We will set off on our exciting Rhine cruise from here, heading for the northern or the southern Rhine. But you shouldn’t miss out on the opportunity to explore this cathedral city, with its wealth of monuments and attractions. The best way is to arrive the day before your cruise departs, so that you can relax – or simply extend your stay in Cologne after the cruise has ended.
Itinerary
Christmas Eve: Spend Christmas Eve in the centre of Rhine Romanticism, a place that once inspired both poets and musicians. Brahms composed his 3rd symphony in Rüdesheim. The most famous town in the Rheingau has a lot to offer in terms of culture, including historic courtyards and fortifications. And of course, on this day of your Christmas cruise on the Rhine, the coffee speciality ‘Rüdesheimer Kaffee’, which was invented here, is a must.
Christmas Day: You will spend Christmas Day in Germersheim, not far from the over 2000-year-old city of Speyer. Speyer is considered to be the oldest standing town from the Middle Ages on German soil. The Speyer Cathedral is the most important building in Speyer, one of the most important Romanesque cathedrals in Germany and a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Boxing Day: On Boxing Day, you will sail to the city of Strasbourg on your Christmas cruise on the Rhine. Here is where the major European politics unfold. Strasbourg is a unique place with its medieval half-timbered houses and elegant city palaces. A highlight: the Strasbourg Cathedral. From the observation deck, the half-timbered houses look like a miniature railway landscape. Enjoy the day in the French part of the Rhine.
Mainz
Arr 06:00 am Dep 12:00 pmMainz bleibt Mainz (or ‘Mainz is always Mainz’) is more than a carnival motto. It is an expression of the easy-going way of life that makes the locals proud of their city, makes it easy for non-locals to settle in and helps visitors to enjoy their stay here. With 2,000 years of history, Mainz is not just one of the oldest cities in Germany – it is also a place where you can see history come alive wherever you turn.
Loreley Valley
Arr 01:00 pmThe Loreley Passage is a paradisiacal route along the Rhine known for its breathtaking landscapes and cultural significance. Along this passage, steep cliffs and dense forests stretch while the river flows calmly. Legend has it that the Loreley, a beautiful nymph, once sat on the rocks and lured sailors to their doom with her singing - a myth that continues to captivate the imagination of visitors to this day.
Koblenz
Arr 06:30 pm Dep 09:30 pmDiscover Koblenz during your Rhine cruise. Its history dates back over 2,000 years, making it one of Germany’s oldest cities – and one of its most picturesque, with a wealth of sights and cultural attractions. Marvel at Koblenz’s palaces, stately homes, grand townhouses, narrow lanes and romantic corners. And watch as our A-ROSA ship sails close to the famous Deutsches Eck headland.
Your festive Christmas cruise on the Rhine comes to an end in Cologne. However, before you set off on your journey home with a thousand memories of your trip, why not use the day to explore North Rhine-Westphalia and the city of Cologne? The imposing cathedral of Cologne is a must-see. Happy New Year, see you soon and ahoy!
A-ROSA Premium all inclusive
Enjoy your most beautiful time with maximum comfort and with the all-round carefree package: A-ROSA Premium all inclusive.
Your desired cabin? Voilà! Sauna, fitness area, pool? Always at your service! Top culinary menus? Enjoy your meal! Attractive discounts on all massage and beauty treatments? Of course! Plus many other benefits that will always put a smile on your face, while you have nothing to do but think about your next wish.
- Full BoardPlus: Comprehensive breakfast, lunch and dinner buffets with live-cooking stations, embarkation snack, as well as daily tea and coffee time
- High-quality drinks included throughout the day: tea, coffee and coffee specialities, water, soft drinks, beer, prosecco, as well as a selection of wines
- A-ROSA Best Price until 31 July 2024, Super Early Booking Discounts for bookings made until 30 November 2024 and Early Booking Discounts for bookings made until 28 February 2025 for cruises from March – October 2025 and bookings made until 31 August 2025 for cruises from November 2025 until January 2026.
- Kids up to 15 years of age cruise for free on deck 1¹
- One free change of reservation up to 30 days before departure
- Comprehensive service concept with Guest Relations Management
- Varied onboard entertainment for cruises of 7 nights or more with local performers
- Room service in every cabin grade (during bar hours)²
- A-ROSA App with information about your cruise
- Special prices for additional services on board, e.g. SPA treatments, workshops³
- Free e-bikes for independent exploration, subject to availability⁴
- English-speaking travel and hotel management
- Transfer between airport or TGV train station and ship when arrival is booked through A-ROSA⁵
- Toiletries as well as bathrobes on request
- Ship transfers
¹ Children up to and including 15 years of age travel free of charge when accompanied by at least one (two in Cat. G) supervising adult on Deck 1. From Deck 2 children receive a 30 % discount. Furthermore, children up to 7 years of age accompanied by 2 supervising adults can use a sofa bed free of charge on the A-ROSA SENA in categories B - D. On the A-ROSA ALVA, A-ROSA ALEA & A-ROSA CLEA children accompanied by at least one supervising adult receive a 30 % discount. The children’s discount is only valid for the cruise itself. Limited availabilities on all cruises.
² Drinks only, according to the room service menu. Except A-ROSA ALVA, A-ROSA ALEA and A-ROSA CLEA
³ Except A-ROSA ALEA and A-ROSA CLEA
⁴ A-ROSA ALVA, A-ROSA ALEA & A-ROSA CLEA: E-bike rental not available.
⁵ If a flight or TGV booking is made through A-ROSA, the transfer is included. You will receive the relevant details with your travel information.
PLEASE NOTE: Transfer between railway station and ship on the Danube & Rhine can be booked for an additional fee.
Dates & Prices
Spacious and comfortable outside cabin. Elegant design and first-class materials ensure an atmosphere of well-being. Cabin facilities: safe, air-conditioning, TV, hair dryer, bathroom with shower and toilet, sauna towel, wool blanket, telephone, bathrobe.
Spacious and comfortable outside cabin. Elegant design and first-class materials ensure an atmosphere of well-being. Cabin facilities: safe, air-conditioning, TV, hair dryer, bathroom with shower and toilet, sauna towel, wool blanket, telephone, bathrobe.
Spacious and comfortable outside cabin with a Juliette balcony. Elegant design and first-class materials ensure an atmosphere of well-being. Cabin facilities: safe, air-conditioning, TV, hair dryer, bathroom with shower and toilet, sauna towel, wool blanket, telephone, bathrobe.
Spacious and comfortable outside cabin with a Juliette balcony. Elegant design and first-class materials ensure an atmosphere of well-being. Cabin facilities: safe, air-conditioning, TV, hair dryer, bathroom with shower and toilet, sauna towel, wool blanket, telephone, bathrobe.
Generously sized Junior Suite with Juliette balcony, sofa, spacious bathroom and walk-in closet. Elegant design and first-class materials ensure an atmosphere of well-being. Additional services: check-in and personal welcome from 12.00 h, Suite cocktail with the hotel manager, room service, free use of the mini bar, fresh flowers and fruit, butler service.
Arrival & hotel
You want a relaxed arrival and departure? Then choose one of these hotels! Your advantage: You arrive already one or two days before disembarkation and can consciously look forward to the journey with A-ROSA. Or you can let your vacation come to an end in a very juicy way before you start your journey home. All hotels are personally and carefully selected by us to round off your vacation.
Luxury in the middle of the city center is what the Dorint Hotel am Heumarkt Cologne offers you. The panoramic elevator with a view of the cathedral takes you to your chic room, which includes everything you need to work and relax. In addition, an exclusive fitness and wellness area (fee required) with glass-roofed pool and the chic Harry's New-York Bar await you.
Prices include the tax for the promotion and advancement of culture. Not valid during certain exhibitions in Cologne.
Included services
Overnight stay incl. breakfast, extended stay possible
Double occupancy
€ 138 pp
Single occupancy
€ 238 pp
Double occupancy
€ 178 pp
2 rooms with connecting door
€ 228 pp
The Maritim Hotel Cologne is located directly on the Rhine, only a few steps away from the charming old town, the cathedral and the city centre as well as the central station. The hotel impresses with its extraordinary architecture and has 454 rooms and suites, all of which are equipped with a bathroom/toilet, minibar, safe, radio, TV and a telephone. In the spacious, glass-roofed hotel lobby you will find a variety of boutiques and restaurants.
Prices include the tax for the promotion and advancement of culture. Not valid during certain exhibitions in Cologne.
Included services
Overnight stay incl. breakfast, extended stay possible
Double occupancy
€ 118 pp
Single occupancy
€ 178 pp
Double occupancy
€ 128 pp
Single occupancy
€ 218 pp
Double occupancy
€ 168 pp
Single occupancy
€ 288 pp