Recommendation for a Christmas market cruise?

[maggieq]

Would love to take a river cruise. So many choices.   Can someone recommend one that involves the Christmas markets?  Thanks!

[bubbulz]

I’ve done two Christmas markets cruises on the Danube with Uniworld that were fantastic and I’m doing one this year on the Rhine and Main rivers with them. Right now they are running some specials that waive the solo supplements and also provide 2 for 1 pricing (or half price for solos) in a flash sale. 
 

My cruise in December will be my seventh Uniworld cruise and they have all been phenomenal. They provide outstanding service all around and are all inclusive.

Edited July 28 by bubbulz

[HoneyJan]

There are 3 main rivers for Christmas Market Cruises, the Rhine, the Danube, and the Main. I have done all three with three different cruise companies Uniworld, Grand Circle, and Gate 1. The biggest difference is the price! But Uniworld does have some unusual outings besides a tour of the old town. The markets are lots of fun, so I go almost every year!

[maggieq]

Thank you all!   Uniworld?  My first thought was Viking.  Will check them out thanks!

[bubbulz]

2 hours ago, maggieq said:

Thank you all!   Uniworld?  My first thought was Viking.  Will check them out thanks!

That’s because Viking spends a bundle on marketing. Uniworld is a “boutique” line and much more all inclusive (and runs great specials). 

[Host Jazzbeau]

My only hesitation about Uniworld is the décor – but I think it would actually fit a Christmas Markets cruise pretty well.

[bubbulz]

3 minutes ago, Host Jazzbeau said:

My only hesitation about Uniworld is the décor – but I think it would actually fit a Christmas Markets cruise pretty well.

It does! (And their beds are at the most comfortable I’ve ever slept on.)

 

I actually enjoy their decor although it’s not the way I would decorate at home. It is a bit over-the-top, but to me it is fun on a holiday.

[CielBleu]

So much depends on your budget and personal preferences. There are quite a few online comparison articles and charts, which might be helpful to you.

[cbr663]

20 hours ago, Host Jazzbeau said:

My only hesitation about Uniworld is the décor – but I think it would actually fit a Christmas Markets cruise pretty well.

 

I'm reminded of my TA's response when I also mentioned the decor - when you sail you aren't buying the decor to bring home.  You are simply paying to enjoy it for a little while. 

[Host Jazzbeau]

24 minutes ago, cbr663 said:

I'm reminded of my TA's response when I also mentioned the decor - when you sail you aren't buying the decor to bring home.  You are simply paying to enjoy it for a little while. 

Or tolerate it for a little while?  But there are other choices which don't require the compromise.

[bubbulz]

4 minutes ago, Host Jazzbeau said:

Or tolerate it for a little while?  But there are other choices which don't require the compromise.

Or have fun with it for a little while. Guess it’s all in your perspective. 

[cruise4mom]

It will all depend on where and what you wish to see. We researched these for about a year. We were stuck between Uniworld and Amawaterways, We went to a travel fair and ended up getting additional brochures and discovered Scenic, we found an amazing itinerary however the trip was out of prince range. Spoke with our travel agent and discovered that Emerald did the same itinerary as Scenic (they are sisters) for half the price and we booked the cruise. 
 

I would suggest sitting down with a travel agent and telling them what you want to do. What you want to see. Do you need a butler? Unlimited drinks? Active activities? They can narrow down what lines are best for your needs. 

[screwsmcernst]

On 7/28/2024 at 4:56 PM, maggieq said:

Thank you all!   Uniworld?  My first thought was Viking.  Will check them out thanks!

We are taking a Christmas Market River cruise up the Rhine in Nov. 2025.  We decided to go with Ama Waterways.  Our first thought was Viking as well, but after researching them a little more, we decided we didn't like their payment structure.  Our TA recommended Ama or Scenic.  We chose Ama because they do Gluten Free cruises, and  they are familiar with Celiac Disease.

[QueenofEverything]

We have done 3 Christmas market cruises.  2 on the Danube, one with Viking and one with Avalon.  1 on the Rhine with Viking.  All were wonderful.  I highly recommend the Danube over the Rhine, more spectacular Christmas markets (although Cologne and Strasburg were really nice).  I would also recommend one that includes Budapest, amazing city and markets.  A lot of people will bad mouth Viking but in our experience they are lovely.  They do require payment ridiculously early which is a definite negative.

[screwsmcernst]

On 8/13/2024 at 9:08 PM, QueenofEverything said:

We have done 3 Christmas market cruises.  2 on the Danube, one with Viking and one with Avalon.  1 on the Rhine with Viking.  All were wonderful.  I highly recommend the Danube over the Rhine, more spectacular Christmas markets (although Cologne and Strasburg were really nice). 

 

We are taking the Rhine because of the Strasburg Market.  It is the one our friend absolutely wants to see.

[winegirl]

We very much enjoyed our Rhine Christmas Markets cruise from Amsterdam to Basel on AMA Waterways.  We used them in the past but they really stepped up their game for this cruise.  Ship was decorated splendidly,  food was good and passengers congenial.  

 

Our favorite stop was Strasbourg, France.  Holiday decor over the top gorgeous everywhere.  It was exceptionally cold though, so bring layers or a winter coat with a zip out lining.

 

Our favorite river cruise line is Uniworld and if I did another Christmas Markets cruise, I'd to the Main/Danube canal cruise ending in Nuremberg.  This is a cruise not offered by other lines.  We thought Uniworld was a bit more "luxe" than AMA and is all inclusive.  The food was a bit nicer, but you will not be disappointed on AMA either.

 

Last river cruise was on Scenic (Danube.)  We were unimpressed.  In particular, the food was disappointing.  Sparse selections and portions did not support the high price of the cruise. Breakfast buffet was pretty thin.  Gave the impression of effort to economize on the dining. Included wines so-so.  Cabin nice enough, bathroom tight.  The "Space Ship" veranda set up was a bit odd and we never used it.  Would have preferred that extra room in the cabin.  Staff ranged from polite to frosty.  The whole trip didn't click with us and we would not use Scenic again.