Coffee first found its way to Istanbul in the sixteenth century. Known as the "milk of artists, chess players and thinkers," it quickly became popular with the Ottoman court. Today Turkish coffee retains its appeal thanks to a unique brewing method that produces a delicious aroma and a thick, syrupy consistency, with grounds that settle at the bottom of the cup. Those grounds are useful even after you finish your coffee as they can be read to predict your fortune! But did you know that today tea is actually Turkey's most popular drink? The shift happened when the Ottoman Empire collapsed and coffee became an expensive import. Whichever is your favorite, be sure to enjoy it with the region's most famous sweets - Turkish Delight, a family of confections typically made from chopped dates, pistachios or hazelnuts.

Europe's Christmas markets are where the spirit and romance of the holidays come alive. It's not just the markets that have all the magic of the holidays, but our ships are adorned in festive attire as well. Join Karine as she explores some fairy tale settings of Europe's Christmas Markets.

Around the Christmas season, public houses in nearly every European town offer mulled wine as a delicious antidote to the season's chill. To warm up on a stormy evening or put yourself in a celebratory mood, try making your own Glühwein at home.