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2026 Christmas Markets on the Rhine

From £2,199pp

Christmas Markets
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Gratuities & Wi-Fi included*

Expert-led Shore Excursions Included*

SAVE up to 15%*

Exclusive Fares - Only available with ROL Cruise*


Cruise Overview

  • Duration 7 nights
  • Departs 15 Dec 2026
  • Sails from Amsterdam, Netherlands
  • Ship Emerald Destiny
  • Flights and transfersYes
  • Cruise code ‍2190145
  • Voyage code ‍EWXZ151226.1

Your Itinerary

Fly from London

Fly from London Tue 15 Dec 2026

Fly from London

(regional and premium class flights may be available on request)

Bikes leaning against a fence in Amsterdam

Amsterdam, Netherlands Tue 15 Dec 2026

Bikes leaning against a fence in Amsterdam

Welcome to Amsterdam, a postcard-worthy destination of picturesque canals, quintessential cafés and innovative galleries that showcase contemporary art and the works of world-renowned artists, such as Van Gogh and Rembrandt.

You’ll be met at the airport by a member of our friendly team and transferred to your contemporary Emerald Cruises Star-Ship. After boarding, you'll enjoy some free time to explore the narrow-cobbled streets and gabled houses of the Dutch capital at your leisure.

This evening, join your fellow guests for dinner on board.

Bikes leaning against a fence in Amsterdam

Amsterdam, Netherlands Wed 16 Dec 2026

Bikes leaning against a fence in Amsterdam

Board a glass-top canal boat for a tour down the Dutch capital, UNESCO World Heritage-listed canal system, passing historic merchant houses that reflect the bygone era of the Dutch Golden Age. Throughout the town, you’ll marvel as you explore the delightful Christmas stalls, each surrounded by people in their finest knitwear, drinking hot mugs of mulled wine and indulging in their favourite festive foods

★Included Excursion: Canal cruise

Rhine River Cruises

Dusseldorf – Cologne, Germany Thu 17 Dec 2026

Rhine River Cruises

Today you will have the chance to visit Duesseldorf 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 where any present wish could easily be fulfilled and more. All of that with a Christmas scent of roasted almonds and hot mulled wine floating in the air. Afterwards 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

★Included Excursion: Walking tour of Duesseldorf with Christmas Market visit & Dusseldorf city tour with Christmas Markets

Rhine River Cruises

Koblenz, Germnay Fri 18 Dec 2026

Rhine River Cruises

Today, you'll be taken into the heart of Koblenz, an ancient city pulled from the pages of a German fairy tale. Enjoy the picturesque backdrop of vineyards and snow-topped mountain ranges as your local guide takes you through open cobbled squares and down narrow streets

★Included Excursion: Orientation walk of Koblenz & Christmas market visit

★EmeraldPLUS: Christmas traditions in Europe (lecture on board)

The Rhine River at Germersheim

Germersheim, Germany Sat 19 Dec 2026

The Rhine River at Germersheim

Your guided tour of Heidelberg’s rich history includes a visit to the ruins of Heidelberg Castle, which overlooks the Rhine River and a red-roofed skyline. Some of the most successful painters of the Romantic era drew inspiration from Heidelberg Castle, including British artist William Turner, who depicted images of the ruins in several of his paintings. Afterwards, stroll down the cobbled streets of the Old Town, touching on the Church of the Holy Spirit and the oldest university in Germany

★Included Excursion: Guided tour of Heidelberg & Christmas market visit

A panoramic view of Kehl

Kehl – Strasbourg, France Sun 20 Dec 2026

A panoramic view of Kehl

This morning, dock in Kehl, where you will be transferred by coach across the river to Strasbourg, the storied capital of France’s Alsace region. Your guided tour of Strasbourg will include the UNESCO World Heritage-listed Grande Île, the historical centre of the city, known for its medieval half-timbered buildings, old tanning houses, Baroque sandstone buildings, and charming canal system. Afterwards, you will have the opportunity to visit one of its most charming Christmas markets to enjoy traditional Alsatian Christmas treats and to shop for presents and stocking-fillers

★Included Excursion: Guided tour of Strasbourg with Christmas market visit

Rhine River Cruises

Breisach, Germany Mon 21 Dec 2026

Rhine River Cruises

Today, you’ll have the opportunity to visit the Rhine town of Breisach. Entrenched between two countries, it’s also known as the gateway to Germany’s Black Forest region. In the 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

★Included Excursion: Guided tour of Breisach & Christmas Market Visit

★EmeraldPLUS: Guided visit to Christmas Market at Ravenna Viaduct

Rhine River Cruises

Basel, Switzerland Tue 22 Dec 2026

Rhine River Cruises

After breakfast, bid farewell to your fellow guests and your Star-Ship as you are transferred to the airport, taking memories of quintessential German villages and the magic of Christmas with you.

Fly to London

Fly to London Tue 22 Dec 2026

Fly to London

(regional and premium class flights may be available on request)

What's included *

  • Book with the top partner for Emerald Cruises
  • Exclusive Savings - Only available with ROL Cruise
  • SEVEN nights deluxe river cruising on board your Emerald Cruises Star-Ship, including:
  • Canal cruise in Amsterdam
  • Walking tour of Dusseldorf with Christmas market visit & Dusseldorf city tour with Christmas Market visit
  • Orientation walk of Koblenz & Christmas market visit
  • Guided tour of Heidelberg & Christmas market visit
  • Guided tour of Strasbourg with Christmas market visit
  • Guided tour of Breisach & Christmas market visit
  • Spacious full board accommodation on board Europe’s most innovative cruise ships
  • All meals throughout your river cruise from a healthy buffet breakfast to a five-course à la carte menu
  • Complimentary wine, beer and soft drinks with lunch and dinner
  • FREE tea and coffee available throughout your cruise
  • Shore excursions INCLUDED
  • Gratuities are INCLUDED
  • Complimentary Wi-Fi on board
  • Extra special included excursions with EmeraldPLUS & EmeraldACTIVE
  • First-class service from English-speaking crew and knowledgeable guides
  • Complimentary bicycles for use ashore in select destinations
  • Bottled water restocked daily in your cabin
  • Overseas transfers
  • Book with ROL Cruise and earn exclusive Cruise Miles® + your EmeraldEXPLORER rewards
  • Return flights from London (regional and premium class flights may be available at a supplement) and all overseas transfers
  • We offer Interest Free Payment Plans, please contact us for more information
  • Plus, book an Ocean View or above by 8pm 31st August 2025 and receive a FREE M&S gift card worth up to £75

2026 Christmas Markets on the Rhine

Book today and earn up to £62.98 off your next ROL Cruise booking

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Cabins & Prices

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Per-Person Pricing

* Prices shown are per person, based on two adults sharing a twin cabin and include all cruise offer discounts and savings.

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Emerald Stateroom

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All Emerald Staterooms feature picture windows and the same high quality facilities as all other cabins. Plus, they're bigger than other standard staterooms, providing excellent value for money. Included in your stateroom: Picture window (approximately 1500mm L X 340mm H) | Bathroom with shower, indulgent toiletries and hair dryer | Complimentary bathrobes and slippers | Complimentary bottled water, restocked daily | Complimentary WiFi | Queen-size hotel-style bed | Safe for your valuables | Individual climate control | Flat screen TV and infotainment system | Mini-fridge

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D Riviera Deck

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Emerald Stateroom

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An Emerald Stateroom is home to all the amenities you need to settle into your home-away-from-home. A great size picture window lets in the perfect amount of light, welcoming in the golden summer sunshine, or the winter sun during cooler months. Comfort is of the highest importance, so each room features individual climate control, allowing you to personalise your room’s temperature to suit your preferences and the time of year you’re cruising. We’ve designed our bathrooms as a relaxing retreat to retire to after an exciting day exploring. Enjoy a sumptuous shower complete with indulgent toiletries, as well as a hairdryer, all before settling into your queen or twin hotel-style bed, complete with luscious linens, as you enjoy a movie on your flat screen TV and infotainment system with, perhaps, a nightcap from your mini-bar.

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E Riviera Deck

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Single Stateroom

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Each ship also offers two Emerald Single Staterooms featuring picture windows and the same high quality facilities as all other cabins. With their deluxe oversize single beds, they provide excellent value for money for single guests. Included in your stateroom: Picture window (approximately 1500mm L X 340mm H) | Bathroom with shower, indulgent toiletries and hair dryer | Complimentary bathrobes and slippers | Complimentary bottled water, restocked daily | Complimentary WiFi | Oversize single bed | Telephone | Safe for your valuables | Individual climate control | Flat screen TV and infotainment system | Mini-fridge

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ES Riviera Deck

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Emerald Panorama Balcony Suite

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Your Emerald Panorama Balcony Suite offers everything you could possibly need throughout your cruise, and more. You’ll be surrounded by elegant décor and opulent, comfortable furnishings, as you unwind in your home-away-from-home. Relax on your balcony as the stunning landscapes pass by, and transform it from an indoor to an outdoor space with ease, as the floor-to-ceiling window lowers to a halfway point at the touch of a button. Enjoy the river breeze from your comfortable chair, enjoying a good book or the unfolding vistas. Treat yourself to a drink from your suite’s minibar, or use it to keep your complimentary bottle of water chilled, or for any souvenirs that require it. When it’s time to retire to bed, you can look forward to the exceptional comfort of your queen-size or twin hotel-style bed, complete with luxurious linens. Treat yourself to an indulgent shower with luxury toiletries, to really prepare yourself for an excellent night’s sleep. Of course, keeping in touch with your loved ones is really easy. Every suite has its own telephone, as well as complimentary Wi-Fi being available throughout the Star-Ship

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C Vista Deck

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B Vista Deck

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Emerald Grand Balcony Suite

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Staying in the Emerald Grand Balcony Suite makes waking up and going to sleep a dream. Open your balcony, with the simple press of a button, to let in the river breeze on a lazy morning, as the unrivalled comfort of your queen-size or twin hotel-style bed, dressed with luxurious linens, encourages you to lie in that little bit longer. Wake up to the luxurious surrounds of your stylish bathroom, enjoying a revitalising shower, complete with sumptuous toiletries. Then, what could be better than having a continental breakfast brought to your door to enjoy on your own private balcony? Complimentary bathrobes and slippers make lounging comfortable, and your own in-suite Nespresso™ machine means you can sip a fresh coffee as you ponder your itinerary and what the day has to offer. Select your preferred pillow from our extensive menu and enjoy an exceptionally comfortable night’s sleep, or simply relax as you watch a film on your suite’s flat screen TV and infotainment system, during some down time. Individual climate control enables your room to stay at the right temperature to suit you, whether you’re sailing in the warmer summer months, or the cooler winter. And, stay in touch with family and friends using your in-suite telephone or make the most of complimentary Wi-Fi for contacting them by your preferred method.

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S Horizon Deck

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Owner's One Bedroom Suite

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Some of the most sumptuous suites on European waterways, our Owners One-Bedroom Suite has it all. A separate lounge and bedroom area allows the luxury of space, from which to enjoy your complimentary continental breakfast in the morning, a drink from your fully stocked minibar or after-dinner sweet treats before bed. Your queen-size or twin hotel-style bed will be draped in high quality linens, for the perfect night’s sleep, plus you’ll have the pleasure of selecting your preferred pillow from our extensive menu. Get comfortable for the night after a busy day exploring, and prepare for the next as you unwind with a film on your flat screen TV and infotainment system in true comfort. A walk-in wardrobe makes unpacking even more of a dream. A great space to keep all your belongings and outfits for special occasions, such as your exclusive dinner at the Captain’s Table. You’ll even have the option to have four items laundered a day to ensure that favourite dress or suit is in the best possible condition for your event. In the morning, enjoy the perfect wake-up call with a fresh coffee from your in-suite Nespresso™ machine. Sip it on the balcony, wrapped in the comfort of your Emerald Cruises bathrobe and slippers after a refreshing shower in your stylish in-suite bathroom, enhanced by luxurious toiletries. You’ll have so much to tell your loved ones back home, so we’ve made keeping in contact really easy. Not only will you have an in-suite telephone, but complimentary Wi-Fi throughout the Star-Ship and an iPad means you can choose your favourite method of communication, whenever the moment suits.

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SA Horizon Deck

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The Ship - Emerald Destiny

  • Occupancy182
  • Length443 ft (135.03 m)
  • Star RatingCrown IconCrown IconCrown IconCrown Icon

Navigating the Rhine, Main, Danube and Moselle rivers, Emerald Destiny will guide you through some of Europe’s most magical stretches of water and help you to explore many of the continent’s most arresting and enchanting cities.

What’s onboard: Daytime Pool & Bar, Evening Cinema, Fitness Area, Games Area, Golf Putting Green, Hair Salon, Horizon Bar & Lounge, Navigation Bridge, Reception, Reflections Restaurant, Retractable Glass Roof, Sky BBQ, Sun Deck, The Terrace, Walking Track, Wellness Area and much, much more.

Emerald Destiny

Experience the Difference

  • Our ABTA membership & ATOL licence protects all our packages or tailor-made holidays booked through ROL Cruise, so you can book with confidence knowing you are fully protected
  • Award-winning Cruise Miles® loyalty programme; with over 400,000 UK members
  • Winners of more than 50 Cruise Awards over the last 5 years
  • The UK's No.1 Independent Cruise Specialist; delivering impartial advice
  • Customer satisfaction at 98% and a Feefo score of 4.9/5.
  • Expert staff with over 1,000 years of combined travel expertise offering 5★ service
  • Flexible Payment Options Available
  • Celebrating 30 years as a cruise-only specialist
  • Insurance Guidance - ROL Cruise will assist you with obtaining insurance cover, including Covid-cover.
  • Key strategic partner with the major cruise lines
  • Ambassadors representing us and guiding our customers onboard and at key locations on their holidays

Emerald Cruises FAQs

Are drinks packages available with Emerald Cruises?

A selection of drinks packages are available onboard.


Can I access the internet while onboard a Emerald cruise?

Complimentary Wi-Fi is available onboard all Emerald Cruises Star-Ships in the public spaces, cabins and suites.


Can I smoke onboard a Emerald cruise ship?

Smoking is not permitted in cabins or any indoor parts onboard. There are areas on the Star-Ships’ external decks where smoking is permitted.


Can I take alcohol onboard a Emerald cruise ship?

Emerald Cruises welcomes guests purchasing alcohol for consumption in their rooms. However, they do ask that personal drinks are not consumed in the communal areas of the cruises.


Do Emerald Cruises cater to allergies, intolerances or specific diets?

Emerald Cruises endeavours to cater for all dietary requirements and requests. The cruise line asks that you inform them of any requirements or requests at the time of booking.


What currency is used onboard a Emerald ship?

The onboard currency on all European Emerald voyages is the Euro. In South East Asia, the currency onboard is primarily US Dollars.


* Terms & Conditions

View cruise line T&Cs

Terms and conditions: Booking conditions of Emerald cruise line and Reader Offers Limited Agency Terms of Business apply. Fares are per person based on two adults sharing, except single cabins and may increase or be withdrawn at any time. Offer applies to new bookings only. Ports may require a tender. Savings are based on two adults sharing and apply to the cruise element only. Drinks are served with lunch & dinner. Itineraries are subject to change and may be amended for operational reasons such as high and low water. As such, the cruises may operate altered from that stated. Offers apply to new bookings only. Regional flights may incur supplementary costs and may require an additional overnight stay. Flight credit of $300 included for economy flights, flight supplement may apply if the flight prices are above the flight credit amount. Flights may not be a direct service. If the required air fare exceeds the set credit amount, additional charges will apply. Payment must be made in full to receive the advertised fares. Wi-Fi cannot be guaranteed as is subject to T&Cs. Tours are subject to change and may not be suitable for guests with mobility restrictions. Offers are strictly limited, subject to availability, until sold out or withdrawn. Cruise Miles T&Cs apply. E&OE.

Mark & Spencers Gift Card is based on one per booking, for UK mainland addresses only when booking an Oceanview or above by 8pm 31st August 2025. The amount is tiered on cabin grade booked.

View ROL Cruise Payment Methods HERE

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