The festive season is nearly here, and with it, the magic of Europe’s Christmas markets. Riverside Luxury Cruises offers journeys along the Rhine and Danube, bringing travellers straight into the heart of the world’s most iconic Christmas market scenes. From whirlwind tours of glittering Danube capitals to longer voyages that blend Europe’s biggest markets with hidden gems full of local charm, each itinerary promises a truly unforgettable festive escape.
“Our holiday sailings on the Rhine and Danube rivers offer an elevated way to experience the season—rooted in regional tradition, but delivered with Riverside’s signature level of luxury,” says Charlotte Hewitt-Davies, Managing Director of Riverside Luxury Cruises UK. “From personalized service and curated excursions to cuisine that reflects the flavours of each stop, we’ve reimagined the Christmas markets cruise for discerning travellers.”
Riverside Debussy: Festive Cheer from Basel to Düsseldorf from £4,348pp
29th November – 5th December 2025
A week-long adventure celebrating the twinkling lights and long-held traditions of Switzerland and Germany along the Rhine and Main rivers, with unique Christmas markets highlighting the authentic Glühwein (warm mulled wine) of the region alongside delicious holiday treats.
https://riverside-cruises.com/en/routen/x-zf3fd3
Riverside Debussy: Rhine Christmas Inspiration from £2,234pp
4th – 7th December 2025
A four-day tour southbound through the Rhine, beginning in Frankfurt and stopping in Mannhein, Speyer, and Strasbourg, before finishing in the Swiss capital Basel. Featuring stunning light displays and decorations, the markets along this cruise give guests the opportunity to engage with locals, shop for hand-crafted gifts, and sample local cuisine.
https://riverside-cruises.com/en/routen/x-fz3
Riverside Mozart: Danube Holiday Delights with Christmas in Germany from £5,541pp
12th – 26th December, 2025
This 11-day cruise takes guests through the heart of the Danube on a trip that combines the bustling capitals of Vienna and Budapest and their markets with the stunning rural landscapes of the Wachau Valley, culminating in a three-night stay in Passau from Christmas Eve through to Boxing Day.
https://riverside-cruises.com/en/routen/xt-bv4vp6
Riverside Mozart: Festive Danube Capitals & Yuletide Traditions from £2,462pp
16th – 20th December, 2025
A reimagining of Riverside’s highly popular Captivating Danube Capitals cruise introducing guests to the Advent traditions at the Karácsonyi Vásárok, Vianočné Trhy, Weihnachtsmärkt Christmas markets in Budapest, Bratislava, and Vienna.
https://riverside-cruises.com/en/routen/x-bv4
A cruise with Riverside Luxury Cruises is characterised by luxury, personalisation, and variety of experience. On board both the Riverside Mozart and Debussy, guests are treated to a relaxed, spacious stay. Due to the ships’ space-to-guest ratio, the Riverside experience is more akin to a boutique hotel than a cruise ship, allowing for quiet moments for guests in between market visits. Each Riverside route is accompanied by flexible, comprehensive itineraries that include onboard activities and highlight the ships’ outstanding culinary programme and spa facilities, alongside optional excursions that allow guests to explore each stop and market how they want to.
For more information about Riverside Luxury Cruises visit www.riverside-cruises.com.
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