Christmas Markets Cruise Packing List

Here are my packing tips if you decide to take a Christmas Market river cruise:

Packing for a Christmas Markets river cruise with AmaWaterways involves preparing for chilly weather, festive activities, and comfortable onboard living. Here’s a comprehensive list to help you pack:

Clothing

Daytime Exploring (Markets & Excursions)

• Warm coat (water-resistant or insulated)

• Sweaters or fleece layers

• Base layers (thermal tops and bottoms)

• Comfortable pants (jeans, corduroy, or thermal-lined trousers)

• Comfortable walking shoes/boots (insulated, waterproof, and slip-resistant)

• Warm socks (wool or thermal)

• Winter accessories: Scarf, Hat (preferably fleece-lined), Gloves (insulated, touchscreen-compatible)

• Day pack or crossbody bag for market shopping

  
  

  PRO TIP: If you plan to do any bike excursions, make sure you bring a hat without a pompom on top so it fits under the bike helmet.

  
  

I brought a compact shopping bag that I tucked into my crossbody so I could pull it out and use it as needed.

Evenings Onboard

• Smart casual attire for dinners and events

• Festive outfits for special evenings (optional, but adds a holiday spirit)

• Comfortable lounge wear for relaxing on the ship

• Slip on shoes or cozy slippers to change out of in the evenings or for early morning coffee runs to the lounge.

• A scarf or wrap to keep warm on the ship. The doors open a lot while in port as guests come and go which can make it chilly.

  
  

  I layered: tee shirt, sweater, puffer jacket, waterproof trench and paired that with leggings and jeans, boots with wool socks, scarf, hat and gloves. This worked for me!

  

  
  

Weather Gear

• Compact umbrella

• Sunglasses (for crisp sunny days)

  
  

Accessories

• Reusable shopping bags (handy for market purchases)

• Portable phone charger for long excursions

• Travel-sized toiletries (ship provides basics, but bring personal preferences)

• Laundry bag for dirty clothes

• Hand sani or wipes

  
  

Electronics

• Travel adapter for European outlets

• Camera or smartphone for photos

• Power bank for extra charging

• E-reader or book for downtime

  
  

Important Documents

• Passport (valid for six months after your travel dates)

• Cruise documents and tickets

• Travel insurance info

• Emergency contact list

  
  

Health & Comfort

• Medication (daily prescriptions and over-the-counter remedies for colds or motion sickness)

• Lip balm (winter-proof)

• Moisturizer for dry skin

  
  

For the Markets

• Cash (euros, smaller denominations for tipping. I tip my tour guides 5 or 10 euro and my bus drivers 2-5 euro).

• Credit cards (check for chip-enabled and no foreign transaction fees)

  
  
  
  
  

  

  
  
  

Extras for Festive Spirit

• Small holiday decorations (like a string of battery-operated lights for your cabin)

• Holiday-themed accessories (festive scarf or pins)

  
  

  AmaWaterways absolutely bedazzles the entire ship in spectacular holiday decor. Check out the photos above. Every cabin gets a custom wreath and there are lights, trees, and other decor all over the ship, inside and outside! I didn't see any other ships decorated the way ours was. So, if you sail with Ama, you don't need to bring any decor but you will want a festive top or sweater to be part of the fun.

  
  

This list balances comfort, warmth, and practicality for an unforgettable Christmas Markets cruise experience!

Email: mary@tripsbymary.com for more!!