Popular winter river cruise destinations include:
With Christmas markets aplenty and pretty frost-tipped scenery, winter can be a great time to experience a cruise along the waterways of Europe. Or if you'd prefer a winter sun river cruise, head to Cambodia or Vietnam for a cruise along the Mekong. Wherever you fancy exploring, you'll find a great choice of river cruises in December, January and February.
You could go all out and enjoy a festive river cruise over the Christmas period, celebrate in style with a break over Christmas and New Year or just get away for a low-cost break for a few days to do your Christmas shopping at Europe's stunning Christmas Markets. The weather in Europe will be chilly, so wrapping up warm and enjoying hot chocolates and mulled wine is the key to enjoying sightseeing without feeling the cold. Most European river cruise ships are refurbished in January and February, so sail in December or you may have to wait until Spring.
January and February are the perfect months to head to Vietnam or Cambodia for a post-Christmas break. Escape the winter blues in Asia where you're guaranteed a much warmer temperature for your holiday with temperatures around 28°C. Asian river cruises can be enjoyed along the Mekong where you can admire the beautiful scenery from the sun deck as well as immersing yourself in the history and culture of this fascinating part of the world.
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7 Nights
Sailing Date : 24 Dec 2026
Rhone
Award-Winning Included Dining Experiences
Up to £1,500 cruise savings per person PLUS Complimentary Stateroom Upgrade PLUS up to €50 Onboard Credit per person
Save up to 20% on a range of sailings in 2024 and 2025
7 Nights
Sailing Date : 25 Dec 2026
Douro
Award-Winning Included Dining Experiences
Up to £1,500 cruise savings per person PLUS Complimentary Stateroom Upgrade PLUS up to €50 Onboard Credit per person
Save up to 20% on a range of sailings in 2024 and 2025
7 Nights
Sailing Date : 26 Dec 2026
Danube
Award-Winning Included Dining Experiences
Up to £1,500 cruise savings per person PLUS Complimentary Stateroom Upgrade PLUS up to €50 Onboard Credit per person
Save up to 20% on a range of sailings in 2024 and 2025
7 Nights
Sailing Date : 26 Dec 2026
Rhine
Award-Winning Included Dining Experiences
Up to £1,500 cruise savings per person PLUS Complimentary Stateroom Upgrade PLUS up to €50 Onboard Credit per person
Save up to 20% on a range of sailings in 2024 and 2025
7 Nights
Sailing Date : 26 Dec 2026
Dutch Waterway
Award-Winning Included Dining Experiences
Up to £1,500 cruise savings per person PLUS Complimentary Stateroom Upgrade PLUS up to €50 Onboard Credit per person
Save up to 20% on a range of sailings in 2024 and 2025
7 Nights
Sailing Date : 26 Dec 2026
Douro
Award-Winning Included Dining Experiences
Up to £1,500 cruise savings per person PLUS Complimentary Stateroom Upgrade PLUS up to €50 Onboard Credit per person
Save up to 20% on a range of sailings in 2024 and 2025
7 Nights
Sailing Date : 26 Dec 2026
Amazon
Award-Winning Included Dining Experiences
Save up to 20% on a range of sailings in 2024 and 2025
7 Nights
Sailing Date : 27 Dec 2026
Danube
Award-Winning Included Dining Experiences
Up to £1,500 cruise savings per person PLUS Complimentary Stateroom Upgrade PLUS up to €50 Onboard Credit per person
Save up to 20% on a range of sailings in 2024 and 2025
7 Nights
Sailing Date : 28 Dec 2026
Danube
Award-Winning Included Dining Experiences
Up to £1,500 cruise savings per person PLUS Complimentary Stateroom Upgrade PLUS up to €50 Onboard Credit per person
Save up to 20% on a range of sailings in 2024 and 2025
7 Nights
Sailing Date : 28 Dec 2026
Danube
Award-Winning Included Dining Experiences
Up to £1,500 cruise savings per person PLUS Complimentary Stateroom Upgrade PLUS up to €50 Onboard Credit per person
Save up to 20% on a range of sailings in 2024 and 2025
7 Nights
Sailing Date : 28 Dec 2026
Mekong
Award-Winning Included Dining Experiences
Save up to 20% on a range of sailings in 2024 and 2025
7 Nights
Sailing Date : 28 Dec 2026
Nile
Award-Winning Included Dining Experiences
Save up to 20% on a range of sailings in 2024 and 2025
7 Nights
Sailing Date : 29 Dec 2026
Rhine
Award-Winning Included Dining Experiences
Up to £1,500 cruise savings per person PLUS Complimentary Stateroom Upgrade PLUS up to €50 Onboard Credit per person
Save up to 20% on a range of sailings in 2024 and 2025
7 Nights
Sailing Date : 29 Dec 2026
Rhine
Award-Winning Included Dining Experiences
Up to £1,500 cruise savings per person PLUS Complimentary Stateroom Upgrade PLUS up to €50 Onboard Credit per person
Save up to 20% on a range of sailings in 2024 and 2025
7 Nights
Sailing Date : 29 Dec 2026
Douro
Award-Winning Included Dining Experiences
Up to £1,500 cruise savings per person PLUS Complimentary Stateroom Upgrade PLUS up to €50 Onboard Credit per person
Save up to 20% on a range of sailings in 2024 and 2025
7 Nights
Sailing Date : 30 Dec 2026
Nile
Award-Winning Included Dining Experiences
Save up to 20% on a range of sailings in 2024 and 2025
7 Nights
Sailing Date : 30 Dec 2026
Amazon
Award-Winning Included Dining Experiences
Save up to 20% on a range of sailings in 2024 and 2025
7 Nights
Sailing Date : 31 Dec 2026
Rhine
Award-Winning Included Dining Experiences
Up to £1,500 cruise savings per person PLUS Complimentary Stateroom Upgrade PLUS up to €50 Onboard Credit per person
Save up to 20% on a range of sailings in 2024 and 2025
