U by Uniworld Christmas Markets Cruise

Last December I boarded the U in Budapest to begin a 4-night trip along the river Danube. The U is a floating boutique hotel traveling along with you with the added benefit that you only have to unpack once. The ensuite cabins are smaller than an ocean cruise ship’s but the beds are very comfortable and everything you need is there. Due to its size a river cruise ship can usually dock in the centre of a city or town so there is less time wasted getting to and from a destination, giving you more time to explore.

We began by exploring the Budapest Christmas Market which was less than 10 minutes’ walk from the ship. The huge Christmas tree and colourful lights hanging from the trees, along with the stalls selling traditional crafts and delicious goodies created a very festive atmosphere. We kept ourselves warm with some hot glühwein as we strolled around the marketplace. That evening a guided pub crawl through the city’s world-renowned ruin bars was arranged as we stayed overnight in port. We had time the next day to explore Budapest before departing that evening for Bratislava.

The food onboard was delicious. Breakfast or brunch was served as a buffet and 2 options were offered at dinner or sometimes a buffet. Complimentary tea, coffee and snacks were also available during the day. The staff onboard the U were so friendly and helpful. On our first night on the ship it was my birthday and they surprised me with a birthday cake at dinner.

After breakfast the next morning we walked from the ship to the centre of Bratislava on a guided walking tour to the Christmas markets. After checking out the market stalls we stopped for a coffee in the famous Konditorei Kormuth café. The walls on this historic café are covered with beautiful murals and the cakes and deserts are mouth-wateringly delicious. We returned to the ship and continued on our way cruising to Vienna that evening.

After dinner onboard we took the Vienna Metro into the city centre to visit more Christmas Markets. Of the 3 markets we visited these were my favourite. The lights and decorations were beautiful, and the atmosphere was buzzing. Many of the items we saw on stalls in Budapest were also in Vienna but at higher prices so the Christmas market in Budapest is more budget friendly. We also got an opportunity the next morning to revisit the markets as we did not depart Vienna till later in the afternoon. I had coffee and Sacher torte in the famous Sacher Hotel opposite the Vienna State Opera. The hotel has even been used as a set for Mission Impossible as well as other movies. This part of Europe has amazing historical cafes steeped in history and elegantly decorated. I recommend Café Gerbeaud in Budapest, Konditorei Kormuth in Bratislava and the Sacher Hotel Café in Vienna.

A Christmas market river cruise is great for anybody wanting to experience the magic of the festive season, visiting Christmas markets, exploring towns steeped in history and trying festive treats at the market stalls and in the famous café houses of Budapest, Bratislava and Vienna. A river cruise with U is not merely a river cruise. It’s a full on, activity packed, culturally immersive, social and active travel experience. Life onboard is more casual and relaxed than on other river cruises with daily activities and excursions to choose from and the opportunity to experience the local nightlife when staying overnight in port.

If you would like to experience the magic of the Christmas markets on a river cruise or experience a river cruise at any other time of year get in touch and I will help you make it happen.