Christmas in July: Scenic and Emerald Cruises Unwrap Europe’s Most Magical Holiday Sailings for 2026 and 2027

Sail Through Europe’s Most Enchanting Holiday Traditions Along the Rhine, Danube and Main Rivers.

Holiday Cruise Experiences
- Scenic Luxury Cruises & Tours and Emerald Cruises are offering immersive Christmas Market river cruises across Europe.
- Destinations include Germany, Austria, France, and Hungary—home to some of Europe’s most iconic holiday traditions.

Highlights for Travelers
- Browse handcrafted ornaments at Cologne Cathedral.
- Sip mulled wine in Vienna’s festive squares.
- Discover Strasbourg’s Christkindelsmärik, one of Europe’s oldest markets.
- Stroll through riverside villages adorned with lights and decorations.

Featured Itineraries
- Scenic Christmas Markets (15 days): Amsterdam to Budapest, multiple departures in Nov–Dec 2026 & 2027.
- Scenic Rhine Christmas Markets: Select departures in Dec 2026 & 2027, through Switzerland, France, Germany, Netherlands.
- Emerald Cruises Christmas Markets on the Rhine (8 days): Cologne, Strasbourg, Amsterdam.
- Emerald Cruises Christmas Markets on the Danube (8 days): Hungary, Austria, Germany, including Budapest, Vienna, Passau.

Onboard Experience
- Snow-dusted castles, festive celebrations, locally inspired cuisine, and included excursions.
- Scenic’s Space-Ships and Emerald’s Star-Ships provide luxury and contemporary comfort.

Leadership Insight
Ken Muskat, President of Scenic Group USA & LATAM, noted: “River cruising provides the perfect way to experience multiple markets and destinations in one seamless journey, allowing travelers to fully immerse themselves in the magic, culture and traditions that make Christmas in Europe so unforgettable.”

This is a strong positioning move—Scenic and Emerald are tapping into the growing demand for experiential holiday travel, especially among those who want to combine cultural immersion with the ease of cruising.