By Hank Schrader, USMA ’71, Europe Destination Specialist & Europe River Cruise Expert
We are proud to announce we will be leading a Christmas Market on the Rhine cruise on the new AmaKristina from December 17 thru December 24, 2018.
Please come join us on the AmaKristina for the most festive time in Europe—the Christmas Markets. To learn about this wonderful opportunity, let’s explore what Christmas Markets are, find out about the AmaKristina, and see more about the exciting ports we will visit if you come and join us.
What are Christmas Markets?
In Europe, many squares are used for various street markets. At Christmas time, these squares are transformed into one unique blaze of color, goods and foods from small vendors. It is a social gathering where hot mulled wine, beer and street food are served and all seem to get along as they browse the various vendors.
Christmas markets date back to 1300 or so and started in Germany, Austria and the eastern portion of France. The season usually starts about 25 November and lasts until 23 or 24 December, roughly following the Advent 4 week season. Even for a person like me who does not really like shopping, this is so much fun that everyone should try this at least once. Unlike American malls, this is not combat shopping and crowds of hassled folks; this is a gathering of folks socializing with food and drink, music, and buying gifts at a much gentler pace.
Seeing the decorations alone is worth the trip but an added value is the fact that many booths have handmade items that are unique and priceless. Most sell only on cash, so make sure you have enough local currency to get your purchases. And, as we have learned though our own mistakes, if you see something you like, buy it or you will often miss out. Most markets open around 10:00 AM and close around 9:00 PM, but it varies a lot and it is not uncommon for booths to close down for short periods to take a break or get something to eat or an owner to take a day off and not open their booth.
As long as you dress warmly, these markets offer a cultural experience second to none—it is an experience not to be missed!
Overview of our Cruise
You will get to sail with us to 4 countries (Switzerland, France, Germany and the Netherlands) and experience the magic of Christmas in Europe. As described above, the markets on this cruise are usually in the historic medieval squares of the towns and village we will stop to visit. It is the best way to see six different, unique, and interesting squares and experience the thrill of a great Europe tradition—the Christmas Markets of Europe.
The hustle and bustle of the season, the stunning decorations and street food, and the glühwein (hot spiced wine), will be an adventure you will never forget! Along with these sights and wonderful smells and sounds, you will sail in luxury, eat awesome food and drink superb wine, and have fun on the beautiful AmaKristina, with a great crew, for an experience unmatched in Europe river cruising. We have done several Christmas market cruises and can’t wait to go again–we hope you will join us. The following PDF PowerPoint details the cruise ship, a day-by-day summary of the ports and explains why you should chose us as your cruise leaders:
The AmaKristina
The AmaKristina was put into service in 2017. It is a 135 meter longship and carries 156 passengers. AmaWaterways does European river cruising expertly and we have no doubt they will deliver again on our 15th Europe river cruise. Her Godmother, Kristin Karst, is a co-owner of AmaWaterways, so you can be assured this vessel is their top of the line rivership in the 135 meter class. There are staterooms on 3 decks of the ship and they range from fixed windows on the first deck near the river line, to French balconies, twin balconies (a French balcony and an outside balcony) and staterooms with 350 square foot suites (it has two rooms and a bath tub). All staterooms are well designed, with comfortable beds, a small seating area (the suites have a much larger seating area), and good bathroom facilities.
These compact ships have well designed facilities that will enhance your 7 day journey. Once you experience an AmaWaterways cruise, you will agree with us that you will be on a luxury trip where almost all is included in the price of the fare. You will get to go on a floating luxury hotel, with great food, free-flowing wine and beer at meals , and the newly added Sip and Sail cocktail hour before dinner with complimentary wine, beer and spirits and see sights that will dazzle you. It is a great value!
Our Voyage
We will begin in Basel, Switzerland. We will visit Christmas markets at every one of the 6 ports on this trip. First, we will port in Breisach to visit the Christmas Markets of either Freiburg or Riquewihr. Here is a photo of the Freiburg Christmas Markets:
Next, we will visit Strasbourg and its’ famous Christmas markets—the oldest in France. Here is a photo:
When we port in Mannheim, you will have a choice of visiting the college town of Heidelberg or the medieval town of Speyer. Here is a photo of Heidelberg:
In Rüdesheim, more markets, a wine tasting and a chance to sample the famous Rüdesheim coffee (it’s like Irish coffee but better). Here is a photo:
After Rüdesheim, we sail the Rhine River Gorge. This is the most scenic section of the Rhine, as you are transformed into a fairy tale land of great castles—there are more than 30 to see.
![marksburg_z_550[1]](https://visitdd.files.wordpress.com/2016/04/marksburg_z_5501.jpg?w=1200)
We finish our cruise in Amsterdam and get to experience the canal-ringed city with a canal boat cruise and a city tour.
Wow—what a trip!
Our Special Price for this Sailing
On this 7 day cruise, there is a special price—hurry to get $500 off per person if you book with us before March 31, 2018. Please contact us to find out the cost of the stateroom you desire for this trip—we can discuss in detail which will fit your needs best.
Our Last Thoughts
Europe river cruising is constantly changing and in most cases, the winners are the cruisers. This cruise allows you to experience a specialized tour of the Christmas Markets which blends the wonderful tradition of this festive time in Europe with a cruise of a lifetime. The usual benefits of unpack once, seeing multiple sights, all meals provided and interesting things to do and see, combined with the Christmas markets, and have taken Europe river cruising to a new level.
As always we want to help you with your travel dreams, whatever they may be, and hope some of you will want to take part of this unique experience on our Europe river cruise. Please call Hank (713-397-0188) or email him at hschrader@dreamdestinations.com so we can help you: Savor life . . . make memories . . . visit Dream Destinations! Your journey begins here!
HANK is a certified Western European Destination Specialist (DS) who has been traveling to Europe for 45 years. He is also an Accredited Cruise Counselor (ACC), conferred by the Cruise Line International Association (CLIA). This recognized expert in cruise and leisure travel is a retired Army Officer, and taught World Geography for 8 years. He is a `71 graduate of West Point and has earned 2 master’s degrees. His other Certifications:
- AmaWaterways River Cruise Specialist
- Viking River Cruise Specialist
- Scenic River Cruise Specialist
- Emerald Waterways Specialist
- Avalon Waterways Specialist
- Brit Agent
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