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Sail the Rhine with Melissa: 2027 Christmas Markets River Cruise
Dec 13 - 21, 2027
Step into a real-life holiday postcard with me December 2027 as we sail the enchanting Rhine River from Basel to Frankfurt on a hosted Christmas Markets River Cruise. Picture cobblestone streets lined with twinkling lights, the scent of fresh gingerbread and roasted chestnuts in the air, and charming stalls filled with handcrafted ornaments and gifts. Together, we’ll explore Europe’s most magical markets, sip warm glühwein under the stars, and enjoy the festive traditions of Switzerland, France, and Germany — all from the comfort of a luxurious river cruise ship.
When you join my 2027 Christmas Markets River Cruise, you’re not just booking a trip — you’re joining a hosted experience with personal touches every step of the way. Here’s what you can expect:
- Personal Travel Concierge: I’ll assist with everything from booking to travel prep — flights, pre-cruise hotel stays, travel insurance, and more — so your vacation is completely stress-free.
- Hosted Group Experience: You won’t just be a passenger — you’ll be part of a group! I’ll be onboard with you to share in the fun, host meet-ups, and make sure you never miss a moment of the magic.
- Insider Tips & Guidance: From which market has the best mulled wine to where to find the most authentic ornaments, I’ll share my favorites so you experience the best of each stop.
- Group Camaraderie: Travel with like-minded adventurers and make new friends as we celebrate the season together.
- Exclusive Extras: Depending on our group size, we may enjoy special perks like group photos, private events, or a special onboard toast to kick off our festive sailing.
Avalon Waterways onboard included Amenities:
- Complimentary Starlink Wi-Fi
- Panoramic windows throughout the ship
- Elegant, contemporary design & decor
- Friendly, English-speaking crew & Cruise Director
- Sky Deck with whirlpool, shade awnings, game area and premium lounges
- Covered Observation Lounge
- Club Lounge with 24-hour self-serve beverage station with complimentary cappuccinos, lattes, tea, hot chocolate & premium coffees, as well as treats throughout the day
- Elevator
- Non-smoking interior and staterooms
Fitness and Wellness:
- Active shore excursions
- Fitness Center
- Avalon Adventure Center
Your place for active gear* and activities through your Avalon Adventure HostSM, including:- Bikes
- Maps for hiking, biking and jogging routes
- Canoe and kayak excursions
- Fitbits®
- Walking Sticks
- Binoculars
- Daypacks
- Yoga Mats
- Fitness bands
Avalon Suites & Deluxe Staterooms
- Open–Air Balconies® and Wall-to-Wall Panoramic Windows in all Panorama SuitesSM
- Comfort Collection BedsSM with choice of mattress firmness
- Egyptian super-combed cotton linens
- Bathrobes & slippers
- Premium L'Occitane® bath products & hairdryer
- Large bathroom featuring shower with glass door
- Wide selection of free movie channels and English-speaking TV
- Individual climate control and in-room safe
- Full-size closet and mirror
- Additional under-bed storage
- Well-stocked mini-bar
Dining
- Chef-prepared onboard meals with regional cuisine and familiar favorites
- Seasonal cuisine featuring the freshest local ingredients
- Avalon Fresh® healthy cuisine options at every meal
- Spacious, open-seating Panorama Dining Room
- Daily breakfast buffet with full range of classic breakfast items, healthy Avalon Fresh® options and daily a la carte specials
- Complimentary room service for Continental breakfast, lunch, and dinner
- Daily lunch buffet featuring regional specialties, classic dishes, healthy Avalon Fresh® options and rotating chef’s features including carving & pasta stations. Alternatively, you may dine al fresco at our Sky Grill on the Sky Deck (weather and itinerary permitting) or enjoy a light lunch in the Panorama Lounge.
- Afternoon Tea featuring tea, coffee, and sweet treats
- Four-course dinners with choice of appetizers, soups, salads, entrées and desserts or cheese
- Linger over several selections from the Panorama Bistro's tasting menu for a less formal "sit-down" atmosphere
- Complimentary wine, beer, or soft drinks with lunch and dinner
- Avalon FlexDining® flexible dining times with menu & venue options
- Vegetarian options at every meal, as well as vegan, low calorie, low fat, high fiber, low cholesterol, high energy and allergy-free selections
- Panorama Lounge & Bar with premium spirits, cozy seating, panoramic windows & dance floor
- Welcome & farewell cocktails with sparkling wine & canapés
- Included Happy Hour every evening featuring house beer, wine, cocktails and a drink of the day
- Cocktails with a view on the Sky Deck
- Specialty coffees, espresso drinks and beWell Essence flavored and infused water available throughout each day
Itinerary
Trip Details
No activities planned.
Mon, Dec 13: Arrive in Zurich
Tue, Dec 14: Basel, Switzerland
Wed, Dec 15: Breisach, Germany
Thu, Dec 16: Strasbourg, France and Kehl, Germany
Fri, Dec 17: Ludwigshafen, Germany
Sat, Dec 18: Rüdesheim, Germany
Sun, Dec 19: Cologne, Germany
Mon, Dec 20: Mainz, Germany
Tue, Dec 21: Frankfurt, Germany
Full Itinerary
Deluxe Stateroom
Deluxe Stateroom: $3909* per person (Double Occupancy)
Deposit of $750 per person due at booking and final payment is due by September 15, 2027.
*Prices are per person based on double occupancy, USD, and includes pre-cruise hotel accommodations at Radisson Blu Airport (Zurich), pre-paid gratuities, all taxes & port charges.
The Deluxe Stateroom offers the perfect blend of cozy and functional, giving you everything you need for a relaxing river cruise experience.
- Room Size: Approximately 172 sq. ft. – thoughtfully laid out to maximize space
- Bedding: Comfort Collection bed with premium linens and choice of pillow options
- Views: Picture window with natural light
- Amenities:
- Full private bathroom with shower and L’Occitane® bath products
- Nightly turn-down service
- Individual climate control
- Flat-screen TV with movies and entertainment
Panorama Suite
Panorama Suite Stateroom: $5808 -$5958* (Depending on location of stateroom on ship)
Deposit of $750 per person due at booking and final payment is due by September 15, 2027.
*Prices are per person based on double occupancy, USD, and includes pre-cruise hotel accommodations at Radisson Blu Airport (Zurich), pre-paid gratuities, all taxes & port charges. Panorama Suite – Avalon Envision
Step into luxury with Avalon’s signature Panorama Suite — the most popular and unique accommodation on the Avalon Envision. These suites redefine river cruising with wall-to-wall, floor-to-ceiling windows that open to create a true open-air balcony, letting Europe’s iconic scenery come right into your room.
- Room Size: A spacious 200+ sq. ft. — 30% larger than the industry standard stateroom
- Panoramic Views: Wall-to-wall, 11-foot wide sliding glass doors that transform your entire suite into a balcony with the push of a button
- Bedding: Avalon’s Comfort Collection bed with premium linens, memory foam mattress topper, and choice of pillows — positioned to face the view so you wake up to the river
- Bathroom: Full-size bathroom with glass-enclosed shower and L’Occitane® bath products
- Amenities:
- Sitting area with sofa & table
- Flat-screen TV with on-demand entertainment
- Ample storage space, including under-bed luggage storage
- Nightly turn-down service
- Individual climate control and sound-proof insulation
- Perks: Complimentary bottled water, premium bathrobes & slippers, and access to 24/7 specialty coffees, teas, and snacks
The Panorama Suite is perfect for travelers who want to immerse themselves in the beauty of the Rhine — enjoy morning coffee as castles drift by, watch twinkling Christmas lights from your suite in the evening, and savor every moment of the journey in unmatched comfort.
Excursions Included
Your Advisor
Melissa Ragazzi
Independent Agent with Trey Tracy Travel
melissa@treytracytravel.com
6015407336