The huge Christmas tree looks almost dainty against the Cologne Cathedral. The Christmas spirit is immediately found at boarding in our starting city of the river cruise, the impressive Cologne. In the best festive mood we start towards the Netherlands, while the cathedral slowly becomes smaller and smaller on the horizon. And now it's time to say: Christmas ahoy!
When your Rhine cruise calls at Antwerp, you’ll quickly realise that this small Flemish port is no stranger to festive sparkle. In fact, sparkle was virtually invented there: this time-honoured commercial city is a major diamond centre, where precious stones are polished until they twinkle like stars. Antwerp itself is also a jewel – from the ship, you’ll have a wonderful view of its grand houses with their decorated stepped gables.
In Amsterdam, you can experience great Christmas spirit at every turn: whether in a cozy pub, on a canal cruise, and even in the many museums. The houseboats and narrow houses with their stepped gables shine in festive splendor. The Dutch know how to celebrate. And together we eagerly await Sinterklaas, the Dutch Santa Claus.
Here is where we embark on our exciting Rhine cruise. You should definitely get to know the city of Cologne with its many monuments and attractions. The best way to do this is to arrive one day before your cruise or simply extend your stay after the cruise.
Amsterdam is an incredibly varied city. It’s old yet modern, relaxed yet bustling, and arty while also being commercial. With almost 7,500 listed buildings, it has the highest concentration of historical monuments in the whole country. When your Rhine cruise calls at Amsterdam, you’ll be able to discover a piece of history around every corner.
*In individual cases, the local authorities in Amsterdam may not confirm the reserved berths. If no berth is allocated, our guests will be provided with a shuttle bus to Amsterdam.
A canal cruise through Amsterdam's old town is something special. This trip on board a typical grachten boat will allow you to discover some of Amsterdam's countless interwoven grachten canals – a 100 km network still used to transport goods today – as well as the delightful houses and bridges that they pass by and under.
Will only take place on the following dates: 29.10. | 02.11. | 03.11. | 07.11. | 12.11.2025
€ 52.00
approx. 2 Hours
By boat and walking
Easy
Houseboats lit up for Christmas bob along the canals in Amsterdam, the city of 1539 bridges. The Dutch are very creative and outdo each other when it comes to Christmas decorations. The brighter the lighting, the better. Alongside ice rinks, most of the city's numerous museums are also open for all those who crave a festive programme.
Haarlem was once a very powerful, rich city and is even older than Amsterdam. Haarlem was mentioned in documents as early as the 10th century. Shipbuilding and beer brewing ensured prosperity, and in the Golden Age cloth weaving was added. You will discover the Grote Markt, where Haarlem's long history is as tangible as its liveliness, old rows of houses, the massive Gothic Grote Kerk, the Renaissance town hall and the "hofjes". Afterwards you have time for your own explorations: you could stroll for hours through the little streets... it is not for no reason considered the cosiest shopping place in Holland.
Will only take place on the following dates:
Rhine Mini Cruise Netherlands 05.03. | 07.03. | 09.03. | 11.03. | 13.03. | 15.03. | 17.03. | 08.11. | 12.11. | 16.11. | 17.11. | 20.11. | 21.11.2025 and 03.01. | 07.01.2026
Rhine Experience Amsterdam & Rotterdam 10.05. | 17.05. | 24.05. | 31.05. | 07.06. | 14.06. | 21.06. | 28.06. | 05.07. | 12.07. | 19.07. | 26.07. | 02.08. | 09.08. | 16.08.| 23.08. | 30.08. | 06.09. | 13.09. | 20.09. | 27.09. | 04.10. | 11.10. | 18.10. | 25.10.2025
Rhine City Experiences 04.03. | 09.03. | 14.03. | 01.11. | 06.11. | 11.11. | 16.11. | 21.11. | 26.11. | 01.12. | 06.12. | 11.12. | 16.12.2025 and 04.01. | 09.01. | 14.01. | 19.01. | 24.01. | 29.01.2026
€ 62.00 per person
approx. 4 Hours
Bus and walking
Moderate
Visit the second largest city in the Netherlands on Christmas Eve: the ‘Manhattan on the Maas’ exudes more cosmopolitan flair than any other place in the Netherlands. The endless lights of this futuristic-looking city will pull you in. Whether you warm up with a cup of mulled wine (or two), take a leisurely stroll through the city centre or hunt for little souvenirs is entirely up to you!
While it’s true that Rotterdam can look back on a long history, the city gives an outward impression of being refreshingly modern. Rotterdam is the Netherlands’ main centre of architecture – over the last 20 years an impressive collection of skyscrapers has transformed its skyline. The 46-metre-high Witte Huis was the first skyscraper in Europe, and there’s no denying that the city’s famous Cube Houses are unique too. Of course, during your visit you’ll also see the extraordinary market hall building, which is shaped like a giant aircraft hangar. The interior of the market hall boasts an 11,000-square-metre artwork made up of panels decorated with images of fruit and vegetables. Another thing that makes the building unique is that, as well as housing a market, shops, eateries and a car park, it also has residential units.
€ 29.00 per person
approx. 2.5 Hours
walking
Moderate
Capital of the province Zuid-Holland, and the seat of the Dutch government and parliament, as well as home to the Dutch royal family - The Hague is world famous. The excursion first takes you to the Binnenhof, the impressive main square which dominates the historic city centre. This large rectangular courtyard is surrounded by stately buildings and was the starting point of urban development in the 13th century. In the 17th century, it was considered the centre of European diplomacy and today it is the seat of the Dutch Parliament. Northeast of the square there is the Royal Palace and official residence of the Queen. Behind that you will find the Vredespaleis (Palace of Peace), home to the International Court of Justice. Then continue to Delft, famous for the porcelain Delfts Blauw and for its painter Johannes Vermeer. Here you have time for a leisurely walk along the canals, churches, mansions and beautiful courtyards.
€ 65.00 per person
approx. 4.5 Hours
Bus and walking
Moderate
Start your Christmas Day with a hot drink in the on-board lounge or a visit to the SPA-ROSA.
Discover the oldest city in Holland on your Christmas cruise! Dordrecht, the town by the water, with its countless monuments and small city harbors. The three rivers Merwede, Noord and Oude Maas flow together here, giving Dordrecht the flair of a city by the sea.
Visit the oldest city in Holland and enjoy countless monuments, centuries-old packing houses and the well-travelled trade routes that remind us of the rich history of this city on the water. Dordrecht was granted city rights as early as 1220 and has always been an important trading town for wood, grain and wine. In the city centre you will still find about 1000 well-preserved architectural monuments. But don't worry - we will only explore the most beautiful ones with you on our tour of the city.
€ 29.00 per person
approx. 2 Hours
walking
Moderate
Welcome to the winter paradise of Antwerp. Christmastime counts as the fifth season of the year here and it is no wonder that many people from Belgium do their Christmas shopping here. With various attractions such as live music and great Christmas markets, the city invites you to spend some quality time with your loved ones. Don't miss the Christmas market on the Grote Markt: Here you can get traditional arts and crafts as well as try some delicious food.
Antwerp is not only known for being Europe's third-largest port. It is also the most important city in the world when it comes to diamonds – with most of the world’s diamonds traded here. Our bus will pass the beautiful Cathedral of Our Lady (Onze-Lieve-Vrouwekathedraal). It is one of the highlights of Brabantine Gothic and is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Afterwards, you will take a stroll through the historic centre with the Grote Markt and the lavishly decorated Renaissance town hall. A small tour then takes you through Antwerp's diamond district.
€ 59.00 per person
approx. 4 Hours
Bus and walking
Moderate
Belgium is known for its delicious chocolate. This chocolate museum will take you through the whole process of chocolate making, from the cocoa bean to the finished product. You’ll also learn how filled chocolates are made – and you’ll have the opportunity to try some for yourself along the way. There are lots of exciting things for our younger guests to see and do here as well, and you’ll discover some fascinating facts in each of the 14 rooms.
€ 69.00 per person
approx. 3 Hours
Bus and walking
Moderate
includes transfers and admission only
includes transfers and admission only
During your cruising day, enjoy watching the scenery drift by as you look forward to the next towns and cities. Our tip: the SPA-ROSA is a great place to unwind and pamper yourself during your day on the river.
Your festive Christmas cruise on the Rhine comes to an end in Cologne. However, before you set off on your journey home with a thousand memories of your trip, why not use the day to explore North Rhine-Westphalia and the city of Cologne? The imposing cathedral of Cologne is a must-see. Happy New Year, see you soon and ahoy!
Enjoy your most beautiful time with maximum comfort and with the all-round carefree package: A-ROSA Premium all inclusive.
Your desired cabin? Voilà! Sauna, fitness area, pool? Always at your service! Top culinary menus? Enjoy your meal! Attractive discounts on all massage and beauty treatments? Of course! Plus many other benefits that will always put a smile on your face, while you have nothing to do but think about your next wish.
¹ Children up to and including 15 years of age travel free of charge when accompanied by at least one (two in Cat. G) supervising adult on Deck 1. From Deck 2 children receive a 30 % discount. Furthermore, children up to 7 years of age accompanied by 2 supervising adults can use a sofa bed free of charge on the A‑ROSA SENA in categories B - D. On the A‑ROSA ALVA, A‑ROSA ALEA & A‑ROSA CLEA children accompanied by at least one supervising adult receive a 30 % discount. The children’s discount is only valid for the cruise itself. Limited availabilities on all cruises.
² Drinks only, according to the room service menu. Except A-ROSA ALVA, A-ROSA ALEA and A-ROSA CLEA
³ Except A-ROSA ALEA and A-ROSA CLEA
⁴ A-ROSA ALVA, A-ROSA ALEA & A-ROSA CLEA: E-bike rental not available.
⁵ If a flight or TGV booking is made through A-ROSA, the transfer is included. You will receive the relevant details with your travel information.
PLEASE NOTE: Transfer between railway station and ship on the Danube & Rhine can be booked for an additional fee.
Drinks Package Premium All-Inclusive Plus
Every wish will come true at the bar! Treat yourself to a wide variety of flavours. For just € 19 per night and person at the Premium All-Inclusive fare, you can enjoy the most popular cocktails, long drinks and spirits in addition to the already included premium drinks. (during bar opening hours)
Transfer railway station - Ship - railway station
You have the option of booking our transfer service from the railway station to the ship and back for € 25 per person in Passau and € 30 per person in Cologne. The transfer service is only offered on the day of embarkation and disembarkation. For further information, please see your travel information.
Spacious and comfortable outside cabin with a balcony. Elegant design and first-class materials ensure an atmosphere of well-being. Cabin facilities: safe, air-conditioning, TV, hair dryer, bathroom with shower and toilet, sauna towel, wool blanket, telephone, bathrobe (available on request at reception).
Spacious and comfortable outside cabin with a balcony. Elegant design and first-class materials ensure an atmosphere of well-being. Cabin facilities: safe, air-conditioning, TV, hair dryer, bathroom with shower and toilet, sauna towel, wool blanket, telephone, bathrobe (available on request at reception).
Spacious and comfortable outside cabin with a balcony. Elegant design and first-class materials ensure an atmosphere of well-being. Cabin facilities: safe, air-conditioning, TV, hair dryer, bathroom with shower and toilet, sauna towel, wool blanket, telephone, bathrobe (available on request at reception).
Spacous and comfortable family cabins with bunk bed and sofa bed. Elegant design and first-class materials ensure an atmosphere of well-being. Cabin facilities: safe, air-conditioning, TV, hair dryer, bathroom with shower and toilet, sauna towel, wool blanket, telephone, bathrobe (available on request at reception).
Generously sized Balcony Suite with balcony (26 m² on Deck 4 and 31 m² on Deck 2), sofa bed, bathroom with daylight and walk-in closet. Elegant design and first-class materials ensure an atmosphere of well-being. Additional services: check-in and personal welcome from 12.00 h, a welcome glass of champagne, Suite cocktail with the hotel manager, room service, fresh fruit, laundry and ironing service.
Spacious and comfortable outside cabin with a balcony. Elegant design and first-class materials ensure an atmosphere of well-being. Cabin facilities: safe, air-conditioning, TV, hair dryer, bathroom with shower and toilet, sauna towel, wool blanket, telephone, bathrobe (available on request at reception).
Spacious and comfortable outside cabin with a balcony. Elegant design and first-class materials ensure an atmosphere of well-being. Cabin facilities: safe, air-conditioning, TV, hair dryer, bathroom with shower and toilet, sauna towel, wool blanket, telephone, bathrobe (available on request at reception).
Spacious and comfortable outside cabin with a balcony. Elegant design and first-class materials ensure an atmosphere of well-being. Cabin facilities: safe, air-conditioning, TV, hair dryer, bathroom with shower and toilet, sauna towel, wool blanket, telephone, bathrobe (available on request at reception).
Spacous and comfortable family cabins with bunk bed and sofa bed. Elegant design and first-class materials ensure an atmosphere of well-being. Cabin facilities: safe, air-conditioning, TV, hair dryer, bathroom with shower and toilet, sauna towel, wool blanket, telephone, bathrobe (available on request at reception).
Generously sized Balcony Suite with balcony (26 m² on Deck 4 and 31 m² on Deck 2), sofa bed, bathroom with daylight and walk-in closet. Elegant design and first-class materials ensure an atmosphere of well-being. Additional services: check-in and personal welcome from 12.00 h, a welcome glass of champagne, Suite cocktail with the hotel manager, room service, fresh fruit, laundry and ironing service.
