Channel 5 show Cruising with Susan Calman is back tonight for a special festive episode.
It sees Calman sail Germany’s Rhine and Main rivers aboard APT Travelmarvel’s contemporary ship, Vega.
Airing at 8 pm on Friday 27 December, and then available on demand at channel5.com, Christmas Cruising with Susan Calman will take viewers on a journey to the festive centre of Europe.
It uncovers the region’s Christmas Markets, Bavarian treats, and Nuremberg, Bamberg, Wurzburg, Rothenburg, Miltenburg, and Cologne.
The ship was custom-built for APT’s four-star Travelmarvel brand in 2021.
One of three sister ships, Vega features 91 staterooms, with social spaces including the True North Lounge, Alfresco Lounge, and Sky Deck Terrace & Bar.
She spent plenty of time at McGeary’s Bar, the ship’s unique Irish Pub, where she and her fellow passengers took part in a Gingerbread House making competition.
A whirlpool and walking track are available on the Sun Deck, and guests can work out in the onboard gym.
Following in Susan’s footprints is easy on Travelmarvel’s eight-day Reflections of the Rhine & Main; the November and December 2025 departures feature visits to the region’s Christmas Markets.
The 17 November sailing costs from £2,495 per person and includes return flights.
Highlights include a new culinary walking tour of Miltenberg, where guests can sample regional specialties at a local butchers and bakers before finishing with a tasting at a local distillery.
It also features a visit to the World Heritage-listed Augustusburg Castle; and exploring the medieval towns of Bamberg and Wurzburg.
A new festive sailing, the eight-day Rhine & Moselle Christmas Markets, departs 2 December 2025, taking guests from Basel to Amsterdam from £2,495 per person.
Highlights including riding the Winzerexpress Mini Train into Rüdesheim and exploring the Christmas market.
Cruisers can also discover Moselle wines at a historic family winery near Cochem.
Brad Bennetts, Head of Sales & Business Development for APT & Travelmarvel, said: “We are honoured to have hosted the 2024 Christmas Cruising with Susan Calman, and to share our stunning Contemporary River Ship, Vega.”
“Agents can use this episode as a helpful sales tool, to showcase the onboard experience and what their clients might expect when they choose to sail the Rhine and Main.”
