Grandeur Bistro, Majesty Lounge, fitness space, massage centre and premium Wi-Fi.

Rotterdam: The impressively designed ship offers 12 decks, 1,340 staterooms and delicious gourmet dining experiences. This luxurious ship offers guests the ultimate in service and comfort, with indulgent spa treatments at the Greenhouse Spa & Salon, breathtaking entertainment including casino, theatre and live music venues, two pools, sports facilities and enrichment programs.

The Gentleman

From the operator

Common questions about this voyage

How long is the holiday?

The holiday is 26 nights, departing on 22 September 2027. It includes a Danube River cruise, hotel stays in Budapest and Amsterdam, and a 14-night Norwegian and Arctic Circle cruise.

Which ships will I be travelling on?

You will enjoy two cruise experiences. The first is aboard The Gentleman, a boutique river cruise vessel operated by Van Loon, followed by a 14-night ocean cruise aboard Holland America Line's Rotterdam.

Where does the holiday begin?

Your journey begins with an overnight flight from Australia to Budapest, Hungary, where you will enjoy a one-night hotel stay before embarking on your Danube River cruise.

Ready to lock in?

Book this cruise

Send us an enquiry and a consultant will be in touch, or call 1300 414 198 for personal help choosing a departure.

Enquire about this cruise

The fine print

Terms & conditions

Read the operator’s full booking conditions

Holiday duration includes overnight flights when applicable and is subject to change. Prices shown include discount and savings are based on two passengers sharing an Inside cabin, booking directly with Imagine Cruising.