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CASTLES, CATHEDRALS & CHRISTMAS MARKETS CRUISE DOWN THE RHINE

Viking Kara, docked at Kehl, our gateway to Strasbourg

guides showed us why these cities are appealing anytime. And But the camaraderie onboard Viking Kara may have been
we never had to pack between ports. the best gift of all to those of us gathered during our eight-day
December is when this region of Europe becomes even more cruise. “I admit that I was concerned at first about the open
magical because traditional Christmas markets take over historic seating policy and the structure of the meals,” Dr. Ben Bratch-
city squares to sell seasonal gifts and local foods. Sipping gluh- er, a dentist from Texas who was celebrating his 25th wedding
wein (mulled wine with brandy) and munching on various ver- anniversary with his wife, Julie, told me later. “I am not a veter-
sions of fried potatoes, including my favorite, reibekuchen (po- an cruiser so my expectations were based on what I had heard
tato pancakes), we’d navigate the crowds to find perfect presents. from ocean cruises. I was quickly corrected and thoroughly en-

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