27 Jun 2025
Christmas Markets, Elevated: Riverside Offers a Fresh Take on a Festive Tradition

Trailblaze Communications

Denver, June 2025 – River cruising has quickly become a favorite way to explore Europe's historic Christmas markets—offering the ease of visiting multiple destinations without the packing or hotel hopping. Setting themselves apart, Riverside Luxury Cruises is redefining what that experience can look like with the luxury traveler in mind. With all-suite accommodations, butler service for all guests, and a culinary program that rivals the finest restaurants ashore, Riverside brings a new level of luxury, intimacy and personalization to the festive season on the rivers.

“Our holiday sailings on the Rhine and Danube rivers offer an elevated way to experience the season—rooted in regional tradition, but delivered with Riverside's signature level of luxury,” says Jennifer Halboth, CEO of Riverside Luxury Cruises North America. “From personalized service and curated excursions to cuisine that reflects the flavors of each stop, we've reimagined the Christmas market cruise for discerning travelers.”

Following is a few reasons why Riverside's Christmas Market sailings stand out from the crowd:

Flexible Itineraries That Fit the Season

With so much taking place on the home front, finding time for an extended vacation during the winter holidays can be challenging. Riverside is one of the few lines to offer 3- and 4-night sailings, making a European Christmas market experience surprisingly accessible. For travelers with more time, the line offers itineraries ranging from 7- to 16-nights. Whether it's a quick holiday escape or a longer celebration, guests can see more in less time without sacrificing comfort.

All-Inclusive, No-Stress Luxury

Riverside keeps holiday travel refreshingly effortless, with fine dining, top-shelf beverages, guided excursions, and wellness amenities all included. With no surprise costs or added planning, it's luxury that feels intuitive—just when travelers need it most.

A Culinary Program That Rivals the Destinations

While the gingerbread and glühwein on shore are certainly worth sampling, the cuisine on board is just as memorable. Riverside's award-winning culinary program emphasizes seasonal ingredients, local inspiration, and restaurant-quality execution—served in beautifully designed spaces with panoramic river views. A sommelier onboard every ship ensures guests will always find the perfect wine pairing.

Iconic Markets, Intimate Moments

Riverside's holiday cruises strike a rare balance: guests visit iconic markets in grand capitals like Vienna and Budapest while also discovering the storybook beauty of lesser-known towns like Koblenz, Germany and Krems, Austria. Each market brings its own regional flair—from bratwurst and roasted chestnuts to delicate pastries and spiced sweets—offering a delicious and immersive taste of local culture at every stop.

Spacious, Serene, and Designed for Fewer Guests

With one of the highest space-to-guest ratios on Europe's rivers, Riverside ships offer a relaxed atmosphere more akin to a private villa than a cruise ship. Elegant lounges, a chic atelier space, and expansive top decks allow for quiet moments between bustling market visits. Each suite features a river-view French balcony, king-sized bed, and dedicated butler, delivering personalized service shaped to every guest's preference.

 

About Riverside Luxury Cruises

Riverside Luxury Cruises is Europe's newest and most luxurious river cruise line offering distinctive vacations on the Rhine, Rhône, Danube, Moselle, and Main rivers. The all-suites Riverside Mozart, Riverside Ravel, and Riverside Debussy offer the largest average suite size, all with king-size beds, highest staff-to-guest ratio, and up to five onboard restaurants. Guests can choose active tours from a menu of Riverside Choice excursions; take out a pedal- or e-bike, stored on board, for self-guided exploration; and bask in a rejuvenating treatment in the onboard FEHI Spa. On all itineraries, the ships stay late or overnight in some of Europe's most captivating towns and cities, so guests can immerse in authentic cultures and the destination's social life. Throughout, every member of Riverside's exceptional staff and crew deliver intuitive and personalized service for an all-inclusive and luxurious experience. 

 

On board, guests enjoy butler service in every suite; gourmet cuisine made with high-quality, fresh ingredients a la minute; included premium wines and spirits; complimentary StarLink broadband Wi-Fi; unlimited shore excursions to immerse in Europe's history, cultures and landmarks; prepaid gratuities; and complimentary ground transfers. Riverside Luxury Cruises is a winner in Travel + Leisure's World's Best Awards for 2024 and Cruise Critic's 2023 and 2024 Editors' Pick Award for Best Dining in the River Category. 

 

More information is available by calling 833-305-3313 or visiting www.Riverside-Cruises.com. Travel advisors can register and book their luxury clients through the brand's dedicated partner portal at www.Riverside-Cruises.com/TA.

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