The Austrian shipping company DDSG Blue Danube has expanded its themed cruise portfolio this year to include cruises featuring German pop music. The company is clearly aiming to attract a target group for whom it previously had no comparable offering. In addition to live entertainment, an all-you-can-eat buffet is also available on board.
Opinions on German pop music (Schlager) are notoriously divided. There are many fans, primarily among the older generation, but also people who dislike this genre entirely. Occasionally, the line between German-language pop music and German pop music overlaps, as some songs even make it into the international pop charts. However, this is rather the exception.
Schlager premiere at the DDSG
Regardless, Schlager music is a multi-million dollar business, as the artists earn enormous sums of money from their songs. It's noteworthy that royalties, which come from record sales (regardless of the format), licensing fees (earned from radio airplay and at events like festivals), and live performances, roughly balance each other out. Unlike international pop acts, Schlager musicians often perform in smaller towns and can usually enjoy sold-out shows. Many attendees are older, but there are also plenty of younger fans of Schlager music.
DDSG has been experimenting with themed cruises for some time now. Over the past 12 months, they've launched several completely new themed cruises, unlike anything they've offered before. This includes the Schlager party, as this particular target group hasn't been addressed in this way previously. The inaugural cruise, captained by Managing Director Johannes Kammerer, who is also the company's fleet captain, served as a kind of test run for DDSG.
The mere fact that the ship used, the MS Admiral Tegetthoff, was almost fully booked demonstrates the clearly high demand. Unsurprisingly, the vast majority of guests were of retirement age, although there were also a few younger passengers on board. From a commercial perspective, the inaugural cruise featuring German pop music must have been a resounding success for the shipping company.
Live program and all-you-can-eat buffet
On board, DJ Michael Knapp and singer Mia offer a live program featuring a great selection of popular German pop songs. The performance is a huge hit with the passengers, as the lower deck quickly transforms into a giant dance floor. Do you usually rely on a walker? Nonsense, it doesn't come along! The older passengers spontaneously help each other, ensuring everyone can dance and party. Naturally, you hear many stories about how they partied decades ago as teenagers and young adults, and how, when recorders came along, they waited for their favorite song and recorded it from the radio broadcast.
Not only is there a party planned, but beforehand there's an extensive all-you-can-eat buffet provided by the renowned catering company JP Donau Catering. This includes, among other things, an Austrian sausage and cheese platter, various salads, a hearty beef soup with semolina dumplings, cordon bleu, roast beef, meatloaf, Käsespätzle (cheese spaetzle), and various desserts. Following the "all you can eat" principle, travelers can help themselves to as much as they like without incurring extra costs. Drinks are not included in the ticket price and must be paid separately to the waiters. However, the prices are below the general average for restaurants in Vienna.
Great for fans of German pop music; those who dislike it should book a different trip.
The DDSG's Schlager-themed cruises are a real insider tip for fans of this genre, as they'll be in their element. It's recommended to board on an empty stomach due to the high-quality food and to sample a variety of dishes. Schlager fans will have an unforgettable evening, both musically and culinarily. However, those who can't stand Schlager music should probably book a different themed cruise.
DDSG charges €75 per person for the Schlager party on its flagship ship. Discounts are available for certain groups. Included are the boat trip, the extensive all-you-can-eat catering, and the live entertainment program. Only drinks are extra. All in all, the value for money is excellent for Schlager fans, because dining at a restaurant and then attending a show elsewhere would be more expensive, and you wouldn't get a pleasant trip on the Danube.
In 2026, DDSG plans to repeat the Schlager party on May 23, July 4, and August 1. Tickets are available on the shipping company's website, at their ticket offices, and at many travel agencies.
