Europe and Mediterranean: Classic Christmas Markets Cruise

Uniworld Boutique River Cruises

A journey that will make you believe in holiday magic all over again. Once upon a time, people gathered on cobblestone squares to buy the special tools and ingredients they needed to make the treats of the season. They kept warm with hot spiced wine, music and games while they shopped and chatted with the local tradesmen. Those were the first Christmas markets, 500 years ago. Today, though the light comes from twinkling electric bulbs rather than torches, bonhomie and fun still prevail. Discover villages with fairytale houses and a friendly, festive atmosphere. Share traditional holiday goodies with the people who made them. Watch as modern children discover the enchantment of hand-carved wooden toys, as scents of cinnamon and roasting nuts fill the air. Sail through Christmas country, trying Frankfurt's famous apple cider and Nuremberg's gingerbread. Throughout, cozy up to steaming mugs of glühwein (warm spiced wine) and do as the locals do by collecting different mugs from each stall and town you visit. Embrace the holiday spirit in Germany, the land where many Christmas traditions began, and find the magic of the season in the smiles that you meet along the way.

All-Inclusive Cruise

  • True All-Inclusive Boutique River Cruising™

  • All gratuities for onboard services

  • Unlimited fine wine, beer, spirits and nonalcoholic beverages**

  • Locally sourced cuisine

  • Shore excursions with local experts as your guide

  • Internet and Wi-Fi

  • All arrival and departure day transfers

Executive Member Benefit

  • Executive Members receive an annual 2% Reward, up to $1,250, on qualified Costco Travel purchases

  • Receive a $50 shipboard credit per person (maximum $100 per stateroom)♦

Digital Costco Shop Card

  • Member Exclusive: Digital Costco Shop Card with every Uniworld river cruise†

Sailing Itinerary

Note: Cruise itineraries are subject to change. Please verify ports and times directly with the cruise line.

Day 1 Vienna

Overview

 
select to open Vienna pictures - Opens a dialog

Today, Vienna is once again in the center of Europe. But not so long ago, Vienna was just on the western side of the Iron Curtain. Many visitors are surprised to learn that Vienna is further east than Prague and Berlin.Vienna was once the heart of a vast realm, the Habsburg Empire. For a time, the possessions of the Habsburgs, who ruled for more than 600 years, were so far-flung that it was said that the sun never set on its dominions. All that came to an end more than 80 years ago. Today, Austria is a small country of about eight million people. But Vienna still has heart. It is one of the most comfortable, interesting, beautiful capital cities in the world.The Vienna of today is a modern, international metropolis in the heart of Central Europe, a city with a quality lifestyle and an embraceable joy for living. Vienna caters to your needs in terms of education, social, and health services and also offers a wide range of leisure and cultural activities.

Day 2 Vienna

Overview

 
select to open Vienna pictures - Opens a dialog

Today, Vienna is once again in the center of Europe. But not so long ago, Vienna was just on the western side of the Iron Curtain. Many visitors are surprised to learn that Vienna is further east than Prague and Berlin.Vienna was once the heart of a vast realm, the Habsburg Empire. For a time, the possessions of the Habsburgs, who ruled for more than 600 years, were so far-flung that it was said that the sun never set on its dominions. All that came to an end more than 80 years ago. Today, Austria is a small country of about eight million people. But Vienna still has heart. It is one of the most comfortable, interesting, beautiful capital cities in the world.The Vienna of today is a modern, international metropolis in the heart of Central Europe, a city with a quality lifestyle and an embraceable joy for living. Vienna caters to your needs in terms of education, social, and health services and also offers a wide range of leisure and cultural activities.

Day 3 Durnstein

Overview

 
select to open Durnstein pictures - Opens a dialog

Durnstein achieved 12th-century notoriety through its imprisonment of King Richard the Lion-Heart of England. Today, this picturesque village is one of the prime destinations in Wachau. In the village, Hauptstrasse is a cobbled street with some picturesque 16th-century houses, wrought-iron signs, and floral displays. The parish church, formerly the abbey church (Chorherrenstift), has been meticulously restored. The baroque interior effectively combines white stucco and dark wood balconies. Entry includes access to the porch overlooking the blue Danube (where photo opportunities abound) and an exhibition on the Augustinian monks who once ruled the roost here (up until the monastery was dissolved by Joseph II in 1788).

Day 4 Linz

Overview

 
select to open Linz pictures - Opens a dialog

Dive into the world of tomorrow today in Linz ~ Danube: The Ars Electronica Center fascinates visitors with the CAVE, in which they can wander through three-dimensional worlds and are invited everywhere to experiment! The opposite bank of the Danube is marked by the impressive Lentos Art Museum with its glass architecture and masterpieces of the 19th and 20th century. The old city center is delightful with its idyllic back lanes, historical buildings and one of the largest medieval main squares in central Europe. Taking a ride through the city on the bright yellow Linz City Express, up to Pöstlingberg with the steepest track railway in Europe from 1898, or on the Danube with a ship turns every sightseeing tour into an adventure. One of the busiest shopping streets in Austria is located right in the city center. Countless shops invite window-shoppers and taking a break in one of the numerous cozy Linz coffeehouses provides an opportunity to taste the original Linzer Torte. Linz ~ Danube has a wide variety of attractions for those interested in art and culture. There are events such as the Linz Winter of Culture, the Passion, the Linz ~ Danube marathon, the Linz Danube Summer, the Linz Pflasterspektakel, and the Bruckner Festival. In addition, the visualized Linz "Cloud of Sound" and the Ars Electronica Festival draw thousands of visitors every year. During Advent Linz is transformed into an enchanting city of with hundreds of nativity scenes, Advent markets and Christmas concerts.

Day 5 Passau

Overview

 
select to open Passau pictures - Opens a dialog

The town on the three rivers – the Danube, the Inn, and the Ilz – got its name from the Roman fort of Batavia. After 739 AD Passau grew to become the biggest bishopric on the Danube, its domain extending to Hungary. After the great fire of 1662, the prince bishops rebuilt the town in the Baroque style. One of the highlights of the Old Town is the beautiful Cathedral of St Stephan, which boasts the biggest church organ in the world. High up above the town and the rivers stand the Veste Oberhaus Castle and the Maria Hilf Abbey, both of which are also well worth a visit.

Day 6 Regensburg

Overview

 
select to open Regensburg pictures - Opens a dialog

Regensburg is widely regarded as the medieval wonder of Germany – a historic city in a unique state of preservation, living witness to two thousand years of rich and colorful history. At every turn, one encounters truly outstanding historical monuments and architectural marvels. The experience is deepened by the exquisite collections at the city’s fine museums and made yet more enjoyable by the typically warm Bavarian hospitality of the locals. Located on the beautiful Danube, Regensburg is also the perfect sstarting placefor river cruises and excursions.

Day 7 Nuremberg

Overview

 
select to open Nuremberg pictures - Opens a dialog

Nuremberg is the largest city in Franconia and the natural centre of North Bavaria. In terms of population it is the second largest city in Bavaria and the thirteenth largest in Germany. Together with its neighbours Fürth, Erlangen, Schwabach and the surrounding rural districts, Nuremberg is part of one of Europe’s most important economic areas, where the EU and its Eastern neighbours meet. Nuremberg is surrounded by attractive landscapes: to the East the Franconian hills, to the North "Franconian Switzerland" and to the South-West the Franconian Lakes. Centuries of art and architecture made Nuremberg a treasure. During the 15th and 16th centuries, Nuremberg enjoyed a cultural flowering that made it the center of the German Renaissance, bringing together Italian Renaissance and German Gothic traditions. In the artists' workshops were found such great talents as Veit Stoss, Peter Vischer, Adam Krafft, Michael Wolgemut, and above all, Albrecht Dürer. Koberger set up his printing press here, and Regiomontanus built an astronomical observatory. Here, too, flourished the guilds of the Meistersingers, composed of prosperous artisans; Wagner made their most famous member, Hans Sachs, the hero of his opera Die Meistersinger von Nuremberg. Many of Nuremberg's most important buildings, including some of the finest churches in Germany, have been restored or reconstructed. The old part of the city, the Altstadt, lies mainly within a pedestrian zone. Today's visitors can see the ruins of the ramparts that once surrounded the city as well as more modern sites, such as the Justice Palace, where the War Crimes Tribunal sat in 1946. Visitors can also see the Zeppelinfeld arena, the huge amphitheater where, from 1927 to 1935, Hitler staged those dramatic Nazi rallies that were immortalized by Leni Riefenstahl in Triumph des Willens (Triumph of the Will). Hitler's architect, Albert Speer, constructed what has been called a "concrete mecca," whose grounds today have been turned into a park with apartment blocks, a trade fair, and a concert hall. Speer's Congress Hall, larger than the Colosseum in Rome, has become a recording studio and warehouse.

Day 8 Nuremberg

Overview

 
select to open Nuremberg pictures - Opens a dialog

Nuremberg is the largest city in Franconia and the natural centre of North Bavaria. In terms of population it is the second largest city in Bavaria and the thirteenth largest in Germany. Together with its neighbours Fürth, Erlangen, Schwabach and the surrounding rural districts, Nuremberg is part of one of Europe’s most important economic areas, where the EU and its Eastern neighbours meet. Nuremberg is surrounded by attractive landscapes: to the East the Franconian hills, to the North "Franconian Switzerland" and to the South-West the Franconian Lakes. Centuries of art and architecture made Nuremberg a treasure. During the 15th and 16th centuries, Nuremberg enjoyed a cultural flowering that made it the center of the German Renaissance, bringing together Italian Renaissance and German Gothic traditions. In the artists' workshops were found such great talents as Veit Stoss, Peter Vischer, Adam Krafft, Michael Wolgemut, and above all, Albrecht Dürer. Koberger set up his printing press here, and Regiomontanus built an astronomical observatory. Here, too, flourished the guilds of the Meistersingers, composed of prosperous artisans; Wagner made their most famous member, Hans Sachs, the hero of his opera Die Meistersinger von Nuremberg. Many of Nuremberg's most important buildings, including some of the finest churches in Germany, have been restored or reconstructed. The old part of the city, the Altstadt, lies mainly within a pedestrian zone. Today's visitors can see the ruins of the ramparts that once surrounded the city as well as more modern sites, such as the Justice Palace, where the War Crimes Tribunal sat in 1946. Visitors can also see the Zeppelinfeld arena, the huge amphitheater where, from 1927 to 1935, Hitler staged those dramatic Nazi rallies that were immortalized by Leni Riefenstahl in Triumph des Willens (Triumph of the Will). Hitler's architect, Albert Speer, constructed what has been called a "concrete mecca," whose grounds today have been turned into a park with apartment blocks, a trade fair, and a concert hall. Speer's Congress Hall, larger than the Colosseum in Rome, has become a recording studio and warehouse.

Onboard the River Queen

Cruise FPO 6 select to open River Queen pictures - Opens a dialog

Costco Member Reviews

River Queen features all river-view staterooms and is considered one of the most unique river cruise ships in Europe. The ship's exterior resembles the Grand River steamships of the 1930s, while the plush interior provides a classical elegance reminiscent of the famous Art Deco style.

Onboard Activities

Activities & Services (included in cruise)

Bars/Lounges

  • Card Room
  • Movies
  • Fitness Center
  • Sauna/Steam Room
  • Bars/Lounges
  • Concierge Desk
  • Duty-Free Shops/Boutiques
  • Elevators
  • Safe Deposit Boxes

Activities & Services (available for an extra fee)

Full-Service Spa

  • Beauty Salon
  • Full-Service Spa
  • Internet Center
  • Self-Service Laundromat

Costco Travel makes every effort to verify the accuracy of all information provided. Additional fees for amenities or services may be charged by the cruise line. Amenities or services may be discontinued or revised by the cruise line without notice. Staterooms designated as wheelchair-accessible do not necessarily meet ADA requirements. Costco Travel is not responsible for inaccuracies or provider modifications.

Dining

Main Dining Room

Main Dining

Main Dining Room (open seating): This seating option allows you to choose when and with whom you dine. Menus are a blend of classic cuisine with a touch of contemporary elegance, and are created using only the finest and freshest ingredients often brought onboard from local ports of call. You'll be surrounded by the beauty of passing riverbank towns and villages.


Times, costs and other specifics are outside the control of Costco Travel. All information is at the sole discretion of the cruise line and is subject to change without notice. Dining time and table size preferences are submitted to the cruise line on a first-come, first-served request basis and are confirmed aboard ship. Questions, concerns and/or special needs regarding dining arrangements must be addressed with the maitre d' hotel aboard ship. Every effort is made to accommodate travelers' preferences; however, Costco Travel cannot guarantee dining arrangements. In specialty restaurants, space is limited and reservations are recommended. A cover charge and dress code may apply.

Staterooms

Luxurious riverview stateroom featuring handcrafted Savoir® Beds of England, built-in closets, hair dryer, safe, individual climate-controlled thermostat, direct-dial telephone, mineral water and flat-screen TV. Enjoy a marble bathroom with Asprey bath and body products, plush towels, backlit magnifying mirror, cozy bathrobes and slippers.

  • Classic Stateroom with Window (Category: CL)

    Category: CL

Luxurious riverview stateroom with a French balcony featuring handcrafted Savoir® Beds of England, built-in closets, hair dryer, safe, individual climate-controlled thermostat, direct-dial telephone, mineral water and flat-screen TV. Enjoy a marble bathroom with Asprey bath and body products, plush towels, backlit magnifying mirror, cozy bathrobes and slippers.

  • Stateroom with French Balcony (Category: FB)

    Category: FB

  • Deluxe Stateroom with French Balcony (Category: DF)

    Category: DF

Luxurious riverview suite featuring handcrafted Savoir® Beds of England, built-in closets, hair dryer, safe, individual climate-controlled thermostat, direct-dial telephone, mineral water and flat-screen TV. Enjoy a marble bathroom with Asprey bath and body products, plush towels, backlit magnifying mirror, cozy bathrobes and slippers.

  • Suite with French Balcony (Category: S)

    Category: S

  • Grand Suite with French Balcony (Category: GS)

    Category: GS

  • Royal Suite with French Balcony (Category: ROY)

    Category: ROY

Deck Plan

Cruise Ship
Rhine Deck
Key to Symbols
SymbolDescription

Ship Facts

River Queen ship image
  • Ship Name: River Queen
  • Year Built: 1999
  • Year Refurbished: 2010
  • Year Entered Present Fleet: 1999
  • Maximum Capacity: 132
  • Number of Passenger Decks: 3
  • Number of Crew: 36
  • Officers' Nationality: European
  • Ocean-View without Balcony: 62
  • Capacity Based on Double Occupancy: 132
  • Country of Registry: Switzerland
  • Total Staterooms: 66
  • Suites with Balcony: 4
  • Crew/Hotel Staff Nationality: International
Costco Travel makes every effort to verify the accuracy of all information provided. Additional fees for amenities or services may be charged by the hotel, resort or cruise line. Amenities or services may be discontinued or revised by the provider without notice. Hotels, resorts, ships or accommodations designated as wheelchair-accessible do not necessarily meet ADA requirements. Costco Travel is not responsible for inaccuracies or provider modifications.

Costco Member Reviews

Terms & Conditions

*Price shown is per person based on double occupancy and is valid for select stateroom categories only. Click on the Terms & Conditions link below for details.

**Unlimited beverages include premium wine and premium spirits. Diamond List of wine and spirits is available at an additional cost.

♦Executive Members receive a $50 shipboard credit per person, maximum $100 per stateroom. Executive Member benefit is valid for primary cardholder only. Shipboard credit is per stateroom based on double occupancy. Shipboard credit will be applied to your onboard account. Any unused portion of the credit is nontransferable, nonrefundable and may not be redeemed for cash.

†One Digital Costco Shop Card per room/stateroom, per stay. The exact amount of the Digital Costco Shop Card will be calculated during the booking process. The Digital Costco Shop Card promotion is nontransferable and may not be combined with any other promotion. A Digital Costco Shop Card will arrive by email approximately 10 days after the start of your cruise. Click on the Terms & Conditions link below for additional information.

Ship's registry: Switzerland

    See Full Terms & Conditions- Opens a dialog
    Package ID: UNIQUEEUR20211208