Try a sweet, refined Riesling in Austria, a bold Müller-Thurgau in Germany, a peppery Grenache in Washington State and a fruity Pinot Noir or crisp, dry Chardonnay in France. Aboard ship, your wine hosts, renowned experts in the art and nuances of winemaking, will lead you through additional tastings and created specialized wine pairings with your dinner that night. Sit with them as the sun sets over the terraced wineries lining the river and soak in their knowledge while sharing stories of that “perfect glass” of wine that changed your life.

Along the Mississippi River, there are wine cruises celebrating the vintner’s gifts in states such as Missouri, but the real treats are the bourbon theme cruises touching at ports in Kentucky and Tennessee along the Ohio and Tennessee rivers.  Go behind the scenes of distilleries in operation for generations and learn the characteristics of the bourbons from each location and discover how to infuse bourbon into your everyday recipes.

There are few experiences more joyous, more full of life and more colorful than a cruise along the Rhine or Danube during the holidays. In quaint towns and refined cities, you will find an array of Christmas markets, a European tradition that infuses each destination with the spirit of the holidays. Located in prominent parks, city squares or sometimes outside the gates of castles, Christmas markets are filled with gaily decorated stalls filled not just with one-of-a-kind gifts but also local food and drink. Best of all, although the markets draw their fair share of tourists, they are a favorite spot for locals to immerse themselves in the spirit of the season.

Share a hot mug of traditional mulled wine called glühwein with an Austrian and learn more about their land from a native’s perspective. Pop by a booth selling hand-carved egg shell ornaments, then try a slice of black forest cake with a friendly German. Sample a chocolate-laden linzer torte, a delicate dominostein, a cup of warm almonds coated in crunchy brown sugar, or tackle the best apple strudel you’ve ever tasted. Don’t leave without savoring a stein of the local beer and a fresh soft pretzel so large that you’re happy to share it with your new friends.

Join a shore excursion where you accompany the ship’s chef to local farmer’s markets to select vegetables, fruits, and tender meats before returning to the ship and trying your hand at cooking alongside a famed expert. Go on a progressive dinner through the hidden culinary gems of a small river town led by a local. Or simply sit back, relax, and enjoy the special treats reflecting the region in which you’re sailing presented with passion and panache in the ship’s dining room.