There’s something truly magical about setting sail as winter falls, with Europe’s cobbled squares drenched in fairy lights and the scent of mulled wine and gingerbread hanging in the brisk air. If you’re dreaming of the best Christmas market cruise look no further. We’ve combed the options for standout itineraries, mixing grand old favourites with a few atmospheric surprises.
Stunning Christmas Markets at the Heart of Europe
Fred. Olsen’s European Christmas Markets Cruise (FREDS2532)
Departing from Dover on 8 December 2025, this cruise whisks you from Portsmouth to Warnemünde (for Berlin), Riga, Tallinn (overnight), Helsinki (overnight), Copenhagen (overnight).
We’d pick this one for the itinerary alone – especially for market aficionados. Fred. Olsen is known for its intimate ships, offering a convivial on-board atmosphere that works especially well for solo travellers or couples. You’ll have time in each port to wander markets, pick up handmade gifts, and soak up the seasonal spirit. Antwerp is rapidly establishing itself as one of the prettiest Christmas markets in Europe.
15 nights.
Book your festive escape to Riga, Tallinn and Copenhagen
P&O Cruises’ German Christmas Markets (POJ520)
Sailing from Southampton on 3 December 2025, heading to Hamburg (overnight), Copenhagen (overnight), Oslo (overnight), Amsterdam (overnight)
Hamburg’s Christmas World at Rathausmarkt is spectacular, Rotterdam’s Markthal is a vibrant new highlight, and Zeebrugge’s easy access to Bruges is a medieval snow-scene in the making (weather permitting). P&O’s Arcadia offers a lively, modern British experience, with ample time to find that perfect glass bauble, or warm your hands on a hot chocolate.
14 nights.
Set sail for Hamburg’s Christmas World and Copenhagen’s magic
MSC Poesia Northern European Christmas Markets Cruise (MSCPO20251212SOUSOU)
Depart Southampton 12 December 2025, visiting Hamburg, Rotterdam, Zeebrugge (Bruges), and back.
We sailed a very similar route a few years ago—read our full account here. The MSC ship was perfectly acceptable: decent food, comfortable cabins, and a friendly, polyglot crowd. MSC schedules these itineraries weekly through winter, though December prices spike.
Top tip: Already been to Bruges? Take an excursion to Brussels and check out the Christmas Market at the Grand Place.
7 nights.
Experience no-fly festive cruising to Hamburg and Bruges
Check out our Complete Guide to MSC Cruises Drinks Packages for more info about the onboard experience.
Cunard Queen Anne’s Northern European Christmas Markets Cruise (CUNARDH532)
Sail from Southampton on 14 December 2025, with Hamburg, Rotterdam, Zeebrugge (Bruges) on the itinerary.
Same ports, totally different vibe. Cunard’s Queen Anne dresses the ship in festive finery, with gala dinners, ballroom dancing, and sumptuous afternoon teas. If you want a classic, slightly cosier, more traditional British Christmas, this is the ticket.
7 nights.
Step into the golden age of festive cruising
Check out our guide to Hotels near Southampton Cruise Terminal
Ambassador Christmas Markets Cruise (A12531)
Embark MS Ambience at Tilbury on 14 December 2025, heading to Hamburg, Amsterdam, Zeebrugge (for Bruges), and back.
There’s something appealingly understated about Ambassador: no-frills, but big on value and a friendly, laid-back atmosphere. It’s an ideal choice if you want a straightforward, great-value market experience without the bells and whistles of a ‘mega-ship’.
Fun Fact: MS Ambience was the original Regal Princess operated by Princess Cruises.
6 nights.
Step aboard for a friendly, festive cruise to Hamburg and Amsterdam
Check out our Complete Guide to Ambassador Drinks Packages for more info about the onboard experience.
A True Christmas Cruise
P&O Aurora’s Christmas and New Year Cruise (POR524)
Leave Southampton on 22 December 2025 for Copenhagen (overnight), Oslo (overnight) Rotterdam (overnight) Southampton.
If you want a real Christmas cruise — tree, turkey, tinsel and all — this is the one. You’ll spend Christmas Day at sea, surrounded by the ship’s elegant festive decorations and a full programme of carols, films, and ‘Christmas jumper’ competitions. The Christmas market at Tivoli Gardens in Copenhagen is legendary.
10 nights.
Celebrate a traditional Christmas and New Year at sea
A Festive Taster for First-Timers
Ambassador Festive Tilbury Taster (A22534)
Embark in Tilbury on 19 December 2025 for a 2-night stay on Ambition.
While there aren’t any local markets on this stay, it’s a cost-effective way to see if you like cruising before committing to a week (or more) on the waves. Ambition remains tied up in Tilbury, allowing you to experience shows, meals, drinks and entertainment – without ever leaving dock.
2 nights.
Try out cruising with a festive mini-getaway
Which Christmas Market Cruise Should You Choose?
Final Thoughts
A Christmas market cruise is about far more than shopping – it’s a chance to immerse yourself in the icy, twinkling magic of Europe’s cities at their most atmospheric. Whether you want traditional British comfort, lively international flair, or a chance to spend Christmas Day at sea, there’s a cruise here for every mood and budget.
Ready to set sail? Browse all the best festive cruises and treat yourself to a winter adventure you won’t forget.
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