Hey there. Thinking of a river cruise to hit the European Christmas Markets this year?  

Ordinarily, I'd say you're too late - most space is gone. Let's look at 2024 or 2025.  (And - I can still help with that if you want to plan!)

But - I learned of some openings and possibilities with AMA Waterways this week for Christmas 2023 - where there has been very little space when I was checking for clients. So, I thought I'd share.

Let me know if you're tempted. While space is available now, it won't hang around for long.  

I'm referencing some promos below, but do kindly note they are tied to occupancy, and a promo for a specific date or route can be withdrawn once the set number of cabins (say 20% of the ship) is sold.

1.) Christmas Magna on the Danube - sailing Dec.17-24, 2023 with option for 3 nights pre-cruise in Prague, and 2 nights post-cruise in Budapest (spend Christmas in Budapest) after a 7 night sailing from Vilshofen to Budapest. This sailing is currently 20% off, and offers a combinable promo of fixed rate air plus for $1099/p cad or $899/p usd.

2.) Rhine Castles & Swiss Alps - sailing Dec.18-25, with option for 3 nights pre-cruise in Lake Como, and 2 nights post-cruise in Amsterdam after sailing from Basel to Amsterdam. This sailing is currently 20% off, and offers a combinable promo of fixed rate air plus for $1099/p cad or $899/p usd.

3.) Medieval Treasures - sailing November 21.23 as the Christmas markets are beginning to open, with option for 4 nights pre-cruise in Switzerland (Zurich and Lucerne), and 3 nights post-cruise in Prague after sailing from Basel to Nuremberg. This sailing is currently 20% off, and offers a combinable promo of fixed rate air plus for $1099/p cad or $899/p usd.

4.) Colors of Provence - sailing dates of both November 30.23 and December 14.23 . France does not do the traditional Christmas markets of Germany and Austria, but all the cities are decorated for Christmas. There's an option to do 3 nights pre-cruise in Barcelona, with 3 nights post-cruise in Paris after sailing from Arles to Lyon. The Nov.20.23 date offers 2400/ stateroom off. The Dec.14.23 date is currently 20% off, and offers a combinable promo of fixed rate air plus for $1099/p cad or $899/p usd.

5.) Gems of South East Europe - sailing dates of November 17.23, December 4,23, and December 18.23  There is an option to do a pre and post cruise in Transylvania, Turkey, and/or Budapest as you sail from Hungary to Romania. These sailings off 2400/stateroom off.

Let me know if you'd like to go!

One of the things we love most about what we do is matching our clients tastes' with the greatest hotels in the world.  And with our preferred status with these industry leading hotel brands it means our clients are instant VIP's with upgrades and special perks that you only get working with an elite partner.  So, not only do we have the best rates, but more importantly you get an exceptional experience over and above what you would booking direct or with a credit card.

See the special programs I'm affiliated with below, and let me know if you’d like to discuss a specific hotel stay. Such as at a A&k 100 Club hotel partner around the world - see A&K 100 Club    ;

For specific articles about why you should book with an advisor, rather than book by yourself, see here:

Why Wouldn't You Do It Yourself

Booking a Cruise Yourself vs With Advisor

Booking Hawaii Yourself vs Through Advisor

Booking Rocky Mountaineer Yourself vs With Advisor

See some additional detail on these preferred HOTEL PROGRAMS

A&K 100 Club ;  Accor Step & Fairmont ,  Belmond Bellini Club Program ;  

Couture by Langham;  Dorchester Diamond Club;  Four Seasons Preferred, 

Hilton Impresario;  Hyatt Privé Program; IHG Hotel Program ;  

Jumeirah’s Passport to Luxury , Kempinski Club 1897; Luminous Hotel Program ,

Mandarin Oriental Fan Club; Marriott Stars & Luminous , Pearl Partner Oetker;  

Peninsula Fan Club , Preferred Hotel Program ; Rocco Forte Knights Program 

Rosewood Elite ; Small Luxury Hotels 

And - I wanted to let you know about a new way for you to book hotels online 24 hours a day, 7 days a week... You can now browse and book hotels online https://www.virtuoso.com/advisor/sheilagallanthalloran/travel/luxury-hotels  at your convenience – and what’s more, you’ll still receive all the usual benefits you get when I book your travel - including full service, preferred rates, and exclusive amenities.  And once you make a booking, the information comes directly to me so I can follow up with you about additional services or whatever else you may need!

It’s perfect for last minute getaways, weekend breaks, or other short trips! I’m sure once you try it you’ll agree you get the best of both worlds; the ease and convenience of online booking – plus the value and VIP treatment I know you love. As long as you don't need me to provide any additional services or assistance, you can book hotels yourself with my Virtuoso partners, and I will waive normal booking and management fees. (If you need additional assistance after the booking, normal fees will apply.)

One point, though - if you're looking to stay at week at a Four Seasons partner around the world, say, having me book your holiday through my Four Seasons preferred partners directly (rather than you self-booking through the Virtuoso.com booking engine link above) will bestow additional benefits that I can leverage as a preferred Four Seasons partner. So, let me know if you want to book a Four Seasons, but I can get some extra benefits and "love" for you. 

Of course, this Virtuoso.com booking link and the benefits of you booking yourself, if you choose, doesn’t change any of the services I already offer. I’m still available in person to book hotels and take care of your other travel needs. Just know you now have access to this VIP online hotel booking option now, too.

I'm here when you need me.