9Nights

Rhine Experience & the Sea 2026

A couple embraces on a boat at dusk with a river and wooded hills in the background.
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.
Burg Gravensteen in Gent, Belgien, mit mittelalterlicher Architektur und Türmen, umgeben von Wassergraben und Bäumen.

Highlights of the Rhine River Cruise

A view to distant horizons, great artists, vibrant city life and veritable treasures.

From Cologne to Willemstad, Antwerp, Passing the seaport of Antwerp, Passing the seaport of Westerschelde, Ghent, Dordrecht, Lelystad, Wadden Sea, Harlingen, Panorama Cruise Markermeer & IJsselmeer, Hoorn and Emmerich to Cologne.

It seems like the North Sea tidied up here to give space to the Rhine. The onlooker has a clear, sweeping vista of the river separating into a wide delta and eventually, having completed a 1,320-km journey, disappearing into the sea. More than 58 million people live in the Rhine's catchment area and 20 cities have developed along its banks. Amsterdam, a colourful, cheery centre of culture; Gent, a vibrant student city; elegant Antwerp, with its buildings from every epoch; and of course, the biggest city: the happy-go-lucky Cologne – the Rhine passes through all of these on its way to the IJsselmeer. And the only thing to be heard at this expanse of water is peace, the sound of the wind, the seagulls and the sand crunching beneath your feet as you walk briskly across the mudflats.

Port in Antwerp at dusk. In the port are historical boats and yachts. In the background, historical and modern buildings.

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.

Historic buildings and canals in Ghent, Belgium, at sunset, with reflections in the water and a calm, picturesque atmosphere.

Ghent

This old university town buzzes with energy. Rich in cultural attractions, it also boasts a varied nightlife, with imposing architectural monuments serving as a backdrop. During the ‘Gentse Feesten’ – a ten-day festival of street performance, music and culture that takes place in the city centre every July – these magnificent buildings really come into their own, illuminated by light installations. It is a truly spectacular sight.

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

Cologne

Welcome to Cologne! The magnificent Cologne Cathedral, one of Germany's most famous landmarks, towers proudly over the city and attracts attention with its impressive architecture and ornate details. Cosy cafés, lively beer gardens and restaurants stretch along the waterfront inviting you to linger and enjoy, while the charming old town alleyways with their traditional houses, boutiques and breweries convey the flair of past centuries.

Itinerary

Route map Rhine Experience & the Sea with the ports Cologne, Emmerich, Willemstad, Antwerp, Ghent, Rotterdam, Dordrecht, Lelystad, Hoorn, and Harlingen.
Route map Rhine Experience & the Sea with the ports Cologne, Emmerich, Willemstad, Antwerp, Ghent, Rotterdam, Dordrecht, Lelystad, Hoorn, and Harlingen.

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.

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

The former Dutch fortress of Willemstad is a tranquil little village with a delightful harbor. And of course, a typical dutch town like this can't lack a windmill! During a walk through the quiet town you will surely discover one.

Luftaufnahme von Willemstad mit historischen Stadtmauern, umgeben von Wasser, grünen Feldern und einem Hafen mit Segelbooten

Antwerp

Arr 07:00 am Dep 06:00 pm

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.

Port in Antwerp at dusk. In the port are historical boats and yachts. In the background, historical and modern buildings.

Passing the seaport of Antwerp

Arr 07:00 pm

Passing the seaport of Westerschelde

Arr 08:00 pm

The Westerschelde passage is like a living artery coursing through the heart of the Dutch landscape. Its clear waters reflect the endless sky, while majestic ships proudly glide over the waves. Along the banks rise imposing dikes, protecting the land from the whims of the sea while providing a picturesque backdrop for walkers. Here, where land and water meet, a harmonious interplay of nature and human engineering unfolds.

We will now head along the northern Rhine towards Ghent. Here you’ll find splendid architecture, artistic masterpieces, delightful landscapes and absolute tranquillity. The capital of East Flanders is part of a quartet of Flemish centres of art – the others being Antwerp, Bruges and Brussels. Discover Ghent’s treasures, including the baroque Saint Bavo’s Cathedral and the imposing Gravensteen, a moated castle. And in the old town, you’re sure to find a nice place to sample a good cup of coffee and some Belgian delicacies.

Historic buildings and canals in Ghent, Belgium, at sunset, with reflections in the water and a calm, picturesque atmosphere.

Discover the oldest city in Holland! Dordrecht, the city on the water, with its countless monuments and small city harbors. Here the three rivers Merwede, Noord and Oude Maas flow together, which give Dordrecht the flair of a city by the sea.

Kanal in Dordrecht mit historischen Backsteinhäusern links, grünen Bäumen rechts und einer Brücke im Hintergrund bei Sonnenuntergang

Lelystad - the city between two seas. Located between the Ijsselmeer and the Markermeer, it is the typical Dutch capital of the province of Flevoland. The important nature reserve Oostvaardersplassen is nearby and impresses with its vast biodiversity.

Large wire sculpture of a crouching person next to a sailboat at sunset by the water.

Lelystad

Dep 08:00 am

Lelystad - the city between two seas. Located between the Ijsselmeer and the Markermeer, it is the typical Dutch capital of the province of Flevoland. The important nature reserve Oostvaardersplassen is nearby and impresses with its vast biodiversity.

Large wire sculpture of a crouching person next to a sailboat at sunset by the water.

Wadden Sea

The Wadden Sea, a fascinating and dynamic ecosystem along the North Sea coast, reveals a mysterious world of sandbanks, tidal creeks, and salt marshes at low tide. Here, sky and earth merge into an endless expanse where the interplay of light and shadow reflects on the shallow water.

Seals and seagulls at the Wadden Sea near the Dutch town of Harlingen. The beach stretches in the background.

Harlingen

Arr 02:00 pm

Take a deep breath. In Harlingen, in Friesland, you’re never far from the sea. The harbour reaches right into the city centre and the Wadden Sea is also close by. A stop in Harlingen is a fantastic opportunity to explore this typical Dutch region – don’t miss it. The city is something of a hidden gem on your Rhine cruise itinerary, since it’s Amsterdam and Antwerp that most people look forward to seeing. But Harlingen is proof that small is beautiful.

Harlingen

Dep 06:00 am

Take a deep breath. In Harlingen, in Friesland, you’re never far from the sea. The harbour reaches right into the city centre and the Wadden Sea is also close by. A stop in Harlingen is a fantastic opportunity to explore this typical Dutch region – don’t miss it. The city is something of a hidden gem on your Rhine cruise itinerary, since it’s Amsterdam and Antwerp that most people look forward to seeing. But Harlingen is proof that small is beautiful.

Panorama Cruise Markermeer & IJsselmeer

Hoorn

Arr 12:00 pm Dep 06:00 pm

The delightful little town of Hoorn lies on the Ijsselmeer, towards the northern Rhine. Back in the 16th century, Hoorn was one of the Netherlands’ most important ports. Today, many of its buildings still bear witness to this heyday. A visit to Hoorn during your Rhine cruise is an activity not be missed.

Historischer Hafen von Hoorn mit Segelschiffen und Giebelhäusern unter blauem Himmel

The small beautiful town of Emmerich on the lower Lower Rhine gives you a nice time out on land during your cruise. Here you can take a stroll along the promenade and enjoy the magnificent view of the Rhine while discovering the "Golden Gate Bridge of the Lower Rhine", a suspension bridge spanning over the Rhine, which, just like its role model, can be seen from afar in vibrant red. Definitely worth taking a souvenir photo!

Riverside promenade in Emmerich with a view of the river, a church, and a suspension bridge under a blue sky with clouds.

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
  • 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 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.

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.

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.

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.

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 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.

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.

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.

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.

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 SILVA

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.