A Magical Journey: My Christmas Market River Cruise Expertise

There’s nothing fairly just like the magic of Christmas markets in Europe, and after visiting over 100 Christmas markets throughout Europe in nearly EVERY potential method we knew that the very best solution to go was a river cruise.

BUT, there was one downside. All of the river cruises we went on did not go away sufficient time on the vacation spot. And never every thing was included. I felt like I used to be nickeled and dimed as quickly as I stepped on board. So, my husband Michael and I chartered our personal and had two unbelievable weeks in Germany and France!

After I envisioned internet hosting a Christmas Market Cruise, my dream was to create one thing really extraordinary—an unforgettable expertise that mixes the magic of Europe’s most lovely Christmas markets with the consolation of luxurious journey and the enjoyment of group. And in 2024, that dream grew to become a actuality not as soon as, however twice, as we chartered two unbelievable cruises alongside the Rhine River, bringing collectively 168 passionate vacationers every week to expertise one of the best of Germany and France in the course of the vacation season.

Right here’s a glance again at our unbelievable journey, the highlights, and what made the 2024 Christmas Market Cruises so particular.

[toc]

Why Constitution a Ship?

Over time, Michael and I’ve traveled to greater than 100 Christmas markets throughout Europe. We’ve explored them by practice, automobile, and river cruise, and there’s no higher solution to see them than aboard a ship. Why? Since you unpack as soon as and let the magic come to you. No lugging suitcases over cobblestones, no navigating crowded practice stations, and no stress of planning the place to remain or what to do subsequent.

Chartering the Nicko Spirit allowed us to create a customized itinerary that catered to our group, guaranteeing most time at every vacation spot, an ideal mix of excursions and free time, and a number of choices for exploring iconic markets like Heidelberg, Strasbourg, and Cologne.

The perfect half? The ship was solely ours, creating an intimate, welcoming ambiance the place everybody might join, rejoice, and share within the pleasure of the season.

It was an environment not like every other! We had a gaggle the place we might chat earlier than the ship, ask questions, adn get to know eachother. I completely ADORED watching friendships kind. Actually it was so particular.

I’ll always remember a lady on the journey telling me, “I am unable to consider I simply met them, I really feel like I’ve identified them my complete life!”

River Cruise Itinerary: Christmas Market Classics in France and Germany

Cologne

We began our journey in one in every of Germany’s most magical cities in the course of the vacation season: Cologne. Well-known for its towering Gothic cathedral, a UNESCO World Heritage Web site, town supplied an ideal introduction to the Christmas Market expertise. This iconic landmark, as soon as the tallest constructing on the planet, homes the relics of the Three Smart Males and supplies a panoramic backdrop for the primary market.

However Cologne is extra than simply its cathedral. It’s residence to eight distinct Christmas markets, every with its personal distinctive attraction. From the Angel’s Market with its twinkling lights to the maritime-themed market close to the Rhine, there’s one thing right here for everybody. And, after all, we couldn’t resist having fun with the native Kölsch beer, served in small glasses on the good temperature. This cease set the festive tone for the week forward!

Koblenz and Arenfels Citadel

Koblenz, the place the Rhine and Moselle rivers meet, enchanted us with its mix of historic structure and picturesque riverside views. We strolled by the outdated city, marveling at landmarks just like the Deutsches Eck (German Nook), the Schängel Fountain, and the Church of Our Woman. The Christmas market right here was intimate and comfy, providing an opportunity to buy handmade items and sip warming Glühwein.

We might simply stroll on and off the ship to expertise the Christmas markets or seize a bratwurst!

For these searching for a fairy-tale expertise, the non-obligatory tour to Arenfels Citadel was a spotlight. Nestled in scenic vineyards, this neo-Gothic citadel dates again to the 1200s and supplied not solely panoramic views of the Rhine Valley but additionally a personal Christmas market on its grounds.

The included tasting of native specialties was the cherry on prime of a magical day.

We overnighted right here so you possibly can simply hop on and off the ship to discover extra! And we introduced on our favourite German band to serenade us into the night time!

Rüdesheim and the Rhine Gorge

One among my favourite days! Within the morning we cruised after which we had time to see the Christmas market within the day and night time (as we do for all our stops!!!)

As we cruised alongside the Rhine Gorge, we have been handled to breathtaking views of extra castles per mile than wherever else on the planet. The towering cliffs and centuries-old fortresses have been straight out of a storybook.

Our port metropolis, Rüdesheim, charmed us with its half-timbered homes, cobblestone streets, and festive ambiance. The included strolling tour took us by the well-known Drosselgasse, a slender alley lined with quaint outlets and wine taverns- it seems to be straight out of a film! Then ended on the Mechanical Instrument Museum, the place we marveled at fascinating music-making machines.

We had tons of time within the night to discover the markets!

The non-obligatory tour supplied much more delights: a go to to an area espresso home to attempt the famed Rüdesheimer espresso, fortified with Asbach brandy, adopted by a tasting at one of many area’s prime wineries. It was an ideal mix of historical past, tradition, and indulgence.

Heidelberg and Mannheim

Heidelberg stole my coronary heart once more. As somebody who lived right here, it’s a metropolis I by no means tire of sharing with others. The romantic citadel overlooking the Neckar River, the charming outdated city, and the sprawling Christmas market with over 100 festive stalls made this cease unforgettable. Our strolling tour included highlights just like the world’s largest wine barrel, the citadel ruins, and the beautiful views of the valley under.

In the meantime, Mannheim supplied a distinction with its Baroque grandeur and distinctive grid format. For individuals who opted for the non-obligatory tour to Unhealthy Dürkheim, the in-depth wine tasting showcased the area’s unbelievable varietals, paired with native sausages and glowing wine. YES, we did drink wine at 10 am within the morning and we liked it!!

Strasbourg and the Black Forest

Strasbourg, the self-proclaimed Capital of Christmas, really lived as much as its identify. With its 100-foot Christmas tree, 300+ stalls, and over-the-top vacation decorations, it felt like stepping right into a winter wonderland. Our guided tour included must-see sights just like the Notre Dame Cathedral with its astronomical clock and the picturesque Petite France district, the place half-timbered homes line the canals.

Actually simply questioning the streets is an journey. Nice meals (get the mulled orange wine with honey- it is unbelievable!) and simply get pleasure from. The streets are actually BURSTING.

There are even Baccarat chandeliers. ON THE STREET!

The non-obligatory tour to the Black Forest was equally enchanting. We explored the Vogtsbauernhof Open Air Museum, studying about conventional Schwarzwald tradition, from cuckoo clocks to people costumes, and loved a slice of the well-known Black Forest cake.

The cease in Gengenbach, residence to the world’s largest Creation calendar, added a magical of completion. I additionally notably prefer it as a result of… they’ve BUTTER BEER!

Mainz and Wiesbaden

I feel Mainz market is so underrated. Y’all. I like Chimney cake but it surely’s SO hit and miss. Mainz formally has one of the best one I’ve ever tried! The meals in Mainz is UNREAL.

Mainz supplied an enchanting mix of historical past and vacation cheer. The hometown of Johannes Gutenberg, inventor of the trendy printing press, is steeped in significance, and you’ll even go to the Gutenberg Museum to see two of the unique Bibles that revolutionized the world right here! The Christmas market right here, set in opposition to the backdrop of the 1,000-year-old cathedral, felt like stepping right into a fairy story.

Wiesbaden, out there as an non-obligatory tour, supplied a extra refined expertise. This spa city, identified for its grand structure and luxurious, dazzled us with its beautiful Christmas market and festive ambiance. The hovering spires and opulent buildings made it a feast for the eyes.

Cologne (Once more!)

Our journey got here full circle as we returned to Cologne. This metropolis, with its unbelievable markets and festive power, was the proper place to say goodbye. Whether or not it was exploring the numerous themed markets, having fun with dwell music, or indulging in a single final mug of Glühwein, we soaked up each final second of the vacation magic.

We mentioned “Auf Wiedersehen” with full hearts and reminiscences that can final a lifetime.

Onboard Expertise: A Floating Christmas Wonderland

Our ship was greater than only a mode of transportation; it was our residence for the week and an integral a part of the expertise. Inbuilt 2021, the ship’s fashionable design, panoramic home windows, and opulent facilities made it really feel like a shifting boutique resort.

• Eating: With three eating places onboard, the meals was nothing wanting distinctive. From informal bites to multi-course meals impressed by native delicacies, each meal was a deal with.
• Drinks: All drinks have been included (sure, even top-shelf alcohol!), which meant we might toast to the season with wine, cocktails, or beers each time we happy.
• Rest: The ship supplied loads of areas to unwind—whether or not it was the solar deck, sauna, or cozy lounge with panoramic views of the Rhine’s castles and cliffs.

A second for the meals. Actually a murals and so tasty! One of many causes we picked this cruise line and ship is it is a few of the finest meals I’ve ever had!

The onboard gala dinner was one other spotlight. Image this: a superbly embellished eating room, scrumptious meals, festive music, and a room stuffed with laughter and new mates.

The Individuals: The Coronary heart of the Cruise

One of the magical components of internet hosting this journey was the unbelievable individuals who joined us. Whether or not touring solo or with a liked one, everybody introduced their very own distinctive story, pleasure, and power to the cruise.

Our visitors ranged from first-time European vacationers to seasoned market-goers, and by the tip of the week, strangers grew to become mates. The onboard camaraderie prolonged to excursions, dinners, and even late-night chats within the lounge.

For me, this sense of group was what made the journey really unforgettable.

I’ve already gotten messages of individuals getting collectively to do meet ups and go to eachother! The friendships which can be made are unbelievable.

Some highlights

I’ll always remember dancing to the band, having our cruise director, Mariia, learn ‘Twas the Evening Earlier than Christmas (I cried!), taking photos by the Christmas tree, the crew dancing with us to Satalana, toasting newly engaged and married {couples}.

We soaked up as a lot Christmas spirit as we probably might!

There was a Christmas market stall in Rudesheim promoting Amazon returns and… after all, a few of our group purchased a couple of packages. One was security vests- they wore them nightly. One was a banner that we put up.

As I left the ship, I helped take away the banner with the assistance of the crew employees. “Your group was one of the best this 12 months!” he advised me.

I’ve to agree.

Merriment, pleasure, happiness, reminiscences.

As I look again on the 2024 Christmas Market Cruises, I’m overwhelmed with gratitude—for the superb group of vacationers who joined us, the seamless coordination from our cruise companions, and the magical locations that welcomed us with open arms (and many Glühwein).

These journeys have been extra than simply cruises—they have been celebrations of the season, alternatives to attach with like-minded vacationers, and experiences that reminded us all the pleasure and magic of Christmas.

In case you missed out on the 2024 cruises, don’t fear—we’re already planning for 2025! With itineraries alongside each the Rhine and Danube Rivers, subsequent 12 months guarantees to be much more magical. Be sure you keep tuned for updates and reserving data—I’d like to have you ever be part of us!

In case you missed out on the 2024 cruises, don’t fear—we’re already planning for 2025! With itineraries alongside each the Rhine and Danube Rivers, subsequent 12 months guarantees to be much more magical. Be sure you keep tuned for updates and reserving data—I’d like to have you ever be part of us!

---