5Nights

Rhine Christmas Dream 2026

Christmas market in Cologne at night with festively lit stalls, a large Christmas tree, and people strolling through the market.
Christmas-decorated houses in Amsterdam. Large bows and Christmas baubles, as well as a Christmas tree, are attached to the house facades.
Weihnachtlich beleuchtete historische Fassaden am Grote Markt in Antwerpen bei Abenddämmerung mit dem Brabo-Brunnen links im Bild

Highlights of the Rhine River Cruise

Head north, from Santa to Sinterklaas.

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

Mother and child are looking at a shop window with a Santa Claus figure together, the child is holding a lollipop and the mother a piece of pastry.

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.

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

Amsterdam

In Amsterdam, the city of 1539 bridges, Christmas-lit houseboats bob along the canals. The creative Dutch outdo each other when it comes to Christmas decorations. The brighter it glows, the better it is. In addition to ice rinks for skating and Dutch-style Christmas markets, many museums are mostly open for those who crave a contrast to angel choirs and tinsel.

Snowy Christmas market in Düsseldorf with pedestrians and a carousel in the foreground and stalls in the background

Düsseldorf

Düsseldorf’s old town – also known as ‘the world’s longest bar’ – is the heart of the city. Freshly pulled Altbier (the local beer) in over 300 pubs brings a wide variety of people together for friendly nights out. But you don’t need alcohol to have fun in Düsseldorf. Luxury shopping boulevards like Königsallee, Kö for short, are great places to buy Christmas presents, while snow-covered green spaces and the beautiful Rhine Promenade are lovely places to stroll while taking a break from the legion of wonderful museums in this city of art.

Itinerary

Route map Rhine metropolises with the ports Cologne, Düsseldorf, Amsterdam, and Antwerp.
Route map Rhine metropolises with the ports Cologne, Düsseldorf, Amsterdam, and Antwerp.

This is where we start our exciting festive cruise. But you should definitely also get to know the Cathedral City with its many buildings and attractions. The best way to do this is to arrive the day before your cruise, or simply extend your stay after the cruise.

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

The port city of Antwerp is an absolute must-see. Rich in art and culture, it is also known as the ‘Diamond City’ due to its important role in the diamond trade. Antwerp is particularly enjoyable for foodies, thanks to the many tasty Belgian specialities on offer there – including waffles, chocolates and chips.

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

Christmas Eve: You will spend Christmas Eve in a very special metropolis: Amsterdam. From romantic canal cruises to traditional Christmas markets and delicious treats - here you will find everything your heart desires. Let yourself be enchanted by the unique festive atmosphere of Amsterdam and experience a holiday that you will never forget.

Illuminated stone bridge over a canal in Amsterdam at dusk with historic houses and trees in the background

Christmas Day: On Christmas Day, illuminated houseboats bob along the canals in Amsterdam, the city of 1539 bridges. The creative Dutch outdo each other when it comes to Christmas decorations. The brighter the lights, the better. In addition to ice rinks for ice skating and the Dutch-style Christmas markets, most of the city's numerous museums are also open for all those who crave a contrasting programme to the choirs of angels and tinsel.

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

Boxing Day: Düsseldorf welcomes you on Boxing Day. Immerse yourself in the rich history and modern flair of the city, which is known for its cultural diversity and hospitality. Visit the festively decorated Königsallee or explore the charming Old Town district, also known as ‘the longest bar in the world’.

Snowy Christmas market in Düsseldorf with pedestrians and a carousel in the foreground and stalls in the background

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
  • Free e-bikes for independent exploration, subject to availability⁴
  • English-speaking travel and hotel management
  • Transfer between airport or TGV train station and ship when arrival is booked through A-ROSA⁵
  • 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 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.

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. 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.

Inside view of the cabins in category S on the A-ROSA AQUA and A-ROSA BRAVA with an extra bed.

Spacious and comfortable outside cabin. 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.

Inside view of the cabins in Category A on the A-ROSA AQUA and A-ROSA BRAVA.

Spacious and comfortable outside cabin with Juliette 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.

Inside view of the cabins in category C and D on the A-ROSA AQUA and A-ROSA BRAVA with french balcony.

Spacious and comfortable outside cabin with Juliette 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.

A couple is lying on the bed of a cabin in category C with a french balcony, planning their next excursion of their Rhine cruise with a map.

Arrival & hotel

You want a relaxed arrival and departure? Then choose one of these hotels! Your advantage: You arrive already one or two days before disembarkation and can consciously look forward to the journey with A-ROSA. Or you can let your vacation come to an end in a very juicy way before you start your journey home. All hotels are personally and carefully selected by us to round off your vacation.

Luxury in the middle of the city center is what the Dorint Hotel am Heumarkt Cologne offers you. The panoramic elevator with a view of the cathedral takes you to your chic room, which includes everything you need to work and relax. In addition, an exclusive fitness and wellness area (fee required) with glass-roofed pool and the chic Harry's New-York Bar await you.

Prices include the tax for the promotion and advancement of culture. Not valid during certain exhibitions in Cologne.

We would be pleased to make you an offer based on daily updated rates.
For further information, please contact service@a-rosa.com 

Included services
Overnight stay incl. breakfast, extended stay possible

A modern hotel room at the Hotel Dorint in Cologne with a double bed, an armchair, a bench, a round table in front of a window with a view of a church with two towers.

The Maritim Hotel Cologne is located directly on the Rhine, only a few steps away from the charming old town, the cathedral and the city centre as well as the central station. The hotel impresses with its extraordinary architecture and has 454 rooms and suites, all of which are equipped with a bathroom/toilet, mini fridge (unfilled), safe, radio, TV and a telephone. In the spacious, glass-roofed hotel lobby you will find a variety of boutiques and restaurants.

Prices include the tax for the promotion and advancement of culture. Not valid during certain exhibitions in Cologne.

Included services
Overnight stay incl. breakfast, extended stay possible

Double occupancy

€ 138 pp

Single occupancy

€ 208 pp

Double occupancy

€ 148 pp

Single occupancy

€ 248 pp

Double occupancy

€ 198 pp

Single occupancy

€ 328 pp

Ships on this cruise

A-ROSA AQUA

A ship from the A-ROSA Rhine fleet glides along the Rhine in the afternoon, with green, wooded hills and small villages in the background on the shore.

A-ROSA BRAVA

A ship from the A-ROSA Rhine fleet glides along the Rhine in the afternoon, with green, wooded hills and small villages in the background on the shore.