Tips to Keep in Mind for a Christmas Market Cruise

Are you thinking about treating your family to a once in a lifetime vacation for the holidays? Well, I have the perfect opportunity with a Christmas market cruise. These Christmas cruises are becoming quite popular. Not only because you can explore different Christmas markets around the world. But because you can spend time together with your family without the hassle of changing accommodations with each new destination. If you are considering a Christmas market cruise for your next family vacation, you should keep these tips in mind.

Tips to Keep in Mind for a Christmas Market Cruise

1. Always Book Your Christmas Market Cruise Early

Christmas market cruises book quickly! There are many reasons why. However, the main reason is the season is so short. And since these are river cruises, the boats do not hold as many travelers as ocean cruise ships do.

As a travel advisor, I always recommend booking Christmas cruises at least one year in advance.

2. Have Cash Readily Available

Some of the vendors at Christmas markets will accept credit cards. If you want to be able to purchase Christmas gifts and décor from everyone though, you must have cash readily available.

3. Purchase Items When You See Them

When you are traveling, you are probably used to seeing the same sweatshirts and other souvenirs all over the place. However, when you are on a Christmas market cruise, you never know what unique item you will discover while shopping.

Yes, you will see some of the same Christmas items in each of the Christmas markets you visit. But you don’t want to be that person who regrets not making a purchase while you could. So, if you see something in a stall at the very first Christmas market you visit, and it isn’t anywhere else at that market, purchase it.

You can thank me later!

4. Dress Warm

It can be cold in Europe during the holiday season. Especially at night once the sun goes down. So, make sure you pack a hat, gloves, and a scarf. These items will ensure you stay warm, no matter how cold it is during your Christmas cruise.

5. Wear Sturdy and Comfortable Walking Shoes

You will do a lot of walking when you are visiting Christmas markets during your cruise. It is always a good idea to wear sturdy and comfortable walking shoes when you are off the boat.

6. Prices Will Vary

Depending on the Christmas market, prices of items may be higher or lower. It is best to keep in mind the area you are currently in and adjust your expectations accordingly. The cruise concierge can be an excellent person to ask if you want to have an idea of pricing for each Christmas market you shop at.

7. Christmas Market Hours are Limited

Every Christmas market has limited hours. Therefore, you must plan your day around the times the markets are open. Failure to do this will mean you won’t be able to shop at the markets at all or as much as you may have wanted to.

8. Always Indulge in the Street Food

The street food in Europe is amazing. When you are visiting Christmas markets, you will want to indulge in at least some of the street foods you see. Most Christmas markets will each have their own specialty. And they will all have the usual street foods you will come to love while you are on your Christmas cruise.

9. Save a Little Money for Future Ports of Call

As you wander around your first Christmas market, you will be so excited with everything you see. Your excitement may cause you to over-purchase, because you don’t want to miss out on an item.

However, it is best to make sure you pace yourself and save some money for future ports of call. Remember, many of the items you see at the first Christmas market will be available at all future markets too. So, unless it is a one-of-a-kind item, you may want to hold off purchasing until you get towards the end of your cruise.

You must keep these nine tips in mind for your next Christmas market cruise. When you do, I guarantee you will have an even better experience exploring each Christmas market on your itinerary.

So, are you ready to book a Christmas market cruise and utilize these tips?

If you said yes, I would like to invite you to schedule a time for us to chat by clicking here. When you click on this link, you will be taken directly to my digital calendar to schedule a time that is most convenient for you. During our call, we can discuss the upcoming Christmas market cruises and I can start to book yours immediately.

And if you are not quite ready to book your Christmas market cruise, you can sign up for my newsletter here. This will ensure we stay in touch, as you continue to receive all the travel information I share.