This was my first river cruise. We joined a group of ladies who wanted to see the Christmas Markets. This has been on my bucket list as long as I can remember, so a good friend and I decided this is the time to go!
We flew into Prague for a few nights first (we had both been there before but visiting this beautiful city at this time of year was thrilling.) We enjoyed seeing the Christmas Tree lighting ceremony to set off the season and the seven markets we found. Then we took a bus down to Nuremburg on a lightly snowing day, which added to the ambiance of the holiday season.
Boarding the AmaCerto was an easy and quick experience, there were some snacks set up in the public area. We met up with many people that I had met before who had joined this group. To summarize the meals and service (both room and table) for the week was wonderful. Very friendly staff and well organized when we got together to set off at the ports. Some markets were walking distance from the ship and some we needed to take a bus, all were wonderful ports!
My friend and I decided the balcony would not be practical in the freezing cold so chose the cabin with the double windows. It was a good choice, as we never were in our cabin except to sleep and it was very, very cold outside! The upcoming cruise that my husband and I will be sailing on we will be trying the French Balcony since perhaps the sliding door will be open to enjoy the fresh air this time.
The biggest market that took us towards two hours to stroll through. It was wonderful!
We were near the Thurn and Taxis Palace and went there first. It seemed like it was in the middle of a forest (it wasn't totally, but it felt like it) and had very old world market set-up. This was another favorite. We walked back to the port via town and a couple of more commercialized markets were there to visit enroute.
Huge abbey and beautiful views.