If music be the food of love, then cruise on could be the new motto of Amadeus River Cruises.
They have launched their 2026 European programme that includes the music of Dutch violinist and conductor, André Rieu.
The new Rhine Concert Cruise is one of company’s 17 itineraries sailing across 13 countries on 14 luxury river ships.
The new Rhine Concert Cruise with Andre Rieu is a six-night itinerary from Cologne to Amsterdam onboard Amadeus Cara. She will call at Bonn, Nijmegen, Arnhem, Rotterdam and Dordrecht. The highlight of the cruise is the music performance by André Rieu and his Johann Strauss Orchestra in Amsterdam.
The music cruise departs 5th January 2026 with prices from £1,049 per person for the cruise. All meals and soft drinks, beer and wine with lunch and dinner, are included. As is the concert, use of onboard bicycles, WiFi and port fees.
Fred. Holidays, who have recently re-signed their GSA (general sales agent) agreement with Amadeus River Cruises has also put together a fly or rail inclusive price which starts from £1,699 per person.
New ship
Launching in 2026 is the Amadeus Aurea which will accommodate 158 guests in 12 spacious suites with balconies and 67 cabins featuring panoramic windows. Guests can savour culinary highlights in the elegant Panorama Restaurant, unwind on the sun deck with its outdoor pool and Lido Bar, stay active in the state-of-the-art fitness room or enjoy an al fresco drink while watching the world go by on the River Terrace. The new ship will also be sustainable with environmental technologies such as a hybrid propulsion system and an efficient heat recovery system. Amadeus Aurea will set sail on the Rhine on 26th May 2026.
Amadeus River Cruises has further expanded its excursion offerings for 2026. This will add culture, sports and nature enthusiasts to even more shore excursion choices.
Expanded excursions
Amadeus Active will for example offer additional exciting cycling tours through Vienna, Bamberg, and Amsterdam. New hiking opportunities in Linz and Oberwesel and vineyard explorations near Bernkastel will also be added.
Amadeus Taste offers wine and sparkling wine tastings in Koblenz, Cochem and Rüdesheim. Plus an excursion to the Halles de Lyon Paul Bocuse market hall in Lyon. And a visit to a truffle farm in the picturesque village of Grignan.
Amadeus Experience – new onboard events including a waltz lesson, concerts along the Rhine, Budapest by Night with a folk programme and a chanson evening on selected French routes.
The 2026 programme also features exciting themed cruises in winter, as well as special journeys focusing on golf and music.