Christmas-market cruises range from about $2,200 to $6,000+ per person depending on the line, ship, and cabin. Here's how to budget for the full trip.
The cruise fare
- Value (Emerald, Avalon): $2,200–$2,800 per person
- Mid (Viking, AMA): $2,500–$3,500 per person
- Premium all-inclusive (Tauck, Riverside): $3,500–$5,000 per person
- Ultra-luxury (Uniworld, Scenic): $4,500–$6,500+ per person
What to add on top
On a non-all-inclusive line, budget an extra $400–$800 per person for gratuities, off-meal drinks, and premium excursions. On a truly all-inclusive line (Tauck, Uniworld, Scenic, Riverside), you can skip this — it's all in the fare.
Flights
International flights to Europe (typically Amsterdam, Basel, Nuremberg, or Budapest) run $700–$1,500 round-trip from the U.S. depending on origin and season. Viking and AMA sometimes include them as an early-booking perk. Book flights through the cruise line if a promo is available; otherwise, a VPC expert can help.
Pre/post-cruise extensions
Most travelers add a 1–2 night hotel extension in Prague, Amsterdam, or Paris. Budget $300–$600 per person per night for a quality hotel with breakfast. Lines offer pre-packaged extensions, but you can also book independently.
On-shore spending
Budget €50–€100 per day per person for market food, glühwein, and small crafts. Ornaments run €10–€30; a Lebkuchen tin €15–€25; a market mug €5–€10 (deposit). Most markets are cash-friendly; bring a no-foreign-transaction-fee credit card for bigger purchases.
Tip
The single biggest money-saver: book in the January–March early-booking window. Lines offer their best fares and free-flight promos then — often saving $1,000+ per couple.
Put this into action
Turn this guide into your sailing
A VPC cruise expert will match what you've just read to the right ship, departure, and cabin — at the same price as booking direct, with no fees.