Advent is coming...

It's all about feeling good aboard the tastefully decorated MS Godesburg during Advent with the Mainz cityscape drifting by. And when it starts getting wintry outside, it feels especially cosy on board. Hundreds of baubles, sprigs of fir and the attractively lit Christmas tree atthe bow of the ship create the perfect festive ambience. The fact that the all-inclusive evening cruises in Mainz are in great demand throughout the year is testament to the excellent food aboard the MS Godesburg. And during Advent, the experience is enhanced by the especially festive atmosphere. For the third year in a row, guests can feast to their heart's content on the sumptuous Christmas buffet and enjoy a wine, beer or soft drink during the around 2.5-hour cruise each Friday and Saturday. After the opulent feast, the DJ puts on some upbeat tunes to get the dance floor jumping while views of the festively illuminated city will have you looking forward to the upcoming festivities.

Christmas party tip

The all-inclusive evening cruises on the magnificently decorated MS Godesburg provide the perfect festive setting for Christmas parties with work colleagues and friends alike. Anyone who'd rather enjoy views of Mainz and its sights by day, but still spoil themselves just the same, will find our Advent brunch cruises just the ticket. The varied brunch buffet, comprising a range of sweet and savoury dishes, is the perfect way to build your strength before taking a stroll around the Mainz Christmas market. Offered each Sunday from the 1st December.

Advent coffee aboard ship

Those looking for a quick break from the Christmas hustle and bustle will find what they're looking for from Friday to Sunday on one of KD's afternoon cruises. Offered only during Advent, these two-hour cruises offer guests the unique opportunity of experiencing Mainz from the water. With seasonal background music andthe aroma of mulled wine and pastries filling the air, these excursions offer a moment for calm reflection during what is often a hectic time of the year. Waffles, cakes or just a hot chocolate with whipped cream – you're sure to find something to indulge in from the range of delicacies on offer.

High-spirited end to the year

The climax of the winter programme is traditionally the New Year cruise on the 31st December. Before the MS Godesburg sets sail into the new year, the KD kitchen staff pamper guests with a sumptuous buffet and the DJ provides the party atmosphere. And before you know it, it's time to head up to the open-air deck! The spectacular 360° view from the ship of the fireworks at midnight is an experience you'll never forget. A bit further downstream, Koblenzers aboard the MS Boppard can experience a similarly spectacular New Year's party with views of the brightly lit Ehrenbreitstein Fortress.

Christmas spirit all around

During Advent, KD offers a varied programme in Düsseldorf, Cologne, Frankfurt and Rüdesheim too. You can read our report starting on page 68 to get an impression from Cologne. A particular highlight are the afternoon cruises in Rüdesheim, the epitome of the romantic Rhine village. Following the cruise, you can take a stroll through the Rüdesheim Christmas market: There are over 120 stalls here where traders from twelve nations offer their wares for sale.