Ultimate European Christmas Market River Cruise: 7 Days, 3 Countries, 8 Cities

Riverside Cruise Experience

• 🚢 The video documents a 7-day, 6-night European Christmas Market river cruise on Riverside Cruises' ship, the Debussy, visiting 8 cities across 3 countries.
• 💎 Riverside is highlighted as an ultra-luxury, all-inclusive option, chosen for its generously sized suites with king-size beds and a higher number of tables for two.
• 🥂 The cruise experience includes a driver from the airport, a champagne toast upon boarding, and a focus on the ship's amenities and dining.

Exploring European Christmas Markets

• 🇩🇪 German Christmas markets are praised for their quality, with highlights including Glühwein (mulled wine) and the tradition of collecting souvenir mugs.
• 🎁 A personal quest for unique Christmas ornaments is a recurring theme, with a friendly competition among friends to collect the best ones.
• 🥨 Markets visited include Dusseldorf, Koblenz, Rüdesheim, Mannheim (with three distinct markets), Mainz, Frankfurt, Speyer, and Strasbourg, each offering a unique atmosphere and local specialties.

Ship Amenities and Dining

• 🛏️ The Riverside Suite features double sinks, a good shower with strong pressure, a dedicated workspace, a mini-bar, coffee machine, binoculars, and a king-size bed.
• 🚢 Ship tours reveal various areas including the Vista Bar, bikes on the top deck, a smoking area, pool, the Attelier (all-day bistro), Palm Court bar, reception, Wateride restaurant, guest laundry, gym, and spa.
• 🍽️ Dining is a highlight, with an extensive buffet breakfast, impressive lunch buffets featuring live cooking stations, and artfully plated, multi-course dinners, often incorporating regional specialties.

Itinerary and Excursions

• 🏞️ The scenic cruise portion along the Rhine features numerous castles and palaces, offering picturesque views.
• 🏛️ Excursions, like a guided tour of the Gutenberg Museum in Mainz, are offered but noted as potentially less compelling compared to independent exploration.
• flexibility in itineraries allows for shorter trip segments, with passengers boarding and disembarking at different points.

Christmas Market Tips and Pricing

• 💡 Key tips for visiting Christmas markets include exploring multiple markets within a city, visiting during the day for fewer crowds, and acting quickly if you see something you like to buy.
• 💰 Cash is recommended for purchases, and a small fee is usually required for public restrooms.
• 💸 The premium all-inclusive package for this 6-night cruise cost $6,118 per person, covering full board, all drinks, and gratuities, positioning it as a luxury experience with high-quality accommodation and food.

Final Thoughts and Recommendations

• ✨ The intimate size of the ship and suites, along with the quality of food, make Riverside a recommended luxury river cruise option.
• ⚠️ Criticisms include less compelling excursions and occasional communication issues regarding docking and city center access.
• 🏆 Dusseldorf was awarded the 'Jebcore award-winning Christmas market' for its setting, crafts, and sunset, while Rüdesheim was favored for its quaint nighttime atmosphere.