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Traveling Person's Christmastime River Cruise 2025
SOLD OUT - WAITLIST ONLY!
For the waitlist, I would need: full passport names, what cabin categories people would be okay with, and a credit card on request for the deposit amount so if confirmed we can book them right away without it dropping.
This Christmastime river cruise is a unique and unforgettable way to celebrate the season! Board in Frankfurt, Germany, then sail the Rhine River through Strasbourg, France, to Basel, Switzerland. Enjoy passing beautiful views and quaint villages festively lit and decorated. Delight in the holiday cheer with Glühwein (hot mulled wine), bratwursts, and other regional delicacies. You’ll also find an array of crafts, Christmas decorations, and gifts.
INCLUDED IN YOUR FARE ONCE ON BOARD:
*Breakfast, lunch, and dinner on board daily
*Complimentary sparkling wine with breakfast; wine, beer, or soft drinks with lunch and dinner are included daily on board
*Complimentary Happy Hour
*Expert Cruise Director
*Avalon Adventure Host available as your guide for fitness activities and active excursions
*Friendly, English-speaking staff delivering consummate personal service
*Avalon Choice® with your preference of Classic, Active, or Discovery included excursions and sightseeing with Certified Local Guides; and MyAvalonSM Guided Optional Excursions
*AvalonGO mobile app with itinerary information before and during your cruise, including schedules, transfer details, daily itineraries, GPS, and dining and entertainment options—and social media feature for real-time posts.
*Complimentary Starlink Wi-Fi access on Europe Avalon Suite Ships®
*Complimentary computer stations
*Sky Deck shade system & premium lounge chairs, whirlpool, game area (varies by season)
*Sky Grill with made-to-order al fresco dining (varies by season)
*State-of-the-art Fitness Center
*Panorama Dining Room with large panoramic views
*Observation Lounge
*Upscale bar serving premium spirits; fresh fruit available throughout the day
*Adventure Center with Avalon Adventure Host assistance, active gear, bicycles, and fitness class information
*Club Lounge Library with books, cards, and board games
*Elevator
*Non-smoking interior
*Complimentary water stations
*Spacious outside deluxe accommodations with enhanced soundproofing
*Exclusive Comfort Collection Beds
*Large private bathroom featuring full shower with glass door
*Premium personal amenities, including L’Occitane® bath products
*English language TV channels with 50+ free movies
*Club Lounge with 24-hour self-serve beverage station with complimentary cappuccinos, lattes, hot chocolate, and a selection of teas; cookies available throughout the day
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This tour does not include:
-Air (air schedule options/pricing will open around January 20-23, 2025)
-Insurance
-Items not noted on itinerary, bar drinks outside of the complimentary hours/offerings
-Extra Excursions or Upgraded Experiences
-Pre or Post plans
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IMPORTANT DATES (Payments & Cancellation Information)
Air Schedules Will Open
Around January 20-23, 2025 - you must know your last day of travel after the cruise in order to look for flights.
Final Payment
Monday, September 1, 2025
Passport & Emergency Information
Monday, September 1, 2025
Travel Documents Ready
2-3 weeks before sailing
Cancellation Penalties from Avalon
November 12, 2025 - 31 days before departure
50% loss
30-1 days before departure
80% loss
Day of departure
100% loss
In addition to the Avalon fees, Traveling Person has a $50 per person/per reservation cancellation fee.
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PRICING FOR RIVER CRUISE CABIN ONLY (no air), based on two (2) people sharing a twin/double cabin.
(cabin fee, port fees, complimentary pre-paid gratuities, $500 discount group promo per cabin)
Deposit is a non-refundable payment of $500 and due at the time of booking.
Deluxe Stateroom Cat D/Indigo (small windows)
109, 112-118 $4672 cabin total for 2
Panorama Suite Cat A/Sapphire
201-209, 213, 217-223. $6210 cabin total for 2
Panorama Suite Cat P/Royal
300-307, 313-319, 322-333. $6266 cabin total for 2
Royal Suite - SOLD OUT
308/310
*Single Pricing by request/availability*
add $1469-$2709 per person depending on the cabin category you choose.
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TRAVEL INSURANCE is MANDATORY for participation on this group trip.
Quotes will be sent upon inquiry.
Insurance is nonrefundable and will be added when flights are purchased and before final payment.
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NO VACCINATION REQUIREMENTS
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ITINERARY
PRE-CRUISE - Let us create the perfect itinerary before you embark on your river cruise.
December 12 - Arrive into Frankfurt, Germany on on before 12/12/25
December 13 - Embark in Frankfurt before 2pm (ship sails at 5pm)
Day 1, Saturday December 13, 2025
FRANKFURT, GERMANY (EMBARKATION)
Welcome to Germany. Your Suite Ship® is Ready for Boarding.
Flights into Frankfurt must arrive by 2 pm.
Guests must be on board ship by 5 pm.
EVENING/OVERNIGHT CRUISE TO SPEYER
(Dinner)
Day 2, Sunday December 14, 2025
SPEYER. EXCURSION TO HEIDELBERG
Winter Wonders and a Wine Barrel Fit for a King
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.
Alternatively, enjoy a relaxing sailing morning and explore the sights and sounds, tantalizing treats, and seasonal handiwork
of Speyer Christmas markets.
This evening, enjoy live entertainment on board
EVENING/OVERNIGHT TO STRASBOURG
(Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)
Day 3, Monday December 15, 2025
STRASBOURG, FRANCE
A Gothic Cathedral, Heaven’s Time, and Joyeux Noël
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.
You may choose to join a Guided Optional Excursion to beautiful Alsace, for an afternoon in a French wine-country village.
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.
EVENING CRUISE TO BREISACH
(Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)
Day 4, Tuesday December 16, 2025
BREISACH, GERMANY. EXCURSION TO BLACK FOREST
German Winemaking and the Beautiful Black Forest
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...
DISCOVERY Join a Guided Tour to the magical Black Forest to experience local traditions and the vibrant Christmas mood.
In the afternoon you may choose to join a Guided Optional Excursion to visit the charming village of Colmar, with its halftimbered
medieval and early renaissance buildings, or to spend your free time to enjoy the Breisach’s Christmas Markets
EVENING/OVERNIGHT CRUISE TO BASEL
(Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)
Day 5, Wednesday December 17, 2025
BASEL, SWITZERLAND (DISEMBARKATION)
Your cruise ends with breakfast this morning.
Flights shouldn't leave Zürich airport before 10 am.
(Breakfast)
POST-CRUISE - find the magic in an extended stay in Switzerland or beyond.
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Deluxe Stateroom Cat D/Indigo (small windows only)
Panorama Suite Cat A/Sapphire and Cat P/Royal (open air balcony)
Name
*
First
Last
E-mail
*
My intended travel companion with whom I plan on sharing accommodations
(Please list name)
If you plan on rooming as a single, please indicate that here.
Please mark any of the following statements, applicable to ANY guest in your room or traveling party. I know some questions are personal, but we need to establish if there are any possible restrictions or barriers of travel.
Yes
No
Other/Notes
Mobility or Medical Challenges
Oxygen or Other Medical Device Usage
Hearing or Sight Impaired
Special Dietary Requirements
Pre-existing Medical Conditions that need insurance coverage
Pregnant or Anticipate the possibility of a pregnancy during travel period or immediately after travel
Legal issues that may limit international travel or security checks (DUI/Child Support/etc)
Please reserve ___ for my travel party.
*
WAITLIST ONLY Deluxe Stateroom - Cat D (only has small windows) $4672
WAITLIST ONLY Panorama Suite - Cat A - $6210
WAITLIST ONLY Panorama Suite - Cat P - $6266
PAYMENT IS NOT COLLECTED AT THIS TIME - TRAVELING PERSON WILL CONTACT YOU FOR PAYMENT.
If you need a single cabin, pricing will be given at the time of quote.
BeddingType
*
Twin (2 beds)
Double (1 bed)
PRE or POST Options
*
I would like a custom pre/post travel option to explore Europe for a few days, before and/or after the cruise.
I want the shortest pre/post travel option - to arrive into Frankfurt 1 day before the cruise begins and depart Zurich the day the cruise ends.
Other need - to be discussed.
AIR Options
Air schedule options/pricing will open around January 20-23, 2025
*
I am interested in air options for arrival/departure from Frankfurt/Zurich.
I will need air options for arrival/departure to match my custom pre/post travel plans.
I do not need air options for arrival/departure and will make my own plans.
Are you celebrating anything special on this trip?
If you could have a dream experience on this trip, what would it be?
How did you hear about this trip?