7Nights

Rhine Christmas City Experience 2026

Christmas-decorated marketplace in Antwerp with illuminated stalls at dusk.
Blick auf Amsterdams Grachten mit historischen Gebäuden, Booten auf dem Wasser und Fahrrädern am Ufer bei Sonnenuntergang.
The A-ROSA SENA with a painted kissing mouth and rose on the bow is docked in the evening at a port, the sky is slightly cloudy.

Highlights of the Christmas on the Rhine River

So much to see - so much to celebrate!

From Cologne to Amsterdam (Lelystad*), Antwerp, Dordrecht and Nijmegen to Cologne.

Antwerp knows a thing or two about Christmas sparkle; after all, sparkle was practically invented here. Diamonds are cut and polished in this venerable old merchant city until they shine like stars. Antwerp itself is a jewel. From the ship you’ll have a wonderful view of the grand houses with their ornate stepped-gable roofs. In Amsterdam, house boats with Christmas lights bob on the canals with the creative locals seeming to compete to produce the most festive look. And incidentally, most of the city’s many museums are open for anyone wanting an alternative to choirs of angels and tinsel.

Cologne Cathedral at night with an illuminated Christmas market and a festively decorated Christmas tree in the foreground.

Cologne

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!

Woman and child with hat and scarf smiling at a Christmas market at night with string lights in the background.

Antwerp

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.

Christmas-decorated houses in Amsterdam. Large bows and Christmas baubles, as well as a Christmas tree, are attached to the house facades.

Amsterdam

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.

Itinerary

Route map Rhine Christmas City Experience with the ports Cologne, Antwerp, Dordrecht, Rotterdam, and Amsterdam.
Route map Rhine Christmas City Experience with the ports Cologne, Antwerp, Dordrecht, Rotterdam, and Amsterdam.

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.

Rückansicht des Kölner Doms bei Nacht und mordernen Gebäuden im Vordergrund. Spaziergänger passieren die Gebäude

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.

Evening city view of Amsterdam with historic buildings, illuminated streets, and a dramatic sky with clouds.

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.

Blick auf eine weihnachtlich geschmückte und beleuchtete Gracht in Amsterdam mit mehreren Booten auf dem Wasser und historischen Gebäuden entlang des Kanals

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.

The modern market hall in Rotterdam with the large, colourful ceiling with windows that arches over the interior with market stalls. A decorated Christmas tree in the foreground.

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!

A woman lies relaxed and smiling on a massage table, while hot stones are placed on her back, surrounded by a tranquil spa atmosphere.

Start your Christmas Day with a hot drink in the on-board lounge or a visit to the SPA-ROSA.

Christmas-decorated marketplace in Antwerp with illuminated stalls at dusk.

Spend the second day of Christmas in Nijmegen. The festive spirit of the city is one of a kind.

A woman lies relaxed and smiling on a massage table, while hot stones are placed on her back, surrounded by a tranquil spa atmosphere.

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!

A woman in winter clothing with a hat walks through a Christmas market in Cologne, surrounded by people and festively decorated stalls with lights.

A-ROSA Premium all inclusive

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.

  • Full BoardPlus: Comprehensive breakfast, lunch and dinner buffets with live-cooking stations, embarkation snack, as well as daily tea and coffee time
  • Special Welcome (5 nights and more) & Farewell dinners (7 nights and more)
  • Tea, coffee and coffee specialities for breakfast, water, soft drinks, sparkling wine, as well as a selection of beer and wine included throughout the day, during bar opening hours
  • A-ROSA Best Price until 31 July 2025, Super Early Booking Discounts for bookings made until 30 November 2025 and Early Booking Discounts for bookings made until 28 February 2026 for cruises from March – October 2026 and bookings made until 31 August 2026 for cruises from November 2026 until January 2027.
  • Kids up to 15 years of age cruise for free on deck 1¹
  • One free change of reservation up to 30 days before departure
  • Comprehensive service concept with Guest Relations Management
  • Varied onboard entertainment for cruises of 7 nights or more with local performers
  • Room service in every cabin grade (during bar hours)²
  • A-ROSA App with information about your cruise
  • Special prices for additional services on board, e.g. SPA treatments, workshops³
  • English-speaking travel and hotel management
  • Transfer between airport or TGV train station and ship when arrival is booked through A-ROSA⁴
  • Toiletries as well as bathrobes on request


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 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.

Be quick and secure the A-ROSA Best Price - our early booking levels: 

  • Until 31 July 2025 A-ROSA Best Price
  • Until 30 November 2025 Super Early Booking Price
  • Until 28 February 2026 for cruises from March – October 2026 and bookings made until 31 August 2025 for cruises from November 2026 until January 2027

Choose exactly the cabin you like. If available, we will book your desired cabin with cabin number.

Dates & Prices

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).

 

Inside view of the cabins in categories B, C, and D with balcony on the A-ROSA SENA.

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).

 

Inside view of the cabins in categories B, C, and D with balcony on the A-ROSA SENA.

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).

 

Inside view of the cabins in categories B, C, and D with balcony on the A-ROSA SENA.

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).

 

Inside view of the family cabins in category G on the A-ROSA SENA.

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.

Inside view of the cabins in category F on the A-ROSA SENA with balcony.

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).

 

Inside view of the cabins in categories B, C, and D with balcony on the A-ROSA SENA.

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).

 

Inside view of the cabins in categories B, C, and D with balcony on the A-ROSA SENA.

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).

 

Inside view of the cabins in categories B, C, and D with balcony on the A-ROSA SENA.

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).

 

Inside view of the family cabins in category G on the A-ROSA SENA.

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.

Inside view of the cabins in category F on the A-ROSA SENA with balcony.