At this point in the holiday season, travelers would ordinarily be enjoying festive river cruises and visiting Europe’s famed Christmas Markets. Alas, it is not possible for pandemic-anchored clients to hop across the pond at this time, and several markets will be shuttered this year anyway.
Clients can plan for next year instead, but they should book as soon as possible, since 2021 is sure to fill up swiftly as pent-up demand is deferred.
Among brands wasting no time to promote holiday sailings next year and the following is Emerald Waterways. The line’s 2021 and 2022 Christmas Markets sailings will range from five to 15 days, and traverse the Rhine, Danube and Rhone rivers. The holiday fleet will deck the halls with holiday decorations and a central Christmas tree to further enhance the season and make it bright.
Emerald is also showcasing an exotic winter route on the Mekong River in Southeast Asia. Adventurers will appreciate a holiday sailing from a unique cultural perspective as they seek out Christmas Eve celebrations in Ho Chi Minh City and even Santas on scooters. Unlike in chilly Europe, guests in Asia can expect warmer weather on itineraries ranging from 13 to 21 days for 2021 and 2022.
The company will also have its upcoming new Emerald Azzurra super yacht ready to take guests on an eight-day sailing to the Holy Land at Christmastime in 2020. Showcased ports will include Port Said, Egypt, to access the Great Pyramids of Giza and take a river cruise along the Nile, plus two days each in Israel’s Haifa (for Nazareth and the Sea of Galilee) and Ashdod (for Jerusalem, Bethlehem, the Dead Sea and Tel Aviv).
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Meanwhile, Uniworld Boutique River Cruises is cleverly readying earlier festivities with “Christmas in July” voyages, complete with Christmas Markets replicated onboard. This way clients can simply delay their celebrations and holiday purchases by several months instead of a full year. The S.S. Maria Theresa will be appropriately decorated for the summer “holiday” for a series of weeklong river cruises on the Danube. Christmas movies will be screened, winter cuisine and drinks will be served and other activities will include holiday cocktail mixology courses, gingerbread house decorating and ornament making.
“During these challenging times, the holidays will undoubtedly look different for many this year,” said Ellen Bettridge, president and CEO of Uniworld, in a press release. “We’re thrilled to launch exclusive Christmas in July sailings, providing a complete holiday do-over for families unable to reunite, and something special to look forward to in the new year. From our very own onboard Christmas markets to a holiday card photo opportunity with Santa along the famed Danube River, families will enjoy a one-of-a-kind European holiday celebration under the summer sun.”
Uniworld’s special sailings will embark on July 11 and July 18, 2021, and visit Budapest, Hungary; Vienna and Salzburg, Austria; Passau, Germany; and more.
The Details
Emerald Waterways
www.emeraldwaterways.com
Uniworld Boutique River Cruises
www.uniworld.com
