S.S. Antoinette, 7 Night Rhine Holiday Markets ex Cologne, Germany to Basel, Switzerland

Discover the roots of our Christmas traditions as you explore some of Europe’s most charming towns. Browse for unique ornaments in Basel’s Christmas Market. Sip vin chaud as you stroll to Place Kléber to behold the enormous, brilliantly lighted tree of Strasbourg. See how the baroque town hall of Koblenz is transformed into an Advent calendar and find unexpected treasures in the stalls clustered around Cologne’s magnificent cathedral.

Revel in brightly painted carousels and handmade ornaments, medieval squares illuminated by twinkling lights, life-sized Nativity figures, and joyful brass choirs. Sail through castle-strewn hillsides and visit charming towns decked in festive finery for a holiday season you will never forget.

Please note that most Christmas Markets in Europe end their season on the 23rd of December and will not be available after that date.

Day 1 – Cologne (Embark)
Arrive at Cologne Bonn Airport. If you have arranged a Uniworld arrival transfer, you will be greeted by a Uniworld representative and transferred to the ship.

Day 2 – Cologne
Your local expert will show you favorite haunts around the Old Town and share some of the cathedral’s most intriguing and magical secrets with you.
* A special Captain’s Welcome Reception and Dinner will be prepared for you this evening.
Please note that most Christmas Markets in Europe end their season on the 23rd of December and will not be available after that date.

Day 3 – Rüdesheim
Your day begins in Rüdesheim, which, like many cities along the Rhine, dates back to Roman times, when the Rhine was the northern border of the empire. Today, Rüdesheim is famous for its beauty and its entertaining alley of shops and wine bars called the Drosselgasse. Or opt to explore neighboring Wiesbaden’s Christmas Market.
* Please note that most Christmas Markets in Europe end their season on the 23rd of December and will not be available after that date.

Day 4 – Germersheim (Baden-Baden)
Wake up and choose your adventure for the day. Today you’ll have two choices: Venture into the storied city of Baden-Baden, whose contemporary flair meshes with hot springs, spas and unspoiled nature, or enjoy a night out at the atmospheric Christmas Market of Speyer. If you speak no German, here’s one phrase you might want to learn now: “Fröhliche Weihnachten,” or “Merry Christmas!”
* Please note that most Christmas Markets in Europe end their season on the 23rd of December and will not be available after that date.

Day 5 – Strasbourg
Strasbourg is invariably described as quaint, a rather overused word that in this case is perfectly apropos. It’s also been known as the “Crossroads of Europe” for its strategic location halfway between Paris and Prague. With a friendly local expert, see this historic town with its cobbled lanes, half-timbered homes, giant stork nests, and impossible-to-resist pastry shops that will win your heart. You won’t want to miss the holiday treats like bûche de Noël, the delicious Christmas cake made to look like a yule log.
* Please note that most Christmas Markets in Europe end their season on the 23rd of December and will not be available after that date.

Day 6 – Breisach
Breisach is your gateway to the Alsatian wine road. On your excursion to Alsace today, you’ll find that the holiday markets in this region have a unique blend of French and German traditions.
* Please note that most Christmas Markets in Europe end their season on the 23rd of December and will not be available after that date.

Day 7 – Basel
Basel is a cultural and artistic powerhouse, with all sorts of galleries, theaters, and museums. And at this time of year, the city’s Christmas Market draws visitors from all over Europe, as does its Christmas Street, lined with more than 100 beautifully decorated and illuminated Christmas trees. Do you have a special wish for Christmas? Write it in the Wish Book, which lies open in Basel’s 17th-century Town Hall during Advent, waiting for residents and visitors to express their hopes and dreams for the holiday—or for the world.
* A special Captain’s Farewell Reception and Dinner will be prepared for you this evening.
Please note that most Christmas Markets in Europe end their season on the 23rd of December and will not be available after that date.

Day 8 – Basel (Disembark)
Disembark the ship. If you have arranged a Uniworld departure transfer, you will be transferred to EuroAirport Basel-Mulhouse-Freiburg for your flight home.

The luxurious décor of the 443-foot, 152-passenger S.S. Antoinette—Uniworld’s first Super ShipTM vessel—features fine Brazilian marble on the walls and floors, a 19th-century Venetian glass mirror, a stylish Bar du Leopard with full-service bar, and an onboard cinema. The two-story foyer boasts a 10-foot blue Strauss Baccarat chandelier with huge sapphires—a stunning piece that once hung in New York’s famous Tavern on the Green—and a collection of original artwork is displayed throughout the ship.

Staterooms and suites (with the exception of the Grand Suite and Suites 402 & 403, which have been gorgeously redesigned) on La Princesse Deck have balconies with floor-to-ceiling windows that, at the touch of a button, will raise the glass to create a completely enclosed conservatory.

Leading the Way since 1976 We were the first American company to set sail in Europe, and we’ve been revolutionizing the landscape of river cruising ever since. With more experience than practically any other line on the rivers, we spent our time developing deep local connections, destination expertise, and the most incredible crew in the industry. Over the years we’ve grown to offer unparalleled itineraries on the rivers of Europe, Egypt, India, Southeast Asia, and the Peruvian Amazon.

The Original Floating Boutique Hotels We took everything travellers love about boutique hotels and made it float—think warm and personalized service, unique design schemes that highlight your destination, locally-inspired dining, thoughtfully curated activities, and ultra-comfortable furnishings. Each member of our fleet is one-of-a-kind, a work of art with its own bespoke details, custom fabrics, and local craftsmanship to bring the destinations outside in. Many of our ships even share a design team with the award-winning Red Carnation Hotel Collection. And the best part is, you’ll wake up to a wonderful new place to explore every day.

The Highest Quality in All-Inclusive Luxury River Cruising Our all-inclusive itineraries are tailored to deliver authentic luxury. You can keep your wallet closed the entire trip, and still find everything you need and more to have a fantastic time. What truly distinguishes the meaning of “All-Inclusive” at Uniworld is our commitment to quality and passion for Tiny Noticeable Touches™. Handmade Savoir beds, a wide selection of premium wines and spirits, and delicious cuisine made with locally sourced ingredients—every piece of the Uniworld experience is hand selected to transform good experiences into exceptional ones.*

No Request Too Large, No Detail Too Small® “No request too large, no detail too small”—that’s our driving ethos, and every member of the Uniworld crew lives by it. Our service is second to none. With a 2.4-to-1 crew-to-guest ratio and the longest tenured team in the business, our team starts to learn your name and your drink order from day 1. It’s little touches like this that make you feel like family onboard with us, and what makes returning for your next sailing feel like coming home.

Our Travel Family We’re proud to be a part of The Travel Corporation (TTC) collection of award-winning travel brands—including Trafalgar Tours, Luxury Gold, Insight Vacations, Contiki, and African Travel. We share a collective ethos: treat your guests, your staff, and the local communities you visit like family, and you’ll create the most rewarding travel experiences out there.

*Note: Inclusions may vary in Egypt, Asia, and Peru.

Select the Deck to view detail.

S.S. Antoinette - La Countesse Deck

S.S. Antoinette - La Duchesse Deck

S.S. Antoinette - La Princesse Deck

Select the Cabin to view detail.

Grand Suite

Luxurious riverview grand suite (391 sq ft – 36.3 sq m) with a spacious living room
Handcrafted Savoir® Beds of England, built-in closets, hair dryer, safe, individual thermostat and flat-screen TV with infotainment center
Marble bathroom with Asprey bath and body products, plush towels, towel warmers, comfortable bathrobes and slippers, separate rain shower and tub, backlit magnifying mirror, heated mirrors and a secluded toilet and bidet area
Additional amenities and service include: in-suite butler service; packing and unpacking assistance; in-room breakfast; daily fruit and cookie plate, and an elegant evening snack; Nespresso coffee machine and fine teas; fully stocked mini bar; bottle of wine upon arrival; shoe shine; and free laundry service

Deluxe Balcony

Luxurious riverview stateroom (196 sq ft – 18.2 sq m) with enclosed balcony with floor-to-ceiling windows
Handcrafted Savoir® Beds of England, built-in closet, hair dryer, safe, individual thermostat, flat-screen TV with infotainment center and satellite
Marble bathroom with Asprey bath and body products, plush towels, towel warmer, heated mirror, backlit magnifying mirror, comfortable bathrobes and slippers

French Balcony

Luxurious riverview stateroom (196 sq ft – 18.2 sq m) with a French balcony
Handcrafted Savoir® Beds of England, built-in closet, hair dryer, safe, individual thermostat, flat-screen TV with infotainment center and satellite
Marble bathroom with Asprey bath and body products, plush towels, towel warmer, heated mirror, backlit magnifying mirror, comfortable bathrobes and slippers

Classic

Luxurious riverview stateroom (163 sq ft – 15.1 sq m)
Handcrafted Savoir® Beds of England, built-in closet, hair dryer, safe, individual thermostat, flat-screen TV with infotainment center and satellite
Marble bathroom with Asprey bath and body products, plush towels, towel warmer, heated mirror, backlit magnifying mirror, comfortable bathrobes and slippers

Note: windows in these staterooms are situated at the water line

Suite

Luxurious riverview suite (294 sq ft – 27.3 sq m) with enclosed balcony with floor-to-ceiling windows (note: Suites 402 and 403 have been stunningly redesigned and no longer have an enclosed balcony)
Handcrafted Savoir® Beds of England, built-in closets, hair dryer, safe, individual thermostat and flat-screen TV with infotainment center
Marble bathroom with Asprey bath and body products, plush towels, towel warmers, backlit magnifying mirror, heated mirrors, comfortable bathrobes and slippers
Additional amenities and services include in-suite butler service, packing and unpacking assistance, in-room breakfast, daily fruit and cookie plate and an elegant evening snack, Nespresso coffee machine and fine teas, fully stocked mini bar, bottle of wine upon request, shoeshine, and free laundry service