Imagine gliding down Europe’s scenic rivers, ancient castles and quaint villages setting the backdrop. Onboard, anticipation mounts as twinkling lights of Christmas markets come into view. These river cruises, offered from late November, are a festive marvel across Europe.
From families to solo travelers, every adventurer finds a unique experience. These cruises promise an enchanting journey to Europe’s most picturesque towns, filled with local traditions and seasonal delights. Here are the eight best Christmas market cruises you can embark upon.
Short Cruises: Riverside Luxury’s Danube Delights
Looking for a brief yet memorable journey? Riverside Luxury Cruises promises a four-night sojourn along the enchanting Danube. Starting in Vienna, voyagers can indulge in the rich cultural tapestry of Austria. Visit Vienna’s 100-plus museums, savor a Linzer torte, and stroll through historic streets.
As the journey unfolds, Krems offers exquisite wines, while Linz captivates with its charming squares. A final stop in Passau reveals St. Stephen’s Cathedral, with an organ boasting nearly 18,000 pipes. Each cruise ship provides a luxurious experience, with suites and butler service included.
French Elegance: CroisiEurope on the Seine
Francophiles rejoice! CroisiEurope’s Seine Valley itinerary perfectly blends festive charm and Parisian elegance. Start in the City of Lights, then cruise to Rouen for dinner and midnight Mass in a historic setting.
In Honfleur, savor seasonal moules frites. The cruise features Rouen’s grand architecture and a return to Paris with a serene view of the Seine’s illuminated banks. Every meal and drink is arranged, making exploration effortless.
Entice yourself with sweet European backdrops. La Couronne, France’s oldest restaurant, showcases culinary history.
As the sojourn nears its end, Paris again beckons its grandeur, contrasting with the quaint towns explored.
Family Adventures: Disney’s Rhine River Holiday
The Rhine River is alive with festive magic, especially for families choosing Adventures by Disney. This cruise invites travelers to explore markets in Switzerland, France, Germany, and the Netherlands.
Disney’s Adventure Guides enhance the journey with tales of local lore, ensuring an immersive experience. This Rhine cruise features thrilling excursions and cultural insights.
From the stunning Alps of Switzerland to the old-world charm of Cologne, each port is an opportunity to explore. With trained guides offering insights and help, families enjoy ease throughout the journey.
The week-long journey ends in Amsterdam, a city known for its art and canals. With family-friendly fares, even the youngest adventurer feels welcome.
Intimate Escapes: Viking’s Danube Romance
For couples craving a winter escape, Viking’s Danube Christmas Delights creates a romantic setting. Explore Hungary and Slovakia, where evening concerts blend with the aroma of local treats.
In Austria, Vienna dazzles with markets and exclusive wine tastings. Enroute, Bratislava invites with Old Town’s magic and Passau offers an Advent wreath tradition.
However, Krems’ highlights captivate with private chapel access. Couples discover this unique itinerary filled with history and charm. Meanwhile, tours include visits to UNESCO World Heritage sites.
Therefore, Viking’s river experience promises enchantment throughout four picturesque countries. Every evening, couples can unwind with talks and performances onboard.
Old-World Charm: Uniworld’s Belgian Escapade
Explore Belgium’s charm aboard Uniworld’s Holiday Markets cruise. Discover Ghent, Bruges, and Antwerp, each with its historic roots and delicious foods.
Begin in Brussels, soaking in architecture before exploring cities like Ghent or Bruges. Indulge in Chocolate Nation’s delights and admire Antwerp’s grand library offerings.
Maastricht adds Dutch cheer with its Christmas market, while Valkenburg entices with its unique cave markets. In three iconic cities, local treats and artisanal chocolates beckon.
Returning to Brussels, passengers sample Belgian beer and chocolate, delighting senses in this cultured mosaic.
Solo Adventures: Tauck’s Yuletide Spirit
Wander solo on Tauck’s Yuletide Spirit river cruise, a journey through Amsterdam and Brussels. This adventure waives typical single supplements making it ideal for lone adventurers.
Explore Amsterdam’s iconic museums and canal cruises. In Gouda, taste storied stroopwafels and the world-famous cheese – a local treasure.
Halfway through, Rotterdam waits with vibrant sculptures or Delft tempts with pottery. Travelers lose themselves in Bruges’ canals next.
Tauck offers four December journeys, ensuring solo adventurers never feel alone. Immerse into the festive ambiance of Antwerp’s markets.
Extended Journeys: Avalon’s Basel to Nuremberg
Avalon Waterways extends the joy with a nine-night cruise from Basel to Nuremberg. Begin with Switzerland’s culinary treasures, from gingerbread delights to melted raclette cheese.
The journey weaves through Germany’s Black Forest and Strasbourg’s quaint charm. In Heidelberg, castle tours enchant travelers seeking history’s embrace.
Meanwhile, visitors explore Frankfurt’s vibrant markets, tracing the Rhine’s musical history. Overnight in Nuremberg invites travelers to fully absorb its medieval allure.
This extended journey culminates in a German fairytale, enhancing travelers with cultural wealth and lasting memories. With an array of local treats, the voyage is pure delight.
Unique Cultures: AmaWaterways in Southeast Europe
Journey through Southeast Europe with AmaWaterways, exploring Bulgaria to Romania. Budapest to Giurgiu promises a cultural mosaic along the Danube.
Begin in Budapest, continue to Mohacs for wine-tasting and Vukovar’s historic tours. Belgrade surprises with a culinary tour before traversing the Iron Gates.
In Rousse, explore Romania’s ‘Little Paris,’ while enjoying captivating performances and vibrant scenes.
AmaWaterways includes meals, excursions, and cultural fares ensuring the best of Southeast Europe. Each port unveils history’s secrets, weaving a vibrant narrative that lingers.
Christmas market cruises are more than a holiday; they’re an adventure. Immerse in festive landscapes and make memories that linger long after the last light fades.
