Slow Travel Trend
It’s time to slow down, to truly escape the rush of the day to day. Travel trends this year are continuing to lean more into wellness, sustainability, and intentional travel. This means people are wanting to disconnect from technology and plug into the people, environment, and authentic experiences of the places they visit. People are paying attention to the carbon footprint of ships, hotels, and transfers in order to choose options that aren’t adding environmental strain to their destinations. For some, this may start with bringing an empty reusable water bottle to the airport instead of purchasing a plastic water bottle at their gate. The cruising industry is intentional with making improvements to their ships and excursions to decrease their carbon footprint, but we will leave that for another conversation because there are so many great companies to discuss.
The river cruise industry is also trending, perhaps because it aligns beautifully with the slow travel trend. River cruises wind their way through the heart of countries, stopping in smaller towns each day for exploration your way. This means you only unpack one time, but get to enjoy visiting the charming towns and gorgeous views along the way. There are options to take walking, hiking, or biking tours of the area, to have an immersive experience with the owner of a local winery or truffle hunting with the expert resident pig, or to simply explore on your own.
On board you experience an attentive staff that get to know you and will anticipate your needs. You will have chef prepared meals and wines sourced from your cruise destinations. Local experts will also share pieces of their culture on board and informational sessions about the next town you will visit to help you decide your excursions. While river cruises have few passengers, the excursions are intentionally kept even smaller so you don’t feel like cattle being lead through a city.
Longer travel is also a part of the slow travel trend. River cruising offers more opportunities for 10+ day travel itineraries as well as the option to add a pre and post stay in other cities that the cruise ship may not enter, such as extended stay in Prague on a Danube itinerary.
River cruise destinations include Europe, Asia, Africa, and Colombia (only AmaWaterways). I’d love to help you with your river cruise options. As more companies enter the river cruise space you will see even more opportunities and unique offers.
Cheers,
April
emeraldjourneystravel@gmail.com
#slowtraveltrend2026 #rivercruise2026 #europetravel #traveladvisor
Tis the Season for Glühwein
The Warmth of Tradition: Why December Means Mulled Wine
As the days grow shorter and the air turns crisp, a particular, comforting aroma begins to drift through Europe’s medieval squares: the sweet, spicy scent of mulled wine. Known in Germany and Austria as Glühwein (“glow-wine”), this hot, spiced concoction is more than just a drink; it is the liquid heart of the Christmas Market season.
For the premium traveler, the best way to chase this warming tradition is not by navigating crowded trains, but by sailing effortlessly from one festive port to the next on a luxury river or ocean cruise.
At Emerald Journeys Travel, we believe the perfect holiday journey pairs cultural immersion with unparalleled comfort. Let’s uncork the magic of mulled wine and the world-class cruise lines that will take you to its source.
What Exactly is Glühwein? (And Where Else Do They Serve It?)
Mulled wine is typically a red wine base (though white varieties exist) infused with spices like cinnamon sticks, cloves, star anise, vanilla pods, and often sweetened with sugar and flavored with citrus. Its history dates back to the Roman Empire, where spiced, heated wine was a means of protection against the winter cold.
While Glühwein is the most famous iteration, you’ll find regional variations across Europe:
Glögg (Nordic Countries): Often fortified with stronger spirits like brandy or vodka and served with almonds and raisins.
Vin Chaud (France): Often enjoyed in the charming markets of the Alsace region.
Vin Brulé (Italy): A beloved tradition in the Italian Alps and Dolomites.
Where to Sip & Sail: The River Cruise Magic
The quintessential mulled wine experience is found in the enchanting, historic towns lining the great European rivers. River cruises are the perfect vessel for Christmas Market touring—your luxury hotel sails with you, depositing you steps away from the twinkling market stalls.
The Danube & Rhine: The Glühwein Heartland
The Danube and Rhine rivers host the most iconic Christmas Markets, making them the specialty of our preferred luxury river lines:
- AmaWaterways: Known for their luxurious twin-balcony ships and exceptional cuisine, AmaWaterways perfectly curates itineraries that capture the spirit of the holidays. Imagine returning from the famed markets of Vienna, Nuremberg, or Cologne to a festive, multi-course meal in The Chef’s Table restaurant, a perfect, sophisticated contrast to the market atmosphere.
- UniWorld Boutique River Cruises: For those seeking bespoke, all-inclusive luxury, UniWorld offers floating boutique hotels. Their Christmas Market cruises are renowned for their impeccable service and included excursions, ensuring your path to the best Glühwein stall is seamless and stylish.
- Scenic Luxury Cruises & Tours: Truly all-inclusive means no worries about market currencies or tipping. With Scenic’s innovative Scenic Freechoice excursions, you can choose activities that get you closer to the cultural heart of the markets, all capped off by a relaxing return to your spacious suite aboard their opulent Star-Ships.
- Emerald Cruises: Offering exceptional value in the luxury sphere, Emerald Cruises provides modern, sleek Star-Ships. They offer fantastic itineraries hitting key spots like Budapest and Strasbourg, allowing you to maximize your time soaking up the atmosphere and collecting those famous souvenir mugs.
Global Warmth: The Festive Ocean Experience
While river cruises are ideal for the German markets, luxury ocean lines offer spectacular ways to experience festive holidays globally, whether you’re chasing the sun or seeking other unique winter traditions.
Premium & Ultra-Luxury Ocean Journeys
- Silversea Cruises: For the discerning traveler, Silversea offers ultra-luxury, all-inclusive, and intimate sailings that can take you to smaller, festive ports in Northern Europe, the British Isles, or the Mediterranean, where sophisticated, warm spiced beverages are served with your butler’s signature touch.
- Celebrity Cruises: With a modern, upscale flair, Celebrity Cruises transforms its stunning ships into holiday havens. Their global itineraries mean you could be enjoying a festive, modern twist on a Vin Caliente while cruising the Mexican Riviera or enjoying holiday decor on a Mediterranean sailing.
- Princess Cruises: A classic choice for holiday sailings, Princess Cruises decks its ships with dazzling lights and offers a vibrant, family-friendly holiday atmosphere. Look for their seasonal menus featuring warm drinks and festive flavors as you sail to destinations around the globe.
Your Next Step: Securing the Glow
Christmas Market cruises are one of the most popular and fastest-selling itineraries each year. The premium experience you desire—the best suite, the perfect itinerary, the specific sailing date—often sells out a year or more in advance.
Don’t miss the 2026 holiday season!
Contact Emerald Journeys Travel today. As premium cruise specialists, we will guide you through the intricacies of choosing between the intimate charm of an AmaWaterways or UniWorld sailing, the all-inclusive luxury of Scenic, or the global sophistication of Silversea or Celebrity.
Let us secure your spot on the world’s most festive rivers and oceans, ensuring your December 2026 is filled with comfort, culture, and that unmistakable, spicy warmth of a perfect mug of Glühwein.
Call Emerald Journeys Travel to start planning your December 2026 holiday cruise today!