Rhine Christmas Markets

Amsterdam to Zurich|
9-Days - From $3,715

Special Insider Discount Pricing:
Book by April 30, 2025 & get free air + $200 savings
Departs: 2025: Nov 29 & Dec 6
2026: Nov 30 & Dec 7

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!

EXCEPTIONAL INCLUSIONS
& AMENITIES

  • Award-winning Emerald Star-Ships provides luxurious accommodations and an indoor pool and welcomes up to 180 guests.

  • Spacious outside Staterooms, most with panorama balconies.

  • Exceptional dining with menus takes inspiration from the regions you are traveling in.

  • Complimentary wines, draft beers, and soft drinks to accompany your lunch and dinner.

  • Included shore excursions with English-speaking local guides with a choice of PLUS, ACTIVE, and extra-special option of DiscoverMORE excursions to explore each destination in greater depth. 

  • Personal listening device for onboard excursions

  • First-class service by an English-speaking crew

  • The onboard Activity Manager will host daily wellness activities, games, classes, and evening entertainment.

  • Personal listening device for onboard excursions

  • Most meals are included onboard with a variety of international cuisine.

  • Complimentary bottled water in your stateroom

  • Complimentary WiFi onboard.

  • Complimentary bicycles are on board for use ashore.

  • All gratuities while cruising.

  • All port charges are included.

CRUISE ITINERARY

  • Leave USA for Europe

  • Welcome to Amsterdam, a postcard-worthy destination of picturesque canals and cafés. Upon arrival, you will be met at the airport and transferred to your luxurious Emerald Cruises Star-Ship. After boarding, enjoy free time to independently explore the narrow cobbled streets and gabled houses of the Dutch capital. This evening, join your fellow guests for dinner onboard. Meal: D

  • Board a glass-top canal boat for a tour along Amsterdam’s 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 stalls, surrounded by people in their finest knitwear drinking mugs of hot mulled wine. Meals: B, L, D

  • Seven idyllic Christmas markets effortlessly transform the postcard-worthy city of Cologne into a winter wonderland during the Christmas season. Following a guided walking tour of the old town, enjoy free time to visit the ornate stalls of the Christmas market around the UNESCO World Heritage cathedral. Decorated mugs hold steaming hot Glühwein, and local vendors sell handmade sweets and local delicacies. This evening, enjoy local entertainment onboard. Meals: B, L, D

    EmeraldPLUS: Christmas traditions in Europe lecture onboard by Cruise Director

  • Arrive in the 2000-year-old town of Koblenz, an ancient city that looks as though it has been pulled from the pages of a German fairytale. Enjoy a picturesque backdrop of snow-topped mountain ranges as your local guide takes you on a walk through open cobbled squares and along narrow streets. Your tour will include the German Corner at the confluence of the Rhine and Moselle rivers and idyllic panoramic views of the Rhine from Ehrenbreitstein Fortress. In the city center you’ll find festive, cottage-style stalls of the Christmas market and Lebkuchenherzen (traditional gingerbread hearts) to create a magical European Christmas experience. This afternoon, cruise along the Rhine River, and be sure to have your cameras ready as you cruise through the UNESCO World Heritage Rhine Gorge. Countless medieval castles perched atop hills line this section of the river, with photo opportunities around every bend. See the infamous Lorelei statue and hear of her legend. Meals: B, L, D

    DiscoverMORE: Moselle & Cochem Castle Visit (additional expense)

  • From the port of Ludwigshafen, 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. Meals: B, L, D

  • This morning, dock in Kehl for the short journey by coach across the river to Strasbourg, the storied capital of France’s Alsace region. 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, along with 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. Enjoy local entertainment onboard this evening. Meals: B, L, D

  • Begin the day with a guided tour of Breisach, also known 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. Meals: B, L, D

    EmeraldPLUS: Guided visit to the Christmas Market at Ravenna Viaduct

  • It’s time to bid farewell to the captain and crew as you disembark the vessel and transfer to the Zurich airport, bringing memories of quintessential German villages adorned in holiday splendor, and souvenir treasures from your Christmas markets cruise along the Rhine River. Flights to depart Zurich after 11:30am. Meal: B

Itinerary is subject to change and may operate in reverse order.

Indoor Pool & Relaxation area

SPECIAL INSIDER PRICING:

BOOK BY APRIL 30, 2025, & get free airfare + $200 in additional savings

Say hello to the boutique, small ship river cruising experience.  With a fleet of award-winning Star-Ships, it combines comfort and contemporary design and a wealth of amenities, including a Cinema, indoor pool, and only outside cabins.

2025 Departures

  • See below for 2025 pp cabin pricing. Take off the offer above to the pricing listed below.

    Offer Details: Save up Free Airfare plus $200 each savings on select 2025 & 2026 departures. or provide your own air and save $1,400 pp. This offer is only valid for new bookings made by April 30, 2025. Savings may not be combined with any other promotional offers Please mention SAVEMARCH2025 at time of booking. Some restrictions may apply – check with a us for more details.

  • Cabin size is 153-170 square feet

    Staterooms boast a spacious layout when it comes to European small-ship river cruising. A picture window provides plenty of natural light, and your en-suite bathroom will be fully stocked with luxurious ESPA toiletries.

    • Picture window

    • Queen-size or twin hotel-style beds

    • En-suite bathroom with shower, indulgent toiletries, hair dryer, on-board complimentary bathrobes and slippers

    • Mini-bar available at own expense

    • Complimentary water, restocked daily

    • Complimentary Wi-Fi

    • Flat screen TV and infotainment system

    • Individual climate control

    • Personal safe

    • Umbrella

    • Telephone

    • Walking sticks

    • Single supplement available

  • Cabin size is 153-170 square feet

    Staterooms boast a spacious layout when it comes to European small-ship river cruising. A picture window provides plenty of natural light, and your en-suite bathroom will be fully stocked with luxurious ESPA toiletries.

    • Picture window

    • Queen-size or twin hotel-style beds

    • En-suite bathroom with shower, indulgent toiletries, hair dryer, on-board complimentary bathrobes and slippers

    • Mini-bar available at own expense

    • Complimentary water, restocked daily

    • Complimentary Wi-Fi

    • Flat screen TV and infotainment system

    • Individual climate control

    • Personal safe

    • Umbrella

    • Telephone

    • Walking sticks

    • Single supplement available

  • These chic suites are perfect for viewing the scenery passing by. The innovative all-weather balcony system allows the floor-to-ceiling window to drop down electronically, and an indoor decked area allows you to enjoy the sights in all their glory.

    Cabin size 160-180 sq feet

    • Indoor balcony with open-air system

    • Queen-size or twin hotel-style beds

    • En-suite bathroom with shower, indulgent toiletries, hair dryer, on-board complimentary bathrobes and slippers

    • Mini-bar available at own expense

    • Complimentary water, restocked daily

    • Complimentary Wi-Fi

    • Flat screen TV and infotainment system

    • Individual climate control

    • Personal safe

    • Umbrella

    • Telephone

    • Walking sticks

    • Single supplement available

  • These chic suites are perfect for viewing the scenery passing by. The innovative all-weather balcony system allows the floor-to-ceiling window to drop down electronically, and an indoor decked area allows you to enjoy the sights in all their glory.

    Cabin size 160-180 sq feet

    • Indoor balcony with open-air system

    • Queen-size or twin hotel-style beds

    • En-suite bathroom with shower, indulgent toiletries, hair dryer, on-board complimentary bathrobes and slippers

    • Mini-bar available at own expense

    • Complimentary water, restocked daily

    • Complimentary Wi-Fi

    • Flat screen TV and infotainment system

    • Individual climate control

    • Personal safe

    • Umbrella

    • Telephone

    • Walking sticks

    • Single supplement available

  • These chic suites are perfect for viewing the scenery passing by. The innovative all-weather balcony system allows the floor-to-ceiling window to drop down electronically, and an indoor decked area allows you to enjoy the sights in all their glory.

    Cabin size 160-180 sq feet

    • Indoor balcony with open-air system

    • Queen-size or twin hotel-style beds

    • En-suite bathroom with shower, indulgent toiletries, hair dryer, on-board complimentary bathrobes and slippers

    • Mini-bar available at own expense

    • Complimentary water, restocked daily

    • Complimentary Wi-Fi

    • Flat screen TV and infotainment system

    • Individual climate control

    • Personal safe

    • Umbrella

    • Telephone

    • Walking sticks

    • Single supplement available

  • Grand Balcony Suites come with an outdoor private balcony area, complete with an open-air system. A pillow menu ensures you have the best night’s sleep possible, and a continental breakfast can be delivered to your room on request

    Cabin size 207 sq feet

    • Indoor balcony with open-air system

    • Queen-size or twin hotel-style beds

    • En-suite bathroom with shower, indulgent toiletries, hair dryer, on-board complimentary bathrobes and slippers

    • Mini-bar available at own expense

    • Complimentary water, restocked daily

    • Complimentary Wi-Fi

    • Flat screen TV and infotainment system

    • Individual climate control

    • Personal safe

    • Umbrella

    • Telephone

    • Walking sticks

  • Grand Balcony Suites come with an outdoor private balcony area, complete with an open-air system. A pillow menu ensures you have the best night’s sleep possible, and a continental breakfast can be delivered to your room on request

    Cabin size 285-315 sq feet

    • Indoor balcony with open-air system

    • Queen-size or twin hotel-style beds

    • En-suite bathroom with shower, indulgent toiletries, hair dryer, on-board complimentary bathrobes and slippers

    • Mini-bar available at own expense

    • Complimentary water, restocked daily

    • Complimentary Wi-Fi

    • Flat screen TV and infotainment system

    • Individual climate control

    • Personal safe

    • Umbrella

    • Telephone

    • Walking sticks

Dates for Special Insider Pricing:
2025: May 7, 12; June 6, 11, & Sept 3
2026: May 5, 10, 26; Oct 2

2026 Departures

  • See below for 2026 pp cabin pricing. Take off the offer above to the pricing listed below.

    Offer Details: Save up Free Airfare plus $200 each savings on select 2025 & 2026 departures. or provide your own air and save $1,400 pp. This offer is only valid for new bookings made by April 30, 2025. Savings may not be combined with any other promotional offers Please mention SAVEMARCH2025 at time of booking. Some restrictions may apply – check with a us for more details.

  • Cabin size is 153-170 square feet. Single supplmenet available

    Staterooms boast a spacious layout when it comes to European small-ship river cruising. A picture window provides plenty of natural light, and your en-suite bathroom will be fully stocked with luxurious ESPA toiletries.

    • Picture window

    • Queen-size or twin hotel-style beds

    • En-suite bathroom with shower, indulgent toiletries, hair dryer, on-board complimentary bathrobes and slippers

    • Mini-bar available at own expense

    • Complimentary water, restocked daily

    • Complimentary Wi-Fi

    • Flat screen TV and infotainment system

    • Individual climate control

    • Personal safe

    • Umbrella

    • Telephone

    • Walking sticks

  • Cabin size is 153-170 square feet

    Single supplmenet available

    Staterooms boast a spacious layout when it comes to European small-ship river cruising. A picture window provides plenty of natural light, and your en-suite bathroom will be fully stocked with luxurious ESPA toiletries.

    • Picture window

    • Queen-size or twin hotel-style beds

    • En-suite bathroom with shower, indulgent toiletries, hair dryer, on-board complimentary bathrobes and slippers

    • Mini-bar available at own expense

    • Complimentary water, restocked daily

    • Complimentary Wi-Fi

    • Flat screen TV and infotainment system

    • Individual climate control

    • Personal safe

    • Umbrella

    • Telephone

    • Walking sticks

  • Cabin size 160-180 sq feet

    These chic suites are perfect for viewing the scenery passing by. The innovative all-weather balcony system allows the floor-to-ceiling window to drop down electronically, and an indoor decked area allows you to enjoy the sights in all their glory.

    • Indoor balcony with open-air system

    • Queen-size or twin hotel-style beds

    • En-suite bathroom with shower, indulgent toiletries, hair dryer, on-board complimentary bathrobes and slippers

    • Mini-bar available at own expense

    • Complimentary water, restocked daily

    • Complimentary Wi-Fi

    • Flat screen TV and infotainment system

    • Individual climate control

    • Personal safe

    • Umbrella

    • Telephone

    • Walking sticks

    • Single supplement available

  • Cabin size 160-180 sq feet

    These chic suites are perfect for viewing the scenery passing by. The innovative all-weather balcony system allows the floor-to-ceiling window to drop down electronically, and an indoor decked area allows you to enjoy the sights in all their glory.

    • Indoor balcony with open-air system

    • Queen-size or twin hotel-style beds

    • En-suite bathroom with shower, indulgent toiletries, hair dryer, on-board complimentary bathrobes and slippers

    • Mini-bar available at own expense

    • Complimentary water, restocked daily

    • Complimentary Wi-Fi

    • Flat screen TV and infotainment system

    • Individual climate control

    • Personal safe

    • Umbrella

    • Telephone

    • Walking sticks

    • Single supplement available

  • These chic suites are perfect for viewing the scenery passing by. The innovative all-weather balcony system allows the floor-to-ceiling window to drop down electronically, and an indoor decked area allows you to enjoy the sights in all their glory.

    Cabin size 160-180 sq feet

    • Indoor balcony with open-air system

    • Queen-size or twin hotel-style beds

    • En-suite bathroom with shower, indulgent toiletries, hair dryer, on-board complimentary bathrobes and slippers

    • Mini-bar available at own expense

    • Complimentary water, restocked daily

    • Complimentary Wi-Fi

    • Flat screen TV and infotainment system

    • Individual climate control

    • Personal safe

    • Umbrella

    • Telephone

    • Walking sticks

    • Single supplement available

  • Grand Balcony Suites come with an outdoor private balcony area, complete with an open-air system. A pillow menu ensures you have the best night’s sleep possible, and a continental breakfast can be delivered to your room on request

    Cabin size 207 sq feet

    • Indoor balcony with open-air system

    • Queen-size or twin hotel-style beds

    • En-suite bathroom with shower, indulgent toiletries, hair dryer, on-board complimentary bathrobes and slippers

    • Mini-bar available at own expense

    • Complimentary water, restocked daily

    • Complimentary Wi-Fi

    • Flat screen TV and infotainment system

    • Individual climate control

    • Personal safe

    • Umbrella

    • Telephone

    • Walking sticks

  • Grand Balcony Suites come with an outdoor private balcony area, complete with an open-air system. A pillow menu ensures you have the best night’s sleep possible, and a continental breakfast can be delivered to your room on request

    Cabin size 285-315 sq feet

    • Indoor balcony with open-air system

    • Queen-size or twin hotel-style beds

    • En-suite bathroom with shower, indulgent toiletries, hair dryer, on-board complimentary bathrobes and slippers

    • Mini-bar available at own expense

    • Complimentary water, restocked daily

    • Complimentary Wi-Fi

    • Flat screen TV and infotainment system

    • Individual climate control

    • Personal safe

    • Umbrella

    • Telephone

    • Walking sticks

The price is subject to change, and we reserve the right to correct errors. In 2025 and 2026, some dates will operate in reverse order.

EMERALD CRUISES LUXURY STAR-SHIPS DECK PLAN

Discover Life
On-Board

River Cruising is one of the most luxurious ways to travel the world. Take advantage of all the benefits of Emerald Cruises’ award-winning Star-Ships and the added benefits of fabulous value. Enjoy a host of amenities, including all gratuities, comfortable, well-appointed staterooms, ample public spaces, an attentive onboard staff, and an Activity Manager on each river cruise departure. Best of all, once onboard, you only need to unpack once. Your floating hotel will take you from port to port, ensuring a relaxing holiday.

• Welcoming up to 180 guests
• Suites feature a balcony with floor-to-ceiling windows
• Suites: 72 & 19 Staterooms
• Complimentary bathrobes & slippers
• Hair dryer
• ESPA toiletries
• Complimentary Wi-Fi
• Flat-screen TV
• Complimentary water bottle daily
• Mini-bar
• Personal safe
• Crew: 47
• Speed: 15.5 mph

Ship Features:

  • Sun Deck with Deck Chairs & Shade

  • 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