Oh, tis always the season, and Virago Journeys shares 10 joyful reasons to love Christmas Markets on the Rhine with AmaWaterways

With the advent of Christmas lights in April to bring cheer to the world during COVID-19, I too have been getting into a joyful mood. Dreaming of places to travel when all the social distancing protocols have ended. And what brings more joy than Christmas? Christmas Markets on the Rhine with AmaWaterways.

AmaMora

The Rhine is a magical place at Christmastide. Experience deep-rooted holiday traditions. Visit some of the world’s most timeless Christmas Markets. Meander through historic squares. Learn German Christmas songs. And let the capital of Noël, Strasbourg, captivate you.
 
A Christmas river cruise can be a wonderful experience for you and your loved one! Especially if you’ve grown weary of the same scene year after year. See how another part of the world celebrates Christmas.

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Cruise from Amsterdam to Basel and enjoy twinkling stars, sparkling lights, beautiful holiday decorations and all the festivities of the season. Christmas river cruises are packed with luxurious amenities onboard and incredible small-town ports with spectacular scenery. See the Christmas markets of France, Germany, Netherlands and Switzerland with their fairy-tale mix of history, folklore, artisanal baubles and crackling hearths that warm hands and hearts.  
 
And even more enticing, Virago Journeys shares 10 joyful reasons to love Christmas Markets on the Rhine with AmaWaterways:

Christmas Market in Basel

1. Romance  
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Holidays at home always involves work. Cooking, cleaning, decorating, driving out-of-town… But when you’re on a cruise, you spend your time enjoying each other’s company. The idyllic, fairytale charm…the culinary delights…the enchanting Christmas Markets. There’s no need to be home for the holidays when Strasbourg has the perfect cuddle spot! What could be more romantic for the holidays than kissing under the mistletoe in Strasbourg?

2. Awe-inspiring Scenery 

​If you ask most people if they’d rather shovel snow or cruise through the castle-laden Rhine River Gorge, we’re betting most would opt to go cruising! While your neighbors may be buried under a foot of snow, you can wander along the Hauptstrasse soaking up Yuletide celebrations or hike along the Neckar River on the historic Philosopher’s Path. The scenery is guaranteed to make you gasp in awe.

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Fine dining with a view

3. Cultured Cuisine  

What could be better than trying traditional Christmas food from another country (think smoked salmon and oysters with bran brad in France or a roast with apple and sausage stuffing and potato fritters in Germany) and not having to cook it? And served with local fine wines. The choices are endless, and oh so tempting. Try one, try all. Then share your delight with the food with your neighbors and friends when you return home.
 
And no need to worry about your waistline, AmaWaterways has you covered with our next reason.

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Yoga on the deck

4. Living Well on the Water

​Just because you’re on vacation doesn’t mean your health and wellness takes a holiday. AmaWaterways has programs designed to enhance your wellness on board and off. From fitness classes, morning stretches, cardio and circuit training all included. On shore, go beyond the typical tourist paths as AmaWaterways ventures deeper into these iconic cities with active hiking and biking excursions

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5. Onboard Entertainment  
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We think holiday entertainment at sea is the best! Watch all your favorite Christmas movies and enjoy Holiday Shows put on by talented dancers and singers. An AmaWaterways river cruise thrills you with daily entertainment including cultural performances. It really does make for great memories!

6. Christmas Shopping 

If you didn’t get all your Christmas shopping done before your river cruise, no worries! Each unique port of call has its own Christmas Market, and you’ll be entranced by the markets in Cologne. The entire city comes to life like a Christmas Celebration Theme Park. Seven markets, each with a unique and fun twist, entice visitors to sample a host of delicious, sugary treats, as well as numerous wooden pavilions selling everything from gorgeous woodcarvings, handmade books, artisanal crafts and unusual holiday trinkets. Gnomes, angels, pirates and more roam the streets bringing European folklore to life with tales and legends.

Christmas Shopping at the Market

7. Christmas Traditions  

​You don’t have to miss timeless Christmas traditions while at sea. Non-denominational services are usually offered, and you can even sing carols around the tree before Christmas Dinner is served. Also, enjoy the traditions of the areas you cruise through. Learn about the midwinter hoornblaazen (horn blowing) in the Netherlands or Samischlause (the Swiss Santa) in Switzerland, who knocks politely on your door so you can invite him in.

Crew Carols

8. Decorations  

​Immerse yourself in the beauty of the holiday with all your river cruise ship is sure to offer. Beautiful wreaths, trees—large and small, will make your holiday festive and bright! And the best thing is you don’t have to take any of it down after the holidays!

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All decked out for Christmas!

9. A Personal Oasis  

Your stateroom offers more than just a good night’s sleep. It’s the ultimate retreat: spacious river-view accommodations with soothing bath and body products in the expansive marble bathroom, white-on-white plush bedding, comfortable seating, generous storage space, and twin balconies all with a touch of vibrant color to turn your home away from home into a floating sanctuary perfect for just the two of you. Unpack once and relax.

10. Room Service  

What a Christmas gift! Christmas breakfast in bed! Stay snuggled with your sweetheart and order the perfect cup of coffee or order in pizza while you watch your favorite Christmas movie in your stateroom. Room service is the ultimate Christmas gift for that special woman in your life who does it all!

Oh, and a special bonus: imagine all the memories you’ll create and share for years to come.
 
Virago Journeys invites you to cherish all the glory of the Christmas season in grand European style as you cruise Christmas Markets on the Rhine. See the itinerary here.
 
Special pricing exists on select dates so make this a holiday you won’t forget and extend your stay with a pre- or post-cruise land package. Ask me how.