Q&A: APT and Travelmarvel cruise director Roland Noordermeer

Get the best of the festive season with tips on Christmas markets cruises from APT and Travelmarvel’s cruise director, Roland Noordermeer

Q. What does your role as cruise director involve?
A. My journey as a cruise director began 24 years ago, and the passion I felt on day one remains as strong as ever. My role is to ensure that every aspect of our guests’ holiday runs seamlessly.

My day starts early, preparing for the activities ahead and ensuring everything is set up before passengers awake. In the evening, I brief guests on the next day’s destination and answer any questions. We end each day with a fantastic dinner and evening entertainment.

Q. What can passengers expect on a Christmas markets cruise?
A. Guests have plenty of free time to explore the beautifully decorated markets, soak up the atmosphere and perhaps pick up some handcrafted gifts along the way.

In addition to the markets, our cruises offer an array of other festive activities, such as visits to iconic landmarks, traditional local performances and special onboard celebrations.

We also offer immersive sightseeing experiences such as the Bavarian night on our Reflections of the Rhine & Main itinerary, where guests can enjoy traditional food and dance to folk music long into the night.

Q. Is it too late to book a Christmas markets cruise for this year?
A. There is still some availability for our November and December 2024 departures, but I would advise agents to book quickly. Looking ahead to 2025, the eight-day Christmas on the Danube cruise, departing from Budapest to Munich on December 22, offers a magical Christmas Eve in Vienna and a charming Christmas Day in Dürnstein.

The New Year’s Eve on the Danube itinerary, sailing from Munich to Budapest on December 29, 2025, includes a New Year celebration in Regensburg.

Q. Where do you suggest guests warm up back on board?
A. A unique feature of our Contemporary ships – Polaris, Capella and Vega – is McGeary’s Bar, a pub where guests can unwind with hearty meals, watch a game or enjoy a local beer.

Another addition is our barista service, which is perfect for coffee lovers who want to start their day with a professionally brewed cup of coffee, before setting off on their daily excursions along the Rhine, Main or Danube.

Q. Which is your favourite Christmas market?
A. On the Reflections of the Rhine and Main river cruise from Amsterdam to Nuremberg, the Christmas markets in Rüdesheim, Bamberg and Nuremberg are all worth exploring. But Cologne’s is my favourite; the largest Christmas market, set against the backdrop of Cologne Cathedral, is a must-see.