5Nights

Rhine Enchanting Christmas 2026

Woman and child with hat and scarf smiling at a Christmas market at night with string lights in the background.
Nächtlicher Blick auf die Kathedrale in Straßburg durch eine Gasse zur Weihnachtszeit. Die Gasse ist festlich beleuchtet.
Metal star with small triangular cutouts, emitting warm light, next to pine branches in a blurred background.

Highlights of the Rhine River Cruise

To enjoy a relaxed Christmas on the Rhine is no fairy tale.

From Cologne to Rüdesheim, Speyer*, Strasbourg (Kehl), Mainz, Loreley Valley and Koblenz to Cologne.

Il est né le divin enfant: “He is born, the Heav'nly Child,” intones the choir in the mighty nave of Strasbourg Cathedral. The Gothic arches seem to lead up into heaven to produce a scene that never fails raise the goosebumps. Christmas Mass in this world-famous Cathedral is an unforgettable experience. The medieval lanes of Mainz and Koblenz are somewhat quieter and more down-to-earth. Timbered houses, fairy lights and the aroma of baked apples warm the heart, while the wine punch warms the belly and the mind. But poor Lorelei sits on her wintry rock and looks out at the Danube. The best way to recount the legends about her is over baked Christmas delicacies and hot chocolate. With cream on top.

Evening view of the historic half-timbered houses and a church on the riverbank in Strasbourg with illuminated street lamps and reflections in the water.

Strasbourg

At first, it is the sight of the cathedral in Strasbourg, built of pink sandstone, that captures you automatically. And as soon as the mighty bells begin to play and the choir starts singing its Christmas carols, it is finally there: a truly overwhelming Christmas feeling. Il est né le divin enfant: "The divine child has been born," intones the choir in the enormous nave. The Gothic arches seem to lead straight to heaven, and at this point at the latest, every listener has goose bumps. A Christmas Mass in this world-famous cathedral is unforgettable.

A telescope at a vantage point overlooking the city of Koblenz and the Deutsches Eck, a cable car travels over the river under a clear sky.

Koblenz

On your Christmas cruise discover the city of Koblenz with its sights and cultural offerings - one of the most beautiful and oldest cities in Germany with over 2000 years of history. The castles, former aristocratic courts and stately town houses, narrow streets and romantic corners of the city are waiting for your visit. With our A-ROSA ship we sail directly past the famous Deutsches Eck.

View of the illuminated Mainz Cathedral at night, with the tip of a Christmas pyramid in front. In the foreground, bare trees adorned with string lights.

Mainz

With 2,000 years of city history, Mainz is not only one of the oldest cities in Germany, but also a place where great history comes alive at every turn. Traditions are also fully celebrated at Christmastime! Be sure to visit the historic Christmas market on the Domplatz. The illuminated and decorated Mainz Cathedral will surely enchant you.

Itinerary

Route map Rhine Enchanting Christmas with the ports Cologne, Rüdesheim, Speyer, Strasbourg, Mainz, and Koblenz.
Route map Rhine Enchanting Christmas with the ports Cologne, Rüdesheim, Speyer, Strasbourg, Mainz, and Koblenz.

We will set off on our exciting Rhine cruise from here, heading for the northern or the southern Rhine. But you shouldn’t miss out on the opportunity to explore this cathedral city, with its wealth of monuments and attractions. The best way is to arrive the day before your cruise departs, so that you can relax – or simply extend your stay in Cologne after the cruise has ended.

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

Spend the day before Christmas Eve in the centre of Rhine Romanticism, a place that once inspired both poets and musicians. Brahms composed his 3rd symphony in Rüdesheim. The most famous town in the Rheingau has a lot to offer in terms of culture, including historic courtyards and fortifications. And of course, on this day of your Christmas cruise on the Rhine, the coffee speciality ‘Rüdesheimer Kaffee’, which was invented here, is a must.

Several golden Christmas presents with red and black ribbons under a Christmas tree with string lights.

Christmas Eve: You will spend Christmas Eve in Speyer. The city is considered to be the oldest standing town from the Middle Ages on German soil. The Speyer Cathedral is the most important building in Speyer, one of the most important Romanesque cathedrals in Germany and a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Winterliche Stadtansicht von Speyer mit imposanten Dom im Hintergrund bei Nacht

Christmas Day: On Christmas Day, you will sail to the city of Strasbourg on your Christmas cruise on the Rhine. Here is where the major European politics unfold. Strasbourg is a unique place with its medieval half-timbered houses and elegant city palaces. A highlight: the Strasbourg Cathedral. From the observation deck, the half-timbered houses look like a miniature railway landscape. Enjoy the day in the French part of the Rhine.

Evening view of the historic half-timbered houses and a church on the riverbank in Strasbourg with illuminated street lamps and reflections in the water.

Mainz

Arr 06:00 am Dep 12:00 pm

Boxing Day: Spend the morning of the Boxing Day in Mainz. Stroll through the old town with its half-timbered houses and medieval market squares and try one or two Christmas specialities.

View of the illuminated Mainz Cathedral at night, with the tip of a Christmas pyramid in front. In the foreground, bare trees adorned with string lights.

Loreley Valley

Arr 01:00 pm

The Loreley Passage is a paradisiacal route along the Rhine known for its breathtaking landscapes and cultural significance. Along this passage, steep cliffs and dense forests stretch while the river flows calmly. Legend has it that the Loreley, a beautiful nymph, once sat on the rocks and lured sailors to their doom with her singing - a myth that continues to captivate the imagination of visitors to this day.

Winterliche Landschaft mit der Loreley am Rhein, schneebedeckte Hügel und der Fluss im Vordergrund unter einem klaren blauen Himmel.

Koblenz

Arr 06:30 pm Dep 09:30 pm

Discover Koblenz during your Rhine cruise. Its history dates back over 2,000 years, making it one of Germany’s oldest cities – and one of its most picturesque, with a wealth of sights and cultural attractions. Marvel at Koblenz’s palaces, stately homes, grand townhouses, narrow lanes and romantic corners. And watch as our A-ROSA ship sails close to the famous Deutsches Eck headland.

Christmas market in Koblenz at night with a colorfully illuminated historic building, decorated Christmas trees, and a lit fountain with figures

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!

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

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, 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, 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.

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, 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, 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 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.