Christmas Rhine & Dutch Waterways Cruise

December 2022

7 days from £795pp

Enjoy a Christmas with a difference and join our leisurely cruise along the Rhine and Dutch waterways, where memories of last-minute shopping and endless cooking will soon fade away.

See the spectacular festive displays in Cologne
Tuck into a delicious Christmas Eve dinner before midnight mass
Enjoy a traditional Christmas Day lunch on board in Nijmegen
Explore the Dutch town of Willemstad and Rotterdam

We’ve taken care of all the traditions for this magical time of year – the ship is seasonally decorated, there’s a mountain of delicious festive food, a fun-filled programme of entertainment and with the ship’s friendly crew at your service throughout, all that’s left for you to do is relax and enjoy yourself – yule love it!

Day 1: UK – Cologne
We travel to the vibrant city of Cologne and board our ship for a relaxing evening.
Day 2 Christmas Eve: Cologne – Düsseldorf
This morning enjoy some free time exploring the beautiful city of Cologne with its spectacular cathedral and unique festive atmosphere, before we depart for an early afternoon sailing to Düsseldorf. Divided by the Rhine, Düsseldorf’s old town sits on one side of the river and its modern city is situated on the other. This evening we gather together for a Christmas Eve dinner, after which our Cruise Manager will accompany anyone who wants to attend midnight mass at the local church. We berth overnight in Düsseldorf.
Day 3 Christmas Day: Düsseldorf – Nijmegen
Merry Christmas! This morning we set sail and cruise to Nijmegen which is the oldest city in the Netherlands and nestles on the banks of the Waal River. After a traditional British Christmas lunch, you are free to relax on board or join our Cruise Manager for a walk through the old town which takes you on a journey through time, starting from when the Romans first settled here. We return to the ship later this afternoon where you are free to enjoy a relaxing evening as we spend the night in Nijmegen.
Day 4 Boxing Day: Nijmegen – Gorinchem
Boxing Day takes us to the quaint Harbour town of Gorinchem. Here you are free to relax onboard MPS Calypso, or you can explore the harbour, the town’s pretty square and church, accompanied by our Cruise Manager. This evening relax on board as we berth overnight in Gorinchem.
Day 5: Gorinchem - Willemstad
This morning we cruise to Willemstad, where we arrive mid-afternoon. Here you are free to explore this waterfront city at leisure. Why not visit the harbour, surrounded by pretty cafes and restaurants, or admire the picturesque streets lined with quaint houses. Willemstad is also home to a number of significant historical sites from events that shaped the Netherlands, including the Mauritshuis (Maurits House) and Koepelkerk (domed church). We berth overnight in Willemstad.
Day 6: Willemstad - Rotterdam
Our final port of call is Rotterdam, where we arrive early this afternoon. Known as ‘Manhattan on the Meuse’ because of its impressive skyline and cutting-edge architecture, Rotterdam is the second largest city in Holland. Join our optional panoramic city tour by coach, where you will see highlights including the Market Hall, Central Station, the Euromast and finally the famous Cube Houses. We end our tour at the SS Rotterdam hotel ship for afternoon tea in a private lounge. Alternatively, why not explore the city on foot where you can visit the iconic Erasmus Bridge or head to the Museum Boijmans Van Beuningen to admire the work of some of the world’s finest painters. Enjoy a relaxing final evening on board as we berth overnight in Rotterdam.
Day 7: Rotterdam – UK
This morning we bid farewell to our captain and crew and disembark for the return journey to the UK.

Listed below are our flexible travel options that give you the choice of different ways to travel to your cruise.

South East - coach via Dover

Picture of - South East - coach via Dover

For those who live in the South East, you can join our coach from one of over 30 complimentary pick up points. You can also make your own way to Dover, where parking is available.

Alternatively, travel the day before your departure and enjoy an overnight stay, with complimentary parking for the duration of your cruise, before being collected after breakfast the following morning. We also offer complimentary transfers from central London, to our overnight hotels, for those who wish to make their own arrangements by train or coach.

Meet us at the ship

For complete flexibility, make your own transport arrangements to and from the ship. We will provide you with times and locations as well as some useful information for you to make your own arrangements to join your cruise.

If you require any further information to assist with your travel plans, please contact our Holiday Advisors who will be happy to help.

Central London FREE Shuttle Service

Picture of - Central London FREE Shuttle Service

Travel independently to Central London the day before your cruise and take advantage of our complimentary shuttle to Ashford for an overnight stay. Our coach will then collect you after breakfast the following morning.

Pick ups are available from London Euston, Kings Cross, Liverpool Street, Paddington Station, Waterloo, St Pancras and Victoria Coach Station.

Call our friendly Holiday Advisors for me information.

Join at Port

You can choose from a wider choice of departure points if you join at the departure port. Leave your car in a secure car park, close to the port of departure and be collected/returned by our coach.

Car parking at Dover Eastern Docks is £9 per day, we can pre-book parking for you at Dover.
Newcastle £12 per day, Hull £8 per day, payable upon departure from the car park.

Please speak to our Holiday Advisors for more information.

Overnight hotel in Dover or Ashford

Picture of - Overnight hotel in Dover or Ashford

For an even more relaxed start to your European holiday, why not stay overnight in Dover or nearby Ashford the night before your cruise from only £65pp? All our quoted prices include car parking for one vehicle for the duration of your cruise and cooked breakfast the following morning. Our coach will collect you and return you to the hotel on its way to/from the port of Dover. And if you don’t want that holiday feeling to end, why not do the same on your return journey?

Overview

Captain Wido and Arena River Cruises are thrilled to introduce you to the newest addition to our fleet: the MPS Calypso, which sails along the Dutch and German Waterways.

See more Ship info