7Nights

Rhine Enchanting New Year 2025

A couple sits at a set table in the restaurant of a river cruise ship with wine and beautifully arranged food. They look at the wine list together and smile at each other.
raus!

Highlights of the Cruises on the Rhine

We not only keep the best for last. We also keep it for starters!

From Cologne to Rüdesheim, Germersheim (Speyer), Mainz, Frankfurt, Koblenz and Bonn to Cologne.

Where does Cologne's culture of good humour come from? Perhaps it came to the Rhine with the Romans almost 2,000 years ago? One thing is certain: Cheerful Cologne is exactly the right place to start a New Year's Eve trip. On this New Year's route, many cities will delight you with their unique sights. New Year's Eve then in Frankfurt, where the fireworks are reflected thousands of times in the water and in the glass facades of the skyscrapers. Mainz is also well worth a visit. The medieval old town is lovingly maintained and forms a good contrast to the modern university and media city.

Mainz old town with illuminated historical buildings and Mainz Cathedral in the background at night.

Mainz

Halfway between Lake Constance and the North Sea, the Rhine meets Mainz. This carnival city is known for its cheerful atmosphere and its hospitality. Why not go for a stroll along the tranquil riverbank or enjoy a good glass of local wine while you’re there? You could also visit the city’s main landmark: Saint Martin’s Cathedral. It boasts one of the richest church interiors in the Christian world. Another important building in Mainz is the Kurfürstliche Schloss (Electoral Palace). This is a prime example of the German Renaissance style of architecture.

Ehrenfels Castle ruins on the Rhine, surrounded by autumnal vineyards and blue sky, overlooking the river and the town of Rüdesheim under clear skies.

Rüdesheim

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.

Skyline von Frankfurt am Main mit modernen Hochhäusern und dem Main im Vordergrund bei Sonnenuntergang.

Frankfurt

‘Hier bin ich Mensch, hier darf ich’s sein’ (‘Here I am man, dare man to be’). This quote by Frankfurt’s most famous son – Johann Wolfgang von Goethe – actually comes from his play Faust (and the English translation by Bayard Taylor), but it is also a very fitting way to describe Goethe’s hometown. Frankfurt’s combination of modern skyscrapers housing major finance companies and the old town with its historic buildings and half-timbered houses is unique. And if you fancy a break from the hustle and bustle, you can take a leisurely walk along the lovely bank of the Main.

Itinerary

Route map Rhine Enachanting New Year with the ports Cologne, Rüdesheim, Speyer, Frankfurt, Mainz, Koblenz, and Bonn.
Route map Rhine Enachanting New Year with the ports Cologne, Rüdesheim, Speyer, Frankfurt, Mainz, Koblenz, and Bonn.

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.

Kölner Dom und beleuchtete Hohenzollernbrücke über den Rhein bei Abenddämmerung in Köln

The town describes its biggest attraction, the world-famous Drosselgasse, as ‘144 metres of joie de vivre’. This centre of Rhine Romanticism once inspired poets and musicians – it was here that Brahms composed his Symphony No. 3. Rüdesheim is the best-known spot in the Rheingau and has plenty of cultural attractions, including stately homes and fortifications. And no visit to the towns and countryside of this area of the Rhine would be complete without a Rüdesheim coffee, which was invented here.

Two women explore Strasbourg and stand in a doorway, both looking upwards.

Trips

Let the Winzerexpress take you on a tour through vineyards and right into the centre of Rüdesheim. Here, the little lanes are too narrow for our trusty vehicle, so you’ll explore the old town on foot. You’ll find one of Germany’s most well-known streets here: Drosselgasse. Lined with wine taverns and bars with outdoor seating, it offers 144 metres of pure enjoyment. You’ll have the opportunity to stop off here to learn how the traditional coffee speciality ‘Rüdesheim coffee’ is made – and you’ll be able to try it for yourself, of course.

price:

€ 49.00 per person

duration:

approx. 2.5 Hours

transport:

Winery Express and walking

level:

Moderate

Vineyard in Rüdesheim am Rhein with green rows of vines, overlooking a church, the town, and hilly landscape in the background.

Welcome to the Upper Rhine. Germersheim is only about 20 km from the city of Speyer, which is over 2000 years old. Speyer is Germany’s oldest planned medieval town. Speyer’s most prominent monument is its cathedral. As one of the country’s most important High Romanesque cathedrals, it is listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. You are sure to have an enjoyable day in Speyer.

Winterliche Stadtansicht von Speyer mit imposanten Dom im Hintergrund bei Nacht

Trips

Immerse yourself in the past and experience the history of Speyer in a unique way. On a city walk with a tour guide in historical costume, you will be transported back to the time of emperors and kings. Stroll through the historic old town, where you will be guided through picturesque streets and past centuries-old buildings. The city's landmark is the majestic cathedral, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the most important monuments of Romanesque architecture. Listen to exciting stories and anecdotes from Speyer.

price:

€ 29.00 per person

duration:

approx. 2 Hours

transport:

walking

level:

Moderate

The Speyer Cathedral under a clear blue sky, in front a street with pedestrians, historic buildings, and bus stops in the sunshine.

Heidelberg was already sung about, painted and described by the Romantics. No wonder, given its location on the Neckar and the castle towering over the city! The city's landmark is one of the most famous ruins in Germany. On an outside tour around the castle, you can explore the castle courtyard and enjoy a panoramic view of the city and the Neckar valley. You will then explore the baroque Old Town with the Old Bridge, the Church of the Holy Spirit, which was completed in the 16th century, and the Haus zum Ritter. It is the most beautiful historic town house in the city. After the tour, you can have a look around on your own before travelling back to Speyer by coach.

price:

€ 69.00 per person

duration:

approx. 4.5 Hours

transport:

Bus and walking

level:

Moderate

Panoramic view of the Neckar with the city of Heidelberg on the shore, surrounded by lush hilly landscape. A bridge crosses the river in daylight.

Mainz bleibt Mainz (or ‘Mainz is always Mainz’) is more than a carnival motto. It is an expression of the easy-going way of life that makes the locals proud of their city, makes it easy for non-locals to settle in and helps visitors to enjoy their stay here. With 2,000 years of history, Mainz is not just one of the oldest cities in Germany – it is also a place where you can see history come alive wherever you turn.

Mainz old town with illuminated historical buildings and Mainz Cathedral in the background at night.

Trips

Mainz is not only known for its 1000-year-old history. Culinary delights also play a major role in Mainz. Mainz is surrounded by Germany's largest wine-growing region 'Rheinhessen'. On this tour you will discover the heart of Mainz's old town and have the chance to try regional wines during a wine tasting.

price:

€ 39.00 per person

duration:

approx. 2 Hours

transport:

walking

level:

Moderate

Zwei Weingläser mit Weißwein auf einem Tablett, im Hintergrund ein Fluss

The best view of the metropolis on New Year's Eve is from the viewing platform of the Main Tower at a height of 200 metres. Marvel at the lights of Frankfurt and toast the New Year with your loved ones on the boat or in the city!

raus!

Trips

The skyline, its old town, apple cider - Frankfurt does not fit into any one category. And that's great, because contrasts are exciting. This combination of a city walk and a bus tour takes you to modern boulevards and along the mighty bank skyscrapers, to the quaint district of Sachsenhausen with its apple wine taverns and the historic Römerberg (Roman Mountain). The eponymous 'Roman' has been the city hall since the 15th century. No less impressive is the Baroque Hauptwache (Main Guard House), the Old Opera and the magnificent neoclassical rotunda of St. Paul's Church.

price:

€ 49.00 per person

duration:

approx. 3 Hours

transport:

Bus and walking

level:

Easy

View from a park across the River Main to the Frankfurt skyline at sunset, with skyscrapers and a bridge.

Frankfurt

Dep 01:00 am

Start the New Year in a relaxed manner with a hot drink in the lounge on board or with a visit to the SPA-ROSA. Either way, it will definitely be an extraordinary New Year's Day for you!

Two people are relaxing on the deck chairs in the relaxation area of SPA-ROSA, in front of them floor-to-ceiling windows with a view of the river.

Koblenz

Arr 02:00 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.

View of the city of Koblenz at dusk under a cloudy sky. In the foreground, the river reflects the citys lights.

Trips

When modern rationality mixes with southern German nonchalance, something wonderful is created. Koblenz itself is the best example! The excursion begins with the landmark of the city: the monumental Kaiser Wilhelm monument at the Deutsches Eck (German Corner). The second landmark is the Schängel Fountain, which depicts a cheeky boy. Stroll through the romantic lanes between the Basilica St. Kastor and the Church of Our Lady, both feature impressive Romanesque two-tower façades. You will hear exciting details about the city's history along the way.

price:

€ 29.00 per person

duration:

approx. 2 Hours

transport:

walking

level:

Moderate

Luftaufnahme der Festung Ehrenbreitstein mit Blick auf den Zusammenfluss von Rhein und Mosel in Koblenz bei Sonnenuntergang

Bonn, located at the heart of North Rhine-Westphalia, used to be the capital of the Federal Republic of Germany. As a seat of government, it is where many important policies were made. Make the most of the excursions on your Rhine cruise to experience the best of this 2,000-year-old city with a very eventful past. Highlights include the house where Beethoven was born and the magnificent buildings that date back to the prince-electors’ era.

Photographed from behind, the A-ROSA AQUA sails on the Rhine in bright sunshine, with the churning water foaming behind it. In the background, the shore with green trees and hills.

Trips

Bonn used to be the capital of Germany – and there’s still a lot to see there nowadays. It’s Beethoven’s birthplace, a popular university city and home to the United Nations. Bonn has witnessed more than two thousand years of history, so there’ll be much to discover on this sightseeing tour. Afterwards, you can take a walk through the government district, where six federal ministries still have their headquarters. You’ll also see venerable buildings such as Villa Hammerschmidt and Palais Schaumburg here.

price:

€ 55.00

duration:

approx. 3.5 Hours

transport:

Bus and walking

level:

Moderate

Opposite Bonn on the other side of the Rhine lies one of Germany's most legendary nature reserves - the Siebengebirge. A lovely panoramic drive will show you this beautiful landscape and take you up to the Petersberg, from where you can enjoy a breathtaking view over the Rhine valley and the former federal capital. From here you also have a view of the Drachenfels, where Siegfried of Xanten is said to have once slain the dragon. After the Petersberg, you continue to the choir ruins before passing the northernmost vineyard in the Rhine Valley and returning to the ship.

price:

€ 59.00 per person

duration:

approx. 3 Hours

transport:

Bus and walking

level:

Moderate

View of Drachenburg Castle in Königswinter near Bonn, surrounded by lush nature. In the background, Königswinter on the Danube.

Bonn

Dep 03:00 am

Bonn, located at the heart of North Rhine-Westphalia, used to be the capital of the Federal Republic of Germany. As a seat of government, it is where many important policies were made. Make the most of the excursions on your Rhine cruise to experience the best of this 2,000-year-old city with a very eventful past. Highlights include the house where Beethoven was born and the magnificent buildings that date back to the prince-electors’ era.

Two people are wrapped in towels in a sauna with panoramic windows overlooking the Rhine.

Cologne

Arr 06:00 am

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.

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
  • Tea, coffee and coffee specialities, water, soft drinks, beer, prosecco, as well as a selection of wines included throughout the day
  • Early Booking Discounts for bookings made until 31 August 2025 for cruises from November 2025 until January 2026.
  • 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.

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.

A-ROSA Early Booking Price for bookings made until 31 August 2025 for cruises from November 2025 until January 2026.

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.

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.

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, minibar, 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

Hotel room with a double bed, two black armchairs and a side table with a vase and red tulips, and a window with white curtains.

Double occupancy

€ 128 pp

Single occupancy

€ 198 pp

Double occupancy

€ 138 pp

Single occupancy

€ 238 pp

Double occupancy

€ 188 pp

Single occupancy

€ 318 pp

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.

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.

Double occupancy

€ 148 pp

Single occupancy

€ 258 pp

Double occupancy

€ 198 pp

Triple occupancy

€ 138 pp

2 rooms with connecting door

€ 248 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.