Cruising has officially cemented its appeal as the ultimate multi-generational holiday, with nearly one-third of guests now travelling with three or more generations of family (CLIA). As families plan their European winter escapes, a clear trend is emerging: trading traditional resort stays for the ease of river cruising.
Winter is one of Europe’s most celebratory times of the year, making festive Christmas market sailings one of the season’s most sought-after holiday experiences. Riverside Luxury Cruises’ three ships – Riverside Mozart, Ravel, and Debussy – serve as the ultimate bridge to these experiences.
While Riverside’s ultra-luxury cruises are typically popular with couples, the festive season sees a surge in families and multigenerational groups coming together onboard. Christmas cruises offer a particularly special way to celebrate, allowing guests to experience multiple European Christmas markets across different towns and cities while enjoying the ease and luxury of unpacking only once, creating the ideal setting for a multi-generational Winter holiday experience.
For the 2026 season, Riverside offers over 25 tailored festive departures. A standout itinerary is the Holly Holiday sailing, taking guests along the Rhine through Germany, France, and Switzerland. Guests can step directly from the ship into iconic European Christmas markets to browse artisan stalls, sample local treats, and experience historic riverfront cities at their most atmospheric.
The Holly Holiday sailing takes place between 1 December 2026 and 7 December 2026. Pricing starts from $11,314.00 AUD.
Do let us know if you may be interested to learn more about how Riverside shapes its Christmas Cruise experiences on the rivers of Europe.
