Rhine Christmas Market Cruise Day 5: Castles, Christmas Markets, and Alabama Fun on the Rhine

The Rüdesheim Winery: A Toast to the Holidays

Last night we made a stop at one of Rüdesheim’s charming local wineries, nestled right in the heart of town. The tasting room was cozy and welcoming, with shelves lined with bottles of their finest vintages. The staff walked us through a tasting of their signature wines, from crisp Rieslings to rich reds that warmed us up from the inside out. Each sip was a celebration of the region’s winemaking heritage, and let’s just say a few bottles may have found their way back to the ship with us. They’ll make excellent “souvenirs” for a cozy night at home.

Alabama Fun at the Irish Pub

The night didn’t end there. After dinner, we took our holiday cheer to a cozy Irish pub in town, where things took a delightfully Southern turn. Fueled by good wine, great company, and a touch of Alabama spirit, we started a conga line right in the middle of the pub! Requests for some familiar Southern tunes soon followed, and before we knew it, we had everyone clapping along to classics from home. The energy was infectious, and even the locals couldn’t resist joining in the fun. When the pub shut down we figured it was time to call it a night and walk back to the ship.

Our Boat at Night

Rüdesheim Christmas Market: A Shopper’s Paradise

Our day began with a ride on the mini train into the heart of Rüdesheim, which felt like a mini parade in itself. Once at the market, we dove headfirst into the holiday spirit. Stalls overflowed with handcrafted treasures, festive lights twinkled overhead, and the smell of roasted nuts and mulled wine filled the air.

Naturally, we did some serious shopping. We found T-shirts for friends back home, Betsy completed her gnome ensemble with felted shoes, and we picked up a felted fairy house for Annie, along with unique jewelry and a ceramic grater that will definitely inspire some culinary adventures. And we even purchased this little number for one lucky guy this Christmas!

It was so much fun wandering the market and seeing what our new friends were picking out—there’s something magical about sharing the excitement of discovering the perfect gift. Our collection of market mugs expanded as well.

Lost Post? We weren't sure where this guy got all of his merch but you gotta admit it's a pretty clever idea. Mom got a 10 Euro surprise packet and it was a book in German. He wouldn't let us trade.

Vineyard Views: Gondola Rides Over the Rhine

After the market and the winery, we took a ride on the gondola that glides over the vineyards surrounding Rüdesheim. The views were breathtaking: endless rows of grapevines, the shimmering Rhine below, and castles perched in the distance. It felt like floating through a holiday fairytale.

Sailing the Rhine: Castles Everywhere

Back onboard, we set sail along the most magical stretch of the Rhine, passing more than 80 castles along the way. Each one seemed to tell its own story, from crumbling ruins steeped in history to majestic fortresses straight out of a fairytale. The guide’s narration brought the history to life as we sipped iced tea and admired the ever-changing scenery. Also, Betsy got to put her entire ensemble together. She soon became a photo op prop for many on the ship and she happily agreed to be a holiday gnome.

Betsy's Dream Glampground!

Lunch and Goulash Perfection

Dinner was another highlight, featuring rich, paprika-spiced goulash served with spaetzle and freshly baked bread. It was the ultimate comfort food after a day of exploring, and the dining room buzzed with conversation as we shared stories and admired each other’s market finds.

After lunch Alice treated herself to a massage while Mom and Betsy sailed along staying fascinated by the villages.

Alice and Betsy grabbed a cab and headed to one more Christmas Market were Betsy finally got her Bratwurst.

A Day to Treasure

Today was everything we hoped this trip would be. Whether it was sharing a laugh over mulled wine, picking out the perfect gift, or relaxing in the cozy ship lobby knitting and reading, every moment was filled with holiday magic and joy. Mom says she’s never been happier sitting in the lounge, drinking wine, knitting, making new friends and cruising past castles and other historic structures.

Santa comes tonight and we were instructed to leave our shoes out!

Getting ready for another fun day of sailing and more markets.