Cruising in a Winter Wonderland
If you're dreaming of a white Christmas...
Last year, Beverly Mitchell from House of Travel Ponsonby enjoyed a romantic river cruise, visiting European Christmas markets. Beverly explains why a winter Christmas is so special.
Why is a river cruise a great way to see Europe’s Christmas markets?
Christmas time in the cities and towns of Europe is truly enchanting, and a river cruise is a fantastic way of experiencing the festive lights, decorations, and the incredible stalls, while leisurely sailing down the river system in five-star luxury.
Where did you go?
Our magical European Christmas markets included three nights in beautiful Prague and a seven-night river cruise from Nuremberg to Budapest, stopping along the way in Regensburg, Passau, an excursion to Salzburg, Melk, the amazing Wachau Valley, and the city of music, Vienna
What are the advantages of cruising?
One of the biggest benefits of river cruising is always the close proximity that the ship berths to the centre of the places you stop, meaning you can easily stroll into the historic areas. It’s an even bigger benefit at Christmas time when the markets are in full swing.
Where are the Christmas markets located?
Every city and town we stopped at along the way featured beautiful and very vibrant Christmas markets—always located in the main squares or most historical areas, and all featuring countless traditional wooden huts selling a huge range of Christmas goodies, such as handmade gifts and crafts, amazing food, and very tasty mulled wine.
Is it festive on board?
Christmas on board a river cruise will make you believe in holiday magic all over again. We were sailing aboard a luxurious ship and it was beautifully decorated. From the baubles to the European villages with fairy-tale houses and a friendly festive charm, it was all very beguiling.
What will I see and taste?
Everyone on board commented on the huge variety of items on sale at the markets, and the biggest surprise for everyone was the incredible range of food on offer as well—chocolates, pastries, spicy gingerbread, sweet roasted almonds, specialty sausages, and Apfelstrudels (highly recommended!).
What’s your fondest memory?
Happy locals and tourists enjoying the sweet sounds of carols, the vibrancy of the markets, the giant Christmas trees, and the specialty food. Did I mention the mulled wine? If you love a Christmas atmosphere, the smell of a Christmas tree, and the chorus of carol singers, then you’ll love cruising at Christmas.
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