christmas market mini cruise 2023 from southampton

Christmas Cruises 2024

Christmas cruises: the perfect blend of travel, tradition and holiday shopping, set sail on our christmas cruises.

Traveling on the beautiful  MSC Preziosa , your holiday season will be filled with the wonder and charm of Europe’s Christmas Markets.

Cruise through the winter landscapes of Germany, the Netherlands, Belgium, and France, exploring the unique cultural expressions of Christmas from the heart of the cities of Hamburg, Rotterdam, Bruges, and Le Havre.

All bookings include Premium Extra Drinks!

Christmas Markets

From just £674pp for 7 nights, includes premium drinks, your itinerary, southampton, england.

Begin your magical holiday voyage from the historic port of Southampton, England, a bustling city with deep roots in maritime history. As you cast off from the iconic Port of Southampton, you’ll feel the first flutter of excitement, knowing you are embarking on a once-in-a-lifetime journey to the heart of Europe’s most enchanting Christmas markets.

After departing Southampton, your adventure begins with a day at sea, providing you with the perfect opportunity to relax and familiarise yourself with the ship’s amenities. Immerse yourself in the festive spirit as you enjoy the myriad of entertainment offerings, dine on exquisite cuisine, or sit back with a cup of hot cocoa and gaze upon the vast, tranquil ocean.

Hamburg, Germany

Step into a festive wonderland in Hamburg, where the air is filled with the aroma of roasted nuts, spiced wine, and fresh gingerbread. Stroll around the Rathausmarkt, lit up in a holiday glow, with over a hundred decorated stalls offering a captivating blend of handmade crafts, decorations, and delicious traditional treats. Listen to the cheerful carols filling the air and partake in the age-old tradition of warming up with a cup of Glühwein.

As we set sail from Hamburg, another day at sea awaits, offering a chance to reflect on the memories made in Germany and anticipate the wonders still to come. Engage in festive onboard activities, enjoy entertainment tailored for the holiday season, and relish the gourmet offerings of the top-tier dining experiences.

Rotterdam, The Netherlands

Next, we arrive in Rotterdam, where Dutch Christmas cheer is displayed in an array of twinkling lights, savory oliebollen, and sizzling street foods. Explore the city’s Christmas market, featuring beautifully adorned stalls. From unique Dutch crafts to the rich flavours of Gouda and Stroopwafels, Rotterdam offers a festive shopping experience unlike any other.

Bruges, Belgium

Then we venture to Bruges, Belgium, a medieval city that transforms into a fairy-tale Christmas village. From the enchanting glow of the Markt square to the delightful taste of Belgian chocolates and locally brewed beer, Bruges offers a heartwarming and unforgettable festive experience.

Le Havre, France

Our final destination is Le Havre, France, where the charm of French Christmas traditions is on full display. Wander the Christmas market with the city’s stunning architecture as your backdrop, savor mulled cider and local delicacies, and soak in the festive atmosphere.

As the sun sets on our last day in France, we set sail on a twilight voyage back to Southampton. As the coastline recedes and the ship moves gracefully through the calm waters, you’ll have a chance to reflect on your magical journey and share memories with newfound friends.

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christmas market mini cruise 2023 from southampton

• January 15, 2024

Welcome aboard the Christmas Market Mini Cruise 2023 departing from Southampton! This delightful journey will take you on an unforgettable adventure where you can experience the magic of the season at some of the most charming and festive Christmas markets in Europe. Get ready to indulge in traditional holiday treats, shop for unique gifts, and soak up the enchanting atmosphere of the yuletide season.

As we set sail from Southampton, we embark on a festive journey that promises to delight and inspire. Our first stop is the picturesque city of Bruges, Belgium. Known for its medieval architecture and winding canals, Bruges comes alive during the holidays as it transforms into a winter wonderland. The Christmas market in the city’s Grote Markt square is an exquisite sight to behold, with its twinkling lights, wooden chalets, and a towering Christmas tree adorned with dazzling decorations. As you wander through the market, be sure to sample some of Belgium’s famous chocolates, warm up with a cup of mulled wine, and admire the handmade crafts on display.

Next, our cruise takes us to the charming city of Amsterdam, where the Christmas market at Rembrandtplein is a festive extravaganza that captures the spirit of the season. Surrounded by historic buildings and illuminated by holiday lights, the market offers an array of artisanal goods, delectable treats, and festive entertainment. Take a leisurely stroll through the market and discover unique Dutch gifts, savory snacks like oliebollen and poffertjes, and enjoy the lively atmosphere created by carol singers and street performers.

As we continue our journey, we arrive at our final destination, the enchanting city of Hamburg, Germany. Embracing the true essence of a traditional German Christmas market, Hamburg’s iconic Rathausmarkt is a magical spectacle of twinkling lights, handcrafted ornaments, and the fragrant aroma of Glühwein and roasted chestnuts. Be sure to visit the historic St. Nikolai church, which hosts a medieval Christmas market where you can step back in time and experience the customs and traditions of yuletide celebrations from centuries past.

Throughout our adventure, our cruise ship provides a cozy and festive home away from home, with a host of holiday-themed activities and entertainment to keep the festive spirit alive. From tree decorating and gingerbread house making to special holiday-themed culinary experiences, there’s no shortage of merriment and joy on board.

As you disembark and bid farewell to the Christmas Market Mini Cruise 2023, you’ll return home with cherished memories of a truly magical holiday experience. So, whether you’re searching for unique gifts, indulging in seasonal treats, or simply immersing yourself in the joyous atmosphere of Europe’s most enchanting Christmas markets, this mini cruise is the perfect way to celebrate the season in style.

So, don’t miss out on this once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to experience the enchanting Christmas markets of Europe. Book your tickets now and get ready to embark on a festive journey that will fill your heart with holiday cheer and create memories that will last a lifetime. Happy Holidays and bon voyage!

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Top Christmas Markets mini cruises

Get into the festive mood with these traditional Christmas Markets mini cruises from DFDS.

Each year I grab any opportunity I can to visit authentic Christmas Markets across Europe.

These bustling markets are a pleasure to visit and would even warm the heart of Mr Scrooge.

👍 Hear about the deals first - click here and follow my Mini Cruise Addict page on Facebook (opens in new window).

Quaint wooden huts decorated in festive attire sell traditional gifts and seasonal food and drink. European Christmas Markets can be romantic, charming, fun and exciting all-in-one. It's easy to get lost in the festive cheer.

Each year DFDS runs a series of mini cruises to the most popular Christmas Markets in Germany, Belgium and The Netherlands. Having sailed on a couple I can wholeheartedly recommend them as a great winter short break holiday. Here is why.

Cologne Christmas Markets Mini Cruise

Cologne is a really beautiful city and it becomes even more special at Christmas. When I visited there were eight separate Christmas markets on offer.

Two nights in the very comfortable 4* Marriott Cologne hotel on Johannisstrasse offers plenty of time to see the sights and explore many of the Christmas Markets although you do need to plan your trip carefully if you want to visit all the different markets on offer.

4* Marriott Cologne hotel on Johannisstrasse

The Cologne Cathedral Christmas market is by far the biggest and most popular - but with that comes vast crowds. We visited the market a couple of times and on both occasions we felt more like sheep being herded rather than being able to meander at a leisurely pace. The crowds knew where they wanted to go and we had no choice but to follow, making a loop of the markets with great difficulty reaching any of the stalls.

This is the biggest market in Cologne and is free to look around so attracts flocks of locals as well as tourists to what is a relatively small footprint. Pick your times wisely and you should be able to move through this market at a leisurely pace. Alternatively merge into the crowd and experience one of the most authentic German Christmas Markets you will ever find.

Christmas Market at the Cologne Cathedral (Weihnachtsmarkt am Kölner Dom)

The Neumarkt Christmas market is ideally positioned next to Schildergasse, one of the main shopping streets in Cologne. This was a little quieter than the markets at the Cathedral but was still busy. My favourite markets were at Heumarkt and Altstadt. These two separate markets seemed to merge into one and featured a range of stalls selling local crafts such as candles through to those that were piled high with bars of tasty fudge, chocolates and more. These markets offered everything the Cathedral markets offered but in a significantly calmer manner. Here we could meander a lot more and browse at our own pace. There was also an ice rink which was popular with families and something none of the other markets we visited offered.

Ice Rink at Heumarkt

Make sure you visit the key attractions in Cologne besides the Christmas Markets. The very solemn Cologne Cathedral is definitely worth a visit. Leave the hustle and bustle of the outside world behind as you step into this quiet, cavernous cathedral. Head to Hohe Straße and Schildergasse for some retail therapy. Hohenzollernbrücke Bridge is an iconic bridge that features in many tourist photos (mine included!).

Hohenzollernbrücke Bridge with Cologne Cathedral in the background

When we walked across the bridge we couldn't help but notice the 'Love Lock' padlocks plastered across the fencing. This tradition of placing a padlock on the fence to symbolise a couple's love for each other has created a unique space. Some call it vandalism, others call it art.

Love locks on Hohenzollernbrücke Bridge

KölnTriangle Observation Deck is arguably one of the best kept secret vantage points Cologne has to offer. It offers fantastic views over the city and the Rhine river.

The view over Cologne and the River Rhine from the KölnTriangle Observation Deck

Lastly, due to the location of your hotel you are likely to walk through the Köln Hauptbahnhof railway station a number of times. This is more like an indoor shopping centre than a train station, with shops and restaurants lining the corridors, and so is a destination in its own right.

Prices start from just £259 per person for a four-night Cologne Christmas Markets mini cruise with DFDS Seaways ° . This includes two nights in an en-suite accommodation on-board, two nights bed and breakfast in the 4* Marriott Cologne hotel, coach transfers to and from Amsterdam and live on-board entertainment

Brussels Christmas Markets Mini Cruise

Brussels is home to my favourite Christmas Market. This is spread across a generous stretch of the city and encompasses lots of different aspects. Dozens of stalls can be found a few steps from the hotel at Place St Catherine (Winter Wonderland) along with an ice rink and a 60 metre-tall big wheel.

The bustling Winter Wonderland at Saint Catherine

The festivities continue along the streets to Grand Place where an amazing light and sound show is held each year. The memorising displays attract large crowds each night.

The light and sound show with projections onto the buildings at Grand Place

Make a beeline for the food trucks and food stalls that serve delicious food. They are incredibly popular and so food is always hot, fresh and perfect on a cold winter's night. Hot dogs cooked on a massive open fire, authentic Belgian frites and Belgian waffles can all make a filling meal on-the-go.

Besides the Christmas markets Brussels has quite a few attractions to check out. It also has an abundance of chocolate shops although be warned not all of them sell great tasting chocolate. If you want something authentic then avoid the shops with tall piles of 'cheap' boxes (they are priced relatively highly but would attract value pricing in a supermarket) and head to the small artisan producers that are tucked away around the city. These alone are reason to visit the city - the chocolate is THAT good!

The short break with DFDS Seaways includes a couple of nights in the 3* Ibis Brussels Centre St Catherine hotel. A few years ago they used the Novotel Centre Tour Noire which was one of the best hotels we have ever stayed in. It was spacious, very comfortable and the breakfast buffet was expansive. The Ibis alternative is just behind the Novotel hotel and when we last stayed there we found the hotel to be small, tired and somewhat lacking, although it is perfectly fine for a couple of nights. It does, however, sit a few steps away from the action so you really cannot fault the location.

Our tiny room at Ibis St Catherine which had barely enough space for the bed!

Prices start from just £219 per person for a four-night Brussels Christmas Markets mini cruise with DFDS Seaways ° . This includes two nights in an en-suite accommodation on-board, two  nights bed and breakfast in the 3* Ibis Brussels Centre St Catherine hotel, coach transfers to and from Amsterdam and live on-board entertainment.

Bruges Christmas Markets Mini Cruise

Bruges is a magical, historical city and worth a visit at any time of the year. But at Christmas it becomes even more special thanks to the Christmas Market that sets up shop at Grote Markt. This traditional market features wooden huts lined with gifts and tasty treats. The ice rink is loved by families and looks pretty set amongst the Medieval buildings typical of Bruges.

Plenty of delicious treats in The Chocolate Line in Bruges

Bruges, like Brussels, offers plenty of fantastic chocolate shops making it a great place to stock up on some tasty Christmas gifts. I would wholeheartedly recommend visiting Dominique Persoone's The Chocolate Line which offers both traditional, safe chocolate truffles as well as some more unique flavours . Bruges also boasts many top-rated restaurants and a number of museums too.

Prices start from just £239 per person for a four-night Bruges Christmas Markets mini cruise with DFDS Seaways ° . This includes two nights in an en-suite accommodation on-board, two  nights bed and breakfast in the 3* Novotel Brugge Centrum hotel, coach transfers to and from Amsterdam and live on-board entertainment

Amsterdam Christmas Markets Mini Cruise

Amsterdam isn't as famous for its Christmas Markets as it is Christmas shopping. While there are small Christmas markets dotted around the city they aren't anywhere near the scale of Brussels or Cologne. You can find market stalls on Leidseplein and Koningsplein. You'll even find an ice-rink too.

What the city lacks in its Christmas Markets it more than makes up for with its retail offerings. If you are after a great deal on your Christmas gift shopping then heading to Amsterdam is a great idea. The Dutch capital is famous for its excellent shopping, with everything you could possibly want from huge department stores to trendy and unique boutiques.

Meandering canals form the backbone of vibrant Amsterdam

At Christmas time, the city is illuminated with festive decorations along the cobbled streets and canal ways, transforming this city into a winter wonderland.

Prices start from just £129 per person for a three-night Amsterdam Christmas Markets mini cruise with DFDS Seaways ° . This includes two nights in an en-suite accommodation on-board, one night in an Amsterdam hotel (which can be extended if you wish), coach transfers to and from Amsterdam and live on-board entertainment

Bonus: New Year's Eve Mini Cruise

Following Christmas there's one more major mini cruise event in the calender before the year is over - the traditional New Year's Eve mini cruise . This is a seriously popular cruise each year and one that fills up very quickly.

This mini cruise departs Newcastle in the early evening on 30 December where you can enjoy live entertainment and music on your overnight crossing. You will arrive in Ijmuiden the next morning and a short coach transfer will take you into Amsterdam city centre where you will have up to 5 hours to spend at will. Catch the coach back to the ship before getting getting ready for the New Year's Eve celebrations.

The ship will take a leisurely cruise down the North Sea Canal towards Amsterdam and en-route you can feast on either a lavish gala buffet dinner or a delicious 3 course à la carte meal depending upon the package you book.

Enjoy all-inclusive drinks that night before toasting the arrival of the new year with your fellow passengers and crew. Head out on deck to see the famous Amsterdam fireworks display light up the sky as the new year begins. The atmosphere on-board will be electric.

The next morning you can enjoy a lazy breakfast on-board before exploring Amsterdam city again. After spending the first day of the year in this wonderful city you'll head back to the ship and then back to Newcastle, arriving early the next morning.

Prices start from just £189 per person for a three-night Amsterdam New Year's Eve mini cruise with DFDS Seaways ° . This includes three nights in an en-suite accommodation on-board, live bands and international acts, a gala buffet on New Year’s Eve, an all-inclusive bar on New Year’s Eve with sparkling wine at midnight, a hot and cold buffet breakfast on New Year’s Day morning, and coach transfers to / from Amsterdam. The open decks on the ship are also a great place to view the the Amsterdam fireworks on New Year's Eve. Prices start from £219 per person for all of this with an upgrade to a 3 course à la carte menu on New Year’s Eve instead of the buffet.

Top tips for all Christmas short breaks

• Book early to secure a good price and a place. The Christmas short breaks fill up quickly, particularly the New Year's Eve cruise.
• Plan your time wisely to get the most out of the trips. If you simply want to meander around the Christmas markets then there's plenty of time to do that but if you want to cram in some sightseeing too then you'll need to use your time wisely.
• Pack light and make sure you have room for souvenirs. You will undoubtedly find treat that would be perfect as Christmas gifts while you are on holiday.
• To that end, take a few extra Euros in case you stumble across gifts and souvenirs that you simply must buy.

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Amsterdam, netherlands.

A true capital of culture, Amsterdam is a must-see city. Navigate its Golden age canals, explore the 'Dutch' way by bike, take in its vibrant arts scene, or venture out of the city and explore the Netherland's beautiful countryside and charming villages on our Amsterdam mini cruises.

Visit the Flower Auction at Aalsmeer

Immerse yourself in the fragrant aromas and dazzling colors, and learn about the sophisticated sorting process on the auction floor where millions of flowers are bought and sold daily. 

Explore Amsterdam by boat

Amsterdam has more than 160 canals and 1,500 bridges and there's nothing like seeing a city from the water. Discover the central canal area, or “Canal Belt,” which was built in the 17th century during the Dutch Golden Age, gliding by 400 year old warehouses, mansions and historic churches.

Discover iconic museums and galleries

Amsterdam has museums and galleries for every interest. From the Van Gogh museum boasting the largest collection of paintings by the artist to Anne Frank's house, to lesser know gems such as Electric Ladyland, dedicated to flourescent art. 

Bruges, Belgium

Cities don’t get much prettier than Bruges. Picture quaint cobbled lanes, fairy tale spires and mirror-like canals; a place where photogenic market squares give way to networks of secretive streets. Of course, don't forget to sample the region's signature beer and chocolate on a short cruise to Bruges.

Learn the art of chocolate making

Explore the charming old city of Ghent and delve into the history and production of the culinary staple it is most known for – chocolate. Best of all, you’ll be treated to a delicious tasting and demonstration.

Discover Bruges city highlights

Wander the streets of the old town, a UNESCO world heritage site, past the famous Belfry Tower and Market Square and Burg Square, the focal point of life in ancient Bruges. Climb all 366 steps to the top of the Belfry Bell Tower and be rewarded with panoramic views of the city.  For a different perspective sit back and relax as you weave through the city's canals to take in the sights. 

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Begin your journey in the scenic city center before leaving the city behind to journey into the magnificent Flemish countryside. As you make your way to Damme near the Dutch border, you'll pass charming villages, ride under the shade of lush trees, admire countryside farms, and view Belgium's windmills. 

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Christmas Market Cruises from the UK in 2024, 2025, 2026

Discover the wonders of a christmas markets cruise from the uk. travelling from southampton or london tilbury and travelling north to belgium, holland and germany from late november through to christmas and into early january. cruise lines make christmas a special time to cruise with themed seasonal celebrations, glitzy decorations and special entertainment., best christmas market cruise deals from the uk.

Christmas Markets Cruises from the UK

Relax and enjoy the unique festive atmosphere aboard as you travel up towards some of Europe's most traditional Christmas Market cruise destinations. Antwerp, Bruges, Hamburg and the Dutch cities of Rotterdam and Amsterdam are favourite Christmas Market getaways.

Beautifully adorned with stunning Christmas decorations you'll wander around, chat with the friendly locals and explore the numerous festive delights. Sample the local delicacies while the sights and sounds of Christmas surround you.

Shop for that special souvenir, sip a glass of mulled wine or speciality beer and enjoy some luxurious sweet treats. The charm of a Christmas Markets cruise is a very special and unique experience to be sampled by every cruiser at least once.

Cruise lines that offer cruises at Christmas include Fred Olsen, Saga, Ambassador Cruises, P&O Cruises and Cunard.

Use our search to find the most suitable cruise for you. Making a decision early is recommended for Christmas Cruising as demand does tend to be very high and there only a selected number of cruises to choose from.

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The award-winning, modern International Passenger Terminal can accommodate up to 2,000 passengers…

Liverpool Cruise Terminal

The Three Graces dominate the view on the historic waterfront where passengers disembark and walk…

Dundee Cruise Terminal

Just a short walk from the city centre it is a fantastic place from which to explore local gems…

Rosyth Cruise Terminal

On the north bank of the River Forth, beside the iconic three bridges, and two miles from the M90,…

Edinburgh (Leith) Cruise Terminal

Proudly known as Scotland’s largest enclosed deep-water port, the Port of Leith can easily…

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Festive Markets

Antwerp Festive Getaway

Christmas Markets

Hamburg and Amsterdam Festive Break

Festive Getaway

German & Dutch Festive Sailing

With notable Christmas markets dotted across some of Europe’s popular cruising locations, a Christmas markets cruise from London Tilbury is the perfect option for a December getaway. Find your festive sparkle with warming mulled wine, Christmas trees in abundance and traditional festive foodie treats. Book your magical December adventure from cruise port London Tilbury with Ambassador Cruise Line today or read on to find out more.

Join us for a festive season like no other where you can rejoice in the knowledge that all the bells and whistles are taken care of by Ambassador Cruise Line. It’s always a wonderful time of year sailing with us but for the festive period, we really do push the boat out. Bringing you all your favourite holiday traditions (plus plenty of extra magic and sparkle), we have seasonal galas, festive shows, all your favourite anthems, and of course, unbeatable cuisine and full board food and drinks packages. 

With plentiful Christmas markets, Hamburg’s festive season is quite remarkable. Upon arrival, you can savour all the seasonal delights, finish your Christmas shopping, sip a mulled wine (or Glühwein) and simply soak in the magic. Then, of course, nothing quite says Christmas like Antwerp’s Groenplaats adorned in lights and traditional décor. Wander through stalls of seasonal offerings, take a skate on the rink, and revel in Belgium’s timeless festivities.

Copyright 2024 Ambassador Cruise Line is a trading name of Ambassador Cruise Holidays Limited.

Ambassador Cruise Holidays Limited is a company registered in England and Wales. Registered number: 13299365

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Home > MSC Cruises > MSC Cruises from Southampton

MSC Cruises from Southampton

The Italians really know how to spoil us… by providing us with their latest and greatest ships sailing from Southampton in 2024, 2025 and even 2026!

MSC Virtuosa is back in Southampton, fresh from starring in hit Channel 5 TV show ‘ A Good Ship Murder ‘. She will be offering no-fly cruises from April 2024 right through to October 2026!

Plus MSC Preziosa has a number of Northern Europe itineraries sailing in 2024.

With so many innovative features aboard all ships, such as a thrilling aqua park with a Himalayan bridge rope course 80m above the water; a humanoid robotic bartender; great fun for all the family, including F1 simulators, bowling, and XD cinema; along with superb dining and top-notch entertainment, you can be assured of a holiday that ticks all the right boxes. (Features vary by ship – please check before booking.)

For those looking for a touch of luxury, MSC Cruises have the perfect solution… MSC Yacht Club , a private and exclusive area on board, providing top-tier service, including a personal butler and access to exclusive areas. Enjoy the comforts of well-appointed suites and dedicated spaces while having the option to explore the ship’s full range of facilities! Find out about MSC Yacht Club here ► You can now book your MSC Cruises from Southampton online with us, or our award-winning cruise team are here for any help or advice you need. Call 02380 658 386

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Take the hassle out of your holiday search and let our knowledgeable cruise agents find you the perfect cruise by phone! Call 02380 658 386

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