Cologne Christmas River Cruise Review: St Nicholas Rhine Adventure

Have you thought about what it is like to drift along the Rhine, past those shores dressed in their holiday best, sipping Glühwein, and soaking up all the holiday spirit? A Cologne Christmas river cruise might be what you need. These cruises, commonly featuring St Nicholas themes, commonly blend German holiday traditions with the relaxation that only a river cruise can provide. Let’s talk about what you can expect and if it’s something that you want to add to your travel list this holiday season.

What to Expect on a Cologne Christmas River Cruise

Okay, so a Christmas market river cruise is, well, a trip on a riverboat timed with the holiday market season. Typically, these cruises run from late November up until Christmas. A big thing about these trips, you know, is that they let you visit a bunch of these amazing markets without needing to pack and unpack your suitcase every day. This is good, very good in fact.

Cologne’s Christmas markets could be what you are here for. Cologne does have more than one Christmas market. What is fun is that each one has a certain vibe and specific things that it is known for. The biggest one is right at the Cologne Cathedral (Kölner Dom). It’s really something! Then you might see the “Market of Angels” (Markt der Engel) known for craftwork, or the harbor market by the Chocolate Museum (Schokoladenmuseum) which has a maritime vibe.

Most river cruises are what some might call “all-inclusive”. Usually this includes the room you stay in, the meals, and yes, those excursions to markets, historic places, and all those events happening on the boat. You want to check this so you know what is part of it or if you must plan some other options. Drinks sometimes could be an added cost; that is how some trips work, and other trips do include those. Another consideration? Some special food or other excursions might cost an added fee.

Typical Itinerary and Stops

Normally, the cruise does center on Cologne, yet some of them might swing by some additional neat places up or down the Rhine. Take a peek at stops such as:

Cologne: Usually the kick-off and turning point for the cruise, this gives you a generous amount of time to explore many Cologne holiday markets.
Düsseldorf: Not too far from Cologne. Here, the old part of the town really turns on the charm with stalls of handcrafted things and holiday grub.
Koblenz: Find the joining spot of the Rhine and Moselle rivers. See what holiday markets can be spotted within its older streets.
Rüdesheim: So well known for the Drosselgasse street which is lively. What is available here? Quaint taverns and mechanical music exhibits. The holiday time seems to bring a very special feeling to it all.
Mainz: Spot another holiday market happening near its really old Roman spots and by the Gutenberg Museum.

Onboard Experience and Amenities

You want to ask what sort of things they include in the riverboat you select. Newer vessels may have things like fitness spots, cozy lounge spaces, and top-deck areas to view those sights. Typically you’ll spot a main eating space that dishes up what I like to call classic cuisine, alongside something local. Do you want to relax? There is usually a lounge with nightly shows that include music.

Cabins usually differ but most boats provide several cabin selections, some even having balconies or panoramic windows that face outside. Think of opening up the door or pulling up the window shade to see old castles or pretty hillsides covered in the earliest bit of daylight. This would happen just as the river flows under the ship, right?

Why Choose a St Nicholas Themed Cruise?

St Nicholas might give your normal Christmas Riverboat adventure some very specific perks. For people with children or folk interested in culture, you may wish to explore it more in depth.

The Tradition of St Nicholas in Germany

In Germany, the St Nicholas tradition goes way back. We should chat about it! Nikolaustag takes place on the evening of December 5 into the morning of December 6, so St Nicholas (Nikolaus) travels and gives nice kids tiny treats and small presents in shoes which they leave out the night before. St Nicholas differs from Weihnachtsmann (Father Christmas), he is all about holiday giving. The Christmas cruises that take on his theme could do some things like give chocolate versions of St Nick on each pillow, inform cruisers all about this celebration, and stage the odd appearance with Nikolaus on deck giving all the kids sweet things.

Activities and Entertainment Highlighting St Nicholas

You could see that onboard activities during that St Nicholas holiday time often incorporate the tradition through holiday workshops in decoration making. Kids, of any age really, have the possibility to be told folk tales having Nikolaus. Cruises normally stage themed parties and meals as well. That just increases holiday cheer by like, 100%! Holiday market excursions could provide cultural encounters and insights for regional customs involving Saint Nicholas.

Tips for Booking and Planning Your Cruise

Good planning can mean a nicer Christmas cruise. From finding offers to choosing what kind of cabin fits well, planning matters when booking.

Best Time to Book and Travel

Cruises often happen during the weeks prior to December 25; they operate just for the marketplace time in November to late December mostly. Earlier is a great idea so that you get your room choice and sometimes earlier rates. See discounts when booking earlier. Booking early helps with transportation to Germany as well.

Choosing the Right Cruise Line and Itinerary

Boat and routes must be thought through when setting up the boat ride. Some businesses cater more towards luxury. Others tend to focus more on things of budget. Routes change regarding destination or trip length too. You’ll want to research each one that sounds right before you end up going through with things.

What to Pack for a Christmas Market Cruise

When seeing German Christmas markets in November or December, layers really do work! Start off with clothes so that it is easy when the weather turns cool. Do include warm outdoor jacket choices, warm waterproof options, gloves/mittens plus hat and a scarf! Get footwear with grip because markets have cobblestone pathways. Include things that can hold daily basics. Finally do include holiday outfits if you plan to go for meals that feel special or have concerts in it.

Making the Most of Your Time in Cologne

Having time while near Cologne means looking past boat travels and also seeing native parts within the area, beyond holiday markets.

Must-See Attractions Beyond the Christmas Markets

Sure, markets happen when the area’s festive, but that does not make it everything you could enjoy near Cologne:

Cologne Cathedral (Kölner Dom): A can’t miss structure. Hike to top portions meant to be looked around at or just see inside by gazing at old glass or checking relics of ancient Magi Kings.
Old Town (Altstadt): That city part has vivid-color houses, odd alley spots plus local breweries serving Kölsch area brew.
Chocolate Museum (Schokoladenmuseum): Great for candy loving people of all sorts since this place looks close into chocolate creation plus also history.
Roman-Germanic Museum (Römisch-Germanisches Museum): This site keeps Roman times stuff to view the area long prior to now!

Tips for Exploring Cologne: Transportation and Local Customs

When near Cologne the public choices of transit involve a great system of train travels (S-Bahn) as well street trains (U-Bahn) that may carry any area inside the urban boundary or outside. Walking works wonderfully throughout that inner core too when needing sights.

Some local cultural aspects to recall while out by Cologne:

Kölsch Etiquette: By traditional taverns the servers repeatedly replenish what’s in empty glasses if still desirable except once folks put coasters across that drinking vessel.
Greeting Customs: Greetings with hugs with Cologne seem prevalent as opposed shaking of each respective handle when dealing with people folks could get acquainted too.
Market Shopping: Think regarding utilizing some hard money although much is ready to simply handle cards. It might only just serve simpler once shopping vendors aren’t extremely vast-type firms plus might just lean with personal terminals instead that larger commercial setups could likely utilize inside it.

Conclusion

Rhine River cruises with Saint Nicholas should supply holiday fun in a singular plus attractive model. Cruises give great marketplace touring to kids with all St Nick’s tradition together plus amenities that seem relaxing so well to plan it well to take things from!