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Sail Into the Holidays With Us – 2026 Thanksgiving All-Inclusive River Cruise!

I am so excited to finally share this with you — my kids and I are hosting an unforgettable European river cruise for Thanksgiving 2026, and you’re invited!

Captivating Rhine Christmas Cruise Route

From November 21–28, 2026, we’ll be sailing aboard the luxurious AmaWaterways Captivating Rhine – Taste of Christmas itinerary, exploring France, Germany, the Netherlands, and Switzerland. Picture your family: sipping hot chocolate in a centuries-old Christmas market, exploring fairytale castles, tasting regional wines and pastries, and cruising past the storybook villages of the Rhine — all while your floating hotel takes you effortlessly from city to city.

This is not just a trip. This is a holiday season memory in the making.


Why You’ll Love This Trip

Amsterdam Canal

Four Countries in One Week

No packing and unpacking. No rushing to catch trains. Just wake up in a new destination each morning. Our route includes:

  • Amsterdam, Netherlands – Kick things off with charming canals, bicycles, and the magic of early holiday decorations.
  • Cologne, Germany – Famous for its Gothic cathedral and one of the most beautiful Christmas markets in Europe.
  • Rhine Gorge – Sail past castles, vineyards, and dramatic river cliffs.
  • Rüdesheim, Germany – Cozy wine taverns, cobblestone streets, and festive shops.
  • Ludwigshafen / Heidelberg, Germany – Explore the romantic city of Heidelberg and its incredible castle.
  • Strasbourg, France – A blend of French and German culture, with one of the largest and most spectacular Christmas markets.
  • Breisach, Germany – The gateway to the Black Forest, known for cuckoo clocks, Black Forest cake, and charming villages.
  • Basel, Switzerland – A beautiful city that straddles the borders of Switzerland, France, and Germany.

A Taste of Christmas Along the Rhine

Cologne Christmas Market

We’ll be sailing during the opening weeks of Europe’s world-famous Christmas markets. These markets are pure magic — twinkling lights, the scent of cinnamon and mulled wine in the air, handmade gifts, festive music, and holiday treats you won’t find anywhere else.


All-Inclusive Luxury

AmaViola AmaWaterways River Cruise
Photo by Meagan Wristen

One of the best parts? Almost everything is included. Your fare covers:

  • Gourmet meals – Breakfast, lunch, dinner, plus snacks and daily tea/coffee service. Every meal is freshly prepared with local ingredients inspired by the regions we’re sailing through.
  • Drinks – Wine, beer, and soft drinks with lunch and dinner, plus sparkling wine with breakfast.
  • Daily excursions – At every port, you can choose from included tours and activities led by expert local guides. Whether you want a walking tour of a historic town, a wine tasting, a castle visit, or a gentle bike ride, there’s something for every interest and activity level.
  • Wi-Fi – Stay connected and share all your amazing experiences.
  • Bikes – Free use of onboard bicycles to explore towns at your own pace.
  • Special events – Onboard entertainment, lectures, and tastings.

No surprise bills at the end — it’s all taken care of.


Why AmaWaterways?

Regular twin room on AmaViola

I’ve traveled a lot, and I can tell you — AmaWaterways is one of the best river cruise lines out there. The service is personal and friendly, the staterooms are beautiful (many with twin balconies), and the food is chef’s kiss fantastic. Every detail is designed to make your trip stress-free and unforgettable.


Travel With Us!

Mother Daughter AmaWaterways Cruise

This isn’t a random group of strangers — it’s our MommyTravels community! My kids and I will be on board, hosting group meetups, meals, and special activities. Whether you’re traveling solo, with your partner, or with friends or family, you’ll have a built-in group of friendly faces to share the experience with.


How to Join Us

Strasbourg

Right now, AmaWaterways is offering a massive flash sale — almost 50% off this sailing. This is one of the best deals I’ve ever seen for a luxury river cruise, and space will sell out fast.

Here’s how to book:

📞 Call AmaWaterways directly at 1-800-626-0126. Mention you’re with the “MommyTravels” group to be included in our events.

Or fill out this form and AmaWaterways will call you!

You can also book through your favorite travel agent — just give them our group name “MommyTravels”. If you need a travel agent, I can take great care of you. Just let me know.

Itinerary & full details: Captivating Rhine – Taste of Christmas 2026


Picture Yourself Here…

Strasbourg, France - Dec 20, 2016: Rear View Of People Silhouett
Strasbourg, France – Dec 20, 2016: Rear view of people silhouettes shopping for traditional alsatian toys and sweets gifts at the annual Christmas Market Marche de Noel
  • Walking through Strasbourg with a warm mug of mulled wine in hand
  • Watching castles drift past your cabin window as you cozy up with a blanket
  • Enjoying a Thanksgiving feast onboard with all the trimmings (without cooking a single thing!)
  • Browsing stalls filled with handmade ornaments and treats
  • Laughing with friends — old and new — as we make memories that will last a lifetime

This is the perfect mix of holiday magic, European charm, and stress-free travel.


Let’s Make Thanksgiving 2026 the Best One Yet

Colmar-Xmas-Market

Instead of staying home and cooking for two days straight, come celebrate the season in style. Let’s trade the turkey timer for twinkling lights, the grocery list for a glass of wine, and the cold leftovers for fresh-baked pastries along the Rhine.

I can’t wait to experience this with you. Will you join us?

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