The Donaudampfschiffahrtsgesellschaft was able to transport around 2022 passengers on its seven ships in 240.000. In a direct comparison with the previous season, there was a significant increase, because in 2021 there were only 107.000 passengers.

However, it was well below the value it had before the corona pandemic. In 2019, 325.000 passengers used the ships of the DDSG Blue Danube. Nevertheless, the management is of the opinion that the previous success could be continued and also points out that in the first quarter of 2022 business was reduced due to restrictions caused by the pandemic. The average number of 2022 passengers per month was already reached again last year in the summer months (June to September 42.000). In 2022, the DDSG Blue Danube fleet completed 4.500 moorings in Vienna and the Wachau and covered 114.783 river kilometers on the Danube and the Danube Canal.

"Even during the pandemic, the DDSG Blue Danube has proven to be an indispensable leisure activity for the people of Vienna. The steep development in passenger numbers over the past year goes hand in hand with the excellent performance of Vienna's tourism industry," said Peter Hanke (SPÖ), City Councilor for Economic Affairs.

The wide range of themed and event trips, which will be expanded again this year and will allow predominantly regional visitors to take off with the DDSG Blue Danube, will contribute to the positive development.

The river trips stimulate the appetite of the passengers, who are spoiled on all seven ships by gastronomy partners with light maritime cuisine and Viennese delicacies as well as wines from the region. The culinary balance is also convincing. Among other things, 37.795 schnitzels and 25.371 apple strudels were eaten on board the DDSG Blue Danube fleet.

“The fleet of the DDSG Blue Danube quickly picked up speed and set course for the pre-pandemic level. As soon as it was possible again after the Covid-19 restrictions were lifted, our ships set sail again with good capacity utilisation," sums up DDSG Managing Director Wolfgang Hanreich.