With December 2022 departures of Riviera River Cruises’ popular holiday season cruises now available, plan ahead to celebrate Europe’s Rhine and Danube Rivers in all their wintry splendor.

Riviera’s holiday season cruises include Yuletide Markets itineraries that depart in the weeks before Christmas, departures over Christmas itself with the ship decked in lush garlands and a grandiose tree, and celebratory sailings to ring in the New Year.

In all, six itineraries with 20 departures are available to book.

“We offer a wonderful variety of festive cruises for the holidays to help guests celebrate before, during and after Christmas,” said Marilyn Conroy, Riviera River Cruises’ Executive Vice President Sales and Marketing North America. “Get into the spirit of the season by visiting some of Europe’s best yuletide markets, wake up Christmas morning with a tree and other trimmings on board, or raise a glass alongside other passengers and toast the arrival of 2023. With 2022 departures now on sale, it’s even possible to give someone special in your life the gift of a European river cruise for next year.”

Riviera’s Rhine River holiday cruises pass through the dramatic Rhine Gorge in Germany, where the swifter current sweeps between narrowing valley sides that tower above. Rüdesheim’s market stalls glow with hundreds of fairy lights, the Christmas bakery in Koblenz serves its famous stollen and the Cologne Cathedral market features the largest tree in the Rhineland.

Danube River holiday cruises navigate the mountainous Danube Bend in Hungary and continue on to Slovakia and Austria. Budapest’s markets are filled with the smells of spiced gingerbread and peppery goulash, artisan decorations are available in Bratislava and the windows of Vienna’s city hall are transformed into a giant Advent calendar.

Riviera River Cruises offers 20 itineraries on 10 rivers and waterways, including dedicated departures for solo travelers with no single supplement. Riviera’s fleet of 12 ships is one of the youngest in Europe, with spacious cabins and suites, and its cruises include fine culinary experiences, from breakfasts to four-course dinners featuring international and regional specialties, as well as expert-led excursions to classic sights and lesser-known places.

Riviera River Cruises, 888-838-8820, www.rivierarivercruises.com