A profile of the MS MAXIMA: river cruises with nicko cruises

The selection of river cruise ships on the Danube is enormous. I traveled on the modernized MAXIMA from nicko cruises and took a closer look at the ship. With its spacious wellness area and welcoming atmosphere, the ship offers the best conditions for a relaxing journey on the river.

But does the interior live up to the promises after the renovation? How cozy are the cabins, and what culinary delights await guests on board? Here is my review of the MAXIMA.

The Nicko Cruises river ship Maxima I is docked at an embankment in Bratislava, featuring a white upper hull with large glass windows and a vibrant red lower hull.

Facts and Figures about the MAXIMA

The MAXIMA from nicko cruises is a ship built with dimensions perfectly suited for the conditions of the Danube and its locks. The ship was commissioned in 2003 and comprehensively modernized in the winter of 2024/25. With a length of 126.70 meters and a width of 11.40 meters, the ship makes optimal use of the standard length of inland locks. In some of the locks, there really wasn’t much space left on any side. Hats off to the performance of the captain and helmsman for entering the locks without bumping into anything.

The MAXIMA is designed for a capacity of up to 180 passengers, who are lovingly cared for by the roughly 40-member crew. The language on board is German.

The interior of the Nicko Donau Maxima cruise ship features a "MAXIMA" sign on a curved wall beneath a large, circular glass skylight.

The Deck Plan: Where Does Life Take Place?

The MAXIMA has four decks: the expansive Sun Deck as well as three passenger decks below it (Upper Deck, Middle Deck, Main Deck). Before my trip on the MAXIMA, I thought a bit about which of the passenger decks I should book a cabin on. So, I took a closer look at the decks beforehand.

The Top Deck / Sun Deck

In good weather, this deck serves as an outdoor recreation area. It stretches over almost the entire length of the ship. Only the front area and a small area at the stern are restricted for the crew and deck work.

The sun deck of the Nicko Donau Maxima river cruise ship features rows of lounge chairs and shaded seating areas with black director's chairs as it prepares for boarding on the Danube. In the background, another riverboat cruises past a green, hilly shoreline under a cloudy sky.

I always found plenty of deck chairs on the sun deck. In addition, there are seating areas under shade-providing awnings. Anyone who wishes can admire the passing riverbank scenery in peace up here. For those who want to stay active even on vacation, there is also a small selection of fitness equipment (such as a cross-trainer) available.

The captain’s bridge (the wheelhouse) is also located here and can be hydraulically lowered when passing under extremely low bridges.

Inside the steering house of the Nicko Donau Maxima, various navigation screens and control panels are visible before a large window overlooking a concrete lock wall. A digital map on a monitor shows the ship's position along a river, while physical logs and sunglasses rest on the dashboard.

A great and special offer on board the MAXIMA: During a lock passage, passengers were allowed to enter the otherwise strictly restricted area around the wheelhouse! I was not only able to take a direct look into the captain’s control area, but also observe up close how the captain maneuvered the ship out of the lock with centimeter precision from a lateral exterior control station. A real highlight for all technology and ship enthusiasts!

A close-up view of the control panel on the Nicko Donau Maxima as the captain uses a joystick to steer the ship out of a lock. The console features various gauges, buttons, and a second joystick alongside a blue cloth.

Upper Deck

The Upper Deck is the social heart of the ship. Located at the very front, the cozy Panorama Lounge offers an unobstructed view of the river’s course through its large windows. The bar is located here, and the lounge serves as a meeting point, living room, and event venue. The bright Panorama Restaurant is situated midships. Additionally, this deck houses cabins, all of which feature a French balcony.

Middle Deck

The reception area with the foyer and the front desk is centrally located on the Middle Deck. Otherwise, this deck combines living comfort and relaxation: In addition to numerous passenger cabins, the wellness area is also located in the forward section.

Main Deck

The lowest passenger deck lies partially below the waterline. This deck exclusively houses cabins, as well as the engine rooms in the aft section. These cabins have smaller windows (portholes) in the upper third of the wall, which cannot be opened for safety reasons.

The Cabins: Living Comfort on the River

The MAXIMA’s cabins are all designed as comfortable outside cabins. They differ mainly in their location and the type of windows.

Main Deck Cabins: They are approx. 14.5 m² in size and feature non-opening windows (portholes). The amenities are identical to the higher decks.
Middle and Upper Deck Cabins: Also approx. 14.5 m² in size. Their big plus is the French balcony. The floor-to-ceiling glass sliding door can be opened wide. While you cannot step outside, you can stand wonderfully by the open window, breathe in the fresh air, and enjoy the view of the Danube.

All cabins on the MAXIMA offer:

Individually adjustable air conditioning/heating
Two beds placed together as a double bed (can also be separated upon request)
Satellite TV, telephone, and radio
Bathroom with shower/WC and hairdryer
Refrigerator/minibar and safe
Wi-Fi reception (for a fee)

A view from the deck of the Nicko Donau Maxima river cruise ship shows the wake of the boat as it travels along the Danube River past a lush green hillside and a small church in the Wachau Valley.

Boarding and First Impressions

Embarkation was swift and very warm. As soon as we had dropped off our luggage and boarded the ship via the gangway, our first glance fell on the reception area on the Middle Deck. My impression: bright, friendly, and very attractively designed following the recent modernization.

The crew welcomed us exceedingly cordially and showed us the way to the cozy Panorama Lounge on the Upper Deck. We waited here until we could move into our cabins.

Our Cabin: A Look Inside Cabin 111 on the Upper Deck

Once the cabins were cleared, we received our room card at the reception.

A hand holds a white nicko cruises key card for cabin 111 in front of a door lock on the MS Maxima cruise ship.

For the Danube cruise with my mother, I had booked Cabin 111 on the Upper Deck. This cabin scores points with an architectural quirk regarding access: It can be reached either in the classic way indoors via the stairs from the Middle Deck, or via the exterior walkway directly from the Panorama Restaurant. Regardless of the weather, we chose the route via the covered exterior walkway and enjoyed the fresh cruising breeze.

A person with short grey hair walks along the upper deck gangway of the Nicko Donau Maxima river cruise ship, their reflection visible in the large glass windows on the left. The wooden deck leads toward the horizon, where the calm blue river is framed by green, tree-lined banks under a clear sky.

The cabin was well-equipped, absolutely clean, and thoroughly cleaned daily by the cabin steward. Even our special request prior to the trip went smoothly: The beds were separated according to our wishes.

A first look inside a cabin on the Nicko Donau Maxima cruise ship reveals two twin beds with white linens, a small nightstand, and heavy gray curtains covering a large window. The room features light wood accents, a patterned carpet, and a small desk area on the right.

It quickly became clear: It’s easy to get comfortable here. The beds were very comfy. The storage space was surprisingly generous. Suitcases disappeared easily under the bed, and there were plenty of hangers and shelves in the closets. The bathroom proved to be highly functional with wonderfully hot water.

The highlight for us, anew every day, was the large window front: It was pure pleasure to sit comfortably by the window and just take in the journey and the passing scenery. However, one minor drawback of the cabin shouldn’t go unmentioned: Due to its location on the Upper Deck, you can quite clearly hear all the noises from the Sun Deck above, such as the setting up of the lounge chairs in the morning. Those who are very light sleepers should consider this when selecting a cabin, but it didn’t diminish our enjoyment of this cozy room.

A view from the window of cabin 111 on the Nicko Donau Maxima shows a river landscape with green forested banks and a small boat in the distance.

Culinary Delights on Board: Indulgence with a View

Meals are taken in the Panorama Restaurant on the Upper Deck. Here, each passenger is assigned a fixed table at the beginning of the trip, which we found very pleasant. We were attended to by a very friendly restaurant staff member throughout the entire voyage. After just two days, he already knew my preference for dessert, which turned out a bit more generous every day than my mother’s. Thanks to the restaurant’s large panoramic windows, you won’t miss any of the passing scenery, even while eating.

The dining room of the Nicko Donau Maxima is elegantly set for breakfast, featuring tables with white coffee cups and blue menus beside large windows offering scenic river views.

Breakfast is served buffet-style. The selection ranges from fresh rolls and bread to cold cuts, cheese, and egg dishes, all the way to muesli, yogurt, and fresh fruit. Coffee, tea, and juices are, of course, included with breakfast.

For lunch and dinner, the kitchen crew treats guests to multi-course menus that represent a nice mix of international dishes and regional specialties of the countries visited. Those who prefer something a bit more straightforward at noon can opt for the light lunch (e.g., soup, salads, sandwiches) in the Panorama Lounge instead. We chose this option every day and enjoyed the varying salad offerings.

The Highlight: Gala Dinner “Inspired by Johann Lafer”

The absolute highlight of the classic voyage was the elegant gala dinner. The nicko cruises shipping company collaborates here with the well-known Michelin-starred chef Johann Lafer. A seasonal menu was designed specifically tailored to the capabilities of the kitchen area and the flow of dinner service.

A gourmet appetizer by Johann Lafer aboard the Nicko Donau Maxima, featuring a salmon tartare topped with a light green herb mousse, a delicate coral tuile, and fresh microgreens, elegantly plated with dark berry accents.

A gourmet main course from the Nicko Donau Maxima by Johann Lafer, featuring a tender meat medallion topped with a herb crust, served with spätzle, broccoli, carrots, and a rich brown sauce.

As an appetizer, a creamy pea and mint mousse was served on a succulent tartare of lime salmon. Following a refined soup duet of carrot and coconut with a hint of wasabi came the main course: a wonderfully tender pork fillet in an aromatic herb crust, served with Knöpfle (button noodles) and mushrooms in a pepper cream sauce. A delicate Tarte au Citron with fluffy meringue served as the crowning finale. A thoroughly successful evening that also offered vegetarian alternatives of the same caliber!

A slice of lemon meringue tart, part of a Lafer dessert on the Nicko Donau Maxima, is served with a scoop of vanilla ice cream, raspberry coulis, and a mint garnish.

Theme Party and Theme Night: Ahoy Pirates!

Alongside the dignified gala dinner, the crew showed how much they enjoy entertaining on another evening: a pirate-themed party was on the agenda! The entrance area and the restaurant were decorated appropriately and with great attention to detail. Since “dressing up encouraged” was also the order of the day for the guests, there was a wonderfully lively atmosphere on board.

A main course from a pirate-themed dinner on the Nicko Donau Maxima, featuring breaded fish served with potato salad, a lime wedge, fresh arugula, and a side of creamy sauce.

The menu presented itself in a fittingly rustic theme (“Ready to Board”). After a “Tipsy Shrimp Cocktail” or the “Fiery Cannon Thunder” (a hearty black bean soup), we chose the “Pollock in a Breadcrumb Tailcoat” from “Treasure Island” for our main course—a deliciously baked fish with potato-cucumber salad and remoulade sauce. For dessert, as “Smutje’s Sweet Secret,” there was a wonderfully creamy poppy seed parfait, served with fruity berries straight “from the rum barrel.” Here, the kitchen proved that they can execute themed evenings brilliantly, both in taste and presentation.

A dessert from the Nicko Donau Maxima Piratenessen features two wedges of creamy mousse served on a white plate with a red berry smear, dark fruit compote, and a dollop of cream with mint.

The nicko cruises Beverage Package: Is It Worth It?

As during my previous river cruises, the question of the beverage package arose again during booking. Hot drinks and juices are included at breakfast, and complimentary coffee and tea are also served with cake in the afternoon. The tap water in the cabins comes from water tanks and is not recommended for drinking. Anyone wishing to drink wine, beer, or soft drinks at lunch or dinner pays for them regularly via their board card. The prices are at a normal price level, comparable to good hotel bars.

The bar area of the Nicko Donau Maxima features a spacious lounge with purple sofas, armchairs, and small tables, accented by a large green plant in the foreground.

The beverage package (which must be booked by both cabin occupants in the case of double occupancy) covers a large portion of the drink selection. With this package, you can enjoy everything from coffee to selected cocktails starting from when the bar opens.

For us, the package was a win once again: It brings a relaxed “all-inclusive feeling” without having to check the prices for every cocktail ordered in the lounge or beer at dinner. The daily bottle of water for excursions from the reception is also included in the package. Whether it pays off financially is best estimated in advance by taking a quick look at the beverage menu and considering your own drinking habits.

Wellness and Relaxation on Board

A major plus point of the MAXIMA is the beautifully designed wellness area. Although small, with a sauna, a whirlpool, and a cozy relaxation corner, it offers exactly the right thing after a long day of excursions.

Two tan lounge beds with white robes and orange bolster pillows are positioned in front of large circular porthole windows on the Nicko Donau Maxima, offering a serene view of the river and forested shoreline.

Anyone who wants to use this area must reserve it in advance at the ship’s reception. This is only possible one day prior to use, and you can book a one-hour time slot free of charge, either alone or with other fellow passengers.

A white circular whirlpool tub with metal handrails is tucked into a corner of the Nicko Donau Maxima spa, partially framed by a large potted bamboo plant.

I gladly took advantage of this offer. For me, it was only important to choose a time when the ship was cruising. There is hardly anything more beautiful than sitting in a pleasantly warm sauna and looking out through the porthole at the passing banks of the Danube.

A view from the sauna on the Nicko Donau Maxima cruise ship looking through a large circular porthole window at a river and tree-lined shore. In the foreground, a wooden sauna bucket and ladle sit on a bench next to a slatted wooden headrest.

Life on Board & Entertainment

The linchpin for socializing during the trip is the Panorama Lounge. Here, over a drink, you can wonderfully exchange the day’s experiences with fellow passengers. An onboard musician provides entertainment with live music.

Additionally, there is a small, subtle onboard program hosted by the cruise director. This includes, for example, information sessions about the excursions or bingo.

Das Flusskreuzfahrtschiff Maxima von nicko cruises liegt an einem sonnigen Tag am Ufer der Donau vor Anker, eingerahmt von grünen Baumzweigen im Vordergrund. Das weiß-rote Schiff ist mit Tauen am gepflasterten Uferweg befestigt, während im Hintergrund eine Brücke und die bewaldete Uferlandschaft zu sehen sind.

Important Note: Accessibility

The MAXIMA is not barrier-free. There is no elevator on board. To get from the Main Deck to the Sun Deck, steep stairs must be continuously navigated.

Furthermore, the corridors are narrow, and the cabin doors as well as the entry into the shower have thresholds. Guests who rely on a wheelchair or heavily on a rollator must absolutely consider this when booking. Access to the ship can also be steep depending on the berth, or it may lead across other ships moored alongside. While the warm-hearted crew will lend a helping hand wherever possible, a certain level of basic mobility is required on this classic riverboat.

Published 24 July 2026