Sightseeing Cruises

Rhine River Afternoon Advent Cruise from Mainz

Revel in the Christmas spirit on this 2-hour Advent afternoon cruise, a delightful journey through the wintry backdrop of Mainz.

The cruise offers reserved seating, Christmas tunes and a variety of seasonal delicacies available for purchase.

Marvel at Mainz's holiday lights, the medieval Iron Tower dating to the 13th century, and the historic Wood Tower along the Rhine!

Soak in the lively Markt in Mainz with its stunning Renaissance fountain, Marktbrunnen, and catch a glimpse of the ancient Mainz Cathedral across the square!

Fun fact: As you cruise along, keep an eye out for the Iron Tower and Wood Tower, which were part of the city’s medieval fortifications.

2‑hour round-trip Advent boat tour from/to Mainz on the Rhine/Main

Reserved indoor seats on board

Festive Christmas background music during the cruise

Access to onboard food and drinks menu (at extra cost)

Meals and drinks available à la carte, at extra cost

These tickets can't be cancelled. However, they can be rescheduled up to 24 hours before the experience begins.

The cruise departs at 3:00pm, heading toward Eltville through the Rhine’s wine region. You’ll pass quiet towns, vineyard-covered slopes, and historic towers along the riverbanks. Inside, Christmas music sets a relaxed mood. Large windows ensure uninterrupted views, while the onboard café serves warm drinks and snacks. The journey is steady and comfortable, ideal for winter travel without long walking routes or outdoor exposure.

Features

Watch the Rhine Valley in winter light: Soft afternoon light reflects off the river, with vineyards and towns appearing quieter and less crowded than peak season

Stay warm without missing the view: Heated indoor seating with wide windows lets you enjoy the scenery comfortably, even in colder months

Feel the festive atmosphere onboard: Christmas music plays throughout the cruise, adding a seasonal backdrop without overpowering the experience

See small wine towns up close: Pass places like Eltville, where historic towers and riverside houses sit directly along the water

Enjoy a slower, quieter Rhine experience: This shorter route avoids long travel times, making it ideal for a relaxed afternoon instead of a full-day commitment

Sip local flavors while you cruise: Order mulled wine or snacks onboard and enjoy them while watching the landscape pass by

No standing or crowding: Reserved seating means you don’t need to compete for space or views during the journey

Easy to fit into your itinerary: Fixed afternoon schedule (2:30–5:00pm) leaves your evening free for Mainz’s old town or dinner plans

What to bring

Your barcode ticket can be presented on your mobile phone at the gangway, printing is not required, but having a screenshot saved offline is wise if connectivity at the waterfront is unreliable.

Arrive at the KD Ticket Office on Jockel-Fuchs-Platz 3, Mainz, at least 15 minutes before the 3pm departure, as boarding opens at 2:30pm and the ship departs promptly.

Bring a warm coat and layers, as this cruise runs in late November and December, when temperatures in Mainz can be close to or below zero.

If you plan to spend time on the open deck, a hat and gloves are also advisable.

Bring cash or card for any food and drinks you order on board; the Glühwein, waffles, and Apfelstrudel are purchased separately from the ticket.

What's not allowed

This is a sit-down cruise with a festive catering service; you are not permitted to bring your own food or drinks on board.

This is a seasonal, Advent-only product that does not operate outside the November–December Advent period; if your travel dates fall outside this window, the cruise will not be available.

Accessibility

The MS Godesburg has ground-level access on boarding, with a stair lift leading to all decks. A wheelchair-accessible toilet is available on board. The ship was classified according to the nationwide "Travel for All" label and received the "Accessibility tested" certification.

The experience is confirmed as wheelchair and pram/stroller accessible. Guests with limited mobility can board via the ground-level gangway and access the main saloon without stairs.

Additional information

The KD Ticket Office in Mainz is located at Jockel-Fuchs-Platz 3, 55116 Mainz. Staff at the ticket office will confirm which ship you are boarding on the day, as the KD fleet includes multiple vessels operating from the same jetty.

The cruise runs on the Rhine around and through the Mainz area for 2 hours, returning to the same point of departure.

The MS Godesburg is a spacious vessel with a large saloon, a rear bar, and an open upper deck with sun loungers.

Reserved seating means your spot is guaranteed from boarding, but if you are travelling as a group, note that table assignments for larger parties may place guests across adjacent tables rather than a single table.

The cruise is suitable for families; children are welcome.

Your voucher will be emailed to you instantly.

Please arrive at the boarding point 15 mins before the scheduled time of your cruise to avoid any delays.

Display the voucher on your mobile phone with a valid photo ID at the boarding point. Students must show a valid student ID.

Boarding point

Board your cruise at KD Ticket Office.

Address: Jockel-Fuchs Pl. 3, 55116 Mainz, Germany.

Landmark: Located directly at the Rhine river, close to the Rheingoldhalle.

Get directions to the boarding point