Monday, April 1, 2024

The 8 best Christmas market river cruises for 2024

christmas river cruise 2023

We wanted them to travel Europe's rivers in the same beyond-the-ordinary Tauck style they experienced on our land trips. With that in mind, we searched to find a company to partner with that would share our values and our commitment to "do the right thing" by our guests... Together, we crafted a river cruise experience that was ahead of its time and inspired by the destinations we explore.

Your Itinerary

Festive Season: Cruising to Europe's Best Christmas Markets - Luxury Travel Advisor

Festive Season: Cruising to Europe's Best Christmas Markets.

Posted: Mon, 24 Jul 2023 07:00:00 GMT [source]

The Azamara Journey will take travelers through South Africa on a 14-night trip leaving from Cape Town on Dec. 20 with stops in Richards Bay and Durban, among others, according to the line's website. Each voyage will be nine days long and sail on the American Queen steamboat decked out in its holiday finest. The sailings also will feature a holiday gala, treats like gingerbread, and a traditional Réveillon dinner from culinary ambassador Regina Charboneau. When it comes to Christmas, the towns and cities along the Rhine really go to town – expect twinkling lights, plenty of glühwein and festive markets in almost every square.

christmas river cruise 2023

Christmas Markets of the Rhine

From exploring idyllic cities and tasting local specialties to shopping for unique gifts and enjoying festive onboard activities, these cruises create unforgettable memories. Bratislava, the capital of Slovakia, is amongst the most beautiful cities to visit during the Christmas season. With fairy lights draped around Christmas trees and market stalls selling traditional wooden toys and decorations, it creates a magical atmosphere. Visitors can also enjoy delicious food and drinks from these stalls, including specialties like pancakes, sausages, and cakes. Available rooms on the Christmas on the Rhine cruise start at $2,299 and at $2,499 for Christmas on the Danube, per person based on double occupancy, though prices may vary depending on the dates.

Christmas Market Wine and Festive Food Tour

The fares include most food, drinks such as sodas and select alcoholic beverages, plus gratuities, among other amenities. The midpoint of the cruise will bring you to the decision to visit either Ghent, which is one of the oldest cities in Belgium, or Bruges, known for its medieval architecture and beautiful canals. The cruise also visits Antwerp, where you can explore the various Christmas markets that are spread throughout the city. Your trip ends in Brussels, with a whole day to explore the cute squares and charming markets and try local fare.

christmas river cruise 2023

Day two will bring you to Rouen, where you are invited to join Christmas Eve dinner and midnight mass. 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. Riverside Luxury Cruises' Christmas Atmosphere Along the Danube cruises depart in early and mid-December 2024. Another option is eight-day sailing Christmas on the Danube visiting Hungary, Austria and Germany. Head to the Christmas markets of Budapest and Vienna and visit the picturesque village of Regensburg, one of Europe’s best-preserved cities. Eight-day Festive Season on the Blue Danube Discovery takes in Austria and Germany, starting in Budapest and ending in historic Nuremberg.

Fares include Wi-Fi, wellness activities, daily entertainment and cultural performances, all meals, drinks at lunch and dinner plus a daily cocktail hour, excursions in each destination and access to knowledgeable guides. The cruise fare includes premium spirits and wine, access to bikes and walking sticks, fitness classes, Wi-Fi, enrichment lectures, and shore excursions in each port. Onboard gratuities and group transfers to and from the airport are also included. The cruise continues into the Netherlands at Maastricht, where you can explore the city and its Christmas market, or head to Aachen, Germany, for festive fun.

This plan provides cancellation coverage for your trip and other insurance coverages that apply only during the covered trip. You may have coverage from other sources that provides you with similar benefits but may be subject to different restrictions depending upon your other coverages. You may wish to compare the terms of this policy with your existing life, health, home and automobile policies.

Best Christmas Market Cruises in 2023

The city will look quite magnificent at this very special time of year, with fairy lights twinkling along the harbourside and the monumental Christmas tree standing proudly against a historic backdrop. Christmas markets in Europe offer a variety of delicious street foods, each country with its unique specialty. Enjoy the local favorite street foods, such as bratwurst, glühwein, and roasted chestnuts.

You don't have to go Europe to take a Christmas market cruise - USA TODAY

You don't have to go Europe to take a Christmas market cruise.

Posted: Fri, 28 Jul 2023 07:00:00 GMT [source]

Munich Christmas Markets Tour

From two-week sailings in the Caribbean to European river voyages and journeys through the American South, there is probably a cruise for you. The river cruise starts in Paris, where you can spend the day exploring the city, seeing the Christmas markets in Montmartre or Saint Germain or shopping for high-end gifts along the Champs-Élysées before the 5 p.m. After a relaxing Boxing Day breakfast, wrap up in your winter warmers and head to the sun deck or relax in the lounge and soak up the atmosphere of this magical river as we cruise downstream.

Travellers can sail across Christmas week, welcome in the New Year on celebratory sailings, or explore the Yuletide market on departures in the run-up to Christmas. Speyer’s delightful Christmas market is held on the bustling Maximilanstrasse, in front of the Old Mint. The alluring aromas of hot Glühwein and roasted almonds fill the air and local choirs and music groups provide a festive programme.

This afternoon we experience a walking tour with a local guide leading us to its enchanting centre – a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Marvel at the stunning Cathédrale Notre-Dame de Strasbourg, with a range of architectural inspiration from 12th-century Romanesque to 15th-century Late Gothic. In the heart of Place Kleber you’ll find The Great Christmas Tree, the seasonal symbol of Strasbourg. Back on board this evening there’s a truly memorable occasion – the Christmas Day gala dinner which will be followed by a live festive musical performance.

Call us, or call your travel advisor, to book your preferred departure date today – and explore our beautiful brochures to find your inspiration for your next journey. To learn more about each port of call and our included as well as optional excursions, click on the individual days below. Azamara Onward will also sail a 14-night Caribbean cruise from Miami on Dec. 22 that will visit destinations including George Town in Grand Cayman, Cartagena, Colombia and Samaná in the Dominican Republic. The line will sail from New Orleans to Memphis on Dec. 11 with stops in St. Francisville, Louisiana, and Natchez, Mississippi, among others, and make a similar reverse journey on Dec. 18, according to its website. Guests can also spend Christmas with the cruise line on a round-trip sailing from New Orleans on Dec. 25.

Within the first 10 days after you place your initial deposit, you may cancel your reservation for any reason with no cancellation fees. We recommend that you make at least two photocopies of all the travel documents that you bring with you. Include copies of the photo page of your passport that contains the date of issuance, the date of expiration and your citizenship. Secure one set of copies in the safe in your cabin while traveling and leave one set behind with someone at home who will assist you in the event your documents or cards are misplaced, lost or stolen.

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