T'was the Night Before my Viking Christmas River Cruise

Basel Christmas Market. Photography: Property of Viking River Cruises unless noted. Unauthorized use is prohibited.
Basel Christmas Market. Photography: Property of Viking River Cruises unless noted. Unauthorized use is prohibited.
T'was the night before my Viking cruise, when all through the house,
Not a creature was stirring, not even a mouse.
The suitcases were packed by the doorway with care,
In hopes that our ride would soon be there.
The travel bloggers were nestled all snug in their beds,
While visions of Christmas markets danced in their heads.
Villages aglow with their Christmas lights,
Toys, food and glühwein were sure to delight.
Christkindlmarkt or Christmas Market Glühwein. Photo: TheGirlRG.
Christkindlmarkt or Christmas Market Glühwein. Photo: TheGirlRG.
When out on the river there arose such a clatter,
I sprang from the bed to see what was the matter.
Away to the window I flew like a flash,
Tore open the shutters and threw up the sash.
Salzburg Castle at Christmastime.
Salzburg Castle at Christmastime.
The moon on the breast of the new-fallen snow
Gave the luster of midday to objects below.
When, what to my wondering eyes should appear,
But a Viking Longship alongside the pier.
Captain St. Nick's helpers.
Captain St. Nick's helpers. 
With a little old driver, so lively and quick,
I knew in a moment it must be Viking Captain St. Nick.
More rapid than eagles his longships they came,
And he whistled, and shouted, and called them by name!
Eight tiny Viking Longships? ; )
Eight tiny Viking Longships? ; )
"Now Freya! now, Odin!! now, Ingvi and Skadi!
On, Idun, On Gullveig, on Baldur and Magni!
To the end of the quay! To the rivers afar!
We'll sail down the Danube, under the northern star!
"Happy Viking Christmas to all, and to all a good-night!"
Winter night in Melk, Austria.
Winter night in Melk, Austria.

Read more about my upcoming Viking Christmas Market river cruise.

Here's a sneak peek into my upcoming cruise with Viking River Cruises.



Special thanks to Clement Clarke Moore from whom I borrowed these enchanting Christmas verses.

Comments

  1. Happy Viking Christmas to YOU! It's going to be an awesome trip, I'm sure. Love those European Christmas markets and what a great way to get around to them.

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    1. Thank you so much my dear friend! I really can't wait to hop onboard and sail the Danube! Thank you for stopping by and for your kind wishes!!

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  2. Hi Jeff,
    From the top photo of this post I thought at first you would be taking one of the Viking cruises along the Rhine that begin/end in Basel (my current place of residence).
    Thanks for the inspiration I've found on your website - since giving me an awesome shortlist of villages in the Alsace to visit in the summer, I'm now suitably inspired to head out to Colmar's Christmas Market for the first time.

    I hope your cruise along the Danube is everything you hope it will be and more!

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    1. HI there Troy and thanks so much for stopping by. Sorry for the confusion but wanted to show all kinds of destinations of this post. My voyage is detailed in the link at the end of the article. Thanks for your wishes too!!

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  3. Have a great time, Jeff - I can't wait to see your photos and hear all about the cruise!!

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    1. Hi there Lisa! Thank you so much for your kind wishes!! I can't wait to share my entire experience too!!

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  4. Love your poem, Jeff.
    Happy Viking Christmas to you too. I know you're going to have a blast!

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    1. Hi there Marcia! Thank you so much for stopping by! Glad you liked my poem, I had a blast with it! A very happy Viking Christmas to you too my dear friend!

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  5. Thank you so much my friend for stopping by and for your kind words!!

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  6. I was surprised when I saw my name there ;) Happy Viking Christmas, Jeff! Enjoy it!

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    1. You know it my friend!! Part of the reason I included it in my choice of 28 Longships. ; ) Thanks so much for stopping by!!

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  7. We are still SO jealous!! But looking forward to following along on the blog. :) Have fun!

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    1. HI there my friend! Thank you so much for stopping by and for following along too! It's going to be an amazing trip, a dream come true for me!!

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  8. Love this Jeff!
    Merry Christmas to you and hope you enjoyed your festive cruise.

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    1. How I wish it still T'was the night before my cruise! Thank you so much for stopping by my friend!

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