Expedition cruises

This cruise takes you to some of the most famous and delightful holiday markets in Central Europe. At each market, you'll find wooden stalls displaying traditional crafts that range from quirky little characters made of fruit and dressed in Bavarian costume to beautifully carved and painted Nativity figures. You'll also find exquisite ornaments and fine contemporary crafts, along with fairytale villages decked in holiday finery.

Sparkling lights illuminate ancient cathedral squares and the sound of children's laughter mingles with carols. Enjoy Uniworld's exclusive "Taste of Christmas" program in Vienna, where you'll see astonishing confectionary decorations in Café Demel's windows. Celebrate the season in a new way as you meander through old lands, and remember, as the Christkind says, "While this market's splendor is fleeting, the joy it brings is eternal."

Please note that most Christmas Markets in Europe end their season on the 23rd of December and will not be available after that date.

With featured guest Lech Walesa, former President of the Republic of Poland and Nobel Peace Prize laureate, for the duration of a stopover. He will share his testimony during an exclusive gathering on board.

Cold winds are blowing across the roofs of these emblematic Baltic cities. As the holidays approach, immerse yourself in the warm atmosphere of Scandinavian and Baltic cities, where lights twinkle amidst the fragrances of cinnamon. Like a starry sky, the illuminations of these strongholds will plunge you into a winter wonderland, where the history and hearts of the inhabitants entice you to spend a moment frozen in time. Through these traditions, you will be captivated by the concerts, markets, and culinary discoveries.

Extend your journey with a complimentary additional night in Helsinki, before or after your cruise.*

*Offer valid for each guest from March 9, 2026 until the departure date of the cruise on a selection of cruises aboard Le Commandant Charcot, valid for any new booking and subject to availability. The offer cannot be backdated and cannot be exchanged for a voucher, credit or any other service; it can be combined with current offers, excluding “No single supplement”. For bookings by a guest travelling alone, the offer remains applicable but the single supplement (single room) will be invoiced in accordance with current conditions. In the event of cancellation by the guest, the establishment’s standard cancellation terms and conditions will apply. The Company reserves the right to modify, suspend or withdraw this offer at any time without prior notice.

The itinerary may be altered based on port approvals and to comply with applicable government regulations. Please also note that the sailing programme, shore visits and activities cannot be guaranteed, as they are subject to weather conditions.

Budapest has celebrated Christmas for a thousand years, since the reign of St. Stephen, the king who founded Hungary and encouraged the spread of Christianity throughout his realm. As you ramble through the Christmas Market on Vörösmarty Square, admiring the handmade porcelain, stop to watch as kürtos kalács (a pastry) is baked on rods over an open fire and then coated with sugar before it's handed to you.

In Bratislava, where a lively young art scene is revitalizing the compact city core, stalls abound with traditional Slovakian Christmas items such as medovníky (spiced ginger cookies) and šúpolie (figurines made from corn husks). Experience Uniworld's exclusive "Taste of Christmas" program in the heart of Vienna during the day.

Glorious baroque architecture, delightful concerts and ravishing scenery will make this Christmas season unforgettable as you sail through the holidays on the Danube.

Please note that most Christmas Markets in Europe end their season on the 23rd of December and will not be available after that date.

For a holiday season experience that will truly take your breath away, embark on a luxury cruise on the Seine during Advent. It should come as no surprise that the City of Lights pulls out all the stops during the Season of Lights, yet Paris still manages to astonish locals and visitors alike with its festive displays. As we venture into the countryside, we'll visit festively decorated chateaux, enjoy plentiful shopping opportunities, and even explore a few French Christmas markets.

Discover the roots of our Christmas traditions as you explore some of Europe's most charming towns. Browse for unique ornaments in Basel's Christmas Market. Sip vin chaud as you stroll to Place Kléber to behold the enormous, brilliantly lighted tree of Strasbourg. See how the baroque town hall of Koblenz is transformed into an Advent calendar and find unexpected treasures in the stalls clustered around Cologne's magnificent cathedral.

Savor tantalizing once-a-year treats with Uniworld's "Taste of Christmas" program, including gingerbread and warm spiced wine. Revel in brightly painted carousels and handmade ornaments, medieval squares illuminated by twinkling lights, life-sized Nativity figures, and joyful brass choirs. Sail through castle-strewn hillsides and visit charming towns decked in festive finery for a holiday season you will never forget.

Please note that most Christmas Markets in Europe end their season on the 23rd of December and will not be available after that date.