TUI, recognised as the Best River Cruise Line at the 2023 Wave Awards, has earned its reputation for
delivering exceptional holiday experiences. With a range of excursions on offer, including visiting
some of Europe’s most iconic Christmas markets, and a festive atmosphere aboard the ship, TUI
ensures a memorable holiday.

If you’re new to river cruising, we recommend reading our beginner’s guide first. Here you’ll find out
more about; the fleet, cruise packages, cabins, what’s included on your cruise, and some FAQs.

Example cruises:

Below you will find two examples of the festive river cruises TUI has to offer. However, there is so much more to be explored on their website, so make sure you check them out here.

Festive Flavours;

Visiting – Mainz, Bonn, Cologne, Dusseldorf, Koblenz, Mainz (Germany)

Sailing on – TUI Skyla

Mistletoe & Rhine;

Visiting – Frankfurt, Koblenz, Dusseldorf, Cologne, Rudesheim

Sailing on – TUI Isla

Onboard TUI Festive River Cruises, the spirit of Christmas is brought to life with a variety of seasonal experiences. From regional Christmas dishes, speciality hot chocolates, mulled wine, and festive cocktails, there is something for everyone to enjoy. The fun doesn’t stop there, TUI offers an array of activities during the festive season, with entertainment from local acts and guest speakers, craft demos, festive films, and Christmas-themed quizzes. With these thoughtful touches, TUI provides a relaxed and enjoyable way to experience the holiday season.

There are many Christmas markets in Germany to explore when you disembark the ship. Below we have listed three of the markets you’re able to visit on your travels, but there are many more that you can find on TUI’s Christmas Market Finder tool.

Strasbourg France

Strasbourg, known as the Capital of Christmas, is home to France’s oldest Christmas market (Christkindelsmärik). With over 300 wooden chalets, spread across the city, there is lots to see, do, and buy. Throughout December, Strasbourg is one of the most illuminated cities in Europe, with original decorations and lights.

Cologne Germany

Germany is famous for its Christmas markets, with Cologne offering a range of festive activities. From China Lights at the Zoo, to advent concerts and Christmas markets. One of the most popular Christmas markets can be found outside the Cathedral, and the Chocolate Museum is a highlight many like to visit. The nativity scenes across the city are well worth taking the time to enjoy.

Dusseldorf Germany

In the run up to Christmas, Dusseldorf is transformed into a Christmas wonderland. The Ferris Wheel is an excellent way to see the city, and Old Town is a must visit for those all-important Christmas presents. There is also an ice rink at the northern end of Konigsallee this year, so there is something for everyone to enjoy.

If you wish to celebrate Christmas Day on a river cruise, you can choose from three sailings; Rhine Christmas Charms, A Festive Fairy Tale, and A Rhineland Christmas. Let’s take a deeper look at one of these cruise itineraries…

A Rhineland Christmas

You will set sail on TUI Skyla, from Mainz Germany. TUI Skyla has 4 decks, 77 cabins, 2 restaurants, and 2 bars. On day 2 you will have a full day in Cologne, this is one of Germany’s largest cities, with lots of historic sites to see. You will spend Christmas Day in Dusseldorf, and Boxing Day in Bonn.

You can also celebrate the arrival of the new year with TUI’s ‘New Year on the Rhine’, ‘Sail into the New Year’, or ‘New Year Sail Away’ itineraries here. There are special celebrations, including a gala dinner, followed by an onboard party. As midnight approaches, you’ll have an excellent vantage point on the top deck to take in the city’s fireworks display.

• You can visit some of the most famous Christmas markets in Europe
• Lots of beautiful, historic cities to explore
• The festive atmosphere onboard a TUI River Cruise is like no other
• Entertainment onboard to tie in with the season
• You can cruise on Christmas Day
• You can cruise on New Year’s Eve, with spectacular views of the firework displays and enjoy a few cocktails or two! Find out all the prices of drinks on board your TUI river cruise here.

• Will the ship be decorated for Christmas? Yes, the halls will be decked, and you will feel festive as soon as you step foot on the ship.

• What should I pack for a Christmas cruise? Warm clothes as it can be very cold in certain countries, don’t forget your Christmas jumper if you’re visiting the markets.

• Will we get much time at the Christmas markets? It’s worth checking the itinerary before you book, but in most cases, you get a full day at port, which gives you lots of time to explore the markets Europe has to offer.

With carefully crafted itineraries, to regional Christmas delicacies, exploring festive markets in some of the best cities in Europe, and ringing in the New Year with stunning views, TUI ensures your holiday is filled with joy and excitement. Every detail is tailored to make your festive break truly special, and there is something for everyone to enjoy.

Relative reading –

TUI River Cruise Review – What you need to know!

How much do drinks cost on a TUI River Cruise

TUI River Cruise Ship Review