Christmas Markets on the Romantic Rhine with Avalon Waterways

My experience aboard Avalon Waterways’ Festive Time on the Romantic Rhine was nothing short of magical. Sailing from Amsterdam to Basel during Christmas market season felt like stepping into a holiday storybook, with charming towns, festive markets, and fairytale castles around every bend of the Rhine.

Because we were traveling from nine time zones away, we arrived in Amsterdam two days before embarkation. I highly recommend doing the same; not only does it give you time to explore Amsterdam on your own, but it also helps you adjust to the time change before the cruise begins and helps you avoid any problems that can arise from transportation delays.

On board

Embarkation itself was seamless. The crew greeted us warmly, handled our luggage, and made us feel at home immediately. We stayed in one of Avalon's Deluxe Staterooms on the lower deck and were pleasantly surprised by how spacious and thoughtfully designed it was. Despite being on the lowest level, the cabin offered plenty of natural light, generous storage, comfortable beds, a well-appointed bathroom stocked with L'Occitane amenities, and lovely details like colour-coded towels and Christmas movies on the TV!

One of our favorite parts of the ship ended up being the Club Lounge, a quiet place to unwind, watch the scenery pass by, and play one of the board games they had. The self-serve coffee machine was a nice touch, offering everything from lattes to hot chocolate, and there were always fresh cookies and other treats waiting each day. We also loved the walking track and jacuzzi on the top deck, utilizing them many times during the week.

The lounge decorated with Christmas decorations

In port

One of the highlights of sailing with Avalon is the balance between included experiences and independent exploration. Every port featured at least one included excursion, ranging from exploring Amsterdam's canals in a glass-topped boat and Cologne's magnificent cathedral, to the Mechanical Music Museum in Rüdesheim and Strasbourg's multitude of Christmas markets. My favourite morning had to be sailing through the UNESCO-listed Rhine Gorge, bundled up on the Sky Deck with a warm drink while our Cruise Director shared stories about the castles and legends lining the riverbanks. It was an unforgettable moment that reminded me of why river cruising is so special.

Christmas market in front of Cologne cathedral

I also appreciated the flexibility Avalon offers. In Mainz, we chose the included walking tour instead of the popular Heidelberg excursion and ended up with what felt like a private guided experience to see original Gutenberg Bibles, with only four of us joining. Later in the itinerary, rather than joining the included excursion from Breisach, we visited Colmar independently using a ride-share app. River cruising allows you to participate as much or as little as you like, making it ideal for travellers who enjoy having options without the stress of planning every detail themselves.

As with any river cruise, flexibility is important. Due to operational circumstances, our cruise ended in Breisach instead of Basel, with Avalon providing a coach transfer to Switzerland. While the itinerary changed slightly, the transition was handled smoothly by the crew, and it was a good reminder that river cruises can occasionally adapt to factors such as river conditions or port logistics.

Dining & onboard experience

The onboard experience was equally memorable. Breakfast featured an extensive buffet alongside made-to-order favourites like Eggs Benedict and waffles. One of my favourite touches was honey straight from the honeycomb! Lunch showcased regional specialties inspired by the countries we were visiting. Between lunch and dinner, afternoon tea was offered, and included local cakes, finger sandwiches, coffee, and teas.

A peak at some of the breakfast buffet offerings

Before dinner, guests gathered for a daily port briefing and complimentary happy hour with wine, beer, and cocktails. Evenings concluded with beautifully presented four-course dinners paired with regional wines, though one of my favourite discoveries was the Panorama Bistro, where the same menu was served in smaller tasting portions, perfect for a lighter, more relaxed meal without missing anything. Housekeeping was equally impressive. Our cabin was meticulously cleaned twice a day while we were out, so we always returned to a spotless room.

Who is this for?

Avalon's Festive Time on the Romantic Rhine is perfect for travelers who want to experience Europe's Christmas markets without constantly packing and unpacking. Between the exceptional service, thoughtfully curated excursions, comfortable accommodations, and breathtaking scenery, it offers an effortless way to experience several countries in one unforgettable holiday journey.

A few things to keep in mind before your trip

• Expect some itinerary flexibility. River cruises are subject to changing river levels, lock traffic, and port availability, so minor itinerary or docking adjustments can happen.

• Docking locations vary. In cities like Cologne, we stepped off the ship right in front of the cathedral. However, some ports are located farther from the city center and may require a short bus ride.

• Pack for changing weather. Temperatures can vary throughout the itinerary, especially during late fall and winter, so dressing in layers is the best way to stay comfortable.

• Bring a European power adapter as cabins are equipped with European 2-prong plugs.

For Christmas markets specifically

• Pack some bubble wrap to safely protect delicate ornaments and souvenirs for the journey home.

• Bring a few ziplock bags for your Christmas market mugs if you plan on keeping them. They're perfect for preventing leftover glühwein from leaking into your bag.

• Bring hand warmers for cold evenings.

• Keep a small pack of hand wipes with you.

For more inspiration and insider recommendations, visit our Cruise page.