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Classic Christmas Markets

S2325

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Amsterdam canals at Christmas time, Netherlands Christmas markets in Hamburg

14 Dec 2023

Liverpool

8 nights

Borealis

Your cruise at a glance

The Olsen Way Highlights

With calls into three cities timed to coincide with the Christmas Markets, this is the perfect getaway before the arrival of the big day. Charming wooden huts adorned with twinkling lights and selling food, confectionery and handicrafts make for a cosy setting in Hamburg. Perhaps enjoy a mug of steaming Glühwein as you browse for unique gifts. An overnight stay means you can experience the markets by day and night, too. En route to Hamburg, Borealis will cruise the River Elbe, presenting you with views of the city’s shipyards and drydocks. UNESCO-listed Bruges (from Zeebrugge) features festive shopping delights too, from traditional markets to Belgian chocolate shops.

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Highlights

Christmas markets in Hamburg, Germany

Christmas Markets

This special Borealis cruise has been designed to allow you to experience the very best of Europe’s Christmas Markets. Throughout your cruise, you will have numerous opportunities to step off the ship and wander around Christmas markets filled with festive treats, stalls selling souvenirs, and illuminated rides. Zeebrugge is your gateway to the famous Bruges Christmas Market and Ghent Christmas Market, and when docked in Hamburg, choose to visit Hamburg Christmas Market, or travel a little further afield to see Lubeck Christmas Market. Historian and guest speaker, Dr. Julie Ackroyd will be imparting some hints for selecting the perfect present from each stop, which best reflects the tradition of local produce and customs of each port.

Christmas decorations on the market

Experience the Festive Atmosphere in The Lowlands

As you step foot off your ship, you will be immersed in local Christmas traditions and able to soak up the atmosphere of bustling Christmas markets. You will have the opportunity to gain an insight into how Christmas is celebrated in different European countries by purchasing handmade crafts in Bruges, trying Lebkuchen at Hamburg's Christmas Markets, or sipping on a warm mulled wine in Ghent. Learn about the traditions of the people of the Lowlands and explore how the residents of Belgium, the Netherlands and Germany make their Christmas season special with historian, Dr. Julie Ackroyd.  You can also join us in the Olsen Art Studio to create your own Christmas Crafts on board.

River Elbe, Germany

Explore Maritime Cities

Beyond the seasonal activities you will experience throughout this sailing, you will be able to enjoy scenic cruise commentary as we sail along one of Central Europe’s main waterways, the River Elbe, on our way to Hamburg, and also explore a selection of maritime cities. You are perfectly placed in Amsterdam to explore its 165 canals on board a canal cruise, and in Bruges you can walk along tree-lined canals before embarking on a romantic canal boat journey along the Reie River that runs through the heart of the city. When docked in Hamburg, you are able to step out onto the largest port in Germany and learn about the history of Hamburg Harbour.

Itinerary

Cruise Itinerary

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Life On Board

Introducing Borealis

Sister-ship to Bolette, Borealis is perfectly suited for enjoying scenic cruising of the world's lesser-known waterways. From cruising past remarkable landscapes and historical sites to capturing the beauty of the natural world. 

Borealis at sea at sunset
Borealis at sea at sunset

Borealis

Sister-ship to Bolette, Borealis is perfectly suited for taking guests on a journey around the globe, enabling more exploration in more exciting ports. Her smaller size, spacious public areas, open deck spaces and impressive array of restaurants make her perfect for longer voyages, and shorter journeys alike.

702 cabins
1,360 guests
662 crew
61,849 GT
25kts max speed
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Our Signature Experiences

To make your experience even more special, our Journey Planners have designed a unique programme of Signature Experiences which will allow you to discover real insights about the culture and nature of the places we are visiting, so you can arrive in each destination fully prepared to get the most out of your visit.

Itinerary Insights

We have carefully curated a programme of events to give you a deeper understanding of each of the destinations you will be visiting

Scenic Discoveries

Our Scenic Discoveries are designed to allow you to enjoy seeing the world from the unique perspective of our ships

The Ship and the Sea

Maritime is in our DNA - our history in shipping goes back almost 200 years

The Sky at Sea

There’s very little in the natural world more beautiful than a clear night sky, sunrise or sunset seen at sea

Treats of the Region

We love to bring a taste of the region's food, drink, local tastes and culinary traditions to life on board

Our Signature Tours

At each port of call, we have carefully researched and hand-selected some wonderful tour options for you, designed to help you see the real destination and not just the tourist hotspots.

Below, you will find some examples of the kind of tours which could be available on your itinerary. Your Shore Tours will be available to book around 8-13 weeks prior to departure via your My Cruises account.

Ghent Christmas Market

Ghent Christmas Market

Journey through the Flemish countryside to Ghent where you will stroll over St. Michael’s Bridge to see the ‘Row of Three Towers’ before stepping inside the Christmas Market to find 150 wooden huts selling Christmas goods and delicious delicacies.

££££

Zeebrugge

Amsterdam Canal Cruise

Amsterdam Canal Cruise

View the sights of Amsterdam from the unique perspective of the water with a cruise along the famous crescent-shaped Herengracht, Keizersgracht and Prinsengracht canals.

££££

Amsterdam

Lubeck - Christmas in the UNESCO World Heritage Site

Lübeck - Christmas in the UNESCO World Heritage Site

Enjoy a guided walking tour of Lübeck, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, before tucking into some refreshments at the Niederegger Café.

££££

Hamburg

Your Guest Speakers

We’ve arranged for some wonderful guest speakers to join us for this cruise. They will be delivering a programme of insightful talks and activities to deepen your cultural, artistic and historical understanding of the destinations we will be exploring, well as helping you to enjoy the natural beauty of the places we visit.

Julie Ackroyd
History

Dr. Julie Ackroyd

As we explore Europe’s Christmas markets together, Historian Dr. Julie Ackroyd will be joining us on board to teach you all about the Christmas traditions of locals in Belgium, Holland and Germany.

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Treats & Pastimes

In addition to our Signature Experiences, we have a selection of lovely Treats & Pastimes for you to enjoy when on board. Just check your Daily Times each day for full details.

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Cabins, Prices & Offers

Cabin Options On Your Cruise

* Prices correct as of 00:00 02/12/2023, based on the lowest available Cruise Only fare, and on two people sharing a twin cabin. Please call +441473746175 for live availability & prices.

* Prices correct as of 00:00 02/12/2023, based on the lowest available Cruise Only fare, and on sole occupancy. Please call +441473746175 for live availability & prices.

Cabin Grades

Standard Pricing Solo Pricing
Suite

Balcony Junior Suite (BJ)

Borealis' Balcony Junior Suites have a private balcony and sitting/bedroom area.

Little man Solo traveller offer available

Freedom Fare From £2,149 pp
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Suite

Balcony Junior Suite Wheelchair Adapted (BJD)

Borealis' Balcony Junior Adapted Suites have a balcony and sitting/bedroom area.

Little man Solo traveller offer available

Freedom Fare From £2,149 pp
Book Online
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Suite

Balcony Suite (BS)

Located on decks 6 & 7, Borealis' Balcony Suites have a private balcony.

Little man Solo traveller offer available

Freedom Fare From £2,249 pp
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Suite

Saver Balcony Junior Suite (LBJ)

This suite has a bedroom with a sitting area and a balcony.

Little man Solo traveller offer available

Saver Fare From £1,099 pp
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Suite

Saver Balcony Suite (LBS)

These suites have a sitting area, picture windows, balcony & bathroom with shower.

Little man Solo traveller offer available

Saver Fare From £1,199 pp
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Suite

Olsen Suite (OW)

The Olsen Suite is the largest suite on Borealis, with a private balcony and sitting area.

Little man Solo traveller offer available

Freedom Fare From £4,249 pp
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Suite

Premier Suite (PS)

Borealis' Premier Suites are located on Deck 7, and have a private balcony.

Little man Solo traveller offer available

Freedom Fare From £3,149 pp
Book Online
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Suite

Premier Suite Wheelchair Adapted (PSD)

Borealis' Premier Adapted Suites are spacious and stylish, and located on deck 7.

Little man Solo traveller offer available

Freedom Fare From £3,149 pp
Book Online
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Cruise Offers

Solo traveller offer available   Saver Fare
Freedom Fare

What's Included

SO MUCH ALREADY INCLUDED

As well as our Signature Experiences, there is a host of other treats to enjoy on board our ships.

Enhance your cruise

Each of our cruises has been carefully designed for you to get the very best out of your time on board; and now you can enhance your cruise to make it even more special.

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