StuartAs Christmas draws ever closer, I thought I would do a review of my excellent cruise on board the A-rosa Aqua river cruise ship on a Christmas Markets cruise.
I went on a 5 day river cruise departing from Cologne. I visited Mannheim, Strasbourg and Mainz. A-rosa are generally geared towards a German audience but they operate selected cruises throughout the year which are classed as “international”. This means that the Cruise Director and other staff will be able to speak English. I was part of a handful of British people who were on board. However, having other nationalities on board made the cruise have a very European feel.
The A-rosa Aqua Ship
The A-rosa Aqua is a remarkable cruise ship designed to provide an unforgettable experience on the water. This magnificent ship offers a wide range of amenities, comfortable cabins, and a variety of entertainment options to ensure an enjoyable journey.
Dining and Drinking
Onboard the A-rosa Aqua, you can indulge in a plethora of culinary delights. The ship boasts relaxed dining with all meals buffet style featuring a variety of dishes for breakfast, lunch and dinner. From delectable international cuisines to mouth-watering local specialities, there is something to satisfy every palate.
I opted for all-inclusive which you can add on to certain cruises. This meant I enjoyed a selection of local wines, expertly crafted cocktails, and refreshing beverages while taking in the scenic views. Saying that, if you decide not to go all-inclusive, the drinks are very reasonably priced.
The bar is a lovely place to congregate and make new friends or to enjoy the nightly entertainment on board.
Activities and Relaxation
For those seeking relaxation and rejuvenation, the A-rosa Aqua features a surprisingly well-equipped spa and wellness centre for the size of the ship. Here, you can pamper yourself with a variety of treatments, such as massages, facials, and body wraps. The spa area also includes a sauna and a small fully equipped fitness centre if you are looking to stay active during your voyage.
During the day, I took advantage of the ship’s top-notch facilities and activities. I participated in engaging workshops and strolled around the spacious sundeck and soaked in the beauty of the surrounding landscapes. You can lounge by the outdoor whirlpool in warmer weather (which sadly wasn’t in operation on my cruise as it was the middle of winter). In the evening, the ship comes alive with live entertainment, including captivating performances, music, and dancing.
The A-rosa Aqua Cabin
One of the standout features of the A-rosa Aqua is its spacious and brightly decorated cabins. Each cabin is comfortable and stylish, providing you with a cosy retreat after a day of exploration. I had a French Balcony cabin. Panoramic windows gave views of the relaxing scenery and the doors could slide open so you could feel the breeze across the river. The cabin also had modern amenities, including private bathrooms and plush bedding. The bed was exceptionally comfortable and the cabin was a great oasis after a day out in the Christmas Markets.
The A-rosa Aqua Itinerary
The primary reason that I went on this cruise was to visit the Christmas Markets and I certainly wasn’t disappointed.
Cologne
My cruise started out at Cologne. Cologne is very easy to get to from the UK with flights into both Cologne and Dusseldorf airports. I decided to stay here overnight to relax and get myself prepared for the amazing cruise ahead. I would highly recommend the Pullman in Cologne as it is conveniently located to many shops and restaurants. The room I had also had an amazing view of the Kolner Dom Cathedral which added to the special Christmas atmosphere. I visited an array of markets in Cologne.
Cologne Cathedral Christmas Market
Nestled in the shadow of the magnificent Cologne Cathedral, this market is a true spectacle. With its towering Christmas tree adorned with twinkling lights, it creates a magical atmosphere. I browsed through a wide array of traditional crafts, handmade gifts, and delicious local delicacies.
Alter Markt Christmas Market
This is located in the heart of the Altstadt (Old Town). I walked around the rows of decorated stands offering an assortment of delightful treats, such as gingerbread cookies, roasted chestnuts, and traditional sausages. There is also an ice rink here.
Rudolfplatz Christmas Market
Set against the backdrop of the iconic Hahnentorburg gate, the Rudolfplatz Christmas Market is a festive haven. I strolled through the market and marvelled at the beautiful ornaments, handmade crafts, and intricate wood carvings while enjoying the cheerful sounds of live music and entertainment.
Whether you choose to explore one or all of these markets, the Christmas spirit in Cologne is sure to capture your heart. The sights, sounds, and flavours of these magical markets create an unforgettable experience and left me with cherished memories of the Christmas season in this vibrant city.
After a relaxing lunch, I decided to make my way to the berth to board the ship! Embarkation was a breeze and I was checked in and on board within 5 minutes. I think that’s the fastest I’ve boarded any ship. The cabin was also ready when I got onboard.
Mannheim
We docked in Mannheim in the afternoon. This meant that I could have a leisurely lunch before going on my A-rosa Aqua excursion to Heidelberg. I was particularly excited about this market as it is one I had seen in brochures over many years.
Set against the backdrop of Heidelberg’s stunning Old Town, the Christmas Market fills the streets with an array of festive lights, decorations, and the scents of mulled wine and roasted almonds. As I strolled through the market’s numerous stalls, I discovered a wide variety of traditional crafts, handmade goods, and delicious treats.
Here I also had a delicious crepe together with a cup of steaming hot Glühwein (mulled wine). I even (for a deposit) got to keep the souvenir mug! There was a variety of German cuisine here such as hearty bratwursts and crispy potato pancakes.
Here I also saw magical fairground rides and took in the sights and sounds of Christmas all around with a mesmerizing display of lights. From the famous Heidelberg Castle, perched on top of the hill overlooking the market, to the charmingly decorated stalls, the entire market is enveloped in a warm glow, creating an enchanting ambiance that left me spellbound.
Strasbourg
Ok, so being in France, Strasbourg is not exactly a Christmas Market. However, this was one of the biggest and most amazing Christmas Markets I visited. We docked in Kehl, on the German side of the border and I was asble to take a short walk to the tram that would take me right into Strasbourg within 20 minutes. One tip I will give is to get your ticket on the mobile app or website beforehand as the queues for the self service ticket machines were quite large. This meant I could get on a tram as soon as it arrived.
The Strasbourg Christmas market dates back to 1570, making it one of the oldest and most traditional in Europe. The entire city centre comes alive with festive decorations, twinkling lights, and the delightful aroma of mulled wine and freshly baked gingerbread.
As I strolled through the charming cobblestone streets, I discovered the many wooden chalets, each offering a wide variety of holiday treats and handcrafted gifts.
For lunch, I went to an amazing Italian restaurant called Il Felice. This seemed very popular with the locals and I was lucky to get a table. The pizza was absolutely delicious.
I stayed in Strasbourg until the evening as the Christmas market has a magical ambiance when the decorated facades of the buildings and the illuminated Christmas tree at the centre of the market create a truly captivating scene.
Mainz
Due to congestion at Mainz, we ended up docking at Nierstein. This was not an issue as A-rosa provided a free transfer to Mainz. This wasn’t my favourite Christmas market, or city as it was smaller than the rest. Nevertheless, I had a lovely walk around the town before going back to the ship for my final night.
Disembarking the A-rosa Aqua
Again, due to congestion, we docked for disembarkation at Bonn. A-rosa had coaches waiting to take us to Cologne for our transport home. However, I decided to get a taxi to Bonn station as I was going to Dusseldorf airport. This is on the same line as Cologne so would be much quicker. After a leisurely breakfast, I collected my bags and headed to the airport for my flight home.
Final Thoughts
Going on a river cruise during the Christmas period meant I saw the best of the Christmas Markets in Europe in a short space of time without having to pack and unpack every time. This really got me in the Christmas mood. I also enjoyed watching the world go by in the evenings as it was really interesting and relaxing. The good points about A-rosa were the mix of passengers and the fact I could choose my food from a buffet so I could eat at my pace. I would definitely go on a river cruise again.
