2026 Christmas Markets Riverboat Cruise

Being Gay in Europe 

The LGBTQ+ scene in Germany has one of the most dynamic and accepting communities. 

Climate

In winter, the weather in this part of Europe has ranged sunny, snowy, cloudy and rainy; from a chilly 35 degrees, to a sunny, 55 degrees! Plan to dress in layers, bring your mittens, jackets, woolen hats and scarves and prepare for cooler weather. 
Check www.weather.com for the most current weather.

Currency

The Euro is the currency of Germany. Check www.xe.com for current rates.

Languages

German is the official language in Germany, but most people also speak English! 

Olivia Honeymoon and Celebration Registration 

Register at Olivia Honeymoon Wishes for your honeymoon, anniversary, or other special celebration; browse through the selections and let your friends know just how easy it is for them to purchase a gift for you. 

Special Occasions 

If you celebrate a birthday or any other special event during the week of your trip that you have not already told your Olivia Travel Consultant about, please let us know as soon as possible, but no less than 90 days prior to the trip. 

NOTE: Birthdays with birthdates that fall during the dates of the cruise will be celebrated on the actual birthdate.  All milestone birthdays being celebrated or acknowledged that have birthdates that do not fall during the actual dates of the cruise or are within a week before or after a cruise, will be celebrated and acknowledged on one designated night with a large group birthday cake.  

Community: Joining the Online Trip Group 

If you'd like to chat with people who are going on the trip, join Olivia’s official 2026 Christmas Market River Cruise group on Facebook. 

Travel & Entry Requirements

We’ve provided an easy tool to allow you to check the latest requirements and provisions for your travel plans: please click here. For specific entry requirements to your chosen destination, simply click on your arrival country under "Where to?" and enter your travel dates.

Passports & Visas: All travelers will need a passport that is valid for six months after the last day of your trip. If you are a U.S. citizen, you do not need a visa.

If you are not a U.S. citizen, please check with both your country’s consulate and the consulates of the other countries we will be visiting to ensure that you do not need an entry visa or other additional documentation.

Important New Entry Requirements

The European Union is scheduled to introduce the European Travel Information and Authorization System (ETIAS) in the 4^th quarter of 2026. ETIAS is designed as an entry requirement for visa-exempt nationals traveling from 60 countries, including the United States and Canada. This system is being implemented to enhance security and streamline the entry process for travelers visiting the European Union. 

US and Canadian citizens will be/are required to complete a digital application through the official ETIAS website or mobile application to enter the European Union. If you are planning to visit one of the 30 EU countries for up to 90 days within a 180-day period, you will be required to complete a digital application through the official ETIAS website or mobile application. This requirement will apply to travelers who do not currently need a visa for entry into these countries.  

While this might be an additional step in your travel preparations, it is designed to improve your overall experience by reducing waiting times and enhancing security measures. You can fill out your applications at: https://travel-europe.europa.eu/etias_en once the site goes live. Please be aware that most ETIAS applications will incur a processing fee of 7 Euros (free for those 70 and older). 

All guests are responsible to have the correct entry requirements needed before travel into Germany. 

Specific Needs: Dietary, Medical, Mobility, and Other

If you have any medical, mobility, dietary, or other special requirements that you haven't yet shared, please reach out to [email protected] as soon as possible. To verify if we can accommodate your needs, kindly do so at least 90 days before your trip.

Travel Insurance 

Olivia recommends that you purchase a travel protection plan to protect you and your trip investment against the unexpected. Visit our Insurance page at www.olivia.com/travel-insurance for more information. 

For a travel insurance quote, more information or to purchase a protection plan, please call Olivia at 800-631-6277 and select option 1 for a travel consultant. 

Vaccinations

Please check with your local Public Health Department or personal physician regarding immunization requirements for all countries on your itinerary. You may also check the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) and Prevention’s website at www.cdc.gov. Just click “Travelers’ Health” followed by “Vaccinations.” 

Air Travel

Airports: You will need to fly into Frankfurt, Germany (FRA) and out of Nuremberg, Germany (NUE).  

Airfare Discounts: Save up to 15% on your airfare through our partner airlines. Airfare discount codes will be available approximately 11 months prior to the departure date. Check back here for details.

Flight Arrival and Departure Times: Your flight into Frankfurt Airport (FRA) can arrive at any time on December 2, 2026. The hotel check-in begins at 3:00 pm. .

Your flight from Nuremberg Airport (NUE) can depart anytime on December 8, 2026 since we will be staying overnight on the ship in Nuremberg on December 7. 

If you join our optional 2-Night post-cruise Vacation Stretcher program in Prague, December 8-10, you can depart from the Prague Ruzyně International Airport (PRG) at any time on December 10. The hotel check-out is at 11 am.

Luggage Allowances

Airlines often restrict or charge for excess baggage. Because each airline is different, and the regulations change over time, please check with your airline for baggage allowances. For ease of travel in Europe, we recommend bringing no more than one large piece and a smaller carry-on. 

Ship Embarkation 

Check-In: Official check-in will be available in the afternoon. Suites and staterooms will be available to access after 4 pm. 

Port Location and Transfer to the ship 

The riverboat will be docked in Frankfurt. Exact location will be shared in your final trip documents which will be sent 2-3 weeks prior to departure, or on the AvalonGo app a few days prior to embarking. Your transfer from our host hotel to the ship is included. 

Your Hotel 

This Riverboat cruise includes 1-night in Frankfurt on December 2. We will be using the brand-new Kimpton Main Frankfurt Boutique Hotel in the very heart of city center! Olivia has reserved 83 of the 150 rooms, so you’ll feel like the majority when you arrive. It's the perfect starting point to explore the various facets of the vibrant city and to discover all the famous sights and charming neighborhoods, which is all in walking distance.  

The festive magic starts just a 3-minute walk from our door. For the heart of the Christmas Market action with a visit to the “Gay” Pink Market nearby at the Dom/Römer, it’s about an 11-minute stroll — perfect for soaking up those cozy holiday vibes. 

Your beautifully appointed room is a Queen Essential. There are limited Twin bed rooms at the hotel, so book early! Each room comes with a plush robe, coffee and tea maker, hair dryer, CRAY-ON products of shampoo, conditioner and soap, and free Wi-Fi for IHG members. 

Your breakfast on the morning of December 3, and transfer from the hotel to the ship in the afternoon is included. 

Dining 

Fine dining on the Avalon Panorama features European cuisine. Breakfast and lunch are served buffet style, and dinner is offered as sit-down menu service with open seating. 

Electricity 

The cabins have 110- and 220-volt electricity. Adapters should have 2 round prongs (type C). One USB outlet is also available. 

Entertainment & Programming 

We will bring two Olivia entertainers to perform on several evenings, as well as enjoy some of the local entertainment along the way. 

River cruising is all about port destinations. Don’t expect the same ship-activity packed schedule you might find on a big ship or resort! On a typical day, following breakfast we will enjoy a walking tour of the new city we have arrived in, followed by lunch on board and either an optional extra walking (or other) tour or free time to explore. Perhaps you’ll enjoy a fun and informative lecture on the history of the area or take that well-deserved nap. It’s your vacation! In the evenings, we will be delighted by local entertainers or one of our two Olivia artists. After the shows, enjoy our riverboat version of “Club O,” with our talented staff taking turns being a “guest DJ” to provide dancing music in the main lounge. Or you may choose to go to bed early for your next full day! 

Excursions 

A walking and/or city tour is included in each of the ports visited. Optional tours, ranging in price from approximately €39 to €79, may be offered. These can be booked on the Avalon website about 30 days prior to the trip or on board and will not conflict with your included tours. 

Gratuities 

Gratuities are provided to your Avalon cruise director, cabin steward, dining room steward, bus person, maître d’, reception, bar staff and other-behind-the-scenes crew members and are included in the cost of the cruise. 

Beginning in 2026, tipping is no longer included for the local guides and bus drivers on included tours and optional tours. The standard tipping guidelines per person are as follows: 

Guides Bus Driver 

½ Day – 3-5 € ½ day 1-2 € 

Full Day 5+ € Full day 3-4 € 

Should you receive exceptional service and wish to tip more, this is completely at your discretion. 

Internet, Email, and Fax 

Complimentary Starlink wifi is included on board in public spaces and in your cabin for use on your personal digital devices (phone, laptop, or tablet computer). There is an onboard internet center with two desktop computers for guest use. Faxes can be sent from the reception desk for a charge. 

Laundry and Dry Cleaning 

Laundry and pressing services are available; prices will be available onboard the ship. Dry-cleaning and self-service laundry facilities are not available. 

Medical Services 

The ship will be minutes away from hospitals when we are docked and will be close to local towns when we are cruising along the river. The ship does not have an onboard doctor. 

Money: On-Board Purchases 

The currency used on board is Euros (€). All purchases made on the ship will be charged to your onboard account, which you will create when you first check in. Cash, Visa, MasterCard, and American Express are accepted. Please check with the ship’s front office for further details. 

Phone 

Each cabin has a phone for calling other cabins and for making international and local calls. There is an additional fee for using this phone for international or local calls; cost is available on board. We suggest that you check with your cell phone provider for international service. 

Smoking Policy 

The interior of the Avalon Panorama is entirely nonsmoking. Smoking is not permitted in your cabins or on the cabin’s Open-AirSM balconies. A smoking area will be designated on an outdoor deck. 

Transfers to the Airport  

Transfers are not included. The ship will be happy to assist in arranging for a taxi at a specific time. Payment for the taxi can be made with the driver.  

Vacation Stretchers 

We are offering a 2-night Post Trip Vacation Stretcher in Prague! Visit our Vacation Stretchers Tab approximately 11 months prior to the trip for more information.