TORONTO — It’s never too early to get into the Christmas spirit, which is why Avalon Waterways has just announced 16 festive cruises that will set sail in 2018.

Ranging from five to 16 days and sailing aboard one of Avalon’s Suite Ships, the 2018 Christmas-themed river cruises include:

• Festive Season on the Romantic Rhine – Northbound (8 days from Zurich to Amsterdam)
• Festive Season on the Romantic Rhine – Southbound (8 days from Amsterdam to Basel)
• Festive Season on the Blue Danube Discovery (13 days from Budapest to Prague)
• Festive Season on the Legendary Danube (11 days from Prague to Budapest)
• Christmastime in Alsace & Germany – Southbound (5 days from Frankfurt to Basel)
• Christmastime in Alsace & Germany – Northbound (5 days from Zurich to Wiesbaden)
• Christmas in the Heart of Germany – Westbound (8 days from Prague to Weisbaden)
• Christmas in the Heart of Germany – Eastbound (8 days from Frankfurt to Prague)
• Christmastime on the Danube – Westbound (9 days from Vienna to Prague)
• Christmastime on the Danube – Eastbound (9 days from Prague to Vienna)
• Christmastime Zurich to Prague (12 days from Zurich to Prague)
• Christmastime from Prague to Basel (12 days from Prague to Basel)
• Christmastime from Frankfurt to Vienna (12 days from Frankfurt to Vienna)
• Christmastime from Vienna to Wiesbaden (12 days from Vienna to Wiesbaden)
• Grand Christmastime Cruise from Zurich to Vienna (16 days from Zurich to Vienna)
• Grand Christmastime Cruise from Vienna to Basel (16 days from Vienna to Basel)

“There’s no better way to get into the Christmas spirit than by visiting the charming and traditional European Christmas markets,” says Stéphanie Bishop, managing director for Avalon Waterways Canadian office. “You’ll be immersed in traditions dating back centuries – so completely different from our crowded malls at that time of year.” The cruises have proven so popular, she adds, that Avalon has tripled its number of Festive-themed cruises for 2018. The cruises start as early as Nov. 20, and you’ll be home well in time for Christmas.”

Clients booking a 2018 river cruise with Avalon Waterways can take advantage of $299 roundtrip airfare to Europe from an array of Canadian cities, or save up to $2,400 per couple when booking early.