As winter arrives, our thoughts inevitably turn to Christmas and, naturally, this is the perfect month in which to explore the world's waterways. We have a fantastic selection of river cruises in December, visiting Christmas markets, festivities and all-around wintery fun during a sailing. Take a look at our best December cruises and see why this festive period is perfect for visiting the banks of the Danube, Rhine and more.
Why not head to Northern Europe and visit some of the continent’s most stunning Christmas Markets? Cities such as Cologne, Budapest and Strasbourg feature some of the world's best Christmas Markets and a river cruise is an ideal way to visit them.
Christmas Markets River Cruises
December is also the ideal time of year to escape the cold weather and head east to the exotic waterways of China, Vietnam, or Cambodia, where the riverbanks of these regions are hot, sunny and humid - the perfect place to escape the winter blues back home! Take a look at river cruises in December for the Mekong, for a taste of tropical temperatures.
7 Nights
Sailing Date : 13 Dec 2025
Dutch Waterway
Award-Winning Included Dining Experiences
Call now for the best flight inclusive prices!
Up to £1,500 cruise savings per person PLUS Complimentary Stateroom Upgrade PLUS up to €50 Onboard Credit per person
4 Nights
Sailing Date : 13 Dec 2025
Rhine
Call now for the best flight inclusive prices!
Gratuities and a choice of daily excursions are included
Avalon Panorama Suites are thirty percent larger than the industry standard
4 Nights
Sailing Date : 13 Dec 2025
Rhine
FREE Superior drinks package worth £400pp per week - Available on all 2024 and 2025 European river cruises!
Award-winning European river cruises include everything you need for an exceptional experience.
Delicious full board dining, plus Captain's Dinner
7 Nights
Sailing Date : 13 Dec 2025
Douro
Award-Winning Included Dining Experiences
Call now for the best flight inclusive prices!
Up to £1,500 cruise savings per person PLUS Complimentary Stateroom Upgrade PLUS up to €50 Onboard Credit per person
7 Nights
Sailing Date : 13 Dec 2025
Danube
Award-Winning Included Dining Experiences
Call now for the best flight inclusive prices!
Up to £1,500 cruise savings per person PLUS Complimentary Stateroom Upgrade PLUS up to €50 Onboard Credit per person
7 Nights
Sailing Date : 13 Dec 2025
Mekong
World-class fleet of contemporary floating boutique hotels
Save up to 25% on 2024 & 2025 Southeast Asia river cruises
Celebrate 10 years with Emerald Cruises and enjoy an additional 10% saving across all 2025 luxury river cruise sailings
7 Nights
Sailing Date : 13 Dec 2025
Danube
Save up to 35%* plus return flights included^ + free private door-to-door chauffeur transfers^ on select itineraries
Truly all-inclusive luxury
7 Nights
Sailing Date : 13 Dec 2025
Danube
Award-Winning Included Dining Experiences
Call now for the best flight inclusive prices!
Up to £1,500 cruise savings per person PLUS Complimentary Stateroom Upgrade PLUS up to €50 Onboard Credit per person
5 Nights
Sailing Date : 13 Dec 2025
Danube
FREE Superior drinks package worth £400pp per week - Available on all 2024 and 2025 European river cruises!
Award-winning European river cruises include everything you need for an exceptional experience.
Delicious full board dining, plus Captain's Dinner
7 Nights
Sailing Date : 14 Dec 2025
Danube
Save up to 35%* plus return flights included^ + free private door-to-door chauffeur transfers^ on select itineraries
Truly all-inclusive luxury
10 Nights
Sailing Date : 14 Dec 2025
Danube
Save up to 35%* plus return flights included^ + free private door-to-door chauffeur transfers^ on select itineraries
Truly all-inclusive luxury
4 Nights
Sailing Date : 14 Dec 2025
Rhine
FREE Superior drinks package worth £400pp per week - Available on all 2024 and 2025 European river cruises!
Award-winning European river cruises include everything you need for an exceptional experience.
Delicious full board dining, plus Captain's Dinner
7 Nights
Sailing Date : 14 Dec 2025
Rhine
Save up to 35%* plus return flights included^ + free private door-to-door chauffeur transfers^ on select itineraries
Truly all-inclusive luxury
7 Nights
Sailing Date : 14 Dec 2025
Rhine
World-class fleet of contemporary floating boutique hotels
Save up to 35% on 2024 Europe River Cruises
Celebrate 10 years with Emerald Cruises and enjoy an additional 10% saving across all 2025 luxury river cruise sailings
7 Nights
Sailing Date : 14 Dec 2025
Danube
Award-Winning Included Dining Experiences
Call now for the best flight inclusive prices!
Up to £1,500 cruise savings per person PLUS Complimentary Stateroom Upgrade PLUS up to €50 Onboard Credit per person
10 Nights
Sailing Date : 15 Dec 2025
Danube
World-class fleet of contemporary floating boutique hotels
Save up to 35% on 2024 Europe River Cruises
Celebrate 10 years with Emerald Cruises and enjoy an additional 10% saving across all 2025 luxury river cruise sailings
12 Nights
Sailing Date : 15 Dec 2025
Mekong
Save up to 30%*, with Flight Credit included.*
Truly all-inclusive luxury
7 Nights
Sailing Date : 15 Dec 2025
Danube
Save up to £1,500pp on Selected Sailings
Includes flights & overseas transfers
11 Nights
Sailing Date : 15 Dec 2025
Rhine
Save up to 35%* plus return flights included^ + free private door-to-door chauffeur transfers^ on select itineraries
Truly all-inclusive luxury
6 Nights
Sailing Date : 15 Dec 2025
Danube
Call now for the best flight inclusive prices!
Gratuities and a choice of daily excursions are included
Avalon Panorama Suites are thirty percent larger than the industry standard
11 Nights
Sailing Date : 15 Dec 2025
Nile
Save up to £1,500pp on Selected Sailings
Includes flights & overseas transfers
7 Nights
Sailing Date : 15 Dec 2025
Rhine
Award-Winning Included Dining Experiences
Call now for the best flight inclusive prices!
Up to £1,500 cruise savings per person PLUS Complimentary Stateroom Upgrade PLUS up to €50 Onboard Credit per person
7 Nights
Sailing Date : 15 Dec 2025
Danube
Call now for the best flight inclusive prices!
Gratuities and a choice of daily excursions are included
Avalon Panorama Suites are thirty percent larger than the industry standard
7 Nights
Sailing Date : 15 Dec 2025
Mekong
Award-Winning Included Dining Experiences
Call now for the best flight inclusive prices!
7 Nights
Sailing Date : 15 Dec 2025
Rhine
World-class fleet of contemporary floating boutique hotels
Save up to 35% on 2024 Europe River Cruises
Celebrate 10 years with Emerald Cruises and enjoy an additional 10% saving across all 2025 luxury river cruise sailings
