In this guide
Christmas-market cruise prices change with the line, ship, cabin, departure, airfare, and promotion. Build the budget from a current quote, then add the costs the fare does not cover.
The cruise fare
- Base fare and taxes for the exact cabin
- Solo supplement or third-guest pricing when applicable
- Included and optional excursions
- Drinks, gratuities, Wi-Fi, and specialty dining
- Deposit, final-payment, change, and cancellation terms
What to add on top
Add gratuities, off-meal drinks, optional excursions, transfers, and meals during hotel stays when they are not included. Even lines described as all-inclusive can have optional experiences or exclusions, so use the departure's current inclusion list.
Flights
Airfare varies widely by home airport, dates, cabin class, and whether the supplier has an air promotion. Compare the full supplier-air terms—including change support and arrival timing—with an independent fare before deciding.
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
Do not judge a promotion by the headline alone. Compare the same itinerary, date, cabin, taxes, air terms, and cancellation conditions before calling one offer the better value.
Put this into action
Turn this guide into your sailing
A VPC cruise advisor can apply what you've read to current ships, departures, cabins, and supplier offers without an added planning service fee.