Emerald Waterways' "Christmas Connoisseur" cruises visit some of the most festive cities and towns along the Danube, Rhine and Rhone rivers so that you can join in on the warmth and celebrations of the holiday season.
By John Roberts
People around the world are prepping for an intimate holiday season -- with most having their celebrations at home and spending time with their families, forgoing any adventures abroad for the time being.
But the spark to travel still exists, ready to be stoked and returned to a full blaze in 2021. A new year brings the hopes that we will have the chance to venture back into the world to seize new experiences and share amazing adventures with friends, both old and new.
With the holidays arriving, we can dream about future holiday travels that span the globe.
One of our preferred small-ship cruise companies, Emerald Waterways, has curated a Santa's wish list of river and yacht sailings itineraries focused on the winter holidays that offer something for just about every type of traveler, from those looking to explore winter wonderlands to destinations fit for cruisers looking for balmy environments.
Check out these Emerald Waterways' trips that you look forward to unwrapping these holidays:
The Christmas Connoisseur: These river cruises visit some of the most enchanting Christmas Markets in Europe, and it's a dream come true for any enthusiast of the festive holiday season.
Wandering through the gingerbread-inspired stalls, sipping mulled wine and shopping for traditional ornaments and unique gifts is the perfect way to usher in the holiday spirit while satisfying the desire to experience the timelessness of the holiday season in Europe. Don't want to miss even a single cozy evening spent by the Christmas tree? Not to worry -- each river ship is fully decked out in elegant holiday regalia. Emerald Waterways' 2021 and 2022 Christmas Markets sailings range from five to 15 days with sailings along the Rhine, Danube and Rhone rivers.
People around the world are prepping for an intimate holiday season -- with most having their celebrations at home and spending time with their families, forgoing any adventures abroad for the time being.
But the spark to travel still exists, ready to be stoked and returned to a full blaze in 2021. A new year brings the hopes that we will have the chance to venture back into the world to seize new experiences and share amazing adventures with friends, both old and new.
With the holidays arriving, we can dream about future holiday travels that span the globe.
One of our preferred small-ship cruise companies, Emerald Waterways, has curated a Santa's wish list of river and yacht sailings itineraries focused on the winter holidays that offer something for just about every type of traveler, from those looking to explore winter wonderlands to destinations fit for cruisers looking for balmy environments.
Check out these Emerald Waterways' trips that you look forward to unwrapping these holidays:
The Christmas Connoisseur: These river cruises visit some of the most enchanting Christmas Markets in Europe, and it's a dream come true for any enthusiast of the festive holiday season.
Wandering through the gingerbread-inspired stalls, sipping mulled wine and shopping for traditional ornaments and unique gifts is the perfect way to usher in the holiday spirit while satisfying the desire to experience the timelessness of the holiday season in Europe. Don't want to miss even a single cozy evening spent by the Christmas tree? Not to worry -- each river ship is fully decked out in elegant holiday regalia. Emerald Waterways' 2021 and 2022 Christmas Markets sailings range from five to 15 days with sailings along the Rhine, Danube and Rhone rivers.
The Adventurer: Southeast Asia is probably not an obvious Christmas destination, but that's what makes it so attractive for the adventure-loving travelers among us. In fact, a Mekong River sailing through Vietnam and Cambodia in December gives you the chance to enjoy the holidays from a completely new perspective -- through the lens of ancient and fascinating cultures. Festivities and decorations adorn the villages and cities along the exotic Mekong River, with the largest celebrations happening in Ho Chi Minh City, where Christmas Eve is a major holiday complete with a Vietnamese feast.
You will even see Santas zooming by on scooters. Plus, the warm temps of the region in December make this sailing extra attractive for those looking to escape the winter chill back home. Sailings and land packages of 13-21 days are available for the 2021 and 2022 season.
You will even see Santas zooming by on scooters. Plus, the warm temps of the region in December make this sailing extra attractive for those looking to escape the winter chill back home. Sailings and land packages of 13-21 days are available for the 2021 and 2022 season.
The Bucket Lister: A holiday sailing to the Holy Land onboard Emerald Cruises' super yacht, Emerald Azzurra, offers the opportunity for intrepid travelers to check multiple items off their bucket list. Emerald Azzurra is scheduled to launch in mid-2021.
The eight-day Holy Land at Christmastime itinerary includes Port Said, Egypt, where you can visit the Great Pyramids of Giza and savor a day cruise along the legendary Nile River, before spending two days in Haifa, Israel, and a sojourn to Nazareth and the Sea of Galilee.
The highlight of this sailing are the two days spent in Ashdod, a city that plays a major role in the teachings of the Bible and still marks the starting point for pilgrimage to the Holy Land. This will be a big stop for bucket listers as well as historians and bible scholars.
Then, travelers can choose from excursions to Jerusalem, Bethlehem, the Dead Sea and Tel Aviv.
Special Holiday Deals: Just in time for the holiday season, Emerald Cruises is offering a free "Emerald Extended Drink Package" with any 2021 or 2022 Christmastime European river or yacht cruise booking made by December 24, 2020. The drink package carries a value of $128 per person per week and includes a selection of wine, draft beer and soft drinks available throughout the day. For Southeast Asian river cruises booked by December 24, you will receive equivalent onboard credit of $128 per person, which can be used toward drinks at the bar, salon and spa services or at the onboard shop.
These deals are combinable with the current offers:
What trip will you put in your stockings this year? I'm leaning toward a holiday adventure in SE Asia with friends and family.
Happy holidays and happy travels, always!
Thanks for reading,
JR
The eight-day Holy Land at Christmastime itinerary includes Port Said, Egypt, where you can visit the Great Pyramids of Giza and savor a day cruise along the legendary Nile River, before spending two days in Haifa, Israel, and a sojourn to Nazareth and the Sea of Galilee.
The highlight of this sailing are the two days spent in Ashdod, a city that plays a major role in the teachings of the Bible and still marks the starting point for pilgrimage to the Holy Land. This will be a big stop for bucket listers as well as historians and bible scholars.
Then, travelers can choose from excursions to Jerusalem, Bethlehem, the Dead Sea and Tel Aviv.
Special Holiday Deals: Just in time for the holiday season, Emerald Cruises is offering a free "Emerald Extended Drink Package" with any 2021 or 2022 Christmastime European river or yacht cruise booking made by December 24, 2020. The drink package carries a value of $128 per person per week and includes a selection of wine, draft beer and soft drinks available throughout the day. For Southeast Asian river cruises booked by December 24, you will receive equivalent onboard credit of $128 per person, which can be used toward drinks at the bar, salon and spa services or at the onboard shop.
These deals are combinable with the current offers:
- On European Christmas Market river cruises: savings of up to $2,500 per couple or free flights to Europe;
- On Southeast Asia river cruises: savings of $2,000 per couple or free flights to Southeast Asia on itineraries of 13 or more days;
- On Emerald Yacht Cruises: earlybird pricing of up to 20 percent off full fares.
What trip will you put in your stockings this year? I'm leaning toward a holiday adventure in SE Asia with friends and family.
Happy holidays and happy travels, always!
Thanks for reading,
JR
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