A Christmas cruise or festive holiday is a great way to celebrate the winter season.
Let the smell of sweet gingerbread fill your nostrils in Budapest, along the Danube, before sailing off to explore the sights of Vienna. Or perhaps you'll enjoy a yuletide greeting into Germany while gliding down the Rhine, taking in the fresh frosty air and listening to tour guides tell the legend of the Lorelei – a maiden said to induce sailors in with her alluring melodies. And marvel at the elaborate decorations bejewelling French châteaux and castles along the Seine before exploring Paris, the City of Lights.
And some exciting news for solo travellers – in 2027 you can celebrate the festive season in style on our new Christmas and New Year on the Danube river cruises – adding more festive sparkle to your holiday plans.
Our favourite festive cruises
Explore our festive cruises
River Cruise
Enchanting Rhine and Yuletide Markets River Cruise
- Germany
- 5* ships
- Flights included
- Rail included
- Austria, Hungary, Slovakia
- 5* ships
- Flights included
- France
- 5* ship
- Flights included
- Rail included
River Cruise
Christmas on the Rhine River Cruise
- France, Germany
- 5* ships
- Flights included
- Rail included
River Cruise
New Year on the Rhine River Cruise
- Germany
- 5* ships
- Flights included
- Rail included
River Cruise
New Year on the Danube River Cruise
- Austria, Hungary, Slovakia
- 5* ships
- Flights included
- Austria, Hungary, Slovakia
- 5* ships
- Flights included
- Austria, Germany
- 5* ship
- Flights included
Solo festive cruises
- Germany
- 5* ships
- Flights included
- Rail included
- Austria, Hungary, Slovakia
- 5* ships
- Flights included
- Austria, Hungary, Slovakia
- 5* ship
- Flights included
- Austria, Hungary, Slovakia
- 5* ship
- Flights included
"Great experience on our first river cruise."
"Staff, boat, food all excellent. Well organised. Informative tour guides at each destination. Especially liked Rüdesheim. Guide there was interesting with funny facts. Cologne is a favourite of ours for the Christmas markets. Lively and quality markets. We were glad our flight was changed to the evening as we “gained” nearly a full day in cologne."
- Feefo review by guest Susan on our Enchanting Rhine & Yuletides Markets River Cruise - December 2025
Fantastic holiday. Well organised excursions, fantastic food. Staff on the ship were excellent and really made you feel like you were part of the 'Riviera Family'.
Festive river cruises with Riviera Travel
A festive holiday is a great way to celebrate the winter season. We currently offer festive cruises on the Rhine, Danube and Seine: ranging from Christmas Markets at the start of the month, to Christmas Day and New Year river cruises which include a special dinner celebration to mark the occasion.
The cruise lived up to expectations. The accommodation was good, food excellent, staff excellent and the on board entertainment was very good.
More about our Festive Cruises
Sailing on a European river cruise in the winter feels like a dream - the charming landscapes and cityscapes become almost criminally delightful when carpeted in crisp, white snow or frost. Wake up to a riverscape partially hidden by a layer of mist and watch the early morning sun slowly melt it away as you enjoy a leisurely breakfast on board. Then step ashore to explore some of Europe's most beautiful cities and peruse their Christmas markets - they're the perfect place to find last-minute gifts! No need to worry about the cold; a steaming cup of Glühwein or mulled wine is sure to warm you up!
With a choice of cruises running from December to the New Year, we know your days will be merry and bright. Each cruise includes a special dinner celebration to mark the occasion and the chance to see exciting cities and towns. They’re the perfect mix of the classic river cruises we’re known for, with that added festive sparkle or New Year cheer - enough to fill any Grinch or Scrooge with the spirit of Christmas!
