Now imagine experiencing this festive magic on a cruise, where you can taste Christmas traditions from around the world without lifting a finger (except perhaps to raise a fork). Welcome aboard the ultimate culinary journey through global holiday fare, all while you sail through stunning scenery.
1. Stollen in Germany
A Rhine River cruise during the Christmas season isn’t complete without sampling Stollen, Germany’s iconic holiday bread. This dense, fruit-laden loaf dusted in powdered sugar is as traditional as tinsel on a tree. And trust us, eating it in the heart of Germany, perhaps at a Christmas market in Cologne or Strasbourg, elevates the experience to pure yuletide bliss. Served with mulled wine (or “Glühwein,” if you’re feeling authentic), Stollen becomes less of a snack and more of an event.
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2. Feast on seven fishes in Italy
Set sail along the Mediterranean to discover Italy’s La Vigilia, or the Feast of Seven Fishes, a Christmas Eve tradition that’s as delicious as it is extravagant. Imagine fresh seafood dishes like baccalà (salt cod), calamari, and linguine alle vongole served under a starry sky on the Amalfi Coast.
3. Sarmale in Romania
Fancy a cruise along the Danube? Then you’re in for a treat with sarmale, Romania’s festive dish of cabbage rolls stuffed with rice, pork, and aromatic spices. Pair this hearty dish with a shot of pălincă (Romanian plum brandy) and you’ve got yourself a very merry Christmas indeed.
4. Risalamande in Scandinavia
If your voyage takes you to Nordic shores with Hurtigruten, prepare for a sweet surprise: risalamande, a creamy rice pudding topped with cherry sauce and, traditionally, a hidden almond. Finding the almond is said to bring good luck. Add in the ethereal Northern Lights as your dining backdrop, and you’ll wonder why anyone celebrates Christmas without snow and risalamande.
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5. Lechón in the Caribbean
For a tropical twist on Christmas, head to the Caribbean, where lechón—roast suckling pig—is the star of the season. Imagine tender, crispy pork served alongside plantains, rice, and beans, all while you relax on a white-sandy beach. Many cruise lines, offer itineraries specifically tailored to letting you soak up the sun and the unique flavours of the islands.
6. Bibingka in the Philippines
If you find yourself cruising through Asia during the festive season, don’t miss bibingka, a traditional Filipino rice cake cooked in clay pots lined with banana leaves. Typically topped with salted eggs and grated coconut, bibingka strikes the perfect balance between sweet and savoury. It’s a holiday staple served after Simbang Gabi (dawn mass) and pairs beautifully with a cup of steaming tsokolate (Filipino hot chocolate).
7. Bûche de Noël in France
France knows how to do Christmas right, and the Bûche de Noël, or Yule Log cake, is proof. This decadent dessert—an edible homage to the wood-burning Yule logs of old—is typically rolled with rich chocolate cream and dusted with powdered sugar. Whether you’re cruising along the Seine or docking in Marseille, you’ll find no shortage of patisseries ready to tempt you.
8. Christmas Pudding in the UK
Finally, let’s not forget the iconic British Christmas pudding. A rich, dense concoction of dried fruits, spices, and a healthy glug of brandy, it’s often served flaming at the end of Christmas dinner.
If you’re cruising with Ambassador Cruise Line from the UK, chances are you’ll get to enjoy this quintessential holiday treat, perhaps with a dollop of custard or cream on top.