Our AmaWaterways river cruise is off to a magical start, and Days 2 and 3 brought even more excitement and charm as we sailed through the Rhine Castles & Swiss Alps route. The "Taste of Christmas Markets" theme added festive cheer to every moment.
Day 2: Canals, Comfort, and Casting Off
After a wonderfully restful night in our cozy cabin, we woke up refreshed and ready for the day. Breakfast onboard was a delicious affair—perfectly crafted cappuccinos accompanied by a spread of fresh pastries, eggs, and fruit. This gave us all the energy we needed for the morning's highlight: a classic Amsterdam canal cruise.
Gliding through the city’s iconic canals was like stepping into a living postcard. We marveled at the narrow, gabled buildings and picturesque bridges, soaking in Amsterdam’s timeless beauty. The crisp winter air added a touch of magic to the experience.
By lunchtime, we were back aboard the AmaMora, where a warm bowl of soup was just what we needed to shake off the chill. As the ship cast off for Cologne, Germany, we made our way to the lounge, where panoramic windows offered stunning views of the ever-changing riverscape. From windmills to tranquil villages, the scenery felt straight out of a storybook.
The evening brought a cozy gathering with our Cruise Director, who hosted a port talk to prepare us for our next destination. It was both informative and exciting, setting the stage for what was to come. Dinner followed, a lovely meal accompanied by fine wine, fostering a spirit of camaraderie among fellow travelers.
The highlight of the evening was an activity that truly captured the holiday spirit: decorating Christmas trees in the lounge! Together, we transformed the space into a festive wonderland. It was a joyous and memorable way to connect with others on the cruise, and the decorated trees remained on display for the rest of our journey, a cheerful reminder of the night’s fun.
Day 3: Christmas Cheer and Festive Fun
The next morning dawned cloudy and cold as we continued on toward Cologne. After lunch, even though there was rain / sleet / snow, I was excited to get out and explore. Cologne hosts a spectacular Christmas Market - our very first one!!
Our friendly, informative guide took us on a walking tour through the city toward the MASSIVE Cathedral that dominates the skyline. We learned about the origin of the city's perfume craft and got to see where the term 'cologne' got it's origin.
We walked past a Christmas Market that wasn't quite ready to open yet and turned a corner to come into full view of the Cathedral. It's hard to describe how absolutely MASSIVE it is! As we stood in front of it, the wind was kicked back by the structure, making it quite cold indeed. Once our tour was over, we rushed over to use our glüwhein coupons at the nearest stand. The hot, spiced red wine warmed my hands as I help my collectible cup and as I drank it, I started to thaw out as well.
The stands sell all kinds of items, from holiday decorations and ornaments, to hats and scarves, toys and small collectibles were also available as well as lovely cookies, candies and other treats. Mostly, I enjoyed the festive atmosphere and the lights. Once we had our fill, we made our way back to our beautiful ship for another evening of fine dining and relaxation.
These two days perfectly balanced exploration and relaxation, with plenty of festive cheer to keep the holiday spirit alive. Stay tuned for the next chapter of our Rhine Castles & Swiss Alps adventure!
Mary Graham has been a Travel Advisor for more than 8 years and specializes in river cruises and travel to Europe. When she isn't traveling the world, Mary lives in North Carolina with her husband. She has two young adult daughters and a dog named Penny.
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