CroisiEurope Celebrates 50 Years with 29 Festive Christmas Cruises for 2026

If you’re tempted to swap the traditional Christmas routine for a festive escape, CroisiEurope is marking its 50th anniversary with a choice of 29 Christmas and Advent cruises for 2026.

The collection spans nine European rivers and waterways, with itineraries ranging from the traditional Christmas markets of Alsace and Germany to the historic cities of Prague and Paris. There are also opportunities to celebrate the festive season in warmer surroundings, including southern Spain, the Canary Islands and Italy.

To mark its golden anniversary, the river cruise operator is also offering savings of up to £475 per person on selected departures in November and December 2026.

New festive cruises aboard CroisiEurope’s paddlewheel ships

Among the additions for 2026 are festive itineraries along the Seine, Elbe and Vltava, offering a different perspective on some of Europe’s best-known Christmas destinations.

CroisiEurope’s distinctive paddlewheel ships provide an atmospheric way to explore these waterways, combining time in historic cities with visits to traditional Christmas markets.

The programme includes opportunities to discover Prague’s Advent celebrations, enjoy the festive atmosphere of Paris and explore the seasonal markets and illuminated streets of destinations across central Europe.

Christmas markets and traditions across Europe.

The 29 itineraries cover a particularly wide range of festive experiences, with nine rivers and waterways represented, including the Rhine, Danube, Seine, Elbe, Vltava and Guadalquivir.

Alsace is a highlight for anyone who loves traditional Christmas markets. Its picturesque villages and beautifully decorated towns provide the setting for visits to some of Europe’s best-known festive markets.

Further east, Prague and the Danube capitals offer historic squares, seasonal food and long-established Christmas traditions.

There are also opportunities to discover Christmas in Italy, with Venice and Padua hosting Advent concerts and seasonal celebrations. In Provence, guests can learn about the region’s traditional Santon-making, involving the handcrafted nativity figures that have been part of local Christmas heritage for generations.

For a milder winter break, CroisiEurope’s Andalusian itineraries offer a chance to enjoy the festive season in southern Spain.

A more intimate Christmas cruise on a hotel barge

Those looking for a smaller-scale experience could consider one of CroisiEurope’s boutique hotel barge cruises.

Accommodating just 22 guests, these vessels offer a more intimate way to explore Europe’s historic canals. Festive itineraries bring destinations such as Strasbourg, Colmar, Ghent and Bruges within reach, allowing guests to combine Christmas market visits with a relaxed cruise through the surrounding waterways.

Christmas in the sunshine

Not every Christmas cruise needs to involve chilly temperatures and woolly hats.

CroisiEurope is also offering festive voyages aboard Le Belle des Océans and La Belle de l’Adriatique, with itineraries taking in destinations ranging from the Canary Islands to the Amalfi Coast.

These cruises provide an alternative for anyone who would prefer to spend the festive season exploring coastal destinations in warmer weather.

What is Christmas like on board a CroisiEurope cruise?

CroisiEurope is promising a festive atmosphere on board, with ships decorated for the season and seasonal entertainment and dining.

Guests spending Christmas on board can look forward to a special Christmas Eve dinner accompanied by wines, together with a gift for every guest.

These touches are intended to bring some of the familiar Christmas traditions on board, while allowing passengers to enjoy a change of scenery and discover somewhere new.

CroisiEurope Christmas cruise offers for 2026

To celebrate its 50th anniversary, CroisiEurope is offering savings of up to £475 per person on selected festive cruises.

The offers apply to selected itineraries lasting between three and eight days, with departures running from late November through to late December 2026.

Prices start at £437 per person, reduced from £546, for the three-day, two-night Magical Christmas in Alsace cruise departing on 23 December 2026.

The offer provides an opportunity to experience a traditional European Christmas market cruise, although prices and savings will vary according to the itinerary and departure date.

Travellers should check the individual cruise details, availability and booking conditions before making a reservation.

The Lowdown

CroisiEurope’s 2026 festive programme offers considerably more choice than a traditional Christmas market break. From the Christmas markets of Alsace and the historic streets of Prague to the warmer waters of the Mediterranean and Canary Islands, there are options for different tastes and budgets.

The introduction of new paddlewheel ship itineraries along the Seine, Elbe and Vltava is particularly interesting, while the smaller hotel barges offer an alternative for those who prefer a more intimate cruise.

With prices starting at £437 per person for a two-night Alsace sailing and anniversary savings of up to £475 per person on selected departures, the programme is worth considering for anyone planning a festive getaway in 2026.

For further information and bookings, visit CroisiEurope’s official website.