Stroll and shop at the most massive and festive Christmas Markets in Germany
Germany themed dinner and live music on board
Relax back on board and partake in an egg-nog making class
Enjoy an on board cocktail making demonstration
Join an on board gingerbread making class while at sail
Traditional Franconian meal features famous and delicious sausages
Welcome buffet on arrival and Captain’s farewell dinner
5 Sightseeing Tours Included:
FRANKFURT: City by bus & walking tour of Frankfurt and Christmas Market
MILTENBERG: Walking tour of Miltenberg
WURZBURG: City tour of Wurzburg
BAMBERG: Walking city tour includes a stop at the Bamberg Cathedral *Bamberg Cathedral is not open on 26th of December. Inside tour will be available for reverse itinerary (see reverse itinerary tab).
NUREMBERG: Bus and walking tour of Nuremberg
Included Features:
Arrival & departure transfers Frankfurt-port, port-Nuremberg (if air purchased through us)*
Accommodations for 6 nights/7 days in cabin category of your choice
A total of 16 meals on board (6 buffet breakfasts, 4 lunches, 6 dinners)
A total of 5 shore excursions as outlined
Captain’s welcome cocktail and farewell dinner with enhanced menu
Free unlimited house wine/beer/sodas/tea/coffee for dinner while on board
Services of English speaking guides for all tours
On board English speaking Cruise manager
For all departures with 20 or more passengers, additional services of VWT Cruise Director
Audio units included on all tours and excursions
New and enhanced safety protocols applied to all sailings
Not Included:
International airfare (can be priced separately)
Port fees and cruise fuel surcharges (listed separately in Pricing & Departures)
Transfers if purchasing Cruise Only (must be arranged and paid for in advance)
Any travel and document fees including Visa requirements
Optional tours as outlined in itinerary (minimum number of people required to operate)
Costs of a personal nature such as laundry, telephone, liquor, souvenirs, etc.
Tips to Crew, Cruise Directors, local guides and other staff along the route (suggested Tipping amounts will be advised)
Any increases in costs due to unforeseen circumstances such as: additional fuel surcharges, exchange rates or Government imposed taxes and fees not known at this time
On the day of arrival, you will be transferred to your floating hotel*. After check in, explore your floating hotel with a welcome buffet and information meeting followed by your first dinner on board. *Transfers included if air purchased through us.
Day 2 Frankfurt (from xx – 20.00) (B, L, D)
After breakfast, enjoy a guided city tour of Frankfurt: a culturally, ethnically, and religiously diverse global hub for commerce, education, tourism and transportation. This metropolitan city showcases a magnificent blend of modernization and historical preservation; from its skyscrapers forming the Frankfurt Skyline in the city center to Frankfurt’s unique Old Town that is the largest timber-framed old town in all of Europe. From here, you will be able to tour Frankfurt’s famous Christmas Market, which is a massive street market held annually in the town’s square where seasonal foods, drinks, and entertainment are exhibited all through the day and night in celebration of the holiday – with the Frankfurt Christmas Market being the very first and oldest seasonal market in all of Europe. Afternoon free at leisure before returning to the ship as we depart for Miltenberg. The day comes to a close with German themed dinner onboard and live music into the night.
Day 3 Miltenberg (from 08:00-14.00) (B, L, D)
After your sumptuous buffet breakfast, depart on your walking tour of this beautiful medieval town. During the tour, you will marvel at the history embodied in the pristine half-timbered houses and crooked cobble stoned streets found within this well-preserved medieval city. Further layers of history are evidenced in the preserved Bronze Age tumuli, Celtic hill forts and Roman ruins and castle. Some free time to explore the historical old town prior to returning to the ship for lunch while you set sail on to Wurzburg. In the evening, partake in an egg-nog making class in the lounge.
Day 4 Wurzburg (from 08.00 – 14.00) (B, L, D)
After breakfast, enjoy a morning walking tour of the Wurzburg, which will include a stop at the Bishops’ Residenz (outside), one of Germany’s largest and most ornate baroque palaces and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Enjoy some free time at your own leisure before returning to the ship for lunch while you set sail to Bamberg. While at sail, enjoy a cocktail making demonstration in the lounge, then get creative by joining a gingerbread making class after the demonstration.
Day 5 Bamberg (from 10.00 – 20.00) (B, L, D)
Morning walking tour of the medieval city of Bamberg. Founded in 902, Bamberg is a beautiful city that has retained its medieval aesthetic and is known for its special “smoky” beer. During the tour, you will visit Bamberg’s medieval city center (a UNESCO World Heritage Site) followed by a stop at the magnificent 11th-century cathedral which was reworked in late Romanesque style in the 13th century. In the afternoon you can either spend time exploring the city on your own or participate in the optional culinary tour of Bamberg. Tonight, enjoy a farewell cocktail and get ready for the Captain’s Farewell Dinner. *Bamberg Cathedral inside tour will not be available on the 26th of December due to church services.
Day 6 Nuremberg (from 06.30 – xx) (B, L, D)
After breakfast, embark on a guided bus/walking tour of Nuremberg, the 2nd largest city within the German federal state of Bavaria. You will visit the ruins of Zeppelin Field, the Nazi parade grounds of the 1930s, followed by a stop at the Palace of Justice, site of the infamous Nuremberg Trials. For lunch enjoy a traditional Franconian meal that features Nuremberg’s famous (and delicious) sausages. After lunch, spend some free time exploring Nuremberg’s Old Town. Return to the ship for a final dinner onboard.
Day 7 Nuremberg Disembarkation 9:00AM (B)
After breakfast, say your final farewells to the crew as you disembark and proceed to the airport for your return flights.
Day 1 Nuremberg Embarkation after 4PM (D)
On the day of arrival, you will be transferred* to your floating hotel for check in to your designated cabins. Then explore your ship, enjoy a welcome buffet and an information meeting prior to your first dinner on board. *Transfers included if air purchased through us.
Day 2 Nuremberg (from xx – 20.00) (B, L, D)
After breakfast, embark on a guided bus/walking tour of Nuremberg, the 2nd largest city within the German federal state of Bavaria. You will visit the ruins of Zeppelin Field, the Nazi parade grounds of the 1930s, followed by a stop at the Palace of Justice, site of the infamous Nuremberg Trials. For lunch enjoy a traditional Franconian meal that features Nuremberg’s famous (and delicious) sausages. After lunch, spend some free time exploring Nuremberg’s Old Town! Return to the ship for a welcome cocktail and crew introduction followed by a German themed dinner and live music in the lounge.
Day 3 Bamberg (from 7:30-13.00) (B, L, D)
Morning walking tour of the medieval city of Bamberg. Founded in 902, Bamberg is a beautiful city that has retained its medieval aesthetic and is known for its special “smoky” beer. During the tour, you will visit Bamberg’s medieval city center (a UNESCO World Heritage Site) followed by a visit to the magnificent 11th-century cathedral which was reworked in late Romanesque style in the 13th century. After the tour you can either spend time to explore on your own or participate in the optional culinary tour of Bamberg. Return to the ship for lunch while we set sail to Wurzburg. While at sail, enjoy a cocktail making demonstration in the lounge, then get creative by joining a gingerbread making class after the demonstration.
Day 4 Wurzburg (from 08.00 – 18.00) (B, L, D)
After a sumptuous buffet breakfast, enjoy a morning walking tour of the Wurzburg, which will include a stop at the Bishops’ Residenz (outside), one of Germany’s largest and most ornate baroque palaces and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Enjoy some free time at your own leisure before returning to the ship for lunch. On board, partake in an egg-nog making class in the lounge followed by a festive New Year dinner. Depart for Miltenberg.
Day 5 Miltenberg (from 10.30 – 20.00) (B, L, D)
Upon arrival to Miltenberg, disembark for the included walking tour of this beautiful medieval town. During the tour, you will marvel at the history embodied in the pristine half-timbered houses and crooked cobblestoned streets found within this well-preserved medieval city. Further layers of history are evidenced in the preserved Bronze Age tumuli, Celtic hill forts and Roman ruins and castle. The afternoon is free to explore on your own. On board, our wait staff will entertain you with a napkin folding demonstration. Tonight, enjoy a farewell cocktail and get ready for the Captain’s Farewell Dinner.
Day 6 Frankfurt (from 07.30 – xx) (B, L, D)
Enjoy a guided morning city tour of Frankfurt: a culturally, ethnically, and religiously diverse global hub for commerce, education, tourism and transportation. This metropolitan city showcases a magnificent blend of modernization and historical preservation; from its skyscrapers forming the Frankfurt Skyline in the city center to Frankfurt’s unique old town that is the largest timber-framed old town in all of Europe. After lunch back on board, the balance of the day is at leisure to explore the city on your own in search of those last minute souvenirs. The day comes to a close with dinner onboard followed by live music and late night snacks.
Day 7 Frankfurt Disembarkation 9:00AM (B)
After breakfast, say your final farewells to the crew as you disembark and proceed to the airport for your return flight.
This elegant, luxurious, boutique style vessel, the M/S Crucevita was designed in an old world grand yacht style. Superb public areas, accented in oak and leather, include a panorama restaurant, cozy bar and lounge, a fire-place, a gym, sauna, library, and sun deck! The cabins area spacious 14 sq m (150 sq ft) and are fitted with beds that are stowed away during the day to create extra space to relax. All cabins include air-conditioning/heating that can be regulated individually, a multi-channel satellite TV with remote control, a mini safety deposit box, a telephone and a hair dryer. The luxury bathroom contains a toilet, enclosed shower, and a stylish wash basin. Cabins on Main deck have panorama windows while cabins on the upper Promenade deck will have new French balconies (renovation scheduled for 2019 winter-season) The decks are interconnected by a regular elevator suitable to carry up to 4 persons. The Sun Deck is accessible from the Promenade Deck by an outside chair lift. Maximum capacity 110 passengers serviced by a young and vivacious crew of 36. Non-smoking interiors. Currency: Euro
Public Areas
Cabins
Category A: Upper Promenade Deck with French Balcony 14 m2 (150 sq ft)
Located on the Promenade Deck
Floor to ceiling windows with French Balconies
Spacious cabins with fitted beds that can be stowed away for more space to relax on the 2 comfortable chair
Private bathroom with glass-enclosed shower and hair dryers
Choice of bath amenities with bath towels
Efficient closet space
Sitting area with table
Individually controlled air conditioning and heating system
Flat-screen TV offering several European & International channels
Internal telephone
PIN-coded safe
Category B: Main Deck with Panorama Windows (windows do not open), 14 m2 (150 sq ft)
Located on the Main Deck
Panorama window to ensure a great ocean view
Spacious cabins with fitted beds that can be stowed away for more space to relax on the 2 comfortable chair
Private bathroom with glass-enclosed shower and hair dryers
Choice of bath amenities with bath towels
Efficient closet space
Sitting area with table
Individually controlled air conditioning and heating system
Flat-screen TV offering several European & International channels
Internal telephone
PIN-coded safe
Category C: Main Deck, 14 m2 (150 sq ft)
Located on the Main Deck
Spacious cabins with fitted beds that can be stowed away for more space to relax on the 2 comfortable chair
Private bathroom with glass-enclosed shower and hair dryers
Choice of bath amenities with bath towels
Efficient closet space
Sitting area with table
Individually controlled air conditioning and heating system
Flat-screen TV offering several European & International channels
If you have purchased your air tickets through us, your transfers will be included. However, transfers are still available for those who would like to arrange their own airfare, for a fee. For more information about transfer rates for this program, please call our office at (714) 556-8258 or toll free (800) 795-1633.
M/S Crucevita. This elegant, luxurious, boutique style vessel, the M/S Crucevita was designed in an old world grand yacht style. Superb public areas, accented in oak and leather, include a panorama restaurant, cozy bar and lounge, a fire-place, a gym, sauna, library, and sun deck! The cabins area spacious 14 sq m (150 sq ft) and are fitted with beds that are stowed away during the day to create extra space to relax. All cabins include air-conditioning/heating that can be regulated individually, a multi-channel satellite TV with remote control, a mini safety deposit box, a telephone and a hair dryer. The luxury bathroom contains a toilet, enclosed shower, and a stylish wash basin. Cabins on Main deck have panorama windows while cabins on the upper Promenade deck will have new French balconies (renovation scheduled for 2019 winter-season) The decks are interconnected by a regular elevator suitable to carry up to 4 persons. The Sun Deck is accessible from the Promenade Deck by an outside chair lift. Maximum capacity 110 passengers serviced by a young and vivacious crew of 36. Non-smoking interiors. Currency: Euro
There are no telephone lines for outgoing calls on our vessels. Communication from ship to shore can only be done through the Captain’s radio. However, you may bring your US cell phone to use – just please make sure it is “unlocked” by your US provider in order to use it. Wi-Fi is available for a fee and computers are provided near the bar. The service is free, but the level of signal may vary depending on sailing itinerary and location of ports.
For the rate of exchange to the US dollar, please check online a few days prior to your departure as some of these currencies fluctuate daily. Due to varying foreign currency laws, our ships do NOT have exchange offices on board. Therefore, we highly recommend that you BRING A SUFFICIENT QUANTITY OF EUROS OR DOLLARS in CASH prior to your departure. You will then have ample opportunity to change either Euro/dollar to local currencies.
While on board the ship, all costs are quoted in Euros. Direct payments are accepted in cash (Euros) or signed to your cabin and paid at the end of the navigation by cash or credit card (Visa or MasterCard only). However, a service may be applied to credit card transactions. Personal and Traveler Checks are not accepted.
Due to strict foreign currency laws, here are important notes regarding on shore expenses:
Cash: is accepted and preferred. (Euros & USD)
Credit Cards: are accepted, VISA OR MASTERCARD ONLY! (Limited use outside of urban areas.) *Credit Card Note:As of May 2014, European credit card processors require credit cards with chips and a 4-digit PIN code. Your USA magnetic strip cards may NOT work at local ATM’s requiring a PIN. Ask your bank for a chip card and/or bring along a debit card with your PIN (or enough cash to cover your expenses!)
Although everyone is different, we suggest that you set aside at least 700 Euros/$1000 USD per person – to cover your optional tours and shopping expenses. If you are planning on purchasing more expensive items you may want to bring more.
Yes, a number of optional excursions will be offered for sale during your cruise. These optional services are priced in Euros. They may be signed to your cabin and paid at the end of the cruise with cash or via Visa or Matercard.
Special meal requests are possible. If you have any food allergies or special dietary needs, please be sure to notify our office at least 90 days prior to your departure. We and the restaurant staff will make every effort to arrange for special meals, however, if you have strict dietary restrictions, you may want to bring some non-perishable snacks, crackers, dried fruits, dietary sweeteners, or other items that will compliment the limited variety of special meals.
For a complete list of suggested items to bring, please read our detailed Tips on Tulip and Rhine Cruises. But here are a few important items that often get overlooked!
Electrical current in hotels and on the ship is 220 volts/50MHZ. In order to use appliances, including shavers, hair-dryers, chargers for movie cameras, etc., you will need to bring:
1) Universal Transformer: to convert from US 110 Volts to 220. (Note: recent electronic equipment such as laptops and cameras MAY automatically convert. Please check your individual item.)
2) Universal Adapter Plugs: Round pins for sockets that are different than at home. Since there are no supplies of converters/ adapters, we recommend you purchase a transformer/ adapter plug set at any electronics or appliance store before you leave.
PLEASE DO NOT FORGET: Medications which are vital to your health. A letter should accompany these from your doctor (signed and dated), certifying that such medications are vital to your health. Dosage should be indicated. Always pack any personal medications in your carry-on luggage, not in your checked baggage. Additionally, those passengers with lighter physical disabilities must report them to us at the time of booking.
IMPORTANT NOTE:
While every effort will be made to adhere to the schedules outlined above, please note that all times listed are tentative and all stops and sights outlined are subject to change, substitution or alteration for reasons of passenger safety and reasons beyond our control including but not limited to: inclement weather, lock schedules, low or high water levels, museum closures and availability of specified attractions due to blackout periods, holidays or similar. Passenger compliance, understanding and cooperation will sincerely be appreciated! Please note that our Terms & Conditions including Force Majeure clauses apply in full.
NOTE ON CHRISTMAS MARKETS:
The official Christmas market period in most of Europe, begins mid-November and depending on city, ends December 22 – 24. In some major cities, Christmas markets may remain open between Christmas and New Year or may be replaced with other local activities in preparation for New Years’ festivities.
Day 1 Nuremberg Embarkation after 4PM 
