There’s one thing really magical about atmosphere sail as iciness falls, with Europe’s cobbled squares sopping wet in fairy lighting and the odor of mulled wine and gingerbread putting within the brisk air. If you happen to’re dreaming of the most efficient Christmas marketplace cruise glance no additional. We’ve combed the choices for standout itineraries, blending grand outdated favourites with a couple of atmospheric surprises.
Surprising Christmas Markets on the Middle of Europe
Fred. Olsen’s Eu Christmas Markets Cruise (FREDS2532)
Departing from Dover on 8 December 2025, this cruise whisks you from Portsmouth to Warnemünde (for Berlin), Riga, Tallinn (in a single day), Helsinki (in a single day), Copenhagen (in a single day).
We’d pick out this one for the itinerary on my own – particularly for marketplace aficionados. Fred. Olsen is understood for its intimate ships, providing a convivial on-board environment that works particularly neatly for solo travellers or {couples}. You’ll have time in each and every port to wander markets, pick out up home made presents, and take in the seasonal spirit. Antwerp is all of a sudden organising itself as one of the crucial prettiest Christmas markets in Europe.
15 nights.
Guide your festive get away to Riga, Tallinn and Copenhagen
P&O Cruises’ German Christmas Markets (POJ520)
Crusing from Southampton on 3 December 2025, heading to Hamburg (in a single day), Copenhagen (in a single day), Oslo (in a single day), Amsterdam (in a single day)
Hamburg’s Christmas International at Rathausmarkt is impressive, Rotterdam’s Markthal is a colourful new spotlight, and Zeebrugge’s simple get entry to to Bruges is a medieval snow-scene within the making (climate allowing). P&O’s Arcadia provides a full of life, fashionable British revel in, with plentiful time to seek out that absolute best glass bauble, or heat your arms on a sizzling chocolate.
14 nights.
Set sail for Hamburg’s Christmas International and Copenhagen’s magic
MSC Poesia Northern Eu Christmas Markets Cruise (MSCPO20251212SOUSOU)
Leave Southampton 12 December 2025, visiting Hamburg, Rotterdam, Zeebrugge (Bruges), and again.
We sailed an overly equivalent course a couple of years in the past—learn our complete account right here. The MSC deliver was once completely applicable: first rate meals, at ease cabins, and a pleasant, polyglot crowd. MSC schedules those itineraries weekly thru iciness, although December costs spike.
Most sensible tip: Already been to Bruges? Take an tour to Brussels and try the Christmas Marketplace on the Grand Position.
7 nights.
Enjoy no-fly festive cruising to Hamburg and Bruges
Take a look at our Whole Information to MSC Cruises Beverages Programs for more information concerning the onboard revel in.
Cunard Queen Anne’s Northern Eu Christmas Markets Cruise (CUNARDH532)
Sail from Southampton on 14 December 2025, with Hamburg, Rotterdam, Zeebrugge (Bruges) at the itinerary.
Similar ports, utterly other vibe. Cunard’s Queen Anne attire the deliver in festive finery, with gala dinners, ballroom dancing, and opulent afternoon teas. If you wish to have a vintage, somewhat cosier, extra conventional British Christmas, that is the price ticket.
7 nights.
Step into the golden age of festive cruising
Take a look at our information to Lodges close to Southampton Cruise Terminal
Ambassador Christmas Markets Cruise (A12531)
Embark MS Atmosphere at Tilbury on 14 December 2025, heading to Hamburg, Amsterdam, Zeebrugge (for Bruges), and again.
There’s one thing appealingly understated about Ambassador: no-frills, however giant on price and a pleasant, laid-back environment. It’s an excellent selection if you wish to have a simple, great-value marketplace revel in with out the bells and whistles of a ‘mega-ship’.
Amusing Truth: MS Atmosphere was once the unique Regal Princess operated through Princess Cruises.
6 nights.
Step aboard for a pleasant, festive cruise to Hamburg and Amsterdam
Take a look at our Whole Information to Ambassador Beverages Programs for more information concerning the onboard revel in.
A True Christmas Cruise
P&O Aurora’s Christmas and New 12 months Cruise (POR524)
Depart Southampton on 22 December 2025 for Copenhagen (in a single day), Oslo (in a single day) Rotterdam (in a single day) Southampton.
If you wish to have a actual Christmas cruise — tree, turkey, tinsel and all — that is the only. You’ll spend Christmas Day at sea, surrounded through the deliver’s chic festive decorations and a complete programme of carols, movies, and ‘Christmas jumper’ competitions. The Christmas marketplace at Tivoli Gardens in Copenhagen is known.
10 nights.
Have a good time a standard Christmas and New 12 months at sea
A Festive Taster for First-Timers
Ambassador Festive Tilbury Taster (A22534)
Embark in Tilbury on 19 December 2025 for a 2-night keep on Ambition.
Whilst there aren’t any native markets in this keep, it’s a cost-effective approach to see for those who like cruising sooner than committing to every week (or extra) at the waves. Ambition stays tied up in Tilbury, permitting you to revel in displays, foods, beverages and leisure – with out ever leaving dock.
2 nights.
Check out cruising with a festive mini-getaway
Which Christmas Marketplace Cruise Must You Make a selection?
Ultimate Ideas
A Christmas marketplace cruise is ready excess of buying groceries – it’s an opportunity to immerse your self within the icy, twinkling magic of Europe’s towns at their maximum atmospheric. Whether or not you wish to have conventional British convenience, energetic global aptitude, or an opportunity to spend Christmas Day at sea, there’s a cruise right here for each and every temper and price range.
In a position to set sail? Browse all of the highest festive cruises and deal with your self to a iciness journey you received’t overlook.
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