7Nights

Southern Rhine New Year's Dream 2025

Frankfurter Skyline bei Sonnenuntergang, mit Wolkenkratzern und dem Main im Vordergrund

Highlights of the New Year's Dream Cruise

Celebrate the New Year with your dream cruise on the Rhine!

From Frankfurt to Rüdesheim, Speyer*, Breisach, Basel*, Strasbourg and Mainz to Frankfurt.

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 inspire with unique sights. The best way to recover from the breathtaking Strasbourg Cathedral is with a glass of local white wine by the small rippling canals in the picturesque "La Petite France" neighbourhood. Spend New Year's Eve in Basel, where fireworks are reflected thousands of times in the water. Welcome the New Year on board or from the centre of the 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.

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.

Feuerwerk erleuchtet den Nachthimmel über Basel, reflektiert im Rhein

Basel

Switzerland's third largest city has a lot to offer: the Old Town with its picturesque alleyways and historic buildings, as well as the imposing Basel Cathedral. The city is also internationally renowned for its famous art museums, including the Kunstmuseum Basel, which houses an impressive collection of European art from different eras.

Itinerary

Routenkarte Kurs Silvester Süd mit den Häfen Frankfurt am Main, Rüdesheim, Speyer, Breisach, Basel, Straßburg und Mainz.
Routenkarte Kurs Silvester Süd mit den Häfen Frankfurt am Main, Rüdesheim, Speyer, Breisach, Basel, Straßburg und 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.

Frankfurt skyline at sunset, with skyscrapers and the Main River in the foreground with ships and a bridge.

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. Speyer is over 2,000 years old and occupies a strategic location on a low terrace beside the river. It 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.

*alternatively Germersheim, depending on availability

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.

The little town of Breisach perches on a steep cliff along the Rhine, to the south-west of the Kaiserstuhl hills. Its main landmark is the cathedral, Münster Sankt Stephan. Set high above the town on a hill (Latin name: Mons Brisiacus), the church overlooks the Rhine valley, housing an impressive collection of artworks. Geldermann, a well-known producer of sparkling wine, is also based here. A visit to Breisach is an absolute must during your Rhine cruise.

Four people are standing at a bar, chatting while enjoying their drinks.

Trips

During a short guided tour you will first of all explore Breisach and the Münsterberg. Passing St. Stephansmünster, we continue our trip into the well-known champagne cellar Geldermann. Here you will go into the vault, learn a lot about the sparkling drink and taste three types of sparkling wine. You will then go back on board individually.

price:

€ 32.00 per person

duration:

approx. 2.5 Hours

transport:

walking

level:

Demanding

Sparkling wine cellar in Breisach with an underground sparkling wine storage. Stored sparkling wine bottles extend along the warmly lit cellar corridor.

Many people have only driven through or passed by the ‘Gateway to Switzerland’. Now, as your Rhine cruise takes you along the southern Rhine, you’ll get to know Basel much better. The city is home to Switzerland’s oldest university. Its other highlights include the medieval old town with its staircases and the Gate of Spalen – plus 27 museums.

*Breisach, if Basel cannot be reached in exceptional cases

Feuerwerk erleuchtet den Nachthimmel über Basel, reflektiert im Rhein

Trips

Experience Basel's history up close! First, you will receive an overview of Basel’s centre - one of Europe’s most beautiful ones - on a short bus tour. Afterwards, you will discover the historic treasures within the city walls, erected in the 13th and 14th century, on foot. Be enchanted by romantic little lanes, picturesque guild houses, the market square with its town hall and the minster, both made of red sandstone. The minster, with its colourful roof tiles and two towers, is the landmark of the city.

price:

€ 82.00 per person

duration:

approx. 3 Hours

transport:

Bus and walking

level:

Moderate

Grassy courtyard of the Basel Minster with its distinctive red sandstone walls, Gothic windows, and two towers, under a blue sky.

Basel*

Dep 01:00 am

Many people have only driven through or passed by the ‘Gateway to Switzerland’. Now, as your Rhine cruise takes you along the southern Rhine, you’ll get to know Basel much better. The city is home to Switzerland’s oldest university. Its other highlights include the medieval old town with its staircases and the Gate of Spalen – plus 27 museums.

*Breisach, if Basel cannot be reached in exceptional cases

A woman is lying on a massage table in SPA-ROSA while receiving a facial massage.

Strasbourg

Arr 03:00 pm Dep 10:00 pm

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!

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.

Trips

The capital of the Alsace region offers an exciting mix of tradition and modernity with a large portion of savoir-vivre. The tour will take you to the European Parliament, the Council of Europe and continues to the historic centre known as 'Petite France'. You will explore this little gem with its historic buildings on foot, such as the Liebfrauenmünster (Strasbourg Cathedral). It is one of the world’s largest sandstone buildings.

price:

€ 69.00 per person

duration:

approx. 3.5 Hours

transport:

Bus and walking

level:

Moderate

Straßburger Altstadt mit Fachwerkhäusern und der Kathedrale im Hintergrund, umgeben von Bäumen und einem Fluss bei Sonnenuntergang.

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.

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

Your journey ends in Frankfurt am Main, also known as "Mainhattan". Before you start your journey home, use the day to take a further look around to stroll past the impressive skyline with its modern skyscrapers.

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

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 all transfers and 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 Board Plus: breakfast and lunch buffets, in the evening you choose your starters and desserts from the delicious buffet, the main courses are served at the table.
  • 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.
  • Children up to and including 15 years accompanied by at least one supervising adult receive a 30 % discount.¹
  • 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
  • A-ROSA App with information about your cruise
  • Free use of the on-board facilities such as whirlpool and fitness room
  • A-ROSA App with information about your cruise
  • Transfer between airport or TGV train station and ship when arrival is booked through A-ROSA
  • English-speaking travel and hotel management on our international ships.
  • Toiletries as well as bathrobes on request
  • Port charges
     

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 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 € 30 per person in Cologne and Frankfurt. 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