Trying to find the best time of year to go on a river cruise? Think of it like this – when you see yourself in Europe, are you sipping an Aperol spritz in a sunny square in Vienna, exploring lavender fields in Provence during summer or rugged up to explore a festive Christmas market? Emerald River Cruises operates for eleven months of the year, so it’s easy to discover the magic of every season.

Start the year off on a good note with a river cruise in February or March. It’s the ideal time for a cosy exploration of Europe, admiring the snow-capped mountains, strolling through frosted vineyards and visiting charming villages dusted with white. You’ll find even the most popular cities are quiet, with fewer crowds and a tranquil, relaxed atmosphere. Tuck into hearty winter cuisines, whether it’s a hearty boeuf bourguignon in France or an aromatic goulash in Hungary. 

Your Emerald Star-Ship provides plenty of opportunities to connect with the wonders beyond. Curl up in your luxurious Panorama Balcony Suite and watch the world go by from the innovative indoor balcony, opening up to let the outside in. Join your fellow guests in the Horizon Bar to take in the sweeping views from the oversized windows or retractable roof over a glass of local wine. Or take a dip in the heated indoor pool to soak away the cares of the day as the villages of Europe slip by.

You can expect more on board activities designed to immerse you in European culture and traditions, like cooking classes, cocktail demonstrations, and clog workshops. On shore, specially designed excursions focus on indoor or cool weather experiences. Soak in the traditional thermal baths of Baden Baden, sip beer in Cologne’s famous breweries or enjoy wine tasting in the Wachau Valley.

Early Season Itineraries: Splendours of Europe, Jewels of the Rhine, Danube Explorer

Once spring has sprung, Europe truly comes to life. More daylight hours and mild weather invite you to spend time outside, while displays of colourful flowers transform riverbanks, villages and city squares. Spend your days sightseeing on foot, wandering the pretty streets and sipping coffee in outdoor cafes. Longer walks will take you to grand castles or hilltop fortresses that have protected their cities for centuries. Tourist numbers are still relatively low when compared to their summer peak, so you will likely find shorter queues at popular sites and more availability at restaurants and bars.

A highlight of spring cruising in Europe is the Netherlands’ famous Keukenhof gardens. One of the most spectacular gardens in the world, it only opens for a short season from March to May each year when more than seven million bulbs burst into bloom. On an Emerald Cruises spring itinerary, you’ll get to spend a full morning in the gardens, learning about traditional planting techniques, admiring the work of the landscape architects and looking for the specially commissioned statues from local artists.

Spring Season Itineraries: Tulips & the Rhine, Holland & Belgium in Bloom

During a summer river cruise, landscapes are at their most lush, the streets are lined with al fresco restaurants, and lively festivals pop up regularly to celebrate the season and its bounty.

With hot weather, limited rainfall and longer days, there’s more to do, see and experience. Hike through the terraced vineyards of the Côtes du Rhône, canoe along the Douro River and cycle through the Wachau Valley. On board, there are more opportunities for yoga on the Sun Deck, swimming in the pool and perfecting your swing on the putting green. This is also the best time to take in the sights and scents of Provence’s famed lavender fields, with lush blankets of purple flowers rolling out beside medieval abbeys and grand chateaux.

Summer Season Itineraries: Sensations of Lyon & Provence (July departures for premium lavender spotting), Danube Delights & Classic Prague

As the temperatures cool and the crowds depart, autumn reveals its many charms. Days are crisp and fresh with cool mornings and chilly evenings that are made for rich autumnal meals paired with local wines. The verdant greens and colourful flowers of summer will begin to give way to rich red, yellow and gold foliage, bringing a new beauty to cities like Amsterdam, Rüdesheim, Arles and Porto. It’s also harvest time on the vineyards, so you can see the vines buzzing with action and attend vibrant seasonal festivals. A wide range of outdoor EmeraldACTIVE experiences are on offer during autumn river cruises, though you can also choose to set your own pace and explore Europe’s spectacular galleries, museums and historic sites. From October, tourist crowds may begin to thin, giving you more space to appreciate the serenity of Cologne Cathedral or Buda Castle.

Autumn Season Itineraries: Rhine Castles & Moselle Vineyards, Secrets of the Douro, Splendours of Europe

Rekindle the magic of Christmas when you spend the festive season in Europe. Villages are dusted with snow, streets are strung with twinkling lights, enormous Christmas trees stand in squares and traditional markets create a magical holiday spirit. A festive cruise in November or December immerses you in the joy of the season, creating memories you will treasure forever. Visiting Europe’s most famous Christmas markets in Vienna, Budapest, Nuremberg, Cologne and Lyon, you can stay warm with steaming hot chocolate, fragrant mulled wine, roasted chestnuts, rich mince pies and sweet lebkuchen cookies. EmeraldDISCOVERY and EmeraldPLUS excursions will connect you with local Christmas traditions, while showing you medieval villages and grand castles at their most beautiful.

Festive Season Itineraries: Christmas Markets on the Danube, Christmas Markets on the Rhine, NEW Festive Sensations of Lyon & Provence