Avalon Waterways Danube River Cruise Reviews 2023 UPDATED: Ratings of Avalon Waterways Cruises to Danube River

Table Of Content

• Best for short cruises: Riverside Luxury Cruises' Christmas on the Danube
• Thoughts on Avalon River Cruises (Christmas Markets)?
• Christmas Markets Cruise Tips You Need to Know
• today’s Christmas markets?
• Cruising to Europe’s Christmas Markets with Avalon Waterways
• Choose AmaWaterways if you like wine or ride bikes.
• Other Ship Features

The are a couple of shallow shelves on the left-hand side of the desk behind a door. They are shallow because of an HVAC vent that occupies the back 8 inches or so of the desk (you can see the vent in the photo above). On the right-hand side of the desk is a mini-fridge/mini-bar stocked with a variety of beverages and snacks (not complimentary). Since there are no drawers to speak of, storage space is somewhat limited.

Best for short cruises: Riverside Luxury Cruises' Christmas on the Danube

Avalon Waterways sets sail for 2025 with innovation and expanded offerings - Travelweek

Avalon Waterways sets sail for 2025 with innovation and expanded offerings.

Posted: Thu, 28 Mar 2024 14:56:35 GMT [source]

Before you cruise, make a list of regional foods you wish to try in each market. Once at the market, look around to see which food stands are popular with locals. Uniworld cruises are the most expensive, with prices ranging from $3,399 to $7,199 for 8- to 11-day sailings throughout the season. Tauck is also pricier than its competitors, but it's one of the few options that has a family cruise option. Budapest, Passau and Nuremberg are typical end points on Christmas cruises, and all boast truly spectacular market experiences and wares. While the majority of modern-day Christmas market stalls accept credit cards, others stick strictly to the local tender.

Thoughts on Avalon River Cruises (Christmas Markets)?

I brought a pair of fleece-lined Crocs to wear off the ship in a few ports where the weather was warmer with no precipitation. Packing for a river cruise in the middle of winter was the most challenging part of the trip for me. Not only did I have to buy winter clothes since I live in Florida, but I needed to make sure I brought enough layers to keep me warm. The weather is, of course, determined by when and where you're going.

Christmas Markets Cruise Tips You Need to Know

As with so many places in Europe, Prague Cathedral ran out of money because it took over 600 years to finish, so there are 14 statues on the façade, with some empty spots that were never filled in. It’s the third church on the site and is a functioning church, yet less than 10 people regularly visit for church services on a daily basis. Unlike some ships, this room has no deck, which makes it more spacious. There are four bars just outside the sliding door and privacy curtains that reflect the sunlight from the outside.

today’s Christmas markets?

The bathroom is outfitted with everything that I love, including a robe, an extra-strength mirror, and a shower. The guests are mostly couples and families, many on their first trip outside North America. Tomas, our cruise director, tells me that usually there are more, and he makes every effort to help them connect, even to the point of arranging a special table just for solo women.

Choose Avalon if you don't need outdoor space.

There are snacks, desserts, coffee, tea, and water available in the lounge and the Sky Deck at all hours. Often, our 443-foot ship shares the space with another river cruise that’s just inches away. The Captain of our ship is Nikola Novosel, who has spent years on the river. As someone who grew up on boats, I have deep respect for the women and men who guide these ships.

Cruising to Europe’s Christmas Markets with Avalon Waterways

If you've had visiting the Christmas markets of Europe on your bucket list, a river cruise is a great way to explore multiple markets in one trip. One of the biggest perks of a river cruise versus a land-based trip is that you unpack once, and your accommodations and dining options float with you down the river from town to town. Both Avalon and AmaWaterways have enrichment activities and port talks that focus on the destinations visited.

The 8 best Christmas market river cruises for 2024 - The Points Guy

The 8 best Christmas market river cruises for 2024.

Posted: Mon, 04 Dec 2023 08:00:00 GMT [source]

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The cruise also visits Antwerp, where you can explore the various Christmas markets that are spread throughout the city. Your trip ends in Brussels, with a whole day to explore the cute squares and charming markets and try local fare. Included with the cost of the cruise are all of your meals and most drinks, free Wi-Fi, all onboard activities and port fees. Headsets are also included for excursions if you choose to go with the group for tours rather than venturing off on your own.

There is a hot tub, one of the obligatory large chess sets that I have yet to see anyone use on any river cruise, and lots of covered and uncovered lounge seating. The lounge also has a large wooden dance floor in the center of the room. Piano music is played each evening during Happy Hour and after dinner. The resident pianist was one of the best we have heard on any river cruise. The 11 courses served at The Bistro are tapas-style, almost like a tasting menu. To be honest, we felt some of the dishes were a little too ambitious for a river cruise ship galley.

Prague’s Christmas market is centuries old, with crafts, food and music. It’s so heartwarming to see friends and family gathering – it’s as much a social event as anything. Set under the fairy-tale spires of the stunning Church of Our Lady before Týn. Prague’s Old Town Christmas Market is where friends and family gather, enjoying hot mulled wine, trdelník chimney cakes and sausages.

Many markets also featureChristmas displays, ice skating rinks, and musical performances to entertainguests while they shop, eat, and explore the market. The first night, we are welcomed by the crew, many of whom are from Romania, Hungary and Serbia. Elena Zamfir, the Romanian hotel manager, welcomes us as ‘family’ and Austrian Michael Ferstl, Executive Chef, explains how they purchase fresh food from local markets along the way. For example, one night there are local snails smothered in butter, another evening I sip local peach schnapps.

The cruise fare includes premium spirits and wine, access to bikes and walking sticks, fitness classes, Wi-Fi, enrichment lectures, and shore excursions in each port. Onboard gratuities and group transfers to and from the airport are also included. Day two will bring you to Rouen, where you are invited to join Christmas Eve dinner and midnight mass.