Rhine Christmas Cruise

Rhine Christmas Cruise

About This Cruise

Look forward to the included excursion: Discover Mainz

 

This eight-day river cruise on the Rhine and its tributaries combines stunning landscapes with historic cities and cultural highlights. The journey begins and ends in Düsseldorf, a vibrant Rhine metropolis featuring modern architecture and a historic old town. From there, the route first takes you to Niederlahnstein, idyllically situated on the Lahn River and surrounded by medieval castles. This is followed by the Loreley Passage, one of the most famous stretches of the Rhine, characterized by steep vineyards, narrow river bends, and the legendary rock formation.

In Mannheim, the focus is on visiting a modern metropolis with significant cultural institutions such as the palace and the art museum. Further south lies Strasbourg, the capital of Alsace and seat of the European Parliament. The old town, with its imposing cathedral and half-timbered houses in the “La Petite France” district, is a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

On the return journey upstream, the ship reaches Rüdesheim, known for Drosselgasse, viticulture, and the romance of the Rhine. This is followed by an evening stop in Königswinter at the foot of the Drachenfels, a region steeped in legend and offering sweeping views over the Rhine Valley. Finally, the journey ends back in Düsseldorf, where disembarkation takes place after an overnight stay.

The cruise combines scenic attractions such as the romance of the Middle Rhine with cultural highlights ranging from German royal capitals to the French metropolis on the Rhine. It offers a cross-section of history, architecture, and wine culture along one of Europe’s most significant waterways.

Who Is This Cruise For?

  • Couples

    Luxury service and an intimate, small-ship feel

  • Over 50s

    A gentle pace with daily excursions and no sea days

Type

River, Luxury

Ship

VIVA MOMENTS

Departure Date

20 December 2026

Cruise Line

VIVA Cruises

Duration

7 Nights

Select Your Cabin Type
Select your cabin type
Call Us at 01 6874149

Itinerary

Germany

Düsseldorf

The Rhineland way of life, blending tradition and modernity—Düsseldorf captivates with its diversity! Art and culture lovers are just as enthralled here as shopping enthusiasts; the Media Harbor impresses with its contemporary architecture, as does the historic Old Town. With more than 250 cozy pubs, the Old Town makes Düsseldorf the “longest bar in the world.” And it’s not just the traditional Altbier that tastes great there! Don’t miss a stroll down Königsallee, the world-famous shopping boulevard—or perhaps you’d prefer a visit to one of the many charming flea markets? And right in the middle of it all: plenty of green space and the Rhine with its riverside promenade, perfect for taking a deep breath. No wonder the VIVA family feels right at home here!

Germany

Rüdesheim

The picturesque town of Rüdesheim is located right on the Rhine in Hesse and boasts numerous attractions, such as the famous Drosselgasse, which is lined with wine bars, as well as a castle and a torture museum that displays medieval instruments of torture and tells the history of the Inquisition. A cable car takes you up to the Niederwald Monument, which is located above the town. From here, you can take a beautiful hike through pristine forest areas and then reach the chairlift that leads directly to Assmannshausen. This town is also located on the Rhine.

Germany

Ludwigshafen

No summary for this day yet.

France

Strasbourg

From the very first minute, the French city of Strasbourg enchants visitors with its colorful, idyllic half-timbered architecture, Wilhelminian-style grandeur,trendy new neighborhoods, and fascinating museums. Even a short visit leaves a lasting impression thanks to all the inspiration it offers! In the picturesque La Petite France district, you can savor the moment with a slice of tarte flambée before the imposing cathedral, with its stained-glass windows and arcades, invites you on a journey back in time to the Gothic era. If you’re not afraid of heights, you should definitely climb the 332 steps up to the observation deck to catch a glimpse of the Vosges and the Black Forest in the distance.

Germany

Mainz

Mainz, the capital of Rhineland-Palatinate, lies directly on the Rhine. The impressive St. Martin’s Cathedral is just one of the city’s many special attractions, along with numerous monuments and fountains. Spacious parks and green spaces invite visitors to take leisurely strolls. A visit to the Electoral Palace is not to be missed. Historic buildings bear witness to an eventful history, from its beginnings in Roman times 2,000 years ago to the modern era. The Haus zum Stein in the city center is the oldest surviving residential building in Mainz dating from the Middle Ages.

Germany

Mainz

Mainz, the capital of Rhineland-Palatinate, lies directly on the Rhine. The impressive St. Martin’s Cathedral is just one of the city’s many special attractions, along with numerous monuments and fountains. Spacious parks and green spaces invite visitors to take leisurely strolls. A visit to the Electoral Palace is not to be missed. Historic buildings bear witness to an eventful history, from its beginnings in Roman times 2,000 years ago to the modern era. The Haus zum Stein in the city center is the oldest surviving residential building in Mainz dating from the Middle Ages.

Germany

Koblenz

Koblenz captivates visitors with its unique location at the confluence of the Rhine and Moselle rivers. The first stop on any visit to the city should therefore be the so-called “Deutsches Eck” with its imposing Kaiser Wilhelm Monument. Since 2002, it has been part of the UNESCO World Heritage Site “Upper Middle Rhine Valley.” A visit to Ehrenbreitstein Fortress offers a beautiful view of Koblenz and its two rivers. Perched 120 meters above the Rhine, this 16th-century fortification is the second-largest surviving fortress in Europe. Even the ride up in a cable car gondola is spectacular.

Germany

Koblenz

Koblenz captivates visitors with its unique location at the confluence of the Rhine and Moselle rivers. The first stop on any visit to the city should therefore be the so-called “Deutsches Eck” with its imposing Kaiser Wilhelm Monument. Since 2002, it has been part of the UNESCO World Heritage Site “Upper Middle Rhine Valley.” A visit to Ehrenbreitstein Fortress offers a beautiful view of Koblenz and its two rivers. Perched 120 meters above the Rhine, this 16th-century fortification is the second-largest surviving fortress in Europe. Even the ride up in a cable car gondola is spectacular.

Germany

Königswinter

Located on the eastern bank of the Rhine, the city of Königswinter is in North Rhine-Westphalia. Numerous historic landmarks and museums worth seeing make a visit to the city an unforgettable experience. For example, the Siebengebirge Museum provides in-depth information about the legendary mountain landscape, which is, after all, Germany’s oldest nature reserve. At Sea Life, visitors can experience the underwater world up close, and the Nibelungenhalle is not only an architectural masterpiece but also home to a reptile zoo. Drachenburg Castle sits high atop the Drachenfels and is one of Königswinter’s landmarks. The imposing structure resembles a fairy-tale castle and offers a breathtaking view of the region.

Germany

Düsseldorf

The Rhineland way of life, blending tradition and modernity—Düsseldorf captivates with its diversity! Art and culture lovers are just as enthralled here as shopping enthusiasts; the Media Harbor impresses with its contemporary architecture, as does the historic Old Town. With more than 250 cozy pubs, the Old Town makes Düsseldorf the “longest bar in the world.” And it’s not just the traditional Altbier that tastes great there! Don’t miss a stroll down Königsallee, the world-famous shopping boulevard—or perhaps you’d prefer a visit to one of the many charming flea markets? And right in the middle of it all: plenty of green space and the Rhine with its riverside promenade, perfect for taking a deep breath. No wonder the VIVA family feels right at home here!

Overview

Look forward to the included excursion: Discover Mainz

 

This eight-day river cruise on the Rhine and its tributaries combines stunning landscapes with historic cities and cultural highlights. The journey begins and ends in Düsseldorf, a vibrant Rhine metropolis featuring modern architecture and a historic old town. From there, the route first takes you to Niederlahnstein, idyllically situated on the Lahn River and surrounded by medieval castles. This is followed by the Loreley Passage, one of the most famous stretches of the Rhine, characterized by steep vineyards, narrow river bends, and the legendary rock formation.

In Mannheim, the focus is on visiting a modern metropolis with significant cultural institutions such as the palace and the art museum. Further south lies Strasbourg, the capital of Alsace and seat of the European Parliament. The old town, with its imposing cathedral and half-timbered houses in the “La Petite France” district, is a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

On the return journey upstream, the ship reaches Rüdesheim, known for Drosselgasse, viticulture, and the romance of the Rhine. This is followed by an evening stop in Königswinter at the foot of the Drachenfels, a region steeped in legend and offering sweeping views over the Rhine Valley. Finally, the journey ends back in Düsseldorf, where disembarkation takes place after an overnight stay.

The cruise combines scenic attractions such as the romance of the Middle Rhine with cultural highlights ranging from German royal capitals to the French metropolis on the Rhine. It offers a cross-section of history, architecture, and wine culture along one of Europe’s most significant waterways.

Suite

Suite

  • 24 m²
  • Diamond Deck
  • Welcome Aperitif with Wine and Canapes
  • VIVA All-Inclusive

EQUIPMENT:

  • Priority embarkation (1 hour before check-in)
  • Welcome Aperitif with Wine and Canapes
  • 50 EUR laundry credit (per cabin)
  • Two single beds (set apart on request)
  • Walk-on balcony
  • Table and two armchairs
  • Lounge area
  • Beauty products from RITUALS®
  • 32" LED TV
  • Minibar with free water, beer and soft drinks, refilled daily
  • Nespresso® machine
  • Hair dryer
  • Free WLAN access
  • Telephone, safe and air conditioning/heating
  • Bathroom with shower
  • SPA bathrobe and slippers
  • Generous storage space in wardrobes and under the bed
  • Location on the top passenger deck

Suite

Junior Suite Diamond Deck

  • 19 m²
  • Diamond Deck
  • French balcony
  • VIVA All-Inclusive

EQUIPMENT:

  • Welcome Aperitif with Wine and Canapes
  • French balcony
  • Two single beds (set apart on request)
  • Table and two armchairs
  • Beauty products from RITUALS®
  • 32" LED TV
  • Minibar with free water, beer and soft drinks, refilled daily
  • Nespresso® machine
  • Hair dryer
  • Free WLAN access
  • Telephone, safe and air conditioning/heating
  • Bathroom with shower
  • Generous storage space in wardrobes and under the bed

Suite

Junior Suite Ruby Deck

  • 19 m²
  • Ruby Deck
  • French balcony
  • VIVA All-Inclusive

EQUIPMENT:

  • Welcome Aperitif with Wine and Canapes
  • French balcony
  • Two single beds (set apart on request)
  • Table and two armchairs
  • Beauty products from RITUALS®
  • 32" LED TV
  • Minibar with free water, beer and soft drinks, refilled daily
  • Nespresso® machine
  • Hair dryer
  • Free WLAN access
  • Telephone, safe and air conditioning/heating
  • Bathroom with shower
  • Generous storage space in wardrobes and under the bed

Outside

Double Cabin Diamond Deck

  • 16 m²
  • Diamond Deck
  • French balcony
  • VIVA All-Inclusive

EQUIPMENT:

  • Two single beds (set apart on request)
  • French balcony
  • Table and two armchairs
  • Beauty products from RITUALS®
  • 32" LED TV
  • Minibar with free water, beer and soft drinks, refilled daily
  • Nespresso® machine
  • Hair dryer
  • Free WLAN access
  • Telephone, safe and air conditioning/heating
  • Bathroom with shower
  • Generous storage space in wardrobes and under the bed

Outside

Double Cabin Ruby Deck

  • 16 m²
  • Ruby Deck
  • French balcony
  • VIVA All-Inclusive

EQUIPMENT:

  • Two single beds (set apart on request)
  • French balcony
  • Table and two armchairs
  • Beauty products from RITUALS®
  • 32" LED TV
  • Minibar with free water, beer and soft drinks, refilled daily
  • Nespresso® machine
  • Hair dryer
  • Free WLAN access
  • Telephone, safe and air conditioning/heating
  • Bathroom with shower
  • Generous storage space in wardrobes and under the bed

Outside

Double Cabin Emerald Deck

  • 16 m²
  • Emerald Deck
  • Window (cannot be opened)
  • VIVA All-Inclusive

EQUIPMENT:

  • Two single beds (set apart on request)
  • Window (cannot be opened)
  • Table and two armchairs
  • Beauty products from RITUALS®
  • 32" LED TV
  • Minibar with free water, beer and soft drinks, refilled daily
  • Nespresso® machine
  • Hair dryer
  • Free WLAN access
  • Telephone, safe and air conditioning/heating
  • Bathroom with shower
  • Generous storage space in wardrobes and under the bed

classic

Riverside Restaurant

Main restaurant "RIVERSIDE" with flexible dining hours and free seating.

casual

VIVA's Bistro

"VIVA's Bistro" as an alternative to the main restaurant with classics for dinner

Bar, Lounge

Panorama Salon

Enjoy a drink in the panoramic lounge after dinner.

Reception, Atrium

Lobby

During your river cruise, the reception is open around the clock for you and the staff is always happy to assist you with any concerns or requests.

Shop

On Board Shop

Would you like a souvenir of your time on board or a gift for loved ones back home? In our on-board boutique you can purchase exclusive souvenirs as well as everyday items and souvenirs.

Spa

Wellness Area

You can make an appointment for your massage at the reception.

Gym

Fitness Area

Those who do not want to do without their daily sports program on board can use the fitness area. Use of the fitness room is free and possible 24 hours a day.

Pool, Golf

Pool and Golf

Pool and putting green on the sun deck