We have taken this same route before, only during the summer. This was the first time we have done it during the Winter/Christmas season. To say this is the best cruise we have been on would be a tragic understatement! This cruise was absolutely wonderful!

As always, Viking goes above and beyond. All our guides were native to the location we were visiting (the one in Strausburg actually lived in La Petite Paris) and are extremely knowledgeable of the history of the locations but also provide a lot of local color.

The Christmas Markets were the absolute highlight of the trip. I was stationed in Germany near the end of the Cold War and had experienced Christmas Markets in the past, but none that were as big or as festive as the ones included on this cruise. From day 1, you are transported to one or more Christmas markets at each stop. The itinerary leaves plenty of time to explore on your own and in many towns, we were able to visit the main Markets, but also had time to visit smaller neighborhood specific Markets. Read more