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2023-2024 Winter Cruises
Winter cruises 2023-2024
Winter cruises, unusual destinations
An original season for cruising
Although winter isn't the season you'd think of for a cruise, especially a river cruise, there are plenty of possibilities, each more original than the last. For those who love the magic of European Christmas market, for those who prefer the warm, authentic atmosphere that winter offers in beautiful European cities, or for those who want to avoid the tourist crowds of the high season: winter river cruises have a lot to offer.
We're also offering other destinations this winter, for those of you looking to escape the cold and gloom. Some winter cruises offer the chance to enjoy a pleasant climate while sailing aboard an intimate-sized ship along the coasts of the Mediterranean Sea or Red Sea. Far from the winter chill of northern Europe, these cruises will take you to visit towns, beaches and exceptional places.
Join us this winter on a sunny cruise
At CroisiEurope, our coastal fleet, unlike our river fleet, sail all year round, without interruption. This is the case for La Belle de l'Adriatique, which will be setting sail for new horizons this winter.
Cruising Southern Italy this winter 2023
La Belle de l'Adriatique's first stop will be in Italy, in Sicily and Malta.
On these cruises, you'll discover the coastal beauty of the Amalfi Coast, the Aeolian Islands, the historical treasures of Pompeii and its historic center at the foot of Mount Vesuvius, or Mount Etna, Europe's largest active volcano. For this destination, we offer two itineraries: the first departing from Catania (Sicily) in November, to visit the largest island in the Mediterranean Sea in greater detail, and the second departing from Naples along the Italian coast in December 2023.
Cruising the Canary Islands this winter
After a summer sailing around Corsica, La Belle des Océans will head for the Canary Islands to spend a warm winter in the midst of this archipelago full of treasures. With an average temperature of 22 degrees Celsius (72°F), a winter cruise to the Canaries takes you on a voyage of discovery of natural wonders: Teide National Park and its volcano on the island of Tenerife, Gran Canaria, La Gomera or the island of Fuerteventura. On this 8-day, 7-night cruise, you'll be able to explore 6 islands in the middle of the Atlantic Ocean.
A warm festive river cruise for winter 2023
Every winter, most of our river boats remain docked, with the exception of the Christmas and New Year holidays where some of our boats offer itineraries to discover Europe's most beautiful Christmas markets.
Alsatian Christmas markets on the water in 2023
Alsace is CroisiEurope's historic home region and has become an essential destination for river cruises. In summer and winter alike, Alsace offers a wealth of landscapes, towns and villages to discover.
In winter, Alsace is particularly famous for its traditional Christmas markets, with their magical wooden chalets, decorations and Christmas trees. So, one of the best ways to discover Alsace's finest Christmas markets this winter is to choose CroisiEurope. Departing from Strasbourg, these trips on the water allow you to visit the most beautiful Christmas markets, including the one in the Alsatian capital, which is over 400 years old and considered one of the most beautiful and largest in Europe. Depending on the itinerary you choose, you'll also be able to visit the smaller authentic Christmas markets in Alsace's towns and villages, including Obernai, Colmar, Kaysersberg and Ribeauvillé.
European Christmas markets on a cruise
For the more inquisitive traveler wishing to visit Europe's finest Christmas markets, there are also river cruises available in various European countries.
Germany, where the pagan tradition of Christmas markets originated, organizes over 3,000 a year. So, this winter, it's time to take a cruise through this beautiful Central European country and discover this Germanic tradition. Departing from Berlin or Prague, these brand-new itineraries on the Elbe pass through some of the world's oldest Christmas markets, including those in Dresden, Potsdam and Berlin. What could be more magical than finding yourself moored every morning in the heart of Europe's cities and capitals, experiencing the magical atmosphere of the Christmas markets?
Another original destination this winter is the Danube. Departing from Vienna, this cruise passes through the most beautiful Danube capitals, discovering their authentic and magical Christmas markets in Vienna, Budapest and Bratislava.
Celebrate Christmas or New Year on a cruise
One last cruise inspiration for this winter of 2023 could be a trip for the festive season. Indeed, every year-end, we offer several itineraries for Christmas or to ring in the New Year.
Celebrate Christmas on board one of our boats with our crews, accompanied by menus specially prepared by our chefs, and then take part in midnight mass in one of Europe's most beautiful cities. There are many destinations to choose from: the romance of Venice, the exoticism of Andalusia, France on one of its most beautiful rivers in Paris, Lyon, Bordeaux or Strasbourg or Berlin for its tradition.
Celebrate the New Year aboard one of our boats in a festive atmosphere. Our entire fleet dresses up to ring in the New Year. On the Rhine, the Rhône, the Gironde, the Danube, in Venice, Andalusia or Paris: whatever the destination you choose, you'll come away enchanted by this fabulous festive experience.