European River Golf Cruises​

PerryGolf + Tauck Danube River Golf Cruise FAQs

• What is a River Golf Cruise?

  A River Golf Cruise combines a luxury European river cruise with a curated golf program at outstanding courses along the itinerary. PerryGolf and Tauck each bring their distinct expertise to the program: PerryGolf manages all golf logistics — including tee times, transportation, and equipment handling — while Tauck delivers the river cruise experience, with their Cruise Directors, Tauck Directors, and ship staff handling every non-golf aspect of life onboard and ashore. On golf days, golfers travel together with PerryGolf to the course while non-golfers join Tauck's included shore excursions. For all shared experiences — evening events, onboard programming, exclusive excursions, and meals — the full group travels together, with both PerryGolf and Tauck hosts present throughout.

• What is included in the price of the River Golf Cruise?

  This ten-night program is designed to be as all-inclusive as possible. The PerryGolf + Tauck Danube River Golf Cruise itinerary begins with three nights pre-cruise in Salzburg, Austria, with luxury accommodations and a welcome dinner at the iconic Hotel Sacher, followed by seven nights aboard ms Joy or ms Savor, sister ships within the Tauck River Cruises fleet. A full-time PerryGolf program manager is onboard and present at every golf venue throughout.

  The cruise fare includes: all accommodations, meals, drinks, entertainment, shore excursions, and gratuities.

  The golf program includes: five rounds of golf — two pre-cruise in Salzburg and three during the Danube cruise — green fees, golf cart fees, ground transportation, practice range balls, a light lunch at each course, an open bar offering a selection of beers, wines, and spirits, and gratuities. Tee times, pairings, and all logistics are arranged and managed by PerryGolf.

  Privately guided cultural touring and selected meals are included for both golfers and non-golfing companions, ensuring an enjoyable balance of golf and sightseeing throughout the itinerary. Guests may also explore independently or join Tauck's included shore excursion program. Throughout the journey, guests benefit from Tauck's fully guided experience, featuring the highest Tauck Director-to-guest ratio on Europe's rivers, with dedicated Directors onboard and ashore handling every detail from start to finish. For more on what sets Tauck apart, visit their Fully Guided page.

  A reduced rate is available for non-golfing guests.

• What is a typical River Golf Cruise group size?

  The PerryGolf group is planned for a maximum of 40 golfers, along with approximately 10 non-golfing companions. Some guests travel as small groups of friends, while others join as couples or individuals. It is worth noting that the ship is shared with other Tauck guests — ms Savor and ms Joy accommodate a maximum of 130 passengers in total, which adds to the social atmosphere onboard while maintaining an intimate and uncrowded feel throughout the cruise.

• Can you tell me more about the golf program on a River Golf Cruise?

  The golf program is fully managed by PerryGolf staff both onboard and ashore. Clubs are transported to each venue in advance and placed on carts ready for your arrival. Transfers are scheduled to allow time to warm up at the range and visit the pro shop before play. Tee times and pairings are thoughtfully arranged in advance. A light lunch is provided at each golf course. Following the round, guests are welcomed inside the clubhouse to relax and enjoy an open bar offering a selection of beers, wines, and spirits – before returning to the ship. A friendly competition is staged at one course during the program, with prizes awarded at a farewell gathering.

• Does my spouse have to play golf?

  No. There is a reduced cost for non-golfing spouses. About 25% of PerryGolf guests are non-golfers. Non-golfers can also expect a genuinely full and rewarding experience throughout this program. On golf days, non-golfers typically join Tauck’s included shore excursions — exploring the cultural, culinary, and historic highlights of each destination with a Tauck Director as their guide. Onboard, they enjoy all the comforts of a Tauck river cruise: excellent dining, scenic sailing, onboard programming, and the social atmosphere of a well-matched group. Additionally, non-golfing spouses are cordially welcome – and encouraged – to join their golfing spouses for exclusive PerryGolf private functions onboard.

• Why is the Danube an ideal river for a European River Golf Cruise?

  The Danube flows through some of Central Europe’s most storied cities — Salzburg, Passau, Vienna, Bratislava, and Budapest among them — each with excellent golf nearby. The river corridor also offers exceptional cultural depth: imperial palaces, Baroque architecture, medieval old towns, UNESCO-listed landscapes, renowned vineyards, and world-class cuisine. For golfers and non-golfers alike, the combination of quality courses and genuinely rewarding destinations makes the Danube one of the most compelling settings for a European River Golf Cruise.

• What is PerryGolf’s Golf Cruise background?

  PerryGolf has operated golf cruises since 1997 on a variety of vessels, building on the expertise developed through custom land tours which date back to 1984. In 2011 PerryGolf introduced its first Golf Cruises with Azamara Cruises, whose fleet of four intimate-sized ocean liners have proven ideal for this style of travel. Beginning in 2027, PerryGolf is delighted to partner with Tauck to offer European River Golf Cruises on the Danube.

• Who is Tauck, and why are they the ideal River Golf Cruise partner for PerryGolf?

  Tauck is one of the most respected names in travel, recognized for award-winning river cruises across Europe and a century-long legacy of delivering exceptional guided travel. Their custom-built riverboats including ms Joy and ms Savor carry a maximum of 130 guests and offer an intimate experience, featuring exclusive, behind-the-scenes access travelers can't get on their own. PerryGolf and Tauck come together to deliver a seamless experience, combining expert golf logistics with the trusted Tauck river cruise experience. The result is a purpose-built River Golf Cruise, designed to bring the full strengths of both organizations to life, onboard and ashore.

• Is there a PerryGolf host on the River Golf Cruise?

  Yes. A PerryGolf host travels with the group throughout the full program, managing all golf-day logistics, coordinating with course staff, and serving as the on-the-ground point of contact for any questions or adjustments. This hosted format is central to what distinguishes a PerryGolf Cruise from independent travel. On the Tauck side, a dedicated Cruise Director and Tauck Director are present throughout the river cruise portion.

• Can you tell me more about the Tauck ships used on a River Golf Cruise?

  Our Danube River Golf Cruises operate on either ms Joy or ms Savor, both elegant and part of the Tauck River Cruises fleet. Each vessel accommodates a maximum of 130 guests, fewer than most riverboats of comparable size in Europe — ensuring a notably intimate and spacious experience. Each ship features 67 cabins, including 22 Tauck Suites of approximately 300 square feet. Guests enjoy open seating dining in The Compass Rose as well as the alternative venue Arthur’s. Additional onboard amenities include complimentary beverages, enrichment programs, fitness facilities, a Sun Deck putting green and Plunge Pool, Wi‑Fi, and bicycles for use ashore.

• What is the dress code onboard and at the golf courses for a River Golf Cruise?

  The atmosphere onboard ms Joy and ms Savor is relaxed, with a resort casual dress code. During the day, comfortable clothing and walking shoes are recommended for sightseeing and excursions. In the evening, most guests choose smart casual attire such as collared shirts and trousers for men and dresses or elegant tops for women. Standard golf club attire is required at the golf courses.

• What level of fitness & mobility is required to join a River Golf Cruise?

  A reasonable level of mobility is required to participate comfortably in this program. Historic European towns frequently feature cobblestone streets, uneven surfaces, and pedestrian-only areas. Guests should also expect narrow hallways and unavoidable stairs when moving through the ship or embarking and disembarking. Please note that Tauck's River Cruising itineraries cannot accommodate wheelchairs or motorized scooters. Tauck Directors are responsible for ensuring the larger group enjoys a relaxing and seamless journey and are therefore unable to provide ongoing individual assistance to any one guest. Guests who require such assistance must be accompanied by an able companion who can provide it.

• Can you tell me about Double-Docking (“Rafting”) during a River Golf Cruise?

  River cruise ships sometimes dock alongside one another in a process known as double-docking or rafting. When this occurs, guests may walk through or across another riverboat to reach the shore. This is a normal and common part of cruising on Europe’s rivers.

• Can I ship my golf clubs ahead of my River Golf Cruise?

  Yes. Guests may ship golf clubs or luggage in advance to their destination to avoid checked baggage during air travel. PerryGolf partners with Luggage Forward, who offers our guests a 10% discount and complimentary $2,000 insurance. Book with Luggage Forward here, and use the code PERRYGOLF at checkout.
  
  Please note that golf clubs cannot be accommodated onboard ms Savor or ms Joy. PerryGolf arranges secure storage and transportation of all golf equipment between venues for the duration of the program, so clubs are handled on your behalf throughout.

• Can PerryGolf assist with my air travel arrangements for my River Golf Cruise?

  Yes. Our dedicated Air Department handles everything from complex international routings to last-minute changes, with access to preferred fares and personalized support throughout. If you'd prefer to use airline miles for a free ticket, those bookings do need to be made directly with the airline. To get started, contact the Air Department at 800.344.5257 ext. 230 or air@perrygolf.com.

• Should I take out travel insurance for my River Golf Cruise?

  PerryGolf strongly recommends that guests obtain luggage, accident, and trip cancellation insurance to protect their travel investment. Full details are available here.

• Who should I contact for further assistance or to book a River Golf Cruise?

  For more information or assistance, please contact PerryGolf’s seasoned team of Golf Travel Experts at expert@perrygolf.com or 800.344.5257.