Christmastime on the Romantic Rhine
CHRISTMAS MARKETS RIVER GROUP CRUISE
Sail with Walter & Rebecca, Dec. 7-14, 2027
7 Nights | 8 Ports | 1 Magical Holiday Adventure
YOUR HOSTS WALTER & REBECCA
Welcome to an unforgettable adventure through the enchanting Christmas Markets along the Rhine!
Join us with Avalon Waterways as we celebrate the holiday season in a way you've never experienced before. Get ready to immerse yourself in festive traditions, delightful treats, the magic of the season.
Let's embark on this magical holiday adventure together!
CRUISE OVERVIEW
8-Days from Basel to Frankfurt
This Christmas river cruise begins in Switzerland and takes you down the Rhine River to France and Germany, with beautiful passing views and quaint villages festively lit and decorated—a unique and unforgettable way to celebrate the season! Board your ship in Basel, Switzerland, then stop in Breisach, the gateway to Germany’s Black Forest. Take in the unrivaled natural beauty, best known for Black Forest ham, cherry cake, and the cuckoo clock. There is no better storybook setting at this time of year when smoke curls from the chimneys of the traditional Black Forest houses. Continue to Strasbourg, France, located on the border with Germany, perfectly blending the cultures of both countries in the home of one of the oldest and finest Christmas markets in Europe—dating back to the 16th century.
Take in the aromas of mulled wine, spice cake, and biscuits and bask in the holiday atmosphere as you visit Strasbourg Cathedral, a Gothic masterpiece made of red sandstone, ancient murals, and fascinating astronomical clock. Take an excursion to Heidelberg, Germany, to visit the fascinating ruins of Heidelberg Castle, towering magnificently over the city. This time of year, an ice rink glistens at the foot of the castle amid Christmas markets spanning five town squares. Sail the dramatic Rhine Gorge to Rüdesheim where musical traditions and signature coffee warm up the season. In Cologne, feel the Christmas spirit with a concert in the beautiful baroque venue at Engers Castle and see the soaring steeples of the cathedral in this captivating city.
Delight in the holiday cheer with Glühwein (hot mulled wine), bratwurst, and a bounty of regional delicacies. Enjoy free time to find just the right holiday presents and charm of Christmas past among a cheery array of crafts, Christmas decorations, and gifts on this magical European river cruise from Basel, Switzerland to Frankfurt, Germany. Delight in the holiday cheer with Glühwein (hot mulled wine), bratwurst, and a bounty of regional delicacies. Enjoy free time to find just the right holiday presents and charm of Christmas past among a cheery array of crafts, Christmas decorations, and gifts on this magical European river cruise from Basel, Switzerland to Frankfurt, Germany.​
Dec 7: Basel, Switzerland (embarkation)
Welcome to Switzerland. Your Suite Ship® is Ready for Boarding.
Stroll through the city center, enjoy the festive illumination and delight in Christmas delicacies like waffles, gingerbread,
sweets and Swiss raclette
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Dec 8: Breisach, Germany
German Winemaking and the Beautiful Black Forest-
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CLASSIC Join a Guided Tour to explore Freiburg’s medieval city center, sheltered by the Black Forest amid vineyards and
gardens of the Upper Rhine Valley, OR:
CLASSIC Join a Guided Tour to the magical Black Forest to experience local traditions and the vibrant Christmas mood.-
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In the afternoon you may choose to join a Guided Optional Excursion to visit the charming village of Colmar, with its half timbered medieval and early renaissance buildings, or to spend your free time to enjoy the Breisach’s Christmas Markets
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Dec 9: Kehl, Germany (for Strasbourg)
Joyeux Noël in Strasbourg -
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CLASSIC Come along for City Sightseeing, including the city’s gothic, stained-glass cathedral with its celebrated ancient murals and astronomical clock, as well as the magical La Petite France District.
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Savor the warmth and glow of Christmas tradition by spending your free time this afternoon wandering the French winter markets of Strasbourg. Take in the lights, music, and the pleasures of the season.
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Dec 10: Ludwigshafen, Germany (for Heidelberg)
Winter Wonders Fit for a King
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DISCOVERY Take a Guided Tour that includes the magnificent Heidelberg Castle and the Great Vat—the world’s largest wine barrel. After the tour, visit the local German Christmas markets in Heidelberg, OR:
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CLASSIC Take a Guided Tour of Speyer, see its imperial Cathedral, one of the largest and most significant Romanesque edifices in Germany. After the tour, explore the sights and sounds, tantalizing treats, and seasonal handiwork of Speyer
Christmas markets.-
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This evening, enjoy the cheer of Christmas carols with live entertainment on board.
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Dec 11: Rudesheim, Germany
Eat, Drink, and Be Merry in Wine Country
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CLASSIC Take a Guided Tour of the incredible Mechanical Music Museum for a one-of-a-kind instrumental experience; enjoy a tasting of the authentic Rüdesheimer coffee. Don’t miss the tantalizing treats, and seasonal handiwork of sparkling winter wonderlands in the city. -
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This afternoon, sail through the Rhine Gorge (a UNESCO World Heritage site). Take in the breathtaking views of ancient castles perched on cliffs 400 feet above the water and pass the legendary Rock of the Lorelei—where the mythological siren’s songs lured ill-fated sailors.
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DISCOVERY Enjoy a remarkable Christmas concert in a lovely baroque venue at Engers Castle, home to the Villa Musica Rhineland-Palatinate National Foundation, one of Germany’s largest music institutions.
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Dec 12: Cologne, Germany
Prost! Celebrate in the Rhineland
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CLASSIC Learn all about the 5,000-year history and production process behind “Brown Gold”—chocolate—on this fun hands-on Guided Tour and Tasting at Cologne’s incredible Chocolate Museum, OR:
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CLASSIC Take a Guided City Walk of Cologne—with its soaring twin-steepled gothic cathedral.
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Spend free time enjoying the festive, warm glow of Cologne’s Christmas markets-
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DISCOVERY Enjoy an onboard workshop to learn about European Christmas decorations.
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Dec 13: Mainz, Germany
While sailing to Mainz, enjoy an onboard workshop to learn about European Christmas decorations.-
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CLASSIC Enjoy a Guided City Walk, including a visit to the Gutenberg Museum to see the captivating history of printing.
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Spend free time browsing the exquisite Christmas Markets of Mainz. Stroll through the lovingly decorated and illuminated stalls to find the perfect ornaments and handmade pieces.
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Dec 14: Frankfurt, Germany (disembarkation)
Your cruise ends with breakfast this morning.
NOTES:
•In the event of technical or water level issues, it may be necessary to operate the itinerary by motorcoach or alter the program, including hotel overnight when necessary.
•Guided Tours, Optional Excursions, activities, sailing and docking schedules may be contingent on weather conditions or other issues outside of our control and could therefore be subject to change at any time.
•Please check visa requirements with your local consulate(s); responsibility for obtaining visas rests with the traveler.
•Christmas markets generally operate from late November until the third week of December.
AVALON VIEW
16 Staterooms | 67 Suites | 443 ft | 47 Crew
As one of the newest additions to our award-winning fleet of Suite Ships, the Avalon View certainly lives up to its name! With the youngest fleet of ships offering the widest views on Europe's waterways, The View illustrates our outstanding commitment to relaxed luxury.
Passengers can choose from two full decks of award-winning Panorama Suites, featuring wall-to-wall and floor-to-ceiling panoramic windows that transform your living space into a unique Open-Air Balcony. The 200-square-foot Panorama Suites are more than 30% larger than the industry standard, with Avalon's signature window-facing "Beds with a View."
Onboard amenities include complimentary Starlink Wi-Fi access, a convenient Fitness Center, an Adventure Center for bikes and active gear, and an Avalon Adventure Host to assist with active excursions and activities. Enjoy exceptional onboard cuisine, including Avalon Fresh menu options, premium coffee and spirits, and versatile FlexDining venues, including the casual Panorama Bistro, al fresco Sky Grill, or elegant glass-walled Dining Room.
Library books, cards, and board games are favorites in the Club Lounge, and our Observation Lounge affords the perfect vantage point to watch the world go by. The expansive Sky Deck beckons with a whirlpool, premium lounge chairs, shade system, and deck games-against a backdrop of Europe's most spectacular views!
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BONUS GROUP AMENITY - Included Prepaid Gratuities: a $150/pp value.
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Complimentary Starlink Wi-Fi
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Panoramic windows throughout the ship
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Elegant, contemporary design & decor
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Friendly, English-speaking crew & Cruise Director
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Sky Deck with whirlpool, shade awnings, game area and premium lounges
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Covered Observation Lounge
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Club Lounge with 24-hour self-serve beverage station with complimentary cappuccinos, lattes, tea, hot chocolate & premium coffees, as well as treats throughout the day
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Elevator
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Non-smoking interior and staterooms
INCLUDED AMENITIES
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Chef-prepared onboard meals with regional cuisine and familiar favorites
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Seasonal cuisine featuring the freshest local ingredients
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Avalon Fresh® healthy cuisine options at every meal
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Spacious, open-seating Panorama Dining Room
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Daily breakfast buffet with full range of classic breakfast items, healthy Avalon Fresh® options and daily a la carte specials
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Complimentary room service for Continental breakfast, lunch, and dinner
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Daily lunch buffet featuring regional specialties, classic dishes, healthy Avalon Fresh® options and rotating chef’s features including carving & pasta stations. Alternatively, you may dine al fresco at our Sky Grill on the Sky Deck (weather and itinerary permitting) or enjoy a light lunch in the Panorama Lounge.
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Afternoon Tea featuring tea, coffee, and sweet treats
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Four-course dinners with choice of appetizers, soups, salads, entrées and desserts or cheese
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Panorama Bistro's tasting menu for a less formal "sit-down" atmosphere
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Complimentary wine, beer, or soft drinks with lunch and dinner
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Avalon FlexDining® flexible dining times with menu & venue options
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Vegetarian options at every meal, as well as vegan, low calorie, low fat, high fiber, low cholesterol, high energy and allergy-free selections
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Panorama Lounge & Bar with premium spirits, cozy seating, panoramic windows & dance floor
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Welcome & farewell cocktails with sparkling wine & canapés
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Included Happy Hour every evening featuring house beer, wine, cocktails and a drink of the day
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Cocktails with a view on the Sky Deck
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Specialty coffees, espresso drinks and beWell Essence flavored and infused water available throughout each day
DINING
ENHANCE YOUR EXPERIENCE WITH A
PRE-CRUISE EXTENSION
2 PRE-CRUISE NIGHTS IN LUCERNE
Your European vacation begins with a stay in Lucerne, with a special excursion up Mount Pilatus for spectacular Swiss Alpine panoramas. In Lucerne, your guided walking tour, includes the Lion Monument, the Chapel Bridge, and a special highlight excursion to Swiss Alps.
3 PRE-CRUISE NIGHTS IN LAKE COMO & 1 NIGHT IN LUCERNE
Your European vacation begins with a stay in Como and Lucerne, with a special excursion up Mount Pilatus for spectacular Swiss Alpine panoramas. In Como, an included guided walking tour features the charming historic district, the Gothic Town Hall, the impressive Duomo, and a boat ride on the lake. In Lucerne, your guided walking tour includes the Lion Monument, the Chapel Bridge, and a special highlight excursion to stunning Mount Pilatus.
Contact us for details and pricing for these extensions
Select Staterooms
We have secured Group Rates for this cruise
that include prepaid gratuities: a $150/pp value.
A Deposit of $250/pp will be due at booking.
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Final Payment will be due September 8, 2027
Date is subject to change without notice​
VIEW THE AVALON VIEW DECK PLANS DOWN BELOW
Deluxe Stateroom, E & D
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$4301/pp - Twin | $7526 - Solo: Deck 1
172 sq. ft.
Indigo Deck (Category D, E)
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Comfort Collection Beds
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Luxurious mattress toppers
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Egyptian super-combed cotton linens
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European-style duvets
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Soft & firm pillows
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Extra blankets
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Choice of bed configuration
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Nightly turn-down service
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Bedside tables with reading lamps
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Premium hairdryer
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L'Occitane bath products
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Spacious 3-door closets with shelves for ample storage
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Easy under-bed luggage storage
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Flatscreen satellite TV with English-speaking channels & over 50 free movie options
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Alarm clock
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Direct-dial telephone
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Bathrobes & slippers
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Well-stocked minibar
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Complimentary filtered water
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In-room safe
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Individual climate control
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Elegant, contemporary design
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Large mirror in bathroom
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Two windows
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Full shower with glass door
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Writing desk and chair
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Lighted makeup mirror
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Complimentary Wi-Fi
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One Queen-Sized Bed or Two Twins
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USB Ports
Royal Suite - 1 available
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$8200/pp Twin | $16,398 Solo - Deck 3
300 sq. ft.
Royal Deck (Category S)
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Comfort Collection Beds
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Luxurious mattress toppers
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Egyptian super-combed cotton linens
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European-style duvets
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Soft & firm pillows
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Extra blankets
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Choice of bed configuration
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Nightly turn-down service
-
Bedside tables with reading lamps
-
Premium hairdryer
-
L'Occitane bath products
-
Spacious 3-door closets with shelves for ample storage
-
Easy under-bed luggage storage
-
Flatscreen satellite TV with English-speaking channels & over 50 free movie options
-
Alarm clock
-
Make-up mirror
-
Direct-dial telephone
-
Bathrobes & slippers
-
Well-stocked minibar
-
Complimentary filtered water
-
In-room safe
-
Individual climate control
-
Elegant, contemporary design
-
Large mirror in bathroom
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Marble countertops in bathroom
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Wall-to-Wall Panoramic Window with Open-Air Balcony
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6-person sitting area
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Full shower with glass door
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Writing desk and chair
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Lighted makeup mirror
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Sofa
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Coffee table
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Double sinks
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Complimentary Wi-Fi
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USB Ports
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One King-Sized Bed or Two Twins
Panorama Suite, B, A, P
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B: $6200/pp Twin | $10,849 Solo - Deck 2 aft
A: $6300/pp Twin | $11,024 Solo - Deck 2 mid
P: $6350/pp Twin | $11,111 Solo - Deck 3
200 sq. ft.
Sapphire, Royal Deck (Category A, B, P)
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Comfort Collection Beds
-
Luxurious mattress toppers
-
Egyptian super-combed cotton linens
-
European-style duvets
-
Soft & firm pillows
-
Extra blankets
-
Choice of bed configuration
-
Nightly turn-down service
-
Bedside tables with reading lamps
-
Premium hairdryer
-
L'Occitane bath products
-
Spacious 3-door closets with shelves for ample storage
-
Easy under-bed luggage storage
-
Flatscreen satellite TV with English-speaking channels & over 50 free movie options
-
Alarm clock
-
Make-up mirror
-
Direct-dial telephone
-
Bathrobes & slippers
-
Well-stocked minibar
-
Complimentary filtered water
-
In-room safe
-
Individual climate control
-
Elegant, contemporary design
-
Large mirror in bathroom
-
Marble countertops in bathroom
-
Wall-to-Wall Panoramic Window with Open-Air Balcony
-
6-person sitting area
-
Full shower with glass door
-
Writing desk and chair
-
Lighted makeup mirror
-
Sofa
-
Coffee table
-
Complimentary Wi-Fi
-
One Queen-Sized Bed or Two Twins
-
USB Ports
Please note: All images presented are illustrative, your actual furnishing and room configuration may vary. All offers and packages are subject to change without notice. All pricing includes port fees & taxes and subject to change without notice. Gratuities not included in pricing except where noted. All itineraries are subject to change without notice. Offers shown are subject to change without notice.
Limited availability. Contact us for current pricing.
Additional stateroom categories may be available, contact us for current inventory.
Note: Images on this page are for illustrative purposes only.
Your actual furnishings and room configuration may differ.
We can assist with pre and post travel plans
including flights, hotels and tours.
Terms and Conditions
Where's Walter Travel Avalon View Christmastime on the Rhine Group Cruise December 7, 2027 Terms and Conditions are subject to change at any time. The current terms are correct as of August 19, 2025.
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All references to "The Organizers" shall be understood to include Where's Walter Travel LLC and persons affiliated through ownership with the owners of Where's Walter Travel LLC. All references to "Avalon," "Avalon Waterways," and "Avalon View" shall be understood to mean Avalon Waterways, a part of Globus Family of Brands.
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Upon booking this cruise, the guest’s consent to the Avalon Waterways Terms and Conditions. The organizers bear no responsibility for any changes to the cruise or cancellation. Any grievances or concerns regarding the cruise should be directed to Avalon Waterways.
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In the event that the group cruise is unable to proceed or if Walter and Rebecca are unable to participate due to any reason, the guest is not entitled to any refund, payment, compensation. All activities and events are subject to modification or cancellation with no notice. In the event an activity is cancelled the guest is not entitled to any refund, payment, compensation.
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Please note that Avalon Waterways requires passports for all guests for all cruises to board the ship at embarkation.
