Just in time for the festive season, tour operator Marulio has provided us with a promotional rate for an atmospheric river cruise to the Christmas markets along the Rhine and Main rivers. Aboard the MS Dutch Grace, you will spend 4 nights on a round-trip voyage from Düsseldorf, calling at Rüdesheim, Frankfurt, and Koblenz. Along the way, you will also cruise through the romantic Upper Middle Rhine Valley, a UNESCO World Heritage site.
There are two departure dates to choose from: November 28 to December 2, 2026, and December 2 to 6, 2026. An outside cabin on the Main Deck is available on the second departure for just €349.50 per person. For comparison, Marulio normally charges €599 or €649 per person for this exact cabin category. Full board dining is already included in the fare.
Solo travelers can book single occupancy in an outside cabin starting at €499 (December 2) or €537 (November 28).
This river cruise is operated by a German company, meaning menus, daily programs, and other onboard announcements are catered to German-speaking passengers. That being said, the ship’s crew speaks English. You can easily view this as a great opportunity for some cultural immersion.
Do you have questions about the offer, need help, or are you looking for a cruise that suits you even better? Feel free to contact us via our inquiry form. We’re glad to help.
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Included Services
Guests on this river cruise enjoy the following inclusions:
- Full board (breakfast buffet, lunch, afternoon cake and coffee, dinner, late-night snack)
- Gala dinner
- Onboard cruise director in German provided by Marulio
- All port and passenger taxes
Optional Extras
The following guided shore excursions can be booked optionally:
- Rüdesheim excursion with the Winzerexpress mini-train, Siegfried’s Mechanical Music Cabinet, and the famous Drosselgasse: €46 per person
- Frankfurt panoramic city tour and guided walk including local apple wine (Ebbelwoi) tasting: €64 per person
- Guided walking tour through historic Koblenz old town: €37 per person
The Route
Your festive voyage begins in Düsseldorf, where MS Dutch Grace casts off at 17:00 and cruises upstream toward Rüdesheim. On your very first evening, you will glide past the illuminated skyline of Cologne and its world-famous cathedral.
The next day, you reach the picturesque wine-growing town of Rüdesheim am Rhein around 13:00. Here you can explore the Christmas Market of Nations, with artisan stalls from across the globe nestled among the historic alleys of the Drosselgasse. The vessel remains moored overnight, departing early the following morning.
Near Mainz, MS Dutch Grace turns into the Main River, arriving in Frankfurt around 14:00. The traditional Christmas market on the historic Römerberg square is located just a brief walk from the riverbank. You have time until late in the evening to explore the city before the ship sails overnight back toward the Rhine.
On Day 4, the itinerary brings you to Koblenz at the famous Deutsches Eck (German Corner), where the Moselle flows into the Rhine. Alongside the atmospheric Christmas markets throughout the old town, a cable car excursion up to Ehrenbreitstein Fortress offers panoramic views over the Middle Rhine Valley. On Day 5, your cruise concludes after 4 nights back in Düsseldorf.
The MS Dutch Grace
Built in 2001 and modernized in 2013, the 110-meter (360-foot) river cruise ship accommodates up to 144 passengers across 72 cabins, including four suites. The primary language on board is German.
Onboard amenities include a panoramic restaurant, a panorama lounge and bar, a spacious sun deck, a fitness and massage room, and a 24-hour self-service tea and coffee station. Wi-Fi internet access is available for a fee.
Standard cabins measure approximately 15 m² (161 sq ft) and feature en-suite bathrooms with shower/WC, individually controlled air conditioning, flat-screen TV, safe, and hairdryer. Main Deck cabins are fitted with fixed picture windows, while Middle and Upper Deck cabins feature French balconies or large picture windows. Junior Suites offer roughly 22 m² (237 sq ft) of living space.