Cologne: Winter Afternoon Boat Cruise on the Rhine

As the winter chill settles over Cologne, the city’s historic waterfront comes alive with the promise of an enchanting river cruise experience. Aboard the festively decorated vessel, passengers can soak in the captivating sights of the Rhine and its iconic landmarks, all while indulging in seasonal delicacies and the soothing sounds of live music. But this is no ordinary boat tour – with the arrival of St. Nicholas himself, the afternoon promises to be a truly memorable celebration of the city’s rich cultural heritage and the magic of the holiday season.

This experience made our list of the 9 Best Cruises And Boat Tours In Cologne.

Key Points

• This 2-hour Rhine river cruise in Cologne offers visitors a relaxing way to take in the city’s historic landmarks and scenic views during the winter season.
• The cruise features festive live music entertainment and the opportunity to purchase seasonal food and beverage specialities on board.
• Passengers will have reserved seating and can enjoy a special appearance by St. Nicholas, adding to the celebratory atmosphere.
• The cruise departs at 3:30 PM from the KD Ticket office at Frankenwerft 15, with boarding beginning at 3 PM.
• Tickets can be purchased in advance online or at the KD Ticket office, ensuring reserved seating and access to the live music and scenic views.

You can check if your dates are available here:

Overview of the River Cruise

This 2-hour river cruise along the Rhine in Cologne offers visitors a chance to relax and take in the city’s scenic views from the comfort of a decorated ship.

Guests will be seated in reserved spots as they listen to live music throughout the journey.

Along the way, they can enjoy seasonal food and beverage specialties available for purchase on board.

The cruise also features a special appearance by St. Nicholas, adding to the festive atmosphere.

With its highlights of live music, seasonal treats, and a costumed guest, this winter afternoon boat cruise provides a unique and enchanting way to experience Cologne from the Rhine River.

Highlights of the Experience

Festive live music sets the tone for this winter river cruise, providing a delightful ambiance as guests relax in their reserved seats.

Seasonal food and beverage specialties are available for purchase on board, allowing visitors to indulge in local flavors.

On top of that, a special appearance by St. Nicholas adds to the celebratory atmosphere, creating a truly enchanting experience.

The sights of Cologne’s historic landmarks and skyline unfold along the Rhine, offering a unique perspective of the city.

This winter afternoon boat cruise provides a perfect opportunity to embrace the cozy charm of the season while taking in the stunning views of the city from the comfort of the decorated ship.

Inclusions and Exclusions

The river cruise includes reserved seating on a decorated ship, as well as live music entertainment throughout the journey. Guests can purchase seasonal food and beverage specialties on board to further enhance their experience.

Included	Not Included
2-hour river cruise	Transportation to/from the meeting point
Reserved seating	Meals (other than on-board purchases)
Live music	Souvenirs or additional activities
Festive seasonal offerings

The cruise departs from the KD Ticket office at Frankenwerft 15, with boarding beginning at 3 PM and the ship returning by 5:30 PM. Guests will need to present their QR-code ticket upon boarding.

Cruise Schedule and Timings

The cruise departs at 3:30 PM from the KD Ticket office at Frankenwerft 15, with boarding beginning at 3 PM. Guests will need to present their QR-code ticket upon boarding, as the ship is scheduled to return by 5:30 PM.

The 2-hour cruise along the Rhine offers passengers the chance to relax and enjoy the festive atmosphere, with live music providing entertainment throughout the journey. Seasonal food and beverage specialities are available for purchase on board, allowing guests to indulge in the winter delights.

The cruise is a great way to take in the city’s sights and soak up the cozy ambiance, making it a perfect activity for a winter afternoon in Cologne.

More Great Thing To Do Nearby

Meeting Point and Boarding

Passengers convene at the KD Ticket office located at Frankenwerft 15, where they’ll present their QR-code tickets before proceeding to board the decorated ship at landing stages 3 and 4 between the Hohenzollernbrücke and Deutzerbrücke.

Once aboard, guests can look forward to:

• Admiring the festive decorations adorning the ship
• Locating their reserved seating for a comfortable cruise
• Enjoying the live musical performances throughout the journey
• Exploring the seasonal food and beverage specialities available for purchase on board

The captivating scenery of Cologne’s riverside landmarks will unfold as the ship sets sail, providing a delightful wintertime experience on the Rhine.

Payment and Ticketing

Once passengers have located their reserved seating, they’ll need to present their QR-code tickets to the crew members.

Tickets for the winter afternoon boat cruise on the Rhine can be purchased in advance online or at the KD Ticket office located at Frankenwerft 15. This advance purchase ensures passengers have their tickets ready to go, allowing them to simply board the decorated ship and enjoy the experience.

The QR-code ticket provides access to the reserved seating, live music, and scenic views along the Rhine River.

With everything taken care of ahead of time, passengers can sit back, relax, and enjoy the festive atmosphere of the winter cruise.

Onboard Amenities and Activities

Aboard the festively decorated ship, passengers can delight in the sounds of live musical performances that set the mood for this winter afternoon cruise along the Rhine River.

The ship’s onboard amenities and activities ensure an engaging and enjoyable experience. Passengers can indulge in seasonal food and beverage specialities, such as mulled wine and hot cocoa, available for purchase.

Plus, a special guest appearance by St. Nicholas adds to the festive atmosphere.

The cruise also provides:

• Relaxing reserved seating to soak in the picturesque city views
• Opportunities to enjoy the crisp winter air on the ship’s outdoor decks
• Commentary from the crew about the landmarks and history along the river
• A chance to capture memorable photos of Cologne’s stunning skyline.

Additional Information

Visitors can look forward to a hassle-free experience, as the cruise operator provides clear instructions on how to locate the departure point and board the vessel.

The meeting point is easily identifiable, with the KD Ticket office at Frankenwerft 15 serving as the designated starting point. Passengers simply need to proceed to the landing stages 3 and 4, situated between the Hohenzollernbrücke and Deutzerbrücke, and present their QR-code tickets to board the festively decorated ship.

Once aboard, guests can settle into their reserved seating and enjoy the scenic views of Cologne’s landmarks along the Rhine. With the convenience of clear directions and a seamless boarding process, travelers can focus on savoring the winter cruise experience to the fullest.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I Bring My Own Food and Drinks on Board?

No, passengers are generally not permitted to bring their own food and drinks on board. The cruise operator usually provides seasonal food and beverage options that can be purchased during the trip.

Are There Any Discounts or Special Offers Available?

Yes, there are often discounts and special offers available for this type of river cruise. Customers should check the operator’s website or contact them directly to inquire about any current promotions or package deals.

Can I Disembark and Re-Board the Cruise During the Trip?

Unfortunately, passengers are not able to disembark and re-board the cruise during the trip. The 2-hour river cruise is a continuous experience, and guests must remain on board throughout the entirety of the scheduled journey.

What Is the Dress Code for the Cruise?

The dress code for this winter boat cruise is typically casual and comfortable. Passengers are advised to dress warmly as the cruise takes place on the open-air deck of the ship. Dressing in layers is recommended to stay cozy during the chilly afternoon.

Are There Any Age Restrictions or Requirements for Children?

There are typically no age restrictions or requirements for children on river cruises, though parents should supervise younger kids. Infants and children can usually join the cruise, but check with the operator for any specific policies.

Recap

The Cologne winter afternoon boat cruise on the Rhine provides a delightful way to experience the city’s historic landmarks and scenic riverside views.

With festive live music, seasonal food and drinks, and a special appearance by St. Nicholas, this 2-hour cruise creates a celebratory atmosphere, allowing passengers to relax and soak in the captivating sights along the Rhine.

You can check if your dates are available here: