Christmas Markets on the Rhine
About This Cruise
A classic journey on the Rhine, Main, and Danube rivers promises spectacular landscapes, rich culture, and fascinating history, where world-class cities are complemented by romantic towns.
Cruise through the heart of Europe’s finest cities, many of whom host large traditional Christmas markets. There’s nothing quite like taking a Rhine River cruise at Christmas time, as you’ll be able to take advantage of the hundreds of stalls all selling ideal Christmas presents for the folks back home.
Who Is This Cruise For?
Adults only
Emerald Destiny is an adults-only ship
Couples
An adults-only atmosphere made for two
Over 50s
A gentle pace with daily excursions and no sea days
Type
River, Luxury
Ship
Emerald Destiny
Departure Date
8 December 2026
Cruise Line
Emerald Cruises
Duration
7 Nights
Select Your Cabin Type
Call Us at 01 6874149Itinerary
Switzerland
Zurich
Switzerland
Basel
Germany
Breisach
Germany
Kehl
France
Strasbourg
Germany
Mannheim
Germany
Koblenz
Germany
Cologne
Germany
Düsseldorf
Netherlands
Amsterdam
Netherlands
Amsterdam
Overview
A classic journey on the Rhine, Main, and Danube rivers promises spectacular landscapes, rich culture, and fascinating history, where world-class cities are complemented by romantic towns.
Cruise through the heart of Europe’s finest cities, many of whom host large traditional Christmas markets. There’s nothing quite like taking a Rhine River cruise at Christmas time, as you’ll be able to take advantage of the hundreds of stalls all selling ideal Christmas presents for the folks back home.
Owner's One-Bedroom Suite
The Owner’s One-Bedroom Suites boast their own separate bedroom which closes off from the rest of the suite. A dedicated lounge area and outdoor balcony, complete with open-air system, allow you to enjoy the views of your surroundings whatever the weather. They also include a selection of special features including a spacious bathroom, walk-in wardrobe and Nespresso™ machine. Your complimentary mini-bar is restocked daily and you’ll have an iPad to use throughout your cruise so you can keep up-to-date with the latest news. For a more intimate dining experience, upon request, you can also order a continental breakfast, pre-dinner canapés and after-dinner sweet treats to enjoy in the privacy of your suite.
Your suite features:
- Outdoor private balcony with open-air system
- Separate bedroom and lounge area
- Queen-size or twin hotel-style beds
- Pillow menu
- En-suite bathroom with shower, indulgent toiletries, hair dryer, on board complimentary bathrobes and slippers
- Walk-in wardrobe
- Complimentary in-suite mini-bar, restocked daily with wine, beer and soft drinks
- Complimentary Nespresso™ machine
- Continental breakfast, pre-dinner canapés and after-dinner sweet treats served in your suite
- Four items of laundry per day
- An invite to the top table to enjoy dinner with the senior on board team
- Complimentary water, restocked daily
- Complimentary Unlimited Starlink Wi-Fi
- Use of an iPad
- Flat-screen TV and infotainment system
- Individual climate control
- Personal safe
- Umbrella
- Telephone
- Walking sticks
Grand Balcony Suite
These generously appointed suites offer an inviting vantage point for watching the sunset. Floor-to-ceiling windows on your private balcony, complete with an open-air system and sleek glass partition, let you soak up the ever-changing landscape. Thoughtful touches include an in-suite Nespresso™ machine, mini-fridge and the option of continental breakfast served on your balcony. In the evening, savour pre- dinner canapés and sweet treats delivered directly to your suite.
Your suite features:
- Outdoor private balcony with open-air system
- Queen-size or twin hotel-style beds
- Pillow menu
- En-suite bathroom with shower, indulgent toiletries, hair dryer, on board
- complimentary bathrobes and slippers
- Mini-bar with wine, beer and soft drinks available to purchase
- Complimentary Nespresso™ machine
- Continental breakfast, pre-dinner canapés and after-dinner sweet treats served in your suite
- Two items of laundry per day
- Complimentary water, restocked daily
- Complimentary Unlimited Starlink Wi-Fi
- Flat-screen TV and infotainment system
- Individual climate control
- Personal safe
- Umbrella
- Telephone
- Walking sticks
Emerald Panorama Balcony Suite
These spacious suites are ideal for uninterrupted views of the stunning scenery passing by. The innovative all-weather balcony system allows the upper part of the suite’s floor-to-ceiling window to drop down at the touch of a button and the indoor decked area allows you to enjoy the sights in all their glory. You’ll also find a mini-fridge, complimentary Wi-Fi, a flat-screen TV and infotainment system, a safe for your valuables and plenty of storage.
Your suite features:
- 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 with wine, beer and soft drinks available to purchase
- Complimentary water, restocked daily
- Complimentary Unlimited Starlink Wi-Fi
- Flat-screen TV and infotainment system
- Individual climate control
- Personal safe
- Umbrella
- Telephone
- Walking sticks
Emerald Stateroom
Marrying exceptional comfort with refined and practical design, the staterooms are spacious and luxurious retreats that provide ample room to accommodate two guests. A picture window welcomes in the natural light, beautifully framing the surrounding landscape.
Your suite features:
- 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 with wine, beer and soft drinks available to purchase
- Complimentary water, restocked daily
- Complimentary Unlimited Starlink Wi-Fi
- Flat-screen TV and infotainment system
- Individual climate control
- Personal safe
- Umbrella
- Telephone
- Walking sticks
Emerald Single Stateroom
Select Emerald Cruises Star-Ships on the Danube, Moselle, Rhine and Rhône rivers feature Emerald Single Staterooms which are specially created for solo travellers. These tastefully appointed staterooms include a wealth of quality facilities and excellent levels of comfort for an enjoyable stay.
Your suite features:
- Picture window
- Deluxe single bed
- En-suite bathroom with shower, indulgent toiletries, hair dryer, on board complimentary bathrobes and slippers
- Mini-bar with wine, beer and soft drinks available to purchase
- Complimentary water, restocked daily
- Complimentary Unlimited Starlink Wi-Fi
- Flat-screen TV and infotainment system
- Individual climate control
- Personal safe
- Umbrella
- Telephone
- Walking sticks
Reflections Restaurant
Our premiere on board dining spot
With open seating and elegant design, our Reflections Restaurant sets the benchmark in on board dining across our fleet of boutique Star-Ships throughout Europe and Southeast Asia. Here, savour delightful chef-prepared meals for breakfast, lunch, and dinner, with dishes inspired by local flavours and a few favourites you may recognise from home.
The Terrace
Dine alfresco
A beautifully decked area in the forward of our European Star-Ships, The Terrace provides a lovely retreat from which to enjoy a light snack or refreshing drink. Depending on the ship, this partly indoor and outdoor space is a spectacular vantage point from which to soak up the scenery, whatever the weather. This peaceful setting is also a great spot to enjoy a drink as the wonders of the landscape pass by.
Healthy Dining
The freshest ingredients
Dine on delectable meals made with fresh, locally sourced produce.
Lunch with a view
Enjoy healthy meals while soaking in the stunning views and fresh air.
A range of dietary options
Sample amazing vegetarian, vegan, and gluten-free meal options^. ^Please inform your crew of any dietary requirements.
Sky Barbecue
Daytime Pool & Bar/Evening Cinema
Exclusive to Emerald Cruises Star-Ships cruising Central Europe and France, the innovative heated indoor pool with is a tranquil haven to swim and take in the passing river views by day. As dusk falls, the floor gently rises to cover the pool, and the space transforms into an intimate cinema or Riverside Lounge – a blissful setting to enjoy magical vistas, read, or socialise to gentle music and soft lighting. Morning stretch sessions will also invigorate you, before seamlessly transforming back into a luxurious pool for the day. Enjoy a touch of innovation on board your Emerald Cruises Star-Ship in Central Europe and France with the heated indoor pool. With expansive river views, it is a tranquil setting to relax by day and on select evenings, the space transforms into a cosy indoor cinema.
Horizon Bar and Lounge
Peruse our extensive drinks menu from the comfort of the Horizon Bar, the principal lounge area on board our boutique Star-Ships. Fitted with comfortable seating, a well-stocked bar and dancefloor and entertainment space, this is the premier spot to relax, unwind or dance the night away at the end of another exceptional day on the river. During the day, you'll also find unlimited coffee and speciality teas here
Relax, socialise and dance the night away in the contemporary lounge and bar. On selected nights enjoy evening entertainment or simply relax and unwind with your favourite drink from the well-stocked bar. Throughout the day, you can enjoy complimentary tea and coffee, making this an inviting space to pause, connect and take in the on board comforts.
Sun Deck
Soak in your surroundings from the Sun Deck, a space for sun-seeking, sightseeing and blissful relaxation. Offering a front-row seat to the wonders of southern France; you won’t miss a thing from the comfort of your Sun Deck deckchair.
Games Area and Golf Putting Green
Feel free to enjoy our games area and golf putting green. It’s the perfect way to enjoy the scenery while you challenge new-found friends.
Reception
Your warm welcome on-board begins at Emerald Destiny’s dedicated reception. Here, our friendly crew are happy to help you get the most from your time on-board – whether that’s organising the day’s excursions or arranging any special requirements you may have.
Emerald Serenity Pool
Emerald Destiny features a range of innovative on-board features, including an infinity-style pool that transforms into an evening cinema space. Take a dip by day and catch a flick by night – two more ways to spend your downtime on the rivers of Europe.
Fitness Area
Your well-equipped gym
Keep up your workout regime in our well-equipped, modern gym.
Wellness Area
A space dedicated to mind, body, and soul. Stay active on board with a fitness session in the well-equipped gym, or indulge in a blissful range of relaxing and invigorating spa treatments (at an additional cost).
A relaxing massage
Unwind with a massage courtesy of our expertly trained masseuses.
A dedicated space
Settle into a professional massage therapy room designed around serenity.
Every thoughtful detail
From soft gowns to luxurious ESPA toiletries, you’ll enjoy unparalleled comfort.
Hairdressers
In need of a quick trim during your travels? On-board the Emerald Sun, Emerald Luna and Emerald Dawn, you can treat yourself at any point during your cruise with our dedicated hairdressers – perfect if you’re looking to get spruced up for a special evening.
Walking Track
Stretch your legs and take in the sights as you enjoy a stroll on our purpose-built walking track. Taking you around the outside of the Sun Deck, it’s a great addition for those who like to stay active on their travels.