LenDog64 / Creative Commons BY NDOrnaments during Christmastime in Germany.

With the holiday season fast approaching, it's not too late to take that Christmas market river cruise through the heart of Europe.

One drool-worthy option that came across our desk is from upscale river cruise line AmaWaterways. 

On these 7- or 14-night itineraries, AmaWaterways’ guests can explore the world’s best Christmas markets and discover the origins of this beloved tradition. Wandering the stalls of these enchanting markets, travelers can sip hot mulled wine, taste fresh-baked bredele biscuits and roasted chestnuts, and check out artisan wares and arts and crafts found nowhere else.

cralvarez / Creative Commons BY-NDThe Passau Christmas Market, or Passau Christkindlmarkt, is set in the old historic town center of Passau.

The spirit of the season shines just as brightly aboard the AmaWaterways fleet with its festive ambience, cheerful crew, and holiday activities that include tree-decorating contests, Christmas cookies and gingerbread-making demonstrations. 

A passenger favorite each year is the Christmas party, filling the ship with warmth, carolers and a traditional European holiday dinner paired with an exceptional selection of regional wines chosen for the occasion. (AmaWaterways is renowned for its wine river cruises.)

AmaWaterways provides guests an all-encompassing cruise vacation to celebrate the festive season. Holiday cruise itineraries include Iconic Christmas Markets, Magical Christmas Markets, Christmas Markets on the Rhine and Magnificent Europe Christmas Cruise. From sweet Bavarian dumplings in vanilla sauce to Germany’s mouthwatering Reibekuchen pancakes and apple sauce, you're sure to find a cruise to match your tastes. 

LenDog64 / Creative Commons BY NDA Christmas market on the Moselle River in Germany in late November.

AmaWaterways also offers a number of New Year’s departures, including Treasures of the Main and Rhine, Rhine & Moselle Delights, and Melodies of the Danube, a perfect way to ring in 2019. 

AmaWaterways co-owner Kristin Karst shares a video highlighting the holiday river cruises on her blog. Here's a taste:

Want to take a Christmas market river cruise?

For a limited time, guests can save up to $1,500 per stateroom on select 2018 Christmas cruises by contacting a Cruiseable travel advocate. Contact our travel professionals at 1-877-322-3773 or email our travel experts to get details about fares, dates, availabilities and special savings. As always, there's no charge to put our agents to work for you.