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Picture this.
It’s Christmas morning 2026. The coffee is hot, the tree is glowing, and there’s one small box left underneath it. Someone you love pulls off the ribbon and finds a little ornament and a note that reads: “Christmas Markets on the Danube. December 2028.”
That look on their face? That’s the gift.
And it keeps giving, because now you get two whole years to dream about it together. Then one December evening in 2028, you’re standing in Vienna with a cup of warm mulled wine in your hands. Twinkle lights glow against centuries-old buildings, and the smell of roasted chestnuts and gingerbread drifts through the cold air.
At the end of the day, you stroll back to your beautiful river ship, where dinner is waiting, and your cozy stateroom is exactly where you left it. That’s Christmas in Europe the river cruise way. And I’m so excited to tell you about a sailing that does it beautifully.
If you’ve dreamed of visiting Europe’s famous Christmas markets, an AmaWaterways Danube Christmas Markets river cruise is one of the most convenient ways to experience them. From December 4-11, 2028, the AmaBella sails from Budapest to Nuremberg, visiting festive destinations in Hungary, Austria, and Germany. Here’s what to expect from this seven-night Christmas market cruise, including the itinerary, onboard amenities, pricing, and my tips for planning an unforgettable European holiday.
AmaWaterways Danube Christmas Markets Cruise 2028 at a Glance
- Cruise: AmaWaterways Iconic Christmas Markets
- Dates: December 4-11, 2028
- Ship: AmaBella
- Route: 7 nights on the Danube, Budapest to Nuremberg
- Stops: Budapest, Vienna, Melk, Passau (with an optional day in Salzburg), Regensburg, and Nuremberg
Yes, December 2028 may feel like a long way off. But stick with me, because there’s a very good reason to start planning now (more on that below).
Why Take a Danube Christmas Markets River Cruise?
One of the things I love most about river cruising is the convenience. You unpack once. You enjoy wonderful meals and attentive service. And you wake up in a new storybook town without ever hauling a suitcase through a train station.
That matters even more in December. The days are short, the air is crisp, and the last thing you want is to spend your precious daylight hours checking in and out of hotels.
On a river cruise, the ship docks close to town. You walk off, wander the markets, shop for one-of-a-kind ornaments and gifts, and come back to warm up. Simple. Relaxing. Magical.
Danube Christmas Markets Cruise Itinerary: December 4-11, 2028
December 4: Budapest, Hungary
Your adventure begins as you board AmaBella in Budapest, often called the Queen of the Danube. Settle in, unpack (just once!), and enjoy your first dinner on board.
December 5: Budapest
Explore the hilly Buda side of the city with a guided tour of the Castle District. You’ll see the fairytale turrets of Fisherman’s Bastion, colorful Matthias Church, and sweeping views over the river. Then it’s on to Budapest’s Christmas markets, where so many of the goods are traditionally handmade. Feeling active? Choose the Castle Hill hike instead.
December 6: Vienna, Austria
This might be the most festive day of the whole trip. Tour imperial Vienna (think the Opera House and the Habsburgs’ former palace) followed by the Christmas markets, or see the city by bike. In the afternoon, visit the Christmas market at Schönbrunn Palace. Then cap off the evening at the Rathaus (Town Hall) market, Vienna’s largest, beautifully lit up at night.
December 7: Melk, Austria
Visit Melk Abbey, a stunning Baroque monastery perched high above the river with a famous library of medieval manuscripts. Or take a guided bike ride around town. That evening, enjoy scenic cruising through the lovely Strudengau Valley.
December 8: Passau, Germany
You’ll have a choice to make today, and they’re all good ones. Stroll this 2,000-year-old city and its Christmas market full of Bavarian-style crafts. Join a bike tour along the river. Or take the full-day excursion through the Austrian Alps to Salzburg, Mozart’s birthplace, for a walking tour of the Old Town and its Christmas markets. (Heads up: the Salzburg day can’t be combined with the other tours.)
December 9: Regensburg, Germany
Regensburg is one of Germany’s best-preserved medieval cities and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The star of the day is the Thurn and Taxis Artisan Christmas Market, set at the castle and considered one of the most romantic in Bavaria. You can tour the city, join a Tastes of Bavaria outing (beer, sausage, and pretzels, my friends), bike to the Walhalla temple, or simply wander the market and watch the artisans at work.
December 10: Main-Danube Canal and Nuremberg
Cruise the Main-Danube Canal in the morning as the ship crosses the Continental Divide. In Nuremberg, choose a city tour to the Imperial Castle and the 900-year-old city walls, or a Tastes of Franconia tour featuring bratwurst, red beer, and lebkuchen (traditional gingerbread). Then save room for the grand finale: Nuremberg’s Christkindlesmarkt, one of the oldest and most famous Christmas markets in the world.
December 11: Nuremberg
Disembark and say goodbye to AmaBella, or keep the holiday going with a land package.
Want a Little More Time in Europe?
If you’re flying all the way to Europe, I always say make the most of it. AmaWaterways offers optional land packages that include hotel stays with daily breakfast, a city tour, and transfers between the hotel and ship:
- Pre-cruise: 2 nights in Budapest, from $800 per person
- Post-cruise: 2 nights in Nuremberg, from $1,180 per person
- Or post-cruise: 3 nights in Prague, from $1,080 per person
Prague at Christmas? Oh, my heart. The Old Town is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and the holiday markets are absolutely enchanting.
AmaBella River Cruise Ship: Staterooms, Dining, and Amenities
AmaBella carries just 160 guests in 80 staterooms, so it feels intimate rather than crowded. Here’s a peek at what you’ll enjoy on board:
- Fine dining in multiple venues, including The Chef’s Table
- Unlimited wine, beer, and soft drinks with lunch and dinner
- Small-group guided shore excursions, including hiking and biking options
- A Wellness Host leading daily activities
- Live local entertainment
- A panoramic lounge with a bar, piano, and dance floor
- A sun deck with a pool and swim-up bar, a walking track, and a putting green
- Free Wi-Fi
- Marble bathrooms, plush robes, and slippers
Staterooms range from cozy 170-square-foot rooms with fixed windows up to 350-square-foot suites. Many rooms feature AmaWaterways’ signature twin balconies: a French balcony plus an outside balcony where you can sit and watch the river roll by.
AmaWaterways vs. Viking: Which River Cruise Is Better?
I get asked all the time how AmaWaterways compares to Viking, so I’m offering you my opinion since I’ve cruised on Viking and have many fellow travel advisor friends who have been on AmaWaterways.
When it comes to price, the two lines are pretty much neck and neck. But here’s the big factor to consider: Viking asks for final payment a year or more before you sail, while AmaWaterways typically gives you until 90 days out. I experienced this when I did my Viking sailing for my 60th birthday. 6
Viking guests tend to skew a bit older, while AmaWaterways draws a slightly younger, more active crowd. When I sailed on the Viking Ve, I skewed young. In terms of size, the AmaBella comes in lower on occupancy count with 160 guests versus 190 on a Viking Longship.
So which line is right for you? Most of the research I’ve done describes Viking as the polished, predictable choice, especially for first-timers and couples who love enrichment. AmaWaterways is often the favorite for repeat river cruisers, foodies, and active travelers. And because it welcomes families, it’s a wonderful pick for multigenerational trips too.
| AmaWaterways (AmaBella) | Viking (Longship) | |
| Guests on board | 160 | 190 |
| Final payment due | Typically 90 days before sailing | A year or more before sailing |
| Typical crowd | Slightly younger, more active | Tends to skew a bit older |
| Families | Welcomes families | Adults only (18+) |
| Best for | Repeat river cruisers, foodies, active travelers, multigenerational trips | First-timers and couples who love enrichment |
What to Pack for a Danube Christmas Markets Cruise
- Dress in layers. December on the Danube is deliciously chilly. A warm coat, scarf, gloves, and a long line cardigan sweater will keep you happy all day.
- Want to see the travel gear I swear by? Visit my Amazon storefront for all my favorite finds.
- Carry a little cash. Many market vendors prefer it. Keep in mind Hungary uses the forint, while Austria and Germany use the euro. Christmas markets get busy, so I keep my cards and passport tucked in Boxiki RFID-blocking sleeves for extra peace of mind. Use code JENNY15 to save 15%.
- Pack a plug adapter. If you do a pre-cruise hotel stay, Hungary, Austria, and Germany use European two-pin outlets, so a universal travel adapter keeps your phone charged for all those market photos.
Why Plan for December 2028 Right Now?
Here’s the exciting part. This sailing is already more than half sold, and there are some great reasons to act soon:
- Save $1,000 per person when you book by October 31, 2026
- Only 37 staterooms remain
- Three stateroom categories are already waitlisted: BA, D, and E
- The deposit is just $400 per person, with $200 of that refundable up to 120 days before sailing
Book by October 31, and your Christmas gift is wrapped and ready, with $1,000 in savings tucked inside.
How Much Does a Danube Christmas Markets Cruise Cost in 2028?
The advertised starting fare for this sailing was $3,889 per person with the $1,000 savings (down from $4,889), based on double occupancy in a Category E stateroom and including port charges. Since Category E is now waitlisted, that starting price is no longer available, and your actual fare will depend on the stateroom category you choose.
Your fare includes the seven-night cruise, meals on board, unlimited wine, beer, and soft drinks with lunch and dinner, small-group guided shore excursions, Wi-Fi, and onboard entertainment. Airfare, gratuities, upgrades, and land packages are additional, and solo travelers should ask about the single supplement.
One more tip: when you book a trip this far ahead, protect it with travel insurance. A lot can happen in two years, and it’s exactly why I never travel without insurance. Check out Allianz Travel Insurance. They offer excellent coverage that lets you relax and look forward to the fun part.
Frequently Asked Questions About Danube Christmas Market Cruises
1. What is the best month for a Danube Christmas Markets cruise?
Late November through December is the traditional Christmas market season. Early December is especially appealing because most of the major markets are open and the holiday festivities are in full swing. Market dates vary by city and year, so it’s worth checking before you go.
2. What should I wear on a Danube Christmas Markets cruise?
Think warm, comfortable, and layered. December temperatures along the Danube often hover near freezing, so pack a warm coat, hat, scarf, gloves, and waterproof walking shoes. On board, the dress code is relaxed, so there’s no need for formal wear.
3. Are Christmas market excursions included with AmaWaterways?
Yes. AmaWaterways includes small-group guided shore excursions in your fare, with several choices in most ports, from city walking tours to bike rides and hikes. You’ll also have free time to explore the Christmas markets on your own. Ask Beth whether any specialty excursions carry an extra charge.
4. Is AmaWaterways or Viking better for Christmas Market cruises?
Both are wonderful. Viking is more well-known in the United States because they advertise more. That’s why many first-timers and couples love the brand.
AmaWaterways tends to win over repeat river cruisers, foodies, and active travelers, and because it welcomes families, it’s a great gift idea for grandparents wanting to take the multigenerational family on an adventure. AmaWaterways also typically gives you until about 90 days before sailing to make final payment, while Viking asks for it a year or more ahead.
5. Is a Danube Christmas Markets cruise worth it?
If you love the holidays, history, and the idea of unpacking only once, I think it absolutely is. You’ll visit some of Europe’s most famous Christmas markets in a single week, with delicious meals, guided tours, and your cozy stateroom waiting at the end of each day.
Let’s Make Your Christmas in Europe Happen
I’ve partnered with Beth Holley of Edgewood Travel to help you explore this special sailing. Beth can walk you through current pricing, available staterooms, the full itinerary, and everything you need to know about booking.
- Beth Holley, Edgewood Travel
- [email protected]
- 912-398-6779
