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Germany Cruises

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Luxury Cruises to Germany

On a cruise to Germany, the seaside town of Warnemünde provides the perfect jumping-off point from which to discover the invigorating city of Berlin, as well as some of Germany’s most charming villages and interesting Baltic Sea ports. Learn about the country’s complex past and dynamic present as you explore its vibrant capital, visiting eclectic museums, cutting edge art exhibits, historic monuments, and an exciting restaurant scene.

In Warnemünde, stroll through the lively Alter Strom (Old Channel) district, lined with colorful restaurants, cafés, and boutiques, or wander along the extensive sandy beach. From Warnemünde, you are also a short drive from Rostock, a vibrant university town and important port, with pockets of medieval architecture in its center, as well as a lively market. See the best of Germany's north coast and capital on a luxury European cruise with Celebrity. 

Germany Cruise Highlights

Journey to berlin.

Berlin is the capital of Germany and is a city with a dramatic and much-documented history. Once isolated, Berlin today is a bustling multicultural metropolis that’s home to a thrilling arts and culinary scene, as well as ultra-modern architecture. You can see the remnants of the Berlin Wall, visit Checkpoint Charlie, explore opulent palaces, or while away some time in a leafy beer garden.

In Warnemünde, visit the local fish market for some fresh seafood, then amble down the scenic beach promenade, where a long, sandy beach is backed by grass-tufted dunes. Climb to the top of the iconic lighthouse for sweeping views along the coast. Don't miss the opportunity to try a plate of savory herring, a regional specialty, or sample some of Germany's world-renowned beers. 

Green Countryside & Medieval Towns

If you're looking to travel beyond Berlin and Warnemunde on your Germany cruise, you'll have ample opportunity to explore the nearby countryside as well. Take a ride through the lush forests of the Mecklenburg Lake District to see Germany's idyllic natural side, or visit Wismar, a UNESCO World Heritage Site boasting picturesque half-timbered houses and medieval churches. 

Featured Germany Cruise Port

Berlin (Warnemunde), Germany

Germany Cruise Itineraries

On a cruise to Germany, you’ll set sail to the Baltic Sea port of Warnemünde as part of 12-night Scandinavia cruise itineraries that depart from Amsterdam. From Warnemünde, it’s a convenient drive to Berlin, Germany’s dynamic and glamorous capital city. As well as Warnemünde, these itineraries include historic ports like Stockholm, Helsinki, Tallinn, and Copenhagen.

Itineraries

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Why Cruise to Germany With Celebrity Cruises

With Celebrity's award-winning onboard service and luxury amenities, you'll feel special from the moment you step onboard. Spend the day in the sun and fresh air as you relax and unwind on deck at the Rooftop Garden, a living urban playscape inspired by childhood playgrounds. Enjoy Broadway-style shows at The Theatre, the serenity of The Spa, and tantalize your senses with a cool cocktail at Eden. Choose The Retreat, an unparalleled vacation experience that includes a suite and access to an exclusive lounge and fabulous restaurant, Luminae. 

On a Germany cruise, you'll have the chance to visit the exciting city of Berlin, where you'll find a fascinating mix of art, architecture, and culture. Gaze at the storied Brandenburg Gate, and visit the site of Checkpoint Charlie, once one of the most famous crossing points of the Berlin Wall. Spend an afternoon on the sandy beaches of the Baltic Sea and admire the view from Warnermünde's lighthouse, or stroll along the sandy beachfront of Ostseebad. Discover Germany's rich culture on the ultimate luxury vacation with Celebrity Cruises. 

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Experience a world beyond your expectations. Choose from our award-winning vacations on virtually every continent with local favorites and off-the-beaten-path experiences only Globus can share.

We know why you travel. You’d rather have an extra day exploring than a fancy chocolate on your pillow at night. Enjoy hand-selected inclusions and world-class experiences for value-minded travel lovers like you.

Raise your sights and set your sails for the rivers of Europe, South America, Asia, and Africa on an Avalon Waterways cruise. Elevate your cruise experience with fewer passengers, more choices, and endless possibilities.

Germany River Cruise

River Cruises through Germany

Enjoy Deutschland's finest culture, art, cuisine and music with a Germany river cruise package. Sail upon legendary rivers like the romantic Rhine  or blue Danube. Choose one of the German Christmas Market river cruises and enjoy the sounds, sights and aromas of festive markets and holiday cheer. Or select a cruise to Germany that sails through the legendary Black Forest, complete with fairytale castles. Explore exciting cities like Munich, Heidelberg and Basel. From awe-inspiring cathedrals to museums to wine and beer tasting, German cruises are the experiences of a lifetime.

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Inspiring Germany

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Wonderful and Relaxing: 7 River Cruises

Getting to know Germany from a boat is delightful and enjoyable. Cruise leisurely through unique landscapes and discover new things. These river cruises are particularly beautiful:

All along the Rhine and Moselle: from Cologne via Rüdesheim to Trier

Rüdesheim: Ehrenfels castle ruins with a view over the Rhine

The grapes for delicious German wines grow on the slopes of the Rhine and Moselle. It's not just beautiful vineyards that you leisurely glide past, however, but also pretty winegrowing villages, exciting castles and interesting towns, as well as the famous Loreley rock . Depending on the time of year and the time of day, the scenery changes and you pass through flowering landscapes and colourful forests and marvel at the beauty of this world in the golden evening light.

From cosy Passau to modern Frankfurt: the Main-Danube Canal

Passau: Three Rivers Corner with Ilz, Danube and Inn

Sitting on the sun terrace or snug in an armchair when it rains: the journey from Passau via the Main-Danube Canal to Frankfurt gives you enchanting glimpses of typical Bavarian and Franconian towns. And all this totally relaxed. You can take part in a variety of outings for a change of scenery. The romantic half-timbered town of Rothenburg ob der Tauber , for example, is certainly worth a visit, but exploring Würzburg is just as exciting. The culturally rich city of Frankfurt provides plenty of excitement at the end of the trip.

From the trendy capital Berlin to the sea in Stralsund

Stralsund: Harbour with Ozeaneum, the German Seamuseum by Behnisch Architects

Discovering the capital from the deck of a ship is perfect, because you can easily catch a glimpse of many famous sights as you sail past. It soon becomes more peaceful, nature takes over and we sail along meandering rivers, through perfectly straight canals, discovering tiny bays and picturesque landscapes. At the end, the open sea awaits.

Contrasting and magnificent: from Frankfurt to Miltenberg

Miltenberg/Main: View over the Main Valley to the Spessart Mountains

Unexpected natural areas and diverse wildlife - you can study the nature of Germany's second longest river at your leisure on a river cruise from Frankfurt to Miltenberg . The Main metropolis offers many sights, quaint restaurants and trendy pubs, while medieval half-timbered houses nestled between the hills of Spessart and Odenwald await you in Miltenberg - the ultimate destination. How lovely! Meanwhile, wine is tasted, the Middle Ages in Bamberg come alive and, all in all, unforgettable impressions are collected.

Memorable and Magical: from Potsdam to Dresden

Potsdam: Die Havel mit Glienicker Brücke, Luftbild

Historic squares, enchanting gardens, castles and interesting museums: Potsdam offers all this. The river cruise starts here and soon takes you through the picturesque Elbe valley to Dresden , the capital of Saxony, with its unique sights and beautiful Elbe meadows. But it is not just two important cities and their cultural wealth that you can discover. Your soul can relax on this journey: you will leisurely glide through several nature reserves such as the Niederlausitzer Landrücken with its moors, as well as extensive forests or the Elbsandsteingebirge with its bizarre rock formations.

Between city and country: Hamburg - Berlin

Hamburg: harbour with cruise liner AIDA on the river Elbe, evening light, aerial view

Two outstanding cities, a river cruise and, in between, unforgettable impressions and peaceful moments. Sail some 400 kilometres across the country and you can expect highlights such as the Scharnebeck boat lift, the Autostadt Wolfsburg , the Magdeburg waterway junction, the Havel river in Potsdam and nine locks to negotiate. And the best is yet to come, when the cruise brings you to the centre of the German capital and takes you right through the government district of Berlin . Now that's an experience!

A romance to be savoured: from Saarbücken to Stuttgart

Trier: Moselle, cathedral and old town

Enchanting Southern Germany: the leisurely journey from Saarbrücken to Stuttgart along four rivers is perfect if you are looking for romance. Your cruise peacefully sails past idyllic vineyards, picturesque villages, cosy little towns and picturesque castles. In Mainz and Trier, the ancient Romans send their regards, and in Stuttgart , vineyards, countless staircases, restaurants and museums beckon. Heidelberg, Bernkastel-Kues and Saarbrücken also invite you to stroll, eat cake and admire. Slowing down is the way to go.

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Rhine River Cruises

The Rhine starts its journey in Switzerland's Alps and passes through iconic cities in France (including Strasbourg), Germany (Dusseldorf and Cologne) and the Netherlands . A European river cruise along the Rhine will reveal the best of Western Europe , from its unique scenery, to the exquisite cuisine on offer.

250+ Rhine river cruises with 900 reviews

Legendary Rhine Cruise (Amsterdam-Mainz) MS Crucevita Tour

Legendary Rhine Cruise (Amsterdam-Mainz) MS Crucevita

We had a wonderful time! The staff were excellent. Riverboat cruising is the perfect way to see Europe.

Classic Rhine cruise (Amsterdam-Basel) MS Crucevita Tour

Classic Rhine cruise (Amsterdam-Basel) MS Crucevita

Great, it could do more local food & wine from the area

Romantic Rhine (Southbound) 2024 Tour

Romantic Rhine (Southbound) 2024

It was a great tour. There were a few thinks that could have been better. Gentle walking was not gentle and it would have been nice to know before hand that a half hour walk was more like an hour and a half.

Romantic Rhine (Northbound) 2024 Tour

Romantic Rhine (Northbound) 2024

Avalon really got everything right. Personalized but organized. Great value. Great service.

The Romantic Rhine Valley and the Rock of Lorelei (port-to-port cruise) Tour

The Romantic Rhine Valley and the Rock of Lorelei (port-to-port cruise)

Ratio of staff to guests was poor for meal and bar service. Service was reactive instead of proactive. Table 1A, near the kitchen, was subjected to the smell of garbage when door was left open. Out of 120+ guests only 6 of us were English speaking. Probably would get more enjoyment with a little better mix of cultures.

Captivating Rhine 2024 Start Amsterdam, End Basel Tour

Captivating Rhine 2024 Start Amsterdam, End Basel

The romantic Rhine Valley and the rock of the Lorelei (port-to-port cruise) Tour

The romantic Rhine Valley and the rock of the Lorelei (port-to-port cruise)

Fabulous trip, loved it. Fantastic good and staff. Would highly recommend

Splendours of Europe (Start Amsterdam, End Budapest) Tour

Splendours of Europe (Start Amsterdam, End Budapest)

The program in the Emerald ship was magnificently planned and discussed. The local music during the cruise was so informative. Long live the music from the Netherlands and Germany through Austria and Slovakya to Hungary! Just for the music, dances and songs I will do the cruise again!

Castles along the Rhine (2024) (Amsterdam to Basel SS Victoria, 2024) Tour

Castles along the Rhine (2024) (Amsterdam to Basel SS Victoria, 2024)

Splendours of Europe (Start Budapest, End Amsterdam) Tour

Splendours of Europe (Start Budapest, End Amsterdam)

Rhine Experience Amsterdam & Rotterdam 2024 Tour

Rhine Experience Amsterdam & Rotterdam 2024

Rhine Experience Amsterdam & Rotterdam 2024 Tour

Rhine Castles & Swiss Alps 2024 Start Amsterdam, End Basel

Castles along the Rhine (2024) (Basel to Amsterdam River Queen, 2024) Tour

Castles along the Rhine (2024) (Basel to Amsterdam River Queen, 2024)

Very nice trip. Your were OK with a few standouts like the vinegar tasting. Wish there had been more lectures and cultures talks. The one about modern German attitudes was particularly fascinating.

Switzerland´s Best Tour

Switzerland´s Best

Reviews of rhine cruises.

Well organised with plenty to see.
Great company to cruise with. Ship carries 110 passengers. Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner each day. Plenty of stops to sightsee. The castles along the Rhine make trip a very enjoyable cruise. All staff were great.
It was a great cruise. The food was amazing, the crew was really helpful, and the tours and tour guides were great. The only thing to imporve on if the WiFi which only worked half the time.

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One Trip at a Time

Within a few hours, you could be whisked away for a modern city break, a leisurely weekend in an alluring small town full of winding lanes to get lost in, discover your inner party animal at cool Berlin nightclubs, or explore the stunning and varied landscapes. At the end of a full day, spend your evening in a cosy B&B in a pretty half-timbered hamlet while sipping a glass of Riesling thinking back on your day.

Weekend Breaks in Germany Pinterest

It can be hard to choose a destination for the best weekend break in Germany because they are all great, so we’ve asked some fellow travellers to join us with their favourite weekend getaway ideas to give you choices if you’re looking for inspiration. We have included ideas for what to see and do, recommendations for places to stay, and great places to eat, to help you make the most of your well-deserved getaway.

No matter which getaway you choose, you’re sure to have a wonderful weekend away filled with history, delicious food, and drink, and the landscapes and scenery that make  Germany  so wonderful to visit!

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TABLE OF CONTENTS

Weekend breaks in germany.

  • Romantic Road
  • Garmisch-Partenkirchen
  • Lake Constance
  • Rhine Valley

Weekend Breaks in Germany Map

Weekend Breaks in Germany - Freiburg (Wyld Family Travel)

Freiburg is located in an enviable location close to the French and Swiss borders and on the edge of the Black Forest in the Baden region . The city receives some of the best weather in Germany making it a city to get out and explore.

There are many things to do in Freiburg for a great weekend break for the whole family. You could start with the Bachle which is a unique feature of Freiburg. It is a series of small, open waterways that flow through the city. From there head to the Freiburg Minster which has been standing since the 12th-century – not even the war could destroy it.

If you are lucky, one of the weekly markets will be taking place around the walls of the cathedral when you visit. You can take a cable car from the city centre to  Schlossberg hill. From the top of the hill, you will get some amazing views of the city stretching into the mountains surrounding. 

You can get outdoors at the Mundlehof which is an open-air zoo and green zone where people go to walk and eat. And, if you are a football fan, Freiburg S.C plays in the Bundesliga and has a stadium near the city centre

Food in Freiburg has both a German and French feel and the city is lively when it comes to eating out with its many cafés, bars, and restaurants. The Martins Brau Brewery in the city centre brews its own beer and serves freshly cooked meals. And y ou should definitely give Flamkussen, a regional specialty, a try when you are in town.

Contribution and Photo from Mark of Wyld Family Travel

Weekend Breaks in Germany - Aachen

Aachen is a western German town close to the border of Belgium and the Netherlands. It has been a spa city since Roman times, which is just one great reason to visit the city for a weekend getaway.

The main attraction in the city is Aachen Cathedral which is under UNESCO World Heritage protection. In the middle ages (8th-century), Aachen was the capital for Charles the Great, King of the Franks, and he is now buried in the cathedral. It was also the place of coronation for German kings for 600 years. The cathedral was finished in the year 798 but has been rebuilt a few times over the centuries. Most of the marble used in its construction was taken from Ravenna and Rome.

The Cathedral Treasury has a collection of liturgical objects and over the centuries they have collected different reliquaries. These were located in different chapels during different time periods, and for the last 80 years, they have been in the Allerseelenkapelle.

Other great things to see and do in Aachen include the Aachen Rathaus, which is the 14th-century town hall that is still in use, and the ‘Concours Hippique International Officiel’ which is the biggest equestrian meeting in the world. Aachen is also known for awarding the Charlemagne Prize for the Unification of Europe each year in the Rathaus, with one owner of this award being Pope Francis.

After a day of exploring, you should go to the oldest bar in town, the Domkeller, for a good lager and then go to the Scotch Club, which was the first discothèque in the world.

Contribution from Džangir of Dr Jam Travels

ROMANTIC ROAD

Weekend Breaks in Germany - Romantic Road (Romantic Road Germany)

The Romantic Road in southern Germany just celebrated its 70th birthday and has become one of the top tourist travel routes in the country. Millions of hotel nights are booked each year by a flood of international guests eager to see the sights and history along the way.

A weekend break on the Romantic Road is definitely feasible, although many take up to a week to explore its historic walled towns with timbered buildings, lively cities and a rousing climax at the southern end of the route as the visitor passes Neuschwanstein Castle on the way towards the Alps.

Travelling south through the Tauber valley from Würzburg, the route heads first to one of its highlights, the town of Rothenburg ob der Tauber, with its picturesque streets and walled centre.

Rothenburg is well worth a stop but, in high season, some may wish to spend more time in the attractive towns of Dinkelsbühl and Nördlingen further south and with their own historic walled centres and timber-framed buildings.

The city of Augsburg halfway along the route makes a sensible stopping point for a weekend break. The Dom Hotel is, as the name suggests, near Augsburg’s cathedral and within easy walking distance of the city centre. One of the sights there is the Fuggerei, the world’s oldest public housing and still used today. While visiting, make a stop at the Tafeldecker restaurant for some Bavarian tapas and local beer.

The second day on the route has a different character as it winds its way through the Bavarian countryside and small towns of the Pfaffenwinkel before passing the fairytale castle of Neuschwanstein just outside Schwangau. The final town, Füssen, is the former summer residence of the bishops of Augsburg, with a lovely position on the Lech river and views of the Alps.

Contribution and Photo from Steve of Romantic Road Germany

Weekend Breaks in Germany - Bamberg (Stoked to Travel)

Bamberg, located in Bavaria in the south of Germany, is a stunning UNESCO World Heritage town. It makes the perfect weekend getaway for those interested in history and culture and is just one hour by train from the well-known town of Nuremberg.

A truly enchanting town, Bamberg’s architecture is renowned in Europe for its strong influence from the Renaissance and late medieval periods. In the late 18th century, Bamberg was known as the centre of the ‘Enlightenment. In fact, several important and well-respected philosophers and writers came from the town. Bamberg is also home to the grave of Pope Clemence II, the only Pope to be buried outside of Italy.

Today, Bamberg’s postcard-perfect town centre, declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1993, is the main attraction. Incredibly, Bamberg escaped almost untouched following WWII bombings, meaning the town is home to some of the best-preserved medieval structures in Europe, all of which line its beautiful cobblestone streets. Make sure to stop by the Altes Rathaus, which is also known as the Old Town Hall – a must-see site in Bamberg. It was built in 1462 on an artificial island in the middle of the Regnitz River, and its unusual location and interesting design make it one of the most photographed spots in Bamberg.

Bamberg is pretty famous for its beer, so ensure to factor in a stop at the renowned Schlenkerla brewery, which has been operating since 1405. And if you visit in December, then you can take in  Bamberg’s excellent Christmas Market . Unlike nearby Nuremberg, the market in Bamberg is a truly authentic affair with far smaller crowds.

Contribution and Photo from Clair of Stoked to Travel

GARMISCH-PARTENKIRCHEN

Weekend Breaks in Germany - Garmisch Partenkirchen

Garmisch-Partenkirchen, sometimes shortened to GaPa or GP, is a quaint and beautiful Bavarian town that is an easy train ride from Munich. It is a popular tourist destination due to its natural beauty and outdoor sports like hiking and skiing, which can be enjoyed year-round, all of which make it a perfect place for a weekend getaway.

Garmisch-Partenkirchen is where the Zugspitze is located—the highest peak in Germany situated in the Bavarian Alps. For a great experience, you can take a cog-wheel train or a gondola to the top for some incredible views of the Alps and the striking valleys below. There are many gondolas in the area to take in the incredible and dramatic sights this region provides.

Also recommended is a hike through the beautiful rocky Partnatch Gorge with its waterfalls, rapids, and calm basins. This area is the start of many scenic hikes to enjoy the incredible Bavarian countryside. And in the winter, Garmisch-Partenkirchen offers some of the most incredible Alpine skiing for all levels.

Alternatively, you can explore the quaint and charming historic town center of Partenkirchen, walking the main street of Ludwigstrasse to take in the traditional Bavarian architecture. Enjoy the restaurants like Zum Wildschütz serving up the hearty Bavarian fare. There is a little something for everyone in this charming town that hosted the 1936 Winter Olympics.

In addition to how beautiful this area is, the friendliness of the people is also sure to make your visit memorable. Whether you are raising a beer, hiking, or just taking in the sights of this beautiful area, a weekend break in Garmisch-Partenkirchen is one you are unlikely to forget.

Contribution from Sam of My Flying Leap

LAKE CONSTANCE

Weekend Breaks in Germany - Lake Constance

As the most southern tip of Germany, Lake Constance is a popular all-year-round holiday destination. It sits at the foothills of the majestic Alps, offering the perfect combination of a beautiful lake, charming towns, castles, and delightful gardens. Many are attracted to this area because of hiking, biking, swimming, and sailing.

Konstanz, the largest town on Lake Constance, has preserved its past dating back to the 7th-century. Perhaps its most historic building is the cathedral, Konstanz Minster. Don’t miss the opportunity to climb the 193 steps to the observation deck for panoramic views of the city and Lake Constance. Konstanz offers a lot of options for accommodations and dining, as such, makes for a great home base. Why not pamper yourself and stay and dine at the 5-star Riva boutique hotel , just steps from the waterfront.

On the opposite side of Lake Constance sits Meersburg. The name literally translates to ‘Castle on the Sea’ and is home to two castles. The oldest of the two, simply referred to as the Old Castle ( Alte Burg ), is a well-preserved 7th-century medieval fortress. This charming seaside town makes for a lovely day to wander the winding quaint streets of the old town.

Lastly, one of the most popular attractions around Lake Constance is the spectacular 110-acre flower island of Mainau which includes a castle built in 1746.

Lake Constance straddles both Austria and Switzerland. There is also a certain novelty in the fact that you could wake up in Germany , cycle into Switzerland for the lunch, and then go to Austria later that afternoon for coffee and a strudel.

Contribution from Renee of Dream Plan Experience

READ MORE:  Love castles? Check out these 18 must-see castles to visit in Germany .

Weekend Breaks in Germany - Cologne

Cologne is a great weekend break in western Germany with plenty to see and do. If you are looking for family holidays to Germany , there is also plenty here for all ages.

Start with the must-do Farina Museum which is the oldest fragrance house in the world. Here you can find out about the history of perfumes and get to sample the original cologne made to the same recipe from the 18th-century.

One of the country’s best-preserved Gestapo prisons, the NS-Documentation Center is a suffocating, unpleasant look at Cologne’s more recent past but really important to keep remembering. The Koln Zoo is well worth a trip and the chocolate factory, where you can see Lindt chocolate being made, find out about the history of this brand, and get to sample some of the delights shouldn’t be missed.

Enjoy the centre where you see the amazing Cologne Cathedral then take a wander over the Rhine via the Hohenzollern Bridge which is filled with love locks and gives great views of the city. Hang out in the cool Ehrenfeld district which is ideal for a wander. Try your hand at the 3D glow in the dark golf and finish up at the amazing vegan restaurant of Bunte Burger where everything on the menu will make you want to order it.

Stay at the Statthaus , a gorgeous, quirky series of apartments with views over to the cathedral from the top floors and it is easy to walk to everything. The nearby Bastians Bakery is absolutely ideal for a breakfast feast.

Contribution from Nichola of Family Hotel Expert

Weekend Breaks in Germany - Hamburg (Two Traveling Texans)

Hamburg is a perfect weekend city break in northern Germany because it has something for everyone.  Whether you like history, architecture, art, the outdoors, or food, there is plenty to keep you entertained.

As Germany’s largest seaport, you must take time to see the city from the water either on a tour or ferry.  You will pass through the warehouse district, Speicherstadt, which is a UNESCO site, see the Elbphilharmonie, which is the new concert hall, and more.  You can also cross the Elbe River using the Elbe Tunnel, which is quite a unique experience.

Take time to visit St. Nicholas’s Church which is now in ruins after bombings during World War II.  Go up the tower for fantastic panoramic views and visit the museum to learn more about the history.  On a lighter note, Miniatur Wunderland is a fun place to spend a few hours. It is a model village that is more detailed than you can ever imagine.

You also do not want to miss Rathaus, the Town Hall, which is architecturally quite impressive.  Art lovers can visit the Kunsthalle, which is the largest art museum in Germany housed in a 19th-century Italian Renaissance-style building.

To save money on these attractions and transportation, be sure to get the Hamburg Card.   It also includes discounts for restaurants like Cafe Ponton where you can dine right by the water. Public transportation in Hamburg is excellent, so you don’t need to stay in the city center. You will get great value for your money at the Holiday Inn Hamburg or if you like a boutique hotel experience, the Henri Hotel is an excellent choice.

Contribution and Photo from Anisa of Two Traveling Texans

Weekend Breaks in Germany - Nuremberg (RJ On Tour)

Located in the heart of Bavaria is the historic city of Nuremberg a rather pleasant place for a city break. The city of Nuremberg dates back to Roman times where it was classed as a Free Imperial City.

The beautiful old town area of the city is surrounded by 5 km of medieval walls with a castle, gates, and towers incorporated within. As with most old town areas throughout Europe, there are many churches to visit or admire from outside. These, alongside the castle, make Nuremberg a very interesting place for people with a passing interest in history.

Some of the must-visit places in the city are the Imperial Castle, St Lorenz Church, and the Frauenkirche – all three of which are stunning and very interesting to visit. During December Nuremberg hosts the Christkindlmarkt and is known as one of the most ‘Christmassy’ places on earth. This is a great time to visit, soaking up the history as well as the seasonal vibe

Since the middle ages, the city has produced a distinctive red beer known as Rotbier. This has great flavours and is a must-try for beer aficionados. The city also has its own Nuremberg Sausage which is traditionally served with three in a bun with sauerkraut. For visitors looking to dine out, the area alongside the pretty River Pegnitz is the place to head. A great place to dine out is Heilig-Geist-Spital, an eatery with traditional Bavarian food, and a relaxing vibe.

For somewhere to stay the budget Invite Hotel , just outside the city walls, is a nice value place to stay. The hotel is clean, has parking and a sauna for guests to unwind.

Contribution and Photo from RJ of RJ on Tour

Weekend Breaks in Germany - Trier

Trier, situated in Germany, is one of the country’s oldest cities. The city proudly stands as one of the impressive eight UNESCO World Heritage sites. The city is situated in the west of the country and attracts thousands of tourists from around the world. There can be a whole list of reasons why you must visit the city at least once in your lifetime – one of them being the Roman feel to the city.

The city was founded in 16 BC by emperor Augustus. After its establishment by Roman emperors, the city quickly developed to become a Roman metropolis and you will find a large number of preserved Roman monuments here. Being the main city of Roman northern territories, people know it as “Rome of the North”. The city is a diverse combination of well-preserved history and the best dining.

If you love a getaway with dance, music, wine, cafes, and entertainment, Trier is a great destination for you. From strolling around the lively streets of the city to experiencing the Roman monuments, there are many things you can do on your visit. For example, you must visit the top sights including Hauptmarket Square (the city’s largest market square), St. Peter’s Cathedral, and the Church of Our Lady. There is a special train for tourists known as Toner Express that will take you on a tour of the city to see these main sights.

The city offers beautiful hotels for your stay, one of the best is the Romantik Hotel Zur Glocke . You can take a stroll in the evening by stepping out of your hotel and then enjoy delicacies at Burgeramt Trier. Apart from that, you can also do some shopping for popular recycled clothing brands to make your tour complete. Trier is considered a shopping paradise!

Contribution from Paulina of Paulina on the Road

Weekend Breaks in Germany - Dresden (World of Lina)

Dresden, in the northeastern region of Germany , is the perfect destination for a weekend getaway for anyone who loves culture and architecture.

The city’s most iconic and famous building is the Dresdner Zwinger. It is among the most important baroque buildings in Germany and houses many renowned museums such as the “Royal Cabinet of Mathematical and Physical Instruments”. Surrounded by a wide garden, the Dresdner Zwinger is also a great place for an extensive walk.

Only a few steps from the Zwinger and near the Elbe River is the Semperoper – a beautiful opera building. Whether you are a fan of opera, concerts, or ballet, make sure to book a ticket for one of the many great performances.

Another very prominent building in Dresden is the Frauenkirche church located at Neumarkt. The most special attraction of this church is the viewing platform on its dome. Located at 67 meters above the ground, it offers a magnificent view of Dresden and its surroundings. A short elevator ride, narrow stairs, and a steep ladder stairway make it an even more adventurous experience! If you suffer from claustrophobia or fear of heights, it is better to not go up there.

For lunch or a cup of coffee, head to the Kunst Café Antik which is close by. It is a unique place with an extraordinary interior and a very cozy ambiance. The restaurant “brennNessel” is the perfect address for vegetarians or vegans as it offers a big selection of mouthwatering dishes.

A good and affordable place to stay is the hotel “ underSTAYtement am Schloss ” at the Dresden Castle. It’s a bit outside the city center but a tram station can be reached within a 10-minute walk.

Contribution and Photo from Alina of World of Lina

Weekend Breaks in Germany - Hanover (Travel on a Time Budget)

Hannover is a great place for a weekend away. Located towards the north of the country, there’s plenty to do here on a short city break .

The old town is quite small, but a great place to wander. There are some pretty streets that lead down to the Leine River and seem key sights to take in.  Most notable is the New Town Hall (Neue Rathaus), a stunning building sitting on a small lake.  Inside are replicas of how the city was laid out at various points in its history.  History lovers will find it fascinating to see the vast swathes of Hannover that were destroyed during the Allied bombings. There is also a tilted elevator here where you can ride the 97 metres to the top of the building and take in the spectacular views over the city.

Hannover is also ideal for those who want to combine sightseeing with some walking in the fresh air.  It’s a really green city, with the 1,600-acre Eilenreide (actually a city forest), as well as the Maschsee.  This is a man-made lake, spanning almost 80 hectares, and is a beautiful spot to walk around, particularly in the evening.

Not to be missed, however, are the Royal Gardens of Herrenhausen. There are three gardens here, all different in nature and design. One is an immaculately pristine geometrically lawned garden with Europe’s highest fountain. Another is a wilder, more botanical, garden. The third is modelled on an English landscape garden.

For those staying longer, there are also some interesting day trips outside of the city, including Celle with its 500 half-timbered medieval buildings.

There is a good choice of places to stay in Hannover, including the Mercure Hotel Hannover Mitte which offers good value for money in a central location. For eating-out options, the venues in the Ballhofplatz Square are worth checking out; this is a lovely area for pre-dinner drinks and an evening meal.

Contribution and Photo from Emma of Travel on a Time Budget

RHINE VALLEY

Weekend Breaks in Germany - Rhine Valley

The Upper Middle Rhine Valley, or Rhine Gorge as it is more commonly called, is an incredibly picturesque 40-mile stretch of the Rhine River between Koblenz and Bingen.  The steep sides of the river valley are topped with over forty castles and covered in woods or terraced vineyards, making this UNESCO World heritage center a wonderful area to explore.

You can visit on a Rhine River cruise , stopping off along the way, or you can drive or take a train, which runs alongside the river. The cruise gives a unique way to see the castles and is recommended.

Along the way, there are also several gorgeous towns with half-timbered buildings. Visiting them is a highlight of your trip to the Rhine Valley. A few of these towns are:

  • Koblenz, which in addition to its historic center, has a large fortress on the opposite bank that you can reach via cable car. This is also the start of cruises down the Moselle River.
  • Boppard with its beautiful twin-steepled St Severus church, ancient Roman fort walls, and many adorable taverns. This is also the heart of wine country. The Bopparder Hamm winery is recommended – you can hike and stop off to sample their wines.
  • Bacharach where you can sample more wines, visit the fascinating gothic Werner Chapel and even stay in the beautiful Stahleck Castle (it is now a youth hostel).

There are several other castles you can visit (or stay in) including Rehinges Castle and Rheinstein Castle.  Other vineyards that you should go to include Didinger Vineyard in Osterpai and, for red wine, Assmannshausen.

If you love castles, wine, hiking, cruising, or just wandering around beautiful villages, you will love the Rhine Valley.

Contribution from James of Travel Collecting

Weekend Breaks in Germany - Potsdam (Why Not Walk)

Located a quick S-Bahn metro ride from Berlin , Potsdam is a beautiful choice for a weekend break in Germany. You are sure to enjoy relaxing on the banks of the Havel River and exploring UNESCO World Heritage site Sanssouci Palace and its corresponding park. In fact, Sanssouci Palace is the largest UNESCO World Heritage Site in Germany. Built for Frederick the Great in 1745, the palace is known as “the Versailles of Germany” for its golden opulence, and its parks are filled with rose gardens, an orangery, and other fancy buildings to explore. You can’t miss a visit here and should budget at least half a day to make the most of your visit.

Today Potsdam serves as the capital of Brandenburg but maintains the distinct feel of taking a step back in time. It is a relaxing place to visit for its rich history and gorgeous lakefront vistas. Home to the 1945 Potsdam Conference, where world leaders charted a path forward for postwar Europe, you can visit the site where the big decisions were made at Cecilienhof Palace.

Potsdam also has a lively Dutch Quarter with the largest quantity of Dutch-style houses outside of the Netherlands, where you will surely enjoy the red-brick architecture and quaint boutiques. If you are more a fan of Russian architecture, Potsdam is also home to “Russian Town,” built in the 19th century to welcome Russian immigrants. For excellent shopping, check out the Brandenburgerstraße area and specifically the ritzy Karstadt Stadtpalais mall.

If you are in the mood for a bite to eat, Potsdam has a well-earned reputation as quite the foodie destination. For German food with a Dutch twist, check out Dutch Quarter gem Zum Fliegenden Holländer. For lakefront vistas paired with house-brewed craft beer and quintessential German fare, check out Meierei Brauhaus. Lastly, right in Sanssouci Park is Potsdam Zur Historische Mühle, a Mövenpick restaurant, and the Drachenhaus café-restaurant for a quick bite.

As for lodging, you can splurge a bit and stay at Hotel Villa Monte Vino , located (as its name suggests) on a hill behind the Sanssouci Park vineyards. If you are seeking more budget accommodations, check out the Hotel Brandenburger Tor , near one of the city’s historic gates.

Contribution and Photo from Tegan of Why Not Walk

Weekend Breaks in Germany - Meissen

Dresden is a big and beautiful city on the River Elbe, but just 25 km from Dresden, is a pretty little town called Meissen which makes a great weekend break in Germany. It was the old capital of Saxony until the 15th-century and, like Dresden, is on the River Elbe.

The first thing you see as you approach the town from the east bank is the Burgberg (castle hill), the castle on the hill, and a cathedral that seems to pierce the castle and reach up to the sky. The long and checkered history of Meissen makes it a great destination for those interested in history and architecture.

Meissen is well known for the exquisite porcelain that was invented here during the rule of Augustus II, the Strong. In fact, the company that once was created and owned by the ruler, to manufacture and export the finest porcelain is still in business. Examples of these ceramics are everywhere, inside the castle, the cathedral, the museum, and stores too.

The Meissen Porcelain Manufactory and the museum, located some distance away, is a must-visit. The larger-than-life porcelain statue of “Saxonia” is sure to take away one’s breath.

The castle, at the top of Burgberg, is called Albrechtsburg and is one of the finest examples of late Gothic architecture. The current version of the castle has been standing for the last 600 years or so, however, it is said that there was a smaller fort here since the early 10th century! The inside of the castle has been converted into a museum and is well worth a visit.

The area of the castle is also shared by the Meissen Cathedral which is also built in the Gothic style. It is said to have taken 150 years to build this cathedral. The view of the region, from the top of the cathedral, is astounding and is not to be missed.

There are also many other places like squares, markets, churches, museums, and restaurants in the vicinity for a wholesome and enjoyable weekend.

Contribution from Nisha and Vasu of Le Monde, the Poetic Travels

Weekend Breaks in Germany - Stuttgart

As one of the largest cities in southern Germany , Stuttgart’s charm is apparent from its first glance at the hills overlooking the valley. The city sits comfortably in a valley with hills all around and its city center surrounded by beautiful buildings.

Stuttgart has some well-known places to see and things to do that make the city a bit more well known in the region. As the city of automobiles, Stuttgart is known for its many car-producing factories such as Mercedes-Benz and Porsche. The ever-popular Mercedes-Benz Museum has over 150 cars located on multiple levels and tells the entire history of the automotive industry in a fascinating way. The museum is enjoyable not only for car lovers but even kids and families.

Stuttgart also has the largest zoo/botanical garden in Europe with plants and animals from numerous countries and continents and an amazing outdoor garden in the center. Easily reached by tram, the gardens have two on-site restaurants serving traditional German food.

For traditional German food, Carl’s Brauhaus serves traditional Swabian cuisine that is sure to delight any traveler looking to try local food. A visit to the Markthalle in the center is also a great way to further explore the local tastes Stuttgart has to offer. The Markthalle is located right next to the city’s main town hall, the Rathaus, which has a fascinating elevator, known as the paternoster elevator, it has no doors and continues to move as people step in and out on various floors.

Staying central to the center is key, especially if utilizing the extensive train system. The Steigenberger Graf Zeppelin is in a great location and a comfortable hotel stay for anyone looking for a weekend break.

In addition to places in Stuttgart, there are plenty of day trips from Stuttgart to nearby locations that provide a more in-depth look at the Swabian countryside.

Contribution from Dandt & Diana of The Elusive Family

Weekend Breaks in Germany - Cochem (Robe Trotting)

If you are looking for a tranquil and relaxing weekend break in Germany, nothing beats a getaway to Cochem. You can’t leave Cochem, Germany without falling for this enchanting Mosel River town. The beautiful city on the river is located near many German destinations, but it is full of natural charm and plenty of fun activities.

One of the main reasons to visit Cochem is the river itself. The natural feature defines the city and adds a layer of serenity over the city. The Mosel River is surrounded by sloping hills rows and rows of wine-producing grapes. One of the best things to do is stroll the Mosel Promenade, a scenic walkway that traces the banks of the river. You can also enjoy Cochem from the river itself and book a Mosel river cruise to take in the landscape and admire neighboring cities from the water.

Cochem is full of history with a medieval city center and a historic castle looming over the town from its highest hilltop. Visitors love to wander around Cochem’s Market Square. There you will discover local boutiques, outdoor cafes, cobbled streets, and a bubbling fountain. The spot is perfect to do some window shopping or just relax and do some people-watching. While Market Square can fill with tourists, you cannot help but feel at peace in the beautiful surroundings of the oldest part of Cochem.

Of course, enjoying the local wines of Cochem is another great reason to visit. During a weekend getaway, you can sample tastings of local white and rose wines at any of the wine cellars. You can even have a glass while checking out Cochem Castle and enjoying views of the valley below.

Contribution and Photo from Derek & Mike of Robe Trotting

Weekend Breaks in Germany - Munich

Munich is a Bavarian city in the southern part of Germany. It has 1.5 million inhabitants in the core of the city and a total of 6 million in the metropolitan area with a big percentage of the population (38%) being a foreigner. This city from the 12th-century is located north of the Alps on the River Isa and was established by Benedictine monks.

Much of Munich was bombed during WWII and the city was levelled to the ground but the city was rebuilt quickly. Munich is known for its strong economy and they are many big factories such as BMW, MAN, and Siemens.

Munich’s Altstadt (Old Town) is one part of the city you shouldn’t miss. In the center of Munich’s Old Town, you can find the Marienplatz, which was the heart of the city from its beginning. Around this central square you will find Old and New Town Halls where you can hear the glockenspiel ring, St Peter’s Church (the oldest church), and Frauenkirche, a cathedral with 100 metre high towers for great views of the city. Munich is also considered a city of culture and has many museums, most of which can be found in the museum quarter called Kunstareal.

For sports fans, you can try surfing Eisbachwelle which is an artificial wave about half a metre high on part of a man-made river in Munich. Football is the most popular sport, so when in town you should go to a game at Allianz Arena and watch Bayern Munich play. The city also hosted the Summer Olympics in 1972 with the Olympiastadion of 70,000 attendees.

In wintertime, you should visit one of the Christmas markets and enjoy Glühwein, a mulled wine, or in autumn is Oktoberfest a festival of beer that you shouldn’t miss. As for food, give Hofbräuhaus Inn a try where you order a beer and pig knuckles!

Weekend Breaks in Germany - Berlin

A weekend in Berlin can encompass amazing architecture, a look at the darker side of human history as well as amazing art and museums to explore in Germany’s capital.

The Brandenburg Gate is possibly the most famous site in Berlin. The gate was built in the 1730s and for a large part of the 20th-century was inaccessible due to the Berlin Wall curving around it. Next to the gate is the stunning Reichstag building which houses Germany’s parliament. You can get a great view across the city by climbing the glass dome that sits atop the building. Tickets are free but must be booked in advance.

Another great place to get a view of the city is from the top of the Berliner Dom. But not before you’ve taken in the breath-taking interior. You can also explore below the ground where the crypt contains over 90 sarcophagi as well as the tombs of Prussian Kings.

Elsewhere on the aptly named Museum Island are five world-class museums to explore. Two of the most famous exhibits are the Pergamon altar, which the Pergamon Museum was built to house, and the famous bust of Egyptian Queen Nefertiti which can be found in the New Museum.

No visit to Berlin would be complete without exploring the darker side of the city’s history. Remnants of the Berlin wall can be found across the city, from individual panels to longer stretches. The East Side Gallery contains some of the famous images that were painted on the wall in the months following the wall falling. The Berlin Wall Memorial allows visitors to see a preserved section of the wall to better understand how it kept the city divided.

Monuments to the holocaust can be found throughout the city. The largest is the block size Memorial to the Murdered Jews of Europe which contains 2,711 concrete slabs as well as a small museum. The memorial to the Sinti and Roma victims is a small oasis near the Reichstag with the names of concentration camps engraved on stones surrounding a black memorial pool.

Finally, at Grunewald station, Platform 17 (Gleis 17) is a memorial to those who were loaded onto trains to take them to concentration camps from this very spot. Metal plates line the platform and contain the numbers of people, the date, and their destination.

There is just so much to see and do in Berlin , you will definitely have an amazing weekend getaway!

Looking for more information to plan your visit to Germany? You may find these articles helpful.

  • 8 Great Places to Visit in Baden Germany
  • Beautiful and Historic Castles to Visit in Germany
  • 21 Things to Do in Berlin, Germany

8 Great Places to Visit in Northern and Eastern Germany

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  • Learn the fascinating   royal history of 25 of Germany’s best castles   and the compelling personal stories of the families that lived in them.
  • For all things Germany, you can’t go wrong with Rick Steves! Check out his   Germany travel guide , full episodes of his   TV show , or download his app for excellent   audio tours .

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  • You prefer a cruise that caters more to North American tastes
  • You want a quiet or somewhat subdued cruising experience
  • You want a big-ship cruise on a gorgeous Mediterranean vessel
  • You appreciate international cuisine and worldly passengers
  • You need a cruise that's made for a multigenerational family
  • You don't like action-packed cruises with lots of people
  • You are looking for a cruise that caters to North Americans
  • You dislike hearing announcements made in multiple languages
  • You want a big, fun ship filled with entertainment for all
  • You like having a truly international atmosphere onboard
  • You are looking for weeklong cruises to interesting ports
  • You want a cruise that caters to North American likes and tastes
  • You prefer a quieter, more laid-back voyage with few children
  • You don't want a cruise where English isn't the primary language

5 Night Cruise to the Western Mediterranean

  • You want a European-style cruise on a contemporary ship
  • You don't need amenities like ziplines and elaborate suites
  • You like socializing with an international mix of passengers
  • You expect the onboard experience to cater to North Americans
  • You want the latest high-tech features of MSC's newest ships
  • You want big-ship amenities on a ship that's reasonably sized
  • You like having all the latest technological advancements at sea
  • You crave choice when it comes to dining and entertainment
  • You want a ship with activities like waterslides and ziplines
  • You prefer a more quiet, subdued experience on a small ship
  • You want to save even more money by traveling on a standard mainstream cruise line
  • You want a European-centric ship loaded with cool features
  • You need plenty of activities for all ages, around the clock
  • You want to cruise through Europe in the company of Europeans
  • You dislike big, crowded ships; Fascinosa is definitely that
  • You don't like announcements made in multiple languages
  • You want a ship catering exclusively to North American tastes
  • You want a big, bold ship with a Mediterranean personality
  • You want upscale features found in the soothing MSC Yacht Club
  • You like keeping busy and want fun for the whole family
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  • You dislike lines and crowds; both can be a reality here
  • You're looking for an adult-centric cruise; expect lots of kids

3 Night Cruise to the Western Mediterranean

  • You seek MSC Cruises' next-gen Meraviglia Plus-class ships that are slightly bigger
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  • You seek a very good cruise value with lots included for a reasonable price point
  • You prefer a different class of ship in MSC's ever growing fleet portfolio
  • You plan to sail beyond Norway and the Mediterranean, where the ship will first navigate
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  • You like decidedly upscale features like the MSC Yacht Club
  • You appreciate having nonstop activities by day and night
  • You want a cruise experience catering to American tastes
  • You want a quiet, traditionally minded cruise experience

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Weekend Cruise

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Weekend Cruise

About Weekend and Short Cruises

A weekend cruise is relaxing and fun and it doesn’t use up your well earned vacation days! Weekend cruises are also a great opportunity to experience of cruising for those who have never cruised before. Enjoy the wonderful activities offered on a weekend cruise including all of the onboard activities, relaxing in the spa, exciting nightlife as well as casual and gourmet dining.

Benefits of Weekend Cruises:

  • Limits the amount of time you need to take off from work.
  • Weekend cruises tend to be less expensive
  • Travelers can drive to their port of call
  • Weekend cruises are excellent for first time cruise passengers
  • Many cruise lines have a great selection of weekend cruises
  • Tend to draw a diverse crowd of various ages

A weekend cruise offers something for everyone. You can have a romantic weekend away, family time with the kids, a girls (or guys) weekend out or a birthday or anniversary celebration or cruising just to have fun. Whatever your reason, cruising is a great way to get away, leave the stress behind and have some fun.

Weekend cruises and other short cruises depart from a number of cruise ports that are within driving distance of many areas making them a perfect choice for a quick getaway. Call now or book online to receive discounts, onboard credits, upgrades and more on your next weekend or short cruise getaway.

Best Weekend Cruise Deals

MSC Cruises

  • ALL In: FREE Drinks + Wi-Fi + (Up to a $1,100 value) (select sailings & categories)
  • Up to 40% Off Cruises + Free Drinks & WiFi + Up to $400 Onboard Credit
  • Escape To Sea Special Cruise Only Rates
  • Military & Civil Service Rates - Must call to book

Royal Caribbean Cruises

  • Up to $1700 ONBOARD CREDIT: EXCLUSIVE OFFER
  • INSTANT SAVINGS up to $700 Instant Savings: per stateroom on select sailings & categories
  • EXCLUSIVE: FREE GRATUITIES
  • Kids Sail FREE: Guest 12 & under SAIL FREE (select 3 night or longer sailings)
  • BOGO60 Sale: 60% OFF 2nd Guest + 30% OFF 3rd/4th Guests
  • $50 Onboard Credit on select Royal Caribbean Cruises!
  • PERFECT DAY AT COCO CAY

Celebrity Cruises

  • Great Savings: up to 75% OFF 2nd Guest: on select ship and sail dates
  • Get up to $200 Savings: per stateroom on select ships and sail dates
  • ALL INCLUDED: Free Classic Beverage Package + Basic Wi-Fi
  • Back to Back Savings: Save up to $200 Savings when you book a back to back cruise
  • SAVE: up to $50 ONBOARD CREDIT on select departures!

Norwegian Cruise Line

  • Up to $1700 CASH BACK: EXCLUSIVE OFFER
  • FREE Open Bar, Specialty Dining, Wi-Fi, Excursion Credit: & more
  • 50% Reduced Deposit: Club Balcony Suites & below
  • 50% Off Cruises + Take All FREE at Sea: on select categories & sailings
  • EXCLUSIVE Get Up To $300 Onboard Spending: on select categories & sailings

Disney Cruise Line

  • Up to $2,800 OFF: compliments of Cruise.com

Carnival Cruise Line

  • Up to $1600 CASH BACK : EXCLUSIVE OFFER
  • Great Rates + up to $50 Onboard Credit: on select sailings
  • Pack & Go Sale: Great Guarantee Rates
  • Save with Senior Rates: Guests over 55 can save with a senior rate
  • Receive Great Reduced Rates: on select staterooms and sailings
  • Fun Select Rates: Enjoy a Two Category Upgrade
  • Reduced Rates for Military Personnel!
  • Up to $500 per person Airfare Savings: on select Alaska & Europe itineraries

Cunard

  • Up to $800 Onboard Credit + Drinks & Hotel & Dining Charge Included for Grills
  • Military Special - Up to $250 Onboard Credit

All offers are based on select sailings and categories and are subject to availability at time of booking. All rates are per person based on double occupancy.

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Weekend and short cruise highlights.

Spa

Indulge at the Spa There's no better way to relax than to spoil yourself with a massage or a spa treatment! There are many different treatments available for you to pamper yourself with.

Party into the Night

Party into the Night Dance the night away in one of the ships many nightclubs, enjoy a comedy club, or relax with friends in one of the many lounges on board.

Dining Options

Enjoy Many Dining Options Most ships now offer multiple dining options ranging from casual to gourmet and many boast specialty restaurants featuring Italian, Asian and premium Steakhouses.

Onboard Activities

Onboard Activities From surfing to bowling to bingo or just relaxing at one of the many pools, the options are endless. Your getway cruise can be as active or relaxed as you choose.

Special Cruise Offers

Royal Caribbean Cruises 60% OFF ALL Guests + Kids Sail FREE + FREE GRATUITIES OR Onboard Credit

Norwegian Cruises Up to 5 FREE Offers + Up to $1,700 Cash Back

Holland America Cruises 50% OFF Signature Beverage Package, Specialty Dining, Shore Excursions & Wi-Fi

Princess Cruises: FREE GRATUITIES + FREE Beverage Package + FREE Wi-Fi +

Celebrity Cruises 3 FREE Amenities + Up to $1,700 Onboard Credit

Featured Cruise Deals

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  • Amsterdam to Basel
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Christmas on the Rhine

  • From $2,799
  • 9 Guided Tours
  • 4 Countries
  • Dates & Pricing
  • 2024 2025 2026
  • Amsterdam to Basel Basel to Amsterdam

Christmas on the Rhine Map

Map of Christmas on the Rhine itinerary

‘Tis the season to be joyful

weekend cruise germany

Immerse yourself in the spirit of Christmas as you journey through storybook villages. Sample tasty yuletide treats and regional delicacies as you browse colorful stalls for handcrafted ornaments and unique gifts. Admire the twinkling lights of Cologne and revel in the merry atmosphere of the Rhine Valley, as storefront displays, wine cellars and markets embrace the holiday season. This 8-day voyage is a joyful celebration of festive cheer.

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weekend cruise germany

Viking Inclusive Value

All you need included, with no surprises or hidden fees

Map of Christmas on the Rhine itinerary

To learn more about each port of call and our included as well as optional excursions, click on the individual days below.

Itinerary and shore excursions are subject to change and may vary by departure.

More features, services and excursions included

One complimentary shore excursion in every port of call

Free Wi-Fi (connection speed may vary)

Beer, wine & soft drinks with onboard lunch & dinner

24-hour specialty coffees, teas  & bottled water

Port taxes & fees

Ground transfers with Viking Air purchase

Visits to UNESCO Sites

Enrichment lectures & Destination Performances

Your Stateroom Includes:

River-view stateroom

Bottled water replenished daily

110/220 volt outlets

Queen-size Viking Explorer Bed (optional twin-bed configuration) with luxury linens & pillows

Private bathroom with shower, heated floor & anti-fog mirror

Premium Freyja® toiletries

Plush robes & slippers (upon request)

40" or 42" flat-screen Sony® TV with infotainment system featuring Movies On Demand, plus CNBC, CNN, FOX & more

Telephone, safe, refrigerator

Individual climate control

*All amenities on board Viking Longships; amenities vary on other ships.

Pre & Post Cruise Extensions

More days means more to discover, with extension packages you can add before or after your Viking cruise or cruisetour. Enjoy additional days to explore your embarkation or disembarkation city, or see a new destination altogether with a choice of exciting cities. Pre & Post Cruise Extensions vary by itinerary and are subject to change.

weekend cruise germany

Pre: Belgium at Christmas

From $999 | 3 Nights

weekend cruise germany

Pre: Amsterdam

From $699 | 2 Nights

weekend cruise germany

Pre: Amsterdam Premium

From $1,199 | 2 Nights

weekend cruise germany

Post: Basel at Christmas

From $599 | 2 Nights

weekend cruise germany

Post: Lucerne at Christmas

From $899 | 2 Nights

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Tom Cruise Flashes His Abs While Scaling the Hollywood Sign in Los Angeles

Tom Cruise was seen hanging from the beams of Los Angeles' famous Hollywood sign while accompanied by a film crew on Saturday

NATO / BACKGRID

Tom Cruise appears to have found a new iconic location to pull off his famous stuntwork.

On Saturday, Cruise, 61, was seen with a film crew at the Hollywood Sign in Los Angeles' Hollywood Hills as the Top Gun: Maverick star scaled the famed landmark.

The actor wore an all-black t-shirt, pants and shoes for the shoot and at one point flashed his abs from underneath his shirt. Largely thanks to his long-running Mission: Impossible series, Cruise has become synonymous with the dangerous stunts seen in the action-packed films.

A representative for Cruise did not immediately respond to PEOPLE's request for comment Monday. It's unclear what Cruise was filming on Saturday.

Cruise last appeared onscreen in Mission: Impossible—Dead Reckoning , which brought back his character Ethan Hunt for a seventh entry in the long-running Mission: Impossible series. The movie made $172 million at the domestic box office and also received two nominations at the recent 96th Academy Awards for Best Visual Effects and Best Sound.

A title for the eighth film in the series has not yet been announced.

Never miss a story — sign up for PEOPLE's free daily newsletter to stay up-to-date on the best of what PEOPLE has to offer, from celebrity news to compelling human interest stories. 

Cruise also has several other projects in development. In February, PEOPLE confirmed that he will star in the next movie from filmmaker Alejandro G. Iñárritu ( The Revenant, Birdman ), and The Hollywood Reporter reported in January that Top Gun 3 is in development at Paramount, with Maverick filmmaker Joseph Kosinski in talks to direct a follow-up to 2022's highest-grossing movie.

The actor has also been planning to film a movie in outer space for a number of years now as part of a project first announced by NASA back  in 2020. Doug Liman, the filmmaker with whom Cruise made 2014's  Edge of Tomorrow  and 2017's  American Made , is directing that movie . Universal Pictures executive Donna Langley shared in a 2022 BBC news interview that Cruise plans to become the " first civilian to do a space walk outside of the [International] Space Station " as part of the untitled film.

“We’ve been working on it diligently,” Cruise told Variety in July 2023, when asked for an update on the project. “We’ll see where we go.”

Concert promoter Live Nation is getting into the ultra-luxury cruise business — see what it'll be like on weeklong superyacht sailings starting at $3,000 a person

  • Live Nation's Vibee is getting into the ultra-luxury cruise business.
  • The music event curator says it'll charter two superyachts for three weeklong Croatia cruises this summer.
  • Like other vacation operators, Vibee says it's seen increasing demand for cruise and yacht-based trips.

Insider Today

Forget concerts — Live Nation wants music fans to start going on yacht vacations .

In 2023 and amid a boom in experiential travel , the entertainment company established Vibee, a music-based event curation arm. Less than a year later, Vibee has already executed affairs like a weekend Bahamas getaway headlined by singer Lionel Richie and a three-day Cabo San Lucas, Mexico party featuring DJ Tiësto.

Now, it's moving off-land and to the high seas with its new segment: Vibee Yacht Club.

This summer, Vibee says it'll charter two superyachts for three weeklong Croatia itineraries that are set to be, of course, centered on music.

Vibee is capitalizing on yet another increasingly popular concept: themed cruises.

weekend cruise germany

Themed cruises can vary vastly, from Star Trek-centered sailings to itineraries helmed by famous comedians. And as of late, many of these niche voyages have been selling out faster than ever before.

Themed cruise operator Sixthman's November 2023 hip-hop itinerary sold out in less than five days with no publicly announced lineup.

Similarly, Vibee's first cruise, the 2023 EDSea — a wordplay on the electronic dance music festival Electric Daisy Carnival, or EDC — was fully booked in three days, again with an undisclosed lineup.

Armed with EDSea’s success, Vibee wants to dive deeper into the cruise segment — this time with a luxurious spin.

weekend cruise germany

"We see the desire for cruise and yacht experiences continuing to rise," Harvey Cohen, president of Vibee, told Business Insider, echoing sentiments of the cruise industry's booming demand.

And not just the mass-market players: Over the last year, luxury cruise lines have also seen a rise in interest.

In its fourth-quarter earnings report from February 2024, Norwegian Cruise Line Holdings said its two high-end brands, Oceania and Regent Seven Seas, had both seen "strong demand."

The latter had launched its latest $517.9 million luxury ship a few months prior, complete with caviar and a $6 million art collection.

Luxury cruises and superyachts aren’t known to be super-affordable.

weekend cruise germany

Vibee says it's chartering the 141-foot-long Lupus Mare and nearly 161-foot-long Prestige for its three yacht sailings.

Vibee Yacht Club's cheapest option starts at $3,100 per person for a two-person cabin. Comparatively, EDSea's 2024 itinerary starts at $1,405 per person for a double occupancy interior cabin.

Yet, it could be a bargain for some superyacht fans: Weeklong charters for Lupus Mare start at about $71,000 a week, according to YachtCharterFleet.

Everything is better on a yacht. Champagne? Tastes better on a yacht. Cruises in general? Better on a yacht.

weekend cruise germany

Going to an international music festival? Well, Vibee thinks it would be better to stay on a yacht than in a hotel.

On July 13, the first itinerary would start on day two of Ultra Europe, a popular three-day electronic dance music festival in Split, Croatia.

weekend cruise germany

Following the event, the two yachts would sail to three Croatian islands before concluding in Hvar, Croatia. Along the way, the itinerary would include daytime swims, a sunset winery visit, and several parties (day and night).

Unsurprisingly, Vibee expects the itinerary to draw in younger travelers, specifically Gen Zers and millennials.

Lupus Mare is set to be chartered for two more itineraries: “Rock the Med” and “Marafiki on the Adriatic.”

weekend cruise germany

A three-person cabin for both starts at $3,500 per person.

On Rock the Med, the week is set to begin with VIP tickets to a Lenny Kravitz show at the historic Pula Arena.

Afterward, it would sail to Croatian destinations with an itinerary that would include beach excursions and clubs.

Marafiki on the Adriatic isn’t centered on a single music event.

weekend cruise germany

Instead, the roundtrip Split itinerary would feature on-board musical performances, daily yoga, "cultural outings," and, of course, beach clubs.

A bonus trip to Sonus Festival, a five-day rave, is an optional add-on.

Like a typical luxury cruise, travelers would have preorganized water taxis, chefs to prepare daily breakfasts and lunches, and all the yacht amenities.

weekend cruise germany

The 20-cabin, 40-guest Prestige flexes indulgences like an indoor lounge, a hot tub, and a sundeck with plenty of beds.

Meanwhile, the 15-cabin, 34-guest Lupus Mare has comforts like a sauna and gym.

weekend cruise germany

Travelers could wind down in the yacht's movie theater or hot tub. Or, they could take a slide into the water.

It’s no surprise Vibee is going the more sumptuous route with its itinerary-focused yacht concept.

weekend cruise germany

" Revenge travel " might as well be known as "regular travel" at this point: People have continued to spend big on extravagant vacations, especially on luxury small cruise ships and trips planned around experiences and adventures.

Both are niches Vibee is trying to carve out for itself: Looking ahead, the new brand is already planning more music and sea-based vacations, Cohen told Business Insider.

weekend cruise germany

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Russia launches largest missile attack on Kyiv in weeks

  • Russia fired more than 31 missiles at Ukraine overnight
  • Damage caused even though all missiles were downed- Kyiv
  • Zelenskiy urges allies to keep up air defences supplies

'TERRIBLE HATRED'

Aftermath of a Russian missile attack in Kyiv

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People gather at a makeshift memorial to the victims of a shooting attack at a concert hall outside Moscow

Canada bids farewell to former prime minister Brian Mulroney

Canada's dignitaries, political elite, and other well-wishers gathered at Montreal's Notre-Dame Basilica on Saturday to pay final respects at the state funeral of former Canadian prime minister Brian Mulroney, who died on Feb. 29 at age 84.

Members of the Russian Emergencies Ministry clear rubble at the Crocus City Hall concert venue after a deadly attack, outside Moscow

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A BOLDER WAY TO GETAWAY

Short weekend cruises.

weekend cruise germany

Find Great Weekend Getaway Vacations Near Me

Go big on bold. Give your plans the ultimate makeover with weekend cruises from your favorite ports near you.

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Plan Your Perfect Quick Weekend Getaway 

Our quick weekend getaway cruises are bar-raising adventures designed to change the way you vacation. Whether you’re into action-packed thrills or beachside chill, you’re just one click away from relaxation mode.

Perfect Day Coco Cay Chill Island Sign

GET ON ISLAND TIME

Caribbean vacation charm is the order of the day in The Bahamas, where you’ll find pristine beaches and calypso beats down every street. And at the newly revamped Perfect Day at CocoCay, a Royal Caribbean® private destination, you’re in for game changing ways to chill and record-breaking thrills, like the tallest water slide in North America. Soak up all the adventure on 2, 3 or 4-night cruise sailing from Miami ,  Fort Lauderdale , or Port Canaveral (Orlando) .

EXPLORE PERFECT DAY AT COCOCAY

Shark Feeding and Diving in the Bahamas

BASK IN A BAHAMIAN BREEZE

A respite for sun and sand seekers, the Bahamas is home to light blue beaches, translucent underwater caves, a rich royal heritage and exclusive private isles. These can all be found throughout a beautifully scattered string of 700 islands. Cruise to the Bahamas to take a dive and witness a majestic coral garden at Orange Bowl reef, hang out at ultra-luxurious resorts like Atlantis, and shop resort fashion in Paradise Island or Nassau .

EXPLORE BAHAMAS CRUISES

Couple Enjoying the Vineyard

MARVELS OF MEXICO

Soak up Mediterranean vibes in Catalina Island . Indulge in traditional Mexican flavors and spices in Ensenada , home of the fish taco. Or jump into the emerald waters of Cabo San Lucas. Adventure is calling. Travel back in time as you roam thousand-year-old Maya temples in Cozumel . There are plenty of weekend cruises sailing from Los Angeles or Florida .

EXPLORE MEXICO CRUISES

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THREE DIFFERENT STATES. ONE STATE OF MIND

Weekend cruises are easy to grab and they sail from every coast. Visit the top weekend destinations conveniently with home ports across three states — sunny Florida, Lone Star-studded Texas and golden California.

Long stretch of Miramar Beach, in Destin, Florida and the emerald green waters of the Gulf of Mexico.

sunshine state sensations

Four convenient home ports make Florida the undisputed cruising capital of the world. Depart from sultry Miami or tropical Fort Lauderdale . Venture to the Gulf Coast and sail from Tampa . Or blast off on a weekend cruise from Port Canaveral .

EXPLORE FLORIDA CRUISES

Pleasure Pier Sunrise, Galveston, Texas

IT'S BIGGER IN TEXAS

Start your adventure with some good old-fashioned southern hospitality in Galveston, Texas . Don’t miss the city’s must-see landmark buildings and bustling Pleasure Pier. Then board your ship and sail on a short cruise getaway to the beautiful shores of Mexico and the western Caribbean.

EXPLORE TEXAS CRUISES

Finding the Best Places to Eat in Los Angeles, California

california dreaming

Los Angeles isn’t just the city for the stars — it’s the place to get your ultimate weekend getaway started. You’re in for incredible sights on picture-perfect west coast shores — from the Old-World Mediterranean charm of Catalina Island to Baja gem Ensenada and energetic Cabo San Lucas.

EXPLORE WEST COAST CRUISES

Aerial view of Perfect Day at Cococay

YOUR WEEKEND GETAWAY AWAITS

There are so many ways to enjoy your next weekend cruise vacation with our Oasis Class favorites like Allure, and Utopia of the Seas℠ or family favorites like Freedom, Independence and Liberty of the Seas℠.  

Utopia of the Seas Night Aerial

UTOPIA OF THE SEAS

Allure of the Seas President's Cruise

ALLURE OF THE SEAS

Freedom of the Seas, Side View, Bonaire, Curacao, Aruba Destinations

FREEDOM OF THE SEAS

Liberty of the Seas, Aerial View, Western Caribbean Destinations

LIBERTY OF THE SEAS

Independence Cruise Ship Aerial View Ocean Sailing

INDEPENDENCE OF THE SEAS

THIS IS A DAY UNLIKE ANY OTHER

Take memories to the max on short cruises to Perfect Day at CocoCay — our award-winning private destination in The Bahamas, where you can dial up the adventure with record-breaking ways to thrill and chill. Plus, savor craveworthy flavors onboard and ashore on your short cruise getaway.

perfect day coco cay oasis lagoon

UP YOUR WIND DOWN GAME

Chill out at your choice of six stretches of beach, each with its own vibe. Take a dip in the largest freshwater pool in the Caribbean, Oasis Lagoon® . Or luxe the day away in your choice of cabanas — including the first Overwater Cabanas in The Bahamas.

Thrill Water Park Mom and Son Perfect Day at Coco Cay

WHEN ADVENTURE CALLS

Perfect Day at CocoCay delivers plenty of thrills to get your adrenaline pumping. Take on the longest waterslide in North America at Thrill Waterpark® . Conquer the Caribbean’s largest wave pool. Zoom along 1,600 feet of zip line. And even soar above the island on a helium balloon flight !

Coco Beach Club Family Fun Day, Perfect Day at Coco Cay

FOODIE FAVORITES

When it’s time to refuel, the signature wings at Captain Jack’s® hit the right spot. Dig in to all-you-can-eat deliciousness at two buffets. Try one of the famous chicken sandwiches dressed in our secret sauce at Snack Shack. Or indulge in the lobster roll at Coco Beach Club® .

Hideaway Beach at Perfect Day at Coco Cay

ALL ADULTS. ALL PARTY.

Discover the ultimate beachfront party for your weekend getaway — Hideaway Beach℠ . From non-stop beats and endless craft cocktails to cabanas with exclusive plunge pool access and a personal attendant, this is your adults-only weekend in paradise.

Best Weekend Getaway Deals to Your Favorite Destinations

Perfect Day Coco Cay Dare Devil's Tower Sunny Day

PERFECT DAY AT COCOCAY

STARTING FROM 

Paradise Island Lighthouse During Sunset, Nassau, Bahamas

CARIBBEAN CRUISES

Swimming with Whale Sharks Underwater, Cozumel, Mexico

CANCUN & COZUMEL

Ensenada Mexico Overhanging Cove Sea Shore Balandra Beach

ENSENADA CRUISES

Perfect Day Coco Cay Dare Devil's Tower Sunny Day

WHAT TO KNOW BEFORE YOU GO

No matter which coast you’re on, you don’t need a lot of days off to enjoy a short weekend getaway. Snag our best weekend deals and level up a quick vacation getaway like never before. From laid-back beachside lounging to adrenaline-amping thrills — do it all along the tropics’ most sought-after shores.

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2 crew members die during ‘incident’ on Holland America cruise ship

FILE:  A Holland America Line cruise ship  passes by Ram Island Ledge Light at the mouth of...

FORT LAUDERDALE, Fla. (AP) — Two crew members on a Holland America cruise ship died during an “incident” in the ship’s engineering space, the cruise line said.

The unidentified crew members died Friday while the Florida-based Nieuw Amsterdam was at Half Moon Cay in the Bahamas, Holland America said in a statement.

Authorities were notified and the cause of the accident is being investigated, the cruise line said. Crew members were being offered counseling.

“All of us at Holland America Line are deeply saddened by this incident and our thoughts and prayers are with our team members’ families at this difficult time,” the statement said. “The safety, security and welfare of all guests and crew are the company’s absolute priority.”

The cruise line did not offer any further details about the crew members. It later said the Bahamas Maritime Authority was leading the investigation. The ship set sail out of Fort Lauderdale on March 16 for a seven-night trip.

Copyright 2024 The Associated Press. All rights reserved.

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Rebellious Russians Stage Daring Attacks From Ukraine on Russian Soil

The surprise attacks, timed to Russia’s election, are meant to undermine the sense of stability in Russia and divert the country’s military resources from Ukraine.

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Red flashlights illuminate a dark room in which two soldiers wearing combat gear wait.

By Andrew E. Kramer and Oleksandr Chubko

Andrew E. Kramer reported from Kyiv, Ukraine, and Oleksandr Chubko from areas near the Russian border where exile groups are staging attacks inside Russia.

Gathered in a Ukrainian farmhouse, soldiers checked their kits: rifles, machine guns, grenade launchers, spare batteries for radios, red and white flashlights, all that would be needed for a stealthy and daring night assault across the border into Russia.

The soldiers are Russians who have turned against the government of their country’s president, Vladimir V. Putin, and are now fighting for the Ukrainian side by making incursions back into Russia.

Their goal has been to break through a first line of Russian defenses, hoping to open a path for another unit to drive deeper into Russia with tanks and armored personnel carriers.

“We will jump in their trench and hold it,” one of the soldiers, who declined to be identified for security reasons, explained. “Either we take them out, or they take us out.”

By both Ukrainian and Russian accounts, fierce fighting has raged along Russia’s southern border for five days in the most sweeping ground attacks into Russia since its military invaded Ukraine two years ago.

Three Russian exile groups, which were openly backed by Ukraine’s military intelligence agency, say the assaults are timed to undermine the sense of stability that underlies Mr. Putin’s quest for a fifth term, in which three days of voting wrap up on Sunday.

With the fighting escalating, the governor of the Belgorod region, Vyacheslav Gladkov, announced in a video address posted on Telegram that shopping malls will be closed on Sunday and schools will be closed Monday and Tuesday.

“The situation is quite difficult in the city and the Belgorod region,” he said. “It is clear that teachers, nannies and technical staff are worried.”

Ukraine has grown increasingly bold recently in staging direct attacks inside Russia, sabotaging railroads in Siberia, hitting refineries and fuel depots with exploding drones and now backing groups driving tanks across the border. Fearing Russia might escalate its military response, the United States and its Western allies have throughout the war prohibited Ukraine’s military from using donated weaponry in these attacks.

Military analysts say the attacks divert Russian air defenses away from the battlefield, put a dent in Russia’s oil economy where sanctions have fallen short, unnerve Russians and can create leverage in any future negotiations, even as Ukraine suffers setbacks along the front inside the country.

The area around the border where the exile groups are assaulting — a thinly populated area of fields, forest and small villages — had already descended into a chaotic state after nearly two years of Russian cross-border attacks with artillery and small sabotage units that had been slipping into Ukraine.

The response, a politically driven escalation ahead of Russia’s election, is distinct for its scale and the number of soldiers involved, commanders in the Russian exile groups said.

A half-dozen Russian border posts and villages have come under attack and the tanks are the first foreign military assaults inside Russia since World War II, the Russian exiles say.

The ground fighting coincided with a flurry of long-range Ukrainian drone strikes on Russian oil refineries and on the Russian city of Belgorod. Two people died in drone strikes in the city on Saturday, the regional governor said.

Mr. Putin, speaking at a security council meeting Friday, described “attacks on peaceful settlements in the territory of Russia” and said 2,500 soldiers, whom he called mercenaries, directed by the Ukrainian government, along with tanks and armored vehicles, were carrying out assaults along the border. The attacks at five sites were intended to disrupt voting this weekend but all had been repelled, Mr. Putin said, adding, “the enemy will not go unpunished for these strikes.”

The three exile groups — Free Russia Legion, the Russian Volunteer Corps and the Siberian Battalion — have declined to disclose their numbers but confirm the use of tanks in the fighting.

“Putin has twice commented on our special liberation operation, which means we are hitting the target,” said Aleksey Baranovsky, a spokesman for the Free Russia Legion. The attacks, he added, were intended to show resistance to Mr. Putin during an otherwise stage-managed election.

“An election is a time for our voices to be heard,” he said.

The attacks are continuing along a roughly 100-mile stretch of border between the Sumy and Kharkiv regions of Ukraine and the Belgorod and Kursk regions of Russia, according to both Russian and Ukrainian sources.

Russian military bloggers have identified nine incursion sites. Both sides described cross-border helicopter assaults staged from inside Ukraine. The preparation for the operation, witnessed by journalists with The New York Times, involved about 50 soldiers, two tanks and four armored personnel carriers, including two American-designed M-113 armored personnel carriers. Many nations have donated M-113s to Ukraine.

Russia’s Ministry of Defense said in a statement Friday that it had repelled all the attacks and used rockets to strike the invading soldiers who had landed by helicopter, forcing them into a minefield. The statement said Russian forces had destroyed 18 tanks and 23 other armored vehicles.

Farther from the border area, Ukrainian drones on Saturday hit two oil refineries in the Samara region, on the Volga River in central Russia, starting a fire at one, regional officials and Russian media reported. Ukraine has struck a dozen or so refineries since the beginning of the year, and Russian media have reported rising gasoline prices inside Russia.

Ukraine has been recruiting among exiled Russian nationalists and disaffected ethnic minorities. The leader of the Russian Volunteer Corps, Denis Kapustin, openly espouses far-right views and uses White Rex as his military call sign. German officials and the Anti-Defamation League have identified Mr. Kapustin as a neo-Nazi.

In an interview at a base in a Ukrainian village on Wednesday, Mr. Kapustin said the attacks inside Russia timed to the election were larger than the sabotage operations with small units he had conducted.

The group, he said, was now attacking “en masse with tanks, armored vehicles and artillery” and had successfully destabilized the border region ahead of the election. Along with a cross-border attack last spring, he said, his group had been able to derail trains in small operations.

His group’s assaults into Russia, he said, had pierced Mr. Putin’s assumption that Russia would be immune from retaliatory attacks after having invaded Ukraine.

“Obviously, they were shocked,” he said of Russia’s leadership. “They realized, OK, the Pandora’s box is open now. Anything can happen.”

Ukraine’s military, he said, “helps us enormously” with intelligence, logistics and evacuation of wounded, but, he added, it does not send Ukrainian citizens across the border into Russia. The operations’ ultimate goal, he said, is more than making “hit-and-run” attacks; it is to hold territory inside Russia.

The cross-border incursions, he said, had forced Russia to divert military resources that could have gone to the front in southeastern Ukraine. Still, Russian troops have an advantage in numbers, weaponry and ammunition and have been creeping forward in the trench fighting in Ukraine.

The Ukrainian-backed groups have suffered setbacks on the border, too. Russian jets have been bombing near the border inside Ukraine, and Ukrainian authorities on Saturday ordered the evacuation of 22 towns and villages.

After clipping on gear and checking their weapons, the unit of the Russian Volunteer Corps that suited up in a farmhouse in the predawn hours Thursday were ready to launch their attack inside Russia — but the tanks and armored vehicles for the second wave of their assault were nowhere to be seen.

The soldiers sat on the floor, and one fell asleep on top of boxes of tank ammunition. The column of armored vehicles had gotten lost on back roads near the border.

“Send me your coordinates,” a commander shouted over the radio at the armored personnel carrier drivers. The drivers did not know them.

“Is it stupidity or sabotage?” the commander yelled back.

Trucks were sent to look for the armored vehicles. Hours passed before they arrived, and it was already dawn, even though the incursion into Russia was to have begun at night. It would now take place in daylight.

“It’s a war, nothing ever goes according to the plan,” one of the officers said.

Later, one tank broke down before reaching the border, and another was hit with a rocket-propelled grenade in the fighting.

The group returned to its base Thursday evening, without having broken through a line of defenses just across the Russian border.

Andrew E. Kramer is the Kyiv bureau chief for The Times, who has been covering the war in Ukraine since 2014. More about Andrew E. Kramer

Our Coverage of the War in Ukraine

News and Analysis

Russian missiles streaked into Kyiv  in the biggest assault on the Ukrainian capital in weeks, injuring several people and damaging several buildings.

Jake Sullivan, President Biden’s top national security official, made a secret trip to Kyiv to meet with President Volodymyr Zelensky and reaffirm the United States’ unwavering commitment to Ukraine.

Under pressure to come up with billions of dollars to support Ukraine’s military, the E.U. said that it had devised a legal way to use frozen Russian assets  to help arm Ukraine.

Symbolism or Strategy?: Ukrainians say that defending places with little strategic value is worth the cost in casualties and weapons , because the attacking Russians pay an even higher price. American officials aren’t so sure.

Elaborate Tales: As the Ukraine war grinds on, the Kremlin has created increasingly complex fabrications online  to discredit Ukraine’s leader, Volodymyr Zelensky, and undermine the country’s support in the West.

Targeting Russia’s Oil Industry: With its army short of ammunition and troops to break the deadlock on the battlefield, Kyiv has increasingly taken the fight beyond the Ukrainian border, attacking oil infrastructure deep in Russian territory .

How We Verify Our Reporting

Our team of visual journalists analyzes satellite images, photographs , videos and radio transmissions  to independently confirm troop movements and other details.

We monitor and authenticate reports on social media, corroborating these with eyewitness accounts and interviews. Read more about our reporting efforts .

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Norwegian safety body criticizes cruise ship that nearly ran aground in 2019 storm

FILE - The cruise ship Viking Sky arrives at port off Molde, Norway, Sunday March 24, 2019, after it issued a mayday call following engine problems in heavy seas off Norway's western coast. A cruise ship carrying more than 1,370 people set sail along Norway's often wild western coast despite storm warnings, forcing a major evacuation by helicopter, should never have left harbor, Norwegian officials said Tuesday, March 19, 2024, adding it could have developed into “the worst disasters at sea in modern times.” (Svein Ove Ekornesvag/NTB scanpix via AP, File)

FILE - The cruise ship Viking Sky arrives at port off Molde, Norway, Sunday March 24, 2019, after it issued a mayday call following engine problems in heavy seas off Norway’s western coast. A cruise ship carrying more than 1,370 people set sail along Norway’s often wild western coast despite storm warnings, forcing a major evacuation by helicopter, should never have left harbor, Norwegian officials said Tuesday, March 19, 2024, adding it could have developed into “the worst disasters at sea in modern times.” (Svein Ove Ekornesvag/NTB scanpix via AP, File)

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COPENHAGEN, Denmark (AP) — A cruise ship at the center of a dramatic evacuation off north Norway five years ago should never have left port because it was not up to safety standards, officials said Tuesday, adding that it could have developed into one of the worst disasters at sea in modern times.

In a report, the Norwegian Safety Investigation Authority upbraided the Viking Sky, saying it was ”a ship’s length from running aground.”

The ship left the northern city of Tromsoe carrying almost 1,400 people, despite storm warnings. It was headed for Stavanger in southern Norway when it had engine problems amid a storm on March 23, 2019, and issued a mayday call.

The ship anchored in heavy seas to avoid being dashed on the rocks in an area known for shipwrecks. Passengers saw a large wave crashing through glass doors and knocking people across the floor of an area where they had been instructed to gather.

Nearly 480 passengers were winched off the ship by helicopter despite high winds in a daring rescue operation . The captain then decided to halt the evacuation, and about 900 people were still on board when the ship limped into the Norwegian port of Molde on its own engines.

Japanese Emperor Naruhito, right, and Empress Masako visit the victims of the deadly Jan. 1 earthquakes, at a junior high school in Suzu, Ishikawa prefecture, Japan Friday, March 22, 2024. (Kyodo News via AP)

Dozens of people were injured during the ship’s harrowing ordeal, including 36 who were admitted to hospitals.

Norwegian authorities immediately launched a probe into the accident, which concluded Tuesday that the ship was unprepared to sail in rough seas.

“The accident was caused by insufficient lubricating oil in all of the operating diesel generators’ lubricating oil sump tanks, in combination with pitching and rolling in rough seas,” investigators wrote. “The investigation has identified operational, technical, and organisational safety issues that in different ways contributed to the blackout.”

“As Viking Sky did not comply with the applicable safety standards, it should not have departed Tromsoe under the prevailing circumstances,” the report said.

There was no immediate reaction from operator Viking Ocean Cruises.

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    CARIBBEAN ESCAPES & WEEKEND CRUISES. Getting away for a weekend in the Caribbean has never been easier. View 3 and 4-night cruises. ... On a Germany cruise, you'll have the chance to visit the exciting city of Berlin, where you'll find a fascinating mix of art, architecture, and culture. Gaze at the storied Brandenburg Gate, and visit the site ...

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    Russia staged its largest missile attack in weeks on Kyiv and the surrounding region on Thursday, injuring at least 17 people and damaging schools, residential buildings and industrial facilities ...

  25. Short Weekend Cruise Getaways Near You

    Best Cruises From Miami. March 8, 2024. Cruise from Miami and start your vacation in one of the worlds best places to visit, then set sail from the Port of Miami to The Bahamas, Mexico, Puerto Rico and beyond on weekend getaway cruise or a longer Caribbean adventure. Here are the best cruises from Miami. Read more.

  26. 2 crew members die during 'incident' on Holland America cruise ship

    FORT LAUDERDALE, Fla. (AP) — Two crew members on a Holland America cruise ship died during an "incident" in the ship's engineering space, the cruise line said. The unidentified crew ...

  27. Rebellious Russians Stage Daring Attacks From Ukraine on Russian Soil

    The surprise attacks, timed to Russia's election, are meant to undermine the sense of stability in Russia and divert the country's military resources from Ukraine.

  28. weekend Day Cruises to Europe

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  29. Norwegian safety body criticizes cruise ship that nearly ran aground in

    A cruise ship carrying more than 1,370 people set sail along Norway's often wild western coast despite storm warnings, forcing a major evacuation by helicopter, should never have left harbor, Norwegian officials said Tuesday, March 19, 2024, adding it could have developed into "the worst disasters at sea in modern times." (Svein Ove ...