Flights
Flights are currently possible from Heathrow, Stansted & Manchester airports subject to availability at time of booking the flights, and a supplement may apply. Alternative UK departure airports may become available, we will look at all options when you book.
• Flights include 1 checked in bag (usually no more than 20kgs) and 1 carry on bag per person – weight/size subject to airline rules.
• Flight duration around 2 hours.
• Transfer time Cologne Airport to ship around 60 mins each way or from Dusseldorf Airport 30 mins each way subject to traffic.
Please call us on 01895 83 33 33 to discuss your flight requirements.
Rhine & Main Christmas Markets Cruise
5 nights by Rail or Air, 1st to 6th December 2027, from £1699 per person
Itinerary
Day 1: UK to Düsseldorf
Depart London St Pancras in the morning on Eurostar to Brussels, arriving in just over 2 hours. Continue by coach to Düsseldorf and the MS Carmen. Alternatively, travel to and from Düsseldorf or Cologne by air from regional UK airports – see flight information and options. Time to settle into your cabin before dinner, free drinks and entertainment on board. Overnight sailing to Cologne.
Day 2: Cologne
This morning we have an included guided walking tour of Cologne. This afternoon is free in Cologne, home to six Christmas Markets. The biggest and most famous is outside Cologne Cathedral, or you may prefer the Alter Markt situated in the old town on the ‘Altstadt. For those with a sweet tooth you can combine a visit to the famous Chocolate Museum with the Harbour Christmas Market. Free drinks, dinner and entertainment on board. Overnight sailing to Rüdesheim.
Day 3: Rüdesheim
This morning we sail through the Middle Rhine passing countless castles, fortresses and sleepy hamlets in the narrowest and deepest part of the river, marked by the legendary Lorelei Rock, arriving in Rüdesheim early-afternoon. You will be free to explore on your own, to visit Rüdesheim Christmas Market and the famous Drosselgasse – a unique cobbled lane just 144 metres long, packed with bars, restaurants and live music a perfect place to enjoy a delicious Rüdesheimer Kaffee made with local Asbach brandy. Free drinks, dinner and entertainment on board. Overnight sailing to Frankfurt.
Day 4: Frankfurt
We leave the Rhine at Mainz and head East along the River Main, arriving mid morning in the historic old town of Frankfurt, one of the oldest in Germany and home to a Christmas market dating back to 1393! We start the day with an included walking tour of the town followed by free time. There are traditionally five Christmas Markets in Frankfurt housed in the stunning medieval squares. The ship departs Frankfurt late evening, cruising along the River Main to rejoin the Rhine and an overnight sailing to Bonn. Free drinks, dinner and entertainment on board.
Day 5: Bonn
We arrive in Bonn late-morning, where it’s a short walk to the Münsterplatz Christmas market. The façade of the Town Hall is turned into a giant Advent calendar with one new window lit each day of advent. We have an included walking tour of the town followed by free time. Dinner and entertainment on-board. Overnight sailing to Düsseldorf.
Day 6: Düsseldorf to UK
After Breakfast we disembark and transfer by coach to Brussels where we take the Eurostar to London St Pancras arriving during the afternoon. Or transfer to Düsseldorf or Cologne airport for your flight back to the UK.
Note: Order of itinerary and Christmas Markets subject to change depending on local conditions. Christmas Markets in Germany tend to open at around midday and close late.
Entertainment
Nancy Ann Lee is best known as “Little Miss Sixties” where she has received rave reviews for being one of the liveliest tributes to the 60s divas including Lulu whose songs make a huge contribution to the show. Remember Shout, Relight My Fire, Teardrops, The Man Who Sold the World, To Sir With Love and more.
Multi-talented Keith Slater has been a professional musician since 1981 and sings hits from the 60s to present day. He has performed with well known artistes Malcolm Stent, Don Maclean and in award winning bands Inheritance and Vivo.
Accommodation
MS Carmen
GN Holidays & Voyages is chartering the four-star MS Carmen & MS Otello for three exclusive cruises in 2027. The Carmen and her sister ship Otello, were built in 1995, completely renovated in 2017 by former owners Uniworld and further updated by present owners in 2023. They are identical in size and space and can accommodate up to 102 guests in a variety of well-equipped, en-suite cabins with hotel style beds.
The impressive Reception on the Upper deck gives access to the welcoming lounge and bar, with bar stools, easy chairs, booth style seating, a dance floor and state of the art entertainment equipment. The Sun deck has sun loungers, chairs and a panoramic, conservatory style bar so you can enjoy 360 degree views no matter the weather.
The restaurant features large picture windows and is light and airy with modern decor, furnishings and a relaxed, informal atmosphere. Diners can enjoy generous buffet breakfasts, three course lunches and four course dinners.
Facilities – Wifi is available throughout the ship, there is a coffee station available to guests 24/7 and a shop on board.
Ship’s stats – Length: 110 metres • Breadth: 11.40 metres • Max passenger Capacity: 126 • Passengers decks: 3
Note: MS Carmen shares its name with, but is not the MS Carmen we chartered before 2022.
Decks & Cabins
On the Upper deck you’ll find the reception, lounge and bar and coffee/tea station plus *French Balcony suites, doubles and single (with double bed) cabins.
On the main deck is the restaurant and coffee station, plus standard double and single (with double bed) cabins – all with picture window.
There is a stair lift between the upper deck reception and the main deck.
Cabins all have a double hotel style bed, TV, Wifi, safe, hair dryer, individually controlled heating and cooling system, shower and WC.
*’French Balcony’ is a sliding patio door with a railing at waist height placed directly behind the glass – there isn’t a separate space/balcony you can walk out onto.
Please note: When docking ships can be moored side by side so views from the cabin may be obscured.
What Our Customers Say
Loved the Carmen, I received hugs and greetings from many of the ship’s crew who remembered me from when we were in Budapest (once seen never forgotten !!!). The Cruise was fabulous, so looking forward to Amsterdam in April. Melanie and Keith, as always, did a great job. Judith Weir Read more “Dutch Bulbfields 2025 Judith”
I was on the MS Verdi Bulbfields cruise, it was fantastic. Anyone considering one for the future don't hold back, life's too short. Terry & Chris Croft Read more “Dutch Bulbfields MS Verdi 2024”
This was our very first river cruise and WOW what a treat. We did a big cruise once and it wasn't for us, but the MS Verdi is the perfect size and travelling down the river so tranquil. GN Holidays is an amazing firm and totally recommend their party weekends and river cruises. Linda & Rowley Bletsoe Read more “Dutch Bulbfields April 2025”
