Incredible festive cruise stops at four Christmas market hotspots for £384
Snag a spot on a festive-themed cruise that docks at four of Europe’s favourite Christmas markets this November - with tickets available from just £384pp.
If slurping mulled wine, biting into Bratwurst, and hoovering piles of mini Nutella pancakes like your life depends on it sounds like your kind of heaven, then look no further than Iglu Cruise’s latest holiday offering.
Next month, the MSC Poesia, which can accommodate a maximum of 3,605 passengers, is setting sail from a UK port with sights set on visiting four of the best festive markets in Europe.
The £384 deal includes scrumptious on-board meals from five restaurants, a midnight buffet for evening owls, and 16 bars and lounges to enjoy ahead of the Christmas season.
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If you’re intrigued, then we’ve detailed everything you need to know about this foodie cruise, including what’s possibly on the menu at each stop.
Itinerary of the Iglu Christmas Market Cruise
You'll spend seven nights aboard the luxurious MSC Poesia, which arrives at Southampton at 8am on 28 November and departs at 8pm the same day.
After a full day at sea, you’ll arrive at Hamburg, Germany, on 30 November at 7am.
Following a 9pm departure, another full day will be spent on the water before arriving at Rotterdam, Amsterdam, on 2 December at 8am.
The cruise liner will leave the Netherlands at 8pm that night, and travel through the dark before docking at Zeebrugge dock the next day (3 December) at 7am.
Tours to Bruges will be in operation, but be warned, the Iglu Christmas Market cruise leaves at 6pm that night - so there are only 11 hours to enjoy the sights!
At 9am on 4 December, you’ll arrive in Le Havre, the charming port town in Normandy.
Here, you can stick around the coast, or go on optional short excursions to Mont St Michel, the medieval town of Rouen, or into Paris.
After 12 hours in France, the boat will depart and arrive back in Southampton on 5 December at 8am sharp.
Hamburg Christmas Markets
Hamburg, the second-largest city in Germany, holds its main Weihnachtsmarkt in front of its impressive sandstone Town Hall. Many other ‘styles’ of Christmas market are dotted across the town, too.
Expect vendors selling Kartoffelpuffer, a traditional potato pancake, and delectable cheese noodles, referred to as Käsespätzle.
Raclette, a semi-hard melted cheese, potato, pickle, and cured meat platter, and Flammekueche, a crispy, creamy flatbread that resembles pizza, are also available.
In terms of sweet stuff, expect to indulge in crêpes, Schaumkuss - or chocolate-covered marshmallows - and donuts.
Rotterdam Christmas Markets
Once you disembark from the MSC Poesia in Rotterdam, you can head over to the Ahoy Convention Centre to take part in the annual Ahoy Winter Fair.
This unique, indoor event features stalls to shop at, entertainment options, and food options, like Kapsalon - a national staple consisting of gyro-meat topped chips covered in cheese.
Traditional Dutch Oliebollen, similar to doughnuts, are also likely to be on offer, along with other winter delights.
Other Christmas Markets are dotted across Rotterdam, including traditional Scandinavian stalls at various churches.
Bruges Christmas Markets
To sample some of the finest festive entertainment, it has to be Bruges Christmas Markets.
Traditional Belgian food is a highlight, naturally, with revellers able to chow down on sweet waffles, chug the city’s famous Yuletide beers, and sample some potent cheeses.
While you’re there, you should try local delicious like Speculoos, a crunchy, spicy biscuit, and a Bûche de Noël, a glazed, chocolate crème au beurre cake that resembles a wood log. Our mouths are watering just thinking about it!
Le Havre Christmas Markets
The final stop on the cruise is La Havre, a picturesque town with some of the finest Christmas Markets on the continent.
The annual event is filled with festive decorations, twinkling lights, and the scent of mulled wine and roasted chestnuts, according to Wanderlog.
There’s the sweet sounds of carol singers and live music to bask in, as well as special souvenirs to take home for family and friends.
It’s advised that you check out the local bakeries for a treat, too.
Other amenities on board the cruise ship
There’s a lot to do outside of eating on the MSC Poesia.
The liner, described as both family-friendly and good for couples, features a well-planned programme of activities, according to its website, and is equipped with two swimming pools, a sauna, and a whirlpool.
There’s a gym to get your workout in, as well as sports facilities including tennis and basketball courts, as well as a mini-golf experience.
Relax after a full day at the Christmas markets in the award-winning MSC Aurea Spa, or try your luck in the on-board casino.
Evening entertainment and Broadway-style shows feature, as well as a duty-free shopping gallery and a dedicated library to hide away and get cosy.
Your £384 ticket secures a bed in a budget-friendly Inside cabin, which doesn’t feature any windows.
If the idea of seeing the sea excites you, then you can upgrade to an Outside room (£432), with a window or porthole, or a Balcony room (£479) instead.
We’ll see you on the water!
Ella Scott