Fa La La La La…Fun on a Festive European Christmas Markets Cruise! (part 2: Favorite Things)

In part 2 of the 4-part series, Bethany explores a few of her favorite things on her European Christmas Markets cruise!

In December 2021 I had the pleasure of sailing on my fifth Avalon Waterways river cruise. The Christmastime in Alsace and Germany itinerary is a European Christmas Markets cruise chock-full of festive holiday cheer from start to finish. Even though this was a wee bit chillier than the other cruises I have done, this Florida gal thoroughly enjoyed it! I spent four glorious nights aboard the Avalon Passion. I also added a few extra days before and after the cruise on my own.

My Itinerary

• Basel, Switzerland
• Breisach, Germany
• Endingen, Germany
• Colmar, France
• Strasbourg, France
• Mainz, Germany
• Frankfurt, Germany

A Few Of My Favorite Things On My European Christmas Markets Cruise

I thoroughly enjoyed every chilly but festive moment on my European Christmas Markets cruise. Each market and each town is so festively decorated. It is fun to walk around and admire all of the decorations. As beautiful as each market is during the day, they are downright magical after dark when all the lights twinkle. Most excursions are scheduled during the day. Some do linger into the late afternoon so you can start to see the lights at dusk. I highly recommend visiting at least one market after dark if you can.

Collecting Mugs

I enjoyed collecting the mugs at each market. Each European Christmas Market has its own version of the mug. When you buy a hot drink (typically mulled wine, cider, or hot chocolate) you will also pay a small deposit. After you have finished your drink you can either return the mug and get the deposit back or keep the mug! I made it my mission to collect a mug at each market. Enjoying the gluhwein or hot chocolate is an added benefit…those warm drinks sure hit the spot on a chilly afternoon!

Selfies With St. Nick

I also discovered each European Christmas Market has its own version of a large statue of Santa Claus/St. Nick/Father Christmas. In Switzerland he is called Samichlaus, in France he is called Père Noël, and in Germany he is called Der Weihnachtsmann. I had so much fun finding him and snapping a selfie with him at each market.

Treats Onboard the Avalon Passion

Some other magical moments for me on my European Christmas Markets cruise were on the Avalon Passion itself during the cruise. The ship is decked out in her Christmas finery, including several trees and lots of garland and sparkling lights. There is also a beautiful gingerbread house in the main lobby. Throughout the cruise there are also canisters of fresh-baked Christmas cookies and German Stollen available in the public areas. It is easy to grab a small bag (or two!) of sweet treats any time you need a little pick-me-up. Avalon also has several self-serve specialty coffee makers throughout the ship, so a nice hot mug of coffee, tea, or hot chocolate is never too far away.

During the cruise I also came back to my beautiful stateroom after a couple of dinners to find a lovely surprise waiting for me! One evening there was a beautiful Avalon Christmas ornament, which makes a wonderful addition to my travel-themed tree at home! On another evening there was a small bag of French Christmas cookies from the local market waiting for me. It’s these small yet personal touches that Avalon does so very well. Avalon spoils you from start to finish!

But the best thing for me on the ship is the Stollen that is also available. Stollen is a traditional German Christmas fruit bread made with nuts, spices, and dried or candied fruit. It is either dusted with powdered sugar or topped with marzipan icing. My German paternal grandmother served Stollen every Christmas when I was growing up, and it is definitely one food I always associate with Christmas! So it is wonderful to have lots of Stollen available on the ship as well.

Meals Onboard the Avalon Passion

Avalon always does an amazing job with the onboard meals. Everything is fresh and often sourced locally at each port. Breakfast and lunch are served buffet-style, plus there are also a few menu items you can order a la carte if you wish. Dinner is four- or five-courses, all served a la carte. Since this cruise was so sparsely populated, everything was served in the main dining room. On other Avalon cruises I have done there are a few other alternate dining options available, typically served in the Panorama Lounge or up on the Sky Deck in nice weather. On or near the final evening there is a Gala Farewell Dinner, which kicks off in the Panorama Lounge with the Captain’s Toast.

Check out part 3 of the 4-part series where Bethany explores beautiful Basel, Switzerland!