6Nights

Rhine Enchanting New Year's 2026

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.
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.
In the afternoon, the A-ROSA SILVA sails along the Rhine past green, wooded hills on the shore; the sky is blue and slightly cloudy.

Highlights of the Rhine Cruise

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

From Cologne to Rüdesheim, Germersheim (Speyer), Strasbourg (Kehl) and Mainz to Cologne.

Where does Cologne's cheerful culture come from? Perhaps it arrived on 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 cruise, numerous cities delight travellers with their unique sights. In Germersheim, for example, the historic fortress invites you to take a winter walk. Then spend New Year's Eve on the river, where thousands of fireworks are reflected in the water and the new year is welcomed aboard in the most festive way. Spend New Year's Day relaxing on board and bring the evening to a close in Mainz. The medieval old town is the perfect setting to start the new year in a relaxed manner.

Nächtlicher Blick auf die Kathedrale in Straßburg durch eine Gasse zur Weihnachtszeit. Die Gasse ist festlich beleuchtet.

Strasbourg (Kehl)

The Roman commander Drusus founded Strasbourg as a military outpost in 12 BCE. Today it is a thriving metropolis that has maintained many small half-timbered houses and an historic old town. Even the briefest glance at Strasbourg Cathedral will tell you that you are standing before one of the most important of its kind in Europe – and one of the largest sandstone buildings in the world.

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.

Blick über die Weinberge auf die Stadt Rüdesheim am Rhein mit Kirche und Fluss im Hintergrund bei klarem Himmel

Rüdesheim

Nestled at the foot of the Niederwald, Rüdesheim am Rhine is famous for its wines. Like many places in the Middle Rhine Valley, it is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Tourists come to the town in droves to visit its many museums and interesting buildings. Just under 10,000 people live in Rüdesheim, and they are particularly proud of the area’s castles, which include the Brömserburg, the Boosenburg and Ehrenfels Castle. Thanks to a variety of regular concerts and events, there’s always something to do in Rüdesheim.

Itinerary

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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.

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

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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.

The Speyer Cathedral in Speyer under a blue sky with a cobblestone square in the foreground where people are strolling.

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Today your Rhine river cruise will call at Strasbourg – a centre of European policymaking. With its medieval half-timbered houses and its elegant city palaces, Strasbourg really stands out from the crowd. But the highlight is the cathedral. From its viewing platform, the city’s half-timbered houses appear as small as pieces from a model railway set. Enjoy your day in the French part of the Rhine region!

Several colorful fireworks explode in the night sky with visible smoke.

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Strasbourg (Kehl)

Dep 07:00 am

Spend New Year's Day on the river. Enjoy the first hours of the year in a relaxed manner and simply drift along the river. How about a hot drink in the lounge on board or a visit to the SPA-ROSA? What a great start to the new year!

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

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Mainz

Arr 09:00 pm

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 over 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.

The Mainz Cathedral with its distinctive red towers and spires, surrounded by green trees under a blue sky

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 over 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.

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Your exciting Rhine cruise ends in Cologne, but your wonderful memories will last forever. Before you start your journey home, use the day to take a further look around North Rhine-Westphalia or explore the city. The magnificent cathedral of Cologne is an absolute must-see. See you soon and Ahoy!

Panoramic view of the city of Cologne with the Cologne Cathedral at sunset. In the foreground, the Hohenzollern Bridge, which crosses the Rhine.

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
  • 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.

Drinks Package Premium All-Inclusive Plus

Every wish will come true at the bar! Treat yourself to a wide variety of flavours. For just € 24.50 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.

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

  • 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 (available on request at reception).

 

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

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 (available on request at reception).

Inside view of the cabins in Category A on the A-ROSA FLORA and A-ROSA SILVA.

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 (available on request at reception).

 

Inside view of the cabins in category C and D on the A-ROSA SILVA 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 (available on request at reception).

 

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

Generously sized Junior Suite with Juliette balcony, sofa, spacious bathroom 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 E on the A-ROSA SILVA with french balcony.

Generously sized Balcony Suite with balcony, sofa, 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 SILVA with balcony and french balcony.