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Christmas Magic Along the Rhine Gay River Cruise 2027
7 nights from Düsseldorf, Germany to Basel, Switzerland
December 20 – 27, 2027
Viva Cruises MS Viva Moments
 All Aboard for a Big Gay Christmas on the Rhine in 2027! For many, Christmas is all about family, so we’re inviting you to come be part of ours in 2027 aboard our Christmas Magic Along the Rhine river cruise from December 20–27, 2027. Germany is famous for its beautiful Christmas markets, and we’ll be visiting many as we sail down the Rhine from Düsseldorf. The 8-day journey winds through Germany into Switzerland and France, dropping anchor in storybook towns with wow-worthy winter landscapes.
We’ll stop in Andernach, Koblenz, Cochem, Winningen, Rüdesheim, Speyer (where we’ll spend Christmas Eve under its illuminated Imperial Cathedral), Strasbourg, and Breisach. Expect Christmas markets, vineyard views, half-timbered houses, castles, cathedrals, and plenty of cheer.
And to help summon that Christmas spirit, you’ll have access to as many spirits (or whatever your beverage of choice is) through a completely open bar, plus all meals with multi-course gourmet menus, high tea, and all shore excursions included.
So, don’t wait, book your place, and come celebrate Christmas 2027 with us as part of our big gay family!
Spend Christmas Eve in Speyer!
The festive river cruise begins in Düsseldorf, where Christmas lights adorn the Königsallee and old town. Sailing south along the Rhine, the ship reaches Andernach, a town of medieval walls and the famous cold-water geyser. Winter landscapes of vineyards and forests create a serene backdrop.
In Koblenz, where Rhine and Moselle meet, the Ehrenbreitstein Fortress overlooks a city glowing with Christmas markets. The Moselle leads to Cochem, crowned by the fairy-tale Reichsburg Castle and half-timbered houses strung with festive lights.
The journey continues to Winningen, surrounded by steep vineyards, before arriving in Rüdesheim, where the Drosselgasse sparkles with music, wine, and holiday cheer.
On Christmas Eve, the ship reaches Speyer. The illuminated Imperial Cathedral and festive atmosphere make this evening truly unforgettable.
Next is Strasbourg, famed for its cathedral, half-timbered houses, and enchanting Christmas market. Further south lies Breisach, with its hilltop church and views of the Kaiserstuhl. The cruise ends in Basel, where art, culture, and a decorated old town provide the perfect festive finale.
Christmas Done VIP Style on MS Viva Moments
Your Christmas home away from home, MS Viva Moments, is a study in elegance and luxury, so those joining our Christmas Magic Along the Rhine river cruise can expect the VIP treatment they deserve. With just 88 cabins and space for up to 176 passengers, the ship offers a more intimate river cruise experience without sacrificing comfort. You’ll enjoy gourmet dining in the main RIVERSIDE restaurant, a more casual dinner at VIVA’s Bistro, and post-dinner drinks in the panoramic lounge that looks lifted directly from Titanic (this one won’t sink, though).
Cabins are pure swank and include your very own stocked minibar, Nespresso machine, RITUALS bath products, flat-screen TV, air conditioning, and a floor-to-ceiling window to take in shoreside beauty as it glides past.
Between ports, you can unwind in the whirlpool, try the putting green, or visit the fitness center to work off all that Christmas turkey and champagne you’ll get for free. Basically, it’s Christmas comfort with a serious upgrade. Act now and you’ll be all set to join us as we end our 2027 with festive, fabulous style.
Highlights of the Viva Moments
• Cosy lounge
• Main restaurant "RIVERSIDE" with flexible dining times and free choice of seats
• "VIVA's Bistro" as an alternative to the main restaurant with classic dishes for dinner
• Fitness centre with treadmill, bicycle and weights
• Whirlpool and putting green on the sun deck
• Free rental bicycles
• Lift between Ruby and Diamond Deck (6 steps to Emerald Deck and Sun Deck)
Our Viva All-Inclusive
• All meals onboard including breakfast buffet, lunch, dinner (multi-course gourmet menus, served at the table) and snacks with free choice of table and flexible meal times.
• Welcome Aboard cocktail reception & Captain's Farewell gala dinner.
• Non-alcoholic beverages including mineral water, soft drinks, juices, a variety of coffee specialities, tea, cocoa.
• All-day selection of alcoholic beverages (sparkling wine, Aperol, white wine, red wine, rosé, champagne, various beers, long drinks, cocktails, spirits, liqueurs).
• High Tea: once per cruise a fine selection of sweet and savory delicacies for example scones, sandwiches, cupcakes, chocolates, macarons and diverse teas.
• Well-stocked minibar in the cabin
• Welcome bottle of sparkling wine
• Reusable water bottle
• All gratuities and WI-FI
• Complimentary state-of-the-art audio headsets for all optional shore excursions.
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Rhine Christmas
Gay River Cruise 2027
Itinerary
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Date |
Port |
Arrive |
Depart |
| 20 Dec |
Düsseldorf, Germany |
|
5 PM |
| 21 Dec |
Andernach, Germany |
5:30 AM |
11:30 AM |
| 21 Dec |
Koblenz, Germany |
1:30 PM |
11:30 PM |
| 22 Dec |
Cochem, Germany |
7:30 AM |
2:30 PM |
| 22 Dec |
Winningen, Germany |
8 PM |
|
| 23 Dec |
Winningen, Germany |
|
4:30 AM |
| 23 Dec |
Rüdesheim, Germany |
1:30 PM |
8:30 PM |
| 24 Dec |
Speyer, Germany
Christmas Eve |
8 AM |
11:30 PM |
| 25 Dec |
Strasbourg, France
Christmas Day |
12 PM |
|
| 26 Dec |
Strasbourg, France |
|
5 AM |
| 26 Dec |
Breisach, Germany
Boxing Day |
1 PM |
10 PM |
| 27 Dec |
Basel, Switzerland |
6 AM |
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Day 1 - Düsseldorf, Germany
Düsseldorf blends tradition with modern style, from the historic Old Town and its 250+ pubs to the striking architecture of Medienhafen. Stroll along Königsallee, browse local markets, or relax by the Rhine promenade, all while soaking up the city’s art, culture, shopping, and famous Altbier.
Day 2 - Andernach & Koblenz, Germany
Andernach is a historic Rhine town known for its medieval walls, towers, and the world’s tallest cold-water geyser.
In Koblenz, the Rhine and Moselle meet at the famous Deutsches Eck, home to the imposing Kaiser Wilhelm Monument. Ride the cable car up to Ehrenbreitstein Fortress for sweeping views over the city and both rivers.
Day 3 - Cochem & Winningen, Germany
Cochem charms with its riverside setting, vineyard-covered hills, cobblestone Old Town, and hilltop Reichsburg Castle overlooking the Moselle.
Nearby Winningen is a picturesque wine village surrounded by steep vineyards, offering a quieter glimpse of the Moselle Valley’s scenic beauty.
Overnight in Winningen
Day 4 - Rüdesheim, Germany
Rüdesheim is a picturesque Rhine wine town famous for lively Drosselgasse, lined with wine taverns and traditional houses. Take the cable car up to the Niederwald Monument for sweeping views across the Rhine and surrounding vineyards.
Day 5 - Speyer, Germany - Christmas Eve
Speyer is a 2,000-year-old city on the Rhine dominated by its impressive red sandstone cathedral and imperial crypt. Most major sights are clustered in the walkable Old Town, alongside plenty of cafes and restaurants.
Day 6 - Strasbourg, France - Christmas Day
Strasbourg charms with colorful half-timbered houses, canals, and its magnificent Gothic cathedral. Wander through La Petite France, stop for tarte flambée, or climb the cathedral tower for views toward the Vosges and Black Forest.
Day 7 - Breisach, Germany
Breisach combines historic charm with striking landmarks, including St. Stephen’s Cathedral and the Rheintor museum. Its churches, old streets, and cultural sights make it an easy place to explore on foot.
Day 8 - Basel, Switzerland & Departure
Basel blends centuries of history with bold modern architecture at the crossroads of Switzerland, Germany, and France. Highlights include Basel Cathedral, the Rhine, the Red Town Hall, Spalentor, and around 40 museums.
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