When it comes to Budapest cruises, Silverline Sightseeing Cruise is a solid choice with friendly staff and a comfortable meeting point, but it doesn't quite stand out from the crowd.
Unlike most cruises, Silverline's cruise ticket does not include a welcome drink. However, the price is on the low-end. If it were not for their out-of-the-way location, I would recommend the Portum's similarly cheap cruise in a heartbeat.
With a relaxed 60-minute cruising time, this ride offers a leisurely pace that allows you to take in the sights and enjoy the moment.
There is an audio guide app available in 6 languages (English, Hungarian, German, French, Spanish, and Italian).
In summary, Silverline's sightseeing cruise provides a leisurely tour of Budapest's iconic landmarks on the Danube. While not exceptional, it offers a decent experience.
About Silverline Cruises Ltd.
Silverline is a solid company operating since (at least) 2011. They have a decent range of cruise offerings, and run popular cruises in the sightseeing category.
Quick Facts
🎟️ Ticket type: mobile or printed
✔️ Onboard wi-fi: yes
✔️ Open air deck: yes
✔️Air conditioning/heating: yes
❌ Pets allowed: no, except service animals
✔️ Smoking: yes, outside
❌ Wheelchair accessible: no
✔️ Baby stroller accessible: yes
✔️ Infant/children discount: free for children (age 0-3)
🗺️ Use tram line 2 to arrive at Széchenyi István tér or Március 15 tér stop. Go towards Elizabeth bridge (white suspension bridge) and look for Silverline Cruises.
Like on any boat tour in Budapest, the cityscape is breathtaking throughout the trip. However, Silverline's ships have a roof and support columns on the top deck which means they do not provide a clear 360° view.
The Ship
The ship itself is decent, but it doesn't claim the title of the most modern or spacious vessel on the waters. It gets the job done without being overly impressive.
Silverline rotates boats frequently, so you may not get the same one I did.
The Top Deck
During my trip, I was on the larger two-level boat that previously had rows of seats, but has since been replaced with tables and chairs (according to photos).
The smaller boat now has the rows of seats, which I found to be cramped and lacking in legroom.
Both ships have roofs and support columns which partially block the view.
The Main Deck
The main deck offers comfort with ample space, heating, and air conditioning. While indoor views are average, better panoramas await at the front chairs or the open-air section.
The Staff
Welcoming and friendly staff at the entrance make a positive impression. I haven't interacted with the ship's crew so I cannot comment on that.
Unneccesary Stop
During my cruise, we made a stop at Batthyány tér (Buda), even though no passengers got on or off.