Uniworld’s Rhine Christmas Market Cruises

Uniworld's 8-Day Classic Rhine Holiday Markets itinerary travels through Switzerland, France and Germany for a true taste of Christmas, beginning in Basel and ending at Cologne, or vice-versa. It is the perfect way to combine river-cruising's most beloved pastimes – shopping, decorations and food - on one festive voyage, with the three countries (Germany, France and Switzerland) providing the perfect backdrop for this true connoisseurs' cruise.

In Germany, the signature holiday traditions of medieval towns such as Heidelberg, Mainz, Rüdersheim and Koblenz are all revealed, as well as the majestic city of Cologne, with its vast Gothic cathedral. Stock up on hand-made Christmas decorations and soak up the atmosphere as the city is adorned with festive finery, then feast on gingerbread, traditional stöllen and a mug of steaming glühwein (hot mulled wine). 

The 8-day Rhine Holiday Christmas Market Cruises start on November 30, and include: return flights and private door-to-door transfers on arrival and departure days, a 7-night cruise in a stateroom on the spectacular SS Antoinette, 7 breakfasts, 5 lunches, 7 dinners (and complimentary wine, beer and soft drinks served with dinner) including Captain’s Welcome Gala and Farewell Dinner, 6 shore excursions, fully hosted by English-speaking local guides, a signature lecture on the ‘Christmas Traditions in Germany’, an experienced Cruise Manager and attentive, all English-speaking staff. Prices start at £2,075 per person.

For more info, visit, www.uniworldrivercruises.co.uk or the river-cruise specialists of The Cruise Line Ltd.

Last Minute Festive River Cruises

By guest blogger Steve Newman

There is still time to plan the festive season in the luxurious comfort of a Uniworld 2010 European Boutique River Cruise. Imagine storybook villages and majestic cities adorned with thousands of twinkling lights and stars, melodious carollers and choirs, magnificent cathedrals, opulent palaces, medieval castles and old world Christmas markets - all just a stroll away from your moored ship.

Uniworld’s festive River Cruises range from 8 to 14 days and take in Europe’s great rivers, including the Danube, Rhine and Main. Whether it is travelling through Germany along the Rhine and Main celebrating the origins of centuries-old traditions, discovering the elegant pageantry of four regal countries along the Danube, or welcoming 2011 in regal style in a Viennese palace, there is something unique for everyone.

Uniworld offers four expertly planned all-inclusive festive packages including:-

• Lavishly appointed river-view staterooms
• All meals with complimentary fine European wine, choice of beer and soft drinks served during dinner
• Special celebratory dining events
• Captivating shore excursions hosted by English-speaking local guides
• Festive onboard entertainment and Signature Lectures
• All transfers on arrival and departure days.

Prices start from £1,925 per person, including return scheduled flights and UK door-to-door airport transfers.

And solo travellers can cruise at no additional charge as Uniworld has waived single supplements on selected festive season departures.

For more information, look up http://www.uniworldrivercruises.co.uk/ or call the river-cruise experts of specialist agent The Cruise Line Ltd on 0800 008 6677.

Cruising in style to the Christmas Markets.

By guest blogger Steve Newman

Christmas away from home can be an enjoyable experience, especially if you find somewhere that makes the experience even more magical. Now luxury river cruise operator AMA Waterways is offering a series of romantic European river cruises to take in the famous Christmas markets of Germany, Austria, the Netherlands and Hungary.

The company is featuring a seven-night Christmas Time Cruise on its luxury river cruiser AmaLyra sailing between Nuremberg and Budapest, with ample time in the markets at Regensburg, Passau, Melk, Vienna and, for Advent with a Hungarian flavour, Budapest. There's also an optional excursion to romantic Salzburg and, in Budapest, a special evening's sailing past the dazzling Christmas illuminations that light up the riverfront in the heart of the city.

Departing from Budapest to Amsterdam on December 20th, there is a one-off, 14-night Christmas and New Year cruise celebrating both festivities on board, with seasonal dinners and a convivial, party atmosphere for each. The AmaLyra will be in historic Melk on Christmas Eve (the day Austrians celebrate Christmas) until 10pm and then sailing to Linz and Passau.

There are also two Rhine Winter Voyages during Advent on sister ship AmaLegro, with plenty of opportunity to explore Christmas markets in ports between Basel and Amsterdam. The itinerary includes the markets of Freiburg, Strasbourg, Speyer, Worms, Rudesheim and Cologne, where each market is different, from the medieval themes of French Strasbourg to the pretty market in Rudesheim and the impressive display in Cologne, in the shadow of the magnificent cathedral with more than 160 wooden stalls. There are two departures, on November 26 and December 3.

Prices for all cruises are from £1,199 per person, including an allowance of £200 towards flights, all meals on board (breakfast, lunch, afternoon tea, dinner), unlimited wine with dinner, a daily sightseeing programme, folklore and musical performances, bicycles for use in port, a high-tech in-cabin entertainment system and free internet access.

For further details, look up http://www.amawaterways.co.uk/.