Visit Europe’s Finest Christmas Markets with VIVA Cruises this Winter

Let me be the first to wish you a very merry Christmas. Too soon? Ok, but it’s never too early to book a festive Christmas Market Cruise. Here is a taste of what VIVA cruises have to offer this winter.

As summer is coming to a close and the festive season beckons, Europe begins to sparkle with the magic of Christmas. From late November, towns and cities across the continent are adorned with beautifully decorated Christmas trees, cosy nativity scenes, and twinkling streetlights. The air fills with the scents of mulled wine and gingerbread, and markets brimming with handcrafted gifts and seasonal treats spring up in historic squares. For those eager to immerse themselves in this enchanting atmosphere, a VIVA Cruises advent cruise offers the perfect way to explore Europe’s most festive destinations by river, moving from one illuminated city to another.

Advent Cruises on the Rhine

The Rhine River, stretching over 1,200 kilometres, is one of Europe’s most iconic waterways, and during the festive season, it becomes a true highlight for Christmas enthusiasts. Germany, through which much of the Rhine flows, is particularly renowned for its vibrant Advent traditions, making it an ideal setting for a winter cruise.

This year, VIVA Cruises offers four distinct itineraries along the Rhine, with options for three, four, and six-night journeys. Each cruise is carefully curated to capture the spirit of the season, with stops in key cities that are home to some of the most famous Christmas markets in Europe.

• Three and Four-Night Cruises: Shorter cruises provide an excellent opportunity to explore cities like Düsseldorf, Koblenz, Bonn, and Cologne, all of which come alive with festive decorations and bustling markets. Guests can enjoy strolling through the cobbled streets, sipping Glühwein, and sampling local delicacies such as Bratwurst and Lebkuchen (gingerbread).

• Six-Night Cruises: For those looking to experience the full breadth of the Rhine, the six-night VIVA MOMENTS cruise is the perfect option. This cruise departs from Düsseldorf and makes its way to Strasbourg between 27 November and 3 December, offering passengers the chance to visit multiple festive markets and cities. The reverse route, from Strasbourg to Düsseldorf, is available from 15 to 21 December, capturing the festive spirit right up until Christmas.

In addition to the cities along the German stretch of the Rhine, some cruises also include stops in France, such as Strasbourg. Here, the historic old town transforms into a Christmas paradise, with the famous Strasbourg Christmas Market, one of the oldest in Europe, offering an array of handcrafted goods, delicious food, and festive entertainment.

Advent Cruises on the Danube

Austria, with its rich history and tradition, offers a uniquely charming experience during the festive season. The country’s cities and towns are known for their spectacular Christmas markets, set against the backdrop of baroque architecture and snow-capped mountains, creating a truly magical atmosphere.

VIVA Cruises’ newest ship, VIVA TWO, will be sailing the Danube throughout December, offering an unforgettable journey through some of Austria’s most beautiful cities. The cruise begins in Passau, a city known as the “City of Three Rivers” due to its unique location at the confluence of the Danube, Inn, and Ilz rivers. From here, the ship will sail to Melk, home to the famous Melk Abbey, which looks particularly stunning when illuminated by festive lights.

Next, the cruise continues to Vienna, the Austrian capital, where passengers can explore the city’s numerous Christmas markets, each offering its own unique atmosphere and selection of goods. The market in front of the City Hall (Rathausplatz) is especially popular, with over 150 stalls selling everything from traditional crafts to festive foods. The journey concludes in Linz, another picturesque city where the Christmas market is held in the main square, surrounded by baroque buildings and the grand Old Cathedral.

Advent Cruises on the Main

For those who prefer the charm of smaller towns to the hustle and bustle of big cities, a cruise along the Main River is an excellent choice. VIVA TIARA, with a capacity of just 152 passengers, offers an intimate and relaxed atmosphere as it cruises through the heart of Germany.

This four-night cruise begins in Frankfurt, a vibrant city that seamlessly blends modernity with tradition. Frankfurt’s Christmas market, located in the Römerberg square, is one of the largest in Germany and is known for its towering Christmas tree and festive atmosphere. From Frankfurt, the ship sails to Wertheim, a charming town known for its medieval architecture and the Wertheim Castle, which overlooks the confluence of the Main and Tauber rivers.

The next stop is Würzburg, a city famed for its baroque architecture, particularly the Würzburg Residence, a UNESCO World Heritage site. During the festive season, the city’s Christmas market, located in the market square, offers a wide range of crafts, gifts, and local specialities. The cruise concludes in Miltenberg, a picturesque town with half-timbered houses and a cosy Christmas market that offers a peaceful end to the journey.

Advent Cruises on the Seine

For those who are enchanted by French culture and elegance, VIVA GLORIA provides a unique experience cruising along the Seine River. This advent cruise captures the essence of French charm, combining the beauty of Paris with the historic appeal of Normandy.

Departing on 17 December from Paris, the City of Light, guests will embark on a journey that not only showcases the festive decorations of the French capital but also the quieter, more rustic charm of the French countryside. The cruise makes its first stop in Les Andelys, a quaint town dominated by the ruins of Château Gaillard, a fortress built by Richard the Lionheart. Here, guests can explore the town’s Christmas market and enjoy the serene winter landscape.

The next stop is Rouen, known as the “City of a Hundred Spires” due to its many churches and cathedrals. Rouen’s Christmas market, located at the foot of the city’s famous cathedral, offers a magical setting with its wooden chalets and festive lights. The cruise also includes a stop in Conflans, a town rich in history and culture.

The final three days of the cruise are spent back in Paris, where guests can fully immerse themselves in the city’s festive offerings. The itinerary includes a panoramic city tour and a special excursion to the Palace of Versailles, where the gardens and halls are dressed in their Christmas finery.

Advent Cruises on the Elbe and Vltava Rivers

For a journey that weaves through the heart of Europe, the SWISS RUBY offers a unique cruise from Berlin to Prague. This route follows the Elbe and Vltava Rivers, passing through some of the region’s most historic and beautiful cities.

Throughout November and December, passengers can explore the German and Czech capitals, both of which boast stunning Christmas markets. In Berlin, the markets are spread across the city, with each offering its own distinctive atmosphere. The Gendarmenmarkt, in particular, is known for its impressive setting between the French and German cathedrals.

As the cruise continues to Prague, guests will experience the city’s famous Old Town Christmas Market, which is consistently ranked among the best in Europe. The market is held in the historic Old Town Square, surrounded by Gothic architecture, with a giant Christmas tree as its centrepiece.

The journey also includes stops in Magdeburg, Meissen, and Dresden. Dresden’s Striezelmarkt, which dates back to 1434, is one of the oldest Christmas markets in the world and is famous for its traditional stollen cake.

Ambassador Cruise for VIVA Cruises Loyalists

VIVA Cruises also offers a special experience for its most loyal customers. The Ambassador Cruise, set to take place between 14 and 18 December, invites guests aboard the luxurious VIVA TWO for a festive journey from Passau to Vienna and back.

This cruise is designed to celebrate the loyalty of VIVA Cruises’ ambassadors, with exclusive events and activities throughout the journey. Guests will have the opportunity to meet Andrea Kruse, CEO of VIVA Cruises, and participate in a blue and white gala dinner, reflecting the colours of the VIVA brand. Other highlights include professional photo opportunities, special gifts, and a host of surprises designed to make this a truly memorable experience.

Cruising Between Christmas and New Year

For those who wish to spend the holiday season on the water, VIVA Cruises offers several cruises between Christmas and New Year. These special sailings allow guests to celebrate the holidays in style, surrounded by festive décor, gourmet cuisine, and the warm atmosphere of VIVA Cruises’ ships.

As these cruises are particularly popular, staterooms tend to sell out quickly. It’s advisable for those interested in a Christmas or New Year’s cruise to begin planning for the 2025 season now to secure their preferred itinerary.

The VIVA All-Inclusive Experience

Regardless of the itinerary chosen, all VIVA Cruises guests enjoy the VIVA All-Inclusive package, designed to enhance the cruising experience. This package includes high tea, full board with gourmet meals, a selection of high-quality alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages, and a fully stocked minibar in each stateroom. Guests are also provided with luxury beauty products from the renowned brand Rituals, complimentary Wi-Fi throughout the ship, and all tips and gratuities, ensuring a seamless and stress-free journey.

For more information about VIVA Cruises and to book your advent cruise, please visit the VIVA WEBSITE