‘Tis the season that Christmas markets come alive with rows of twinkling lights and the sweet aroma of mulled wine. While visiting one Christmas market can be a delightful experience, a new luxury cruise offers the opportunity to explore 20 markets in a single trip. European Waterways, a renowned river cruising company, has introduced the “Christmas Markets Cruise” that takes passengers on a magical journey through Alsace-Lorraine, a French region near the border of Germany.
The Christmas Markets Cruise sets sail from Strasbourg, France, aboard the Panache, a 12-passenger hotel barge designed for ultimate comfort. The barge features six junior suites, each with an attached bathroom, a communal dining area, cocktail bar, and a heated spa pool. Passengers can choose to join the cruise as individuals for $7,990 per person, based on double occupancy, or they can charter the entire barge for an exclusive experience at $87,000.
Travelers on the Christmas Markets Cruise will have the opportunity to visit a total of 20 markets during the seven-day itinerary, immersing themselves in the festive atmosphere of each unique destination. The journey includes guided tours to 13 Christmas markets in Strasbourg, renowned as the “capital of Christmas,” where guests can explore various markets spread across the city’s Old Town. Additionally, there are six markets to visit in Colmar, known for its charming half-timbered houses and medieval architecture. Haguenau, a small town in north Alsace, is home to the only Christmas market in the region that is open daily from late November to December. Here, visitors can experience the town’s traditional Alsatian Christmas market and admire a remarkable old nativity scene made of wood and clay.
In addition to the Christmas markets, the cruise offers a range of holiday-themed guided excursions. Passengers can visit the Meisenthal Glass Bauble factory in Lorraine, where traditional mouth-blown glass baubles are crafted, and indulge their sweet tooth at Strasbourg’s Chocolate Museum, the Musée du Chocolat. These excursions provide an opportunity to delve deeper into the cultural and culinary traditions associated with the holiday season.
Uniworld Boutique River Cruises also offers holiday-themed cruises, catering to different preferences and itineraries. Their “Classic Christmas Markets” cruise is an eight-day journey from Nuremburg to Frankfurt, making stops at various Christmas markets along the way. Uniworld’s larger ship, accommodating up to 128 passengers, allows guests to enjoy the festive atmosphere while having access to a wider range of onboard amenities. The luxury cruise line offers seven holiday season itineraries, priced between $2,299 and $6,899 per person, depending on the room type.
Uniworld’s representative emphasizes the goal of showcasing different regional traditions to guests through their Christmas market cruises. Each itinerary carefully selects markets that represent famous and hidden gem markets within the respective regions. In addition to the Christmas market cruises, Uniworld also organizes holiday-themed cruises that visit multiple countries. These longer cruises, such as the “Grand Christmas & New Year’s” and the “Enchanting Christmas & New Year’s,” provide a more extensive exploration of European holiday traditions.
Embarking on a luxury Christmas Markets Cruise through Europe offers a unique opportunity to experience the magic of the holiday season in a truly extraordinary way. Whether aboard the Panache or Uniworld’s larger ship, passengers can indulge in the festive atmosphere of the charming Christmas markets, partake in guided excursions, and immerse themselves in the rich cultural traditions of each region. With options to suit different preferences and itineraries, these cruises provide an unforgettable holiday experience filled with joy, discovery, and the spirit of Christmas.