10-Night Rhine & Moselle Delights Explained: What This River Cruise Includes

The 10-night Rhine & Moselle Delights cruise has become one of the most sought-after river itineraries in Europe, blending slow-travel comfort with storybook scenery and a surprisingly inclusive package.

Sailing between Basel and Amsterdam through four countries, it offers castle-dotted gorges, historic wine towns and big-name cities, but also a generous set of onboard amenities and guided excursions.

This guide explains, in detail, what this cruise typically includes, how the itinerary unfolds, and what you can realistically expect once you step on board.

Overview: What “Rhine & Moselle Delights” Actually Includes

Before looking day by day, it helps to understand what is generally bundled into the fare for a 10-night Rhine & Moselle Delights cruise. This itinerary is operated by river cruise specialists with a focus on destination immersion, regional cuisine and active touring, and that shapes what is included in the price.

While specific terms can shift slightly year to year, the core inclusions remain consistent and form the backbone of the experience.

Inclusions start with the basics such as your stateroom, onboard meals and most beverages with lunch and dinner, but extend far beyond. Guided shore excursions with local experts, small-group options, Wi‑Fi, wellness activities, and port charges are built into the cost.

Airfare and gratuities for crew are typically extra, as are some premium wines, spa treatments and optional tours. Understanding this split helps you compare this cruise with ocean itineraries and more bare-bones river options.

Core Cruise Fare Inclusions

The foundation of the package is the 10-night cruise itself between Basel and Amsterdam (it also operates in reverse on select dates), hosted on a contemporary river ship carrying roughly 150–160 guests. Your cabin, onboard services, port taxes and the full navigation of the Rhine and Moselle are included in the fare.

River cruise fares also cover the often-overlooked operational costs such as locks, docking fees and fuel. Port charges on this itinerary run into the hundreds of euros per person, but are already rolled into the advertised price, which makes the final bill simpler and more predictable compared with some ocean lines that itemize these separately.

Meals and Dining Venues

Meals are a major part of what you are paying for. Breakfast, lunch and dinner are included daily in the main restaurant, with menus designed around regional European ingredients and specialties from the countries you sail through. Expect dishes such as Swiss rösti near Basel, Flammkuchen in Alsace-style ports, hearty German fare and Dutch classics closer to Amsterdam.

In addition to the main restaurant, there is usually a specialty venue such as The Chef’s Table that is also included in the fare but requires reservations due to its smaller size.

Tapas and light bites are often available in the lounge during the day, meaning you can graze without ever needing to pay extra. Vegans, vegetarians and guests with dietary restrictions are typically well accommodated with advance notice.

Beverages and Wine

One of the most misunderstood aspects of river cruise pricing is what “wine and beer included” actually means. On most 10-night Rhine & Moselle Delights sailings, house wines, beers and soft drinks are included at lunch and dinner. These wines are often carefully sourced from regions you are sailing through, which means you really are “tasting the river” as you go.

Coffee, tea and water are available without charge throughout the day, and many ships offer a specialty coffee machine in the lounge or lobby. Spirits, cocktails and premium wines by the bottle or glass are typically charged to your onboard account, unless you choose an optional beverage package that upgrades to all-day inclusions.

The Route: How the 10 Nights on the Rhine and Moselle Unfold

The Rhine & Moselle Delights itinerary traces a long, elegant curve from Switzerland to the Netherlands, weaving through France, Luxembourg and Germany as it goes.

Unlike shorter, single-river itineraries, this 10-night version has enough time to linger on both the Rhine and the Moselle, which alters the pacing and feel of the trip. You are not rushing from highlight to highlight; instead you move through a sustained landscape of terraced vineyards, half-timbered towns and fortified castles.

The cruise is designed so that many of the headline stretches, such as the Upper Middle Rhine Valley, are sailed in daylight. Key ports include Basel, Strasbourg, Rüdesheim, the Rhine Gorge, Cochem, Bernkastel, Trier, Cologne and Amsterdam, with scenic sailing along both rivers in between. Depending on the date, you may see this billed as a classic itinerary or as a dedicated “wine cruise” with extra vineyard visits and tastings.

Typical Basel to Amsterdam Direction

In a typical year, the 10-night itinerary most often operates from Basel to Amsterdam. You embark in Basel, a Swiss city known for its art museums and beautifully restored Old Town, then sail north on the Rhine, touching France and Germany before curving onto the Moselle and eventually rejoining the Rhine on your way to the Netherlands.

This direction lets you start in the foothills of the Alps and work gradually toward the low countries, with water levels generally cooperating best in the main sailing season. Sailing north also means that the dramatic Rhine Gorge section falls mid‑itinerary, when guests are fully settled into ship life.

The Moselle Focus

One of the defining features of this cruise is how much time it spends on the Moselle, the sinuous tributary that branches off the Rhine near Koblenz. While shorter cruises often dip briefly onto the Moselle, this 10-night trip gives you additional days among its vineyards and towns, from fairy-tale Cochem with its hilltop Reichsburg Castle to Bernkastel and sometimes Trier.

The Moselle’s narrower, more intimate feel contrasts with the broader Rhine. Vineyards cling at impossible angles to the slopes, and the river bends produce ever-changing views of villages, church spires and castle ruins. It is here, more than anywhere, that the itinerary earns its “delights” label for wine and scenery lovers.

Key Ports and Scenic Highlights

Across ten nights you visit a curated sequence of ports that combine big-name cities and quiet towns. While the exact order can vary slightly with sailing direction and river conditions, you can expect some mix of the following:

• Basel: Embarkation point, with Swiss-modern culture and a charming Altstadt.
• Strasbourg: French-German border city with a soaring cathedral and half-timbered Petite France district.
• Rüdesheim and Rhine Gorge: Vine-covered slopes, a gondola ride above the vineyards and passage past dozens of castles.
• Cochem and Bernkastel: Two of the Moselle’s most photogenic wine towns, framed by steep Riesling vineyards.
• Trier: Often described as Germany’s oldest city, dotted with Roman ruins and imperial monuments.
• Koblenz or Lahnstein: A base for exploring castles and the confluence of the Rhine and Moselle.
• Cologne: A major cultural stop, dominated by its Gothic cathedral and lively Altstadt.
• Amsterdam: Disembarkation port with iconic canals, museums and relaxed urban life.

Each port is approached with either a scenic arrival or departure, so your time watching from the sun deck or stateroom balcony is as important as the time ashore.

Onboard Experience: Ships, Cabins and Amenities

Life on board is central to the value of a Rhine & Moselle Delights cruise. River ships on this route are boutique in scale, typically offering around 70–80 staterooms spread across three accommodation decks and a sun deck.

They are purpose-built for European waterways, with low profiles for bridge clearance yet comfortable lounges, restaurants and wellness areas. Understanding what your ship includes will help you plan how to spend your days between excursions.

While individual vessels differ slightly, they share a common design language: expansive windows, open-seating dining, intimate lounges and a strong connection to the surrounding scenery. Many guests find that their favorite memories come from quiet moments on the sun deck or in the lounge as the landscape glides by.

Cabin Categories and Layout

Accommodations on Rhine & Moselle Delights sailings range from fixed-window cabins on the lowest passenger deck to suites with dual-balcony layouts on the higher decks.

Entry-level categories are often around 160 square feet with high-set windows, while top suites can be 250–300 square feet or larger, with both a French balcony and a step-out balcony.

All categories share certain inclusions: individually controlled climate systems, hotel-style bedding with high-thread-count linens, a private bathroom with shower, flat-screen television with entertainment on demand, a safe, hair dryer and ample storage.

Higher categories add more space and enhanced views rather than different basic amenities, so even the most modest cabin category retains a comfortable, residential feel.

The Sun Deck and Outdoor Spaces

One of the standout features for many travelers is the sun deck, which stretches nearly the length of the ship. Here you typically find a heated pool or whirlpool, often with a swim-up bar and submerged stools, plus sun loungers, shaded seating and a walking track.

This is the prime spot for watching the castles of the Rhine Gorge or the vineyards of the Moselle slide by.

Because these ships carry fewer passengers than ocean liners, the outdoor spaces rarely feel crowded, even on peak days. Blankets and heaters come out in cooler months, while in summer the sun deck becomes a floating terrace with unobstructed 360‑degree views.

Lounges, Bars and Social Spaces

The main lounge doubles as the ship’s living room, bar, and evening entertainment venue. Floor-to-ceiling windows keep the scenery front and center, while comfortable seating clusters encourage conversation. Light lunches or snacks are sometimes served here, alongside included coffee and tea.

In the evenings, the lounge hosts everything from port talks by the cruise manager to musical performances by local entertainers, small ensembles or resident musicians. A single central bar keeps service efficient and social, which works well on a ship of this size.

Wellness and Relaxation

Wellness amenities are modest but thoughtfully designed. Most ships on this itinerary offer a small fitness room with cardio machines and weights, a massage room or small spa area with fee-based treatments, and occasionally a sauna. Some also include a hairdresser or beauty services for an additional charge.

Complimentary wellness activities, such as stretching, yoga-style sessions or guided walks, are increasingly common. These support the active-excursion focus of the itinerary and appeal to travelers who want to balance wine tastings with movement.

Shore Excursions and Activities Along the Rivers

What truly distinguishes the 10-night Rhine & Moselle Delights cruise is the breadth of guided touring that is included in the fare.

At nearly every port, you can choose among several excursions at no additional cost, from classic walking tours to bike rides and hikes. This structure allows you to tailor each day to your energy level and interests without worrying about piling up extra charges.

A hallmark of the itinerary is small-group touring. Guests are divided into groups by interest and pace, ensuring you are not simply following one large crowd through narrow medieval streets. Audio headsets are generally provided so you can hear your guide even in busy squares or church interiors.

Walking Tours and Cultural Highlights

Nearly every port offers at least one in-depth walking tour led by a local guide. In Strasbourg, for example, you might stroll through the timbered lanes of Petite France and step inside the cathedral.

In Cologne, a city tour typically includes the cathedral precinct, the Old Town and glimpses of the postwar reconstruction that shaped its modern identity.

These walks are designed not just to show you the sights, but to ground you in each city’s story: Roman origins in Trier, medieval trade wealth in Bernkastel, or ecclesiastical power in Cologne. For guests who prefer a slower pace, “gentle” versions of some tours are offered, with reduced walking distances and more frequent stops.

Active Excursions: Biking and Hiking

The Rhine and Moselle valleys are threaded with riverside bike paths and vineyard trails, and this itinerary takes full advantage of them. Most sailings carry a fleet of bicycles that guests can use on guided rides or, where permitted, on a self-guided basis. Typical options include cycling through vineyard country on the Moselle or along the Rhine’s embankments between small towns.

Hiking excursions are also common, especially on the Moselle, where trails climb from the riverbank through rows of vines to panoramic viewpoints and castle ruins.

A highlight for many is the climb to Reichsburg Castle above Cochem or a vineyard hike near Bernkastel, which pairs sweeping views with a tangible sense of the landscape that shapes the local wines.

Castles, Palaces and Special Experiences

Castles are a thread that runs through the entire itinerary, both as distant silhouettes and as close-up visits. While every sailing can differ, guests often have the chance to tour at least one hilltop fortress or palace in depth.

On some dates, an after-hours visit to Lahneck Castle near Lahnstein is included, with an atmospheric evening setting and fewer crowds than daytime visits.

Other special experiences might include a cable car ride over the vineyards in Rüdesheim, a visit to a mechanical music instrument museum, or a tasting in a historic wine cellar. These are built into the shore program, so there is no need to pay a separate admission in order to participate.

Optional Tours and Free Time

While most touring is included, you can expect a handful of optional excursions in particularly popular ports. These might cover niche interests, such as half-day trips deeper into surrounding wine regions, or specialized museum visits that appeal to a subset of guests. Optional tours carry an extra charge and must be booked in advance or on board.

Free time is intentionally woven into many port calls. After a guided walk in Bernkastel, for example, you are usually given time to browse wine shops, sit at a café or wander the riverfront at your own pace before returning to the ship. This balance between structured touring and unscripted exploration is a key part of the itinerary’s appeal.

Cuisine, Wine and Regional Flavors on Board

Food and wine play an outsized role on the Rhine & Moselle Delights itinerary. You are traveling through some of Europe’s most storied wine regions, including the Moselle’s steep Riesling vineyards and the Rhine’s Mittelrhein and Rheingau areas, all of which influence the onboard menus.

The cruise is designed so that you can taste the landscape in your glass and on your plate, sometimes multiple times a day.

The culinary team adapts menus to follow the route, offering a rotating selection of local specialties alongside international favorites. Guests who appreciate culinary travel will find that the dining room becomes a lens through which to understand each region in more depth.

Main Restaurant Experience

Breakfast is usually served as a generous buffet with cooked-to-order options. Expect a mix of European and American choices, from fresh breads, cheeses and charcuterie to eggs made to order, cereals, fruit and pastries.

Lunch tends to be slightly more casual, with a buffet of salads, hot dishes and desserts complemented by a small à la carte menu.

Dinner is the main culinary event, with full table service, multiple courses and wine included. Choices typically include meat, fish and vegetarian main courses, plus a “Chef’s Recommendation” menu that leans heavily on regional dishes. Service is unhurried, encouraging conversation and lingering over dessert and coffee.

Specialty Dining and The Chef’s Table

Most ships on this route feature a small specialty restaurant such as The Chef’s Table. This venue offers a set, multi-course tasting menu, often paired with selected wines, in an intimate space at the rear of the ship. Reservations are required, but there is no extra charge, which makes it an especially good value.

The menu at the specialty venue leans into culinary creativity and presentation, drawing on local ingredients and sometimes giving the chef more freedom to experiment. Guests often plan one or two evenings here as a highlight night during the 10-night cruise.

Wine-Focused and “Wine Cruise” Departures

On select dates, this itinerary is branded specifically as a wine cruise. The core route and inclusions remain, but there is an added layer of wine-centric programming.

This can include onboard lectures and tastings hosted by a visiting North American wine expert or European winemaker, extra vineyard and cellar visits, and more detailed exploration of grape varieties and terroirs in the regions you sail through.

Even on non-designated wine cruises, there is a strong emphasis on local wines at meals and in the bar. You can expect to sample multiple expressions of Moselle Riesling, Rhine whites and reds, and regional sparkling wines, often accompanied by commentary from the onboard team.

Pricing, Value and What Is Not Included

River cruising on the Rhine and Moselle falls into the premium travel category, and a 10-night sailing represents a significant investment. Understanding how pricing works, and which elements are not included, helps you evaluate the value of the package and plan your overall travel budget realistically.

Fares vary by sailing date, cabin category, and demand, with higher prices in peak months such as late spring and early autumn, and more moderate rates in shoulder seasons. Longer 10-night itineraries typically cost more in absolute terms than 7-night cruises, but often deliver better per-night value once you factor in the breadth of inclusions.

Base Fare and Seasonal Variations

The base fare for a 10-night Rhine & Moselle Delights cruise covers the cruise, port charges, meals, most beverages with lunch and dinner, Wi‑Fi and the majority of excursions.

Prices are usually quoted per person based on double occupancy in the lowest stateroom category, with supplements for solo travelers and premiums for higher cabin types.

Shoulder-season sailings in early spring and late autumn can offer noticeably lower fares while still delivering excellent scenery and cultural experiences, though temperatures are cooler and daylight hours shorter. High-season departures in summer often command the highest fares but coincide with optimal weather and long evenings on the sun deck.

Costs Typically Not Included

Several key expenses generally sit outside the standard fare. These include:

• International airfare and transfers between the airport and ship, unless part of a special package.
• Gratuities for onboard staff and local guides, which may be prepaid or settled on board.
• Premium beverages such as top-shelf spirits, specialty cocktails and certain wines by the bottle.
• Optional excursions beyond the included tour menu.
• Spa treatments, salon services and onboard shop purchases.
• Travel insurance and any required visas.

Planning for these costs ahead of time avoids surprises and allows you to choose where you want to spend extra, whether that is on a balcony cabin, indulgent spa sessions, or occasional splurges in port.

Comparing Value with Other Itineraries

When compared with shorter Rhine-only cruises, this 10-night itinerary offers greater depth and a more relaxed pace without requiring mid-cruise hotel moves or train segments.

The added days on the Moselle, plus additional ports like Trier and Bernkastel, significantly expand the experience for travelers interested in wine, history and scenery.

Relative to ocean cruising, the higher per-night fare reflects smaller ships, more included touring, and a much higher staff-to-guest ratio. For travelers who value time in port, minimal crowds and not having to organize daily logistics themselves, the Rhine & Moselle Delights itinerary presents strong value despite the premium price point.

Who This 10-Night Rhine & Moselle Cruise Suits Best

No single itinerary is perfect for every traveler, and understanding who typically thrives on a 10-night Rhine & Moselle Delights cruise can help you decide whether it fits your style. This is a journey that leans into culture, scenery and culinary experiences rather than nightlife or sea days, and that mix suits certain travelers particularly well.

Age-wise, the demographic skews toward adults, including couples, solo travelers and multigenerational families with teens or older children. The pace is relaxed but can be as active as you choose, thanks to hiking and biking options.

Ideal Travelers for This Itinerary

This cruise is especially well-suited for:

• Travelers who appreciate history and architecture, from Roman ruins to Gothic cathedrals.
• Wine and food enthusiasts who want to taste their way through key European regions.
• Active guests who enjoy walking, cycling and light hiking, but also value comfort.
• First-time river cruisers seeking a classic European route with marquee cities.
• Experienced cruisers looking for a more in-depth itinerary than a standard 7-night Rhine cruise.

Because the ship docks close to city centers in many ports, it also works well for those who value easy access to sights without lengthy coach transfers.

Guests Who May Prefer a Different Cruise

This itinerary may be less optimal if you are seeking extensive onboard entertainment, casinos or late-night nightlife, which are hallmarks of many large ocean ships but not of intimate river vessels. Families with very young children may also find the pace and programming aimed more squarely at adults and older teens.

Travelers who dislike cooler weather or variable conditions might want to avoid very early spring or late-season departures, particularly along the Moselle, where mist and rain can be common. Those focused solely on one country might prefer a more concentrated itinerary rather than a multi-country route.

The Takeaway

The 10-night Rhine & Moselle Delights cruise brings together two of Europe’s most enchanting rivers in a single, well-paced itinerary. It combines the headline castles and cities of the Rhine with the gentler, vineyard-wrapped landscapes of the Moselle, all wrapped in an inclusive package that covers your lodging, most meals, drinks with lunch and dinner, guided tours and onboard amenities.

What you are truly buying is ease and depth: the ability to unpack once and move through four countries at a human scale, with expert guides at every turn and a comfortable ship as your floating base.

For travelers who value scenery, culture, wine and a largely all-included experience, the Rhine & Moselle Delights itinerary remains one of the strongest offerings on Europe’s rivers.

FAQ

Q1. How long is the Rhine & Moselle Delights cruise and which countries does it visit?
It is a 10-night river cruise that typically sails between Basel and Amsterdam, visiting Switzerland, France, Germany and the Netherlands, and often touching Luxembourg through excursions from Moselle ports.

Q2. What is included in the cruise fare?
The fare generally includes your stateroom, all onboard meals, wine, beer and soft drinks with lunch and dinner, Wi‑Fi, port charges, and a wide selection of guided shore excursions, along with onboard entertainment and wellness activities such as basic fitness and stretching sessions.

Q3. Are flights and transfers included?
International flights and airport transfers are usually not included in the base cruise fare, unless you book a special package. Most guests arrange their own air and either purchase transfers from the cruise line or use local taxis and trains.

Q4. What are the cabins like on this itinerary’s ships?
Cabins range from compact staterooms with high-set windows on the lowest deck to larger balcony cabins and suites on upper decks. All offer hotel-style beds, private bathrooms with showers, climate control, entertainment systems and storage space, with higher categories adding more room and enhanced views.

Q5. How many excursions are included, and do I have to pay extra for tours?
In almost every port at least one, and often several, guided excursions are included at no extra cost. These can be walking tours, bike rides, hikes or special visits. Optional tours are available in some ports for an extra fee, but many guests find the included program more than sufficient.

Q6. Is this cruise suitable for travelers with limited mobility?
River ships have elevators between some decks and offer “gentle” walking tours in many ports, but cobblestone streets, uneven surfaces and steps are common in historic towns. Guests with significant mobility challenges should discuss specific needs with the cruise line or their travel advisor before booking.

Q7. What is the dress code on board?
The dress code is relaxed and country-club casual. During the day, comfortable clothing and good walking shoes are recommended for shore excursions. In the evenings, most guests opt for smart-casual outfits, with perhaps one slightly dressier ensemble for the captain’s special evening, but formalwear is not required.

Q8. When is the best time of year to take this cruise?
Late spring through early autumn is the most popular period, offering mild to warm temperatures and long daylight hours. Shoulder seasons such as April and late October can be quieter and sometimes less expensive, though weather is cooler and more variable.

Q9. Are gratuities included in the fare?
Gratuities for onboard staff and local guides are often not included in the base fare, though they may be offered as a prepaid option. Many guests choose to add crew tips to their onboard account and settle them at the end of the cruise according to suggested guidelines.

Q10. How does this itinerary differ from a standard 7-night Rhine cruise?
Compared with a 7-night Rhine-only itinerary, the 10-night Rhine & Moselle Delights cruise spends additional days on the Moselle River, adds ports such as Bernkastel and often Trier, and offers a more relaxed pace with extra time for in-depth exploration and scenic sailing.