View of the different stalls at a Christmas market in Nuremberg, Germany

Rhine Castles & Swiss Alps (Christmas)

This festive sailing sets the Rhine's Christmas markets against the snow-dusted grandeur of the Swiss Alps. From Zurich's elegant holiday markets and Lucerne's twinkling lakefront to the storybook Christmas villages of the Rhine Valley, every port carries the holiday spirit.

Duration7 nights

RiversRhine

CountriesFrance, Germany, Netherlands, Switzerland

Duration7 nights

RiversRhine

CountriesFrance, Germany, Netherlands, Switzerland

Highlights of your Christmas Markets Experience

Markets in every port

Every stop on this sailing has been chosen for its holiday markets. Get a stall-by-stall guide and expert recommendations so you can find the gifts you’re looking for.

A ship that feels like the season

Surround yourself in the holiday spirit aboard the ship, with garlands, twinkling lights, and a beautiful tree adorning, and a helpful crew.

Local choirs and festive evenings

Regional performers come aboard through the sailing for carols, brass, and holiday music, so the celebration continues after the markets close.

What's included with your cruise

An opened luggage on top of a bed in a stateroom

More room to breathe

Choose from suites, solo staterooms, and connecting rooms. Most include our signature twin balconies.
Daily housekeeping and turn-down service
Bathrobe, slippers and full bathroom amenities
Refillable water bottle to take with you
Onboard WiFi

A flavor for every moment

All onboard meals
The Chef's Table, specialty restaurant
Wine, beer, and soft drinks with meals
Specialty coffee and tea
Sip & Sail cocktail hour daily
All-day snacks in the Lark Lounge
Welcome cocktail reception

Adventures on your terms

Choose from up to six expert-led experiences each day
Gentle, regular and active options are available for most activities
Wellness Host with daily fitness, stretch and meditation classes on most sailings

Designed for the way you travel

A Cruise Manager who knows everything about your route and will lead your journey the whole way
Regional music and performances
Experiences for solo travelers
Onshore experiences, onboard amenities, and port charges included

Itinerary

Select Cruise Year

Select Direction

Select Optional Land Packages

View Cruise Days

Explore the daily onshore experience options available throughout your cruise.

Dates, Prices and Offers

Important: Dates, fares & itineraries are subject to change.

Port Charges (included in cruise price): $250 per person in 2026. $280 per person in 2027. $290 per person in 2028.

Single Supplement for Cruise: 50% of per person double occupancy fare; Suites 100% of per person double occupancy fare.

Single Supplement for Land: A single supplement charge will be applied to pre- and post-cruise hotel extensions. Please ask your travel advisor or call for pricing details.

Bedding: Please select bedding configuration at the time of booking.

Option A: Two twin beds

Option B: One large bed (larger than queen size).

Terms & Conditions

All rates are per person in USD, cruise-only, include port fees, and are based on double occupancy in an entry-level stateroom unless otherwise noted. Offers apply to select sailings and new bookings only. Unless a reduced single supplement is specifically stated, solo travelers in double-occupancy staterooms must pay the full single supplement before receiving any discounts. Ask about Solo Traveler promotions. Offers are not combinable with other promotions or discounts, are capacity-controlled, subject to availability, and may change or end without notice. Stateroom upgrades, optional land programs, and airfare are not included. Additional restrictions apply. AmaWaterways reserves the right to correct errors or omissions at any time.

Ships

AmaSerena

Whether enjoying cocktails in the Main Lounge or a quiet moment in the library, AmaSerena balances social connection and personal retreat with elegant dining and scenic views

Staterooms: 81

Passengers: 162

AmaVenita

AmaVenita sails Europe’s rivers with twin-balcony staterooms, regionally inspired dining, and inviting spaces that create a warm, elegant setting between days of discovery

Staterooms: 81

Passengers: 162

Why travelers choose AmaWaterways

Christmas Markets on the Rhine (Christmas Markets)

“At the Christmas Markets, my older boys, Diego and Mateo, were obsessed with trying the sausages, “pasta in a cone” and all the desserts. We collected glühwein mugs from every city and bought some keepsakes for the kids, including a cherished amulet for Sofia.”

Jennifer V.

Christmas Markets on the Rhine (Christmas Markets)

“It was also really nice that the tours had built-in free time so that we could do some things just for our kids. Europe is so family-friendly; we always felt the kids were welcome – especially at the Christmas Markets, which are designed for families.”

Jennifer V.

City Escape: The Rhine

“Ama goes above and beyond to make the holiday season special aboard, and its wonderful to be able to celebrate, be taken care of, and feel like I’ve done something special for myself all at the same time. I can’t recommend it enough!”

Aimee Bentson

Recognized by travelers and the industry

Rhine Castles & Swiss Alps (Christmas)

Highlights of your Christmas Markets Experience

What's included with your cruise

Dates, Prices and Offers

Ships

Frequently Asked Questions

Why travelers choose AmaWaterways

Recognized by travelers and the industry

Featured Stories

New for 2027

Dates, Prices and Offers

Rhine Castles & Swiss Alps (Christmas)

Why travelers choose AmaWaterways

Recognized by travelers and the industry

Featured Stories

New for 2027

Dates, Prices and Offers

December 01, 2026Amsterdam to BaselAmaSerenaChristmas MarketsFrom: Departure:December 01, 2026 AmaSerenaDirectionAmsterdam to BaselChristmas MarketsFrom:

December 08, 2026Amsterdam to BaselAmaVenitaChristmas MarketsFrom: Departure:December 08, 2026 AmaVenitaDirectionAmsterdam to BaselChristmas MarketsFrom:

December 15, 2026Amsterdam to BaselAmaSerenaChristmas MarketsFrom: Departure:December 15, 2026 AmaSerenaDirectionAmsterdam to BaselChristmas MarketsFrom:

November 23, 2027Amsterdam to BaselAmaVenitaChristmas MarketsSeason of More: Save & UpgradeFrom: Departure:November 23, 2027 AmaVenitaDirectionAmsterdam to BaselChristmas MarketsSeason of More: Save & UpgradeFrom:

November 30, 2027Amsterdam to BaselAmaSerenaChristmas MarketsFrom: Departure:November 30, 2027 AmaSerenaDirectionAmsterdam to BaselChristmas MarketsFrom:

December 07, 2027Amsterdam to BaselAmaVenitaChristmas MarketsFrom: Departure:December 07, 2027 AmaVenitaDirectionAmsterdam to BaselChristmas MarketsFrom:

November 28, 2028Amsterdam to BaselAmaSerenaChristmas MarketsSeason of More: Save & UpgradeFrom: Departure:November 28, 2028 AmaSerenaDirectionAmsterdam to BaselChristmas MarketsSeason of More: Save & UpgradeFrom:

December 05, 2028Amsterdam to BaselAmaVenitaChristmas MarketsSeason of More: Save & UpgradeFrom: Departure:December 05, 2028 AmaVenitaDirectionAmsterdam to BaselChristmas MarketsSeason of More: Save & UpgradeFrom:

December 12, 2028Amsterdam to BaselAmaSerenaChristmas MarketsSeason of More: Save & UpgradeFrom: Departure:December 12, 2028 AmaSerenaDirectionAmsterdam to BaselChristmas MarketsSeason of More: Save & UpgradeFrom: