Christmas Market Cruises
Step aboard and into a world of twinkling lights, warming mulled wine and centuries-old traditions on our magical Christmas market cruises.[ReadMoreMob] Instead of the usual festive rush, you'll enjoy a relaxed voyage between historic towns and cities where seasonal customs have been lovingly kept alive for generations. Sailing from the UK aboard our smaller ships, you'll dock close to the heart of each destination, ready to wander cobbled squares transformed into winter wonderlands, browse for handcrafted gifts and unique treasures, and breathe in the inviting aromas of roasting chestnuts and seasonal treats. It's Christmas as it was always meant to be: unhurried, authentic and full of charm.
Discover our Christmas market cruises
Our Christmas Market cruises offer a more personal way to experience the spirit of the festive season. You’ll wander Germany’s historic cities, explore the markets of towns in France, and uncover unique treasures in Belgium, all while enjoying the comfort and care of your smaller ship. Also, because you can sail from the UK, there are no airports to negotiate: step aboard and let the season begin. [ReadMoreMob][ReadMoreDesk]
From the moment you step aboard, every detail is thoughtfully arranged to complement your festive market adventure. Each morning brings a new destination to explore at your own pace, and later in the day, you’ll return to a warm and welcoming ship, where festive touches and friendly service await.
Why choose Christmas Market cruises
Authentic Festive Experiences
Experience Christmas markets at a gentler pace, with time to sample local delicacies, meet the craftspeople behind traditional gifts and enjoy the unique character of each market.[ReadMoreMob] Our thoughtfully planned itineraries give you plenty of time to explore, browse and take in the festive atmosphere, so you can create special holiday memories without feeling hurried.
Escape the Festive Rush
Step away from the supermarket queues and last-minute wrapping, and enjoy a gentler way of celebrating.[ReadMoreMob] On a Christmas Market cruise, you can take in the sights, sounds and flavours of the season, while we look after every little detail.
Magical Winter Destinations
From Germany's Christmas market in Hamburg to the charming festive celebrations in Rouen and Honfleur, each destination offers its own unique character and traditions.[ReadMoreMob] Explore centuries-old markets where the spirit of Christmas comes alive through twinkling lights, traditional carols and the warmth of local hospitality.
Smaller Ships, Closer to the Markets
Because our ships are smaller, they can sail where larger vessels can't, gliding up the scenic River Seine to dock right in the heart of Rouen, or into the centre of Hamburg.[ReadMoreMob] More often than not, you're just a short stroll from the market stalls, so it's easy to wander back aboard whenever you please.
So much already included
Your world cruise fare covers far more than your cabin. Every Freedom Fare includes:
- Full board dining, from five-course à la carte dinners to afternoon tea
- Selected drinks with lunch and dinner
- Gratuities
- Evening shows, live music, dance classes and enrichment talks
- Swimming pools, jacuzzis and the fitness centre
- A free shuttle service in ports over one mile from the ship
- All UK port taxes and fees
Unforgettable Christmas Market Destinations
German Christmas Markets
In Hamburg, one of Germany's most celebrated Christmas markets awaits, where historic squares are filled with wooden stalls offering handcrafted ornaments and seasonal treats like lebkuchen. The scent of glühwein and the sound of carols combine to create a charming, festive atmosphere.
French Festive Charm
Soak up the warmth of Honfleur's Christmas market, where charming wooden chalets line the quayside, offering traditional sweets, artisanal jams and decorations, permeated with the gentle aroma of cinnamon and festive spices. In contrast, Rouen's market is situated in the illuminated lights of its centuries-old cathedral, creating the picture-perfect backdrop.
Belgian Winter Wonders
Explore the cosy Christmas markets of Brussels and other charming Belgian towns, where you can sample the famously delectable Belgian chocolates, warm waffles and seasonal treats while browsing through markets known for their welcoming atmosphere and unique handmade crafts.
What Makes Our Christmas Market Cruises Special
Perfectly Timed Itineraries
Our Christmas Market cruises are timed to capture the very best of the festive season, with each market in full swing and the atmosphere at its most welcoming. You’ll visit when celebrations are at their most authentic and enjoyable.
Festive Onboard Experience
Return each evening to a ship beautifully decorated for the season, where traditional holiday feasts, seasonal entertainment and warm hospitality create the perfect complement to your daytime market explorations. Join fellow guests for carol singing, sip a seasonal drink or relax and watch winter landscapes glide by.
Expert Local Guidance
Our knowledgeable crew and local guides will share insights into the history and traditions behind each market, helping you understand the cultural significance of what you're experiencing and ensuring you don't miss the special details that make each destination unique.
Stress-Free Holiday Celebration
Forget about holiday meal planning, decorating or hosting. On a Christmas Market cruise, every festive detail is taken care of while you focus entirely on enjoying the magic of the season with those you care about most.
Create Lasting Christmas Memories
Find the perfect handmade gift in a historic market, enjoy a steaming cup of mulled wine as you wrap up warm or hear carols echo through squares lit by thousands of twinkling lights. These are the moments that make a Christmas Market cruise special, authentic experiences that capture the magic and warmth of the season.
Whether you're planning a romantic getaway or want to experience Christmas in a more meaningful way, our Christmas Market cruises offer the perfect blend of festive tradition, cultural discovery and relaxed comfort. Join us for a voyage that celebrates the true spirit of the season and creates memories you'll treasure for years to come.
Answering FAQs about Christmas market cruises
What is a Christmas market cruise?
A Christmas market cruise is a festive voyage that carries you between some of Europe's most enchanting seasonal markets, so you can wander from stall to stall without ever having to pack and unpack more than once. Rather than dashing between cities, you'll sail gently to each destination and step ashore right into the heart of the festivities; cradling a warming cup of mulled wine one day and browsing for unique gifts the next. It's a wonderfully relaxed way to soak up the magic of Christmas markets while your smaller ship takes care of every little detail.
Which Christmas markets will I visit on a Fred. Olsen cruise?
Our Christmas market cruises call at a beautiful mix of festive destinations across Germany, France and Belgium. You might explore Hamburg's celebrated markets, a city that shines as a true capital of Christmas, before going on to the charming French towns of Rouen and Honfleur, then discovering the cosy stalls and famous chocolates of Belgium. Each cruise around the Christmas markets follows its own route, so it's always worth checking the individual itinerary to see exactly where your festive adventure will take you.
Is a Christmas market cruise the same as a river cruise?
While a traditional river cruise stays inland on Europe's waterways, our Christmas markets cruises sail the open sea aboard smaller ships, vessels compact enough to slip up scenic rivers such as the Seine and dock right in the centre of cities like Rouen. It's the best of both worlds: the sweeping coastal scenery of an ocean voyage, paired with the close-to-the-markets convenience you'd hope for on a festive markets cruise.
What can I expect to see and do at the Christmas markets?
Everything that makes the season sparkle. You'll browse rows of wooden chalets brimming with handcrafted decorations and unique gifts, breathe in the scent of cinnamon and roasting chestnuts, and warm your hands around a hot chocolate or a glass of mulled wine as carols drift through the square. Whether you're hunting for that perfect present or simply savouring the twinkling lights, our Xmas market cruises give you unhurried time to enjoy each of the Christmas markets at your own gentle pace.