Christmas Market Cruises Offer Much More Than Shopping

By this time in December, you may be starting to wish you had booked a Christmas market river cruise.

They look so festive and are also a way to escape the mad rush that the holidays have become in favor of what appears to be a more traditional shopping experience.

But is shopping all there is to do on one of these seasonal cruises? Not at all! Here's the rundown of what else you can experience on a European Christmas market cruise:

Eating

In most markets, there are almost as many food stalls as there are gift and holiday decoration venues. Imagine the best street food available in the country you are visiting, mix in some seasonal treats and put them all in one marketplace.

Expect sausages of all varieties and lengths, pastries-both fried and baked-plus an array of treats made of sugar. And just beyond the markets, you can usually find some of the most sought-after restaurants in that community.

Of course, don't forget the food on the ships themselves, which often includes the regional cuisines of the area through which you are sailing.

But fabulous dining experiences don't stop at regional cuisine. AmaWaterways offers both a Chef's Tasting dining room and one evening in the main dining room featuring a special Confrerie de la Chaine des Rotisseurs menu.

Wine Tasting

While most everyone focuses on the delight of hot mulled wine (gluhwein) found in the market stalls, don't rule out the possibility of squeezing in a more typical wine tasting during your Christmas market cruise.

Most cruises take you through parts of Europe's most popular wine regions, so why wouldn't you sample some of the bounty? If you can't make it to a winery, find a wine shop. They are often located just beyond the squares where the markets are held.

Beer Drinking

Of course, you should also drink beer on a Christmas market cruise, especially if your cruise takes you through Germany or Austria. Breweries and pubs are easy to find in most ports; they are often located along your way to the Christmas markets!

And just as in the U.S., they may be filled with patient spouses watching sports and sipping brews while their shopping-enamored partners browse the goods.

Hiking and Biking

Though the weather may not always cooperate, there are outdoor activities to consider during the Christmas market season. Some ships, like those of Tauck, AmaWaterways and Uniworld carry bicycles for guest use, often scheduling guided rides in some locations.

Hiking opportunities may be as simple as a stroll along the riverside towpath in some ports or as adventurous as a planned hike in the mountains surrounding the ports of call.

Relaxing on the Ship

When your feet and your wallet have had all the shopping you can stand, consider spending time on board. You may find that having the ship almost to yourself is a treat worth more than a missed mug of gluhwein.

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