New Year's Eve Cruise on the Rhine

• Day 1 Cologne

  Welcome to your New Year’s cruise, which starts in Cologne. After you have explored your floating premium hotel, the cruise director invites you to a Welcome Cocktail on board. In the evening, the chef will present you with a special and diverse Welcome Dinner, while your ship starts its journey towards Rüdesheim.

  Cologne is a city in western Germany located across the Rhine river. It is the oldest in Germany, dating back 2000 years and is considered the region’s cultural hub. The city is known for its iconic landmark of the twin-spired Cologne Cathedral set against the reconstructed Old Town buildings. When in Old Town, visit the historic Old Town Hall and the Roman Church Great St Martin, or take time out and sit at one of the traditional breweries and enjoy the scenery around you. Historical sites such as the Roman Dionysus mosaic and the medieval Overstolzenhaus are worth a visit too. Another iconic sight in Cologne is at Hohenzollern Bridge. Here, local and tourist couples affix padlocks to the railings of the bridge and swear their loyalty to each other, they then throw the key into the Rhein to ensure everlasting love. 

• Day 2 Mainz

  You get to know one particularly attractive Rhine town today: In the morning, you reach the cultural town of Mainz. You can start the day here with a leisurely stroll and a visit to the Gutenberg Museum. In the afternoon, join us for a visit to a local bakery. Later in the evening, your ship leaves Mainz.

• Day 3 Strasbourg

  At lunch time, you reach the next stop of your trip in the French Alsace region, where your ship docks in wintery Strasbourg. A visit to the picturesque old town is highly recommended, for example as part of an extended city sightseeing trip in a comfortable tour bus, which will take you to the most beautiful sights of Strasbourg. In the early evening, your ship weighs anchor and continues its journey upriver, towards Switzerland.

• Day 4 Basel

  On the morning of Old Year’s Day you arrive in Basel. You can make use of the opportunity to join us for a morning city sightseeing tour, which will take you to the most beautiful sights in Basel, the third-largest city in Switzerland. In the evening, we will spoil you on board with an elegant New Year’s dinner, and at midnight we will pop champagne bottles and ring in the New Year in style.

  Basel is a city in northwestern Switzerland on the Swiss, French and German borders. It is located on the bend of the River Rhine and benefits from a Mediterranean climate. It is the third most populated city in Switzerland and has been the commercial hub for Swiss arts and culture since the Renaissance. In 1967 the people of Basel voted to acquire two paintings by Picasso, who was so moved by the Basel people that he donated 3 paintings and a study to the city's Kunstmuseum (Museum of Fine Arts). Visit the Augusta Raurica, one of the largest Roman archaeology parks in Switzerland, and enjoy a river crossings over the River Rhine by non-motorised ferries. During the summer months, time is spent outdoors, either swimming in the River Rhine, dining al fresco, enjoying open air concerts, cinema, street parties and festivals. Basel is home to over 20 restaurants that have won GaultMillau or Michelin awards, and boasts Switzerland's largest collection of theatre shows, including modern contemporary dance, touring and puppetry theatre.

• Day 5 Basel

  Spend New Year’s Day relaxing on board your 5-star luxury ship, which leaves Basel in the morning and travels downriver. Recover from last night’s New Year’s celebrations and allow us to spoil you with culinary delights, while you enjoy the restful atmosphere in the Panorama Bar or the AMADEUS Club, where you can sit back, relax and admire the passing wintery riverscapes.

  Basel is a city in northwestern Switzerland on the Swiss, French and German borders. It is located on the bend of the River Rhine and benefits from a Mediterranean climate. It is the third most populated city in Switzerland and has been the commercial hub for Swiss arts and culture since the Renaissance. In 1967 the people of Basel voted to acquire two paintings by Picasso, who was so moved by the Basel people that he donated 3 paintings and a study to the city's Kunstmuseum (Museum of Fine Arts). Visit the Augusta Raurica, one of the largest Roman archaeology parks in Switzerland, and enjoy a river crossings over the River Rhine by non-motorised ferries. During the summer months, time is spent outdoors, either swimming in the River Rhine, dining al fresco, enjoying open air concerts, cinema, street parties and festivals. Basel is home to over 20 restaurants that have won GaultMillau or Michelin awards, and boasts Switzerland's largest collection of theatre shows, including modern contemporary dance, touring and puppetry theatre.

• Day 6 Speyer, Mannheim

  During the night, your ship docks in the Rhineland-Palatinate city of Speyer which played an important role in the Holy Roman Empire during the Middle Ages. Your ship remains here until midday, allowing you to explore the city with a sightseeing walk in the morning, whereafter your ship travels to Mannheim. After lunch, you can make a detour to the nearby city of Heidelberg, which is famous for its castle and historic old town. At midnight your ship departs and heads towards Oberwesel.

  Mannheim, Germany, is a dynamic city known for its distinctive grid layout and vibrant cultural scene. Located at the confluence of the Rhine and Neckar rivers, it features the impressive Mannheim Palace and the lush Luisenpark. The city's modern architecture contrasts with its historical roots, while its thriving arts scene includes theaters, museums, and music festivals. Mannheim is also a key industrial and commercial hub, making it a blend of cultural richness and economic vitality.

• Day 7 Rüdesheim, Koblenz

  During breakfast, you arrive in Rüdesheim, which you can explore during the course of a morning sightseeing walk. Thereafter, your ship weighs anchor and passes the imposing Lorelei Rock. After lunch, you reach Koblenz, where you can explore the beautiful old town during a guided walking tour in the course of the afternoon.  In the evening, the captain will invite you to an elegant Gala Dinner on board, while your ship continues its journey to Cologne. 

  Located in the West of the country, Koblenz is one of the oldest cities in Germany. It is situated on both banks of the river Rhine, at its confluence with the Moselle River. The beginnings of Koblenz can be traced back to its military beginnings around 8 BC. The city is rich in its history and heritage and is easily explored on foot. Take the cable car crossing over the river Rhine for spectacular aerial views or enjoy the city from the one thousand year old fortress, Ehrenbreitstein. The upper middle Rhine Valley is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and its unique landscape can be enjoyed and discovered through the interactive multimedia journey at the Romanticum. Historical and architectural sites of interest include Stolzenfels Castle, the Electoral Palace of Koblenz and Old Town. From the romantic winding streets and small squares of Old Town, stroll through the alleyways from the Church of the Holy Virgin to the St Kastor Basilica and enjoy the picturesque buildings and squares along the way. Koblenz is also very popular for its Riesling and strong Spatburgunder wines since the Romans introduced it two thousand years ago.

• Day 8 Cologne

  The end of your journey has dawned. After breakfast, you disembark and take leave of your floating hotel. We hope to welcome you again soon!

New Year's Eve Cruise on the Rhine ItineraryThe Captain reserves the right to modify the cruise itinerary.