Castles of the Rhine River All-Gay Cruise 2025 - Happy Gay Travel

Castles of the Rhine River
All-Gay Cruise 2025

July 7 – 16, 2025

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Castles of the Rhine River All-Gay Cruise 2025

9 nights from Basel, Switzerland to Amsterdam, Netherlands

July 7 – 16, 2025
Lüftner Cruises Amadeus Queen

Amsterdam Rhine Gay Cruise An all-inclusive 7-night deluxe all-gay Rhine river cruise featuring 2 pre-cruise nights in Switzerland's cultural capital Basel. We are proud to offer a unique river cruise experience unlike any you’ll find on the rivers of Europe today. With this all-LGBT+ full cruise charter on the Amadeus Queen, you will be pampered by a crew of forty in an atmosphere of total relaxation. We’ve created an itinerary that includes three countries: Switzerland, Germany, and The Netherlands.

Embark on an enchanting journey through the heart of Europe, where each city is a hidden gem waiting to be uncovered on your unforgettable Rhine River cruise.

Our adventure begins in the picturesque Basel, Switzerland, setting the stage for a voyage filled with awe and wonder. Glide along the timeless waters, discovering the charm of Strasbourg, the history of Speyer, the allure of Ruedesheim, the enchantment of Koblenz, and the vibrancy of Cologne.

Finally, bask in the allure of the bustling metropolis that is Amsterdam. Join us as we unveil the undiscovered beauty of these captivating cities, creating memories that will linger in your heart forever

Marvel at romantic castles perched upon mountains and impressive cliffs that rise to meet the sky, combined with cosmopolitan cities and quaint winegrowing villages, all in one journey. Enjoy the picturesque landscapes along the Rhine as you allow yourself to relax and drift through the centuries of history.

Discover the many beautiful facets of “Father Rhine” during this week long cruise along one of the most important and attractive rivers of Europe.

Castles of the Rhine River Gay Cruise Highlights

• Explore Basel, Switzerland, widely regarded as Switzerland's cultural capital

• Visit the French wine region of Strasbourg with a canal boat tour

• Enjoy Speyer with a visit to the Speyer Cathedral, a UNESCO World Heritage Site

• In Mannheim, visit the picturesque Heidelberg with Castle Ruins

• Sail past Castles and the Lorelei Rock along the Rhine Gorge

• Experience Koblenz with a walking tour that includes the Ehrenbreitstein Fortress

• Enjoy Cochem and the Reichsburg Castle

• Visit Cologne with a walking tour and Kölsch tasting

• See the Amsterdam waterways and villages of Amsterdam as well as the city

Castles of the Rhine River Gay Cruise Inclusions

• FROM THE TIME YOU LAND UNTIL YOU LEAVE, NEARLY EVERYTHING IS INCLUDED.

• Guaranteed all-LGBT+ charter

• Two nights in beautiful Basel, Switzerland

• Tour of Basel including the Muenster Cathedral, and beautiful old town

• 7 nights cruise accommodation

• Canal Boat Tour of Strasbourg, France

• Walking Tour of Speyer, Germany where you'll see the Imperial Cathedral

• Daytime cruising through the Rhine Gorge past Castles and Lorelei Rock

• Complimentary shore excursions offered daily including tours of Mannheim, Ruedesheim, Koblenz, Cochem, Cologne and Amsterdam

• Complimentary beer, wine, spirits and non-alcoholic beverages throughout the cruise

• Superb Dining: all meals included during your cruise

• Brand g signature entertainment

• Arrival and Departure airport transfers in Basel and Amsterdam

Your Ship - Amadeus Queen

The Amadeus Queen is the 15th river cruise ship of the Austrian ship operator, Luftner Cruises. Similar to its predecessors, this ship continues with the company’s orientation to high quality river cruises in Europe.

This vessel follows the award-winning model of the AMADEUS Silver ships but offers even further innovative developments. The popular concept of spaciousness has been maintained. This includes not only generous public areas but also spacious cabins: 12 large suites impress with an outdoor balcony and a cozy reading corner whilst the 69 standard cabins mainly have panoramic window fronts which can be automatically lowered and luxurious bathrooms.

The on-board highlight is the indoor pool, the roof of which can be opened in fine weather. In the evenings, this area may also be used for informative talks, functions and cinema showings.

All deluxe cabins and suites are equipped with comfortable, spacious bathrooms, an infotainment system, a flat screen television, a telephone, a cabin safe, a minibar and individually adjustable air conditioning. The suites also have an accessible outdoor balcony with a seating area.

Indoor Pool
The new on-board highlight is the indoor pool, the roof of which can be opened in fine weather. In the evenings, this area may also be used for informative talks, functions and cinema showings.

River Terrace
The ship’s exclusive “River Terrace” open-air lounge is in the bow and its specially designed glazing provides an incomparable view of the passing riverside scenery while simultaneously providing protection against wind and rain.

AMADEUS Club
The AMADEUS Club is the perfect place in which to share the pleasures of the day with a glass of wine in the evening and relax to the gentle sounds of jazz or classics.

Entertainment
On a Brand g European river cruise, every night is opening night. Our cruises always include two featured Signature Entertainers who provide nightly entertainment throughout the cruise.

Mövenpick Basel Hotel

The Mövenpick Hotel Basel is the perfect place for an inspiring stay in Basel. Conveniently located in the city centre of Basel, this sustainably constructed hotel offers an elegant place for rest and relaxation. Interior designer Matteo Thun is responsible for the warm and cosy atmosphere in our 260 hotel rooms and suites with modern comfort and spectacular view.

Mövenpick Hotel Basel features a fitness center, terrace, a restaurant and bar in Basel. This 4-star hotel offers room service, a 24-hour front desk and free WiFi. The property is non-smoking throughout and is located a 11-minute walk from Basel Zoological Garden.

At the hotel, all rooms are equipped with a desk, a flat-screen TV, a private bathroom, bed linen and towels. Mövenpick Hotel Basel provides some units with city views, and the rooms have a coffee machine. All guest rooms feature a safety deposit box.

Frequently Asked Questions

When should I schedule my flights?
Arrival: You should schedule your flights to arrive in Basel (BSL) on or before July 7th. The first scheduled activity will be a welcome cocktail reception at 5:30pm that day.
Departure: You should plan to fly home from Amsterdam (AMS) on July 16th anytime. We disembark from the river boat by 10am.
The boat is docked in Amsterdam overnight from the 15th, and therefore you may disembark as early as necessary to catch a morning flight. All guests to disembark by 10:00am.

What arrival and departure transfers are included?
Arrival transfers are provided from the Basel Airport (BSL) or local train stations to the Host Hotel.
Departure transfers are provided from the ship to the Amsterdam Airport (AMS).
If you extend your stay at a property in Amsterdam, you will be provided with a departure transfer from the ship to the hotel.

What should I expect on the included shore excursions?
Excursions during your travel program are mostly in groups of 25 people led by expert English speaking local guides. Utilizing wireless audio guides enables you to hear every word of your travel guide at absolutely all times. It provides maximum flexibility and convenience without missing a moment of fascinating commentary and is compatible with hearing aids.

What if I have dietary requirements?
We will make every effort to accommodate special dietary requests. Please inform us at least 45 days prior to departure of these requests.

Is there a dress code?
You are on vacation as the last thing we want to impose is a dress code. We will however appreciate you wearing more than a thong or mankini at dinner and in the bar/performance area. Be as dressed up or down as you see fit as long as you are comfortable and dress appropriately for changeable weather.

Will there be smoking areas?
The comfort and safety of our guests is our first priority. Smoking is not permitted in the suites or enclosed, public areas on board. There is a designated smoking area on the Sun Deck. Land properties will have designated smoking areas.

What weather can I expect from this trip?
Europe is at the peak of the summer heat. The days can reach the high 70s and the evenings are in generally in the 50s. On the river can make it feel a little cooler, so don’t forget a shawl or light jacket.

Castles of the Rhine River All-Gay Cruise 2025 Itinerary
Date	Port	Meals
07 July	Basel, Switzerland	R
08 July	Basel, Switzerland	B
09 July	Basel, Switzerland / Embarkation	B, L, D
10 July	Strasbourg, France	B, L, D
11 July	Speyer / Mannheim, Germany	B, L, D
12 July	Ruedesheim / Koblenz, Germany	B, L, D
13 July	Koblenz / Cochem, Germany	B, L, D
14 July	Cologne, Germany	B, L, D
15 July	Amsterdam, Netherlands	B, L, D
16 July	Amsterdam, Netherlands	B

Day 1 - Basel, Switzerland
Arrive in Basel and transfer to your host hotel.

Meet your fellow guests at welcome gathering at approximately 5:30pm this evening.
Welcome Reception

Day 2 - Basel, Switzerland
Following an included breakfast at the hotel, enjoy a city tour of the highlights of Basel, including the Basel Münster (big church), town hall, market place, the oldest hotel in Switzerland (3kings).
After the tour, you can enjoy the remainder of the day at leisure exploring the beautiful city of Basel independently.
Breakfast

Day 3 - Basel, Switzerland / Embarkation
Today, following breakfast we’ll set off for a tour across the border to Germany’s Black Forest. Today’s tour includes a visit to the Rothaus Brewery, where you’ll have the chance to partake in some of their famous beer.
After, enjoy an included lunch at the brewery before we depart for a scenic drive through the famed Black Forest enroute to the Amadeus Queen. Once onboard the attentive staff will welcome you and get you checked in to your stateroom, where your luggage will already be waiting for you. Take some time to refresh, unpack, and explore the ship before your official welcome cocktail and a festive welcome dinner.
Tonight, regale in Brand g Signature Entertainment before turning in.
Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

Day 4 - Strasbourg, France
Tour of Alsace – Morning
On this tour you will drive through picturesque landscape, romantic wine villages and parts of the famous wine route. One stop will be at a local winery, where you can try some of the wines during a wine tasting. Also you will drive to the beautiful village Obernai. During a stroll through this idyllic Alsatian town, steeped in rich history you will get to know the charm of its traditional half-timbered houses, its Belfry and its town center.
Walking Grade 2/5: Easy amount of walking which may include stairs and uneven surfaces.
Duration approx: 4 hours

Tour of Strasbourg with canal boat tour – Afternoon
Enjoy a discovery tour through the beautiful city of Strasbourg. After a short coach trip through the city, the tour continues with a walk through the lovely, historic old part of the town and includes a visit to the famous cathedral Straßburger Münster. During a boat cruise on the river, discover the famous quarter, “Petite France.” This former mill and tanner district still maintains its medieval charm. Some of the beautiful, half-timbered houses on the banks of the river Ill are up to 500 years old. You will enjoy Strasbourg’s half-timbered houses, the Ponts Couverts, the Palais de Rohan, the Council of Europe and all the other wonders that Strasbourg holds in store for you.
Walking Grade 2/5: Easy amount of walking which may include stairs and uneven surfaces.
Duration approx: 4 hours

Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

Day 5 - Speyer / Mannheim, Germany
Tour of Speyer – Morning
Speyer, the time-honored imperial city on the Rhine, looks back on a rich and eventful past. Historic testimonies of ecclesiastical architecture, impressive facades of different building epochs, winding alleys and romantic squares characterize the face of the city today. During the city tour enjoy a short guided tour of the Romanesque Imperial cathedral with its striking twin-towered portal, and visit to the beautiful baroque Church of the Holy Spirit, the Old Gate of Speyer and a visit to the medieval Judenhof, one of the most important Jewish medieval sites in Germany. The Jewish community had a storied history in Speyer reaching back over 1,000 years. View the remains of the Jewish courtyard, which was the central area of the Jewish quarter and consisted of the synagogues, and a ritual bath (Mikveh).
Walking Grade 4/5: Moderate walking including stairs and uneven surfaces.
Duration approx: 2.5 hours

Tour of Mannehim – Afternoon
A comfortable coach will take you to the Heidelberg, the world famous University City on the Neckar River. The town is one of the few German cities with a widely preserved baroque Old Town. Heidelberg was discovered quite early by romantics to use for diverse literature, songs and paintings. The tour through Heidelberg begins with a visit to the castle. The formerly splendid residence made of red sandstone has been a ruin, maybe the most beautiful ruin in all of Germany. The castle tour leads also into the castle garden. From the grand Terrace you will have a wonderful view of the city and the Neckar River. The tour continues with a stroll through the enchanting old town, to the Karl-Theodor Bridge, the late gothic Church of the Holy Spirit and the town hall.
Walking Grade 3/5: Moderate amount of walking which will include stairs and uneven surfaces.
Duration approx: 4.5 hours

Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

Day 6 - Ruedesheim / Koblenz, Germany
Tour of Ruedesheim – Morning
Enjoy an unforgettable tram ride on the Winzerexpress and discover the beauty of the Rhine Valley. Visit a typical winery and taste different wines of the region. Afterwards, stroll along the famous Drosselgasse, which is a narrow cobblestone street, first mentioned in the 15th century as an alley used by the Rhine boatmen to reach their homes. Here you can still find numerous half-timbered wine houses, restaurants and shops. Immerse yourself in the history of the village before returning to the ship on the Winzerexpress.
Walking Grade 4/5: Moderate walking including stairs and uneven surfaces.
Duration approx: 2 hours

Tour of Koblenz – Afternoon
Discover Koblenz, one of the most beautiful and oldest cities in Germany with more than 2,000 years of history. During a walking tour in the romantic side streets between the Basilica of St. Kastor and the Church of Our Lady, view the most important sights of Koblenz. Continue your excursion by cable car, built for the International Garden Show, high above the Rhine to the impressively situated Ehrenbreitstein Fortress. Ehrenbreitstein Fortress is the second largest preserved fortress in Europe. The fortress dates back to 1000 CE and evolved to its present form between 1817 and 1828. Today, the fortress houses the Koblenz State Museum with its diverse exhibitions including the history of the fortress, the Army Memorial and a youth hostel.
Walking Grade 5/5: Hard amount of walking will include stairs and uneven surfaces.
Duration approx: 3 hours

Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

Day 7 - Koblenz / Cochem, Germany
Enjoy scenic cruising along the river.

Tour of Cochem – Afternoon
Located along the beautiful Moselle wine valley, the harmonious triad of unique Moselle landscape, millenia-old wine culture and history makes Cochem a popular destination. Discover the town with its narrow, winding streets during a city tour. Next visit the Reichsburg castle with its imposing complex which dominates the area landscape due to its size and its location on a rugged rock high above the town.

Enjoy the impressive view from the castle of the Moselle valley with its dreamy mixed forests and vineyards, as well as the old town. Inside the castle you will find a collection of Renaissance and Baroque furniture, as well as other treasures, carefully collected by the Ravene family who owned the castle until 1978, when it was turned over to the town of Cochem, for all to enjoy.
Walking Grade 4/5: Moderate walking including stairs and uneven surfaces.
Duration approx: 3 hours

Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

Day 8 - Cologne, Germany
Tour of Cologne – Morning
The morning is dedicated to the fascinating cathedral city of Cologne, which has over a million inhabitants. You can expect a young, vibrant metropolis with a rich cultural history and world-famous sights, in particular the Cologne Cathedral. The cathedral city dates back over 2,000 years and is full of history, the traces of which can be seen everywhere in the Rhine region. during the walking tour, explore the area around the cathedral all the way to the old town. As you travel through the narrow, cobbled streets, and the lively squares such as the Alter Markt or the Heumarkt, you will get a feel for life in Cologne from yesterday and today. Since its completion in 1880, the Cologne Cathedral with its two 515ft high towers has been the city’s landmark, as well as the most famous architectural monument and most frequently visited sight in Germany. As your excursion concludes, we invite you to enjoy a glass of typical Kölsch, which is the number one beer in Cologne and large parts of the Rhineland.
Walking Grade 4/5: Moderate walking including stairs and uneven surfaces.
Duration approx: 2.5 hours

Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Rhine gay cruise - Amsterdam, Netherlands

Day 9 - Amsterdam, The Netherlands
By breakfast you will have crossed yet another country border to arrive in the Dutch city of Amsterdam, the capital of the Netherlands. Founded as a small fishing village in the late 12th century, Amsterdam became one of the most important ports in the world during the Dutch Golden Age as the result of its innovative developments in trade. Today, the city has one of the largest historic centers in Europe, with about 7,500 registered historic buildings. The street pattern is largely unchanged since the 19th century. The center consists of 90 islands, linked by 400 bridges. On the city tour through the Dutch metropolis, you will see the Royal Palace, numerous canals and the Museum Quarter. As there is no better way to see the city than cruising on the water, the tour will end by a canal cruise boat trip.
Walking Grade 3/5: Moderate amount of walking which will include stairs and uneven surfaces.
Duration approx: 4 hours

The vessel remains in Amsterdam overnight.
Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

Day 10 - Amsterdam, The Netherlands
Today we disembark and Transfer to the Amsterdam airport or stay an additional day or two and experience one of Europe’s most fun city’s.
Considered the gay capital of Europe and the birthplace of gay rights, Amsterdam is naturally one of the top destinations for gay tourism. There is a strong LGBT community, and numerous gay-owned or gay-friendly hotels, nightclubs and cafés. Nowhere else in the world will you find so many gay attractions per square meter as in the city centre of Amsterdam. The city is home to a plethora of gay clubs and bars that will suit all tastes and interests. Reguliersdwarsstraat is the most popular gay district in Amsterdam.
For those want to remain additional post hotel nights available upon request.
Breakfast