Popular winter river cruise destinations include:
With Christmas markets aplenty and pretty frost-tipped scenery, winter can be a great time to experience a cruise along the waterways of Europe. Or if you'd prefer a winter sun river cruise, head to Cambodia or Vietnam for a cruise along the Mekong. Wherever you fancy exploring, you'll find a great choice of river cruises in December, January and February.
You could go all out and enjoy a festive river cruise over the Christmas period, celebrate in style with a break over Christmas and New Year or just get away for a low-cost break for a few days to do your Christmas shopping at Europe's stunning Christmas Markets. The weather in Europe will be chilly, so wrapping up warm and enjoying hot chocolates and mulled wine is the key to enjoying sightseeing without feeling the cold. Most European river cruise ships are refurbished in January and February, so sail in December or you may have to wait until Spring.
January and February are the perfect months to head to Vietnam or Cambodia for a post-Christmas break. Escape the winter blues in Asia where you're guaranteed a much warmer temperature for your holiday with temperatures around 28°C. Asian river cruises can be enjoyed along the Mekong where you can admire the beautiful scenery from the sun deck as well as immersing yourself in the history and culture of this fascinating part of the world.
7 Nights
Sailing Date : 24 Dec 2025
Nile
Award-Winning Included Dining Experiences
Call now for the best flight inclusive prices!
7 Nights
Sailing Date : 25 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 : 25 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
7 Nights
Sailing Date : 25 Dec 2025
Rhone
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 : 26 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 : 27 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 : 27 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
7 Nights
Sailing Date : 27 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 : 27 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 : 27 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 : 28 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 : 28 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 : 29 Dec 2025
Nile
Award-Winning Included Dining Experiences
Call now for the best flight inclusive prices!
11 Nights
Sailing Date : 29 Dec 2025
Nile
Save up to £1,500pp on Selected Sailings
Includes flights & overseas transfers
7 Nights
Sailing Date : 29 Dec 2025
Danube
Save up to £1000 PLUS £99pp low deposit*
Enjoy unique sightseeing activities designed to make your holiday that little bit more special
Save up to 60% on 2024 European sailings
5 Nights
Sailing Date : 29 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 : 29 Dec 2025
Mekong
Award-Winning Included Dining Experiences
Call now for the best flight inclusive prices!
7 Nights
Sailing Date : 29 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
11 Nights
Sailing Date : 29 Dec 2025
Nile
Save up to £1,500pp on Selected Sailings
Includes flights & overseas transfers
5 Nights
Sailing Date : 29 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 : 30 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 : 31 Dec 2025
Nile
Award-Winning Included Dining Experiences
Call now for the best flight inclusive prices!
12 Nights
Sailing Date : 01 Jan 2026
Mekong
World-class fleet of contemporary floating boutique hotels
Save up to 25% on 2024 & 2025 Southeast Asia river cruises
24 Nights
Sailing Date : 02 Jan 2026
Mekong
Save up to 30%*, with Flight Credit included.*
Truly all-inclusive luxury
21 Nights
Sailing Date : 02 Jan 2026
Mekong
Save up to 30%*, with Flight Credit included.*
Truly all-inclusive luxury
