Christmas Market River Cruise
December 11 thru 18, 2022
Spend Christmas cruising OUTbound experiencing the finest European traditions of the holiday season. Warm your heart as we visit the Swiss city of Basel and indulge in the most authentic cup of hot chocolate you’ve ever tasted while reveling in the Christmas spirit. Come with us on a holiday adventure as we explore the romantic Rhine Valley and the famous Christmas markets of France, Germany and Switzerland. Immerse yourself in the glittering Christmas trees while enjoying the festive storybook atmosphere of the holidays in Europe! Discover charming French traditions in Strasbourg and be carried away by the festive and magical German atmosphere that animates Heidelberg and Speyer.
Bucket List Moments
Share a Swiss hot chocolate in Basel
Carol through the streets of Colmar
Sip Glühwein in Heidelberg
Get a picture with Père Noël
Stroll through the Christkindelsmärik in Strasbourg
The Christmas Markets of Switzerland, France & Germany!
Book today and choose a payment plan that fits your budget! Choose from either convenient quarterly payments or spread your payments out over monthly installments. Either way, OUTbound has a payment plan designed for any budget!
All Included, All Inclusive!
All Meals & Alcoholic Beverages Included
All Shore Excursions Included
MS Douce France
107 Passengers / 1 Suite / 50 Staterooms / 4 Single Staterooms
The MS Douce France is a unique ship specifically designed for more intimate ports of call. A limited number of lucky guests ensures you can spend time enjoying a drink from the extensive bar, reading in the lounge, or relaxing in the spacious and comfortable lounge, with abundant room to roam. All staterooms have twin beds that can be configured as a queen and full picture windows. The Douce France is ready to offer our OUTbounders an unforgettable experience cruising the Christmas markets of Europe. Mixed drinks, wine, beer, sodas, juices and coffee are all included anytime onboard.
Date | Port | Arrive | Depart |
|---|---|---|---|
| Sunday, December 11 | Basel | 4:00pm | overnight |
| Monday, December 12 | Basel | 11:00pm | |
| Tuesday, December 13 | Colmar | 8:00am | overnight |
| Wednesday, December 14 | Baden-Baden | 12:30pm | 11:00pm |
| Thursday, December 15 | Heidelberg | 12:00pm | overnight |
| Friday, December 16 | Speyer | 1:00pm | 10:00pm |
| Saturday, December 17 | Strasbourg | 8:00am | overnight |
| Sunday, December 18 | Strasbourg | 10:00am | disembark |
Today we’ll start our cruise with a uniquely Swiss take on the traditional European Christmas market. Once arriving, we’ll board our ship and settle into our staterooms. After boarding, we’ll have time to explore both of the city’s largest markets located in two of the most beautiful squares in Basel. Tonight we’ll introduce our crew at a welcome cocktail before dinner. Late this evening we’ll begin our river cruise and set sail for France.
Colmar could quite possibly be the prettiest town in France. Today we visit the Christmas markets in Colmar, beautifully decorated for the holiday season. You'll have plenty of time to discover this hidden gem for yourself with plenty of free time to explore on your own before we set out to discover the illuminations in the city. The whole town is decorated with garlands and Christmas decorations, creating a magical atmosphere.
Nestled in the mountains of the Black Forest, the traditional Christmas market of Baden-Baden will whisk you away to a winter fairy tale of a special kind. The scent of mulled wine and gingerbread accompanies you as you stroll past decorated huts at the beginning of the famous Lichtentaler Allee park and gardens. Don’t miss the live entertainment on the sky stage, which will delight young and old alike and get everyone in the Christmas spirit with festive sounds of the season!
One of the largest Christmas markets in Germany, Heidelberg is a must for those seeking a festive atmosphere while searching for the perfect mug of original ‘Christmas Mulled Wine’. Of course nothing goes better with a cup of steaming Glühwein than a piece of Lebkuchen (German Christmas gingerbread) or slice of Stollen (German Christmas cake). Be sure to visit the Old Town market where legend has it the famed Heinzelmännchen gnomes ensure no modern or mass-produced goods are sold. If you’re looking for hand-crafted, one-of-a-kind treasures, Heidelberg is the place for you!
Today we’re in Speyer, home to a charming Christmas market with more than 130 wooden holiday booths selling various handcrafts, ornaments and holiday gifts side-by-side with other venders selling bockwurst, roasted chestnuts, candied almonds and apples, hot wine, Glühwein and a local punch that will warm your heart and soul. If you’re looking for the perfect German traditional Christmas market, look no further than Speyer.
Today we visit Strasbourg and take in all that the holidays have to offer. The waft of delicious mulled wine and roasting chestnuts, along with a backdrop of festive sounds and twinkling lights ensure the air is filled with delightful Christmas cheer. Remaining true to their roots, the local merchants at these wonderfully festive markets sell hand-crafted gifts and decorations, along with a delicious array of seasonal food to tempt you. Enticing smells of sizzling bratwurst, toasted candied almonds and Christmas cookies known as Lebkuchen fill the air and are impossible to resist.
Date | Port | Arrive | Depart |
|---|---|---|---|
| Sunday, December 11 | Basel | 4:00pm | overnight |
| Monday, December 12 | Basel | 11:00pm | |
| Tuesday, December 13 | Colmar | 8:00am | overnight |
| Wednesday, December 14 | Baden-Baden | 12:30pm | 11:00pm |
| Thursday, December 15 | Heidelberg | 12:00pm | overnight |
| Friday, December 16 | Speyer | 1:00pm | 10:00pm |
| Saturday, December 17 | Strasbourg | 8:00am | overnight |
| Sunday, December 18 | Strasbourg | 10:00am | disembark |
Today we’ll start our holiday river cruise. After boarding our ship and settling in, we’ll take a guided tour of the city by night, with free time to explore. We're in Basel overnight so that the next day we can discover both of the city’s largest Christmas markets, the first held on Barfüsserplatz, and the other on Münsterplatz, two of the most beautiful squares in Basel. Shop the countless craft stalls before returning back onboard to start our OUTbound holiday traditions!
Today we'll set out on a tour of the Wine Route of France. You'll be enchanted by its picturesque villages wonderfully decorated for Christmas. We'll visit a wine cellar followed by a tasting of local Alsatian wines. In the afternoon, we'll discover the Christmas Markets in Colmar. In the wonderful setting of the old town, the beautifully decorated streets will invite you to linger and daydream.
Arrive in charming Baden-Baden, a popular spa town famous for its Roman baths. Today you’ll have a guided tour of this picturesque town and learn of its rich heritage, visiting the iconic Hohenbaden Castle on the outskirts of town for scenic views of the Black Forest. The rest of the day is yours to enjoy on your own, wandering the quaint Christmas markets located along the Rhein.
This morning we arrive in Heidelberg, situated in a region known for its thick forests, cuckoo clocks and traditional costumes. Our guided tour of the city’s rich history includes a visit to the ruins of Heidelberg Castle, overlooking the Rhine River and a red-roofed skyline. Afterwards, stroll down the cobbled streets of the old town, stopping at the Church of the Holy Spirit and the oldest university in Germany. We’re here for a full day, so enjoy this ancient city that looks as though it has been pulled from the pages of a German fairy tale.
Today we’ll explore Speyer’s Old Town sights. The city center is littered with impressive landmarks from across all eras, most notably the UNESCO-listed Cathedral, which is the oldest of three remaining Romanesque cathedrals in Germany. Along your way, we’ll pass the historic town hall, Trinity Church that boasts the original interior from the early 18th century, and the so-called Altpörtel, an impressive city gate that in the Middle Ages was part of the city fortification. Afterwards, you’ll have plenty of time to wander the Christmas markets on your own or enjoy some of the city’s spectacular holiday lights.
This morning you’ll enjoy a guided tour of Strasbourg, where we’ll stroll through the Old Town with its half-timbered houses and distinctive Alsatian winstubs (wine lounges). Afterwards, during free time, you might wish to explore the stalls of Strasbourg’s Christkindelsmärkt, one of the largest Christmas markets in Europe. After dinner we’ll meet up in the lounge and enjoy a final festive night of Christmas entertainment to get us in the holiday spirit.
The Panorama Lounge is situated all the way forward on Upper Deck and features floor-to-ceiling windows that allow for spectacular views of the passing scenery... a distinguishing feature of river cruising. Intimate seating areas are peppered throughout the open floor plan, allowing you the choice of going all in with the group or enjoying a little private time between you and a smaller gathering of friends. Enjoy cocktails, dancing, games and entertainment in this picturesque setting.
Enjoy a cocktail at the main bar with us while watching a spectacular sunset together. Located within the Panoramic Lounge, you’ll find originality and innovation, with a new twist on the ol’ purveyors of gin and tonics and buckets of beer. This is the place where you’ll spend an enjoyable evening nursing a cocktail with great friends, old and new! Whether you’re in the mood for a mixed drink or glass of wine, we invite you to join us and enjoy one of best bars on the water with your fellow OUTbounders. Order your favorite festive holiday cocktail you’ll savour after a long day exploring the Christmas markets.
At your service, OUTbounders will find everything they need at the reception desk, located at the heart of the ship on the Upper Deck. It's the perfect place to meet with friends before dinner or ask any questions you may have during our voyage. Here's where you'll leave each morning as we venture OUTbound to the Christmas markets of Europe, and where you will return at the end of each day... greeted by a friendly smile and warm drink.
Located on the Upper Deck, the restaurant comfortably seats all our OUTbounders at tables which vary in size with a panoramic view. The atmosphere is casual but elegant. The selection and presentation of the food is outstanding, and you’ll find the quality of service is unmatched.
The food is incredible, every meal every day. You’ll enjoy plenty of fish, fruits and vegetables with every meal and be impressed by how fresh everything is. In fact, the only frozen item is ice cream! You’ll have plenty of healthy choices to choose from, and loads of unhealthy ones, too!
For spectacular views of the passing landscape, head up to the Sun Deck that allows full enjoyment of the view, even when passing under low bridges. The top deck features an all-weather seating area and a walking track for those who want to keep active. It’s the perfect place to visit with old friends and new during the day while enjoying complimentary refreshments with the stunning scenery passing by.
Starting at $4,997 per person
The Douce France offers a single suite located on the Upper Deck with a couch that can be converted into a third bed and a desk and seating area off to the side. Enjoy a shower complete with indulgent toiletries before settling into your bed as you enjoy your flat screen TV and infotainment system. Storage space includes a full-length wardrobe closet with room for hanging clothes on one side and shelves and a cabinet (with a safe) on the other, and there’s extra room under the bed for suitcases.
Starting at $3,997 per person
Staterooms located on the Upper Deck measure 155sqft and feature two large panoramic windows that let in the perfect amount of light, welcoming in golden winter light as we sail along the Rhein River. Enjoy a shower complete with indulgent toiletries before settling into your bed as you enjoy your flat screen TV and infotainment system. Storage space includes a full-length wardrobe closet with room for hanging clothes on one side and shelves and a cabinet (with a safe) on the other, and there’s extra room under the bed for suitcases.
Starting at $3,397 per person
Staterooms located on the Main Deck are 155sqft and have large windows that provide unspoiled views. Each Main Deck stateroom surrounds you with elegant décor and opulent, comfortable furnishings along with your own private bathroom and shower. Storage space includes a full-length wardrobe closet with room for hanging clothes on one side and shelves and a cabinet (with a safe) on the other, and there’s extra room under the bed for suitcases. The hotel-like queen-sized bed can be reconfigured into two twins if you prefer.
Starting at $4,497 per person
Single occupancy staterooms located on the Upper Deck offer a little privacy for the solo traveler, with full picture windows that provide unspoiled panoramic vistas of the Rhein Valley. Lay back in your 155sqft stateroom and watch a movie on your flat screen TV and infotainment system. Your luxurious bathroom features a shower complete with decadent toiletries, perfect for unwinding after an unforgettable day OUTbound. Your twin hotel-style bed, draped in high quality linens, offers the perfect night’s sleep.
Starting at $3,697 per person
Single occupancy staterooms located on the Main Deck offer a private space for our solo travelers, with full windows that provide unspoiled vistas of the Rhein Valley. Lay back in your 155sqft stateroom and watch a movie on your flat screen TV and infotainment system. Your luxurious bathroom features a shower complete with decadent toiletries, perfect for unwinding after an unforgettable day OUTbound. Your twin hotel-style bed, draped in high quality linens, offers the perfect night’s sleep.
optional pre cruise package