River cruise fall or Christmas

Posted by Mumbling & Stumbling on 02/13/26 08:44 PM

I have looked at river cruises on the Rhine, Moselle and Danube. They always looked very inviting. I never did one because of cost. But now, when I am a "bit older", I would like to do one before I have physical disabilities that would prevent it.

I have brochures from various companies, all of which are inviting. The problem here is they are each selling dreams and perfect settings which puts everything in a light that most favors each of them. Caveat emptor has served me well in my life.

So I come here for ideas, suggestions, recommendations and pitfalls to avoid.

I love Christmas markets, but also there are fall cruises in wine country which would please the "Warden".

Any suggestions are greatly apprecieted

Posted by Mr É 🇺🇸 🇺🇦 🇭🇺

Republic of Texas / U.S.A. / Magyarország / Budapest

02/13/26 10:00 PM

25339 posts

Danube in the early fall, tgen stay in Budapest another week to do Hungarian vineyards.

Posted by jcmdunc3

Phoenix, Arizona

02/13/26 10:01 PM

84 posts

Seven-time river cruiser, we absolutely love these cruises. One thing we really like, and that a lot of people don't take advantage of, is the occasional opportunity to wander off on our own either before or after the day's planned excursions and mingle with the locals (we can't seem to get away from the Rick Steves mentality). That being said, a couple pieces of advice. First, Cruise Critic is the site you want. It has reviews and forums on all the major cruise lines and itineraries. Second, Youtube has lots of stuff comparing lines, showing itineraries, etc. Third, compare apples with apples. Some lines are a lot more inclusive than others. For example, the company that advertises the most (begins with V) does not include gratuities in its fare, nor will they pick you up at the airport if you didn't book your flight through them, and you pay extra for the drink package. Others include some or all of these in the fare. We've stuck with one company, so can't really compare ship-board experiences

Posted by Pat

San Diego, California

02/13/26 10:44 PM

6841 posts

Regarding a cruise for the Xmas markets-
One of the questions to answer is the timing of your dockings. Folks have complained that the ships arrived before the markets opened, or there wasn't enough time to shop, or the ships left before the markets' Xmas lights came on, which are a real treat.
I have only done the markets on my own, so can't evaluate the cruise experience . I found it very easy to plan my own trip, so we could move at our own pace.
In either case, you have a magical adventure in your future!

https://community.ricksteves.com/travel-forum/germany/christmas-markets-germany-austria-ideas-for-2026-requested

Posted by Kathleen

Camano Island, WA, usa

02/14/26 12:16 AM

1708 posts

Since you and I are a "bit older", we both probably have enough "Tchotchkes". The Xmas Markets are more for people who are still accumulating such things. They have charming wooden stuff, etc. But I think that you might enjoy an Autumn cruise when there is still enough daylight and it is not so freezing cold. The slanted light at that time of year makes excellent photos. If you go early enough in the Fall you can visit the Harvest Markets and enjoy Wine Tastings, etc. There also will be more Locals out and about! Bon Voyage!

Posted by ChinaLake67

NorthCarolina

02/14/26 01:15 AM

1225 posts

We've been river cruising since 2013. We have 2 booked for later this year. Have been on all the lines many times. The Xmas Market Cruise on the Danube on Tauck is def the best bang for your buck as they are totally ALL INCLUSIVE - airport/hotel transfers, all tips, all excursions, gifts & surprises along the way, unlimited top shelf alcohol, beer, wine. PLUS - no single supplement in the Category 1 rooms. We LOVE the Xmas Markets and go on a river cruise every other yr.

The Fall cruises are also amazing - we love going in October. We love all 3 rivers you mentioned - just depends what you are looking for as they offer very different experiences.

If Tauck is more than you can spend, I'd recommend Avalon or AMA - but know they are NOT all inclusive, so you will have things to pay for along the way.

Everyone raves about Viking, but it is one of our least favorite lines.

The most budget friendly is Gate1, it is very average, but a good price and you're still in Europe. I don't know about single pay/supplements on Gate1.