7Nights

Southern Rhine New Year's Dream 2026

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.

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

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.

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

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.

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.

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.
  • Special Welcome (5 nights and more) & Farewell dinners (7 nights and more)
  • Tea, coffee and coffee specialities at 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.
  • 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.

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 and A on the A-ROSA CLEA.

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 and A on the A-ROSA CLEA.

Spacious and comfortable outside cabin with a 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 CLEA with french balcony.

Spacious and comfortable outside cabin with a 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 CLEA 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, fresh fruit, laundry service.

Inside view of the cabins in category E on the A-ROSA CLEA with french balcony.

Arrival & hotel

Ships on this cruise

A-ROSA CLEA

A river cruise ship sails along an urban shore with trees, with a bridge in the background. The sun deck is equipped with a whirlpool, sun loungers, and sun sails.