Holland America Line Unveils Special Cruise to Celebrate America’s 250th
December 22, 2025River Cruising – A Modern Makeover
December 22, 2025
Trafalgar has opened bookings for its 2027 river cruise season, marking an exciting expansion of its growing waterways portfolio.
The announcement comes on the heels of a successful debut season and signals the brand’s commitment to deepening its presence in the river cruise market.
The 2027 sailings aboard the Trafalgar Verity and Trafalgar Reverie showcase what sets Trafalgar apart in the competitive river cruise landscape: exceptional land experiences.
While many river cruise operators focus primarily on the onboard journey, Trafalgar leverages its decades of expertise in guided land travel to create enriched itineraries that extend far beyond the riverbanks.
New land extensions for 2027 include stays in three captivating European destinations. Guests sailing the Best of the Rhine & Amsterdam can now explore Lucerne, nestled in the Swiss mountains, while those aboard the Best of the Danube will discover Prague’s architectural splendor and cultural richness.

Travelers seeking a more comprehensive Central European adventure can bookend their cruises with extensions in either Lucerne or Budapest, creating a seamless multi-destination experience.
The expanded 2027 program reflects Trafalgar’s strategic approach to river cruising: combining the intimate appeal of small-ship river travel with the immersive, guided land experiences that have defined the brand for generations.
*****
The seasonal Christmas Market sailings return for 2027, offering travelers an enchanting way to experience Europe’s festive traditions along its storied rivers.
These holiday-themed voyages tap into the growing demand for experiential travel that connects guests with authentic local culture.
Trafalgar is getting into the holiday spirit with new Christmas market itineraries in 2026 and 2027.
Trafalgar, which specializes in guided land tours, is launching its first European river cruise itineraries in the spring of 2026. Now, the company is unveiling its line-up of holiday voyages on the Rhine and Danube rivers.
Trafalgar will have the 128-passenger Trafalgar Verity and the 128-passenger Trafalgar Reverie offering holiday river cruises starting November 25, 2026.
Trafalgar Verity will sail on the Rhine in 2026 and 2027, cruising between Basel and Düsseldorf, while Trafalgar Reverie will sail on the Danube in 2026 and 2027 between Budapest and Passau.
“Trafalgar’s Christmas market river cruises invite travelers to rediscover what the holiday season is truly about—celebrating time with loved ones and creating new, unforgettable memories,” says Damien O’Connor, vice president of river cruise for Trafalgar.
“For travel advisors, these holiday river cruises offer a unique, immersive holiday experience that combines the festive magic of Europe’s Christmas markets with Trafalgar’s signature hospitality and meaningful connections,” O’Connor continued.
This article originally appeared in TravelPulse and was supplemented here.
Contact My Journey Begins Travel to book your river cruise with Trafalgar.
