DANUBE DREAMS - Westbound

8 days | from Budapest to Vilshofen on the Avalon Passion

October 5 -12, 2025

Click HERE for complete detailed itinerary. 

Note: Ignore the pricing listed in this link - we have procured special pricing for this cruise for our group - see below in Cabins/Pricing.

Key Benefits of this Survivor Celebration River Cruise


  • Community and Support: Survivors will form bonds with others who have faced similar struggles, offering mutual support and encouragement while creating lifelong memories. Friends/family supporters will share their stories and heroics too.
  • Wellness Activities: These cruises will offer wellness activities, such as yoga, stretching, walking, and biking to help survivors maintain their physical and mental well-being.
  • Entertainment and Fun: From fabulous excursions to live music on board to amazing culinary delights, these cruises provide opportunities for you to relax, enjoy, and celebrate.
  • Unforgettable Experiences: Cruise along the peaceful Danube River through Hungary, Slovakia, Austria, and Germany—discovering some of Central Europe’s most splendid capitals and charming towns along the way!
October 5 - 12, 2025
Begin this timeless European river cruise in Budapest

And then set sail on the Danube and head for:

Bratislava, the capital of Slovakia

Vienna, Austria, the “City of Music”
The picturesque wine region of the Wachau Valley

Dürnstein, one of the most beautiful villages in Austria 

Linz, walk around the Hauptplatz— Austria’s largest medieval square

Passau, Germany, the “City of Three Rivers”  

What's Included

Luxurious Accommodations: Choose from a variety of spacious staterooms and suites, each with its own unique charm.

All-Inclusive Dining: Enjoy delicious meals, snacks, and beverages throughout the day, including beer, wine, and cocktails.

Daily Excursions: Whether you like to paddle a kayak or paint a canvas, each day on an Avalon river cruise is an adventure of the mind, heart, or heart rate if you prefer.  Avalon Choice presents guests with a variety of “Active,” “Discovery,” and “Classic” excursions each day. Avalon has a selection of included daily excursions, plus exciting optional selections.

Onboard Entertainment: Live music, cultural performances, and engaging activities to keep you entertained throughout your journey.

And so much more: Wi-Fi, port charges, and gratuities are all included, so you can relax and enjoy your vacation without any worries.

Hello – I am Sandra Alston, a 2-year breast cancer survivor
who is excited to be able to offer this opportunity for survivors/thrivers and their supporters whether it be family, friends, co-workers, teammates… to celebrate where you are today and to thank those who helped you get there.


I am thrilled to be able to bring together two of my top passions (aside from my family): Philanthropy & Travel (especially River Cruising). When I was in the dressing room trying on my second set of breast prosthetics, I saw a fundraiser flyer and it hit me -- I should be hosting a Celebratory River cruise to support cancer-related non-profits. As a former nonprofit director for many years in San Diego, I couldn’t believe I had not thought of this sooner. I started contacting local nonprofits to share my idea and their enthusiasm just made it feel so right!

Travelling has always been one of my husbands and my greatest joys and we love sharing this excitement with others. We have travelled all over the world during our 30+ years of marriage and enjoy sharing our knowledge and experiences with others which led us to purchase a Dream Vacations travel franchise eight years ago. 

Along with my travel, fundraising and event planning expertise, my recent personal experiences with all that one goes through with a cancer diagnosis, plus my recent participation in the inspiring Live Strong program at Reuters YMCA in Asheville, led me to create this opportunity to give back. 

We will laugh together, cry together, listen to each other and inspire each other while discovering the amazing sights in Hungary, Slovakia, Austria and Germany together, plus so much more. I look forward to celebrating with you and your loved ones! 

Call me at 760-814-2123 or email salston@dreamvacations.com for any questions.