From Cologne to Antwerp, Amsterdam and Düsseldorf to Cologne.
Antwerpen hat ja immer so einen ganz besonderen Glanz an sich. Ob das an der langen Tradition als Hauptstadt der Diamantenhändler liegt? Aber auch sonst ist Antwerpen ein Juwel – vom Schiff aus haben Sie einen wunderbaren Blick auf die herrschaftlichen Häuser mit den geschmückten Treppengiebeln. In Amsterdam wippen weihnachtlich beleuchtete Hausboote auf den Grachten. Die kreativen Niederländer überbieten sich gegenseitig, was Weihnachtsdekoration angeht. Die zahlreichen Museen der Stadt haben übrigens größtenteils geöffnet, für all diejenigen, die nach einem Kontrastprogramm zu Engelschören und Lametta lechzen.
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.
In Amsterdam, the city of 1539 bridges, Christmas-lit houseboats bob along the canals. The creative Dutch outdo each other when it comes to Christmas decorations. The brighter it glows, the better it is. In addition to ice rinks for skating and Dutch-style Christmas markets, many museums are mostly open for those who crave a contrast to angel choirs and tinsel.
Düsseldorf’s old town – also known as ‘the world’s longest bar’ – is the heart of the city. Freshly pulled Altbier (the local beer) in over 300 pubs brings a wide variety of people together for friendly nights out. But you don’t need alcohol to have fun in Düsseldorf. Luxury shopping boulevards like Königsallee, Kö for short, are great places to buy Christmas presents, while snow-covered green spaces and the beautiful Rhine Promenade are lovely places to stroll while taking a break from the legion of wonderful museums in this city of art.
Here we start the contemplative Christmas cruise on the Rhine. But you should also get to know the cathedral city with its many buildings and attractions. The best way is to arrive already relaxed one day before your cruise or simply extend your stay after the cruise.
Will you receive a gift from your loved one today? In Antwerp is still the opportunity to get a Christmas gift or even explore the city. You will leave the diamond city when Santa Claus is on his way. You think you are safe from him after leaving on the Rhine? Wait and see... In any case, you will have a wonderful Christmas Eve aboard the A-ROSA fleet!
On Christmas Day you will be in Antwerp. Spend the day with your loved ones in the city or on board. No matter how, you will enjoy Christmas Day. Experience Antwerp at Christmas and you will have plenty to talk about.
On Boxing Day, Christmas-lit houseboats bob along the canals in Amsterdam, the city of 1539 bridges. The creative Dutch outdo each other when it comes to Christmas decorations. The brighter it shines, the better it is. In addition to ice rinks for skating and Dutch-style Christmas markets, many museums are mostly open for those who crave a contrast to angel choirs and tinsel.
Düsseldorf’s old town – also known as ‘the world’s longest bar’ – is the heart of the city. Freshly pulled Altbier (the local beer) in over 300 pubs brings a wide variety of people together for friendly nights out. But you don’t need alcohol to have fun in Düsseldorf. Luxury shopping boulevards like Königsallee, Kö for short, are great places to buy Christmas presents, while snow-covered green spaces and the beautiful Rhine Promenade are lovely places to stroll while taking a break from the legion of wonderful museums in this city of art.
Your contemplative Christmas cruise on the Rhine comes to an end in Cologne. However, before you start your journey home with a thousand memories of your trip, why not use the day to look around further in North Rhine-Westphalia or to explore the cathedral city. Once in Kölle, you should also have visited the cathedral. Have a happy new year, see you soon and Ahoy!
