Festive cruises
Bordeaux and the Douro are great for clients who want to get into the Christmas spirit but are also looking to explore more of the destinations
FESTIVE FIRSTS Festive river cruises have traditionally focused on the Rhine and Danube, which are still the most popular waterways, but a few lines are now branching out. CroisiEurope has Christmas cruises on the Elbe from Prague to Berlin and New Year voyages on the Guadalquivir in Spain and the Venice Lagoon. New for 2025, Uniworld River Cruises has resurrected its seven-night
Agent advice
Rachel Liversidge, assistant store manager,
Tui Holiday Store, The Moor, Sheffield
ABOVE: P&O Cruises’ Iona decorated for the festive season; CroisiEurope’s La Belle de Cadix on the Guadalquivir in Spain PICTURE: P&O Cruises/Mark Bolton Photography
34 October 2025
“If you have customers who enjoy visiting Christmas markets, recommend a river cruise. One five-night itinerary I suggested last year visited a different market each day; my clients loved it so much, they’ve already rebooked for this year. Asking the right questions can uncover the perfect holiday experience.”
Magical Parisian Holiday Christmas markets cruises on the Seine that first ran pre-Covid. Riviera Travel has five-day Magical Paris & Festive Seine cruises sailing round-trip from the French capital that will be new in December 2026. Starting this year, AmaWaterways
has a range of Festive Delights cruises in Bordeaux in November and December and over Christmas on the Douro. “[These] are great for clients who want to get into the Christmas spirit, but are looking for an itinerary that allows them to explore more of the destinations they visit along the way,” says sales director Andrea Stafford.
LIMITED SPACE Whatever appeals, clients need to book early because space is limited, particularly on Christmas sailings. At the time of going to press, there was availability on Marella Cruises’ Canary Islands sailings, Tui River Cruises’ Rhine and Danube departures and Viking’s Danube Christmas Markets trips – but 2026 dates were already filling up, so clients who have missed out this year should nab their spots now for 2026. Cunard associate vice-president of
sales UK and EMEA, Iain Baillie, said: “We encourage guests to book early because festive voyages are among the most popular in our calendar and we wouldn’t want anyone to miss out.”
travelweekly.co.uk/cruise
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