Christmastime on the Danube
7 Day River Cruise Nuremberg to Vienna
Cruise with Joy Crutchfield, Nov 29 - December 5, 2026
Guess who’s going back to Europe for Christmas?! 🙋♀️ That’s right, Joy herself! And she's taking YOU with her on her absolute favorite river cruise: "Christmastime on the Danube"! 🎅🎁
Forget crowded malls and stale fruitcake! Imagine sipping mulled wine, browsing charming stalls, and soaking in the magic of Europe's legendary Christmas Markets. This isn't just any river cruise – this is the ultimate festive experience, personally curated and loved so much by Joy, that she's doing it again in December 2026!
But wait, there's more! 🎉 Joy pulled some strings and not only secured an exclusive discount just for you, but she also added her absolute favorite hotels for two magical pre-nights in Nuremberg and two enchanting post-nights in Vienna! This truly makes it the best way to immerse yourself in the festive spirit of these incredible cities. Think twinkling lights, historical charm, and the aroma of gingerbread and cinnamon – pure holiday bliss!
Ready to make your 2026 Christmas unforgettable? You know how much Joy loves this trip, and she promises her first-hand knowledge means every detail is perfection. Come experience the magic of the season with JOY!
Cruise dates are Nov 29-December 5, with pre and post add-ons the dates are Nov 27-Dec 7
Limited spots available, and with this special offer, they won't last long!
What's included?
Two pre-cruise nights
Two post-cruise nights
Your P category (uppermost deck panoramic suite) cabin onboard the ship
Pre-paid tips
Travel Insurance
All port fees and taxes
Minus Joy's exclusive discount:
$12,650 per couple - the only thing to add are flights
Other cabin categories are available at a lower price point. Price is based on double occupancy
Please take a look at the day to day details below, then call JOY and secure your spot. This amazing opportunity will fill up quickly, so please do not delay.
Joy Crutchfield
405-885-8900 or Joy@thejoyoftravel.net
Contact Joy
405-885-8900 or Joy@thejoyoftravel.net
Click below to view Christmas Cruises with Avalon video
Day-to-day Itinerary
1 NUREMBERG, GERMANY (EMBARKATION)
Legends and History Lessons
Classic Excursion - Choose a Guided Tour of Nuremberg’s medieval architecture, gilded fountain, Gothic cathedral, and Kaiserburg Castle, OR:
Classic Excursion - Join a Guided Tour of the historic Nuremberg Rally Grounds—used by the Third Reich.
Spend free time on your own to browse the spruce stalls of the Christmas Markets of Nuremberg. Sample favorite Bavarian fare—from dozens of bratwurst varieties, gingerbread, mulled blueberry wine, and countless other culinary delights of the Christkindlesmarkt.
Enjoy live entertainment as you sail.
EVENING/OVERNIGHT CRUISE TO REGENSBURG
breakfast - lunch - dinner
Click on map to view larger
2 NUREMBERG
Legends and History Lessons
Classic Excursion - Choose a Guided Tour of Nuremberg’s medieval architecture, gilded fountain, Gothic cathedral, and Kaiserburg Castle, OR:
Classic Excursion - Join a Guided Tour of the historic Nuremberg Rally Grounds—used by the Third Reich.
Spend free time on your own to browse the spruce stalls of the Christmas Markets of Nuremberg. Sample favorite Bavarian fare—from dozens of bratwurst varieties, gingerbread, mulled blueberry wine, and countless other culinary delights of the Christkindlesmarkt.
Enjoy live entertainment as you sail.
EVENING/OVERNIGHT CRUISE TO REGENSBURG
breakfast - lunch - dinner
3 REGENSBURG
Christmas Magic in Bavaria
Classic Excursion - Join a Guided City Walk and see Altes Rathaus (Old Town Hall) and Porta Pretoria—entrance to the Castra Regina fortress built in 179 AD.
Take time to browse Regensburg’s sparkling Christmas markets. Enjoy hot-mulled wine, candied almonds, gingerbread, or bratwurst.
Discovery Excursion - Enjoy a Christmas Traditions Lecture on board.
EVENING/OVERNIGHT CRUISE TO PASSAU
breakfast- lunch - dinner
4 PASSAU
Saint Stephens, Salzburg, and the Story of Silent Night
Classic Excursion - Join a Guided City Walk to learn more about this beautiful “City of Three Rivers.”
You may like to join a Guided Optional Excursion to Salzburg, Austria. See the setting of The Sound of Music, and learn the story behind the beloved Christmas hymn, Silent Night.
Spend free time in Passau’s charming Christkindlesmarkt near magnificent St. Stephen’s Cathedral.
Take a brief evening cruise to Linz.
Enjoy live entertainment on board.
OVERNIGHT CRUISE TO MELK
breakfast - lunch - dinner
5 MELK, AUSTRIA - VIENNA
Frescoes Above the Wachau Valley
Classic Excursion - Take a Guided Tour of Melk’s magnificent Benedictine Abbey to marvel at its frescoed ceilings.
Discovery Excursion - Enjoy an Austrian Cookie Tasting while sailing through the splendid Wachau Valley to Vienna.
VIENNA
Vienna’s Winter Wonderland
This evening, you may choose to attend an Optional Excursion to a Royal Waltz Concert for an unforgettable evening of music in an elegant hall.
OVERNIGHT DOCKING IN VIENNA
breakfast - lunch - dinner
6 VIENNA
Royal Collections and Amusing Attractions
Discovery Excursion - Explore the Habsburg empire this morning on a Guided City Tour of Vienna’s gilded landmarks. See the Imperial Palace complex—the winter residence of the Imperial Family, the iconic Vienna Opera House and stunning St. Stephen’s Cathedral.
Spend free time on your own to enjoy the Christkindlesmarkt or relax by the fire’s glow in a Viennese café this evening.
You may join a Guided Optional Tour of Schönbrunn Palace—summer home of the Habsburg dynasty for 300 years.
OVERNIGHT DOCKING IN VIENNA
breakfast - lunch - dinner
7 VIENNA (DISEMBARKATION)
Your cruise ends with breakfast this morning.
breakfast
All payments are made directly to wholesale suppliers and any cancellations or changes are subject to their fee schedule and policies. Please be aware that deposits are non-refundable. If insurance has been purchased you may be entitled to a credit up to the full amount paid, minus the cost of the insurance. Exceptions may be made for medical reasons, but it is at the sole discretion of the insurance company. The Joy of Travel, LLC does not have any control over insurance claims or payments.