This Christmastime river cruise begins in Austria’s magical capital of Vienna, home to the sounds of Mozart, Strauss, and the Vienna Boys’ Choir. Cruise through the wintery landscape of the picturesque Wachau Valley to Melk. Arrive in Passau, Germany, and visit the city’s charming Christmas market set against the breathtaking backdrop of St. Stephen’s Cathedral, a masterpiece of baroque architecture. In Regensburg, after a guided tour of the city, savor traditional sausages at Historiche Wurstküche (Old Sausage Kitchen), one of Germany’s oldest restaurants and enjoy a tasting of German beers.
Learn about Christmas traditions as you cruise to Nuremberg, the thousand-year-old city with its medieval fortifications and gothic churches. The Old Town is illuminated with festive lights and decorations, and the Christmas market has dozens of stalls offering traditional wares, such as Lebkuchen (spicy gingerbread), Glühwein (mulled wine), and unique decorations and ornaments. A unique holiday river cruise vacation which offers the chance to savor the views, smells, and tastes of centuries-old Christmas markets and explore historical medieval sites…a fantastic way to celebrate the holiday season!
We're so passionate about our Suite Ships, we christened this Suite Ship the Avalon Passion. Gracing Europe's waterways with style and relaxed luxury as only Avalon can deliver, the Avalon Passion lives up to its name. Avalon guests experience this passion for new discoveries aboard this home-away-from-home to find two full decks of Panorama Suites, featuring wall-to-wall, floor-to-ceiling panoramic windows that create river cruising's only Open-Air Balcony. Spanning 200 square feet, the Passion's Panorama Suites are 30% larger than the industry standard. It's the perfect place to stretch out on your window-facing Comfort Collection bed with the world at your feet. Host a private cocktail party in the spacious sitting area-comfortably accommodating six guests. On board, passengers enjoy complimentary Starlink Wi-Fi access, complimentary computer use in public areas, a Fitness Center, an elevator, and an expansive Sky Deck with shade system, premium lounge chairs, whirlpool, deck games, and the delightful Sky Bistro for al fresco lunches of light grill fare. Pack your own passions and cruise your way on the Avalon Passion.
Avalon Suite Fleet
- Complimentary Starlink Wi-Fi (Standard Wi-Fi where available in Asia)
- Panoramic windows throughout the ship
- Elegant, contemporary design & decor
- Friendly, English-speaking crew & Cruise Director
- Sky Deck with whirlpool, shade awnings, game area and premium lounges
- Covered Observation Lounge
- Club Lounge with 24-hour self-serve beverage station with complimentary cappuccinos, lattes, tea, hot chocolate & premium coffees, as well as treats throughout the day
- Elevator
- Non-smoking interior and staterooms
Avalon Suites & Deluxe Staterooms
- Open–Air Balconies® and Wall-to-Wall Panoramic Windows in all Panorama SuitesSM
- Comfort Collection BedsSM with choice of mattress firmness
- Egyptian super-combed cotton linens
- Bathrobes & slippers
- Premium L'Occitane® bath products & hairdryer
- Large bathroom featuring shower with glass door
- Wide selection of free movie channels and English-speaking TV
- Individual climate control and in-room safe
- Full-size closet and mirror
- Additional under-bed storage
- Well-stocked mini-bar (Additional cost)
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, lunch, and dinner
- Daily lunch buffet featuring regional specialties, classic dishes, healthy Avalon Fresh®options and rotating chef’s features including carving & pasta stations. Alternatively, you may dine al fresco at our Sky Grill on the Sky Deck (weather and itinerary permitting) or enjoy a light lunch in the Panorama Lounge.
- Afternoon Tea featuring tea, coffee, and sweet treats
- Four-course dinners with choice of appetizers, soups, salads, entrées and desserts or cheese
- Linger over several selections from the Panorama Bistro's tasting menu for a less formal "sit-down" atmosphere
- Complimentary wine, beer, or soft drinks with lunch and dinner
- Avalon FlexDining® flexible dining times with menu & venue options
- 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
- Welcome & farewell cocktails with sparkling wine & canapés
- Included Happy Hour every evening featuring house beer, wine, cocktails and a drink of the day
- Cocktails with a view on the Sky Deck
- Specialty coffees, espresso drinks and beWell Essence flavored and infused water available throughout each day
Pricing Based on Double Occupancy:
Deluxe Stateroom $3,797 per person
Panorama Stateroom Starting at $5,425 per person
Trip Insurance and Pre-Paid Gratuities Not Included in the pricing above,.
$479 Per Person
TRAVEL SMART. TRAVEL PROTECTED.
Coverage if you have to cancel for any reason*
Reimbursement of airfare booked with us or on your own when cancelling for a covered reason
Coverage for vacation interruption when modifying for a covered reason
Lost or damaged baggage protection. Plus, lost baggage search to help get your luggage back if it goes missing by an airline
24-hour worldwide emergency phone support
Pre-existing medical condition waived when purchasing Travel Protection within 14 days of initial payment/deposit
Airfare is not quite yet available, schedules get released about 330 days in advance.
Once airfare is available I will reach out with options and pricing.
You can choose to fly in prior to cruise with extra nights in Vienna or stay extra in Nuremberg. Another option is to add on a 2nt Prague extension (details below).
Initial Deposit: $250 per person, plus optional travel insurance
Final Payment is due September 3, 2026
Pre-Paid Gratuities will be an additional $126 per person and will be added onto your total.
-Prepaid Gratuities includes your cruise director, room steward(ess) and also your dining wait staff.
Once air is released, deposit is typically $300 per person. Keep in mind this can change based on the airline and policies.
Make your way to Prague, the capital of the Czech Republic—one of Europe’s most beautiful cities. In Prague’s Old Town, see the magical Astronomical Clock, built in 1410, and once the envy of all Europe. The Christmas markets offer an array of Christmas tree ornaments, wooden toys, and Czech handicrafts. Explore to your heart’s content with a warm cup of svařené vino (hot mulled wine) among the rows of brightly decorated wooden huts, and be sure to see the beautifully decorated tree in Old Town to end this perfect, seasonal river cruise.
-if added, pre-paid gratuities go up to $135 per person-
A couple things to keep note of and things to check off your list:
-Make sure passports are up to date (must be valid for 6 months post travel)
- European Travel Information and Authorization System (ETIAS) may be required for travel; we will make sure you are set and have all of your required documentation if needed