It’s the most wonderful time of the year

Discover where many of our signature holiday traditions—Christmas trees, gingerbread, nutcrackers, St. Nick, and candy canes—came from as you sail through Germany and Austria on a magical cruise.

You will be spellbound by the Medieval atmosphere of Nuremberg’s main Christmas Market, and sample its famous holiday gingerbread. Stroll through Regensburg’s romantic Christmas Market, savoring fresh dumplings with vanilla sauce. In Passau, shop for unique crafts like hand-painted porcelain and Bohemian glass ornaments. Sit back and enjoy a horse-drawn carriage ride through the Bavarian Forest before visiting a world-renowned glass making workshop for a demonstration. In Linz, “The Town of Christmas Crèches,” marvel at the small clay figurines that represent the people of a typical village—the butcher, the baker, and the candlestick maker. And hear a Mozart and Strauss concert while in the “City of Waltzes,” Vienna.

All this and more, in two countries of culture and elegance, will surely make for a joyous start to your holiday festivities.

Who will enjoy this cruise: Those looking to experience Europe at its most magical will enjoy this up-close chance to discover some of the grandest holiday traditions and treats of Germany and Austria.