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It’s time to … Get Curious
Freeze a moment in time — not just because it’s winter — but the memories you will collect. As well as the unique gifts for your family and friends (and don’t forget yourself), they will always remind you of the adventure!
And what a great way to kick off the holiday season! And the BEST part … you don’t have to shovel!
Does the “fluffy” guy in red like to eat cookies?
A Christmas cruise isn’t really about buying gifts for those on your list. It could be … but how about you be the one receiving the gift?
Holidays can be really hectic and it feels like you are so busy trying to make it a magical time for everyone — finding that “perfect” gift or making sure that the family get-togethers go without the family drama — that you aren’t really enjoying the season.
A holiday cruise is a great alternative … and a Christmas Market cruise will definitely put you in the spirit!
Christmas markets usually open around the middle of November and run until Christmas Eve. These are different than winter river cruises — these river cruises are geared to stop at all the different Christmas markets — where you will definitely find something for everyone!
These street markets are set up outdoors and will have a variety of local crafts — and delicious food! You will be able to stroll from booth to booth, sipping a mug of gluhwein (warm, spiced wine famous throughout Europe Christmas markets), cider or hot chocolate, as well as sample Christmas, treats while you take in the local atmosphere.
• Think LAYERS! It’s a Christmas cruise! Weather can change quickly — windy and damp for a couple of days and then warm for several more days! And let’s not forget the “s” word (that would be S-N-O-W). It is best to dress in layers, so you can adjust accordingly.
• Don’t forget hats and gloves! And wear comfortable boots (or shoes for the “too cool for boots” people). Just make sure they are waterproof as there will be either snow or slush!
• Each Christmas market has different products, so you should look at purchasing an authentic product based on where you are shopping. For example, if you are visiting a German Christmas market, you have to buy the number one souvenir item — a mug!! Go and look among the stalls and find yourself a cute little German Christmas mug (and maybe one for your favourite family member … or favourite travel advisor LOL).
• What about starting a mug collection? Buy yourself a Christmas mug at each Christmas market at each port, so when you are back home sipping on your warm beverage you can reflect on your memories.
• Bring an extra backpack, duffle bag or suitcase (and protective bubble wrap) to pack your purchases in. Remember to take this into consideration, as you will have to pay for an extra bag! Also, bring your reusable grocery shopping bags. This will cut down on plastic, and just in case the vendor doesn’t ’t have any bags big enough for your item.
• Most locals use the markets more than the tourist — so you will be mingling with the locals!
• You will have access to local fare: lots of stalls selling beer (like, a lot of stalls), there are also non-alcoholic warm drinks, street food such as bratwurst with a bunch of topping options, pretzels, roasted nuts (as well as salted, caramelized and don’t forget the chestnuts!), and you can also purchase crepes with sweet or savoury fillings!
• Christmas markets are filled with festivities, which also include attractions — ice skating, Ferris wheels, and musical concerts — booking a Christmas market cruise will help make sure you include some of these activities in your stopover.
• You are going to be visiting several European Christmas markets — set yourself a budget and stick to it! There are going to be tons of wooden stalls with gifts that are going to want to join you on your trip back home — be strong! Determine how much you want to spend on gifts/mementos in advance. But don’t forget to budget for food sampling! That is part of the amazing adventure — sampling the local cuisine!
• Cash is always best, but some stalls at the markets do accept credit cards. It is always best to make sure you have local currency on you!
• Check for the “Made in …” sticker — you don’t want to buy something that was mass-produced. So make sure that the nutcracker you are buying was actually made locally and not in China.
• Just because you are on a Christmas market cruise doesn’t mean there will be snow — there’s a pretty good chance — but not guaranteed.
One of the best places to experience the Christmas season in Vienna. The city goes all out with decorating for the festive season. Vienna has several Christmas markets, and with the benefits of taking a river cruise, the itinerary includes the different markets, as well as other excursions that will help you experience the city.
The most famous Christmas market in Vienna is the one in front of the city hall. It just screams fairytale Christmas, with a massive Christmas tree, plenty of stalls selling authentic Austrian tree decorations, an ice rink, tons of mulled wine, punch, and a large variety of food.
The cruise itinerary will also include an excursion to the Schönbrunn Palace. It is a smaller market but the palace is an impressive backdrop to dozen of stalls that offer high-quality crafts.
But the best part of taking a Christmas river cruise … you will experience timeless holiday traditions in five countries (depending on which cruise you take).
Correspondent and Avid traveller