Enchanting Rhine and Yuletide Markets River Cruise - MS Riviera Resplendence

4 nights - 09 Dec 2026

Cologne | Rüdesheim | Koblenz | Cologne | Cologne

MS Riviera Resplendence| Europe

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Emerald Deck

~~WAS £1449pp~~ From £1391PP

Ruby Deck

~~WAS £1749pp~~ From £1679PP

(Prices correct as of today’s date, are updated daily, are subject to change and represent genuine availability at time of update).

Cruise only holidays are financially protected by ABTA. Fly cruise holidays are financially protected by Riviera Travel under ATOL number 3230

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Prices based on 2 people sharing. Cruise only price does not include flights. Fly-cruise price may vary by chosen UK airport.

THE
RIVER VOYAGES DIFFERENCE

Our sister brand RiverVoyages is Europe’s leading expert in river cruise holidays. Click here to view this itinerary in full and speak to our team of river cruise specialists, here to help you plan your perfect cruise along the world’s most scenic waterways. With access to exclusive offers and savings, we’re ready to help you plan every detail of your next river cruise holiday.

Itinerary

List Timeline

Cologne

Arrival in Cologne - On arrival, see your five-star cruise ship moored in historic Cologne, whose skyline is dominated by the spires of its magnificent cathedral. The dedicated English-speaking crew welcomes you on board and helps you to your cabin.After settling into your spacious and t... Read More

Day 1

09 December 2026

Cologne

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Day 2

10 December 2026

Rüdesheim

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Day 3

11 December 2026

Koblenz

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Day 4

12 December 2026

Cologne

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Day 5

13 December 2026

Cologne

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Rüdesheim

Koblenz

Cologne

Cologne - During breakfast, we make our return to Cologne as the ever-changing river scenery drifts silently by. As the towering spires of Cologne’s cathedral come into view on the wintry skyline, we moor in the shadow of this ancient monument once again.Arriving in Cologne mid‑morning, w... Read More

*This holiday is generally suitable for persons with reduced mobility. For customers with reduced mobility or any medical condition that may require special assistance or arrangements to be made, please notify your Cruise Concierge at the time of your enquiry, so that we can provide specific information as to the suitability of the holiday, as well as make suitable arrangements with the Holiday Provider on your behalf.

09 December 2026

Cologne

10 December 2026

Rüdesheim

Rhine Gorge & Rüdesheim - To really get in the Christmas mood, nothing beats waking up on board to find you’re already cruising through an entrancing winter wonderland.Enjoy a leisurely breakfast this morning and relax on board while a kaleidoscope of riverside views drifts by in all their seasonal glory. Wrap up warm and take to the deck for an invigorating breath of frosty air as we pass through the outstandingly beautiful Rhine Gorge, where the river flows a little faster, the vineyard-covered valley sides are steeper and ruined castles sit atop rocky crags. Tales of mysterious happenings here have been passed down over the generations, most famously of all the legend of the Lorelei – the maiden said to have enticed sailors onto the rocks with her irresistible songs. As the dramatic cliffs and ancient castles of the Rhine Gorge unfold around us, steaming mugs of spiced Glühwein are served on deck - a delicious concoction. It's usually made with red wine heated with citrus zest and spices such as cloves and cinnamon. Sometimes it’s drunk mit Schuss, meaning a shot of rum or brandy has been added for extra punch! Its comforting warmth and festive aroma are the perfect companion to the crisp winter air and enchanting views.The festive period is a magical time to visit this picturesque part of Germany, and no country does it better. The historic Yuletide markets here are the ideal places to soak up the spellbinding atmosphere while seeking out unusual presents for friends and family back home.After lunch on board, we arrive in Rüdesheim. The quirky, crooked houses and tiny streets provide the perfect chocolate-box setting for its Christmas market. But first you have a choice of included experiences:You could visit Siegfried’s Mechanical Music Cabinet, a fantastical adventure into the world of automatic musical instruments. See the impressive collection of fascinating musical instruments that function like computers, ranging from tiny, delicate music boxes to an enormous orchestrion.Or you might choose to travel up the hillside, above Rüdesheim's famous vineyards, in a two-seater cable car enjoying lovely views of the Rhine River and surrounding countryside. At the top the views get even better, and a stroll around the Niederwald monument – which celebrates the unification of Germany by Prussians in the 1870s - allows for a peaceful moment looking out over the town.Then wander the myriad stalls, glistening in the glow of hundreds of fairy lights, stop perhaps for a slice of gingerbread or a warming Rüdesheim coffee with its fortifying shot of locally distilled Asbach brandy and a dollop of whipped cream. And don’t forget to pay a visit to the Christmas shop: open year-round, it’s a treasure trove of all things seasonal, from tree decorations and music boxes to wooden nutcrackers and handcrafted figurines.As the evening light fades, amble back on board to enjoy a sumptuous dinner in the ship’s excellent restaurant before delighting in the upbeat sounds of Rhenish folk music and dancing with a live performance on traditional instruments.

11 December 2026

Koblenz

Rhine Gorge & Bonn - During breakfast the ship effortlessly glides out of port as we commence a spectacular morning’s cruising. One of the cruise highlights will be our return passage through the magnificent Rhine Gorge so have your camera at the ready to capture some of the most stunning river views, as the captain skilfully navigates our passage between the narrow valley sides that tower above.Enjoy another delicious lunch in the ship’s restaurant as we sail past Koblenz, dramatically situated on the confluence of the rivers Rhine and Moselle, with the impressive Ehrenbreitstein fortress towering above. We’ll soon arrive in Bonn.This afternoon there’s the opportunity to learn more about this fascinating city, which served as the capital of the West German state from 1949-1990, until the reunification of Germany which restored Berlin as the country’s capital. Whilst it lost the battle to retain the parliament, Bonn still holds the status of a secondary governmental seat, so many government ministries and public bodies still have their headquarters here. But behind its official façade lies a historic and fascinating city - we'll have a guided tour of the main sights around the old town, centred around its two spacious squares.See the city’s most prominent landmark, the soaring spire of the huge Romanesque minster, one of the oldest churches in the country and the attractive pastel pink Rococo old town hall, with its gleaming silver and gold trim, from where an endless list of politicians throughout the decades have appeared on its sweeping staircase.Bonn is also famous for being the birthplace of Ludwig van Beethoven, and the house where he was born is one of the few old buildings in the city not to have been damaged during the war. Together with the house next door, it now houses a museum dedicated to one of the greatest composers of all time.You’ll have some free time to wander the seasonal market, centred around the old town; the old town hall’s windows are transformed into a giant Advent calendar and an imposing Christmas tree takes centre stage. Classical music floats on the air, along with the delicious smells of gingerbread and baked apples – simply magical.As the fairy lights glow brighter in the cool evening air, it’s time to head back to the inviting warmth of the ship’s lounge for an aperitif before the Chef’s Dinner is served.With the ship moored here overnight, perhaps step ashore again after dinner to experience the town sparkling under its Christmas lights.

12 December 2026

Cologne

13 December 2026

Cologne

Return home

Explore MS Riviera Resplendence

Restaurant

The main restaurant offers a buffet lunch and a four-course à la carte dinner.

Our ship's main restaurant is located on the Ruby Deck, offering an exceptional service pairing seasonal menus with a glass of wine from our carefully curated wine list, including a selection of regional favourites. Our friendly and attentive staff are only too happy to help from recommendations to alternative dietary options, nothing is too much trouble. So, you can just sit back and delight in the wonderful elegance of your surroundings; beautifully laid tables of just 4 or 6 guests, crisp linen, deep wool carpets and warm wood panelling abound to offer a delectable dining experience of the highest order.

Excursions and activities

A daily programme is produced on board and delivered to your cabin each evening, detailing the following day’s activities.

On our river cruises we love to take you right into the heart of each town or city you visit along the way, and during your cruise local guides will offer a variety of guided walking tours, panoramic coach tours and/or visits to museums and local cultural favourites such as a wine tasting in Burgundy and a train journey through the Swiss mountains.

You will have a good mix of touring and free time to learn about the history and the little quirks of each place, with plenty of time to explore at your own leisure. Please check the itinerary of the cruise for more specific details.

Optional excursions

Visits to places of interest are organised for most of the days of your holiday, but it it is not compulsory that you go on all the included experiences that have been arranged.

Please note: entrance fees to museums are not usually included in the price of your holiday.

Panorama Lounge

The Diamond Deck is home to the social hub of the ship, the Panorama Lounge and Bar. From here, you can watch the waters of one of Europe's most beautiful waterways rush by and spot the small settlements that reside on the riverbank. And, after the day's adventure, you and your sun-kissed fellow travellers will congregate here to swap stories and discuss the highlights of the day, returning after dinner to enjoy a digestif and the evening's entertainment.

Fitness Centre

On the Emerald Deck is the fitness centre, perfect for working off all those delicious meals or, for something less strenuous, you could treat yourself to a relaxing massage.

The Sun Deck

Sun Deck
Plunge Pool
Sun Loungers

The Diamond Deck

Riviera Travel Riviera Resplendence Diamond Deck Plan.png

Panorama Lounge
Bar
Specialty Restaurant
Grand Suites
Superior Suites
Double Cabins

The Ruby Deck

Riviera Travel Riviera Resplendence Ruby Deck Plan.png

Main Restaurant
Lobby
Reception
Travel Desk
Shop
Superior Suites
Double Cabins
Galley
Engine Room

The Emerald Deck

Riviera Travel Riviera Resplendence Emerald Deck Plan.png

Fitness Centre
Wellness
Specialty Restaurant
Double Cabins
Engine Room

Double Cabin (Diamond Deck)

Imaginatively designed and well-appointed, our 16 square metre Double Cabins offer all the luxury you would expect to find in a smart ‘boutique style’ hotel. A full-sized double bed ensures a good night’s rest in crisp cotton linen. Double Cabins on the Diamond Deck have a French Balcony – panoramic floor-to-ceiling sliding glass doors that bring riverside life just that little closer!

Careful consideration has been given to every detail with individually controlled air-conditioning so you can set the temperature that you desire, a hairdryer, safe, minibar, telephone and the convenience of tea (our meticulous planning even extends to familiar teabags!) and coffee-making facilities ensure a familiar home from home experience.

Facilities

Individual climate control
Floor to ceiling windows with French style balcony
Twin beds which can be configured as double
Nespresso machine and tea making facilities
Ensuite bathroom with walk-in shower
Luxury toiletries: shampoo, conditioner, shower gel, body lotion, soap
Towels, bathrobes, slippers and hairdryer
UK plug sockets & 2 USB charging points
Table and chairs
Telephone, radio and flat-screen TV
Safe & mini fridge
Turn down service

Riviera Plus (2025 only)

10% off spa treatment or massage
10% off hairdresser services
Luxury toiletries
Locally inspired gifts
Bottle of champagne
10% off onboard laundry services

Indulge in the luxury of Riviera Plus when you stay in an upper deck cabin or suite. In your well-appointed cabin, you’ll find a range of extras to make your experience extra special.

Facilities

Double or Twin Configuration
Lounge Area
Shower
Toiletries Provided
TV
Coffee Machine
Safe
Hair Dryer
Telephone
Desk
Air Conditioning
Mini Bar (Additional Cost)
Free Wi-Fi

Grand Balcony Suite (Diamond Deck)

Designed for the ultimate in space and comfort, the Grand Balcony Suites are our biggest-ever cabins at an impressive 32 square metres. Whether you're relaxing in your separate living space - featuring a sofa, chair and table - or enjoying an afternoon siesta on your king-sized bed, you'll feel spoilt by all this space. The Grand Suites are finished to an exceptionally high standard with superior quality fittings in the most refined taste featuring individually controlled air conditioning, a desk, double wardrobe, hairdryer, safe, TV and telephone, and tea/coffee-making facilities are available in every room.

In addition to the indoor space, you'll also enjoy a private exterior balcony, complete with outdoor seating - the perfect place to enjoy breakfast 'al fresco', a pre-dinner 'sundown' cocktail or simply sit and watch the riverbanks glide by as we sail.

Features

Individual climate control
Floor-to-ceiling windows with outside balcony and seating
Twin beds which can be configured as king
Separate indoor seating area with sofa, table and chair
Nespresso machine and tea making facilities
Spacious ensuite bathroom with walk-in shower
Luxury toiletries: shampoo, conditioner, shower gel, body lotion, soap
Towels, bathrobes, slippers and hairdryer
UK plug sockets & 2 USB charging points
Desk & chair
Telephone, radio and flat-screen TV
Safe & mini fridge
Turn down service

Riviera Plus (2025 only)

10% off spa treatment or massage
10% off hairdresser services
Luxury toiletries
Locally inspired gifts
Bottle of champagne
10% off onboard laundry services

Indulge in the luxury of Riviera Plus when you stay in an upper deck cabin or suite. In your well-appointed cabin, you’ll find a range of extras to make your experience extra special.

Facilities

King or Twin Configuration
Lounge Area
Vanity Area
Shower
Toiletries Provided
TV
Coffee Machine
Safe
Hair Dryer
Telephone
Desk
Air Conditioning
Mini Bar (Additional Cost)
Free Wi-Fi
Suite Benefits