Avalon Waterways sails along making spirits bright

Avalon Waterways is making the holidays a little merrier on Europe’s rivers, with the addition of seven new Christmas Market cruise departures for 2026 – that’s a 15% boost in capacity and marks the company’s largest-ever lineup of festive sailings.

The boost in capacity shouldn’t be surprising considering that Avalon’s Christmas Market cruises are among its most popular – selling out earlier each year as cruisers chase the glow of Europe’s winter wonderlands.

Pam Hoffee, president of Avalon Waterways, explained that: “Every holiday season, our guests step into a living snow globe – complete with sparkling lights, steaming mugs of mulled wine and centuries of Christmas tradition.”

And Hoffee continued: “These cruises have become the highlight of our year. Expanding them for 2026 means more cruisers can join the magic – Avalon-style.”

From Germany’s Christmas Markets to Austria’s storybook squares, Avalon’s expanded 2026 festive fleet of Suite Ships now features more than 40 departures along the Danube, Rhine and Main Rivers.

Travellers can sip, stroll and sail their way through Europe’s most twinkle-lit towns with Avalon Waterways on 19 itineraries ranging from 5 to 17 days. Most Christmas Market cruises also include the opportunity to add extra days in places like Prague, Lucerne and Budapest.

‘Tis the Season Sales Event: For a limited time, Avalon is offering SAVINGS of up to $1,000/person on select Christmas cruises.

For more on Avalon Waterways’ Christmas Market Cruises, click here.

Advisors can also sail on over to its Travel Advisor Portal by clicking here.