Viking Christmas cruises are a unique and memorable way to experience the holiday season. Imagine sailing through the snow-covered landscapes of Northern Europe, exploring festive markets, and enjoying traditional Christmas treats onboard. With Viking Cruises, you can create unforgettable holiday memories with your loved ones.
In this article, we'll explore seven Viking Christmas cruises to book in 2024. From romantic river cruises to ocean voyages, we'll dive into the details of each itinerary, highlighting the best ports, onboard activities, and exclusive holiday experiences.
What to Expect from Viking Christmas Cruises
Before we dive into the itineraries, let's explore what makes Viking Christmas cruises so special. These holiday voyages offer:
- Festive atmosphere: Viking ships are transformed into winter wonderlands, complete with decorations, festive music, and holiday-themed events.
- Traditional Christmas cuisine: Savor traditional Christmas dishes, such as roasted goose, gingerbread, and mulled wine, prepared by Viking's talented chefs.
- Holiday activities: Participate in festive activities, including cookie decorating, holiday craft workshops, and caroling.
- Exclusive shore excursions: Explore festive markets, snow-covered landscapes, and historic landmarks on guided shore excursions.
1. Rhine Getaway Christmas Market Cruise
Embark on a 7-night Rhine Getaway Christmas Market Cruise, exploring the festive markets of Germany, France, and Switzerland. This itinerary includes:
- Cologne's festive market: Browse the stalls selling handmade crafts, try traditional mulled wine, and sample festive treats.
- Strasbourg's Christkindelsmärik: Discover the oldest and largest Christmas market in Europe, offering unique gifts, local delicacies, and a magical atmosphere.
- Heidelberg's romantic streets: Wander through the snow-covered streets of this charming German town, exploring its medieval castle and festive shops.
Departure dates: December 2, 9, 16, 2024
2. Danube Waltz Christmas Cruise
This 8-night Danube Waltz Christmas Cruise takes you through the heart of Europe, exploring Austria, Germany, and Slovakia. Highlights include:
- Vienna's festive markets: Visit the famous Christmas market in front of Vienna's City Hall, offering handmade crafts, mulled wine, and traditional Austrian delicacies.
- Budapest's festive atmosphere: Explore the snow-covered streets of this beautiful city, visiting the historic St. Stephen's Basilica and browsing the festive stalls.
- Melk's medieval abbey: Discover the stunning Melk Abbey, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and enjoy a festive concert in its grand halls.
Departure dates: December 1, 8, 15, 2024
3. Viking Holiday River Cruise
Join the Viking Holiday River Cruise, a 7-night journey along the Rhine and Moselle rivers. This festive itinerary includes:
- Koblenz's festive market: Visit the historic Deutsches Eck, where the Rhine and Moselle rivers meet, and explore the charming festive market.
- Mainz's Christmas magic: Wander through the snow-covered streets of this charming German town, visiting the stunning Mainz Cathedral and browsing the festive stalls.
- Heidelberg's romantic atmosphere: Enjoy a festive dinner at a local castle, complete with traditional German cuisine and live music.
Departure dates: December 5, 12, 19, 2024
4. Northern Lights & Winter Wonders Cruise
Embark on a 12-night Northern Lights & Winter Wonders Cruise, exploring the breathtaking landscapes of Norway. Highlights include:
- Tromsø's festive atmosphere: Visit the Arctic Cathedral, a stunning example of modern Norwegian architecture, and enjoy a festive dinner at a local restaurant.
- Svolvær's snow-covered landscapes: Explore the picturesque town of Svolvær, surrounded by snow-covered mountains and fjords.
- Northern Lights: Witness the breathtaking display of the Northern Lights, also known as the Aurora Borealis.
Departure dates: December 2, 9, 16, 2024
5. Christmas in Scandinavia Cruise
Join the Christmas in Scandinavia Cruise, a 7-night journey through Denmark, Norway, and Sweden. Highlights include:
- Copenhagen's festive markets: Visit the famous Tivoli Gardens, a historic amusement park transformed into a winter wonderland during the holiday season.
- Oslo's festive atmosphere: Explore the snow-covered streets of this charming Norwegian capital, visiting the historic Akershus Fortress and browsing the festive stalls.
- Stockholm's Christmas magic: Wander through the historic Old Town, exploring the charming streets and festive shops.
Departure dates: December 1, 8, 15, 2024
6. Viking Ocean Holiday Cruise
Embark on a 10-night Viking Ocean Holiday Cruise, exploring the Mediterranean coast of Spain, France, and Italy. Highlights include:
- Barcelona's festive markets: Visit the famous La Boqueria Market, offering a wide range of festive delicacies and local crafts.
- Marseille's festive atmosphere: Explore the historic Old Town, visiting the stunning Notre-Dame de la Garde Basilica and browsing the festive stalls.
- Rome's Christmas magic: Wander through the historic center, visiting the famous Trevi Fountain and exploring the charming festive shops.
Departure dates: December 2, 9, 16, 2024
7. Viking Christmas River Cruise
Join the Viking Christmas River Cruise, a 7-night journey along the Danube River. This festive itinerary includes:
- Nuremberg's festive market: Visit the famous Christkindlmarkt, offering traditional German delicacies, handmade crafts, and festive atmosphere.
- Vienna's festive markets: Explore the historic city center, visiting the famous Christmas market in front of Vienna's City Hall and browsing the festive stalls.
- Budapest's festive atmosphere: Wander through the snow-covered streets of this beautiful city, visiting the historic St. Stephen's Basilica and enjoying a festive dinner at a local restaurant.
Departure dates: December 1, 8, 15, 2024
As the holiday season approaches, consider booking one of these incredible Viking Christmas cruises. With their unique blend of festive atmosphere, traditional cuisine, and exclusive shore excursions, these voyages promise to create unforgettable holiday memories.
Whether you prefer a romantic river cruise or an ocean voyage, there's a Viking Christmas cruise to suit your preferences. So why wait? Book your dream holiday cruise today and get ready to experience the magic of Christmas in style!
We'd love to hear from you! Share your favorite Viking Christmas cruise itinerary in the comments below. Have you ever taken a holiday cruise? What were some of your favorite experiences?
What is the best time to book a Viking Christmas cruise?
+It's recommended to book your Viking Christmas cruise at least 6-12 months in advance to ensure availability and secure the best prices.
Do Viking Christmas cruises offer special holiday activities?
+Yes, Viking Christmas cruises offer a range of festive activities, including cookie decorating, holiday craft workshops, and caroling.
Can I book a Viking Christmas cruise as a solo traveler?
+Yes, Viking Cruises welcomes solo travelers and offers a range of itineraries and onboard activities suitable for solo travelers.