Cruises in Cologne

When you visit the Northern Rhine area, be sure to check out a Cologne cruise for a relaxing daytrip down the storied river. While many of the cruises in this area originate in Bonn or Linz, there are a handful that do leave from Cologne, as well as a connecting train that comes several times an hour if you do decide to leave from Bonn or Linz.

Cologne Cruises - When to Go
The prime time for Rhine River day cruises is late April through October, although many companies begin offering cruises in late March. Additionally, there are cruises in this area during the Christmas Advent season.  

Cologne Cruises - What to Expect
Cruises departing from Cologne are generally all sightseeing cruises and can last from one hour all the way up to several hours. Cruises can include anything from a coffee break to dinner, depending on your preferences. There are many different kinds of cruises, ranging from festive party cruises to children's parties to hotel cruises, so there is something for all interests. Most of these day cruises are accompanied with commentary about the area's history and culture as you pass through on the river.

In addition to these river cruises that are typically just day cruises, there are also many commercial cruise companies that offer week-long cruises or more, that cover the complete Rhine River and pass through Cologne. These cruises generally follow an Amsterdam through Basel route and offer a day trip in Cologne to explore the historical city.

Cologne Cruises - Disembarking in Cologne
There are many highlights in Cologne that can easily be visited on an afternoon or morning trip to the city. One popular attraction is St. Martin's Church, a Gothic cathedral that was started in 1248 but not finished until 1880. There are also many dockside shops, cafes and taverns that are perfect to explore during a stopover in the city. The city's Old Town is a great place to stroll through on your quick trip to Cologne to get a feel for life in the city. 

Visiting Cologne on a riverboat cruise is a great way to see the city and get a small taste of what it's about. Once you see the city from this vantage point, you will wish to stay longer and immerse yourself in the town's many attractions.