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If you have free time, be sure to stop in at La Couronne, the oldest operating restaurant in France and the place that inspired Julia Child to start cooking. Budapest, Passau and Nuremberg are typical end points on Christmas cruises, and all boast truly spectacular market experiences and wares. While the majority of modern-day Christmas market stalls accept credit cards, others stick strictly to the local tender. You’ll want to take some of your free time to enjoy the quaint Christmas markets and warm up with traditional German dumplings, sausage, and glass of hearty Bavarian ale.
A Portrait of India
Don’t miss a favorite seasonal treat, the schneeball, or snowball, made from strips of sweet dough shaped into a ball that is fried and covered in powdered sugar or chocolate. Be sure to check out the original Käthe Wohlfahrt Christmas Store opposite the market. A huge Christmas tree revolves in the center of the store, and some 35,000 Christmas-themed items line the shelves. Viking offers Danube Christmas Delights river cruises from late November through mid-December in 2024 and 2025. With notable Christmas markets dotted across some of Europe’s popular cruising locations, a Christmas markets cruise from London Tilbury is the perfect option for a December getaway. Find your festive sparkle with warming mulled wine, Christmas trees in abundance and traditional festive foodie treats.
Best for an extended cruise: Avalon Waterways' Festive Time on the Romantic Rhine
Picture yourself sipping Champagne on your private balcony, where stunning vistas unfold before you. Immerse in the artistry of gourmet meals, masterfully crafted by our skilled chefs, as they bring a world of flavors to your table. Unwind in opulent suites adorned with lavish amenities, and let our attentive crew cater to your every desire.
Day 11
The magnificent grand staircase boasts the world’s largest ceiling fresco, painted by Giovanni Battista Tiepolo. Check out the spectacular Hall of Mirrors and the imposing Imperial Hall, which boasts a large oval dome and 20 half-columns. For VIP access to a classic German experience, enter the halls of Kundmüller Brewery. You’ll be treated to a close-up view of their operations and introduced to their beers with a tasting and some light snacks.
Cruisers can enjoy traditional music performances on the levee, as well as traditional Cajun/Creole holiday traditions. Join us for a festive season like no other where you can rejoice in the knowledge that all the bells and whistles are taken care of by Ambassador Cruise Line. It’s always a wonderful time of year sailing with us but for the festive period, we really do push the boat out. After a day at sea, guests will head to Bruges to explore the city's famous Christmas market. The market is filled with festive ice sculptures, horse-drawn carriage rides, and an array of wooden chalets offering dainty ornaments, toys, and more.
12 best Christmas cruises for 2024 and 2025 - The Points Guy
12 best Christmas cruises for 2024 and 2025.
Posted: Wed, 28 Feb 2024 08:00:00 GMT [source]
A Christmas Markets river cruise... with your riverboat done up for the holidays!
The cruise also runs through stops like St. Fracisville in Louisiana, where small-town holiday festivities can be seen throughout, and Nottoway, Louisiana, with vibrant gardens and Antebellum mansions. “Christmas markets are also great places to find unique giftswhich cannot be found anywhere else. With the same global brands on High Streets across the world, it can be refreshing to find unique gifts from local craft workers which are just not available at home. Featuring supersized candy cane Christmas trees to life sized gingerbread houses, there are some incredible festive attractions across the globe for cruise lovers to explore.
December 16, 2024
Take a journey along Amsterdam’s network of canals or browse one of the city’s museums. The stunning foyer of the 128-passenger River Princess sets an indulgent and luxurious tone for your European journey. One of the most unique ships cruising Europe’s waterways, the River Queen has an exterior resembling the steamships of the 1930s and an elegant Art Deco interior. Decorated in richly textured blue and white fabrics—with marble bathrooms and inspiring artwork—River Queen is a sublime floating hotel designed with your every comfort in mind. A special Captain’s Farewell Reception and Dinner will be prepared for you this evening. This 300-room UNESCO World Heritage–designated residence was constructed over a period of 60 years in the 18th century.
Spain and Portugal
AmaWaterways' Gems of Southeast Europe departs on multiple dates between late November and late December in 2024 (2025 dates run mid-November to mid-December). In Budapest, you'll spend two days exploring the city at places like Castle Hill and the Grand Market Hall before shopping and dining at the Christmas market in front of St. Stephen's Basilica. Then in Bratislava, Slovakia, the group will attend an organ concert and shopping at the Old Town Christmas market. Day four brings the group to Mannheim, Germany, where you can enjoy a funicular ride to Heidelberg Castle or tour the town of Baden-Baden where the Christmas market is not to be missed.
You'll discover those local traditions… like the hot mulled wine known as glühwein, served in collectible mugs unique to each market… that have caught on to become an indispensable part of the holiday celebration. And on our Rhine Christmas Markets cruise, you'll experience some special holiday magic on an exclusive visit to the Thurn und Taxis family's Palace of St. Emmeram in Regensburg. Tour this lavish Baroque family home – converted from a monastery in the 18th century – and browse its private Christmas Market. The cruise then departs for Germany, where you will be able to explore the Christmas markets in Cologne and Rüdensheim on days three and four. Day five is when travelers can enjoy Mainz and see the Gutenberg Museum or travel further on a bus to Heidelberg to explore Heidelberg Castle. For 90+ years, the Tauck family has had a passion for sailing — aboard small ships and yachts at sea, riverboats along great inland waterways, and at home on the rivers and lakes of Connecticut and New York.
Your trip ends in Brussels, with a whole day to explore the cute squares and charming markets and try local fare. Fares include shore excursions in every port; free Wi-Fi; all meals; beer, wine and soft drinks with lunch and dinner; port taxes and fees; and visits to UNESCO World Heritage Sites. In select ports, passengers can sign up for optional excursions that are an added cost. These could be worth the upcharge, depending on the type of experience you want to have. For something a little bit different, U.S.-based river line American Queen Voyages has worked with the city of Natchez, Mississippi in developing Christmas markets in the southern U.S.
Immerse yourself in the festive spirit of picturesque cities before setting sail, or continue the merriment after disembarking. Our meticulously designed extensions allow you to relish in the holiday splendor, explore charming markets, and create cherished memories that linger far beyond the season. Elevate your yuletide adventure and make your Christmas Market River cruise truly unforgettable by indulging in the beauty and wonder of these captivating destinations. Immerse yourself in the enchanting spirit of the season with our Christmas Market cruise aboard the AmaViola. Set sail on a journey where luxury meets tradition, as you glide through picturesque waterways, adorned with festive lights. Experience the magic of Europe’s renowned Christmas markets, where charming stalls offer handmade crafts, delectable treats, and heartwarming mulled wine.
You may wish to opt for an alternate optional guided excursion to the beautiful Bavarian town of Rothenburg. You’ll visit the Kathe Wohlfahrt German Christmas Museum which holds the world’s most extensive collection of traditional German Christmas decorations. The American Queen has Victorian-era features, including antique furnishings and intricate woodwork.
