Sail into the Season: Uniworld’s Enchanting Holiday River Cruises

Have a Picture-Perfect Holiday Experience on an All-Inclusive River Cruise Through Europe

Experience the magic of the holiday season aboard a Uniworld Boutique River Cruise, where the Christmas spirit comes alive in festively decorated towns filled with traditional markets. With Uniworld’s impeccable service, culinary excellence, and ships adorned in holiday décor, you’ll enjoy a carefree, luxurious holiday season.

A cherished tradition dating back centuries, each market is unique to its destination—making an all-inclusive river cruise through several towns the best way to experience them. Expect rows of merchants selling handmade gifts, hot mulled wine, and delicious local treats.

When to Go

Uniworld’s holiday season cruises sail in November, December, and January, depending on the itinerary and destination. Most Christmas Markets in Europe end on December 23, so choose an earlier cruise to enjoy the markets, or opt for the Enchanting Christmas & New Year’s itinerary to celebrate the holidays onboard.

What to Pack

• Comfortable, sporty, smart-casual daywear for both onshore and onboard
• Heavier outer layers for cooler weather
• Lightweight waterproof jacket (preferably hooded)
• Comfortable walking shoes with ankle support
• Sturdy sandals as an alternative

Christmas Market Treats

Here are just a few classic bites and drinks to try while visiting Europe’s Christmas Markets:

• Bavarian Pretzel – Topped with cheese, poppy seeds, olives, chorizo, cinnamon sugar, or salt
• Wursts (Sausages) – From Weisswurst to Curry Wurst, served with bread and mustard
• Raclette – Melted cheese over bread, potatoes, pickles, and cold cuts
• Reilekuchen (Potato Fritters) – Crispy outside, soft inside, served with apple or garlic sauce
• Tarte Flambée / Flammkuchen – Flatbread with toppings like onions, bacon, figs, or walnuts
• Mulled Wine (Glühwein) – Hot wine with cinnamon, cloves, citrus peel, and honey or sugar
• Roasted Almonds – Candied and roasted to perfection
• Chimney Cake (Kürtos Kalács) – Rolled in sugar, roasted, and filled with ice cream or cream
• Gingerbread (Lebkuchenherzen) – Iced cookie hearts or soft spiced honey cakes

Why a Uniworld Boutique River Cruise

Cruise majestic waterways aboard festively decorated ships on seven enchanting itineraries along the Rhine and Danube rivers. Enjoy centuries-old Christmas Markets, memorable excursions, decadent confections, and once-a-year delights.

Magical Parisian Holiday

Sail the Seine during Advent and experience Paris in its most dazzling season. Enjoy private visits to decorated châteaux, French Christmas markets, and festive countryside charm.

Classic Christmas Markets

Explore fairytale villages, sip Frankfurt’s apple cider, and taste Nuremberg’s gingerbread. Cozy up with mugs of glühwein and collect unique market mugs as souvenirs.

Danube Holiday Markets

Wander Vörösmarty Square in Budapest, watch kürtos kalács bake over open flames, and discover Bratislava’s traditional Slovakian crafts like medovníky and šúpolie.

Rhine Holiday Markets

Browse Basel’s market, admire Cologne’s cathedral, and see Koblenz’s town hall transformed into an Advent calendar. Sail past castles and festive towns for a holiday you’ll never forget.