A Day Onboard an AmaWaterways River Cruise

Christmas Market Edition - Nov '24

River cruising is one of the most magical ways to experience Europe, especially during the holiday season. With the ship as your floating hotel, you can enjoy the comfort of luxury onboard life while stepping directly into the heart of Europe’s festive towns and Christmas markets.

On my recent AmaWaterways Christmas Market river cruise, I captured what a typical day looks like - from cozy slow-start morning on the river to twinkling markets at dusk. Here’s a glimpse into what a day onboard AMAWaterways is like at Christmas time.

Relaxed Morning on the River

We weren’t scheduled to arrive in Cologne until the afternoon, which meant the day started slower and more relaxed.

I got up around my usual time and headed to the lounge for my morning coffee. One of my favorite things about river cruising is grabbing a cup from the self-serve machine and bringing it back to my room. Sitting by the window, sipping my coffee, and watching the world float by is such a peaceful way to start the day - and the sunrise that morning was absolutely breathtaking.

After finishing my coffee, I headed down for breakfast. AmaWaterways offers a buffet-style breakfast with plenty of options, plus some made-to-order items. I usually prefer something lighter, so I had yogurt and fruit to keep me going until lunch.

Morning Leisure Time

With a relaxed schedule, I decided to enjoy the sundeck pool while we were still sailing. The pool is heated, and on earlier days it had been lovely and warm. But this day was windier, with the temperature hovering around 7°C (43°F), so it wasn’t quite as comfortable. I didn’t stay in long, but it was still refreshing to be outside and take in the views.

Back inside, I used some free time before lunch to catch up on a bit of work. No rest for the wicked! However, if you don't have your own business, you could have enjoyed time in the lounge playing board games, or yoga, or booked a massage, or worked out in the fitness room.

Lunch Onboard

At the time of my trip in November 2024, AmaWaterways’ lunch service began with finger foods at the table, followed by a four-course menu. However, I know that they have changed this to offer more of a buffet service with some made to order items. Of course, you could choose as much or as little as you wanted. I opted for a bowl of soup and I specially ordered a gluten-free pizza, which was delicious.

Exploring Cologne and Its Christmas Markets

After lunch, I joined the Holy Walking Tour & Christmas Markets excursion. This included an overview of Cologne, a guided walk through parts of the city, and visits to a couple of markets. The tour ended at Cologne Cathedral, which is one of the largest and most impressive cathedrals I’ve ever seen.

This day happened to be the coldest and rainiest of our trip, as it was early December. Most other days were milder, but it’s a good reminder to pack warm and waterproof layers if you’re planning a Christmas Market cruise.

Even so, the walking tour was fantastic. Afterward, we had free time to explore the markets. Cologne has several, each with its own character. I chose to return to a smaller market we had passed earlier in the day. It was so charming - with carolers in traditional clothing, vendors doing live demonstrations, and plenty of unique gifts. I picked up a few items here to bring home for my family.

We returned to the ship around 4:30–5:00 p.m., just as it was starting to get dark. Technically, we could have stayed out longer since all-aboard wasn’t until 6:45, but I wanted time to freshen up before the evening events. (Most itineraries will include at least one night market experience, and we had enjoyed in Baden-Baden earlier in the trip.)

Captain’s Farewell & Gala Dinner

Back on board, we had a bit of downtime before happy hour in the lounge. Since this was the captain’s farewell, there was a special toast with champagne - a lovely way to celebrate the journey.

Dinner followed at 7 p.m. and was a beautiful multi-course meal: salad, soup, a main course, and a delicious dessert. I asked for a smaller portion of the main dish since I fill up quickly, but guests are always welcome to ask for larger servings or even order a second main if they wish.

Evening Entertainment

After dinner, most of us headed to the lounge to enjoy music and dancing. It turned into a later night, but such a fun and festive way to close out the day.

Final Thoughts

This day was a little different since we didn’t arrive in port until after lunch, but it still gave us a perfect balance: a relaxed morning onboard, sightseeing and markets in the afternoon, and a festive farewell evening on the ship.

That’s the beauty of an AmaWaterways Christmas Market river cruise - no two days are exactly alike, but each one blends comfort, culture, and holiday magic.

Ready to Experience a Christmas Market River Cruise?

If you’ve been dreaming of exploring Europe’s Christmas markets, a river cruise is one of the easiest and most magical ways to do it. You only unpack once, and the ship takes you straight into the heart of these festive towns and cities.

I’d love to help you plan your own AmaWaterways river cruise adventure - whether it’s for the holiday season or another incredible itinerary. Email me at alicia@eveningstartravel.ca to schedule a consultation, or join my newsletter for more travel inspiration and offers.

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To book your next dream vacation - when the time is right to travel - reach out to me through email at Alicia@EveningStarTravel.ca, or by calling 587 772 2525. I am located in Sherwood Park, Alberta (a suburb of Edmonton), and am a Travel Advisor specializing in River Cruising, Beach Escapes, and Custom Vacations. I am the owner/operator of Evening Star Travel, and I book travel for clients all across Canada.