2023 & 2024 Festive River Cruises

When do festive river cruises set sail?

River cruises sailing around the festive season mainly set sail throughout the month of December, offering the ideal time to visit popular markets and experience the wintery season first-hand. Our selection of festive river cruises run all through December, with varying durations, so you can take your pick of the best itinerary to suit you.

Suggested read: Christmastime on the Rhine with Gary Buchanan 

Where can I sail?

Festive sailings are available across the world's waterways, from Europe's many rivers to the more exotic worlds of Asia's Mekong and Irrawaddy. Destinations all depend on what you're looking for during the festive season.

If you're keen to explore the traditional Christmas markets of Europe, then a sailing along the Danube or the Rhine would be ideal. For a chance to sun yourself and enjoy the warmer weather, the Mekong is ideal to visit during December with temperatures reaching 30°C. Meanwhile, experience the beauty of winter along the Yangtze as snow descends along the banks and offers stunning photo opportunities.

More: River cruising during the winter months  

When to book?

It's always best to book a festive river cruise as early as possible. Spaces and dates are limited and, with only a month to sail, they tend to sell out very fast! If you're keen to book a festive river cruise, take a look at the sailings below and call our Cruise Concierge to book your festive river cruise today.