In pictures: Rhine River Christmas cruise

Viking Jarl was christened on March 20, 2013, along with nine other German-built Viking Longships, and it officially entered service four months later. There is a definite “new ship smell” aboard the Jarl, from the leather-accented, three-glass-walled elevator to the all-weather indoor/outdoor Aquavit Terrace with its access to brisk Rhine River breezes. (Photo: Viking River Cruises)

A stream of 190 passengers made their way onboard at the Port of Amsterdam. At the ready to attend to them were 45 crewmembers. Accommodations ranged from 95 staterooms to two Explorer Suites and seven two-room Veranda Suites. The consensus among the guests: holiday-season deals had prompted them to go ahead and book a long-wished-for cruise. (Photo: Viking River Cruises)

Before setting off, we had independent time for exploring Amsterdam. Myriad choices were available to us, including the city norm: bicycle. We chose an hour-long canal cruise for an overview of the city and an up-close look at houseboats. We spotted several follow-up sites for our itinerary: the Anne Frank House on Prinsengracht; NEMO, the Netherlands’ largest science museum; Bloemenmarkt, the world’s only floating flower market; and a vintage market alongside the canal. (Photo: Bekah Wright)

On the Rhine Getaway, Europe’s much-lauded Christmas markets were as touted as the UNESCO World Heritage sites. Most holiday markets are open during Advent, from Dec. 1-24. Many were already extending their dates, opening early and shuttering in the New Year. Amsterdam’s nine markets were either under construction or operational. This was the perfect spot to stop for a Danish confection: Oliebollen, a fried dough ball. (Photo: Bekah Wright)

First stop on the Jarl’s route was to see a UNESCO site, the Kinderdijk-Elshout mill network. The village, just nine miles outside Rotterdam, is home to 16 of the Netherlands’ 28 remaining wooden windmills, a number that once stood at 150. (Photo: Bekah Wright)

Rain greeted us as the Jarl pulled into Cologne, Germany. Undaunted by the weather, passengers strolled through the city’s cobblestone streets en route to the High Gothic Kölner Dom, or Cologne Cathedral, a UNESCO site whose construction began in 1248 and lasted until 1880. Inside, visitors can see various relics, including the Shrine of the Three Kings. Despite being damaged by 14 bombs during World War II, Cologne Cathedral has withstood the test of time. (Photo: Bekah Wright)

During this holiday season, Cologne Cathedral shares its space with Weihnactsmarkt, one of the city’s seven Christmas markets. (Photo: Bekah Wright)

There are a multitude of attractions in Cologne, from the Farina and 4711 Houses — which kicked off an “Eau de Cologne” revolution — to the Schokoladen, or Chocolate Museum. Ducking the inclement weather, we spent the afternoon in the Wallraf-Richartz Museum. Not only did it feature the works of masters from Rembrandt to van Gogh, but the museum’s location allowed for birds-eye views of a museum under construction that will showcase the archeological digs of a medieval Jewish quarter. (Photo: Bekah Wright)

The town of Koblenz was still asleep when the Viking Jarl docked beside the Festung Ehrenbreistein fortress, at a juncture where the Middle Rhine meets the Moselle River. But the statue of Wilhelm I at the fortress’s Deutsches Eck, or German Corner, never slumbers. (Photo: Bekah Wright)

A short drive from Koblenz is 800-year-old Marksburg Castle, one of the best-preserved castles on the Rhine. Set on a hill overlooking Braubach and the Loreley Valley, Marksburg Castle’s location kept it safe from attacks throughout centuries of wars. (Photo: Image from www.marksburg.de)

High above the German city of Heidelberg, Viking Jarl passengers visit the Schloss Heidelberg palace. The initial structure was built in 1294. Various incarnations of the castle were built over the years after damage by wars and a fire brought on by lightning. In 1614, the Garden of the Palatinate was built by a besotted Frederick V to impress his young bride, Elizabeth Stuart. At the time, the garden’s landscape and horticulture techniques garnered it the title of Eighth Wonder of the World. (Photo: Bekah Wright)

Now a tourist attraction, Heidelberg’s red sandstone ruins still impress today with features such as the world’s largest wine barrel and views of the Neckar River meandering alongside the baroque town. (Photo: Bekah Wright)

One of five annual Christmas markets underway in Alstadt, or Old Town, with its own castle views. (Photo: Bekah Wright)

Along with wooden toys and ornaments, afternoon visitors to the market get their fill of favorite German fare like lebkuchen and zweibel kuchen, accompanied by a steaming mug of Gluhwein. (Photo: Bekah Wright)

Strasbourg, France, wished the Viking Jarl a frosty bonjour upon its docking in Kehl. (Photo: Bekah Wright)

A stroll through dual-cultured Strasbourg brought out a blend of French and German architecture. (Photo: Bekah Wright)

Rue Mercière leads through a World Heritage zone to Strasbourg Cathedral. Our group was enthralled by the astronomical clock with sculpted figures that launch into motion at certain hours. Time still allowed for ascending the 332 steps to the cathedral’s platform as well as for checking out other Strasbourg highlights, including the Museum of Modern & Contemporary Art, Musée de l’Œuvre Notre-Dame and a Batorama canal tour. (Photo: Bekah Wright)

The Viking Jarl docks at Breisach, a gateway to Schwarzwald, otherwise known as the Black Forest. (Photo: Bekah Wright)

The snow-laden evergreens made way for a cuckoo clock factory, where glassblowing and Black Forest gateau construction demonstrations spurred both holiday purchases and appetites. (Photo: Bekah Wright)

The longship set off on its final leg through the locks of the Rhine en route to Basel, Switzerland. Instilled in its passengers: a newfound appreciation of the culture along Father Rhine’s banks and a unique immersion into the holidays. (Photo: Bekah Wright)