TORONTO — It’s never too early to start planning a Christmas holiday, just ask Avalon Waterways. The river cruise line has announced five new Christmas cruises for 2017, bringing its total holiday cruise count to 16.

According to the company, its Christmas-themed departures have tripled in the last five years, a testament to the popularity of the season. Many cruises are offered in late November and early December, allowing passengers to experience multiple Christmas Markets throughout the cruise and still be home in time for Christmas.

The new tours include: ‘Christmastime in Alsace & Germany’; ‘Christmas in the Heart of Germany’; ‘Christmastime from Prague to Basel’; ‘Christmastime from Frankfurt to Vienna’; and ‘Christmastime from Vienna to Frankfurt.’

To entice clients to book early, Avalon is offering 10% off any 2017 Avalon Europe cruise if booked by June 21. If travelling solo, the company will waive the single supplement.

For a full list of Avalon’s Christmas cruises go to avalonwaterways.ca.