Christmas Markets on the Rhine 2027

This is a completely different kind of Lesbians Aboard adventure.

For the first time, we’re leaving the big cruise ships behind and taking our group to Europe for an intimate river cruise through the heart of the Rhine.

We’ll spend seven nights aboard AmaWaterways’ AmaStella, sailing from Amsterdam to Basel through the Netherlands, Germany, France and Switzerland during one of the most magical times of the year.

Along the way, we’ll visit historic European cities, storybook towns and some of the most beautiful Christmas markets in Europe, all while unpacking once and letting the Rhine take us from one destination to the next.

And with only 156 passengers on the entire ship, this will be a completely different experience from our usual ocean cruises.

• Amsterdam & Utrecht, Netherlands
We’ll begin our journey in Amsterdam before making our way to Utrecht, with canals, centuries of history and beautiful European architecture setting the stage for the week ahead.

• Düsseldorf & Cologne, Germany
Experience two of Germany’s great Rhine cities during the holiday season. Explore Düsseldorf before heading to Cologne, home to its massive Gothic cathedral and some of Germany’s most famous Christmas markets.

• Rhine Gorge & Rüdesheim, Germany
This is one of the days that makes river cruising so special. We’ll sail through the castle-lined Rhine Gorge before arriving in the winemaking town of Rüdesheim, where narrow streets, historic buildings and Christmas traditions make it feel like something straight out of a holiday movie.

• Ludwigshafen & Heidelberg, Germany
From Ludwigshafen, we’ll have the opportunity to explore historic Heidelberg, known for its beautiful Old Town, impressive castle and Christmas markets tucked among centuries-old streets and squares.

• Strasbourg, France
If you’re coming to Europe for Christmas markets, this is a big one. Strasbourg is home to one of the oldest Christmas markets in Europe, dating back to 1570. The historic city center, cathedral, lights and decorated streets have helped earn Strasbourg its reputation as the Capital of Christmas.

• Breisach & the Alsace Region
From Breisach, we’ll have opportunities to explore the surrounding region, including beautiful Alsatian towns that look like they were built specifically for Christmas. Think colorful half-timbered buildings, cobblestone streets and holiday decorations everywhere you look.

• Basel, Switzerland
Our river cruise ends in Basel, where Switzerland, France and Germany meet. Explore the historic Old Town, enjoy one more dose of European Christmas atmosphere or continue your travels from here.

If you’ve only cruised on big ocean ships, forget almost everything you know about cruising.

AmaStella carries just 156 passengers in 78 staterooms.

There are no thousands of people onboard, no massive cruise terminal and no spending half the day getting from the ship to the destination.

River ships are designed to bring you directly into the places you came to see.

Many days include guided excursions, walking tours and multiple ways to explore depending on how active you want to be. And unlike most ocean cruises, a selection of excursions is already included in your cruise fare.

You’ll spend the day exploring Europe, come back onboard for dinner and drinks, and wake up somewhere completely different the next morning.

• Anyone who has always wanted to experience Europe’s Christmas markets without packing and unpacking in a different hotel every few nights.

• Travelers who care about the destinations and want to spend their days actually exploring the cities, towns and history along the Rhine.

• Solo travelers who love the idea of exploring Europe while having a built-in community traveling alongside them.

• Couples and friends looking for something completely different from a traditional ocean cruise.

• Anyone who has been curious about river cruising and wants to experience their first one with Lesbians Aboard.

• Our first-ever Lesbians Aboard river cruise.

• Only 156 passengers on the entire AmaStella.

• Seven nights sailing the Rhine from Amsterdam to Basel.

• Four countries: the Netherlands, Germany, France and Switzerland.

• Some of Europe’s most famous Christmas markets during the heart of the holiday season.

• Included guided excursions with different options available in many destinations.

• Castle-lined scenery along the Rhine Gorge.

• A much smaller, more intimate onboard experience than our traditional ocean cruises.

• Lesbians Aboard group dinners, meetups and plenty of opportunities to experience Europe together.

• Plenty of freedom to explore on your own when you want to.

River cruising works a little differently, and a lot is already included in your fare.

• All onboard dining with regionally inspired cuisine.

• Unlimited wine, beer and soft drinks with lunch and dinner.

• A selection of guided shore excursions in every destination.

• WiFi onboard.

• Wellness activities and onboard amenities.

• Bikes available for guests who want to explore independently where available.

• Entertainment and enrichment onboard.

• And, of course, the Lesbians Aboard community traveling with you.

Exploring Europe is incredible.

Exploring it with people you already know might be even better.

Before we sail, you’ll be added to our private group chat so you can meet everyone, ask questions, talk excursions and start making connections long before we ever arrive in Amsterdam.

Throughout the week, we’ll experience Christmas markets, historic cities, castles and some seriously beautiful places together while still giving everyone the freedom to explore however they want.

Join us for everything, join us for a few things or head off and wander a Christmas market on your own.

It’s your vacation.

And there’s no additional fee to be part of Lesbians Aboard. Book your river cruise with us and you’re part of the group.

Seven nights. Four countries. Christmas markets. Castles. Cobblestone streets. And only 156 people on the entire ship.

This is going to be a very different kind of Lesbians Aboard adventure.

Because AmaStella carries just 156 passengers total, availability on this sailing is extremely limited.

Unlike our Virgin Voyages cruises, this sailing cannot be booked through a Lesbians Aboard online booking link.

To join our group, contact us directly. We’ll check the current availability, go over the available stateroom categories and pricing with you, and handle the booking with AmaWaterways.

CONTACT US TO BOOK