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Travel Review: Viking’s Christmas on the Rhine

Unconditionally Her

It was the trip of a lifetime that seemed a lifetime to finally happen – Viking’s Christmas on the Rhine.   Being an oceanic-style cruise gal, I had never been on a riverboat cruise, so I wasn’t sure what to expect.  But I have heard for years about the infamous “Christmas Markets” and with the Covid shutdown much longer in other countries, we were all very blessed to finally start our venture this past December.

For those travelers thinking about a Christmas venture in the future, I strongly encourage you all to book all your travel through the Viking.  They make flights, transfers, and accommodations much easier to navigate.  Be sure you plan for an extension on each end – particularly to Lucern.  Do note, if you travel at the holidays, the weather is a bit unpredictable, but if you are lucky, a little snow does make this time of year a little special.  That, and with some fabulous travel friends along for the journey, it’s SO worth the memories you will make.

Miss you, girls!

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Christmas market river cruises: What to expect on a holiday sailing

Sailing down one of Europe's stunning rivers is a dream trip no matter the time of year, but at Christmas time it's even more special. Ships take travelers from port to port to experience the incredible Christmas markets where stalls are adorned with glittering lights, the smells of sausages and baked goods fill the air, and the sounds of carols can be heard.

Starting in late November through Christmas every year, the cities and towns along the Danube, Rhine, Seine and other rivers set up markets that display each region's holiday traditions. Many of the most popular river cruise lines with ships based in Europe schedule festive cruises to take travelers to shop and dine at these seasonal markets.

For cruise news, reviews and tips, sign up for TPG's cruise newsletter .

If you're thinking about booking a Christmas market river cruise but don't know where to start, we've got you covered. Here, we've answered the most popular questions about Christmas market river cruises and shared our top tips and tricks to get the most out of the trip.

Is a Christmas market river cruise worth it?

The number-one question people asked me in person and online after I did a Christmas market river cruise down the Danube with Viking in December 2023 was: Is the trip worth it? I vote yes, but there are some things you should know before booking a Christmas market cruise.

If you've had visiting the Christmas markets of Europe on your bucket list, a river cruise is a great way to explore multiple markets in one trip. One of the biggest perks of a river cruise versus a land-based trip is that you unpack once, and your accommodations and dining options float with you down the river from town to town.

Additionally, the cruise director on board acted more like a personal concierge for guests who had questions, giving suggestions for things to do, places to eat and what each Christmas market was known for.

On my seven-night river cruise, I visited six ports and enjoyed a half day of scenic sailing through the Wachau Valley, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Our ports of call were Budapest; Bratislava, Slovakia; Vienna; Krems, Austria; Linz, Austria; and Passau, Germany. Each port had at least one Christmas market.

I was most impressed by Vienna, which had two, but the one near City Hall is the one that makes most of the viral TikTok videos and Instagram reels. The City Hall Christmas market is the larger of the two in the city center and is more photogenic. But be sure to go to both Christmas markets in the city. They are about a 10-minute walk from each other and have different foods to try and souvenirs to buy.

Related: The best Christmas market river cruises to book

Which rivers are the best for a Christmas markets cruise?

Picking a river for your cruise can be a challenge, especially if you're not familiar with the destinations on the itinerary. Cruises on the Danube and Rhine are the most popular at this time of year because their ports of call are where most of our Christmas traditions were first created.

On the Danube, you can visit destinations like Vienna, Austria and Passau and Regensburg, Germany. Alternatively, on the Rhine, destinations of interest include Amsterdam; Cologne, Germany; Mannheim, Germany; and Strasbourg, France.

After you find a few river cruises that fit your travel dates, dig into each destination and what it has to offer. Christmas markets are open from midmorning until between 8 and 10 p.m., but there's not enough to do at each market to fill that entire time. I usually spent about an hour at the smaller markets in places like Passau and Linz and about two to three hours at the larger markets in Vienna and Budapest. In each port, you'll want to be sure there are more activities and attractions to fill the rest of your time in port.

Related: Best river cruise lines around the world

Which river cruise line is best for a Christmas cruise?

Cruise lines that offer Christmas market cruises include Viking , Avalon Waterways, AmaWaterways , CroisiEurope, Uniworld and Tauck.

Uniworld cruises are the most expensive, with prices ranging from $3,399 to $7,199 for 8- to 11-day sailings throughout the season. Tauck is also pricier than its competitors, but it's one of the few options that has a family cruise option.

Avalon Waterways offers a more affordable way to see the Christmas markets, with cruises starting at $2,167 for six days of traveling from Budapest to Vienna. But be warned, some cruises do sell out almost a year in advance. CroisiEurope cruises are also more affordable and offer closed-loop cruises where you start and end in the same destination, which is not something that most other river cruise lines offer for Christmas market cruises.

If you're looking for a more active cruise, consider AmaWaterways, where bikes are always available to use in port. On the Danube Christmas Markets tour, you can bike from Weissenkirchen to Melk, passing picturesque villages and vineyards.

Viking is known to be slower-paced than its competitors, with a relaxed vibe. Guest won't have as many choices of activities off or on the ship. The included tours are mostly walking tours.

Related: AmaWaterways vs. Viking: Which of these popular river cruise lines is right for you?

How do I get a good deal on a Christmas market cruise?

Because of the short season for Christmas market river cruises, getting a deal can prove to be a challenge. The best way to get a deal is to book early.

It's common for people to book a Christmas market cruise a year or more in advance. Some companies will offer a discounted deposit for those who book early, and others will offer monetary savings for booking well in advance. Look for wave season (January through March) or Black Friday, Cyber Monday and Travel Tuesday deals for river cruise discounts or other promotional offers.

Related: Booking your first river cruise? Here's what you need to know

Do Christmas cruises sell out?

Yes, Christmas cruises can and do sell out. Most riverboats only hold 100 to 200 passengers. The best way to ensure you get the type of cabin and sailing date that you want is to book early.

The more desirable balcony and suite rooms often sell out first, followed by rooms with only upper windows. Cruises that take place in the middle of the season, meaning the first two to three weeks of December, are often more popular than the last week of November or the week of Christmas since some markets might not be open at those times.

Related: These are the best Christmas cruises you can book

How cold is Europe in winter?

The weather is, of course, determined by when and where you're going. Middle and Eastern Europe is often colder than Western Europe, the latter of which has a milder winter season. The later in the Christmas market season you travel, the more likely you are to get rain or snow since winter is setting in across the continent.

On my Viking river cruise from Budapest to Passau in Eastern Europe, the winter weather varied from days with cold rain where I needed to bundle up with extra waterproof layers, to beautiful sunny days where I could strip off my winter jacket for a few hours while touring the Christmas markets.

I used the weather app on my phone to help me determine what to pack. Even 10 days out from my trip, the app was fairly accurate with what the temperatures would be, which ranged from the 20s to the high 40s, and what the day would look like.

What should I wear on my river cruise?

Packing for a river cruise in the middle of winter was the most challenging part of the trip for me. Not only did I have to buy winter clothes since I live in Florida, but I needed to make sure I brought enough layers to keep me warm.

For days exploring the ports, I wore jeans and waterproof boots with long cozy socks, plus a thermal long-sleeved shirt under a sweater. I also brought a midweight puffy winter jacket to wear off the ship. Accessories like a warm hat or ear warmers, gloves and a scarf were also helpful.

Depending on the river cruise line you book, the onboard attire may range from casual to a little more fancy. During the day on Viking, many people wore jeans or sweatpants and a casual shirt. Evenings brought out the more elevated fashion; women donned cute sweaters and dresses, while men dressed in jeans and nicer tops or sweaters.

If you can, I suggest bringing at least two pairs of outdoor shoes in case your waterproof shoes can't handle the snow or a few days of rain in a row. I brought a pair of fleece-lined Crocs to wear off the ship in a few ports where the weather was warmer with no precipitation.

Related: River cruise packing list: What to pack when traveling by riverboat

When should I arrive at the embarkation port?

Always try to arrive at least a day early for any river cruise, especially if you're flying overseas. For some river cruises, the embarkation port is just that, a place to get on the ship and leave. If you arrive the day your cruise begins, you could miss out on exploring the city.

Even if your Christmas market river cruise does have an overnight stay in the embarkation city with tours the next day, it's still best to arrive a day early. Travel days from the United States to Europe can be unpredictable, with delays and missed connections, so you should give yourself plenty of time to get to the ship so you don't miss it.

Some river cruise lines offer pre-cruise extensions that you can bundle with the cruise booking and allow you to arrive early at the embarkation port. These extensions include a hotel stay, and some include a few meals and a guided tour, plus transfers from the airport to the hotel and from the hotel to the ship.

Are the markets all the same?

Every Christmas market is different in the overall vibe and what it has to offer for visitors. Do some research before you leave home to see what the highlight of each Christmas market is. I did a lot of my research on TikTok and Instagram so I could see what the person was talking about.

In Budapest, the Christmas market in the square in front of St. Stephen's Basilica was a good mix of crafts, decorations and tasty food to try. On the other hand, the Christmas market in Bratislava was more of a food market with just a few stalls for buying goodies to bring home with you.

My favorite Christmas market was the one at City Hall in Vienna, which happens to be one of the most popular in Europe. It had everything from ice skating and photo-worthy backdrops to prepackaged sweets and plenty of Christmas decorations to try to fit into my already full suitcase.

What are the best things to buy at European Christmas markets?

Popular things to buy at Christmas markets throughout Europe include nativity scenes, handmade toys, nutcrackers, candles and glass or wood ornaments. If something catches your eye, buy it; there's no guarantee you'll find a similar item at the next market.

For example, in Vienna, I spotted a gold beaded ornament that I loved, and I bought it for about 10 euros (about $10.86). I never saw any other beaded ornaments at the Christmas markets before or after Vienna, so I was glad I purchased it when I saw it.

Do make sure that you're buying local products. On my Viking cruise, we were told that some markets are starting to sell mass-produced goods from China. If you want to support local artisans, ask the vendor or look for stickers that say where the products were made.

What should I eat or drink at each market?

Eating and drinking is a key component of the Christmas market experience. Each market sells an abundance of food, and the food options change from town to town.

Before you cruise, make a list of regional foods you wish to try in each market. Once at the market, look around to see which food stands are popular with locals. Follow their lead because they likely know who has the best treats.

Here are my favorite sweet and savory treats from each Christmas market I visited on my Viking cruise.

• Budapest: chimney cake rolled in crushed hazelnuts
• Bratislava: pork and garlic spiral sausage, potato pancakes similar to latkes but the size of a dinner plate
• Vienna: Champagne cream-filled donut
• Linz: raclette cheese on toasted bread
• Passau: cheese, ham and onion sengzelten (a sort of flatbread with toppings), traditional German bratwurst

Drinking at Christmas markets around Europe normally means getting a hot glass of glühwein, which is mulled wine made with red wine, spices and fruit. The drink is normally served in cute mugs that you can keep as a fun and cheap souvenir. If you don't want to keep your mug, you can return it and get back a euro or two.

What else can I do in each market besides shop?

Each Christmas market is different, and the things to do besides shopping are also varied.

Most of the larger markets, like the ones in Bratislava and Budapest, have live music playing from a bandstand that you can enjoy. In Budapest, the market near St. Stephen's Basilica had a projection show on the exterior of the church, too.

While touring one of the Linz markets, I stumbled upon a small carnival where rides and games were set up for kids to enjoy. Then in Vienna, the City Hall Christmas market had an ice skating rink that was popular with families and couples.

Related: Are river cruises right for kids?

What times do the markets open and close?

Generally, the Christmas markets open in midmorning, anywhere from 9 to 10 a.m., and close between 8 p.m. and 9 p.m. Some markets will open earlier, and some will close later.

The best way to know the times of each market you're visiting is to do a quick internet search close to the time of your river cruise. Put the name of the city and the words "Christmas Market hours" into your preferred online search tool to get the operational hours for each market.

Do you need cash for the Christmas markets?

You should always carry some cash with you for the Christmas markets. While many of the vendors will take credit cards or Apple Pay, others only want cash.

It's also a good idea to know the currency of each destination you're going to. For example, in Hungary, euros are not accepted anywhere, so I exchanged dollars for Hungarian forints to use at the Christmas market.

What can I do in each city before or after the Christmas market?

Your river cruise will offer an included tour every day. On my Viking river cruise, each day's included tour was a walking tour of the city to point out historic landmarks and show people how to get to the Christmas markets.

After a few days, I found the walking tours somewhat repetitive. They all showed off the major church in the city center and described how the city navigated various wars. The guides make or break the tours, and you never know who you'll get. So I used the tours to help navigate to the city center, then ventured off on my own with my travel companion. We used walking directions on Google Maps as a way to get to destinations we were interested in and to get back to the ship once we were ready to warm up for a while.

River cruises include a lot of perks, including docking right at the edge of most of the towns you visit. This means that in many destinations, you can walk from the ship to the middle of town in mere minutes. Before or after visiting the Christmas market, you can spend your time exploring the city, dining in a local restaurant, sipping hot coffee in a cafe or popping into shops.

For larger destinations like Vienna, Paris or Amsterdam, you might want to do extra research on what there is to do in the city for free or at a discount. Many museums offer free or discounted entry on select days or to select ages.

Bottom line

If you've ever wanted to explore European Christmas markets, a river cruise is an easy way to do it. Many of the best river cruise brands and guided group tour companies offer Christmas markets river cruises throughout Europe.

You'll make the most of your vacation if you do a little bit of research to determine what there is to do in each city before or after your market visit, which local foods you should try and what to shop for at the markets themselves.

No matter which river you traverse, cruise line you pick, or Christmas markets you visit, you'll be able to immerse yourself in European holiday culture, learning about the food and drink specialties of the places you visit and how each destination celebrates the holidays. And since you're on a river cruise, you can experience multiple cities and countries while someone else does the navigation for you, and you only have to unpack once.

Planning a cruise? Start with these stories:

• The 5 most desirable cabin locations on any cruise ship
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• The ultimate guide to what to pack for a cruise
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Hot Topic: Surprise Cruise Reveal Ideas

Viking Christmas River Cruise with Dazzling Markets Along the Danube

There’s a charm during the holiday season in Europe unlike any other place I've experienced, which I saw through the lens of a Viking Christmas River Cruise. A magical ambiance fills the region with smiling and laughing patrons, enjoying glühwein and each other’s company in historic squares and small streets in old villages.

During one such season, I was lucky enough to board a Viking ship on a river cruise that sailed along the Danube River . It stopped at charming cities of all sizes with dazzling Christmas markets.

Disclosure: There are affiliate links in this post, which means we may earn a small commission if you click the link and proceed with a purchase,  at no cost to you . We truly only recommend hotels, products, and services we personally use. As Amazon Associates, we earn from qualifying purchases.

Table of Contents

A Winter River Cruise in the Spirit of Christmas

Cruising in Europe during winter may sound like an oxymoron. But Viking proved that cruising isn't just for laying out on the top deck with tropical destinations on an itinerary. (There are benefits to cruising in any season, and winter provides beautiful holiday sparkle wherever you go.)

There’s one thing you get in December in Europe that you can’t get any other time in any other place: European Christmas Markets. And they are amazing!

Christmas River Cruise Route along the Danube

The route we took was called the Romantic Danube, and included stops in the following places:

• Budapest, Hungary
• Vienna, Austria
• Krems, Austria
• Passau, Germany
• Regensburg, Germany
• Nuremberg, Germany

I met my friend Julie Deily, of The Little Kitchen, in Budapest to board the Viking Atla river cruise ship.

We started in Budapest, which is a gorgeous place to begin. The lights on their parliament building are particularly spectacular at night; it was great the scene from on the Danube River , aboard the Viking cruise ship.

Our River Cruise Viking Ship: Atla

The Viking Atla was our vessel for our Christmas River Cruise. Don't forget that the sun sets significantly earlier during December in Europe than during the summer months, like July and August. About three to four hours earlier.

So by the time we got back to the ship the first day – after dropping our luggage off in the morning, touring around the city and returning for dinner – it was already dark. Our next day was really the first day I was able to see the ship in sunlight and view its beauty.

We arrived to the warmth and glow of the lights inside the ship; isn't it romantic to see the ship this way with string lights twinkling atop reflecting in the river? It was especially nice to see limited yet tasteful holiday decorations – like wreaths with red bows and green garland – adorning the inside of the ship.

Don't forget to pack European outlet converters for your cabin aboard the ship!

We appreciated its clean Scandinavian design, from our stateroom to the river cruise ship's grand staircase, and common areas.

The top of the staircase looked towards a warm, cozy common area. Some board games were stashed there for guests that were great to play during the evenings.

There were more games at the top of the ship: a little golf putting green and shuffleboard.

Christmas River Cruise Start: Budapest, Hungary

The cruise begins in Budapest. You're able to fly into the city, of course, but I extended the trip beforehand in Munich and Stuttgart, Germany. (Since I had to leave the cruise early I wanted to make the most of my time in Europe.) I flew to Budapest from Munich to start the Christmas river cruise.

Arriving to Budapest Early

I spent the two nights before I was able to board the Viking Atla at an Air BnB on the river (coincidentally, not far from where the ship was docked) and touring Budapest.

It was great to see the city's sites and incredible markets. They were all around and very easy to walk to from the ship. My Christmas market favorites were consistently the beautifully illuminated concession stands. I loved the lights, the decorations, and the holiday colors.

The Budapest Christmas markets sold things like marzipan sweets made from almond paste, strudel cakes (from cherry to peach, apple, and strawberry), to smoked salmon slow-cooked for hours, and Hungarian goulash in bread bowls. There were also plenty of wooden toys and craft keepsakes to purchase.

Seeing the Sites in Budapest

We were able to visit several sites in Budapest including the famous Parliament building on the “Pest” side of the river the day the cruise started. And we toured the area around the famous Buda Castle on the “Buda” side of the river as well.

Before we left Hungary and sailed for Vienna we were able to go to the Great Market Hall. It's also known as Central Market Hall , and is a huge food market in Budapest that was built in the 1890s. ( We love a good food market .)

We were lucky enough to try a local favorite, called Hungarian Langos. It is fried dough that is covered with toppings of your choosing, most traditionally sour cream and cheese, which is exactly how I had it. (I still crave it! And I haven't had it since because I haven't found it anywhere in the United States.)

I had some leftover local currency that I wanted to spend before we left the country. So I bought some Hungarian Paprika, a spice they're known for. (And I ended up buying it again when we returned for a Danube River Cruise with Emerald Cruises in late October.)

Currency in Hungary is different than the currency you'll need for Austria and Germany. Hungarian Forints are needed in Hungary, and then you'll need Euros for the remainder of the cruise. Credit cards work almost anywhere, especially after the pandemic prompted more cash-only businesses to start accepting cards. But it's always best to keep some cash on hand too.

I used it a ton after the trip, constantly making my favorite Hungarian mushroom soup recipe , which I specifically discovered to use the paprika. (The word, “paprika,” is Hungarian.)

Next Stop on the Danube River: Vienna, Austria

Vienna was a city I'd been looking forward to visiting for many years. Yet, I admit, we only saw a limited amount of it because it was so frigidly cold we could barely stand being outside!

We hopped between indoor and outdoor spaces hoping the wind would subside so we could enjoy the outdoor Christmas markets yet have our body temperature stay warm.

Luckily there were great options to explore indoors too. We were outside, then went inside, then outside, then back inside, repeat, repeat… Luckily the wind eventually died down.

After being outdoors for a bit to walk around Schönbrunn Palace and a nearby park, we switched to see the inside of Vienna's St. Stephen's Cathedral . We warmed up afterwards with hot cappuccinos and cookies at a beautiful coffee shop called Konditorei Demel .

Visting a Candy Maker in Vienna

One of my favorite stops of the entire trip was visiting a candy shop that had me in awe of its bite-size creations. It's worth a stop at Zuckerl Werkstatt ; they still create their beautiful hard candies by hand. I felt like I was in a room at Willy Wonka's home!

It was really neat to see a candy maker expertly work a pile of yellow tinted hot sugar over and over again, and watch it turn to solid white in front of our eyes. We learned the air helps change its color.

I even bought a candy souvenir for Dan. It was one of my first gifts for him, as it was early on in our relationship. (Later on I'd learn that sweets aren't really his thing! Haha.)

Christmas Markets in Vienna

Exploring the Christmas markets of Vienna most near the city center, with mugs of hot glühwein, was in order when we left the candy store. We nestled around new friends we met on the cruise and talked about the day. By this time the holiday lights were starting to turn on as daytime turned to night.

It's entertaining to see the different mug designs each European Christmas market has. They're all different. You pay a small fee for the mug that is given back to you if you return the mug to the vendors. Or, you can collect the mugs as souvenirs.

I was pleased to venture to visit another holiday market in front of their city hall, or Rathaus , before we headed back to the ship.

I just love “maroni” on a winter day in Europe. Maroni is simply chestnuts , for us westerners…roasting on an open fire, as the holiday song goes. You can buy a bag of chestnuts for just a few euros, which is all you need.

Warm alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages flow at the markets and the sounds of holiday choirs and music fill the air.

There are food vendors selling bratwurst (a personal favorite) and pretzels, craftsmen selling wooden nativity scenes and ornaments, and tables casually scattered about the streets and sidewalks between kiosks for patrons to use to converse with friends, relax and people watch.

Vienna has so many different pockets of Christmas markets. But the two I visited were a delightful look into their culture during the holidays and left me with a reason to go back one day: to explore more of the Vienna Christmas markets and explore the city more entirely.

Viking Events Coordination in Vienna

Viking had scheduled a cooking class for us, creating traditional Viennese crepes with a berry reduction to go with it during the afternoon. It was the perfect indoor activity for us to warm up and have a sweet little Viennese snack.

Later that night, I enjoyed a performance showcasing Mozart and Strauss, arranged specifically for guests of the Viking cruise that evening. The Vienna Residence Orchestra was there, live, and their singers were of the highest caliber.

Sailing on the Danube River

One of the great things about sailing on the Danube between Hungary and Germany is you get to see fairy tale scenes like the image below, of a random castle on the side of the river.

We saw a lot of industrial scenery aboard our Emerald River Cruise in The Netherlands , which was great in its own way. But the views along the Danube River are, indeed, very romantic. As is the stargazing in the evening on the top deck. (Don't forget to download a stargazing app for the cruise on your phone before you leave for your trip!)

We learned we were experiencing a UNESCO World Heritage Site called Wachau, when we sailed the stretch of the Danube River between Melk and Krems, Austria.

This valley is noteworthy for its medieval landscape along the river, which is historically significant for its agriculture, architecture, and settlements.

Romantic Danube River Stop at Krems, Austria

Krems, Austria is a charming European area filled with rolling hills of vineyards. Grapes for some wines served onboard Viking were from this area, perhaps not coincidentally.

The most famous attraction here was Benediktinerstift Göttweig , an abbey run by a few dozen monks situated on top of the hill. Needless to say the view from there is spectacular, especially at night. The abbey fresco, staircase and bookcases are not to miss.

We were there just before sunset so we were able to see it with some natural sun and then with sparkling lights in the town below as we exited after dark.

Charming Holiday Markets in Passau, Germany on Our Christmas River Cruise

When we woke up in Germany we had just docked in Passau. The view was one of a misty morning, with the city's colorful buildings lining the Danube. It perfectly reflected on the water.

This was one of my favorite scenes of the trip.

I immediately left the ship to begin exploring the small, quaint European town. (I couldn't have known at the time that a couple of years later I would photograph a groom from Passau, in his New York wedding. He was shocked I had previously been to his Bavarian town, all thanks to a Viking River Cruise.)

The city center is just steps from where the ship docks, watched over by St. Stephen's Cathedral . The baroque building towers above the town square, where the Christmas markets are.

Inside the cathedral is an ornate and beautiful interior filled with frescoes and interesting architectural details.

After I exited St. Stephen's, I walked around the town a bit. Passau is also known as the “City of Three Rivers,” because it's where 3 rivers converge. It was fun to wander around to see many waterfront scenes in the city.

By the time I was back in the town center, the market vendors were opening for business. I opted for an early bratwurst sandwich for lunch before I sadly had to leave the cruise to go to the airport.

The ship continued on to Regensburg, Germany and the Christmas market river cruise ended in Nuremberg.

What to Pack if You're Sailing with Viking During Christmas

That's just the tip of the iceberg and the appeal of cruising with Viking for a Christmas river cruise. Late November and December are a lovely time to experience the holiday spirit through the Christmas Markets set up in Europe. It's a joy to participate in the festivities at each port.

You'll gain memories at each destination along your river cruise, along with the warmth and love that the holiday season brings. And that is something you can't get on any other sailing besides a Christmas time river cruise.

Gone is the need to “look good in a bathing suit” for a winter cruise! You can eat all the yummy, delicious foods you want because you're in sweaters and a heavy winter jacket anyway. Haha!

But don't forget to pack gloves, a warm hat, scarf and a heavy coat. You'll need it! We also recommend bringing quality lotion to keep your skin moisturized since the air is very dry in Europe in December, and Chapstick too.

You may also want to pack an expandable bag as well because you may buy a bunch of amazingly unique, local items at the holiday markets. And you'll need a way to bring them back home on the plane!

Going on a river cruise? Also check out:

• 26 Helpful Things to Know your First Time on a River Cruise
• Quick-Reference Guide to Cruising on the Danube River (including Prices)
• River Cruise vs Ocean Cruise: What’s the Difference?

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• River Cruising

Christmas market river cruise on Viking 2021

By Jaxinator , November 13, 2020 in River Cruising

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Looking for comments on the Christmas Markets on Viking.  Looking at the Paris to Zurich itinerary which starts cruising in Trier.  My husband was born in Trier so I really want us to take this tour.  Do all the stops have markets you can visit as well as still doing the excursions?   

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I've never been on a Viking river cruise, nor have I been on a Christmas Market cruise.  I checked Viking's website, and here's what it says:

Highlights of Christmas Market Cruises

Viking holiday departures complement your itinerary’s regular highlights with visits to Europe’s delightful Christmas markets , onboard festivities and more. Join us in exploring the lands where our most cherished holiday traditions began and treat yourself to a true European Christmas. Here is a preview of all you will enjoy during a Christmas Market cruise with Viking®:

• Exuberantly decorated Christmas markets nestled in charming cities
• Yuletide cookies, cakes and other freshly baked treats
• Cobblestone streets illuminated by holiday lights
• The angelic songs of strolling carolers
• Storybook villages and snow-capped castles on the riverside
• Hand-carved toys and ornaments from Christmases past
• Onboard music performances, tree trimming and cooking demonstrations
• Good tidings and cheer shared with rosy-cheeked market vendors

Based on this, I assume passengers are given time to explore the local Christmas markets.

3 hours ago, Roz said: I've never been on a Viking river cruise, nor have I been on a Christmas Market cruise.  I checked Viking's website, and here's what it says:   Highlights of Christmas Market Cruises   Viking holiday departures complement your itinerary’s regular highlights with visits to Europe’s delightful Christmas markets , onboard festivities and more. Join us in exploring the lands where our most cherished holiday traditions began and treat yourself to a true European Christmas. Here is a preview of all you will enjoy during a Christmas Market cruise with Viking®: Exuberantly decorated Christmas markets nestled in charming cities Yuletide cookies, cakes and other freshly baked treats Cobblestone streets illuminated by holiday lights The angelic songs of strolling carolers Storybook villages and snow-capped castles on the riverside Hand-carved toys and ornaments from Christmases past Onboard music performances, tree trimming and cooking demonstrations Good tidings and cheer shared with rosy-cheeked market vendors Based on this, I assume passengers are given time to explore the local Christmas markets.

I've been on several.  Most of the bigger cities have everyday Christmas Markets and Viking gives you time to check them out. Be aware most Christmas Markets start around the first Sunday in Advent--however there is a day during that first day of Advent when they will be closed (refer to Notamermaid).

Now, I will take a cruise in November and then when I get off say in Passau or Nurnberg etc it will be time to start the Christmas Markets, and then I do a land trip to various cities and Christmas Markets.

Let's hope all Christmas Markets are on next year and COVID is a thing of Christmas past.

I have used this web site - http://www.germany-christmas-market.org.uk/ yes it is for 2019, but it lists many markets and their opening days as well as times. It may help with your planning. I knew ahead of time that at one place we would be there in the morning and the market was only in the evening. 

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My View from the Middle Seat

Travel Advice for DINK Couples

Cruise Review: A Journey Down the Danube on the Viking Jarl

December 20, 2016

We are back from our incredible Christmas Market Cruise journey down the Danube on Viking River Cruises! River cruising is so different than ocean cruising, I think we’re both still trying to wrap our heads around it (& catch up from jet lag!). But there’s one thing we both definitely agreed on: the Viking Jarl made a fantastic home for seven days.

One of Viking’s 35 river ships, the Jarl was designed to traverse the rivers of the world, which means it’s long, low & sleek. The ship is decorated in Scandinavian style, with light wood, frosted glass & calming neutrals throughout. The main public areas of the ship include the light-filled two-story atrium (with the reception desk, library & internet cafe, public seating areas & coffee stations), the passenger lounge (the largest space on the ship), the glass-enclosed terrace (& amazing deck) all the way in the front of the ship, the dining room & the top deck, which spans the length of the ship. All the public rooms have floor to ceiling windows, offering scenic views as the ship moves along the river.

The crew, small but mighty, was incredible! From the Program Director Cornelia (basically the cruise director, on a traditional ocean vessel), to the friendly reception desk staff, to the excellent dining room staff (shout outs to Efran, Ruth & Carmen), the crew of 50 worked hard throughout the journey, but always with a smile, often greeting us by name.

The ship was festively, but tastefully, decorated for the holidays. There were three Christmas trees scattered around the ship (one of the trees had ornaments decorated by the passengers), lots of lighted green garland & even a little gingerbread house village.

Our initial impression of our Veranda Stateroom (#317) stuck with us throughout the trip: small but well organized, with a calming color scheme. The bed was large, with two twin beds pushed together, as was the flat screen TV that hung on the wall, full of news stations (CNN, CNBC, BBC) & movies which were selected to match the itinerary ( Sound of Music & Amadeus , anyone?). There are three decks of passenger rooms (95 rooms total); ours was on the top. We did get some noise from the wheelhouse moving up & down on the roof above us, but it wasn’t too bad. Our room also had a small balcony, which would have been perfect in warmer weather (we did pop out there once or twice to watch us going through a lock).

The bathroom was the best we’ve had in quite a while on a cruise, with ample shower space with glass doors, higher end toiletries & plenty of spots for storage. Our toilet seemed to be a bit “off” during parts of the trip & there was often an unpleasant odor when we were cruising, but from what I understand that was normal & just part of life on the river. Most importantly, the towels were huge & fluffy & the hot water ample.

After being burned so many times by traditional dining on ocean cruises, we were eager to try something different. On the Jarl, meals were served in the dining room by breakfast buffet, one lunch seating & one dinner seating. Lighter meals were also offered daily on the terrace (we had lunch up there one day & it was lovely). All seating in the dining room is open, which means we got the opportunity to meet many of our fellow passengers. Beer & wine is included with your meal at lunch & dinner, & we enjoyed trying local wines & beers from along our itinerary. Carmen, our wine steward, was rather heavy handed with the pours!

The food was somewhat hit or miss – about 90% of it was pretty good, 5% not so good & 5% exemplary. Some of my favorite bites included the regionally-appropriate cookies baked daily, the pecan pastries at breakfast, soups (which changed daily & were all fantastic), beef wellington, lamb shank & lamb with pumpkin ravioli. Portions might be a bit small, depending on what you’re used to – especially compared to most restaurants in the U.S.

Guests were often greeted with a snack or a beverage when returning from an excursion as well. The Mozart Drinks (Kahlua & peppermint) & mulled wine were especially welcoming! While there is no room service, like on a traditional ocean cruise, there was a 24 hour coffee station with complimentary espresso drinks, coffee & tea.

The Romantic Danube itinerary took us to three new countries: Hungary, Austria & Germany – such a beautiful part of Europe! We started in Budapest, Hungary & cruised to two places in Austria ( Vienna & Krems) & three places in Germany (Passau, Regensburg & Nuremberg). The day we were docked in Passau, we took a Viking sponsored trip back into Austria to visit Salzburg . In addition, the day we were docked in Regensburg, some passengers took a trip to Munich. Being December, the primary focus of our trip was Europe’s famous Christmas Markets & they definitely didn’t disappoint! From the festive Christkindl Market in Vienna, to the quiet Advent Market tucked into a courtyard in Salzburg, to one of Europe’s largest markets in Nuremberg, each market had its own flavor, food, mulled wine & flare.

While we visited every city we were scheduled to, we quickly learned after boarding that the schedule on the river is a bit different than the schedule on the ocean. Because of the number of locks along the Danube (& many rivers in Europe), the schedule is a bit fluid to allow for delays. In addition, river cruise ships don’t move very fast, which meant we had a lot of ground to cover each day. Often, we would get off the ship in one city, the ship would leave & we’d take a shuttle bus at the end of our tour to meet the ship upriver a bit. This led to a lot more time on charter coaches than we had anticipated & a bit less time in each port than we anticipated – we assumed that the ship would be docked in port for a full day, like on an ocean cruise. It all worked out in the end for the most part (we ended up skipping a tour we had originally signed up for to have more time to visit a Christmas market; however, the refund process with Viking has been fairly painless), but I wish we had known about it ahead of time.

Post-cruise, I traveled with Viking from Nuremberg to Prague . The four hour coach bus ride was comfortable & very convenient. Viking offers a complete post-cruise Prague excursion, including airport transfers, a city tour & the hotel, but I decided to venture out on my own & to stay closer to the center of the Old Town .

Fellow Passengers

We were most nervous about this aspect of our cruise, as we had heard rumors that we would be significantly younger than all the other passengers on board (& had sometimes experienced this on ocean cruises). The good news for us is that, while we were the youngest couple on board, it was not by a significant amount. I’d estimate that most of the other passengers were between their mid-to-late 50s to their early 70s (a young 70s though!). I was impressed at how well traveled the majority of our fellow passengers were – many had done all of Europe, Asia, Africa, South America & one was even planning a trip to Antarctica. Several of them asked us point blank why young people would go on a river cruise, but all of them were kind & seemed to welcome us aboard. The majority of the passengers were from the U.S. & U.K.

On a daily basis, there were several activities that took place: a complimentary tour in each port with a local guide, a daily briefing on the next day’s itinerary & port, & some sort of evening entertainment. The local tours were, for the most part, fantastic. Guides were well versed to an encyclopedic level on their town & I always learned something interesting in each tour. Most of the tours were walking tours, which was a great way to stretch our legs & see the town; when we were in Vienna, we were even able to join a tour that took the subway system into town!

Each afternoon was a daily briefing on an interesting aspect of the next day’s port – coffeehouses in Vienna, Christmas market shopping in Nuremberg – & sometimes even included a bonus talk on our journey (on the Danube-Rhine-Main Canal or on the ship itself). In the evening, we had several appearances by local performers, all of who were excellent. Our first night in Budapest, we were joined by members of the Hungarian opera, who sang both tradition opera arias & Christmas songs. The evening of the ship’s big “Taste of Bavaria” dinner, a local musicians playing a clarinet & accordion provided entertainment during dinner, followed by a Christmas sing-along with the crew. The last evening, we were joined by opera sings from Nuremberg. Having local entertainment really added to the flavor of the trip.

Embarkation/Debarkation

The arrival & departure process, as with everything on our trip, was well-handled by Viking & extremely organized. At embarkation, a porter met us at the curb & took our bags. We walked right onto the ship & up to the reception desk, where we were checked in with a simple swipe of the passport. Then a staff member took us to our room – super easy & painless. Debarkation was similarly easy: our luggage didn’t have to be outside our room until an hour before departure & all departures were scheduled based on where passengers were headed next. B caught a transfer bus to the Nuremberg airport & an hour later I left for Prague. Once at the Nuremberg airport, a Viking representative took passengers all the way to the check-in counter & made sure that everyone was on their way.

Overall: Viking Christmas Market Cruise Review

We really enjoyed our time on the Viking Jarl. I’m still not 100% convinced that river cruising is for me, but if we do another river cruise, it will definitely be on Viking. I know we’re not Viking’s target demographic – that’s our parents & grandparents – but I think, on the right itinerary, a river cruise is the perfect vacation, regardless of your age. It was truly luxury cruising, where no detail was too small or overlooked.

Know if you go…. 

– unlike many other cruises we’ve been on, we did not feel like we were nickle & dimed at all on this trip, largely because so much is included in your fare. Beer & wine at meals, high speed wifi (which actually worked pretty well the majority of the time), tours in every port – all included.

– while house beer & wine were included, if you have strong preferences or drink a lot of cocktails, the Silver Star beverage package is likely worth your money. We didn’t order anything from the bar, but the wine, beer & cocktail menus all looked nice.

– dress code was a bit more casual than most of the cruises we’ve been on. Even in the dining room, dark jeans & slacks were the norm, especially in the colder months. We spent most of the trip in our winter coats, hats & gloves! Good shoes are a must (we wore our hiking shoes most of the time).

– here’s a tip on the cookies at the coffee station, which I learned from a friend who had previously cruised: cookies are fresh baked & generally available until around 4pm. If you’re going to be in the mood for a midnight snack, take a few to keep in your room for later.

Note: we were guests of Viking River Cruises on our journey; as always, all opinions are my own. 

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Reader interactions.

December 20, 2016 at 9:35 pm

Thanks for the great review Christina! Not sure that a huge Caribbean Cruise is my thing, but I have thought about river cruising. I figured that you guys would likely be the youngest, but I guess there is no harm in that. I find that most people our age are not into the same things as we are because they have kids, so they are likely traveling to Disney and the like. My husband and I enjoy sleeping in a bit, nice meals, good coffee, beer and wine and seeing the area for what it really is, in addition to some of your typical touristy stuff. You definitely gave me something to think about for the future, but it might be a while. Gotta check off a few other places first. :)

December 21, 2016 at 11:35 am

I totally agree with your assessment – we can definitely travel differently than people our age because we don’t have kids (Viking doesn’t actually allow children on board, which is so nice).

I will say this though: this was not a sleeping in itinerary! We were up most days between 6am – 7am, as the majority of our walking tours started between 8am – 9am. There’s a reason I skipped breakfast many days :)

January 1, 2017 at 9:56 pm

Wow. That’s definitely an early start for us, but we could do it if we had to. Did you look into any other cruise lines before settling on Viking?

December 22, 2016 at 4:27 pm

Cruise virgin here but I’ve always wondered how travellers can spend a week on a boat. Seeing how spacious the rooms are and reading what there is to do, I can see how!

December 22, 2016 at 6:02 pm

You actually don’t spend much time on the boat, honestly! Or, I should say, you spend as much time as you choose. Some cruises, I’ve loved just sitting around & reading five (5!) books. Some cruises, I love getting out there & exploring.

March 4, 2017 at 10:46 am

Interesting to see how different the Viking ships are from Ama. I’d love to try out a cruise to see how they compare!

March 4, 2017 at 11:21 am

I too would love to try other river cruise lines to see how they compare! I’m sure they each have their own personality, & I’ve heard nothing but good things about Ama.

March 4, 2017 at 5:13 pm

I traveled with Viking for the first time in the Spring last year and we did the Rhine River. Since I had my mom with me, it was a great mix of people closer to my age and closer to hers. I wouldn’t do it solo and I know my partner wouldn’t enjoy a Viking Cruise with me. But I thought it was the perfect journey for a mother/daughter when the daughter is in her mid thirties. In fact, I’d love her and I to do this cruise too since we’re both fans of Christmas Markets. Loved the honestly of your write up lady!

March 4, 2017 at 5:35 pm

Thanks so much! I’ve thought a lot about this after we got back & I think it would be the absolutely perfect mother/daughter journey (I’ve actually been thinking about taking my Dad!). I think it’s all in what you’re comfortable with – we’re the oldest 34 year olds in the world, so the older clientele may have bothered them more than it bothered us!

July 18, 2018 at 11:12 am

I could not open your link of spending a day In Salzburg so I will ask you questions…We are interested in the Viking river cruise optional day in Salzburg but cannot find any reviews of it. Could you help me out and give me your personal view. Thank you

July 18, 2018 at 5:47 pm

Hi Susie –

Sorry about that! My blog post on Salzburg is here .

Basic overview: it was a great intro to Salzburg and the guided tour was great. I wish we had more time to explore on our own (& actually skipped the tour-provided lunch to have more solo exploring time). It is a lot of time on a coach bus back & forth to the ship, which was the biggest bummer part about it. In addition, I heard that Passau was lovely, so I’m disappointed to have missed that; however, if you’re a Sound of Music fan & haven’t been to the city before, I think it is worth it!

Hope that helps – let me know if I can answer any other questions!

Happy travels, Christina

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Christmas Markets on a Viking River Cruise

Story & photos by Neil Wolkodoff

Christmas may be the most magical time in Europe, and the best way to see both Europe and these festive events is a river cruise. Viking Cruises has been perfecting this itinerary longer than anyone in Europe (since 1997) and is expert at blending culture, history and an abundance of Christmas cheer. The market season in Europe runs from about November 30 to December 22, essentially three weeks to taste, celebrate and learn. 

The ideal way to start a Rhine Getaway at Christmas is to spend three days in Amsterdam before embarkation. Viking has hotel packages, and Amsterdam is easy to navigate with their “ I amsterdam” City Card . You can also pick a hotel by city region and then zip around to your interest areas using the same transport pass, which also includes many local discounts and added attractions, like museums.

Like most cruises, there is a range of times you can get to the ship, then meet and greet the crew while finding your cabin. The cabins are more substantial than anticipated. Moreover, here, the operative concept is to rest up and go, so you aren’t in the cabin that much. The ship is well appointed with the main restaurant, and a large bar/lounge and an extensive top deck for viewing. The cuisine rotates by region and city, expect some specialties of that town every night with regular favorites. Given the 190 passengers and the diversity of tastes, Viking has mastered the art of blending great regional food with solid favorites, like the grilled ribeye.

The first night, after check-in, there is more meeting and bar greeting. Viking is small enough you can meet all the other passengers in conversations, meals or mingling and that is the main focus of the first night as the ship sets sail. Viking is about meaningful interaction with other guests, the staff and the culture and history of each stop along the way. On most days, the ship sails at night then docks during the day for exploration. Each night, each cabin receives a detailed overview of the next stop complete with key sites, tours, docking, and departure information. 

The included tours are more than adequate, which presents the essential history, landmarks and cultural nuances of that city. Each stop has at least one added, extra charge tour for the more adventurous of those sailing with Viking a second or third time. Viking is very picky about tour guides in each city, they have to be experts in their area, and undergo extensive training and periodic reviews. Hop off in the morning, go as directed, and Viking has done all the planning from transportation to the specific itinerary for the day, you just provide a little personal locomotion on the tour. You don’t miss a word tour-wise because each tour guide is connected to each participant with a unique wireless headset.

On and off the ship is easy as it’s always the second deck, and Viking has some of the best docking locations in each city. The included maps pinpoint your exact dock location, interesting local landmarks, and markets, so a walking tour on your own is secure.

Day 1: Windmills and More Windmills. Kinderdijk is the most famous windmill town in Holland, and you get a living history lesson on windmills and their importance to land reclamation in early Holland. A UNESCO World Heritage Site, the original 150 windmills are now down to 19 in Kinderdijk. A fantastic display of hydraulic technology from almost 200 years ago.

Day 2: Cologne, Germany. Germany celebrates Christmas like no other nation in Europe, so abundant Christmas markets appear to pop up every few blocks. Each market has a special gluhwein mug, just purchase and refill at a nominal rate during your walk. Here the included tour takes you to Old Town, the Cathedral and St. Martin’s Church. If you want to toast with the best of them, the evening excursion is an immersion in Cologne’s Beer Culture and Dinner.

Day 3: Koblenz & Rudesheim, Germany. The morning trek is up to the 700-year-old Marksburg Castle, then do a guided sailing for the afternoon seeing castles and their stories. Once the ship docks in Rudesheim, you are further entrenched in the history of romanticism with storybook villages, renown Riesling and chardonnays. The additional tour features a wine tasting and dinner at the Eberbach estate.

Day 4: Heidelberg & Speyer, Germany. While Heidelberg is the oldest university in Germany, the actual Manheim Steamroller, the first propelled tractor originated in the town. The grandeur of the Heidelberg castle, a Gothic-Renaissance masterpiece, was also a draw for artists and others, including Mark Twain. Moreover, of course, more Christmas markets along the way.

Day 5: Kehl & Strasbourg. Not to be outdone by the Germans, Strasbourg makes a huge Christmas statement French-style with numerous Christmas markets. A grand included tour of the city’s famed cathedral, historical center, and parliament starts the day. For a better taste of the region, the Test the Best of Alsace tour combines meeting food merchants, sommeliers, and notable local chefs. The people of Alsace are a little independent, and thus the food and wine are different than in both mainstream Germany and France. If a speed interest drives you, the Mercedes Benz Factory tour will get your motor running autobahn style.

Day 6: Breisach, Germany. At the entrance to the Black Forest, you experience the mountain landscape, cuckoo clocks, Christmas stands and even Black Forest Cake. If history is calling, the optional tour to the Colmar area, where the WWII “Pocket Battle” was fought will stir emotion. Included are numerous battlefield memorials, and a stop at the site of Audy Murphy’s machine gun stand against German forces made him the most decorated American soldier of all time. If spirits are in the cards, then the Gelderman winery, founded in 1838, is renown for its’ sparkling wines using traditional, in bottle fermentation.

Day 7: Basel, Switzerland. Docking early in Basel, and then it is off the ship for optional excursions to Lucerne or Zurich or air transport home. 

Neil Wolkodoff , PhD, is a Sports Scientist in Denver, Colorado who has worked with golfers over the last 15 years. During the rare free times, he travels to exotic golf destinations to see how golf, culture and local geography mix in different locales. He has penned articles for Colorado Avid Golfer, Golf Digest, and Golf Magazine. In his travels, he has golfed with royalty, tour professionals, the local duffer, and the occasional goat.

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Beginning our Viking River Cruise holiday sailing, I was already sold on the travel experience that a river cruise can provide. That was solidly defined on a Viking sailing last summer. The focus of the experience is largely off the ship. I got that. River cruising is a viable travel option when matched with the right traveler. But editorial questions were posed. What about that destination focus? What parts stand out as stellar reasons to go on a Christmas markets cruise?

Let’s take a look.

• Ghluwein – Simply put, this potent holiday beverage is a signature item of Christmas markets . Served in souvenir mugs that can be refilled at a discount, each is customized for the market where they are sold. Better yet, Viking showed us how to make it at home before our sailing came to an end.
• Live The Sound Of Music – Let’s face it, this is the place where the iconic 1965 movie was filmed and it looks very much the same today, even in winter. While we can watch the film on our stateroom television, we’re choosing to wait until we get home. The “we were there” moments should be spectacular.
• Unique Gifts – As anticipated, there was a wide selection of gifts being sold at the Christmas markets . Odds are that those looking for unique holiday gifts will find plenty from which to choose. Held in the city center, where we saw open-air markets in the summer, the scene is every bit as vibrant during the holidays. Difference: In the summer it was pointless to buy fresh meat or fish to bring home. Holiday gifts are not perishable as are the personal memories created finding them.
• Another Side Of Fabulous – While we sailed the same stretch of the river Danube in the Summer, doing so in the Winter is an entirely different experience. While some of the ports are the same on our itinerary, we visited them at different times of the day, rarely duplicating previous experiences. So yes Bob, James and Mary Lou (friends from last sailing) the Grand Euro itinerary did not “spoil” the Christmas Markets cruise for me.
• Sausages – As mentioned earlier in this series on A Viking Christmas , we know nothing of sausages at home. We just thought we did. It will be difficult to pick up a package of name brand bratwurst at the local supermarket upon return.
• Eat Bad Things And Live To Tell About It – Our Viking river cruise includes a tour every day. Part of the tour requires walking more distance than one might at home makes up for it. On board our Viking longship we find a nice variety of food, served in reasonable portions.
• Holiday Spirit – Some people get into the December holidays with gusto and need no encouragement to deck the halls. Others may need a shot of holiday cheer and Christmas markets provide a double dose.
• Wine Tour Opportunities- Scenic cruising through the Wachau valley on our Viking river cruise I was reminded of how pretty the many vineyards were as we sailed along in the summer. Made still by winter, wineries continue tours with more of a focus on education than walking the fields of vines.
• History Is Not Seasonal – One of the features of a river cruise is a focus off the ship . Those interested in visiting places they may have seen only in movies, television or read about in books have every opportunity to see them in winter. Complemented by local guides who add commentary appropriate for the season (“this is where the Nazi’s nearly froze to death”) added a seasonable component to their running commentary along the way.

On my summer sailing, several of the other passengers on Viking Odin had done a Christmas Markets sailing before. They pointed out along the way where the markets would be and what to expect, many with a tone of satisfaction, confidently assuring me that it would be a marvelous experience.They were right.

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Christmas Markets on a Viking Rhine River Cruise

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A Viking River Cruise is a wonderful experience any time of year, but is especially during the holidays.  Festive activities on the ship and as port excursions that include five of the best Christmas markets in Europe make a cruise to visit Christmas Markets on a Viking Rhine River Cruise a magical experience.

{I was invited as a guest of Viking River Cruises-my opinions are my own.}

I started my trip in Basel, Switzerland, on the Viking River ship Eir.  From the moment I boarded the ship, I was immersed in the celebration of the holiday season. The entire ship is festively decorated–Christmas trees glittered in the lobby and cocktail lounge; twinkle lights and garland glowed on outside ship railings. An elaborate handmade gingerbread village held center stage in the front lobby, beckoning shipgoers to marvel in its grandness. Throughout the cruise, staff kept the holiday spirit alive with nighttime activities centered around the holidays, such as special holiday foods, an ornament decorating party, and crew-led Christmas caroling in the lounge.  One could not help but get into the holiday spirit!

The European Christmas Markets

Viking Rhine River cruises visit several ports in Switzerland, France, Germany, and the Netherlands during the cruise, including five with holiday Christmas markets.  These markets are not just a few craft booths set up for tourists, they are some of the biggest and most popular Christmas markets in Europe.

For those not familiar, Christmas markets, Christkindlmarkt (German) or March de Noel (France), are holiday festivals featuring handmade crafts and wares, seasonal music, enchanting decor, and delicious holiday food and drinks. The tradition of the Christmas market began in Germany in the middle ages with the very first market in Bautzen, Germany in 1384. The Christmas market were a way for Catholic churches to celebrate the season of Advent and allow people to purchase holiday gifts and food before the Christmas holiday.  Today, most major European cities host some type of Christmas market, with some of the more well-known markets in Strasbourg and Cologne.

Colmar Christmas Market

Our first river port was Breisach, Germany.  After a morning excursion to the Black Forest, we had the afternoon free to visit Colmar for several hours.  The picturesque french village of Colmar is straight out of a fairy tale; the twinkling Christmas lights, narrow streets, medieval buildings, and joyous decor make Colmar absolutely enchanting.  Colmar has five Christmas markets, including a Children’s Market, an Indoor Craft Market, and a traditional nativity with live animals.

Note:  We visited Colmar on a Saturday, one of the busiest days for Christmas market.  The markets are spread throughout the city; if the main areas get too crowded, be sure to visit the stands on the side streets. 

Strasbourg Christmas Market

Strasbourg boasts one of the oldest Christmas markets in France, with the first market opening in 1570.  Set against the towering Strasbourg Cathedral the market has over 300 booths, with every kind of Christmas ornament, decoration, and homemade craft you could imagine.  I found security to be tight at the Strasbourg market and felt quite safe.  Be sure to pick up a white stork ornament or stuffed animal–the stork is the Alsatian region’s mascot and symbol of good luck.

Bonus:  Obernai

I participated in one of the optional wine tour excursions available on our cruise.  After the wine tasting, our motor coach stopped in Obernai for a short visit before heading back to the ship.  This pretty little medieval town went all out for the holidays, with sparkling lights decorating every building from one end of town to the other.  Obernai also has several delicious-looking chocolate and pastry shops along the path of the markets.

Heidelberg Christmas Market

Nestled below Heidelberg Castle in the old town section of town is the Heidelburg Christmas market, with seven market areas within short walking distance of each other.  This market is very family-friendly, with ice skating and other children’s activities available.  I especially loved the food at this market, including the spaetzle and German sausage.  Be sure to buy a cup (or two) of glüwein, a hot spiced mulled red or white wine sold at most Christmas markets.  Each market has their own special collectors glüwein cup, so collect one from each market.  If you don’t want glüwein, you can grab a cup of hot cocoa, or le chocolate Chaud.

Koblenz Christmas Market

At the crossroads of the Rhine and Mosel Rivers lies Germany’s oldest city of Koblenz, with one of the most ethereal Christmas markets in Europe.  A veritable winter wonderland, Koblenz glowed with twinkling lights from every building in old town Koblenz, while horse-drawn carriages took shoppers to the six Christmas markets spread through the town.  Koblenz is known for its lebkuchenherzen, a heart-shaped gingerbread pastry, as well as its riesling wine cakes, so grab something sweet to nibble on as you shop.

Cologne Christmas Market

One of our last stops on the cruise was to the majestic German city of Cologne.  In addition to touring the Cologne Cathedral, we experienced one of the largest Christmas markets in Europe, with seven Christmas markets spread throughout the city.  Cologne is well-known for its Heinzelmännchen of Köln, or Elves of Cologne, and the elfin theme was whimsically found on wood carved booths, art, and decor throughout the markets.  Because these markets are spread out, visitors can purchase a tram ticket for 10€ to visit one market to another.  The food at the Cologne markets is plentiful and delicious so come on an empty stomach.

Christmas Market Tips

• Most Christmas markets only take cash, so be sure to have both Euros and French Francs available.
• The crowds can get heavy, especially on the weekends, so watch out for pickpockets.
• Christmas markets are scheduled during the Christian advent season, about November 23 – December 24th, so plan your cruise during this time.
• Christmas markets are a shoppers wonderland, but be aware that certain objects may be too fragile to transport by air.  Ask the vendor if you can have your snow globe or glass ornaments shipped instead of packing them in your suitcase.
• Most chocolate at the markets include praline (hazelnut), including the hot cocoa, so be aware if you are allergic to nuts.
• Come hungry, as there are so many delectable treats to eat at the markets.
• Christmas markets are open on Sundays in France, but many other shops, except restaurants, are closed on Sundays to observe Catholic tradition.
• Most Christmas market vendors speak English but learn a few words in German and French so you can talk money more accurately.
• Bring a warm hat, mittens, scarf, and winter coat–the markets can get cold, especially at night!

For more information about Viking River Cruises, please visit their website .  If you would like to book a cruise as a new traveler, please visit my travel advisor Viking page. 

Julie is the chief food, travel, and luxury lifestyle writer/photographer/publisher for A Cork, Fork, & Passport. Julie has 35+ years in the travel business as a writer, travel advisor, and traveler. She is an accomplished home chef, recipe developer, and mixologist, but her proudest job is wife and mom. She loves board games, 80's New Wave, and chasing dachshunds! Julie lived in the Phoenix, Arizona area for 25 years but recently moved back to upstate New York.

Raspberry Gin & Tonic Cocktail

Slow Cooker Sauerbraten + Gingersnap Gravy

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I so miss the European markets. What a fabulous experience. I need to go! 😉

This is like my holiday dream. I love this area so much.

This looks amazing. I love Christmas and all these markets would be amazing to see. It’s a holiday dream come true.

This is an amazing post. These Christmas markets are absolutely fantastic. I love Christmas

This looks so idyllic! I love the holidays and this is like stepping into a movie or a book! Fabulous!

Taking a Viking River Cruise during the holiday season sounds amazing! I would love to check out some of those Christmas markets!

This is seriously such a fun way to enjoy the holidays! I would love to to go on one of the Viking River cruises just to check out the fun markets at each port.

This is a dream shopping trip for me. I love shopping for all things Christmas, especially decor and gifts.

Omg, I would be in heaven as Christmas is my favorite time of the year. The market would be lovely to shop for gift exchange.

This looks like such a great experience. I haven’t ever been on a viking rhine river cruise, but it looks like it has a lot to offer 🙂

I have been wanting to go on a cruise for some time now. It looks like you saw some great sights and events that will make for many great memories.

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Danube Christmas Delights Cruise... - Viking Cruises France

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Danube Christmas Delights Cruise, Viking Ingvi, 4 – 18 Dec 2022

Danube Christmas Delights Cruise, Viking Ingvi, 4 – 18 Dec 2022, Budapest to Passau with 2 nights Budapest pre and 3 nights Prague post Background: I think most “reviews” do not provide much actionable information. They just relate whether the people liked it, or not. I, on the other hand, am always looking for detailed info that is not available from a top-level tour/cruise review site. I am looking for “behind the scenes info” and to benefit from the experience of somebody else like me who has done this already and found the “golden nugget” that will make our trip different or special. So, this is a detailed travelogue rather than a quick “review”. Viking cruises have been “reviewed” to death in the last 10 years. Fair warning, if you don’t want details, you can stop reading now, but if you want a real account -- warts and all – please continue. I’ve saved what I consider some nuggets and very good tips at the end that it took a while for us to learn. Airlines and air travel: I HIGHLY recommend outside premium economy seats. The seats are wider, they recline about 45 deg to sleep, really good food (like standard airline food was 50 years ago), free drinks, and a decent entertainment system (including internet for a fee). The weather was iffy (low ceilings/rain/ snow) but the flights were on time. When we arrived in Budapest, the Viking travel agent was waiting at the baggage claim. She made a dozen of us wait for “the last two people…”. After 45 minutes, she finally called the bus and we got out of there. It turns out the 2 people had some crazy idea the Viking transfer service was like a hotel shuttle you called when YOU were ready, and they went to eat breakfast after the flight. Many fellow travelers were NOT happy. Back: Austrian Vienna to Dulles (767 premium economy) but the airplane broke, and the flight was canceled. I’m not sure if being premium economy made a difference (i.e. – paying more) but rather than having to wait at the service center to get a new flight, we received texts and emails within 30 minutes with a new reservation the next day from Vienna to JFK on Austrian, then JFK to ORF on American. MAKE SURE YOU GIVE THE AIRLINE YOUR EMAIL/CELL # SO THEY CAN ALERT YOU AND CONTACT YOU. Conversely, in the USA Global Entry worked like a champ, they have added facial recognition and we didn’t even have to scan our passports. We bypassed the big customs lines and got through in literally 2 minutes. If you will travel out of the country a few times in the next few years, get Global Entry. It takes some effort to do the interviews/security checks and it costs $100 for 5 years, but you also get TSA pre-check with it. Our deboarding at JFK was delayed due to a medical emergency right off the jet bridge so our bags were waiting when we got there, but we still had to hustle them about 50 yards to a “connection” baggage desk. Why can’t the airline do that? Yes, a foreign airline can check your bags all the way through, even changing airlines, with today’s technology but you must drag them from carousel to counter (and no this was not due to customs). The contrast between clean, modern, and not crowded airports in Europe and the goat pen that is JFK is stark (not to mention the prices for crappy airline terminal food). Weather: I would not recommend this cruise in Nov/Dec if not for the Christmas Markets. The days are too short and the weather too cold/unpredictable/iffy UNLESS you are in it for the markets. There is just not enough daylight to really enjoy the "regular" excursions (it gets light about 7:30 and dark by 4:00). The ship and the Danube: The Viking Ingvi is identical to every other Viking Longship so refer to the commercial reviews for details if you are not familiar. The standard huge differences between big ocean ships and river cruise ships apply. There were 183 people, 90 were past Viking cruisers and many had been trying to do this cruise since 2020. Most were from throughout the USA, with a few from Canada, and at least one couple from the UK. We made multiple friends quickly. You should think about the timing and weather during your cruise while picking a cabin. We again had a Veranda with balcony but did not use the balcony this time because of the cold weather. We had a standard Viking experience (generally very good to outstanding service) however, it seems they are suffering server issues like everybody else. Dinner service (but not breakfast or lunch) was generally slow (two nights we missed dessert in order to make nighttime excursions). "On board enrichment" events were just so-so; mediocre local singers, etc, we missed most of them due to excursions and time at the boat, and the Danube history lecture came on the last day instead of at the front - who cares by then? The food was again very good to outstanding, the silver spirits drink package is worth the $150 per person. We are only social (not big) drinkers but when we drink, we like top shelf. Housekeeping, bartenders, servers (except dinner per above), cruise director, customer service desk were all A+ level. The ship's store even had stocked merchandise this time. We ate breakfast on the Aquavit Lounge every day on the previous cruise but this time it was only served in the restaurant - fine. It was so cold the "sun" deck was a waste this time and had been our hangout on the first cruise. Something Viking should have improved in 5 years, but has not, is the internet and TV service. They advertise this going in, but their IT connectivity sucks. The ship was generally on time but got in late at a couple stops - I assume due to delays at one of the 11 locks they had to navigate. However, the delay was in the middle of the night, so we didn’t really care, made for long nights for the ops crew though. Christmas Markets in general: We thought the Christmas Markets would be like the top scale juried craft shows in the USA. Not really, they are more like county fair craft and food stands. They are over 50% food (but GOOD food; great wurst, chimney cakes, langos, gluhwein, Christmas punch, roasted nuts, pastries, etc) but you have already paid for great food on the boat so are not that hungry. Woolen goods, wooden and crystal ornaments, wooden toys, some jewelry, Christmas pyramids and smokers, etc. The goods got higher quality (and slightly higher prices) as we moved west bound through Austria, to Germany, and the Czech Republic. DO NOT wait, however, to buy. If you like something, get it! You may not see it again and this is not a case of price shopping. The honey gluhwein, the fruit wine Christmas punch with a shot of vodka, and hot chocolate with Bailey’s were our favorites. I really liked the chimney cake pastries; in Prague they made them into cones filled with ice cream! The port calls and the excursions: General: We like to take the “tourist”/general survey type excursions first and then go back to see stuff more in depth as we get familiar and if we have the time. This cruise can trend to develop into an “ABC” cruise. ABC was a joke by Mihal (Michael from Serbia) the cruise director; “a beautiful castle, a beautiful church, another beautiful castle, another beautiful church…….oh damn! another bloody castle, another bloody church………..” YOU ARE IN CONTROL OF THAT VIA OPTIONAL EXCURSIONS. If you just stick to the provided excursions, you will get ABC’d to death. Security: At every stop we where told this part of Europe was very safe. However, every one of them said to guard your valuables, cell phones, cameras, tablets, cash, etc. by keeping wallets in front pockets and wear purses with straps in front of your body. They warned against pick pockets at the Christmas Markets as it can be like salmon swimming upstream as described elsewhere in this review. Budapest HU: The Corinthia Grand Hotel is the standard, versus upgraded, pre-cruise hotel, but it is still pretty grand. First class service, great cook-to-order breakfast/buffet, nice bars, good location mid-town on Pest (eastern side) of the river. “Moon” and Victor were great hosts. They gave us the intro tour, showed us how to use public transportation, advice on money, and gave restaurant and sightseeing recommendations. Two nights in the hotel, third night on the boat. Panoramic Budapest and Budapest by night were good intro tours. Not to be missed: Hungarian Parliament building, Castle Hill, Matthias Church, and Fisherman’s Bastion on Buda (west side), Pest side is offices, restaurants, bars, nightclubs galore (we learned Budapest is the bachelor/bachelorette party capital of Europe) and Christmas Markets (2). Wish we had seen: More of Buda on the west but the Chain Bridge is still closed due to major renovation, more of life during the Soviet occupation (didn’t get to those museums). Did not make it to the huge “open farmers market” or the “ruin bars” in the Jewish quarter due to time. The main Christmas Market was the most “county fair like” and we got worried they would all be like that – no they are not, we just had to wait. Bratislava SV: Biggest disappointment of the cruise. It was about 35 deg with heavy rain and winds on arrival. Our biggest complaint of the Viking staff was they lined everybody up in maybe 6 groups (it was the only tour that day) with umbrellas in the crappy weather then walked to town. They could have formed up in the boat by group and avoided half of that. We did the ABC tour, and an “organ concert” in a small church. The concert was a guy singer and his wife playing the organ who did 4 Christmas songs and then hawked their CD’s to the group. We hustled back to the boat to dry out and warm up and had no desire to check out the Christmas Market in the weather. So much for Bratislava. I have friends who told us it was a well-kept secret and a highlight of their trip. NOT on this day, a total bust. Not to be missed: NO CLUE! Wish we had seen: EVERYTHING! Vienna AU: A short cruise to Vienna. Wish we had two days there instead of one. Panoramic Vienna was a bus tour around the Ringstrasse and a walking tour of the old town. Some folks went to the Schoenbrunn summer Hapsburg palace, but we walked to the Hotel Sacher to get Sacher tortes, saw the Lipezzaner stables, and went to the other markets. There are 3 Christmas Markets increasing in size. The main market is HUGE in the park in front of the Rathouse (town hall). It was cold and we were there on a Sat afternoon/night. At 4:00 the place got overrun with families. Viking ran shuttle buses from the boat to the markets but there was so much traffic (and the cops closed down some roads due to a “demonstration” by ultra-left malcontents) the buses could not get to us. Viking did rescue us but we had to walk a ways to get to the transport. Oh well. Not to be missed: Vienna is one of the cruise highlights. An evening concert of Mozart, Vivaldi, and Strauss with a small orchestra, singers, and dancers. These musicians are members of the Vienna Philharmonic and opera and do this as a side gig. They are first class performers. Christmas markets (all 3) but go EARLY. Wish we had seen: Time to do interior tours of the Hapsburg Palace, etc. Inside tours of the other buildings and palaces. A mom and daughter on our boat had arranged to go to the opera, we would have liked time to go to other concerts and holiday performances. Wish we had one more day there instead of some of the following stuff. Krems AU: Arrived at 07:00. There was only time for a trip to the Gottwieg Abbey south of town. Really interesting working Abbey from the 12th century; vineyards, orchards, timber, schools, and local parish support. We were there on Sun AM and did not get to see the church due to mass. A very extensive and interesting, but long, tour left only 30 minutes for wine tasting, sightseeing, and shopping. Viking wanted to sail though the Wachau valley (kind of like the Middle Rhine) in the day light and left at 1:30. But with 35 deg and freezing rain – who cares? Nobody wanted to be outside talking pictures. It seems like they were sticking to the summer-time cruise plan, they need to be more flexible. Most of the Christmas Market was closed on Sun morning so not worth seeing. Not to be missed: Gottweig Abbey Wish we had seen: Christmas Market and the town instead of ABC castles and churches in the Wachau valley in the rain and snow. Linz AU: One of the highlights of the cruise. Linz is a combination of the very old with the very modern as it is the steel/industrial capital of Upper Austria. Think Pittsburgh but only 60 years old vice 125 years old as the Marshall plan rebuilt the steel mills after WWII. We did the old town tour and took the tram up to the little church north of town at Postlingberg. Second best Christmas Market where we discovered “the Linzer Angel” and great little cafe’s, we discovered Linzer torte and cappuccino at the bakery from where Maria Theresa had pastries delivered all over the Austro-Hungarian empire. Not to be missed: Take the #50 tram (ticket office in the town hall) up the hill to the little church, called the Linz Basilica, or more formally “Our Lady of the Seven Sorrows” church for an incredible view of the entire city. There is also a zoo and a kid’s fairly-tale amusement park called the Grottobahn full of families on that hill. The Christmas market had handmade ornaments and school groups performing as well as honey gluhwein, and the Linzer Angel. Passau GE: Last stop on the cruise just inside Germany. Did the old city ABC tour (are you starting to see a trend here)? Good Christmas market with nicer and more expensive stuff. We attended a gingerbread making lecture, discovered another neat café, and bought a bunch of goodies at Confiserie & Cafe Simon which is world famous for all kinds of candy, cookies, pastries, and baked goods. Those who did not book a post cruise trip had an early get up and a long bus ride (3 hrs + 2 hrs prior to departure show time) to the Munich airport. Maybe 20 went to the Salzburg/Munich post tour, then flew out of Munich. About 20 of us boarded a bus at 07:30 for the 4 hr trip to Prague on mostly two-lane roads over hill and dale in the snow that reminded me of the hills in western New York State. Prague CZ: Probably the highlight of the trip, better than Budapest and even Vienna. Marcus, the Viking host, and crew met us at the Prague Marriott which is a new and modern downtown full-service hotel. In fact, the complaints about this place were it was “too modern” and there were too many cruise lines staying there. There were 3 Viking boats, 2 AmaWaterways, and at least 1 Avalon. Some were on a pre-cruise stay and some were post like us. The hotel Artisan restaurant and bar was very good, and they had a pastry/coffee shop in the lobby (think the best Au Bon Pain or Panera Bread you have ever been to). We went to the main Christmas market in the old town square and did the Prague By Night tour with outstanding views of the city and a quick beer at the St Norbert monastery brewery. They had an early snow in Prague, and it was beautiful at night. Most people went on to the Lobkowicz tour and concert and we were the ONLY couple signed up for the Prague Food Tour. We had a personal guide (Charley who had lived in San Francisco for 7 years) and driver (George). Normally he has 6 -12 but we were not the first solo couple. We went to one place for appetizers, a second for roast leg of duck, potatoes, and cabbage, and to a third famous place for dessert. We discussed not only food, but history, culture, and politics one-on-one with somebody who had lived in the USA and also under Soviet communism in the former Czechoslovakia. JUST AWESOME! Prague has multiple Christmas markets but the main one is in the Old Town square. It was big with quality merchandise, a big stage with live entertainment, the BEST honey gluhwein, and the BEST gourmet hot chocolate with fanciest marshmallows I have ever seen (about $3). Not to be missed: Charles Bridge, Prague Castle, Astronomical clock, St Norbert’s brewery restaurant (at least for me), and the Old Square Christmas Market. Wish we had seen: Inside of the Prague Castle buildings, more of the museums, there are art museums and Smithsonian style museums there was just no time for, more restaurants just no time to do it. Nuggets of wisdom that may help you save time, money, or aggravation, and make your trip more enjoyable: Travel insurance: It may seem “expensive” but it is relatively “cheap” peace of mind and we will take it every time. Also, we have Medicare for health care, and it is NOT in force outside the USA. Tipping: Servers in Europe, unlike the USA, get paid for serving and don’t depend on tips to make a living. So, a tip is really for exceptional service. Plan on 10% if service is exceptional. Ask them if you can give a tip if you want to. I’ve even had them present me with a bill for various amounts and they asked me to “pick an amount” I was comfortable with. If you liked the tour tip your local guide AND driver about 2 euros or $2 per person. This is their job, and they are not doing it for free. Money: I recommend you keep about $50 in USA dollars, $50 worth in Euros, and $50 worth in the local currency. You will be able to pay 85% of the time with a credit or debit card. Keep a little of ALL kinds of cash in your pocket. People will take at least one or maybe all of them. Use the ATMs for cash but NOT all ATMs. There are privateer ATMs all over the cities and towns, but they will charge a horrendous exchange fee (like 25%). USE ATMs ONLY AT BANKS. Always carry a few coins to use for the public restrooms. In Europe, the public restrooms are clean and there is usually an attendant. That is because they charge the equivalent of 25 to 50 cents to use them. The cafes and restaurants all have clean restrooms for customers. Credit/debit cards: As stated above most places will take cards (for sure all restaurants and bars, hotels, stores, even taxis). However, check your cards BEFORE you go and make sure they 1) have no foreign transaction fees and 2) know you are traveling and there will be charges from weird locations. Cell phones: 99% of all cell phones work internationally now. You can buy international plans by month or by the day for calls, texts, and data. Add one to your plan BEFORE you travel for yourself AND your partner. Google Maps works great overseas. Learn to user the “walking directions” feature, we NEVER use that in the USA as we always drive but it is very powerful. It will tell you exactly what public transportation to use (bus XX, to tram XY, walk 5 minutes to X street, and then take tram XZ to your destination, etc, etc). You can also use your phone to translate signs and such on the spot. Computers: As stated above the cruise boats have internet (although spotty and small bandwidth) and will not be as useful as if you are sitting on your home network. Local transportation: In the cities get a tram/bus/subway metro map and learn to use it. Ask the local Viking rep how to pay for fares (if needed) and how to use the system. In Europe everybody uses public transport, and in the USA (except in the very big cities) nobody does, we all drive our own cars. It was a pleasant surprise that in most locations public transport is FREE for those 65 and over. They may or may not have an Uber or Lyft where you travel (they had something called “Bolt” in Budapest and Prague that was a combination Uber and Door Dash) but they will have taxis. Be careful they do not say “independent contractor” on the door and are part of a big taxi company. The privateers can set their own rates and we were warned they prey on “rich” tourists. You should stick to public transportation anyway as it is plentiful, always runs, and is cheap or even free. That’s enough for now. Happy traveling and hope you enjoy yourselves, we certainly did (again) and are planning our next cruise.

The best way to improve the viking experience is stay home and watch television. My friend and I just returned from a cruise down the Danube. from Passua to Budapest. We bought the Munich, satzburg extension and the Budapest extension. When I got to Budapest I was taken to the hospital and admitted for 4 days with pneumonia. Iwas not allowed to stay on the viking sightseeing bus although I ask, I was forced to walk at least one half a mile in the snowy mist and on frozen ground. The trip went downhill from there. Viking made no attempt to help me although I purchased their trip insurance. Viking is after money only and gives no regard to the wellbeing of their customers.

We took a river cruise back in June 30 only we never left till July 1st The Vikings travel agent changed our flight so we missed a whole day in Budapest and they never refunded our $499 excursion trip I am still waiting They keep giving me the run around after i submitted all the qualification documents stating that the flight was changed

My husband and I recently travelled on the Viking Orion from Bali to Sydney. It was our first experience on Viking and we accepted the VERY high cost because of the rave reviews of a Viking cruise. We were greatly disappointed but that is for another review. As I have read through many social media posts one glaring problem was the inability of Viking to competently restock their liquor. Several premium brands were not available on our cruise and they ran out of dark beer and several other major categories of liquor completely. I understand this is a 1st world problem, but the ongoing complaints from other passengers makes me question the cruise line in general. Is Viking having problems restocking for a more systemic problem rather than the canned “supply problems” excuse.

From arriving at the VIP classy hotel in Bucharest to stepping foot, on the first tour bus, my most wonderful, outstanding vacation experience was just beginning! Making new friends of a lifetime and being catered to with the most VIP service imaginable, I spent the next 12 days in paradise. From the day and evening tours on land to the incredible fun on the boat, I commend and respect and still marvel at the unbelievable service, and how outstanding Viking made everything every day – actually, every moment. I look forward to experiencing and being immersed into more beautiful destinations with Viking in the future!

In February 2019 my wife and I had booked a River cruise with Viking for April of 2020 In March of 2020 Viking canceled the cruise which was totally understandable because of the Pandemic. We were good customers of Viking having sailed with them on 2 prior occasions. They said " here's what we're going to do for you" we're going to issue a voucher for 125% of the value of the cruise , I was like the commercial with the guy holding his pet frog saying they.re really thinking of us. YEAH RIGHT! I immediately booked a 2nd cruise for April of 2021 using the voucher i was just issued and unbeknownst to me has no cash value or transferability options so your stuck with this voucher. Of course the 2nd booking also gets canceled by Viking in Feb. 2021. A 2nd voucher gets issued and I book a 3rd cruise for 2023 and find out in April of 2021 that they are also mandating you be vaccinated. So now i have a 3rd cruise booked for April 2023 and they want a vaccine, I can't get the vaccine. So they have 14,000 dollars of mine and are playing hardball no cash refund no transferability. I'm wondering how Viking or their customers benefit because I can still get infected from a person who's been vaccinated. If i just would of held the voucher i could have redeemed it for cash value after 2 years ( 04/2021) but i thought they were looking out for me with the 125% of the value and feel I was hoodwinked into it because there was no disclosure whatsoever, So beware.

• Expeditions
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Christmas on the Danube

• From $2,799
• 6 Guided Tours
• 3 Countries
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• Budapest to Regensburg Regensburg to Budapest

Christmas on the Danube Map

Sail to charming cities & villages

Discover grand cities, medieval towns and quaint villages along the “Blue Danube,” highlighting three countries: Hungary, Austria and Germany. Stroll among the stalls at Budapest’s Christmas market and immerse yourself in the cheerful atmosphere of Vienna as you shop for handmade decorations. Visit the fairy-tale village of Regensburg, one of Europe’s best-preserved cities, and delight in the city’s joyful festivities.

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All you need included, with no surprises or hidden fees

To learn more about each port of call and our included as well as optional excursions, click on the individual days below.

Itinerary and shore excursions are subject to change and may vary by departure.

More features, services and excursions included

One complimentary shore excursion in every port of call

Free Wi-Fi (connection speed may vary)

Beer, wine & soft drinks with onboard lunch & dinner

24-hour specialty coffees, teas  & bottled water

Port taxes & fees

Ground transfers with Viking Air purchase

Visits to UNESCO Sites

Enrichment lectures & Destination Performances

Your Stateroom Includes:

River-view stateroom

Bottled water replenished daily

110/220 volt outlets

Queen-size Viking Explorer Bed (optional twin-bed configuration) with luxury linens & pillows

Private bathroom with shower, heated floor & anti-fog mirror

Premium Freyja® toiletries

Plush robes & slippers (upon request)

40" or 42" flat-screen Sony® TV with infotainment system featuring Movies On Demand, plus CNBC, CNN, FOX & more

Telephone, safe, refrigerator

Individual climate control

*All amenities on board Viking Longships; amenities vary on other ships.

Pre & Post Cruise Extensions

More days means more to discover, with extension packages you can add before or after your Viking cruise or cruisetour. Enjoy additional days to explore your embarkation or disembarkation city, or see a new destination altogether with a choice of exciting cities. Pre & Post Cruise Extensions vary by itinerary and are subject to change.

Pre: Budapest

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From $899 | 3 Nights

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From $999 | 4 Nights

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