
Rhine River Christmas Afternoon Cruise in Cologne
Traveler rating
3.9/5
Based on 77 traveler reviews. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.
Quick answer
Is Rhine River Christmas Afternoon Cruise in Cologne worth booking?
Rhine River Christmas Afternoon Cruise in Cologne is a 2-hour experience in Cologne, Germany, from $32 per person. It scores 48 out of 100 on the Outty Ranking, which we label “Worth a Look”, based on a 3.9/5 rating across 77 reviews. This booking is non-refundable, so pick your date carefully. Same-day spots are currently showing.
- Outty Ranking
- 48 / 100
- Rating
- 3.9/5 (77)
- Duration
- 2 hours
- From
- $32 per person
An afternoon cruise on the Rhine whilst enjoying relaxing live music is sure to make you smile, before or after you stroll around the renowned Cologne Christmas Markets.
What you get
About this experience
An afternoon cruise on the Rhine whilst enjoying relaxing live music is sure to make you smile, before or after you stroll around the renowned Cologne Christmas Markets.
What's included
Included
- Live entertainment
Not included
- Food and drinks
- Gratuities
Where it starts and ends
Meeting point
Cologne
Look for the chalkboards located at landing stages 3 and 7. Here you will find out where your ship will be departing from. Please arrive 30 minutes before the activity.
Hotel pickup
No pickup: everyone meets at the start point.
Ends at
Look for the chalkboards located at landing stages 3 and 7. Here you will find out where your ship will be departing from. Please arrive 30 minutes before the activity.
Before you book
- Cancellation
- All sales are final. No refund is available for cancellations.
- Ticket
- Mobile Only
- Runs on
- Tue, Wed, Thu, Fri, Sat, Sun
- Group size
- Up to 9 travelers per booking
- Operated by
- Koln-Dusseldorfer
Know before you go
- Wheelchair accessible
- Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
- Public transportation options are available nearby
- Infants are required to sit on an adult’s lap
- Suitable for all physical fitness levels
Photos




What travelers are saying
Outty’s summary of the themes that recur across 77 traveler reviews. Written by us, not quoted from reviewers.
Food and drink
7 mentionsThe tastings and food stops are a highlight for most reviewers.
Photo opportunities
3 mentionsThe views and photo stops come up again and again.
Good for families
3 mentionsReviewers traveling with kids report it landed well with their group.
Traveler reviews
77 verified traveler reviews for Rhine River Christmas Afternoon Cruise in Cologne. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.
Not great
My two adult children (19 and 21) and I arrived in Cologne from the U.S. just before our KD Rhine River Christmas cruise was scheduled to depart. We were hoping it would be a warm start to our holiday. Unfortunately, it wasn’t. While boarding, two young staff members checking names appeared to laugh and repeat my name loudly to each other. I initially assumed it was a misunderstanding, but my son and daughter both felt we were being mocked, which immediately set an uncomfortable tone. The cruise itself was clearly geared toward small children, with a large dance floor dominated by young children playing, while the experienced lounge singers (understandably) performed German Christmas carols. St. Nikolaus appeared midway, entertaining children and visiting each table to discuss guests’ countries of origin—and, surprisingly, world politics. To American guests he mentioned "King Trump" and to UK guests, he mentioned their poor choice in breaking away from the EU. The food choices were limited, pricey, and cafeteria-like. This cruise may be enjoyable for local Omas and Opas with young grandchildren, but it is not well suited for non-German guests, couples, or families with older children. All in, I spent about $165 for this two hour cruise. I did contact KD afterward about the boarding incident. While they said it was investigated and no issue was found, my family and I ultimately did not feel welcome.
via Tripadvisor
Great Time on the Rhine!
My River Boat Cruise on the Rhine was fantastic! My Friends and had a wonderful and fantastic time! We hope to do this again sometime in the Future! :o) It was about 2 - 2 1/2 hours and went up and down the Rhine and past many wonderful sights and was a great way to experience the great city of Cologne! :o)
via Tripadvisor
If you’ve got kids I’m sure you’ll enjoy it. Otherwise not worth it.
The boat was very pretty and that’s about where the joy stopped! The entertainment wasn’t brilliant, could’ve done with more Christmas songs. Think it was great for kids but would’ve loved a bit of commentary about where we were or history. The waitress, well she was not happy in her job. Just ordering food or drink was a real chore.
via Viator
Christmas in Köln
This is a nice and relaxing Christmas cruise experience for a family. The music provided a festive background to enjoy the views outside. Food and drinks were fine but be sure to order early. We highly recommended going outside in the upper deck when coming back into Köln (last 15 minutes of the cruise). It provides for some of the most beautiful views of the city at night and spectacular picture-taking. Our only disappointment was that St Nick visited the table next to ours but skipped us completely. :(
via Tripadvisor
Beautiful trip
Beautiful boat decorated beautifully for Christmas with good entertainment. We enjoyed it very much.
via Viator
Good to know
- Duration
- 2 hours
- Free cancellation
- Non-refundable
- Minimum age to book
- All ages
- Availability
- Bookable today
- Runs on
- Tue, Wed, Thu, Fri, Sat, Sun
- Hotel pickup
- No pickup, meet at start point
- Booked in 30 days
- 27
- Verdict
- Worth a Look
Who runs this experience
Operated by Koln-Dusseldorfer, who run 4 experiences we rank across 2 cities, with an average Outty Ranking of 43.7.
See everything Koln-Dusseldorfer runsWhy this scores 48
The Outty Ranking is a weighted composite. Here is how this experience performed on each component.
Rhine River Christmas Afternoon Cruise in Cologne: questions travelers ask
Practical detail on this experience, plus the wider planning questions for Cologne.
How much does Rhine River Christmas Afternoon Cruise in Cologne cost?
+
Prices start at $32 per person. The final price depends on the date, the time slot and the number of travelers, and peak weekends in Cologne usually price higher than midweek mornings. Live pricing and remaining availability are confirmed on the booking screen before you pay.
How long does Rhine River Christmas Afternoon Cruise in Cologne take?
+
Plan for about 2 hours from start to finish, not counting travel to the meeting point. Most travelers leave another 30 minutes on either side so the rest of the day in Cologne is not rushed.
Is Rhine River Christmas Afternoon Cruise in Cologne worth it?
+
It holds an Outty Ranking of 48 out of 100, which we label "Worth a Look". That score blends traveler sentiment (3.9/5 across 77 reviews), the depth of that review evidence, recent booking momentum, value for money against comparable food & drink in Cologne, and how flexible the cancellation terms are.
Can I cancel or reschedule Rhine River Christmas Afternoon Cruise in Cologne?
+
No. This experience is sold on a non-refundable basis, so only book a date you are confident about. Similar experiences in the city do offer free cancellation if flexibility matters more than price.
Is Rhine River Christmas Afternoon Cruise in Cologne suitable for kids and families?
+
Yes, all ages are welcome. Families should still weigh the 2-hour running time, and strollers are easier on the earlier, quieter departures.
How far in advance should I book Rhine River Christmas Afternoon Cruise in Cologne?
+
Around 27 people booked this in the last 30 days, so popular slots go early. Two to three weeks ahead is comfortable in shoulder season, while summer weekends and holidays in Cologne can sell out a month out. Same-day spots do open up when other travelers cancel, so it is worth checking if you are already in town.
What should I bring or wear?
+
Bring photo ID, your booking confirmation on your phone, a refillable water bottle and comfortable shoes. Dress for the weather in Cologne and add a light layer if any part of the 2-hour experience runs outdoors or after sunset.
Where does Rhine River Christmas Afternoon Cruise in Cologne start and how do I get there?
+
The exact meeting point and directions are on your voucher once you book, and they sit in central Cologne within reach of public transport. Arrive 15 minutes early: late arrivals are treated as no-shows by most operators.
What are the best things to do in Cologne?
+
On Outty we rank every Cologne experience on the same 0 to 100 scale, and alongside this one the highest scorers right now include Guided Brewhouse Walking Tour in Cologne, Cologne City Tour Experience cathedral city on the Rhine, Walking tour of Cologne: The essential and unmissable. The city page groups everything into most popular, highest reviewed, last minute and family-friendly so you can build a day around what actually delivers.
When is the best time to visit Cologne?
+
Booking patterns follow the same curve: prices and queues climb in peak weeks, while shoulder season gives you better availability on the top-ranked experiences and more room to change plans.
How many days do you need in Cologne?
+
Three full days covers the headline sights without sprinting. A workable rhythm is one anchor experience each morning, such as this one, an unhurried afternoon in a single neighborhood, then a food or nightlife booking in the evening. Five days lets you add a day trip outside the city.
Do I book through Outty or through the operator?
+
Outty ranks and explains the experiences, then hands you to Viator to complete the booking with the operator directly. The price is the same as booking on Viator yourself, and Outty earns an affiliate commission on the referral, which is how the rankings stay free to read.
What is included in Rhine River Christmas Afternoon Cruise in Cologne?
+
Included: Live entertainment. Not included: Food and drinks; and Gratuities. Always check the voucher for the final list before you travel.
Where is the meeting point for Rhine River Christmas Afternoon Cruise in Cologne?
+
Look for the chalkboards located at landing stages 3 and 7. Here you will find out where your ship will be departing from. Please arrive 30 minutes before the activity. Hotel pickup is not included, so plan your own transport and arrive 15 minutes early.
Will I get instant confirmation and a mobile ticket for Rhine River Christmas Afternoon Cruise in Cologne?
+
Confirmation is sent by the operator after booking, usually within 48 hours; if it is not confirmed you are not charged. Mobile tickets are accepted, so you can show the voucher on your phone.
Is Rhine River Christmas Afternoon Cruise in Cologne wheelchair or stroller accessible?
+
The operator notes: Wheelchair accessible; Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller; and Infants are required to sit on an adult’s lap. If accessibility is critical, contact the operator after booking to confirm arrangements for your date.
What happens to Rhine River Christmas Afternoon Cruise in Cologne if the weather is bad?
+
It generally runs rain or shine, so dress for the forecast in Cologne. Standard cancellation terms apply.
What do travelers say about Rhine River Christmas Afternoon Cruise in Cologne?
+
Across 77 reviews averaging 3.9 out of 5, recurring themes include food and drink, photo opportunities, good for families. The tastings and food stops are a highlight for most reviewers.
Ready to lock in your spot?
Pick a date, choose your group, and see the exact price for Rhine River Christmas Afternoon Cruise in Cologne.
Pick your date







