There are many river cruise lines that offer Christmas market cruises, and any of them will provide an enjoyable experience.

For comfort and luxury, however, the major cruise lines are AMAWaterways (formerly Amadeus Waterways), Avalon Waterways (a division of Globus Journeys), Uniworld Boutique River Cruises, and Viking River Cruises.

Avalon and AMA have the newest ships and spacious staterooms, most with a French balcony (these are floor-to-ceiling windows which open for air, but you cannot step outside). They also offer many amenities; I would consider these two the most luxurious.

Uniworld and Viking are also very, very nice. I would rank Uniworld above Viking, as their staterooms tend to be a bit larger (depending on the ship) and a bit more upscale. While most of the staterooms on both lines have panoramic windows, their ships generally only have the French balcony on the upper level or the suites.

Most of the newer ships have elevators, open-air decks (which you might not want to use at Christmastime!), fitness centers and salons.

Daily excursions are included in the cost of the cruise (which is why they seem more expensive than large ship cruises, but you pay extra for excursions on the big ships). Meals are also included, and these four lines include wine with dinner.

Gateway or Grand Circle Travel also offer Christmas market river cruises, but their ships are older and the staterooms tend to be smaller.

If you decide to take a Christmas market river cruise, please let us know how you liked it, and send photos!