As the festive season unfolds, the holiday spirit has already been sparkling brightly on board each of our European ships. Christmas is truly a time of joy and wonder, and we take great pleasure in transforming our fleet into floating winter wonderlands. Starting mid-November, guests joining us on a Holiday Cruise are not just traveling to some of Europe’s most enchanting holiday markets—you’re embarking on a warm, cozy and festive experience from the moment you step aboard.
Christmas is a time for togetherness, tradition and sharing, and we make sure our ships reflect this beautiful season. Our crew on board has been busy hanging brightly lit garland inside and out - 650 meters per ship, adorned with 7,500 Christmas balls. From delightful decorations to holiday-inspired cuisine and heartfelt traditions, here's a closer look at how we bring the magic of Christmas to life on the rivers.
A Warm Welcome Aboard: Embracing the Spirit of the Season
At AmaWaterways, we are dedicated to making each guest feel at home, and our festive décor is no exception. Our celebrations begin mid-November during our Taste of Christmas Markets cruises when guests are greeted by a ship beautifully decked out with twinkling lights, lush garlands and elegant wreaths and are invited to visit one or two early opening Christmas Markets before the usual holiday crowds arrive. All Christmas Markets are in full swing by the end of November and continue until Christmas Eve while some stay open for our guests to enjoy as they welcome the New Year in style on board our ships.
On board our ships, the Christmas trees, each uniquely decorated, are the centerpiece of our festive décor complemented by dazzling snow globes and smiling Santas and reindeer — instantly reminding you that this is a time for joy, celebration and a little bit of Christmas magic.
The heart of each ship’s décor lies in our Main Lounge area, where guests gather to relax with a glass of mulled wine or a warm mug of hot chocolate after a day spent exploring the picturesque winter scenes ashore.
Festive Traditions: Holiday Entertainment and Activities On Board
Christmas isn’t just about the decorations; it’s about the feeling of togetherness and tradition. On all our Holiday Cruises, we host a variety of special onboard activities that capture the essence of the season. One of our favorite traditions is the Christmas cookie decorating sessions with our talented pastry chefs. Guests are invited to participate, and the experience is a perfect way to bond with fellow travelers over sweet delights.
Each week, newly arrived guests are invited to get right into the holiday spirit by joining us in decorating the three Christmas trees in the Main Lounge—creating a truly personalized and shared experience. Santa’s visit and crew-led Christmas caroling are all part of the heartfelt weekly celebrations.
Holiday Flavors: A Culinary Journey Inspired by Christmas Markets
One of the highlights of visiting the Christmas Markets is the chance to indulge in the unique regional flavors of the season. We also offer special holiday treats on board, complementing our delicious meals featuring European and North American dishes paired with fine wines. Guests are able to enjoy the festive dining atmosphere with friends, family and fellow travelers with none of the stress or worry associated with holiday meal planning and hosting.
A Journey to the Heart of Europe’s Christmas Markets
While the ship’s décor and festive atmosphere set the mood, the true magic of our Holiday Cruises lies in the journey itself. Each day brings a new discovery as we dock in the center of towns and villages adorned in festive holiday attire—from the grand squares of Vienna and the fairytale streets of Nuremberg to the romantic markets of Strasbourg and the more intimate local festivities of Bordeaux, Arles and Avignon in France and Porto in Portugal.
These markets are where centuries-old traditions come alive. Strolling through stalls filled with handmade crafts, sipping spiced glühwein, and hearing the joyful sounds of carolers—these are the experiences that make a European Christmas Markets cruise so special. Each destination is like a step back in time, and our ships become the cozy home base from which to explore this wonderland.
Bringing Home the Spirit of Christmas
As the cruise comes to an end, guests often tell us that the experience on board made them feel truly connected to the holiday spirit. Our wish is that everyone who embarks with us carries a bit of that joy and warmth back home.
The memories of twinkling lights, joyful carols, shared meals, warm smiles and beautifully decorated ships stay with you long after the cruise is over—reminders of a magical time spent with friends, family, newfound companions and our wonderful crew. We hope to welcome you for a Holiday Cruise on the rivers of Europe or further afield to enjoy a special mix of holiday festivities on board our wonderful ships cruising the Nile and Mekong rivers. For more festive inspiration, you may enjoy this Christmas video.
From our AmaWaterways family to yours, we wish you a season filled with wonder, warmth and the joy of togetherness.
Happy Holidays!