Next month, river cruise lines will begin sailing Christmastime cruises throughout Europe with an emphasis on the Continent’s festive holiday markets, lighting and decor.
The experience, of course, is completely different from cruising through Europe during the warmer months. So what should Christmastime cruisers expect?
First off, let’s get the weather out of the way. It seems obvious that a considerable amount of bundling up will be required (bring those hats, scarves and gloves!), but passengers should also be aware of the possible complications weather can bring.
“On the last day, our ship could not reach Nuremberg due to frozen ice on the canal, and we had to get there by bus,” reads a review of Uniworld Boutique River Cruise Collection’s European Holiday Markets cruise on the company’s website.
“Pack warm clothes and dress in layers,” advises Kristin Karst, executive vice president and co-owner of Ama Waterways. “Winter river cruises can be chilly with temperatures ranging from 28°F to 37°F; however, it’s easy to work up a sweat with the daily shore excursions.”
Of course, weather-related complications and delays are not specific to the winter months, so Christmastime cruises can be as seamless or as interrupted as summer sailings.
But chilly temps aside, the highlights are many, according to the river cruise lines and the passengers who have experienced the winter itineraries.
Ama Waterways touts experiences such as caroling along Europe’s cobblestone streets and sipping seasonal hot spiced wine. The company offers Christmastime cruises on five of its ships through seven countries and to more than a dozen Christmas markets along the Rhine and Danube rivers.
Starting in late November, towns across Europe set up markets in their town squares with decorated stalls and vendors that sell food, hot wine and desserts such as gingerbread and pastries. Artisans create wooden toys, handmade crafts, ornaments and gifts. But bring an ATM card, advised Karst, as most only accept cash.
The other added benefit, of course, is the price. Many of the November and December river cruise departures in Europe are a few hundred dollars less per person than the same cruise earlier in the year, with all the same amenities and service of the increasingly upscale river cruise experience.