There's no getting around it, Christmas is an expensive time of year. Booking a Christmas cruise could be an incredible way of spending your usual budget on some quality time and an extra special gift for the family to enjoy, whether it's a couples cruise or with the kids.
Many travelers and holiday experts consider Germany to have the most beautiful Christmas, famous for traditional markets, fairytale towns like Rothenburg ob der Tauber, and historic festive charm.
The best Christmas market cruises are offered by Riviera Travel for overall value, AmaWaterways for Central European itineraries, and Uniworld River Cruises for luxury and festive decor. Most users on Cruise Critic reach a consensus that river cruises along the Rhine and Danube are the ideal way to visit these markets.
There is no single "best" line, as it depends on your style, but Disney Cruise Line (best for families), Cunard (best for traditional elegance), and Riviera Travel (best for European Christmas markets) are widely considered the top choices.
Which Christmas Market cruise is better, Danube or Rhine?
Choosing between a Danube or Rhine Christmas market cruise depends on whether you prefer grand imperial capitals with big markets (Danube) or fairy-tale medieval towns with cozy, traditional stalls (Rhine). Both options offer incredible festive experiences, typically running 7 to 8 days with lines like Viking River Cruises and Uniworld Boutique River Cruises.
Germany is widely considered the best country to visit for Christmas, famous for classic markets, gingerbread, and festive fairy-tale towns. Other top choices include Austria and Finland.
Cruisers generally advise staying away from short holiday party sailings, tender-heavy itineraries on massive ships, and specific older or lower-rated vessels.
Cruises that take place over holidays like Christmas and New Year's “tend to be more crowded than off-season sailings because most schools and many workplaces give time off … so families who normally can't travel together are able to,” according to Susan Guthrie, a travel agent and owner of Cruisin' with Susan and More ...
San Fernando, Pampanga Why Visit: Known as the "Christmas Capital of the Philippines," San Fernando is famous for its Giant Lantern Festival (Ligligan Parul), showcasing enormous and intricate lanterns.
Popular destinations like Phuket, Krabi, and Koh Samui offer crystal-clear waters and vibrant marine life, making December a wonderful month to enjoy Thailand's tropical coastline. Yes, it is generally very safe to visit Thailand in December.
Where is the best place to go in December in Asia?
The best places to visit in Asia in December are Thailand, Cambodia, and Vietnam, offering dry skies, comfortable temperatures, and great beach conditions.
Many travelers and holiday experts consider Germany to have the most beautiful Christmas, famous for traditional markets, fairytale towns like Rothenburg ob der Tauber, and historic festive charm.
New York. It's no surprise that so many classic Christmas films are set in New York – we reckon it's one of the most festive places on the map. Supersized Christmas trees light up the city's main squares, while festive shopping displays give the sidewalks a Xmas glow-up.
The Philippines is widely recognized as the country that loves Christmas the most, known for having the longest and most intense holiday celebration on Earth. ·Tommy Driskill
There's plenty to do in Scotland in the winter, and many Scots love getting in the festive spirit. But did you know that Christmas was banned here for almost four centuries? Before the Reformation in 1560, Christmas in Scotland had been a religious feasting day.
Where is the most beautiful place in the world for Christmas?
Reykjavik, Iceland. Why we go: The Icelandic capital shimmers from its streets all the way up to the sky in December. Glinting Christmas bulbs light up the city over the course of its seemingly endless nights, and on the clearest evenings, the northern lights shine down on the dark streets and parks.
France, Straßbourg. Located in France, Strasbourg is close to the German border in Alsace. During December the fairytale town turns into a Christmas fairy tale town. Then the small half-timbered houses are decorated festively and on the place, in front of the town hall, you can find the Christkindles Märik.
The top cruise lines for Christmas vary by style, with Disney Cruise Line rated best for families, Riviera Travel leading for European river markets, and Cunard shining for traditional ocean voyages.
The Rhine is famous for its traditional German Christmas markets, fairytale towns and vineyard-covered hillsides. The Danube combines grand imperial cities with elegant Christmas markets, magnificent architecture and a fascinating mix of cultures.
Which is the best Christmas market cruise in Europe?
The best Christmas market cruises in Europe take place along the Danube River and Rhine River, with top-rated itineraries offered by lines like AmaWaterways, Viking, and Tauck.
