A relaxed Christmas cruise that begins in the middle of the festive atmosphere: MS Leonora is moored in Frankfurt, and the Christmas market on Römerberg is within reach on the very first evening. You do your Christmas shopping, taste the treats at the markets and enjoy a Christmas lunch on the water, while the crew of the festively decorated ship takes care of the rest.
We follow the current along the Main to the Rhine and on via Mainz and Rüdesheim. The cruise ends with the most beautiful stretch of the river, the Romantic Rhine, before we moor in Koblenz, where the Moselle meets the Rhine. There is plenty of time in each port to visit the Christmas markets.
The cruise is also available in the opposite direction – from Koblenz to Frankfurt – and the two can be combined into eight nights on board.
Highlights
- Christmas markets in Frankfurt, Mainz, Rüdesheim and Koblenz
- Sailing the Romantic Rhine between Rüdesheim and Koblenz
- 5-day river cruise on MS Leonora
- All meals on board
- English-speaking staff on board
- Free WiFi
Itinerary
Day 1Embarkation, Frankfurt
After you arrive on MS Leonora, the ship's cruise manager welcomes you in the lounge and goes through safety procedures and practical information. Before the welcome dinner there is time for a first visit to Frankfurt's Christmas market. Overnight in Frankfurt.
Day 2Frankfurt and Mainz
MS Leonora stays in Frankfurt until 14:00, so the morning is free for the Christmas market. It is known for its stalls with bratwurst, roasted chestnuts, gingerbread and mulled wine, and for its lights, garlands and Christmas trees. In the afternoon we sail along the Main to the Rhine and arrive in Mainz at 19:30.
Day 3Mainz and Rüdesheim
The morning is spent in Mainz, where the Christmas market is set against the city's historic old town. The stalls sell handmade ornaments, gifts and local crafts, and you can taste stollen and bratwurst. At 14:00 we sail on, arriving in Rüdesheim at 16:00. In the evening you can stroll along the lively Drosselgasse and the surrounding lanes, and perhaps try the local Rüdesheimer Kaffee.
Day 4The Romantic Rhine and Koblenz
At 09:00 we leave Rüdesheim and sail through the most scenic stretch of the Rhine, the Romantic Rhine, with vineyards and castles on both banks. We arrive in Koblenz at 13:00. The afternoon is free for the Christmas market in the old town, where the stalls fill the decorated squares and cobbled streets. Overnight in Koblenz.
Day 5Koblenz
Disembarkation in Koblenz at around 09:00. Our Christmas market cruise on the Rhine comes to an end.
Please note: Sailing times are approximate and may change due to water levels, weather, locks or other conditions.
What is included?
Included
- 5 days / 4 nights on MS Leonora
- English-speaking staff on board
- All meals and selected drinks
- Entertainment on board
- All cabins are outside cabins with window, shower/toilet, hairdryer and air conditioning
- Port and passenger fees
Not included
- Most drinks on board
- Drinks package – available to purchase
- Excursions
- Transport to and from the ship
- Service charge, €8 per person per day
Prices and dates come straight from our booking system and are always up to date. We are happy to help with transfers, excursions and flights – just ask in your enquiry.
