Christmas Markets Cruise on the Romantic Rhine

2026 Zurich > Amsterdam | Price from $3715

Overview ITINERARY INCLUSIONS DATES & AVAILABILITY BOOK NOW

9 DAYS • 20 MEALS Christmas time in Europe is a very special time of year. Explore the Netherlands, Germany and France as they celebrate this festive season. Discover what makes each port of call unique, roam the cities, and find treasures to take home for your family, friends and for yourself, carefully selected at each Christmas Market! Accomplish all of this while relaxing onboard your floating hotel on the Romantic Rhine, Europe’s longest river. Travel onboard a luxurious Emerald Cruises Star-Ship and discover Europe at the most wonderful time of the year!

FREE ROUND TRIP AIRFARE*

Selected Itinerary 2025 Amsterdam > Zurich 2025 Zurich > Amsterdam 2026 Amsterdam > Zurich 2026 Zurich > Amsterdam

*Available on Select departures. Call for details.

Cruise Itinerary

Day 1: Depart the USA

Depart the USA on your overnight flight to Zurich, Switzerland.

Day 2: Zurich, Swizterland – Huningue, France

Welcome to Switzerland! Upon arrival, you will be met by a representative of Mayflower Cruises and Tours and transferred to your awaiting motorcoach. Flights should arrive by 1:00pm. Journey to the town of Huningue, France where your captain and crew await to welcome you aboard your luxurious Emerald Cruises Star-Ship. Enjoy time to become acquainted with your new accommodations, and this evening, join your fellow guests for dinner onboard. Your Cruise Director will also conduct a port talk to review the activities and itinerary for the days ahead. Meal: D

Day 3: Breisach, Germany

Begin the day with a guided tour of Breisach, also know as the gateway to Germany’s Black Forest region. This afternoon, enjoy a scenic drive through the Black Forest Highlands on your way to the Hofgut Sternen complex located at the foothill of Ravenna Gorge, a place where history and tradition merge. This was the site where, in 1770, Marie Antoinette stopped with 52 beautifully decorated carriages on the way to her wedding to King Louis XVI. During this holiday season, see the picture-perfect Christmas market situated underneath the 130’ high Ravenna Viaduct where unique handcrafted regional items await your perusal. Enjoy local entertainment onboard this evening. Meals: B, L, D

EmeraldPLUS*: Guided visit to the Christmas Market at Ravenna Viaduct
DiscoverMORE*: Guided tour of Colmar (additional expense)

*Note: Guests cannot participate in both options

Day 4: Strasbourg, France

Arrive in Strasbourg, the capital city of the Alsace Region in France. A local guide leads you on a walking tour through this picturesque town. Stroll along the Grand Île and through the charming Old Quarter, ‘La Petit France’. Admire the historical city center and UNESCO World Heritage Site known for its medieval black and white timber-framed buildings, old tanning houses, baroque sandstone buildings, canals and river locks and its centerpiece, the Gothic cathedral. Enjoy free time to visit the stalls of Strasbourg’s Christkindelsmärik, one of the oldest in Europe, before returning to the ship. Meals: B, L, D

DiscoverMORE: Baden Baden Spa Experience (additional expense)

Day 5: Mannheim – Heidelberg, Germany

From the port of Mannheim, depart by coach for Heidelberg. Your guided tour of Heidelberg’s rich history includes a wine tasting and a visit to the ruins of Heidelberg Castle, overlooking the Neckar River and a red-roofed skyline. A stroll along the cobblestone streets of the Old Town touches on the Church of the Holy Spirit and the oldest university in Germany, further enhancing your visit to this historic city. Enjoy local entertainment onboard this evening. Meals: B, L, D

Day 6: Koblenz

This morning, enroute to Koblenz, sail through the spectacular Rhine Gorge, where a landscape of castles and quaint towns awaits. Don’t miss the infamous Lorelei rock and statue and other photo opportunities that abound around every bend. Cruise to the 2000-year-old town of Koblenz, situated at the confluence of the Rhine and Moselle Rivers. During a walking tour of Koblenz, see the German Corner monument and traverse the cobblestone lanes of the historic city center. After the excursion, time to visit more than 100 glittering, festive, cottage-style stands filled with Lebkuchenherzen (traditional gingerbread hearts) and other special treats and handicrafts, all creating a magical European Christmas experience. Meals: B, L, D

EmeraldPLUS: Christmas traditions in Europe lecture onboard by the Cruise Director
DiscoverMORE: Moselle & Cochem Castle Visit (additional expense)

Day 7: Cologne > Düsseldorf

We sail towards Cologne, where you’ll have the opportunity to wander the markets at your leisure, perhaps visiting the ornate stalls beneath the UNESCO World Heritage-listed Cologne Cathedral, where you can drink traditional glühwein out of beautifully decorated mugs. In the afternoon, you will have the chance to visit Düsseldorf and its many Christmas markets, each having its unique name and personality – such as the Fairytale Market, the Handwerker (hand maker) Market and the Schadowmarket. Sip on hot mulled wine as you admire the beautifully decorated market stalls during Christmastime. Meals: B, L, D

DiscoverMORE: Cologne Christmas markets & Beer experience (additional expense)

Day 8: Amsterdam, the Netherlands

In Amsterdam, board a glass-top canal boat for a morning tour along the UNESCO World Heritage canal system. Pass historic merchant’s houses that reflect the bygone era of the Dutch Golden Age, as well as delightful Christmas market stalls. Meander through the Christmas market during your free time to pick up any last minute gifts or souvenirs! Meals: B, L, D

DiscoverMORE: Dutch Delights (additional expense)

Day 9: Amsterdam / USA

It’s time to bid farewell to the Captain and crew and depart for Schiphol Airport as you say goodbye to Europe and return home with lifelong memories of your Christmas markets cruise along the Rhine River. Meal: B

Itinerary and vessel are subject to change.

EXCEPTIONAL INCLUSIONS

20 Meals: 7 breakfasts, 6 lunches, and 7 dinners
Airport transfers on tour dates when air is provided by Mayflower Cruises & Tours
Seven-night cruise
First-class service by an English-speaking crew
English-speaking Cruise Director onboard
Shore excursions with English-speaking local guides
Personal listening device for excursions
All meals included with a variety of international cuisine
Complimentary regional wines, beer and soft drinks accompany onboard lunches and dinners
Onboard Activity Manager will support all EmeraldACTIVE excursions and host daily onboard wellness activities, games, classes and evening entertainment
Complimentary WiFi onboard
All gratuities included
Complimentary bikes onboard for use ashore

CRUISE ACCOMMODATIONS

Days 2 through 8 – Aboard an Emerald Cruises Star-Ship

Emerald Cruises' Star-Ship Deck Plan

Sun Deck with Deck Chairs
Navigation Bridge
Sky Barbeque
Golf Putting Green

Games Area
Retractable Glass Roof
Walking Track
Daytime Pool / Evening Cinema

The Terrace
Horizon Bar and Lounge
Elevator
Reception

Wellness Area
Fitness Area
Reflections Restaurant

PRICING & AVAILABILITY

November 29, 2025 (Zurich > Amsterdam) Priced from $3,715

Free Airfare from anywhere in the contiguous United States.

Emerald Stateroom (Cat.E) Riviera Deck
$3,715 per person twin / Single room add +$2,599

Emerald Stateroom (Cat.D) Riviera Deck
$3,925 per person twin / Single room add +$2,749

Panorama Balcony Suite (Cat.C) Vista Deck
$4,475 per person twin / Single room add +$3,135

Panorama Balcony Suite (Cat.B) Vista Deck
$4,909 per person twin / Single room add +$3,439

Panorama Balcony Suite (Cat.A) Horizon Deck
$5,079 per person twin / Single room add +$3,555

Grand Balcony Suite (Cat.S) Horizon Deck
$5,675 per person twin

Owner’s One-Bedroom Suite (Cat.SA) Horizon Deck
$6,445 per person twin

Call for air rates and schedules from your city to Zurich, Switzerland, and returning from Amsterdam, the Netherlands.

December 6, 2025 (Zurich > Amsterdam) Priced from $3,715