European Christmas season cruises are a great way to pair the joy of travel with the magic of the holiday season. Typically running from late November through the New Year, these specialty cruises visit iconic and/or historic holiday markets in ports along European waterways. One excellent choice of cruise provider is AmaWaterways.
Why You Should Choose AmaWaterways’ Christmas Season cruises:
- AmaWaterways ships are imbued with a festive atmosphere — twinkling décor, classic melodies and seasonal treats await you after every jaunt in town.
- Savor fresh, regionally inspired dishes with a seasonal twist with every onboard meal.
- Whether you dream of wandering Europe’s Christmas Markets or simply want a mug of warm mulled wine, AmaWaterways’ itineraries give you the freedom to enjoy each destination exactly as you wish.
- Relish in holiday fun with a range of onboard celebrations — tree trimming, sweet decorating and the beloved search for the pickle ornament. A certain jolly visitor will also stop by with surprises that brighten each departure.

Festive table, AmaMagna
Plus, when you work with one of our travel agents, the gift of travel shines a bit brighter: We can offer you a trio of possible savings. Save up to $2,000, enjoy complimentary stateroom upgrades and receive up to $400 onboard credit, plus enjoy having a professional handle all the little details of travel planning.
Our travel professionals agree:
“European Christmas markets are such a quintessential tradition, and AmaWaterways' specialty itineraries are such a truly magical way to experience them. Each sailing feels like living in a Hallmark holiday movie, yet somehow even more cozy and charming.”

Featured Sailings:

Budapest, Hungary
7-Night Romantic Danube (Taste of Christmas)
AmaSonata
November 18, 2026
Vilshofen, Germany; Passau, Germany; Linz, Austria; Weissernkirchen, Austria; Vienna, Austria; Bratislava, Slovakia; Vienna, Austria; Budapest, Hungary
Starting from $3,949 per person
Up to $300 Onboard Credit per Stateroom

Bordeaux, France
7-Night Taste of Bordeaux (Taste of Christmas)
AmaDolce
December 17, 2026
Bordeaux, Libourne, Blaye, Bourg, Pauillac, Cadillac, Bordeaux, France
Starting from $3,340 per person
Up to $300 Onboard Credit per Stateroom

Christmas Market in Düsseldorf
7-Night Captivating Rhine (Taste of Christmas)
AmaPrima
December 23, 2026
Amsterdam, Netherlands; Utrecht, Netherlands; Kampen, Netherlands; Amsterdam, Netherlands; Dusseldorf, Germany; Rhine Gorge, Germany; Rudesheim, Germany; Ludwigshafen, Germany; Strasbourg, France; Breisach, Germany; Basel, Switzerland
Starting from $3,249 per person
Up to $300 Onboard Credit per Stateroom

Strasbourg, France
7-Night Enchanting Rhine (Christmas & New Year's Celebration Cruise) – 2 Extra Nights Onboard
AmaFiora
December 25, 2027
Basel, Switzerland; Breisach, Germany; Strasbourg, France; Ludwigshafen, Germany; Rudesheim, Germany; Rhine Gorge, Germany; Lahnstein, Germany; Monheim, Germany; Dusseldorf, Germany; Utrecht, Netherlands; Amsterdam, Netherlands
Starting from $4,379 per person
Up to $300 Onboard Credit per Stateroom

Melk, Austria
7-Night Best of the Danube (New Year's Celebration Cruise)
AmaSonata
December 29, 2027
Budapest, Hungary; Bratislava, Slovakia; Wachau Valley, Austria; Melk, Austria; Linz, Austria; Wachau Valley, Austria; Vienna, Austria; Budapest, Hungary
Starting from $4,379 per person
Up to $300 Onboard Credit per Stateroom

Brussels, Belgium
7-Night Best of Holland & Belgium (New Year's Celebration Cruise)
AmaSiena
December 30, 2027
Amsterdam, Netherlands; Utrecht, Netherlands; Ghent, Beligum; Brussels, Belgium; Antwerp, Belgium; Dordrecht, Netherlands; Amsterdam, Netherlands
Starting from $4,279 per person
Up to $300 Onboard Credit per Stateroom