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River cruises may have a reputation of appealing to older travelers, but people of all ages are discovering they're a great way to travel. Adventures by Disney offers a range of family-friendly river cruises thanks to a partnership with AmaWaterways, and in the wintertime, three of their itineraries focus on Europe's historic Christmas markets. On these journeys, you'll glide along the Danube or Rhine rivers, making stops in countries like Germany, Austria, and France.
A Christmas Cruise Vacation for the Whole Family
Germany has long Christmas markets tradition for centuries like the ones in Frankfurt, Dresden, Munich and Bautzen. However, Vienna is a forerunner with the traditional yearly "December market", dating back to 1294. Today Vienna features about 20 Christmas markets yearly and Christkindlmarkt in front of City Hall is the most famous. Besides the wooden cabins, traditional for Christmas, it features Christmas stories, special post office, and International Advent Caroling. More than 150 stalls sell Christmas decorations, gifts, hot chestnuts and gluhwein (mulled wine).
Family of 4 spent Christmas on cruise ship; would never do again - Business Insider
Family of 4 spent Christmas on cruise ship; would never do again.
Posted: Sun, 17 Dec 2023 08:00:00 GMT [source]
Night Eastern Caribbean - MiamiDetails
On the latter, guests can sit back and relax as someone else prepares an unforgettable turkey dinner. Beloved Disney characters dress in holiday attire for meet-and-greets, and Santa Claus makes appearances on most sailings. Cruises visiting Castaway Cay, Disney’s private island, offer even more festive fun, as the Bahamian paradise is decked out for the season with a Christmas tree and faux-snow flurries. This is all in addition to Disney Cruise Line's plentiful year-round perks. Christmas and holiday cruises are very popular with families and children, and the cruise ship will be sailing at full capacity. Xmas-NYE mini cruises are Holiday travel specials that are pretty hard to find.
POLAND - Krakow Christmas Market "Rynek Glowny"
Consider the weather conditions during your chosen time of year, pack lightweight, breathable clothing for warm days, and layer up for the cooler evenings. Remember comfortable walking shoes for onshore excursions as you’ll explore historical sites and fascinating attractions. Sunscreen, a hat, and sunglasses are essential to protect yourself from the sun’s rays.
Cookie decorating, visits with Santa and Christmas games are part of the holiday fun. On New Year's Eve, gather for a special party with a complimentary midnight Champagne toast, party favors and live music. They can't be at home celebrating with their families because they're working hard to make your holiday special. While gratuities are often included in your fare or added automatically to your final bill, consider tipping extra on a Christmas cruise. The hardworking staff will appreciate your extra generosity during the holiday season. Most of the specialty dining restaurants on major cruise lines have set menus that do not change for the holidays.
Regarding fascinating places to visit, the Nile River region in Egypt offers a spectacular blend of history, culture, and wondrous sights that have withstood the test of time and continue to wow visitors. Join us as we go through some of the most famous locations along the Nile, and we’ll do our best to explain the enigmas and provide you with experiences that will last a lifetime. Available rooms on the Christmas on the Rhine cruise start at $2,299 and at $2,499 for Christmas on the Danube, per person based on double occupancy, though prices may vary depending on the dates.
Celebrate and pamper mom onboard with a relaxing spa treatment, a specially-themed balcony breakfast, complimentary sparkling wine and a rose at dinner, and much more. Onboard, you can participate in a Seder service, sit down with family for a traditional Easter dinner, and enjoy special visits from the Easter Bunny, and a candy egg hunt. Whether you celebrate Christmas or Hannukah, you’ll find your most treasured holiday traditions at sea — with festive tree and menorah lighting ceremonies on every sailing in December.
Despite the fact it's one of the younger European Christmas markets, in 2010 the '12 Days of Christmas' in Dublin attracted the record number of 145,000 visitors. Stained glass, wooden toys, craft jewellery and artwork can be found at the regenerated Dublin Docklands. German themed and carol-singing bar, as well as the carousel, mean the relative newcomer is family crowd pleaser. Rates for the seven-night Roundtrip New Orleans Christmas cruise start from $3,819 per person, including taxes, port fees and gratuities. The "door-to-door" rate for this sailing starts from $24,400 per person, including port fees and taxes.
It includes a transfer service to the airport, airfare, shore excursions, premium alcoholic beverages, all gratuities, butler service and a return transfer back home at the end of your trip. Carnival's seven-night Eastern Caribbean sailing is an excellent way to experience Carnival's Celebration Key, the line's new private destination on the south side of Grand Bahama Island. A river cruise through Europe is the most convenient way to visit many of the continent's famous Christmas markets. Cruise ship crew members go beyond the standard service on all lines for the holidays, whether it's a kind note wishing you well, a Champagne toast for New Year's or a fanciful towel creation. It's best to double-check with your cruise line before attaching anything to your door or in your cabin, as rules and regulations differ per line.
The top-of-mind December cruises are likely to be those that call upon European Christmas markets in the weeks leading up to December 25. There are numerous river cruises dedicated to exploring the markets and even a few oceangoing sailings that include ports known for their Christmas markets. The traditional lighting of the ship’s massive tree has become a mainstay of the celebrations, while many can’t get enough of the annual holiday-themed version of their famous Bottomless Galley Brunch. Have fun and know you’re doing good by participating in a special walk for polar bears on the ship’s deck in support of the World Wildlife Fund’s Arctic program. With sailings to six different continents, Norwegian Cruise Line gives guests plenty of options for a relaxing holiday, wherever they want to spend it. In addition to Christmas cruises, Norwegian offers New Year, Hanukkah, and even Thanksgiving sailings.
Embark on this remarkable adventure and embrace the magic of Egypt during the most joyous time of the year. On New Year's Eve, the line also hosts its White Night party on the pool deck – where guests are asked to wear all white – featuring food, music and dancing. I hope you are able to plan and fulfill all of your fantastical travel dreams! Feel free to click around my site to discover more exciting destinations and itineraries. While it might be winter back home, tropical sun can be intense, and some regions can have bugs or mosquitos.
Choose a Rhine voyage to see the canals of Amsterdam lit up for the holidays or a Danube trip featuring a shore excursion to a festive outdoor ice-skating rink in the heart of Vienna. No matter which itinerary you select, all meals are included, and you can partake in onboard activities such as gingerbread cookie decorating and a mulled wine tasting. As each year draws to a close, Princess guests look forward to enjoying the sights and sounds of the holiday season, those age-old traditions of Christmas, Hanukkah and New Year's... As they visit exotic locales, soak up the sun and participate in the many other activities a cruise has to offer.
Ideally, aim to book your Christmas Nile Cruise around 9 to 12 months before your desired departure date. This timeframe allows you to take advantage of promotional offers with a wide range of cabin options. Popular cruises often fill up quickly, so feel free to act decisively when you find the perfect deal for your holiday getaway. Christmas-themed events let you enjoy the crew’s hospitality and your fellow travelers’ good spirits. Performers will enchant you with traditional folk dances and sophisticated displays to make your Christmas celebration memorable. Egypt’s weather during Christmas is a delightful surprise for travelers seeking a winter escape.
You'll be immersed in the holiday spirit with port stops in Passau, Germany; Linz, Vienna and Weissenkirchen, Austria; and Budapest. From two-week sailings in the Caribbean to European river voyages and journeys through the American South, there is probably a cruise for you. These stories, from travelers of varied backgrounds, showcase the universality of the festive spirit, the magic of the seas, and the unique charm that a Christmas cruise brings to the holiday season.
The cruise comes alive with the holiday spirit, including delightful activities like carol singing, Christmas-themed performances, and even visits from Santa Claus himself. It’s the perfect way to celebrate the Season with loved ones or make new friends while creating cherished memories. A Christmas Nile Cruise might be the answer if you’re wondering about the best way to celebrate Christmas while experiencing something extraordinary. It offers a delightful combination of cultural exploration, relaxation, and festive cheer.
