10 Reasons to Choose a Christmas Market Cruise

There's something special about the run-up to Christmas that has a way of making many feel young again; the lights go up, the markets open and there's a genuine buzz in the air that the earlier seasons of the year can’t quite match.

Now picture experiencing all of that across some of Europe's most charming cities without the hassle of flights or hotel-hopping. That's the appeal of a no-fly festive market cruise. Step aboard in the UK and wake up to twinkling lights and wooden chalets laden with homemade gifts, artisan treats and festive drinks.

Here are ten reasons a festive market cruise deserves a spot at the top of your wish list this year.

1. NO-FLY, NO STRESS

Airports are notoriously busy throughout December, with frequent queues and delays adding to the usual stresses of air travel. A no-fly cruise avoids all of that entirely, with your holiday starting the moment you arrive at the terminal rather than when you land. Take that even further by choosing a cruise line with smaller, more intimate ships, for a seamless embarkation and relaxed atmosphere on board from the earliest moment.

2. DISCOVER EUROPE'S BEST CHRISTMAS MARKETS

Not all Christmas market cruises are built equally. You can pick an itinerary that stops in a single country for a quick trip, or one that hops between several, each with its own take on the festive season. One-port sailings are perfect if you just want to dip into the magic of a single city's markets, while multi-country itineraries let you experience the cultural differences and festive traditions from one destination to the next, all within a few days and only unpacking once.

Traditional gingerbread hanging at a Christmas market

3. EXPERIENCE AUTHENTIC CHRISTMAS TRADITIONS

Christmas is celebrated across the world, but no two countries express it in quite the same way. From the food on the table to the songs sung in the square, every destination brings its own traditions and quirks to the season. Seeing is believing, and a festive market cruise is one of the best ways to get an inside view of these unique celebrations, rather than just reading about them or seeing representations in the media.

Read more: Europe’s Christmas Markets

Fantastic Christmas festive cheer on…

We were talking on the last day of the cruise that we dont normally leave reviews - only if there is an issue. Well we had fantastic Christmas festive cheer on Ambience. The crew were amazing and the entertainments superb. Food was a a great standard in the restaurant - slightly less great experience in the buffet - but that is probably our preference on dining experience. Such good value for money - the ship itself was fantastic and some of the best bars i have seen. What a contrast to P&O where surly staff and inconsistent app experience really took the joy out of cruising. We will be going back! Our friends who were first time cruising also had a fantastic time.

Just to add the ship was in great condition - I have been on newer ships and not had half as good a time. Cabin and storage space was brilliant.

– Verified Guest Review, Trustpilot

4. THE PERFECT WAY TO SHOP FOR CHRISTMAS

Forget crowded shopping centres or the worry of parcels arriving late. Festive markets are full of independent stalls selling handcrafted gifts you won't find anywhere else, from hand-carved wooden toys to delicate glass baubles and locally made treats. Shopping for Christmas becomes part of the adventure rather than a chore, and supporting the local merchants of the cities you visit shows more Christmas spirit than bulk purchasing gifts from big chain retailers at home. Plus, every gift you give from your festive market cruise has a story behind it, which is another excuse to share photos and stories from your sailing!

Festive holiday decorations and handicrafts displayed for sale at a Christmas market in Italy

5. PICTURE-PERFECT BACKDROPS

Christmas markets in the UK are beautiful in their own right, but something most of the country simply can’t match is that authentic Christmas backdrop. Ports like Hamburg, Amsterdam, Rotterdam, Zeebrugge and Honfleur each have their own charm in December, with grand old harbour buildings dusted with frost and cobbled quaysides strung with lights. It's the kind of scenery that's hard to capture in a single photo and even harder to forget.

6. PERFECT FOR SOLOS, COUPLES, FRIENDS AND FAMILIES

However you like to travel, a Christmas market cruise tends to work well. Bring a partner for a romantic city break, a parent for some quality time, a friend for good company or a bigger group for the full festive experience. Travelling alone works just as well too; there's more than enough going on to keep solo travellers busy!

Festive experience

Festive experience
Everything was exceptionally well organised, the meal and show were excellent. It was especially good for us as we have a cruise booked with you in April so this day spent on board in December has made us look forward to it even more.

– Verified Guest Review, Trustpilot

7. A CHANCE TO SLOW DOWN

The run-up to Christmas can feel like a race against the clock. A festive cruise is a chance to slow that pace right down, giving you the space to relax and actually enjoy the build-up to the holiday rather than just survive it. Time on board between the ports allows for a quiet afternoon tea, a rejuvenating spa treatment or simply watching the winter sea go by with a hot chocolate in hand. This is the perfect reset before the big day arrives.

Three people sitting at a table enjoying tea

8. A FESTIVE FEAST AT SEA

One of the best things about cruising is the food, and cruise lines offering festive itineraries know exactly how to bring the spirit of the season to the table. With warming winter dishes, indulgent desserts and a glass of something festive to go with it, the meals become an event in themselves.

9. ENTERTAINMENT TO MAKE SPIRITS BRIGHT

A Christmas market cruise is still a cruise at heart, which means all the usual entertainment comes as standard. Live music, shows and quizzes fill the evenings with festive cheer, turning the sailing into an experience that goes well beyond the ports themselves. By the time you get home, the markets might only be half the story.

Two people in festive red clothing sing joyfully with microphones, snowy winter backdrop.

We went in the Ambience in December for…

We went in the Ambience in December for a festive night the atmosphere was great the meal was amazing the whole experience definitely put me in the mood for Christmas I would definitely do it again all the staff were happy and friendly nothing was too much a great experience

– Verified Guest Review, Trustpilot

10. CREATE NEW TRADITIONS

Christmas is a time for tradition, so why not make some new ones? Embarking on a yearly festive market cruise is one thing, but you could even take it a step further by pledging to try a hot chocolate at every market or find a small gift for a loved one in each country on the itinerary. Booking your cabin for the festive season ahead guarantees you’ll spend the remainder of the year looking forward to your sailing, dreaming of enjoying a glass of mulled wine on the deck and seeking out unique Christmas presents at market stalls.

Hot Cocoa Stand. A cozy outdoor hot cocoa stand decorated with Christmas lights

Festive Christmas market with lights and stalls at Town Hall Square in Tallinn, Estonia

An elderly couple smiles while browsing festive items at a Christmas market stall

MAKE THIS YEAR'S CHRISTMAS SPARKLE

A festive market cruise is an experience that combines the joy of the season with the adventure of discovery. Swap the stress for sparkle this year and join Ambassador for a festive celebration to remember.

If you're new to cruising, there's no better time to sample life at sea. Our Christmas Party events in December are the perfect introduction to Ambassador. Enjoy a traditional Christmas Lunch and show, or opt for a Christmas Dinner with evening entertainment and even an overnight stay on board. It's a wonderful way to experience our ships, meet the crew and get a taste of the warm community that makes sailing with Ambassador so special.