Roll Call - Christmas Markets 2009 - all dates, all lines

[missbsmom]

Catkoe1 or others,

 

As much as I am looking forward to the entire cruise, my main reason for taking this trip at this particular time of the year is to do the Christmas Markets. I have been very fortunate the last few years and have spent a lot of time in Europe (France,UK, Med & Baltic areas). I have seen "many" museums and churches and am getting kind of burned out on them. This trip is to "SHOP"!!!! Just wish my USD was better against the EURO.

 

I want to buy "Prune People" in Nuremberg. Does anyone have any idea of their cost? Any market better than others in Nuremberg to shop for them at?

 

Also, looking for ideas of other unique items sold at the markets. Our cruise goes from Vienna to Nuremberg.

 

Spending 4 nights in Vienna before boarding Uniworld's River Countess. Plan to do the Christmas markets there. Want to take a 1 day trip to some other Christmas Market/ sightseeing . Thinking of taking the train (approx 3 hr train ride ) to Salzburg or going to Bratislava (appprox 1 hr train ride). Opinions? Any other suggestions? I know I can get more for my USD in Bratislava, but will have to exchange my money for there currency. Does anyone know if the vendors are their markets take Euros? With my US passport will I be able to cross back and forth for Bratislava without any other documentation? Is the Train station in either city far from where the markets are held? Would you suggest that we go on or avoid Sundays in these towns?

Thanks, Missbsmom

[catkoe1]

Hi missbsmom,

In my opinion, which is not really very important :), I think the Christmas Market in Vienna in front of the Schonnbrunn Palace was awesome. Wide open, friendly and much to choose from. If you have never been to Salzburg, it is magnificent but you will be spending 6 hours on a train, round trip and that leaves you little time to take in the area. Although, Salzburg does have beautiful Christmas Markets and the shops are fabulous. I loved Bratislava and their Christmas Market as well. I was able to use my euros in Batislava, the individual owners converted it for me, although I did know the exchange rate!

 

Good luck with your decision.

[pacmom]

The only place you can buy "prune people" is Nurnberg. It is a local specialty. The price start at 5 euros and goes up. We didn't buy enough!!!!!! Pat

[ChefPeg]

The only place you can buy "prune people" is Nurnberg. It is a local specialty. The price start at 5 euros and goes up. We didn't buy enough!!!!!! Pat

 

LOL!! We didn't buy enough either. I bought about 15 prune people and gave most of them away as gifts. I kept a few for us but now I wish I bought more.

 

I am so glad we bought them when we did. I didn't know at the time they were really exclusive to Nuremburg.

[odblnt]

Hi All,

this is becoming a one woman thread... Anyone else out there going on Christmas Market Cruise this December? What do you think our weather will be? What do you find to be the most beneficial item you take on a River cruise? Packing for the river cruise is slightly different that the ocean voyages. I like to take our very good binoculars to see the details on the castles as we cruise by.

Hope everyone is enjoying their planning and hope to hear from you before the cruise.

 

 

See, you started a few replies. It looks like it will just be us on the Amalyra (and our spouses). We're staying for two nights in Budapest after the cruise before going to Garmisch for a week.

 

We just made our final payment on Friday, so things look confirmed. I also got on the web and booked our train transportation before the cruise. We're flying to Munich, staying one night, taking the train to Dresden and staying the night (we've heard great things about their Christmas market) and then taking the train to Prague to start the main tour. If you book right at 90 days out, you can get special prices. I do have my calendar marked for when I have to book our train from Budapest to Garmisch.

 

Looking forward to meeting you in three months.

 

Pete & Anne

[Topaz_M]

I'm really looking forward to my Christmas Markets cruise on the Viking Pride and am very happy to chat about preparations.

 

We leave in 82 days from Brisbane and are going via KL to the UK to spend a week with my family before departing for Vienna for an extra 3-4 days on 9th December.

 

 

So far all my posts on this thread have been ignored ......... no idea why?

 

 

Cheers,

Moira

[odblnt]

I'm really looking forward to my Christmas Markets cruise on the Viking Pride and am very happy to chat about preparations.

 

We leave in 82 days from Brisbane and are going via KL to the UK to spend a week with my family before departing for Vienna for an extra 3-4 days on 9th December.

 

 

So far all my posts on this thread have been ignored ......... no idea why?

 

 

Cheers,

Moira

 

I would guess that there just aren't any folks who will be on your boat. When you consider that there are about only 140 passengers per sailing, it isn't unusual that there aren't any other CC members on your sailing.

 

Welcome to the wonderful world of Christmas Markets, though. Hope you have a great time.

[catkoe1]

Hi ChefPeg, How are you? I remember your posts last year when you were going on your cruise. They were very informative to me when I was planning mine. I remember hearing all about the prune people. I will be going to Nuremberg and I am buying some prune people. Did you give these out to family and friends as gifts? Did they like them? Which was the most popular? Here is one that I found that is cute...

 

Hi Topaz_M, Sorry, none of your posts have been replied to... anything I might help you with? I have done this trip before on the Viking Europe, last Christmas. I find this to be one of the slowest roll calls I have ever been a part of. Doesn't mean it is a bad thing, just slow. If you haven't seen this website before... you must go see it. Carol and Mike have done a fabulous blog on their trips at http://www.threpreismans.com.

[cindiedee]

Wow - I so agree - this is a DEAD roll call!

 

DH and I are going with GCT departing Basel Dec. 2nd with the 3 day pre-cruise in Basel and surrounding areas. Then on to the ship for France/Germany and ending up in Amsterdam - it does appear that we will be all alone on the ship at the rate this roll call is going!

 

We did do the Christmas/New Year's riverboat cruise on Vantage a couple of years ago and it was THE most amazing cruise ever! I have high hopes that GCT will be good but I don't know how anything could beat the Vantage cruise. We just didn't want to do the exact same cruise again and this way we do earlier December rather than later.

 

Hope this picks up - it sure would be nice to 'talk' to anyone going on the same trip!

 

Cindie

[ChefPeg]

Hi ChefPeg, How are you? I remember your posts last year when you were going on your cruise. They were very informative to me when I was planning mine. I remember hearing all about the prune people. I will be going to Nuremberg and I am buying some prune people. Did you give these out to family and friends as gifts? Did they like them? Which was the most popular?

 

HI!!!!

 

We had a great time last year, planning all the details!! Remember?

 

Yes, I gave them to friends and family. I kept 4 for myself. Two little and two larger prune people. Everyone loved them. I could not believe the response we got from everyone. I guess because they are so unique, no one has ever seen them before. So European.

[spindrift]

Yes, this board is surprisingly quiet. I actually think it is because it is not "boat specific" but generalized for the Christmas Markets. Maybe closer to the time.

 

As previously posted, we chose to go with Avalon's Affinity. Really looking forward to it.

[Rivermike]

After reading a few posts I now have to go to the Christmas market in Nuremberg. But we have never been on a river cruise and don't know which line is the best for the money. Any info will be greatly appreciated.:)

 

The best value/quality/cabin size/ship age/ french balcony options

Amawaterways/Avalon Globus

[Rivermike]

Based on the popularity of AZPam's thread from last year, and fueled by ChefPeg's wonderful review, I am starting this thread for the 2009 Christmas Markets.

 

We just booked the 4/5 December trip on AMA Waterways to sail on the Amalyra (their new riverboat). We are starting in Prague and (after a brief land portion), will sail from Nuremberg to Budapest.

 

Actually, we will start a few days early and fly to Germany and take the train across, stopping off in Dresden for a day to check out their market. We saw an article in one of our local paper's Sunday travel section which recommended that market.

 

Also, after the cruise we will take a train back to Germany and rent a vacation apartment in Bavaria (probably Garmisch-Partinkirchen) and try to fly back on Christmas Day.

 

We did the Tulip cruise on the AMA Amadagio last year and did basically the same thing (flew in to Frankfurt, took the train to Amsterdam, did the cruise, train back to Germany for a week).

 

Avalon Globus Creativity Dec 20 Prague to Vienna Jan 2nd

[grandridge]

Hello,

 

We are booked on the River Beatrice, Danube Holiday Markets departing on Nov. 29/09. We are sisters in our late forties (actually 50 for me now :)) and we love to shop. We are leaving our husbands at home for this cruise! Home for us is Canada. I live close to Toronto and my sister lives in Calgary. We would love to hear from others going on this cruise. Less than 3 months to go. Our final payments have been made. Luckily the CDN dollar iis faring pretty good these days. Since we had to pay for our cruise in US dollars we should have a bit more money for shopping !!

 

Cindy

[odblnt]

Avalon Globus Creativity Dec 20 Prague to Vienna Jan 2nd

 

Have a fun time over both holidays.

[Cruzer Two]

My travel video of Prague, Czech Republic has been uploaded to Youtube. This video highlights many of the interesting sights of Prague including: Prague Old Town, Little Quarter, Prague Castel, St. Vitus’s Cathedral, St. George’s Convent, The Loreto, Golden Lane, Royal Palace, and the Old Jewish Quarter.

 

In my opinion, Prague is one of the most beautiful and interesting cities in Europe.

 

Many of the European river cruises offer pre-cruise and post-cruise excursions to Prague and this would be a great addition to one of the European Christmas Market cruises. I highly recommend a visit to this beatiful city. It is sure to be one of your favorites.

 

Click on the following link for informaiton on viewing this and other travel videos that I have uploaded to Youtube.

 

http://boards.cruisecritic.com/showt...5#post21312335

 

Enjoy,

 

Ron aka CruzerTwo aka CruzerToo

[Cruzer Two]

If you plan on doing a European river cruise that includes a pre-cruise or post-cruise stay in Prague please let me suggest a day trip to Karlovy Vary that I think you will find most enjoyable.

 

Karlovy Vary is a spa city situated in western Bohemia, Czech Republic, on the confluence of the rivers Ohře and Teplá, approximately 130 km west of Prague. It is named after King of Bohemia and Holy Roman Emperor Charles IV, who founded the city in 1370. It is historically famous for its hot springs (13 main springs, about 300 smaller springs, and the warm-water Teplá River). In the 19th century, it became a popular tourist destination, especially for international celebrities visiting for spa treatment. The city has been used as the location for a number of film-shoots, including the 2006 films Last Holiday and box-office hit Casino Royale, both of which used the city's Grandhotel Pupp.

 

I have uploaded a video showing the highlights of Karlovy Vary to my Youtube channel.

 

Click on the link below for information on viewing Karlovy Vary video:

http://boards.cruisecritic.com/showthread.php?t=926243&page=6

 

Ron aka CruzerTwo aka CruzerToo

[AZPam]

Wow - I so agree - this is a DEAD roll call!

 

DH and I are going with GCT departing Basel Dec. 2nd with the 3 day pre-cruise in Basel and surrounding areas. Then on to the ship for France/Germany and ending up in Amsterdam - it does appear that we will be all alone on the ship at the rate this roll call is going!

 

We did do the Christmas/New Year's riverboat cruise on Vantage a couple of years ago and it was THE most amazing cruise ever! I have high hopes that GCT will be good but I don't know how anything could beat the Vantage cruise. We just didn't want to do the exact same cruise again and this way we do earlier December rather than later.

 

Hope this picks up - it sure would be nice to 'talk' to anyone going on the same trip!

 

Cindie

 

Cindie,

 

I've done this exact trip twice and you are going to have a GREAT time! My mom and I took a group of 15 women last year on this trip and every one of us is just dying to go and do it again. One of the best things we did on our pre trip in Basel was to take the train to Luzern for the day on our second day. Round trip 2nd class ticket was 60 Euros and the train station dumps you off right in the middle of town. Not much is usually planned that day other than a walking tour around Basel and you can do that yourself the day you get on the boat. Also be sure to take the optional trip to Bern as that is a lot of fun. What boat will you be one? We have done the Harmony and the Ravel. If you have any questions, just let me know!

 

Pam

[Alphasun]

Family going on River Duchess.

 

11 yrs to 77 yrs

 

Cant wait.

 

Al from Australia

[Rivermike]

I have just come to understand the the Avalon Prague to Vienna on Dec 24th will be too late for the Holidays markets as they Close on the 24th.

I have added the Amawaterways Amalyra sailing on Dec 14th from Budapest to Nuremberg and Prague Anyone else on board

[odblnt]

I have just come to understand the the Avalon Prague to Vienna on Dec 24th will be too late for the Holidays markets as they Close on the 24th.

I have added the Amawaterways Amalyra sailing on Dec 14th from Budapest to Nuremberg and Prague Anyone else on board

 

We'll be getting off that boat when you're getting on. We'll be staying a couple of days in Budapest, so we may come down and wave farewell.

[AZPam]

Aren't you Christmas Market cruisers getting excited???? I only wish I was going again this year!

 

Are you all starting your packing lists yet? Have you made copies of any prescriptions and medical information?

 

Where is your excitement People?????!!!!????

[catkoe1]

Hi AZPam

Yes and Yes,

and Especially a Big Yes!

Yes I have started my "gathering and plopping" on an unused bed the winter wonderland trip. Since I did this last year, and remember what I took, I will take the same... This year I will be going with my husband and another couple who have never been on a river cruise or to the region in which we sail. I am so thrilled. I hope they love it as much as I did last year.

We are incredibly busy this year, but I can still find time to work on this wonderful trip. It will be here in absolutely no time at all! In fact, I believe it is only 64 days away until we head out. Oh Boy. A tip about prune people, sort of like collecting those miniature bears.... freeze them and it kills the bugs and usually the product is still okay. Hope it works for you. Well, on to finishing up a project and then onto making more wonderful plans for the Christmas Market Trip. Any questions by anyone, please ask. Have done this itinerary before....on Viking not AMA.

[odblnt]

My credit card bill with the final payment for our cruise on it arrived, so that's a sure sign the cruise is getting close. :eek:

 

Now if they'd only get the German train schedule posted so we can get our train ticket for after the cruise...

[Topaz_M]

Aren't you Christmas Market cruisers getting excited???? I only wish I was going again this year!

 

Are you all starting your packing lists yet? Have you made copies of any prescriptions and medical information?

 

Where is your excitement People?????!!!!????

 

YES ... today it is only two months before my daughter and I start out on our six week trip.

 

I have looked into our baggage allowances which sadly from Oz are only 20kgs (one case) each plus varying amounts of hand luggage.

It will be a challenge to go from 30+C to low temperatures and have the right amount of warm clothes. We will be layering -> singlet or t-shirt, jumper, coat or jacket. Have already joked to other cruising friends that I'll be getting on the plane in Brisbane with boots, overcoat and a jumper tied around my waist. Will just have to play the innocent tourist :p and take it all off once on the plane!!

 

I'm almost ready to type up all my notes of places to go and make sure they are on the netbook I'm taking with us.

 

And off to my doctor soon to get my prescriptions refilled - then I can photocopy them in readiness.

The packing list is started - it had to be a WINTER edition.

 

Also want to make up a list of the items to get in the various markets so will be going through those threads in the not too distant future. Have decided that 95% of Christmas shopping for our relatives in the UK will be done in Europe to save bringing that with us.

 

Cheers,

Moira :)