5Nights

Southern Rhine Christmas 2026

Woman and child with hat and scarf smiling at a Christmas market at night with string lights in the background.
View of the city of Koblenz at dusk under a cloudy sky. In the foreground, the river reflects the citys lights.
Christmas-decorated Römerberg in Frankfurt with festively illuminated buildings and a large Christmas tree in the center.

Highlights of the Southern Rhine Cruise

This year there will be no pre-Christmas stress with your dream holiday!

From Cologne to Koblenz, Mainz, Frankfurt and Bonn to Cologne.

Between the "Römerberg", the historic church "Paulskirche" and down to the banks of the Main River, Frankfurt proves that the metropolis is not only good for business, but also for Christmas. The medieval streets of Mainz and Koblenz offer an even cozier atmosphere. Half-timbered houses, fairy lights, and the smell of baked apples warm the heart, while mulled wine warms the stomach and head. Only poor Loreley sits on her winter-cold rock and gazes out at the Rhine. Her legendary stories are best told over cookies and hot cocoa with whipped cream.

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

Koblenz

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

Mainz

The Rhine meets the city of Mainz right in between Lake Constance and the North Sea. The carnival city is known for its cheerfulness and hospitality. You'll feel right at home here after just a few seconds. How about a stroll along the picturesque banks of the Rhine? Or you could visit Mainz Cathedral. It is home to one of the richest church furnishings in Christendom. The most important pieces include the funerary monuments of several archbishops and the altars. Another important building is the Electoral Palace. In terms of architecture, it belongs to the "German Renaissance".

Die Alte Oper in Frankfurt bei Nacht und mit einem weihnachtlich beleuchteten Brunnen im Vordergrund. Es rieselt Schnee

Frankfurt

"Here I am human, here I am entitled to be." This quote from Frankfurt's most famous son - Johann Wolfgang von Goethe - actually comes from his "Faust", but it also applies wonderfully to his home city. You will find modern financial buildings stretching high into the sky as well as an old town with historic buildings and half-timbered houses. And if you simply want to unwind on this river cruise, take a long walk along the beautiful banks of the Main.

Itinerary

Route map Course Southern Rhine Christmas with the ports Frankfurt, Koblenz, Rüdesheim, Wiesbaden, Speyer, Strasbourg, Mannheim, and Mainz.
Route map Course Southern Rhine Christmas with the ports Frankfurt, Koblenz, Rüdesheim, Wiesbaden, Speyer, Strasbourg, Mannheim, and Mainz.

Our cruise starts in the vibrant city of Frankfurt am Main. In addition to its imposing skyscrapers, the Finance, Business and Euro metropolis also has picturesque alleyways with a special historical atmosphere.

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

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

Koblenz

Dep 08:00 am

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.

Mainz

Arr 05:00 pm Dep 11:59 pm

Spend Christmas Day in the beautiful city of Mainz. With 2,000 years of history, Mainz is not only one of Germany's oldest cities, but also a place where great history comes alive at every turn. Traditions are also celebrated to the fullest during the pre-Christmas season! Be sure to visit the historic Christmas market on Cathedral Square. The illuminated and decorated Mainz Cathedral is sure to enchant you.

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

Welcome to Goethe’s birthplace! Here’s another historical fact while we’re at it: this is where the first German national assembly met in 1848. Today, the metropolis on the Main is home to the headquarters of major banks and is also one of Germany’s most important centres of business and commerce. Frankfurt is also known for its many futuristic-looking high-rises. You’ll get a closer view of them when your Rhine cruise takes you along the Main river.

Die Alte Oper in Frankfurt bei Nacht und mit einem weihnachtlich beleuchteten Brunnen im Vordergrund. Es rieselt Schnee

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.

Panoramic view of the Siebengebirge in Königswinter near Bonn, surrounded by lush autumnal nature. In the background, Königswinter on the cloudy Danube.

Your peaceful Christmas cruise on the Rhine comes to an end in Cologne. But before you head home with a thousand memories of your trip, why not spend the day exploring North Rhine-Westphalia or the cathedral city? Once in Cologne, you should definitely visit the cathedral. Have a great 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
  • 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.