July 2, 2025 • 25 mins
Let’s dive into the magical world of 🎄 Christmas market river cruising in Europe! We are sharing exactly how you can make the most of this enchanting holiday experience.
In part 1 of our 2-part series (you'll find Part 2 here), you'll learn our insider tips for:
- Timing your cruise perfectly
- Choosing the right itinerary for you
- Discovering the incredible culinary delights that await you at each market
We'll also give you practical advice that will help you navigate the markets like a pro and truly soak up that special holiday atmosphere that makes these cruises so unforgettable.
For additional reading, you’ll find these resources (with photos!) helpful:
- All You Need to Know about the Christmas Markets River Cruises
- Viking Christmas River Cruise with Dazzling Markets along the Danube
🎁 Giving someone the gift of a cruise? Check out our surprise cruise reveal ideas!
Want to grab our complimentary Essential River Cruise Budgeting Guide? Head over to Small Ship Cruise Talk, scroll halfway down the page to a blue box where you'll find the signup form, and claim your copy!
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Transcript
Episode Transcript
Available transcripts are automatically generated. Complete accuracy is not guaranteed.
Dan (00:01):
Thank you.
Mikkel (00:01):
Welcome to Small Ship Cruise Talk, a show where we
share insider tips andfirst-hand experiences about
this outstanding, yetlesser-known form of travel.
We are passionate about sharingour knowledge about river
cruises, expedition, yacht, andbarge cruises, so you are
informed when it comes tochoosing your own vacation
experiences.
(00:22):
We're your co-hosts, Dan andMikkel, and we are your cruise
experts and the co-founders ofSometimes Sailing, a website
that focuses on small shipcruise Welcome to this week's
edition of Small Ship CruiseTalk, where we are going to talk
about the most magical time ofyear, and that is Christmas.
(00:46):
More specifically, we are goingto talk about Christmas market
cruising.
And this episode is going to beyour ultimate guide to
Christmas market river cruising,specifically in
Dan (01:02):
If you have ever dreamed of being in Europe during one of
the most magical times of year,with the scent of roasted
chestnuts filling the air andtwinkle lights everywhere and
garland and Christmas trees andall of the magic of the holiday
season, this episode is for you.
We have broken this down intotwo parts for double your
(01:24):
enjoyment, and we have anexciting third episode coming up
that I'm going to explain injust a little bit.
Part one, we are going to coverwhere What makes the Christmas
markets river cruises special?
When are they?
Of course, you know they'reduring the Christmas season, but
we're going to reveal the besttime to plan your river cruise.
How do you choose an itineraryand what can you see on one
(01:46):
versus another?
We're going to break downlogistics and planning and
booking.
We are also going to talk aboutthose must-try Christmas treats
in addition to what you can buyat the Christmas markets.
And along with the Christmastreats is, of course, the famous
Glühwein.
but also we are gonna talkabout the Christmas mugs and
what you need to know aboutthese famous Christmas mugs at
(02:08):
the markets.
In part two, we are sharingsome information about
maximizing the enjoyment of yourChristmas markets cruise.
We are gonna talk about thoseinfamous water levels on these
rivers during winter and whatyou need to be aware of and
managing your expectations.
We're gonna talk about mobilitya little bit, if you have some
(02:29):
mobility issues and what to beaware of.
We are also going to talk aboutyour stateroom.
Where should your stateroom beand why is it important or not
important during this time ofyear?
We're breaking down the citiesthat you might want to visit,
big and small, and why that isalso necessary to know about.
We are also talking aboutmulti-generational cruising.
(02:51):
And if you have kids and you'reinterested in a Christmas
markets river cruise, what isthe ideal cruise line for you?
We're going to talk about someholiday shopping points and what
things you need to know inaddition to the Christmas
market.
Shopping is great anytime inEurope, but there are some cool
things about Christmas time aswell.
And lastly, we are asking foryour questions about the
(03:15):
Christmas markets.
So don't be shy, send us thosequestions and we are going to
answer them in a dedicated FAQsanswered episode about
Christmas.
the Christmas markets rivercruises.
So Dan, what makes rivercruising during the Christmas
time of year so extra special?
I think when somebody thinks ofChristmas time, they think of
(03:38):
Hallmark movies and snow andcastles and wine.
And ultimately, you're going toget all of that at a Christmas
market in Europe.
Well, maybe not the Hallmarkmovie part, but you're going to
get the mulled wine, you'regoing to get some snow, plenty
of trinkets and delicious foods,decorations, holiday lights, a
(04:00):
festive atmosphere with music,sleigh bells, and you'll
probably see Santa.
Mikkel (04:06):
Yes, you will probably see Santa.
And if not in the trinkets,then sometimes there's like a
little Santa Claus.
Santa Claus.
Oh, a little New York accentcame out.
Santa Claus.
Santa Claus.
My New York Santa Claus orjersey.
Santa Claus.
There was a wooden kind ofcutout of Santa somewhere we
(04:27):
went in Germany that I thoughtwas really cute that we actually
sent to your parents for alittle Christmas greeting that
year.
Dan (04:34):
Where was that Christmas market we ran into and there
was...
A couple dozen Santas, like,just milling around in the...
I can't remember where it was.
Anyways, tangent.
Mikkel (04:51):
Was this during your wildest Christmas dreams?
Dan (04:54):
Is that a dream or a nightmare?
I don't know.
How many Santas?
Are there too many Santas?
Mikkel (04:59):
You know, in reference to your Hallmark movie mention,
it could be a Hallmark movie forreal if anyone has a spouse
like you and insists on givingyou kisses, but they're is often
mistletoe in the decorations.
So just throwing it out there.
Dan (05:16):
Yeah, so be on the lookout.
Mikkel (05:19):
And the defense.
Dan (05:21):
Random strangers may kiss you.
Mikkel (05:23):
Or your wife.
Yeah.
Dan (05:26):
Those results are not guaranteed, so don't come back
and ask why no random womankissed you.
Mikkel (05:34):
Thank you.
So in addition to all thoseelements making the Christmas
time special in Europe and thesequote unquote themed Christmas
cruises, which is kind of like,you know, a wine cruise or a
culinary cruise or a Jewishheritage cruise that you can
cruise Europe and, you know,understand your heritage more or
(05:56):
the soulful cruises for thehistory of African-Americans
across Europe, that kind ofthing.
This is a themed cruise,really, at the heart of it.
It's in a very small amount oftime.
It's just a couple weeks everyyear.
But I also want to mention thatit's also extra special because
the river cruise ships aredecked out for the holidays.
(06:18):
There's garland all over theship.
Depending on what cruise lineyou're on, it could vary,
obviously.
But there's garland, there'stwinkle lights, there's...
Christmas trees, there's littleSanta Clauses, not full size,
that would be creepy if therewere full size fake mannequins
of Santa Claus on the ship.
(06:39):
It could be funny if it wasjust staged on the balcony or
like on the bow of the shipwaving to the people on the
river side.
That would be funny.
Dan (06:49):
Either way, kind of creepy.
Mikkel (06:51):
Yeah, either way, kind of creepy.
So don't expect a fake Santamannequin, but there are
maybe...
foot tall little Santa dolls.
Oh my god, this is going in adifferent direction.
But the truth is, it is sparklyand decked out in the holiday
icons of the season on theships, which just makes your
photos extra special andindicative of the time of year
(07:14):
you are cruising.
Dan (07:15):
So let's talk about the markets themselves.
The ships are great, and you'vedone your research, and you've
found out that you want to go toa Christmas markets cruise.
What should they expect oncethey get to the market?
Mikkel (07:29):
So the markets are very photo worthy.
So make sure you have a lot ofroom on your camera, your actual
camera if you bring on, orstorage on your phone.
mobile phone, which obviouslyis a lot of people's cameras
these days.
The markets typically offerthings like ornaments or
(07:49):
nativity sets or handmade craftsof all sorts, jewelry, toys,
local specialties if that areaspecializes in anything in
particular.
You'll also see a ton ofgingerbread cookies that have a
hard royal icing on them thatare wrapped in plastic.
This is very traditional forkids in Europe during the
(08:11):
christmas season and then ofcourse a lot of food and drinks
and merriment the markets areplaces for locals to gather as
well it's not only a touristthing people gather there after
work for example for a glue vineor a beer and they usually take
place in the old town centersAnd then a lot of the time there
(08:33):
are going to be, depending onthe city, additional stalls
along pedestrian streets.
So let's say there's an oldtown center and then pedestrian
streets shooting off the center.
There's going to be stallsthere.
And then the markets typicallyopen around 11 a.m.
That's really early.
People don't really go thereuntil the afternoon.
(08:53):
So picture from opening toclose, it is just most
concentrated closer to closingtime.
And you can kind of expect arush hour after work hours,
especially.
So speaking of timing.
Dan (09:05):
Some important tips around timing and what to take into
consideration.
Most of the markets closebefore or right around Christmas
Day.
So you're going to want to bookyour cruise the first two, two
and a half weeks in December forthe best access to the markets.
Mikkel (09:23):
That's true.
And we did notice when we werethere for a New Year's Eve
cruise that come the 24th in theafternoon and especially the
25th, things really died down.
People are going home to bewith their families.
Even the vendors who run thestalls want to be with their
families and everybody's donetheir Christmas shopping.
shopping by then let's notforget this is a really popular
(09:45):
way for a lot of people to buytheir Christmas gifts I'm sure
it's not the only way but it isa popular way so people want to
be with their families and theywant to participate in the
festivities on the night ofDecember 24th and 25th so a lot
of those markets will be closedand actually a lot of them
that's the last time thatthey're open for the year not
(10:07):
all we did experience in likeBratislava there was the
Christmas market some of thevendors were open past Christmas
but they're certainly notselling Christmas gifts anymore
they could be selling crafts ifthey're not themed to Christmas
but they're That is anotherthing to consider if you want to
make sure that they are in fullswing, like Dan said, book at
(10:30):
the beginning of December.
Dan (10:31):
Also, don't forget when you're visiting Christmas
market, the sun sets before 5p.m.
So plan accordingly.
The temperature is definitelygoing to drop, but also all the
people start to come out.
And that's when they'redrinking the Glühwein, which is
a warm mulled wine, and gettingall of those tasty treats and
picking up dinner along the wayat the market.
Mikkel (10:51):
Yes.
So leave room in your belly.
Dan (10:54):
That's for sure.
Mikkel (10:55):
Yeah.
So speaking of the cities andthem being in full swing, let's
talk about what cities you canpossibly visit with these
itineraries, the two mostpopular we've been on.
Dan (11:10):
When you're starting to look at itineraries for your
cruise, understand where youwant to visit.
So what countries you want tovisit.
maybe Germany, maybe France.
From there, then you can startto pick which river you want to
cruise.
So the Danube and the Rhine,they're the two most popular to
see Christmas markets.
The Danube gives you Germanyand Austria and a mix of
(11:34):
Amsterdam and the Netherlands inthere, depending on where you
start.
And the Rhine gives you Germanyand France.
Strasbourg is on the Rhine,while Nuremberg is on the
Danube.
So just have a general idea ofwhere you want to go And then
you can pick the river fromthere.
Mikkel (11:50):
Yeah, that's an excellent point because you
don't want to book the Rhine andthen be upset that you didn't
go to Nuremberg because you willnot go to Nuremberg if you are
doing a Rhine river cruise.
So that's a really good point.
And then if you're kind of opento either, you really can't go
wrong with the Rhine or theDanube.
You're not going to bedisappointed.
Maybe you've done the Danubebefore and you want to try the
(12:12):
Rhine or vice versa.
Dan (12:13):
Yeah.
Mikkel (12:14):
I would say, though, as far as itineraries, if the lower
Danube is offered, I don'tthink that the lower Danube is
as exciting as the upper Danubein terms of Christmas markets
offerings.
Because it's reallyconcentrated in those upper
Danube countries like Germanyand Austria.
Dan (12:32):
Right.
Mikkel (12:34):
You know, I would say German and Austrian food are
really close to each other.
And German and French food areclose to each other on that
Alsatian border where the Rhinegoes.
It kind of straddles thecountry border.
And for example, Strasbourg hasbeen under German rule and
French rule back and forth overtime.
(12:56):
But I'm so food focused that Ithink, what food can I try at
either one?
And that might help somebodydecide, too.
The truth is, it's not thatdifferent.
So, yeah, let's talk about thefood a little bit.
Dan (13:13):
It's not that different because it's all delicious,
really.
Mikkel (13:16):
I like that.
Dan (13:17):
I've heard it compared to the food, kind of compared to a
state fair or something in theStates.
I would say definitely elevatedto a state fair food.
Mikkel (13:29):
Yeah, no fried Oreos.
Dan (13:31):
Right.
At least we haven't seen any.
There could be.
Mikkel (13:34):
Was there any fried food?
Dan (13:35):
I'm sure there's something somewhere.
Mikkel (13:38):
Like a little schnitzel or something?
Actually, you don't seeschnitzel a lot at the German
markets.
Oh, you know why?
They probably don't have deepfryers in these little wooden
huts.
That seems like a fire hazard.
Dan (13:48):
Yeah, that's probably not the best course of action.
Mikkel (13:51):
But you do see French fries sometimes.
Dan (13:54):
Yeah, yeah.
A lot of the traditionalfoods...
In Germany, you see sausage,bratwurst, currywurst, french
fries, grapes, pretzels,spetzel, strudels.
Mikkel (14:06):
Strudel's a personal favorite.
Give me the cherry strudel,blueberry strudel.
Give me apple strudel.
They have so many strudels.
I love it all.
And you know me.
I love a bratwurst.
Any market I go to.
Dan (14:19):
Sure.
Mikkel (14:20):
Yeah.
Put the mustard on there.
Dan (14:22):
It is interesting.
You do come acrossinternational foods.
Mikkel (14:28):
Yeah, and that's a recent addition because of how
international the world'sbecoming, especially because of,
you know, refugees moving tothese countries and just how
global the world is with travel.
And they want to make sure thatthere's something for everyone.
Dan (14:47):
So kind of talking about fair food, langos reminds me of
that.
It's a piece of fried doughwith...
kind of lighter fried doughthan what you would normally
think of at a fair.
A lot of cheese, a lot of sourcream, and I think onions on
some of them.
(15:08):
You kind of build your ownadventure.
Mikkel (15:10):
Yeah.
The classic Hungarian langos isthe sour cream and garlic and
cheese.
But the last time we were inBudapest and I got the garlic on
it, there was so much garlic, Ithought that it could kill an
entire colony of vampires.
So...
Dan (15:25):
Hmm.
Colony.
Mikkel (15:28):
Is that
Dan (15:28):
what a group of vampires is called?
Mikkel (15:30):
Is it a flock?
Is it a flock like a flock ofseagulls because they have
wings?
What's a grouping of batscalled?
No?
No?
That's like Dracula.
I think I'm messing up my heroor villain comics.
What would you call vampires?
Anyway, I know that they don'twant to go near the language
that's traditional with thegarlic.
I could tell you that.
Dan (15:51):
Right.
And they probably wouldn't wantto go near the vegan food
either.
Mikkel (15:54):
Oh, I like it.
I will suck your blood.
Dan (15:58):
There are vegan options available in some markets.
Mikkel (16:01):
That is true.
And that's kind of a morerecent thing too.
We have vegan friends thattravel quite regularly and I am
always happy to see the veganofferings when we travel.
So we know that there's alittle bit of something for
everybody.
Must try treats.
You know that every year we arein Europe, fortunate enough to
be there during Christmas time.
(16:22):
I want Moroni.
And Moroni is roastedchestnuts, but you'll start
seeing the signs for Moroni.
And it's like, let's say four,I think it's, it depends, you
know, what the stall is and whothe vendor is, but it's usually
between three and four euros percone.
You get like a little papercone and it usually has about 10
(16:42):
chestnuts in there that aresliced and roasted and you can
just open that They've grown onme over the years because I used
to say to you, I don't evenlike these.
I just need to get them and eatthem because it puts me in the
spirit of the season kind ofmood.
Dan (16:55):
Yeah, more power to you.
You can have them all.
It's not my favorite food.
Mikkel (17:00):
I always ask you if you want one and you always say no.
Dan (17:03):
Kind of tastes like a wood-flavored piece of paper
towel.
Mikkel (17:08):
Oh, that's so interesting.
Everyone's taste buds aredifferent.
I think that it tastes like asweet, dry...
I don't know.
You definitely need water orbeer or glue vines to wash it
down.
Or you're like, like, like itgets stuck in your throat.
Sometimes I'll just buy themand take them back to the ship
so I can eat them on the ship.
Dan (17:28):
Yeah.
So
Mikkel (17:32):
we really sold those.
Dan (17:58):
That was a standout favorite, and you can identify
who's selling it from quite adistance because you smell it
and you are immediately drawn toit.
Mikkel (18:08):
Yeah, and then once you taste it and you see how
delicious it is, you're like, Ineed this again.
So we looked for that everymarket we went to afterwards.
What about what you wash itdown with?
I touched on Glühwein, as youdid.
We've been saying it this wholetime.
How could we not?
Red is preferred over white,but we've seen white and rosé
varieties as well.
Yeah,
Dan (18:26):
yeah.
It is interesting.
So it's a wine that's spiced,typically red, and it's served
warm.
So exactly what you would wantto drink on a cold evening in
Germany.
Mikkel (18:41):
Yeah.
And also, if you want a littlerum tree with it, they have a
version of Glühwein with arum-soaked sugar cube that they
set on fire.
And For dramatic presentation,just like, you know, my
presentation was just dramatic.
I'm so corny, but I'm going toroll with it because I love a
corny joke and I love a cornysound effect.
Dan (19:03):
So we don't have budget for sound effects yet.
Mikkel (19:09):
But, oh, see, I did it again.
I didn't even mean to.
Dan (19:12):
But we'll be putting up a donation button.
Donate to our sound effects.
Mikkel (19:17):
I cannot pronounce what that rum-soaked sugar cube
Glühwein is called.
It's called something likeFritzing But you'll know it when
you see it.
Also, if you are not into wine,there are other drinks like
beer because, come on, you're inGermany.
Dan (19:33):
Right.
Beer is always available inGermany.
Mikkel (19:36):
There are bathrooms, too, at these Christmas markets.
And if there aren't dedicatedbathrooms, they'll direct you to
the nearest one if you need arestroom.
Because when I think ofdrinking that much Glühwein or
beer, I'm like, where's thenearest restroom?
Dan (19:49):
Yeah.
Mikkel (19:49):
I
Dan (19:50):
was wondering where that transition came from.
Mikkel (19:53):
But you know where my mind always goes.
I'm like, I need to know whereall the restrooms are all the
time.
Dan (19:57):
Yes.
Mikkel (19:58):
Yes.
He travels with me all thetime.
So he's used to this.
But I'm sure somebody listeningis going to appreciate that I
brought up the restrooms.
Also, if there's, you know, acafe or something or a
restaurant nearby, that's alwaysa good bet too.
I would say if you're comingfrom a river cruise, then bring
water from the ship.
We always have a reusable waterbottle.
They give water out if you wantit during excursions and just
(20:21):
grab some water from the ship soyou have that and don't need to
purchase it.
Oh, you know what we didn'tsay?
The mugs, the famous mugs thatyou can get at all the markets
and how they're different.
This is like a really coolthing about the Christmas
markets.
Dan (20:34):
As you're sampling the Glühwein, you get these small
souvenir mugs and then nextthing you know, you have 20 or
30 of them in your backpack.
We traveled with some friendswho quickly found out that their
luggage was going to beoverweight because of all their
souvenir are Glühwein mugs.
Mikkel (20:51):
I love it.
That's true.
So what you do is you give thema deposit.
So let's say a glass ofGlühwein is four euros, but they
charge you six euros becausewhen you bring the mug back, you
get the two euro deposit back.
Now, if you don't bring the mugback and you keep it, which
you're more than welcome to do,you've already paid two euros
(21:12):
for it.
And the mugs are specific tothe different markets and they
differ every year.
Expect a lot of them to say youknow, Chris...
I'm trying to think what it is,Christmalkindlmarkt in German
or something like that on it andthe year.
And our friends that werecollecting these, as Dan, as you
just said, were actuallybringing them back to give them
(21:34):
as gifts to people forChristmas.
So that was kind of a neatidea.
We are more so people that givethem back and we get the
deposit back and then we usethat deposit for more Glühwein.
But it is a really cool thingto expect.
And you do want to bringanother piece of luggage if you
are planning on getting a lot ofpresents and So let's talk
(22:10):
about practical planning adviceand logistics starting with the
cruise lane.
So typically these cruises areseven nights, eight days.
That's plenty of time.
I think a 16 day one might beoverkill.
The truth is you start seeingso many churches in Europe and
you're like, ooh, anotherchurch.
And I still like going in thembecause once in a while I'm
(22:31):
like, oh, I've never seen thatin a church.
That's really cool.
But the Christmas markets, youkind of get I'm trying to think
how you described it.
You don't get tired of them,but you're kind of like, oh,
okay, this has the same thing asthe last one.
Like fatigue?
Dan (22:45):
They have the same thing, but every one has its own
personality.
Mikkel (22:48):
Yeah, for sure.
But sometimes it's like just aquick walk around or sometimes
it's raining and you're like,okay, I saw it.
I want to go back to warmth onthe ship.
So it really depends.
Yeah.
The point being, if you arebooking a seven-night, eight-day
cruise, I would say that'sgreat.
We always advocate forextending a pre and post.
Specifically for this type ofcruise, you really want to be
(23:11):
aware of the dates you'rebooking because if you are
disembarking from the ship onDecember 22nd and you're staying
for three more days, I wouldsay don't do that.
Stay for two.
Go home on December 24thbecause the 25th, everything's
going to be closed We know.
We've done this before.
Yes.
So...
I would say in that case, ifyou're booking the second week
(23:34):
in December, maybe do apre-cruise extension beforehand.
There's amazing areas that youcan go to that might even be
super close to where you areembarking on your cruise.
For example, Munich is right byNuremberg, or it's easy to get
to Frankfurt.
We extended in Frankfurt a fewdays before we embarked on a
(23:56):
cruise nearby.
So the length is not just thelength that you're on the ship,
you can extend pre and post.
Dan (24:02):
Also when you're thinking about booking,
Mikkel (24:04):
Hold that thought, Dan, because that is where we are
going to leave off this episodeat a bit of a cliffhanger for
you.
Be sure to go hit play on parttwo, which is available right
now when we talk about thingsfrom multi-generational cruising
to where your stateroom shouldbe or shouldn't be or doesn't
(24:25):
matter during your Christmasmarkets cruise and other tips
that are really going to helpyou maximize your enjoyment.
Oh, we also talk about thosewater levels that I mentioned at
the start of this episode andwhat that means for your
potential cruise schedule.
So press play.
We look forward to welcomingyou there.
Also send us those questions.
We are going to be answeringall of your Christmas markets
(24:48):
river cruises questions in afuture episode, which we very
much look forward to.
Merry Christmas, any time ofyear, any day, and we'll join
you in part two.
Dan (25:02):
music music
Thank you.
Mikkel (00:01):
Welcome to Small Ship Cruise Talk, a show where we
share insider tips andfirst-hand experiences about
this outstanding, yetlesser-known form of travel.
We are passionate about sharingour knowledge about river
cruises, expedition, yacht, andbarge cruises, so you are
informed when it comes tochoosing your own vacation
experiences.
(00:22):
We're your co-hosts, Dan andMikkel, and we are your cruise
experts and the co-founders ofSometimes Sailing, a website
that focuses on small shipcruise Welcome to this week's
edition of Small Ship CruiseTalk, where we are going to talk
about the most magical time ofyear, and that is Christmas.
(00:46):
More specifically, we are goingto talk about Christmas market
cruising.
And this episode is going to beyour ultimate guide to
Christmas market river cruising,specifically in
Dan (01:02):
If you have ever dreamed of being in Europe during one of
the most magical times of year,with the scent of roasted
chestnuts filling the air andtwinkle lights everywhere and
garland and Christmas trees andall of the magic of the holiday
season, this episode is for you.
We have broken this down intotwo parts for double your
(01:24):
enjoyment, and we have anexciting third episode coming up
that I'm going to explain injust a little bit.
Part one, we are going to coverwhere What makes the Christmas
markets river cruises special?
When are they?
Of course, you know they'reduring the Christmas season, but
we're going to reveal the besttime to plan your river cruise.
How do you choose an itineraryand what can you see on one
(01:46):
versus another?
We're going to break downlogistics and planning and
booking.
We are also going to talk aboutthose must-try Christmas treats
in addition to what you can buyat the Christmas markets.
And along with the Christmastreats is, of course, the famous
Glühwein.
but also we are gonna talkabout the Christmas mugs and
what you need to know aboutthese famous Christmas mugs at
(02:08):
the markets.
In part two, we are sharingsome information about
maximizing the enjoyment of yourChristmas markets cruise.
We are gonna talk about thoseinfamous water levels on these
rivers during winter and whatyou need to be aware of and
managing your expectations.
We're gonna talk about mobilitya little bit, if you have some
(02:29):
mobility issues and what to beaware of.
We are also going to talk aboutyour stateroom.
Where should your stateroom beand why is it important or not
important during this time ofyear?
We're breaking down the citiesthat you might want to visit,
big and small, and why that isalso necessary to know about.
We are also talking aboutmulti-generational cruising.
(02:51):
And if you have kids and you'reinterested in a Christmas
markets river cruise, what isthe ideal cruise line for you?
We're going to talk about someholiday shopping points and what
things you need to know inaddition to the Christmas
market.
Shopping is great anytime inEurope, but there are some cool
things about Christmas time aswell.
And lastly, we are asking foryour questions about the
(03:15):
Christmas markets.
So don't be shy, send us thosequestions and we are going to
answer them in a dedicated FAQsanswered episode about
Christmas.
the Christmas markets rivercruises.
So Dan, what makes rivercruising during the Christmas
time of year so extra special?
I think when somebody thinks ofChristmas time, they think of
(03:38):
Hallmark movies and snow andcastles and wine.
And ultimately, you're going toget all of that at a Christmas
market in Europe.
Well, maybe not the Hallmarkmovie part, but you're going to
get the mulled wine, you'regoing to get some snow, plenty
of trinkets and delicious foods,decorations, holiday lights, a
(04:00):
festive atmosphere with music,sleigh bells, and you'll
probably see Santa.
Mikkel (04:06):
Yes, you will probably see Santa.
And if not in the trinkets,then sometimes there's like a
little Santa Claus.
Santa Claus.
Oh, a little New York accentcame out.
Santa Claus.
Santa Claus.
My New York Santa Claus orjersey.
Santa Claus.
There was a wooden kind ofcutout of Santa somewhere we
(04:27):
went in Germany that I thoughtwas really cute that we actually
sent to your parents for alittle Christmas greeting that
year.
Dan (04:34):
Where was that Christmas market we ran into and there
was...
A couple dozen Santas, like,just milling around in the...
I can't remember where it was.
Anyways, tangent.
Mikkel (04:51):
Was this during your wildest Christmas dreams?
Dan (04:54):
Is that a dream or a nightmare?
I don't know.
How many Santas?
Are there too many Santas?
Mikkel (04:59):
You know, in reference to your Hallmark movie mention,
it could be a Hallmark movie forreal if anyone has a spouse
like you and insists on givingyou kisses, but they're is often
mistletoe in the decorations.
So just throwing it out there.
Dan (05:16):
Yeah, so be on the lookout.
Mikkel (05:19):
And the defense.
Dan (05:21):
Random strangers may kiss you.
Mikkel (05:23):
Or your wife.
Yeah.
Dan (05:26):
Those results are not guaranteed, so don't come back
and ask why no random womankissed you.
Mikkel (05:34):
Thank you.
So in addition to all thoseelements making the Christmas
time special in Europe and thesequote unquote themed Christmas
cruises, which is kind of like,you know, a wine cruise or a
culinary cruise or a Jewishheritage cruise that you can
cruise Europe and, you know,understand your heritage more or
(05:56):
the soulful cruises for thehistory of African-Americans
across Europe, that kind ofthing.
This is a themed cruise,really, at the heart of it.
It's in a very small amount oftime.
It's just a couple weeks everyyear.
But I also want to mention thatit's also extra special because
the river cruise ships aredecked out for the holidays.
(06:18):
There's garland all over theship.
Depending on what cruise lineyou're on, it could vary,
obviously.
But there's garland, there'stwinkle lights, there's...
Christmas trees, there's littleSanta Clauses, not full size,
that would be creepy if therewere full size fake mannequins
of Santa Claus on the ship.
(06:39):
It could be funny if it wasjust staged on the balcony or
like on the bow of the shipwaving to the people on the
river side.
That would be funny.
Dan (06:49):
Either way, kind of creepy.
Mikkel (06:51):
Yeah, either way, kind of creepy.
So don't expect a fake Santamannequin, but there are
maybe...
foot tall little Santa dolls.
Oh my god, this is going in adifferent direction.
But the truth is, it is sparklyand decked out in the holiday
icons of the season on theships, which just makes your
photos extra special andindicative of the time of year
(07:14):
you are cruising.
Dan (07:15):
So let's talk about the markets themselves.
The ships are great, and you'vedone your research, and you've
found out that you want to go toa Christmas markets cruise.
What should they expect oncethey get to the market?
Mikkel (07:29):
So the markets are very photo worthy.
So make sure you have a lot ofroom on your camera, your actual
camera if you bring on, orstorage on your phone.
mobile phone, which obviouslyis a lot of people's cameras
these days.
The markets typically offerthings like ornaments or
(07:49):
nativity sets or handmade craftsof all sorts, jewelry, toys,
local specialties if that areaspecializes in anything in
particular.
You'll also see a ton ofgingerbread cookies that have a
hard royal icing on them thatare wrapped in plastic.
This is very traditional forkids in Europe during the
(08:11):
christmas season and then ofcourse a lot of food and drinks
and merriment the markets areplaces for locals to gather as
well it's not only a touristthing people gather there after
work for example for a glue vineor a beer and they usually take
place in the old town centersAnd then a lot of the time there
(08:33):
are going to be, depending onthe city, additional stalls
along pedestrian streets.
So let's say there's an oldtown center and then pedestrian
streets shooting off the center.
There's going to be stallsthere.
And then the markets typicallyopen around 11 a.m.
That's really early.
People don't really go thereuntil the afternoon.
(08:53):
So picture from opening toclose, it is just most
concentrated closer to closingtime.
And you can kind of expect arush hour after work hours,
especially.
So speaking of timing.
Dan (09:05):
Some important tips around timing and what to take into
consideration.
Most of the markets closebefore or right around Christmas
Day.
So you're going to want to bookyour cruise the first two, two
and a half weeks in December forthe best access to the markets.
Mikkel (09:23):
That's true.
And we did notice when we werethere for a New Year's Eve
cruise that come the 24th in theafternoon and especially the
25th, things really died down.
People are going home to bewith their families.
Even the vendors who run thestalls want to be with their
families and everybody's donetheir Christmas shopping.
shopping by then let's notforget this is a really popular
(09:45):
way for a lot of people to buytheir Christmas gifts I'm sure
it's not the only way but it isa popular way so people want to
be with their families and theywant to participate in the
festivities on the night ofDecember 24th and 25th so a lot
of those markets will be closedand actually a lot of them
that's the last time thatthey're open for the year not
(10:07):
all we did experience in likeBratislava there was the
Christmas market some of thevendors were open past Christmas
but they're certainly notselling Christmas gifts anymore
they could be selling crafts ifthey're not themed to Christmas
but they're That is anotherthing to consider if you want to
make sure that they are in fullswing, like Dan said, book at
(10:30):
the beginning of December.
Dan (10:31):
Also, don't forget when you're visiting Christmas
market, the sun sets before 5p.m.
So plan accordingly.
The temperature is definitelygoing to drop, but also all the
people start to come out.
And that's when they'redrinking the Glühwein, which is
a warm mulled wine, and gettingall of those tasty treats and
picking up dinner along the wayat the market.
Mikkel (10:51):
Yes.
So leave room in your belly.
Dan (10:54):
That's for sure.
Mikkel (10:55):
Yeah.
So speaking of the cities andthem being in full swing, let's
talk about what cities you canpossibly visit with these
itineraries, the two mostpopular we've been on.
Dan (11:10):
When you're starting to look at itineraries for your
cruise, understand where youwant to visit.
So what countries you want tovisit.
maybe Germany, maybe France.
From there, then you can startto pick which river you want to
cruise.
So the Danube and the Rhine,they're the two most popular to
see Christmas markets.
The Danube gives you Germanyand Austria and a mix of
(11:34):
Amsterdam and the Netherlands inthere, depending on where you
start.
And the Rhine gives you Germanyand France.
Strasbourg is on the Rhine,while Nuremberg is on the
Danube.
So just have a general idea ofwhere you want to go And then
you can pick the river fromthere.
Mikkel (11:50):
Yeah, that's an excellent point because you
don't want to book the Rhine andthen be upset that you didn't
go to Nuremberg because you willnot go to Nuremberg if you are
doing a Rhine river cruise.
So that's a really good point.
And then if you're kind of opento either, you really can't go
wrong with the Rhine or theDanube.
You're not going to bedisappointed.
Maybe you've done the Danubebefore and you want to try the
(12:12):
Rhine or vice versa.
Dan (12:13):
Yeah.
Mikkel (12:14):
I would say, though, as far as itineraries, if the lower
Danube is offered, I don'tthink that the lower Danube is
as exciting as the upper Danubein terms of Christmas markets
offerings.
Because it's reallyconcentrated in those upper
Danube countries like Germanyand Austria.
Dan (12:32):
Right.
Mikkel (12:34):
You know, I would say German and Austrian food are
really close to each other.
And German and French food areclose to each other on that
Alsatian border where the Rhinegoes.
It kind of straddles thecountry border.
And for example, Strasbourg hasbeen under German rule and
French rule back and forth overtime.
(12:56):
But I'm so food focused that Ithink, what food can I try at
either one?
And that might help somebodydecide, too.
The truth is, it's not thatdifferent.
So, yeah, let's talk about thefood a little bit.
Dan (13:13):
It's not that different because it's all delicious,
really.
Mikkel (13:16):
I like that.
Dan (13:17):
I've heard it compared to the food, kind of compared to a
state fair or something in theStates.
I would say definitely elevatedto a state fair food.
Mikkel (13:29):
Yeah, no fried Oreos.
Dan (13:31):
Right.
At least we haven't seen any.
There could be.
Mikkel (13:34):
Was there any fried food?
Dan (13:35):
I'm sure there's something somewhere.
Mikkel (13:38):
Like a little schnitzel or something?
Actually, you don't seeschnitzel a lot at the German
markets.
Oh, you know why?
They probably don't have deepfryers in these little wooden
huts.
That seems like a fire hazard.
Dan (13:48):
Yeah, that's probably not the best course of action.
Mikkel (13:51):
But you do see French fries sometimes.
Dan (13:54):
Yeah, yeah.
A lot of the traditionalfoods...
In Germany, you see sausage,bratwurst, currywurst, french
fries, grapes, pretzels,spetzel, strudels.
Mikkel (14:06):
Strudel's a personal favorite.
Give me the cherry strudel,blueberry strudel.
Give me apple strudel.
They have so many strudels.
I love it all.
And you know me.
I love a bratwurst.
Any market I go to.
Dan (14:19):
Sure.
Mikkel (14:20):
Yeah.
Put the mustard on there.
Dan (14:22):
It is interesting.
You do come acrossinternational foods.
Mikkel (14:28):
Yeah, and that's a recent addition because of how
international the world'sbecoming, especially because of,
you know, refugees moving tothese countries and just how
global the world is with travel.
And they want to make sure thatthere's something for everyone.
Dan (14:47):
So kind of talking about fair food, langos reminds me of
that.
It's a piece of fried doughwith...
kind of lighter fried doughthan what you would normally
think of at a fair.
A lot of cheese, a lot of sourcream, and I think onions on
some of them.
(15:08):
You kind of build your ownadventure.
Mikkel (15:10):
Yeah.
The classic Hungarian langos isthe sour cream and garlic and
cheese.
But the last time we were inBudapest and I got the garlic on
it, there was so much garlic, Ithought that it could kill an
entire colony of vampires.
So...
Dan (15:25):
Hmm.
Colony.
Mikkel (15:28):
Is that
Dan (15:28):
what a group of vampires is called?
Mikkel (15:30):
Is it a flock?
Is it a flock like a flock ofseagulls because they have
wings?
What's a grouping of batscalled?
No?
No?
That's like Dracula.
I think I'm messing up my heroor villain comics.
What would you call vampires?
Anyway, I know that they don'twant to go near the language
that's traditional with thegarlic.
I could tell you that.
Dan (15:51):
Right.
And they probably wouldn't wantto go near the vegan food
either.
Mikkel (15:54):
Oh, I like it.
I will suck your blood.
Dan (15:58):
There are vegan options available in some markets.
Mikkel (16:01):
That is true.
And that's kind of a morerecent thing too.
We have vegan friends thattravel quite regularly and I am
always happy to see the veganofferings when we travel.
So we know that there's alittle bit of something for
everybody.
Must try treats.
You know that every year we arein Europe, fortunate enough to
be there during Christmas time.
(16:22):
I want Moroni.
And Moroni is roastedchestnuts, but you'll start
seeing the signs for Moroni.
And it's like, let's say four,I think it's, it depends, you
know, what the stall is and whothe vendor is, but it's usually
between three and four euros percone.
You get like a little papercone and it usually has about 10
(16:42):
chestnuts in there that aresliced and roasted and you can
just open that They've grown onme over the years because I used
to say to you, I don't evenlike these.
I just need to get them and eatthem because it puts me in the
spirit of the season kind ofmood.
Dan (16:55):
Yeah, more power to you.
You can have them all.
It's not my favorite food.
Mikkel (17:00):
I always ask you if you want one and you always say no.
Dan (17:03):
Kind of tastes like a wood-flavored piece of paper
towel.
Mikkel (17:08):
Oh, that's so interesting.
Everyone's taste buds aredifferent.
I think that it tastes like asweet, dry...
I don't know.
You definitely need water orbeer or glue vines to wash it
down.
Or you're like, like, like itgets stuck in your throat.
Sometimes I'll just buy themand take them back to the ship
so I can eat them on the ship.
Dan (17:28):
Yeah.
So
Mikkel (17:32):
we really sold those.
Dan (17:58):
That was a standout favorite, and you can identify
who's selling it from quite adistance because you smell it
and you are immediately drawn toit.
Mikkel (18:08):
Yeah, and then once you taste it and you see how
delicious it is, you're like, Ineed this again.
So we looked for that everymarket we went to afterwards.
What about what you wash itdown with?
I touched on Glühwein, as youdid.
We've been saying it this wholetime.
How could we not?
Red is preferred over white,but we've seen white and rosé
varieties as well.
Yeah,
Dan (18:26):
yeah.
It is interesting.
So it's a wine that's spiced,typically red, and it's served
warm.
So exactly what you would wantto drink on a cold evening in
Germany.
Mikkel (18:41):
Yeah.
And also, if you want a littlerum tree with it, they have a
version of Glühwein with arum-soaked sugar cube that they
set on fire.
And For dramatic presentation,just like, you know, my
presentation was just dramatic.
I'm so corny, but I'm going toroll with it because I love a
corny joke and I love a cornysound effect.
Dan (19:03):
So we don't have budget for sound effects yet.
Mikkel (19:09):
But, oh, see, I did it again.
I didn't even mean to.
Dan (19:12):
But we'll be putting up a donation button.
Donate to our sound effects.
Mikkel (19:17):
I cannot pronounce what that rum-soaked sugar cube
Glühwein is called.
It's called something likeFritzing But you'll know it when
you see it.
Also, if you are not into wine,there are other drinks like
beer because, come on, you're inGermany.
Dan (19:33):
Right.
Beer is always available inGermany.
Mikkel (19:36):
There are bathrooms, too, at these Christmas markets.
And if there aren't dedicatedbathrooms, they'll direct you to
the nearest one if you need arestroom.
Because when I think ofdrinking that much Glühwein or
beer, I'm like, where's thenearest restroom?
Dan (19:49):
Yeah.
Mikkel (19:49):
I
Dan (19:50):
was wondering where that transition came from.
Mikkel (19:53):
But you know where my mind always goes.
I'm like, I need to know whereall the restrooms are all the
time.
Dan (19:57):
Yes.
Mikkel (19:58):
Yes.
He travels with me all thetime.
So he's used to this.
But I'm sure somebody listeningis going to appreciate that I
brought up the restrooms.
Also, if there's, you know, acafe or something or a
restaurant nearby, that's alwaysa good bet too.
I would say if you're comingfrom a river cruise, then bring
water from the ship.
We always have a reusable waterbottle.
They give water out if you wantit during excursions and just
(20:21):
grab some water from the ship soyou have that and don't need to
purchase it.
Oh, you know what we didn'tsay?
The mugs, the famous mugs thatyou can get at all the markets
and how they're different.
This is like a really coolthing about the Christmas
markets.
Dan (20:34):
As you're sampling the Glühwein, you get these small
souvenir mugs and then nextthing you know, you have 20 or
30 of them in your backpack.
We traveled with some friendswho quickly found out that their
luggage was going to beoverweight because of all their
souvenir are Glühwein mugs.
Mikkel (20:51):
I love it.
That's true.
So what you do is you give thema deposit.
So let's say a glass ofGlühwein is four euros, but they
charge you six euros becausewhen you bring the mug back, you
get the two euro deposit back.
Now, if you don't bring the mugback and you keep it, which
you're more than welcome to do,you've already paid two euros
(21:12):
for it.
And the mugs are specific tothe different markets and they
differ every year.
Expect a lot of them to say youknow, Chris...
I'm trying to think what it is,Christmalkindlmarkt in German
or something like that on it andthe year.
And our friends that werecollecting these, as Dan, as you
just said, were actuallybringing them back to give them
(21:34):
as gifts to people forChristmas.
So that was kind of a neatidea.
We are more so people that givethem back and we get the
deposit back and then we usethat deposit for more Glühwein.
But it is a really cool thingto expect.
And you do want to bringanother piece of luggage if you
are planning on getting a lot ofpresents and So let's talk
(22:10):
about practical planning adviceand logistics starting with the
cruise lane.
So typically these cruises areseven nights, eight days.
That's plenty of time.
I think a 16 day one might beoverkill.
The truth is you start seeingso many churches in Europe and
you're like, ooh, anotherchurch.
And I still like going in thembecause once in a while I'm
(22:31):
like, oh, I've never seen thatin a church.
That's really cool.
But the Christmas markets, youkind of get I'm trying to think
how you described it.
You don't get tired of them,but you're kind of like, oh,
okay, this has the same thing asthe last one.
Like fatigue?
Dan (22:45):
They have the same thing, but every one has its own
personality.
Mikkel (22:48):
Yeah, for sure.
But sometimes it's like just aquick walk around or sometimes
it's raining and you're like,okay, I saw it.
I want to go back to warmth onthe ship.
So it really depends.
Yeah.
The point being, if you arebooking a seven-night, eight-day
cruise, I would say that'sgreat.
We always advocate forextending a pre and post.
Specifically for this type ofcruise, you really want to be
(23:11):
aware of the dates you'rebooking because if you are
disembarking from the ship onDecember 22nd and you're staying
for three more days, I wouldsay don't do that.
Stay for two.
Go home on December 24thbecause the 25th, everything's
going to be closed We know.
We've done this before.
Yes.
So...
I would say in that case, ifyou're booking the second week
(23:34):
in December, maybe do apre-cruise extension beforehand.
There's amazing areas that youcan go to that might even be
super close to where you areembarking on your cruise.
For example, Munich is right byNuremberg, or it's easy to get
to Frankfurt.
We extended in Frankfurt a fewdays before we embarked on a
(23:56):
cruise nearby.
So the length is not just thelength that you're on the ship,
you can extend pre and post.
Dan (24:02):
Also when you're thinking about booking,
Mikkel (24:04):
Hold that thought, Dan, because that is where we are
going to leave off this episodeat a bit of a cliffhanger for
you.
Be sure to go hit play on parttwo, which is available right
now when we talk about thingsfrom multi-generational cruising
to where your stateroom shouldbe or shouldn't be or doesn't
(24:25):
matter during your Christmasmarkets cruise and other tips
that are really going to helpyou maximize your enjoyment.
Oh, we also talk about thosewater levels that I mentioned at
the start of this episode andwhat that means for your
potential cruise schedule.
So press play.
We look forward to welcomingyou there.
Also send us those questions.
We are going to be answeringall of your Christmas markets
(24:48):
river cruises questions in afuture episode, which we very
much look forward to.
Merry Christmas, any time ofyear, any day, and we'll join
you in part two.
Dan (25:02):
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