Get Into the Holiday Spirit Early With AmaWaterways’ ‘Taste of Christmas’ River Cruises in Europe

For guests who want to get a head start on holiday shopping, AmaWaterways is offering early season Christmas market sailings on the Rhine and Danube rivers in 2024 and 2025; the river cruise line has “Taste of Christmas” departures starting in mid-November, just as Europe’s famed markets are starting to open. These sailings give travelers a chance to shop for handcrafted toys and stroll with mulled wine while the markets are still quiet and uncrowded.

Some smaller markets may not be open yet, but the Christmas markets in large cities like Vienna, Amsterdam and Budapest start opening in mid-November.

“We are excited to invite our guests to experience the enchanting atmosphere of Europe’s Christmas markets in the most intimate way,” says Kristin Karst, co-founder and executive vice-president at AmaWaterways. “From the twinkling lights of Vienna to the charming stalls of Nuremberg, we aim to create unforgettable memories that celebrate the joy of the holiday season.

If you’re still making plans for the upcoming holiday season, AmaWaterways is offering a 7-night “Blue Danube Discovery Taste of Christmas” cruise that departs from Budapest on November 16. 

Three departures of the “Rhine Castles and Swiss Alps Taste of Christmas” itinerary also still have staterooms available. Two will depart from Basel and Amsterdam on November 18, while a special wine-focused cruise will leave Amsterdam on November 25. 

AmaWaterways is also offering “Taste of Christmas” cruises this year on the lower Danube, as well as the Rhine and Moselle rivers.

Travelers who are interested in sailing during peak season should start planning ahead for 2025, as departures tend to book up quickly. 

Plan your future river cruise now and experience the most relaxing and memorable holiday you’ve ever had with your loved ones. Plus, take advantage of our incredible Holiday Triple Savings when you reserve AmaWaterways select Christmas Markets Cruises, Taste of Christmas Markets Cruises and New Year’s Cruises by March 31, 2025. Plus, this offer is combinable with our special AirPlus fixed rates on airfare!

7-night River Cruises

• Save up to $2,000 per stateroom
• PLUS Complimentary Stateroom Upgrade
• PLUS up to $100 onboard credit per stateroom

14-night River Cruises

• Save up to $4,000 per stateroom
• PLUS Complimentary Stateroom Upgrade
• PLUS up to $200 onboard credit

Book by March 31, 2025.

Terms & Conditions: All rates are per person in USD for cruise only, inclusive of port charges and based on double occupancy. Holiday Triple Savings is applicable to cruise only; valid on select Europe sailings for new FIT and Group reservations only made through November 1, 2024 – March 31, 2025; and is based on double occupancy. Onboard Credit of $100 per stateroom for 7-night cruises and $200 per stateroom for 14-night cruises is based on double occupancy in USD and can be applied towards all onboard purchases; Solo occupants receive half of the stated Onboard Credit. Complimentary Stateroom Upgrades applies to 1 category upgrade, must be like-for-like category, based on availability; not applicable to Suites, AA+, A+ categories. Offer varies for solo occupants; ask for details. Offers are combinable with AmaWaterways’ Loyalty Benefits, Future Cruise Benefit Program and AmaWaterways’ AirPlus. Offer is limited to availability, capacity controlled and subject to change/termination without notice. Optional land packages, airfares, transfers, and gratuities are additional. AmaWaterways reserves the right to correct any errors or omissions at any time. Other restrictions apply; visit AmaWaterways.com/terms-conditions for full terms and conditions. Registration as a seller of travel does not constitute approval by the state of California. CST#2065452-20.