9 nights · Germany Baden-Wurttemberg · River cruise · Departs Kehl-Strasbourg (Germany) · Visiting Mannheim, Nierstein, Rudesheim am Rhein, Cologne, Amsterdam, Wijk bij Duurstede, Rotterdam, Antwerp · Aboard CroisiEurope on the ms Gerard Schmitter
Image courtesy of CroisiEurope ©
This river cruise sails the Rhine and Scheldt, departing Kehl-Strasbourg.
| Cruise line | CroisiEurope |
|---|---|
| Ship | ms Gerard Schmitter |
| Duration | 9 nights |
| Port calls | 9 |
| Departures | 1 sailings |
| From fare | $1,985 per person |
| Year built | 2012 |
| Guests | 176 |
| Cabins | 88 |
| Crew | 20 |
| Length | 111 m |
| Beam | 11 m |
| Cruising speed | 9.0 kn |
Strasbourg rewards visitors with a rare blend of French elegance and German character. Its historic center, the Grande Île, is a UNESCO World Heritage site, threaded with canals and half-timbered houses. At its heart, Strasbourg Cathedral rises above the old streets, its pink sandstone façade a masterpiece of Gothic architecture. Take time for a table of Alsatian cooking, where French technique meets hearty regional tradition. Then follow the riverfront lanes and discover a city shaped by centuries on Europe’s border.
Mannheim sits where the Rhine and Neckar meet, a strategic crossroads in southwestern Germany. Its orderly grid of streets gives the city an unusual character. The vast Baroque palace recalls Mannheim’s former role as a seat of the Palatinate court. See the landmark Water Tower and lively squares, then consider an excursion to Heidelberg, about 20 kilometres away. A day ashore can pair urban history with one of Germany’s best-known historic towns.
Nierstein sits on the Rhine amid the vineyards of Rheinhessen, Germany’s largest wine-growing region. Its signature Roter Hang, a red-slate slope above town, gives local Rieslings a distinctive sense of place. Explore the riverside and compact old center, then visit St. Kilian’s church or choose a wine tavern for a tasting. Here, the Rhine is more than scenery: it shapes the town’s history, trade and daily pleasures.
Rüdesheim is a rewarding first stop on the Rhine, with vineyards climbing steep slopes above the water. It stands at the southern gateway to the UNESCO-listed Upper Middle Rhine Valley, famed for castles and dramatic river scenery. Explore the old lanes and Drosselgasse, then take the cable car through the vines to the Niederwald Monument. From its hilltop setting, the Rhine spreads below in a view worth lingering over.
Cologne announces itself from the Rhine with the soaring twin spires of its Gothic cathedral. Step ashore to explore a compact old town, Roman remains, and museums holding major works of art. The cathedral, a UNESCO World Heritage site, anchors the city centre. Enjoy Kölsch in a traditional brewery, then cross the river for a view of the skyline.
Amsterdam pairs world-class museums with the everyday pleasure of canal-side life. Its Golden Age houses, narrow waterways and lively markets make the city rewarding well beyond its famous sights. Visit the Rijksmuseum for Dutch masters, then explore the canal belt on foot or by boat. Leave time for a neighbourhood café: in Amsterdam, the best discoveries often come between the landmarks.
At the point where the Nederrijn divides into the Lek and Kromme Rijn, Wijk bij Duurstede rewards a closer look. Once the trading town of Dorestad, it became one of early medieval Europe’s most important river ports. Today, its compact centre pairs 13th-century Castle Duurstede with a striking windmill rising above a medieval city gate. Explore old streets, then pause beside the water; layered history unfolds at an unhurried pace.
Rotterdam is Europe’s largest port, but its appeal extends well beyond the quays. Bold architecture rises beside the Maas, while the city’s maritime past remains close at hand. Cross the Erasmus Bridge for skyline views, explore the striking Markthal, or take a harbour cruise among working vessels. Rotterdam rewards curious visitors with modern design, excellent food, and a Dutch city that refuses to stand still.
Antwerp pairs a major working port with a rewarding historic center. At the Cathedral of Our Lady, Rubens’s paintings share space with centuries of Gothic stonework. Nearby, the Grote Markt frames guild houses and the ornate City Hall, with cafés offering an easy pause between visits. The Museum aan de Stroom explores Antwerp’s history and its enduring relationship with the river. Make time for a meal; Antwerp’s food culture is as compelling as its maritime heritage.
Published September 13, 2026
Last updated October 3, 2026
Author: J. Richard
Good to know: Prices are quoted per person based on double occupancy and include all applicable taxes and fees. Availability and prices can change quickly, so please continue through the booking process to confirm the latest availability and pricing before you pay.
We work hard to make sure everything on this website is accurate and up to date. However, some information may be incomplete or inaccurate, including details supplied by third parties or otherwise outside our control, and we cannot be held responsible for such errors. We work with 41 cruise line operators, that are providing cruises on 585 ships visiting 1,731 ports across 7,194 unique cruises, creating 13,822 itineraries. This is a great deal of data to continually update daily from our suppliers. If a pricing error, misrepresentation, or omission occurs, we reserve the right to adjust the pricing, correct the information, or cancel or decline any booking made in error, with notice to you. Thank you for your understanding!
