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Classic Christmas Markets

22nd Dec 2024 | 7 nights | Uniworld | River Queen

Ultra-luxury cruising
All-inclusive
Excursions included
Tips included
Free wi-fi
Nuremberg
Bamberg
Wurzburg
Wertheim
Frankfurt
Ultra-luxury cruising
All-inclusive
Excursions included
Tips included
Free wi-fi
Show more
Show less

Itinerary Overview

Discover villages with fairytale houses and a friendly, festive atmosphere. Share traditional holiday goodies with the people who made them. Watch as modern children abandon their usual electronics and discover the enchantment of hand-carved wooden toys, as scents of cinnamon and roasting nuts fill the air.


Sail through Christmas country, trying Frankfurt’s famous apple cider and Nuremberg’s gingerbread. Throughout, cozy up to steaming mugs of glühwein (warm spiced wine) and do as the locals do by collecting different mugs from each stall and town you visit. Embrace the holiday spirit in Germany, the land where many Christmas traditions began, and find the magic of the season in the smiles that you meet along the way.


Please note that most Christmas Markets in Europe end their season on the 23rd of December and will not be available after that date.

Day
Date
 
Arrival
Departure
 
1
22nd Dec 2024 Sunday
Nuremberg
2
23rd Dec 2024 Monday
Nuremberg
3
24th Dec 2024 Tuesday
Bamberg
4
25th Dec 2024 Wednesday
Wurzburg
5
26th Dec 2024 Thursday
Wurzburg
6
27th Dec 2024 Friday
Wertheim
7
28th Dec 2024 Saturday
Frankfurt
8
29th Dec 2024 Sunday
Frankfurt

The onboard ambiance is casual, with guests congregating in the lounge or on the sun deck. There is a library for quiet time, a beauty salon, a sauna, small gymnasium and a computer station from which outgoing e-mail can be sent (2.50 euros each); incoming e-mail goes to the reception desk and is printed out for the passengers.

River Queen retains its charming "riverboat" look, with an elongated prow and abundant use of woods.

All interior space on the ship is smoke free; smoking is allowed on the sun deck only.

Fares are inclusive of gratuities for onboard and onshore services, including pre- and post-cruise extensions.

Open-seating dining offers fresh regional cuisine, with wine available for purchase. Dress is resort casual with the exception of the Captain's Gala and other occasional "formal" events, which on this vessel means jacket and tie for men, cocktail attire for women.

Unlike the earlier and later ships in the fleet, staterooms on these vessels have no windows that open, with the exception of those in the ship's French balcony accommodations. The cabins are well-equipped, with flat-screen televisions, DVD players, international direct telephone service (outbound only), air conditioning, hotel-style beds, two armchairs and a coffee table. Standard staterooms measure 151 square ft.; suites have an additional 65 square ft. of living space, and suite guests get additional amenities such as slippers, sparkling wine and fresh fruit.

Rhine Deck
Danube Deck
Moselle Deck

Best for...

Affluent travellers who enjoy a touch of opulence with their luxury.

Not the best for...

Young families, passengers with mobility issues and anyone who prefers subtle elegance over opulence.

Who goes on Uniworld cruise ships?

Uniworld attracts affluent, sophisticated travellers. The bulk of passengers fall into the traditional 60-plus river cruise age group, but a good sprinkling of people aged 40 to 60 are also drawn to the stylish onboard ambience. In addition, Uniworld was one of the first lines to offer themed family cruising, and those sailings attract multigenerational groups.


Do I have to dress up on a Uniworld cruise?

Somewhat. Uniworld passengers run to smart-casual by day, but at night they almost always opt for dressier outfits, especially at the captain's welcome and farewell festivities. For those meals, as well as select dining ashore or concert options, the line suggests men bring a sports jacket and women, a cocktail dress or pantsuit. With that said, Uniworld only asks that cruisers not wear shorts to dinner.


Is everything included on Uniworld cruises?

No, but the experience is fairly inclusive with some differences depending on the itinerary. In general, unlimited drinks, most shore excursions, Wi-Fi and gratuities (onboard and on shore) are all included in the cruise fare. Access to onboard bikes and a self-service launderette are also complimentary. You will pay extra for some shore excursions, as well as spa and beauty treatments.


What are Uniworld's most popular activities?

The ports of call draw passengers off the ship for much of the day and when they return onboard, they tend to spend quite a lot of time in the public rooms socializing. The indoor and outdoor pools attract more passengers than usual on river cruises, and the gym and spa facilities get plenty of use. Whenever offered, passengers gather for onboard programs, such as wine tastings, culinary classes and local group performance of traditional regional arts. Speakers from the line's Signature Lecture Series also usually draw a crowd. Dancing in the evening can prove popular depending on the passenger mix.


Dining

  • All meals onboard, prepared using the finest and freshest ingredients
  • 7 breakfasts, 5 lunches, 7 dinners
  • Captain’s Welcome and Farewell Receptions
  • Welcome and Farewell Gala Dinners
  • Unlimited beverages onboard, including fine wine, beer, spirits, specialty coffee and tea, soft drinks and mineral water

Excursions

  • 6 days of excursions, including “Choice Is Yours” options, all fully hosted by English-speaking local experts
  • Guided “Taste of Christmas” and “Village Day” programs
  • State-of-the-art Quietvox portable audio-headset system on all shore excursions
  • Use of Nordic walking sticks

Accommodations

  • 7-night cruise in a riverview stateroom on the regal River Queen or the elegant River Princess
  • Lavishly appointed riverview staterooms and suites have handcrafted Savoir® Beds of England, high thread count 100% Egyptian cotton sheets and European duvets, and a menu of pillow options
  • Free Internet and Wi-Fi access

Experiences

  • 1 country: Germany
  • 2 UNESCO World Heritage sites
  • Services of an experienced Uniworld Cruise Manager
  • Group Transfers are included on arrival and departure days (please see terms and conditions for transfer guidelines)
  • Gratuities for onboard personnel (ship staff, crew, Cruise/Tour Manager) are included during the cruise/tour
  • Captivating onboard local entertainment

Uniworld Christmas River Cruises

Uniworld Christmas River Cruises: ’Tis the season to celebrate in Europe.

At Uniworld, they know it takes time, planning and attention to detail to make a truly magical Christmas. Now is the best time to start crafting your perfect holiday season.

Picture yourself wandering through quaint villages, the air rich with the scent of warm mulled wine, as you peruse an incredible selection of handcrafted gifts and trinkets to bring back onboard your warm and cosy festive ship, conveniently docked in the heart of the city. A Christmas cruise offers a unique and unforgettable way to experience the festive season while enjoying the luxury and comfort of a floating boutique hotel, decked out in its holiday finest. With something for everyone, from traditional Christmas markets to exciting shore excursions, a Christmas markets sailing is an ideal holiday that will leave everyone with lasting memories.

Here's what's included with Uniworld Boutique River Cruises
  • Return flights from a choice of regional airports throughout the UK or Eurostar travel in Standard Premier Class
  • Airport to ship transfers
  • Unlimited premium spirits, fine wines, hand-made cocktails and locally sourced beers
  • Delicious, five-star farm to table cuisine from breakfast to dinner
  • Daily choice of carefully curated excursions - many of which exclusive to Uniworld guests
  • Locally inspired on board entertainment and enrichment
  • All on board gratuities
  • Services of the award-winning Uniworld team including a dedicated Cruise Manager
  • Bicycles and Nordic walking sticks for onshore exploring
  • Butler service in every suite
  • Free ship wide Wi-Fi access
  • On board fitness and wellness classes
  • Elegant and well-appointed staterooms and suites with the finest linens, towels and Savoir of England beds

Inclusions may differ depending on region. Please check with our team.

Christmas River Cruises

Christmas River Cruises

Make it the most wonderful time of year...

Experience the enchantment of European Christmas markets, where twinkling fairy lights illuminate the festive scene. Wander through charming market stalls adorned with glistening decorations and indulge in glorious treats that tantalise the senses. Embrace the spirit of the season by immersing yourself in the magic of these bustling markets while on a delightful river cruise.

While snowfall might not be guaranteed, the warmth of the holiday season is assured. Savour the comforting aroma of hot mulled wine, delight in delectable treats, and immerse yourself in the contagious Christmas cheer that permeates every corner of Europe's markets. Join a festive journey and discover the joyous traditions and vibrant atmosphere that make these markets a winter wonderland worth experiencing.

This Week's Top 10 River Cruise Deals

This Week's 'Insider's Choice' Top River Cruise Deals

Our very own cruise specialists have sourced these deals. The criteria for being featured is simple: They must represent exceptional value. Most offer additional flexibility introduced by cruise lines to allow you to book with increased confidence.

Prices based on:

Deluxe
Deluxe

  • Lavishly appointed river view stateroom (151 sq ft - 14 sq m)
  • Handcrafted Savoir® Beds of England, built-in closet, hair dryer, safe, flat-screen TV with infotainment centre and satellite, individual thermostat and bottled water
  • Marble bathroom with Asprey bath and body products, plush towels, waffle bathrobes and slippers

Cabin Grade Fly Cruise
DELUXE £3,590 pp
Fetching latest prices and availability...
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