Germany Christmas Markets All-Lesbian Main River Cruise 2026
December 2 – 8, 2026
Avalon Waterways Avalon Panorama
Sleigh bells ringing, beautiful lights glistening on pristine snow, mulled wine for your drinking, and holiday music and singing...these are a few of the favorite things you will experience on this beautiful Christmas Market River cruise. Once again, Olivia takes you to the delights of the winter season in Europe with a riverboat cruise through the Christmas Markets, this time in Germany.
Start out with the Christmas Market in Frankfurt; also known for its “Pink-Gay” Christmas Market! Experience the festive food and drinks, lights, markets, and decorated trees of the holiday season in some of the most delightful Christmas Markets in Germany. Bring your warm boots, jackets, and mittens, and enjoy the festivities with your fellow Olivians.
Step aboard your Avalon Suite Ship® festively decorated and beautifully dressed in Christmas colors of the season. Embark on this festive Christmastime river cruise in Frankfurt, Germany, and join us behind medieval walls and towered gates to enjoy a guided walking tour in a picturesque village along the Main River.
Celebrate the season in charming Würzburg, known as the “Pearl of the Romantic Road,” and surrounded by sloping vineyard-covered hills. Visit the ornate Bishop’s Residence—home to the largest ceiling fresco ever painted, then stroll through the Christmas markets while you sip Glühwein (hot mulled wine).
Continue your Christmastime River cruise to Bamberg, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, where the many nativity scenes exhibited throughout the town are sure to delight. Take a guided tour in Nuremberg, with free time to visit the Christmas market—one of the most famous in the world. Wander through Old Town illuminated with holiday lights and decorations and be sure to sample some traditional lebkuchen (spicy gingerbread), a Nuremberg specialty.
While on board, you’ll also hear all about German Christmas traditions. Historical treasures of Germany are perfectly paired with the sights, sounds, and sumptuous treats of the joyous holiday season on this unforgettable European Christmas River all-lesbian cruise.
Your Ship - Avalon Panorama
The Avalon Panorama led the way as the first of its kind in the industry to feature two full decks of Panorama Suites complete with wall-to-wall, floor-to-ceiling panoramic windows. You'll cruise in river cruising's only Open-Air Balcony in a 200-square-foot suite that's 30% larger than the industry standard. Our Comfort Collection beds actually face the view, so you can stretch out and relax with the world at your feet.
Retire each evening and wake each morning to a panorama of picture-postcard scenes! Exciting onboard amenities include complimentary computer use in public areas and complimentary Starlink wifi access, a well-stocked library, a Fitness Center, and a spacious Sky Deck with premium lounge chairs, shade system, whirlpool, and delightful Sky Bistro.
There's no better way to take in the view than cruising in Europe in the spacious comfort of the Avalon Panorama. Enjoy exceptional onboard cuisine, including Avalon Fresh® menu options, premium coffee, and spirits, and versatile FlexDining venues, including the casual Panorama Bistro, or elegant glass-walled Dining Room. Make yourself at home in the Club Lounge with a variety of coffees, teas, cold beverages, and pastries while settling in with your pick of books, cards, and board games. Relax and watch the world go by in the Observation Lounge for the perfect vantage point to peruse Germany's picturesque villages.
Some of the features and amenities you'll enjoy onboard:
• An entirely non-smoking interior
• Lounge
• Covered Observation Lounge
• Beautiful bars and lounges
• Sun deck with premium lounge chairs and shade awnings
• Laundry service (not self-service; check pricing on board)
• Fitness center
• Panoramic windows throughout the ship
• Elegant, contemporary design throughout
• Elevator
• Bikes, walking sticks, binoculars, daypacks
• Maps for hiking, biking and jogging routes
• Included shore excursions with Local Guide (tipping to guides / bus drivers not included)
• Headsets for shore excursions
• Complimentary “Star-Link” wifi
• Space to relax & unwind
• Premium coffees, cappuccinos, and lattes
• Club Lounge with 24-hour self-serve beverage station with complimentary cappuccinos, lattes, tea, hot chocolate and premium coffees, as well as treats throughout the day
• A lounge serving premium spirits (extra charge)
• Sky Deck with whirlpool, shade awnings, game area, and premium loungers
• Daily early- and late-riser breakfast
• Full buffet breakfast with sparkling wine, with complimentary juices and made-to-order egg station*
• Complimentary wine, beer, and soft drinks with lunch and dinner
• Daily “Happy Hour” with complimentary alcoholic drinks as indicated on drink menu
• Al fresco lunches on the Sky Bistro
• Remarkable service throughout the cruise
• English-speaking crew
Dining:
• Chef-prepared onboard meals with regional cuisine and familiar favorites.
• Seasonal cuisine featuring the freshest local ingredients.
• Avalon Fresh® healthy cuisine options at every meal.
• Spacious, open-seating Panorama Dining Room.
• Daily breakfast buffet with full range of classic breakfast items, healthy Avalon Fresh® options and daily a la carte specials.
• Complimentary room service for Continental breakfast.
• Daily lunch buffet featuring regional specialties, classic dishes, healthy Avalon Fresh® options and rotating chef’s features including carving & pasta stations. Alternatively, you may enjoy a light lunch in the Panorama Lounge.
• Afternoon Tea featuring tea, coffee, and sweet treats.
• Four-course dinners with a choice of appetizers, soups, salads, entrées and desserts or cheese.
• Complimentary wine, beer, or soft drinks with lunch and dinner
• Vegetarian options at every meal, as well as vegan, low calorie, low fat, high fiber, low cholesterol, high energy and allergy-free selections.
• Panorama Lounge & Bar with premium spirits*, cozy seating, panoramic windows & dance floor.
• Cocktails* with a view on the Sky Deck.
• Specialty coffees, espresso drinks and beWell Essence flavored and infused water available throughout each day.
Deluxe Staterooms & Suites Amenities:
• 172 – 200 - 300 sq. ft. Staterooms, Suites and Royal Suites, some of the largest on the river
• Most with floor-to-ceiling windows and sliding glass doors
• Comfort Collection BedsSM
• Egyptian super-combed cotton linens
• Bathrobes & slippers
• Premium L'Occitane bath products
• Large bathroom featuring shower with glass door
• Flatscreen satellite TV with free movie channels
• Individual climate control and in-room safe
• Full-size closet and mirror
• Additional under-bed storage
• Well-stocked mini-bar
• Nonallergenic duvets and pillows
• Filtered water replenished in bottles daily
• And, much more
Germany Christmas Markets All-Lesbian Main River Cruise 2026 Itinerary
Date
Port
Meals
02 Dec
Frankfurt, Germany
03 Dec
Frankfurt, Germany
B, L, D
04 Dec
Main River Village, Germany
B, L, D
05 Dec
Würzburg, Germany
B, L, D
06 Dec
Bamberg, Germany
B, L, D
07 Dec
Nuremberg, Germany
B, L, D
08 Dec
Nuremberg, Germany
B
Frankfurt, Germany Wednesday, December 02, 2026
Welcome to Germany! Flights into Frankfurt can arrive at any time for your included hotel night. Please note that the hotel check-in time is 3 pm on December 2. Should you arrive earlier, and your room is not ready, the hotel will store your luggage so you can explore the city or get something to eat locally. A hospitality desk will be available until 5 pm. You will be given a program with the timing of included breakfast, luggage and transfer to the ship for December 3 at check-in. The day and night are yours to spend at leisure. Perhaps you’ll pay a visit to the “Pink” Gay Christmas Market!
You will stay overnight at the Kimpton Main Frankfurt or similar class hotel.
Frankfurt, Germany (Embarkation) Thursday, December 03, 2026
Indulge in traditional holiday fare and hot libations to warm your heart and soul before boarding.
Later this morning, you’ll transfer to your home for the next 5 nights, the Avalon Panorama Riverboat. Guests must be on board by 5 pm. Enjoy dinner and explore your riverboat on your first night on board.
Afternoon/overnight cruise to Main River Village
Main River Village, Germany Friday, December 04, 2026
Hidden Gifts and Holiday Delights
Take a guided tour of a picturesque village along the Main River. Later, enjoy live entertainment on board.
Afternoon/overnight cruise to Würzburg.
Würzburg, Germany Saturday, December 05, 2026
Old Saint Nick and Nutcrackers Sweet
Take a Guided Sightseeing Tour of the “Pearl of the Romantic Road” with its Old Main Bridge, towering fortress, and baroque Bishop’s Residence.
Visit the Käthe Wohlfahrt German Christmas Museum—the world’s most extensive collection of traditional German Christmas decorations. Spend free time enjoying the festive, warm glow of Würzburg’s Christmas markets.
Evening/overnight cruise to Bamberg
Optional Excursion
• The beautiful Bavarian town of Rothenburg.
Bamberg, Germany Sunday, December 06, 2026
Christmas Customs and Cradle Scenes
Today, enjoy an onboard Christmas Traditions Lecture while sailing. Later, join a Guided Sightseeing Tour of Bamberg— the medieval home of Germany’s Roman Empire dynasties. Stroll through dozens of Bamberg’s nativity scenes—from miniature to life-size.
Take free time to enjoy the quaint Christmas markets, and warm up with traditional German dumplings, sausage, and a glass of hearty Bavarian ale.
Later, enjoy live entertainment onboard.
Evening/overnight cruise to Nuremberg
Nuremberg, Germany Monday, December 07, 2026
Legends and History Lessons
Choose a Guided Tour of Nuremberg’s medieval architecture, gilded fountain, Gothic cathedral, and Kaiserburg Castle. Or join a Guided Tour of the historic Nuremberg Rally Grounds—used by the Third Reich.
Spend free time browsing the spruce stalls of the Christmas Markets of Nuremberg. Sample favorite Bavarian fare—bratwurst, gingerbread, mulled blueberry wine, and countless other Christkindlmarkt culinary delights.
Overnight docking in Nuremberg
Nuremberg, Germany Tuesday, December 08, 2026
Your cruise ends with breakfast this morning. Or you can continue on our optional 2-night post-vacation stretcher in Prague, December 08 - 10, 2026!
NOTE: Itinerary and stops subject to change due to traffic, weather, and river water levels.
What's Included?
• Included sightseeing tours in Vienna, Melk, Grin, Passau, Regensburg and Nuremberg
• Accommodations for 1 Night in Vienna and 6 nights on board the Avalon View
• Comfort Collection beds with Egyptian super-combed cotton linens
• All meals while on board, with local cuisine option each evening
• Wines from Europe’s most famous wine regions, beer or soft drinks with lunches and dinners, and complimentary sparkling wine with breakfast
• Daily Happy Hour with a selection of complimentary spirits (premium spirits additional cost)
• Coffee, tea, juices during all meals
• Premium coffees, cappuccinos, lattes, hot chocolate, and teas throughout the day
• Cookies and fresh fruit available throughout the day
• Complimentary filtered water replenished in reusable glass containers rooms daily
• Complimentary wifi on board
• Complimentary bicycles available for time on shore
• Complimentary Nordic walking sticks
• Gratuities to ship's staff (if you wish to tip more, this is up to you)
• Gratuities to your tour guide and bus driver (if you wish to tip more, this is up to you)
• Olivia’s signature entertainment and programming
• Local entertainment, commentaries while cruising and historic talk by local expert
Germany Christmas Markets All-Lesbian Main River Cruise 2026 Rates
Category
Description
Reg. Rate US $
Early Bird US $
Availability
RS - Royal Suite
Located on the Royal Deck, the Royal Suite features floor-to-ceiling windows, sliding glass doors, a comfort collection bed that can convert into two singles, soft and firm pillows, Egyptian super-combed cotton linens, flat-screen satellite TV with movie channels, telephone, mini-bar, full-sized bathroom with marble counter and two sinks, robes, slippers, writing desk, chair, sofa, coffee table and full-length closets. (300 square feet)
$ 7,899
$ 6,099
P - Panorama Suite
Located on the Royal Deck, this Panorama Suite features floor-to-ceiling windows, sliding glass doors, a comfort collection bed that can convert into two singles, soft and firm pillows, Egyptian super-combed cotton linens, flat-screen satellite TV with movie channels, telephone, mini-bar, full-sized bathroom with marble counter, full shower with glass door, robes, slippers, writing desk, chair, sofa, coffee table and full-length closets. (200 square feet)
$ 6,599
$ 5,099
A - Panorama Suite
Located on the Sapphire Deck, this Panorama Suite features floor-to-ceiling windows, sliding glass doors, a comfort collection bed that can convert into two singles, soft and firm pillows, Egyptian super-combed cotton linens, flat-screen satellite TV with movie channels, telephone, mini-bar, full-sized bathroom with marble counter, full shower with glass door, robes, slippers, writing desk, chair, sofa, coffee table and full-length closets. (200 square feet)
$ 6,499
$ 4,999
B - Panorama Suite
Located on the Sapphire Deck, this Panorama Suite features floor-to-ceiling windows, sliding glass doors, a comfort collection bed that can convert into two singles, soft and firm pillows, Egyptian super-combed cotton linens, flat-screen satellite TV with movie channels, telephone, mini-bar, full-sized bathroom with marble counter, full shower with glass dorr, robes, slippers, writing desk, chair, sofa, coffee table and full-length closets. (200 square feet)
$ 6,399
$ 4,899
D - Deluxe Stateroom
Indigo Deck. Located on the Indigo deck, the Deluxe Stateroom features small windows above the water-line, Comfort collection bed can convert to 2 singles, soft & firm pillows, Egyptian super-combed cotton linens, flat-screen satellite TV with movie channels, telephone, mini-bar, full shower with glass doors, robes, slippers, writing desk and chair, and full-length closets. Windows are high on wall, do not open. Room is below water line. (172 sq. ft.)
$ 4,799
$ 3,799
E - Deluxe Stateroom
Indigo Deck. Located on the Indigo deck, the Deluxe Stateroom features small windows above the water-line, Comfort collection bed can convert to 2 singles, soft & firm pillows, Egyptian super-combed cotton linens, flat-screen satellite TV with movie channels, telephone, mini-bar, full shower with glass doors, robes, slippers, writing desk and chair, and full-length closets. Windows are high on wall, do not open. Room is below water line. (172 sq. ft.)
Extend your stay post-trip in magical Prague December 8-10, 2026. Information will be available 11 months prior to the trip.
Special Airfares
Rates: Prices are per person based on double occupancy. Pricing does not include airfare, insurance, fuel surcharge or NDA of $499 per person (subject to change).
Early bird prices valid until May 31, 2026.
Payment Plans
• Pay in full
• 6-month interest free payment plan (25% deposit and 5 installments)
All vacations on an Olivia payment plan must be paid in full six months or 180 days before your trip. If reservation is made at the six-month mark or less, payment in full will be required.
