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Christmas Markets on the Rhine with AmaWaterways
Nov 28 - Dec 5, 2027
The AmaWaterways Rhine River Christmas market cruise from Basel to Amsterdam offers an extraordinary journey through Europe's most enchanting Christmas markets during their peak season.
This 7-night, 8-day cruise transforms into a magical holiday experience as you glide through castle-studded landscapes while historic town squares come alive with twinkling lights, wooden stalls, and centuries-old traditions. The route connects Switzerland's award-winning Basel market with Germany's magnificent cathedral markets and France's historic "Capital of Christmas" in Strasbourg.
What are Christmas markets?
German Christmas markets (Weihnachtsmärkte) are outdoor festive markets that transform town squares into magical winter wonderlands during the Christmas season. These are not merely shopping venues but immersive cultural experiences combining commerce, community, tradition, and celebration. Dating back to the 14th century, these markets began as practical "December markets" where citizens stocked up for harsh winters, evolving into celebrated holiday traditions.
Christmas markets engage all your senses simultaneously. The air fills with aromatic clouds of roasted chestnuts, spiced wine, and fresh gingerbread. Thousands of twinkling lights create warm glows against winter darkness, while wooden stalls decorated with evergreen boughs house traditional crafts. The soundtrack includes Christmas carols, live brass bands, and cheerful conversations over steaming mugs of Glühwein (hot mulled wine spiced with cinnamon, cloves, and citrus).
Bratwurst grilled fresh and served in bread rolls, Kartoffelpuffer (potato pancakes), and gebrannte Mandeln (candied roasted almonds) provide hearty sustenance against winter cold. Lebkuchen (spiced gingerbread) and regional specialties vary by location.
Vendors typically offer handcrafted artisan goods: Erzgebirge wood carvings including Christmas pyramids and nutcrackers, Bavarian glass ornaments, nativity scenes, traditional toys, textiles, and ceramics.
The atmosphere encourages slow, social experiences rather than rushed shopping. These are community gathering places where strangers share conversations over Glühwein, families browse decorated stalls, and children marvel at wooden carousels and puppet shows.
Itinerary
Sun, Nov 28: Basel, Switzerland
Mon, Nov 29: Breisach, Germany
Tue, Nov 30: Strasbourg, France
Wed, Dec 1: Ludwigshafen, Germany
Thu, Dec 2: Rüdesheim am Rhein, Germany
Fri, Dec 3: Düsseldorf, Germany
Sat, Dec 4: Amsterdam, Netherlands
Sun, Dec 5
Full Itinerary
Pricing
- There are only 10 cabins left on the entire vessel, so please reach out for availability.
- The deposit is $400 per person, with $200 being non-refundable. $200 is refundable if canceled prior to 120 days to sailing.
- The full balance is due August 30, 2027.
- Rates include gourmet meals, drinks (beer, wine, soda, water, coffee, juices), High-speed internet and WIFI, live entertainment, wellness activities, lectures, complimentary bikes, and shore excursions in every port.
- Gratuities and Airfare are NOT included.
- Optional Pre-Cruise Land Package is NOT included.
- Travel Protection Insurance is highly recommended and must be purchased with 14-21 days of deposit in order to include any pre-existing medical conditions. If you choose to decline coverage, you will be required to sign a waiver with Sweet Memories Travel.
What's Included in your cruise fare
SPACIOUS STATEROOMS
- 7 nights luxury accommodation in an outside stateroom (most with twin balconies)
- Entertainment-On-Demand in all staterooms featuring free high-speed internet access, movies, a music library and English language TV stations
- Mini-fridge, desk and sitting area
- Bottled water replenished daily
AN ARRAY OF AMENITIES
- Wellness Activities with a dedicated Wellness Host leading various exercise classes
- Personalized service from a highly trained Cruise Manager during both cruise and land packages
- Internet and Wi-Fi access
- Sun-deck pool with swim-up bar and walking track
- Fitness room, massage services and hair salon
- Main Lounge with panoramic views and bar
- Daily entertainment including cultural performances
AWARD-WINNING DINING
All onboard dining in a variety of venues
- Regionally inspired cuisine made with locally sourced ingredients
- The Chef’s Table specialty restaurant
- Welcome Cocktail, Welcome Dinner, La Chaîne des Rôtisseurs Dinner, Captain's Cocktail and Gala Dinner
- La Chaîne des Rôtisseurs exclusive dining experience
- Unlimited fine wine, beer and soft drinks with lunch and dinner
- Unlimited sparkling wine and fresh juice with breakfast
- Sip & Sail Cocktail Hour with complimentary wine, beer, spirits and soft drinks
- Tapas, sandwiches, snacks and refreshments served daily in the Main Lounge
A WORLD OF EXPLORATION
Immersive tours in every destination
- Gentle, regular, active and late-riser tour options
- Bike tours and hikes
- Special interest tours
- Knowledgeable guides
- Personal headset for easy exploration
- Airport transfers with purchase of air from AmaWaterways
Dress Code
Europe: Comfortable, layered clothing adaptable to changing weather conditions is always advisable for daytime excursions.
While packing for your river cruise, your attire should strike a balance between comfort and sophistication. Casually elegant outfits (slacks, skirt, or dress for women, and dress slacks with a collared shirt for men. No gowns, jackets or ties required) and something a little dressier for the Captain’s Dinner, La Chaine des Rotisseurs dinner or an evening concert are recommended.
Comfortable shoes are recommended for excursions and workout clothing if you plan to take part in any wellness activities, active tours or use the onboard gym. Depending on the time of year, clothing that can be layered is highly recommended.
Things to Consider
>> Because this is an international flight, we will offer an (optional) 2-day pre-cruise tour to the beginning of the trip in order to adjust time zones and see a few sights in the area before departure. If you opt out of the pre-cruise tour, you will still need to allow 2 days for travel to Europe, with plans to arrive the day prior to embarkation.
This means travel departure will take place sometime between Wednesday and Friday prior to sailing on Sunday, which requires traveling over the Thanksgiving holiday. This will not be an issue once we leave the US, but flight prices could be affected and missing a major US holiday may not make you popular with family. (Solve this problem by inviting them all to come along!)
>> Securing your Stateroom is critical because of limited availability. (This ship only carries 156 passengers!) As of March 11, 2026, there are only 10 cabins left on this ship. I suggest making a timely decision (which I hope is YES!) so you can get the room you want. The non-refundable portion of the deposit a small risk if you're seriously considering the trip.
>> Travel Protection Insurance is recommended and must be purchased within 14-21 days of deposit to avoid exclusions.
>> In late 2026, we will look at pre-cruise packages (completely optional), and in 2027 we would secure flights and transfers.
Itinerary Map

AmaWaterways Website
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Your Advisor
Jodi Mongold
Sweet Memories Travel LLC

jmongold@sweetmemoriestravel.com
2606158622