Riviera Travel has launched a full programme of Christmas and New Year cruises for December 2023. The launch follows the success of their 2022 festive cruises, with most departures now fully sold out.
A total of 20 voyages are available next year, on six itineraries on the Rhine and the Danube.
Guests can cruise across Christmas week, see in the New Year on celebratory sailings, or explore the Yuletide market on departures in the run-up to Christmas.
The 2023 programme, available to book now, comprises:
* The Danube’s Imperial Cities and Yuletide Markets. Eight cruises will depart, featuring guided tours of Budapest, Vienna and Bratislava. The six-day sailing is available from £949pp
* Enchanting Rhine and Yuletide Markets. Eight cruises will depart, with guided tours of Bonn, Rüdesheim, Koblenz and Cologne. The five-day sailing is available from £749pp
* Christmas on the Rhine. Sailing December 21, six visits and tours are on offer including of Koblenz, Rüdesheim, Speyer, Strasbourg, Boppard and Cologne. The eight-day sailing is available from £2099pp
* Christmas on the Blue Danube. Sailing December 22, including tours of Vienna, Salzburg or Linz, Budapest and Bratislava; and visits to Esztergom, Melk Abbey and Schönbrunn Palace. The eight-day sailing is available from £2099pp
* New Year on the Rhine. Sailing December 28, with guided tours of Rüdesheim, Frankfurt, Koblenz and Cologne. The six-day sailing is available from £1699pp
* New Year on the Danube. Sailing December 29, including guided tours of Budapest, Bratislava, Vienna and Schönbrunn Palace. The six-day sailing is available from £1699pp
The launch of the 2023 programme coincides with this year’s first festive departures, which have very limited availability left.
Prices include return flights with regional airport options available; Eurostar travel on select itineraries; full board; and scheduled visits and tours. Excursions are available in every port visited, while sailings also include onboard lectures, port talks, entertainment and authentic regional menus.
Katja Hildebrandt, head of cruise at Riviera Travel, said: “This special programme of festive river cruises provides a perfect, magical way for our guests to celebrate. Whether they’re looking for something before, during, or after Christmas to welcome in the New Year, these sailings have something for everyone.
“The Yuletide markets never fail to get our guests in the Christmas spirit, and with celebrations onboard to match via our handpicked menus and entertainment, everyone will return home with memories to last a lifetime. We’ve seen fantastic demand for our programme this year, so we’d encourage guests looking to enjoy a festive 2023 cruise to book early to avoid missing out.”
John Cassidy, a guest who recently returned from The Danube’s Imperial Cities and Yuletide Markets cruise on MS William Wordsworth, said: “Riviera Travel is a class act and a quality product. Everything is clearly stated, with no hidden extras, and is wonderful value for money. Riviera care, with everyone treated with kindness and consideration.”
