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.
This excursion is only available on the cruise Rhine Metropolises on the following dates:
24 October | 29 October | 3 November 2026
€ 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.
€ 62.00 per person
approx. 4 Hours
Bus and walking
Moderate
Zaanse Schans is a listed open-air museum where you can stroll through Dutch life in the 17th and 18th centuries. Whether guided or on your own, you will walk past authentic houses, a historic shipyard, a tin factory, a cheese and dairy farm, an ancient grocery shop and, above all, windmills. Afterwards, the tour continues across the polder landscape to a cheese dairy and to Edam. In the cheese dairy you will be told everything about the production of cheese and of course you will be allowed to taste a piece. In Edam, the cheese is world-famous, but the little village also has a lot to offer. During a short walk you can explore the village, which is also criss-crossed by small canals, and see the cheese market, among other things. However, hardly any cheese is sold here today. Nevertheless, the tradition is regularly revived, and the cheese is carried by cheese carriers to the various traders as in the old days.
Only takes place on the following dates:
Rhine Experience Amsterdam & Rotterdam 09.05. | 16.05. | 23.05. | 30.05. | 06.06. | 13.06. | 20.06. | 27.06. | 04.07. | 11.07. | 18.07. | 25.07. | 01.08. | 08.08. | 15.08. | 22.08. | 29.08. | 05.09. | 12.09. | 19.09. | 26.09. | 03.10. | 10.10. | 17.10. | 24.10.2026
Rhine Christmas City Experience 20.12.2026
Rhine New Year 27.12.2025
€ 59.00 per person
approx. 4 Hours
Bus and walking
Moderate
Only available on request.
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.
Discover Antwerp in the evening on this excursion and be enchanted by the special atmosphere of the city. Stroll through the charming alleyways of the historic city centre past sights such as the imposing cathedral and the Grote Markt with its Brabo fountain. As you stroll through the city, stop off at a cosy pub and have the opportunity to sample some Belgian beer. Get to know the city's history and beer culture on this excursion - a perfect combination of discovery and culinary enjoyment.
€ 49.00 per person
approx. 2.5 Hours
walking
Moderate
This Christmas Eve, you'll be in Antwerp, the diamond city. The endless lights will take your breath away. Whether you warm up with a cup (or two) of mulled wine, take a leisurely stroll through the city centre or eagerly search for little gifts to take home with you is entirely up to you!
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
This excursion will only take place if the minimum number of participants is reached before departure.
This tour will take you around Belgium’s exciting capital city. It’s a place that immigrants from all corners of the earth have made their home, bringing elements of their own cultures with them. It’s also where modern architecture meets historical pomp and splendour. And, of course, Brussels is the capital of Europe, home to the Council of the European Union, the European Commission, NATO and Euratom. As well as seeing the city’s landmarks such as the Atomium and Manneken Pis, you’ll visit the Grand-Place. With its baroque guild houses and Gothic town hall, it is considered one of the most beautiful squares of its kind in the world and is a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
€ 62.00 per person
approx. 5 Hours
Bus and walking
Demanding
Start your Christmas Day with a hot drink in the on-board lounge or a visit to the SPA-ROSA.
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
Join us on an unforgettable trip to Gouda, the city famous worldwide for its delicious cheese! We stroll through the picturesque old town with its winding alleyways, idyllic canals and lovingly restored buildings. A particular highlight is the magnificent Gothic town hall on the market square - one of the oldest in the Netherlands. Learn all about the history and tradition of the city and, of course, Gouda cheese!
€ 65.00 per person
approx. 3.5 Hours
Bus and walking
Moderate
This excursion will only take place if the minimum number of participants is reached before departure.
Spend the second day of Christmas in Nijmegen. The festive spirit of the city is one of a kind.
The Hanseatic city of Nijmegen is the oldest city in the Netherlands. Its history goes back to Roman times. Later, the city repeatedly became the imperial residence (during the Carolingian period), as well as a part of the Hanseatic League. In 1678, the Treaty of Peace of Nijmegen between France and the Netherland was signed here. The central old town is especially worth a visit today. You will explore the old town during this guided city walk, where you will also see the St. Stevenskerk, the Belvedère, the Latijnse School and the Grote Markt.
€ 29.00 per person
approx. 1.5 Hours
walking
Moderate
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!
The rate A-ROSA Basic incl. Full Board includes the following services:
Drinks Package Premium All-Inclusive Plus
Every wish will come true at the bar! Treat yourself to a wide variety of flavours. For just € 39 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).
