Europe-River-Cruises
Holiday Cruises

Cruise through the heart of Europe during the most festive time of year and you’ll experience the timeless tradition of its magical Christmas markets. Browse colorful market stalls filled to the brim with whimsical handicrafts and take in the aromas of cinnamon dusted almonds and Lebkuchen gingerbread as you sip a mug of hot mulled wine beneath endless strands of twinkling lights. Most markets are open from the last week of November through December 22nd.

Our Favorite Holiday Markets
budapest
Budapest

The Budapest Christmas Market is Hungary’s largest, overtaking the cobblestone of Vorosmarty Square. Its strict “handcrafted-only” policy makes it an ideal shopping spot for one-of-a-kind gifts.

Christmas Market itineraries that include Budapest:

Vienna
Vienna

Situated in front of Vienna’s impressive 19th-century town hall, Christkindlmarkt boasts awe-inspiring decorations that illuminate the city, as well as festive choir music and more than 150 vendor stalls.

Christmas Market itineraries that include Vienna:

Strasbourg
Strasbourg

Strasbourg—the self-proclaimed “Capital of Christmas”—has the oldest, largest and most famous Christmas market in France, the Marchés de Noël, chock-full of stuffed storks, a cherished icon of the city.

Christmas Market itineraries that include Strasbourg:

Nurenberg
Nuremberg

One of the largest and most popular in all of Europe, Nuremberg’s 400-year-old Christmas market offers live music, distinctive hand-crafted souvenirs, a nostalgic carousel and a children’s steam train.

Christmas Market itineraries that include Nuremberg:

Regensburg
Regensburg

With its fairytale-like turret, the 18th-century Thurn und Taxis palace is the backdrop of Bavaria’s most romantic Christmas market. Fresh dumplings in vanilla sauce are a not-to-be-missed seasonal specialty.

Christmas Market itineraries that include Regensburg:

Cologne
Cologne

Mouthwatering pan-fried Reibekuchen—potato pancakes served with applesauce—is a specialty at Cologne’s Christmas market, twinkling in the shadow of the city’s elaborate landmark cathedral.

Christmas Market itineraries that include Cologne:

Most markets are open from the last week of November through December 22nd
See All Itineraries
Onboard Experience
In addition to the wonderful experiences and amenities available during your river cruise, both on board and ashore, our holiday cruise traditions help make memories you will savor forever.
Shoes for St. Nick
On one special night during each cruise, guests are encouraged to leave slippers we provide outside their stateroom door, just as children do throughout Europe on St. Nicholas Day. Upon waking up the next morning, they’ll find their shoes filled with treats by our AmaWaterways elves!
Tree-Trimming Party
Tinsel and garland and baubles, oh my! Guests are invited to help adorn onboard trees with festive décor. The first to find the glass pickle ornament within the tree wins a prize!
Christmas Cookies
A festive assortment of seasonal cookies awaits guests in their staterooms on Christmas Eve.
New Year’s Eve Countdown
Following a jovial gala dinner, guests will have the opportunity to attend a party on board and participate in a countdown to the new year, complete with champagne for the official “cheers.”
What’s Included
Elegantly appointed riverview staterooms and suites – most with signature twin balconies, French balconies or full balconies
In-room Internet access and Entertainment-On-Demand, plus unlimited complimentary Wi-Fi on board
Fine dining with all meals included during your cruise, including The Chef's Table specialty restaurant
Complimentary fine wines, beer and soft drinks with every lunch and dinner on board
Small guided group excursions with a variety of choices, including immersive Special Interest Tours, hiking and biking adventures and visits to Christmas Markets
Our Holiday Itineraries
Christmas Market Cruises
Embody the spirit of the holidays while experiencing the beauty of Europe in winter. Participate in festive traditions and meals with all the trimmings on board, plus browse enchanting markets filled with handicrafts from late November through December 22nd.
Best of Holland & Belgium
  • 7-night cruise from Amsterdam To Amsterdam
  • Hotel extension options include 2 nights in Amsterdam
  • Cruising from Amsterdam to Amsterdam (AmaSerena December 25 departure—New Year’s Cruise)
See Dates and Prices
Magna on the Danube Christmas
  • 7-night cruise from Vilshofen to Budapest
  • Hotel extension options include 3 nights in Prague and 2 nights in Budapest
See Dates and Prices
Blue Danube Discovery
  • 7-night cruise from Budapest to Nuremberg
  • Hotel extension options include 2 nights in Budapest and 2 nights in Nuremberg
  • Cruising from Budapest to Nuremberg (AmaVerde December 25 departure—New Year’s Cruise)
See Dates and Prices
Christmas-Markets-on-the-Danube
Christmas Markets on the Danube
  • 7-night cruise from Budapest to Vilshofen or reverse
  • Budapest, Bratislava, Vienna, Linz, Salzburg, Český Krumlov, and Passau
  • Hotel extension options include 2 nights in Budapest and 3 nights in Prague
See Dates and Prices
Christmas Markets on the Rhine
  • 7-night cruise from Amsterdam to Basel or reverse
  • Cologne, Rüdesheim, Heidelberg, Speyer, Strasbourg, Gengenbach, Riquwihr, and Freiburg
  • Hotel extension option of 2 nights in Zurich and 2 nights in Lucerne
See Dates and Prices
Grand Danube Christmas
  • 14-night cruise from Vilshofen to Giurgiu or reverse
  • Hotel extension options include 3 nights in Prague, 2 nights in Brasov, and 2 nights in Bucharest or 3 nights in Prague and 3 nights in Istanbul
See Dates and Prices
Iconic Christmas Markets
  • 7-night cruise from Budapest to Nuremberg or reverse
  • Nuremberg, Regensburg, Passau, Salzburg, Vienna, and Budapest
  • Hotel extension options include 2 nights in Budapest and 3 nights in Prague
See Dates and Prices
Legendary Danube
  • 7-night cruise from Nuremberg to Budapest
  • Nuremberg, Regensburg, Passau, Linz, Melk, and Vienna
  • Hotel extension options include 3 nights in Prague
  • Cruising from Nuremberg to Budapest (AmaSonata November 25 departure)
See Dates and Prices
Majestic Capitals of the Danube Christmas
  • 5-night cruise from Budapest to Vienna or reverse
  • Hotel extension options include 3 nights in Krakow and 3 nights in Prague
See Dates and Prices
Melodies of the Danube
  • 7-night cruise from Budapest to Vilshofen
  • Budapest, Bratislava, Vienna, Linz, Passau, and Vilshofen
  • Hotel extension options include 2 nights in Budapest and 3 nights in Prague
  • Cruising from Budapest to Vilshofen (AmaViola November 25 departure)
See Dates and Prices
Rhine Castles & Swiss Alps Christmas
  • 7-night cruise from Amsterdam to Basel or reverse
  • Amsterdam, Cologne, Strasbourg, and Basel
  • Hotel extension options include 2 nights in Amsterdam and 3 nights in Lake Como
See Dates and Prices
Treasures of the Main & Rhine
  • 7-night cruise from Nuremberg to Amsterdam
  • Prague, Nuremberg, Bamberg, Volkach, Würzburg, Rüdesheim, Cologne, and Amsterdam
  • Hotel extension options include 3 nights in Prague
  • Cruising from Nuremberg to Amsterdam (AmaPrima November 28 departure)
See Dates and Prices
Gems of Southeast Europe Christmas Markets
  • 7-night cruise from Budapest to Giurgiu
  • Budapest, Mohacs, Vukovar, Belgrade, Vidin, Rousse and Giurgiu
  • Hotel extension options include 2 nights in Vienna and 3 nights in Instanbul
See Dates and Prices
Colors of Provence Christmas Cruise
  • 7-night cruise from Lyon to Avignon
  • Lyon, Villefranche-sur-Saône, Vienne, Tournon and Avignon
  • Hotel extension options include 3 nights in Paris and 3 nights in Barcelona
See Dates and Prices
New Year's Cruises
Experience the countdown to 2023 from a whole new perspective! Ring in the New Year with AmaWaterways’ festive gala dinner on board, attend street concerts and marvel at impressive displays of fireworks in vibrant cities like Vienna and Linz.
Best of Holland & Belgium
  • 7-night cruise from Amsterdam To Amsterdam
  • Hotel extension options include 2 nights in Amsterdam
  • Cruising from Amsterdam to Amsterdam (AmaSerena December 25 departure—New Year’s Cruise)
  • Cruising from Amsterdam to Amsterdam (AmaCerto December 26 departure—New Year’s Cruise)
  • Cruising from Amsterdam to Amsterdam (AmaLucia December 28 departure—New Year’s Cruise)
See Dates and Prices
Blue Danube Discovery
  • 7-night cruise from Budapest to Nuremberg
  • Hotel extension options include 2 nights in Budapest and 3 nights in Prague
  • Cruising from Budapest to Nuremberg (AmaVerde December 25 departure—New Year’s Cruise)
See Dates and Prices
enchanting-rhine
Enchanting Rhine
  • 7-night cruise from Basel to Amsterdam
  • Hotel extension option of 2 nights in Zurich and 2 nights in Lucerne
  • Cruising from Basel to Amsterdam (AmaPrima December 26 departure—New Year’s Cruise)
  • Cruising from Basel to Amsterdam (AmaSiena December 28 departure—New Year’s Cruise)
See Dates and Prices
Melodies of the Danube
  • 7-night cruise from Budapest to Vilshofen
  • Budapest, Bratislava, Vienna, Linz, Passau, and Vilshofen
  • Hotel extension options include 2 nights in Budapest and 3 nights in Prague
  • Cruising from Budapest to Vilshofen (AmaLea December 27 departure—New Year’s Cruise)
See Dates and Prices
Rhine Castles & Swiss Alps Christmas
  • 7-night cruise from Basel to Amsterdam
  • Amsterdam, Cologne, Strasbourg, and Basel
  • Hotel extension options include 2 nights in Amsterdam and 3 nights in Lake Como
  • Cruising from Basel to Amsterdam (AmaMora December 25 departure—New Year’s Cruise)
See Dates and Prices
Most markets are open from the last week of November through December 22nd

Reserve your next river cruise with peace of mind
Ask your Travel Advisor about our new Travel Waiver Plus or call us at 1-800-626-0126

Terms and Conditions:

Most Christmas markets open during the last week of November until approximately Dec. 22. Check with each country’s tourist office for more information. All rates are per person in USD for cruise only, based on double occupancy in a BB category stateroom (AB category for AmaMagna) unless stated otherwise. Onboard credit of $100 per stateroom ($50 per person) is based on double occupancy in USD and can be applied towards all onboard purchases. Promotional rates are valid on select departure for new bookings only. Savings are per stateroom, based on double occupancy. Complimentary upgrades applicable to categories BB – AB (AB – SB for AmaMagna), applies to one category upgrade, based on availability. Offers are combinable with AmaWaterways’ Past Passenger Privilege Program and Future Cruise Benefit Program. Offers are not combinable with any other promotions, limited to availability, capacity controlled and subject to change/termination without notice. Port charges, optional land programs, airfares and gratuities are additional. Other restrictions apply. Registration as a seller of travel does not constitute approval by the State of California. CST#2065452-20.