Maximize your Christmas experience by embarking at the height of the holiday market season with daily or near-daily visits to Christmas Markets.
Get "just a taste" of the holidays in mid-November or late December with visits to one or two Christmas Markets during your river cruise.
We are pleased to offer guests the opportunity to experience Floriade in 2022 while sailing along the Rhine River and Dutch and Belgian Waterways between April 14 and October 9. Right outside Amsterdam, this rare experience calls for its visitors to “explore, touch and change” as part of their journey into Floriade – which is set to feature stunning gardens, innovative sustainable gardening exhibits, live entertainment, talk shows, souvenirs and food stalls.
We invite you to join our incredible cruise on the Rhône with a Latin Touch, featuring bilingual cruise managers, daily tours with Spanish-speaking guides, Latin-inspired music nights and other distinctive elements.
Based on the overwhelmingly positive response received from the announcement of our first-ever “Soulful Experience” on the Rhône River in 2023, we are delighted to announce four new opportunities for guests to celebrate their heritage and discover Black history and culture along the rivers with us in 2024.
Join award-winning television host and travel expert, Samantha Brown, Godmother of AmaMagna, as we cruise through four countries along the Danube River. Special events and Travel Talks are included on this exclusive sailing.
We invite you to join our incredible cruise on the Danube with a Latin Touch, featuring bilingual cruise managers, daily tours with Spanish-speaking guides, Latin-inspired music nights and other distinctive elements.
Explore the rich history of classical music along the Danube River where famous composers lived, worked and performed. Plus, be treated to a variety of live performances on this melodious journey.
Based on the overwhelmingly positive response received from the announcement of our first-ever “Soulful Experience” on the Rhône River in 2023, we are delighted to announce four new opportunities for guests to celebrate their heritage and discover Black history and culture along the rivers with us in 2025
Join award-winning television host and travel expert, Samantha Brown, Godmother of AmaMagna, as we cruise through five countries along the Danube River. Special events and Travel Talks are included on this exclusive sailing.
We invite you to join our incredible cruise on the Douro with a Latin Touch, featuring bilingual cruise managers, daily tours with Spanish-speaking guides, Latin-inspired music nights and other distinctive elements.
We invite our loyal past guests to join us once again on these special Loyalty Cruises, offering unique experiences in multiple ports, commemorative gifts, and many more surprises and delights.
Imagine if there was a way to combine luxury river cruising on the Danube with the opportunity to indulge your passion and play golf? We have created the perfect package to enable you to do just that! Our exclusive Concierge Golf Programme includes 7 nights onboard one of the highest rated ships in Europe, complete with award winning cuisine, a choice of excursions in every port and our unique Twin Balconies, as well as up to 5 rounds of golf at some of the leading championship courses on the continent. Our Programme takes you straight from your ship to the course and back making your golfing experience seamless – Golf and River Cruise truly is a marriage made in heaven.
Hello! "I'm Kristin Karst, Co-Founder and Executive Vice President of AmaWaterways and I'm passionate about river cruising. Each month, I love to share with you my thoughts, personal stories, travel tips and latest news on the people and places that help turn every mile of our guests' river cruise experience into one of their most cherished memories!"
Beneath the Rhineland’s largest tree, strung with over 70,000 LED lights and set against the backdrop of the landmark Gothic Cathedral lies the Cathedral Market. Visit this yuletide splendor, that Rudolph himself would agree shines very bright, on our Christmas Markets on the Rhine itinerary.
Seven Unique Christmas Markets
The entire city of Cologne comes to life during the holiday season like a Christmas Celebration Theme Park. There are seven markets, each with a unique and fun twist, to entice visitors of all ages and backgrounds. Regional specialties like baked apples, cinnamon biscuits and mulled wine will enthrall the senses – as will a host of delicious, sugary desserts.
Christmas Market Grandeur
The largest and arguably most spectacular of the markets is the grand Cathedral Market. Centrally located in the Cathedral Square and heart of the city, there are over 150 wooden pavilions selling everything from gorgeous woodcarvings and handmade books to children’s toys and mouthwatering holiday specialties. A visit to the chocolate workshop is, of course, a delicious stop as you weave through the throng of artisans plying their craft. Over 100 performances take place throughout the season. But one of the most marvelous sights remains the beautifully lit tree, tents and Cathedral itself.
Market of Angels
Another popular Christmas Market is the one at the Neumarkt. Sometimes called the ‘Market of Angels’ or even ‘Angel’s Christmas Market,’ this is the oldest Christmas Market in Cologne. Angels dressed in white and glittering powder spread cheer as they walk past rows of charming chalets, all festively decorated with lights and holly. Santa himself makes a grand entrance once a week on horseback. Indulge in hot chocolate and eggnog and the sweet taste of nostalgia as you enjoy long traditions.
The Fabled Old Market
For a holiday-themed glimpse into Cologne folklore, look no further than the Alter Markt, also known as the Old Market. Once upon a time, Heinzelmännchen (or house gnomes) were said to have secretly done all the daily work of its inhabitants before a curious wife attempted to get a glimpse of the fabled creatures. The gnomes immediately took off, never to return. Still, Cologne continues to celebrate the legend (and perhaps hope for their return) with this market. Gnomes lurk in every nook and cranny here, in between themed alleyways of specialty foods and fashion accessories and artisanal gifts. A roundabout puppet theater and special Santa Claus Quarter are always fun to bring out the kid in everyone, no matter their age.
Pirates in the Harbour Market
One of the newer markets on the scene, the Harbour Christmas Market celebrates Cologne’s maritime presence along with the holidays. After all, tis the season to be merry, bright and seaside as you cruise from port to port. An impressive three-mast wooden boat 50 feet wide and docked in the harbor serves mulled wine specialties out of its hull. Nearby, 70 festively decorated pagoda tents with pointed, billowed roofs further embrace the sea-loving spirit, reminding you of the planks and sails of a ship. “Rhine Pirates” wander through the park, delighting guests with sailor’s yarns and pirate juggling – as other entertainers sing sea shanties along with traditional German Christmas songs.
Embracing Love on Christmas Avenue
Launched in 2012, Christmas Avenue is another relative yuletide newbie and is the perfect way to rock the holiday in LGBT and old German style. Pink, purple and sometimes glittering chalets celebrate the season here in the Deutschland LGBT capitol. An estimated 10% of the population is gay in Cologne and the annual festival is located in the heart of the gay district. Always fun, loud and sensational, this is a market like no other. Along with some more traditional gifts, you’ll also find pink nutcrackers and purple pottery to get you in the festive spirit.
Markets from a Storybook
The idyllic market on the Stadtgarten, full of unusual holiday trinkets, and the charming Rudolfplatz are other fun spots. A small train, the Christmas-Market-Express drives through streets of the old city and links visitors to four of the major markets.
Experience Cologne's most festive season of the year when sailing on our Christmas Markets on the Rhine river cruise.