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Christmas Cruise Antwerp, Ghent, Bruges & Brussels 2016
Belgium's Waterways | Belgium, Europe
8 days from £ 799 per person
Note that there may be small differences between our general Itinerary for this cruise and a specific departure.
Christmas Cruise Bruges, Brussels, Ghent & Antwerp Itinerary
Discover the highlights of Belgium when they are wrapped in festive magic. Sparkling diamond capitals, cosy winter villages and chocolate box scenery are just some of the sights we enjoy as we follow the waterways that shape this little country. Along the way there’s plenty of time to explore our ports of call, and after a day of sightseeing and enjoying the festive traditions, you can return to the warmth of our ship where there’s everything you need for the perfect Christmas.
21 December: UK – Rotterdam
We travel to Rotterdam in Holland and enjoy a relaxing evening aboard our ship as we cruise towards Belgium.
22 December: Antwerp
This morning we arrive in the city of Antwerp. Here you can join our optional excursion to the Red Star Line Museum, which tells the story of the millions of people who left Europe for America in the 1800s. The rest of the day is free to wander around the Christmas market before we begin cruising towards Hasselt.
23 December: Hasselt Winterland
After breakfast you can join our optional excursion visiting the Dutch town of Valkenburg, where we find a unique Christmas market in the caves that run beneath the town. We return to our ship in Hasselt where you can browse an array of chalets selling everything from unique gifts to delicious treats. In the early evening we begin cruising towards Ghent.
24 December : Christmas Eve: Ghent & Bruges
This morning we arrive in Ghent. First you can join our included excursion to Bruges and explore the medieval centre or even visit the Snow and Ice Sculpture festival (entrance not included). Alternatively you can stay in Ghent and browse the Christmas market. Later our Cruise Manager will accompany anyone who wants to attend midnight mass at the local church.
25 December :Christmas Day: Ghent
Merry Christmas! Today is free for you to relax and enjoy the celebrations on board our ship. You can also take a stroll around Ghent, which is filled with dreamy canals and beautiful buildings. This evening we begin cruising towards Brussels.
26 December : Boxing Day: Brussels
After a late morning arrival we stay in Brussels overnight, so there’s plenty of time to explore and you can also join our optional guided tour to see the city highlights, including the Atomium, the symbol of Belgium.
27 December: Cruising
Enjoy a full day cruising along pretty waterways to reach Rotterdam.
28 December: Rotterdam – UK
We bid farewell to our Captain and crew and set off on the return journey.
Highlights
- Browse the Christmas market set around Market Square in Antwerp and enjoy the magical atmosphere
- Experience the cosy winter village feel of Hasselt
- Join our full day excursion to beautiful Bruges or spend time enjoying the last day of the Christmas market in Ghent
- Enjoy a delicious Christmas meal aboard our ship and then take a walk around the dreamy canals and cobbled streets of Ghent
- Spend Boxing Day in Brussels and admire the grand architecture of Grand Place
- Relax and enjoy this special time of year
At a Glance
Length: 8 days
From: Rotterdam
Ends: Rotterdam
Travel options available:
- Coach via Dover
- Eurostar from London St Pancras
- Ferry crossing at Dover
- Overnight hotel in Dover or Ashford
- Join at the Ship
7 days from £729 per person
Included in the Price
- Executive return coach travel from your chosen departure point
- Return ferry crossing from Dover to Calais
- Welcome drink, Captain’s get-together and party night
- En suite cabin accommodation aboard the ms Serenity
- Full board during the cruise
- Early risers and mid morning tea/coffee
- Entertainment on every night of your cruise
- Visits to Antwerp, Hasselt, Bruges, Ghent & Brussels
- Services of our experienced and friendly Cruise Director and Cruise Manager
Ship
Ms Serenity
This stylish 4-star vessel allows passengers to explore the great waterways of Europe in style while being under the care of a friendly and attentive crew.
Travel Options
We offer a number of flexible travel options for you to join your cruise, whether you want to travel to the port of departure or directly to the ship. Please see below:
Coach via Dover, Hull or Newcastle
On many of our cruises you can take advantage of our convenient and FREE regional coach departures aboard our modern executive coaches from a town or city near you to the port of departure and onwards to meet the ship.
Eurostar from London St Pancras
Enjoy the benefits of rail travel – boarding at London St Pancras International, you will be whisked effortlessly along by Eurostar whilst relaxing in your reserved seat. You have the freedom to stretch your legs whenever the mood takes you and purchase drinks and snacks from the buffet carriage.
On selected cruises there are rail options included in the price, whereas on other cruises it is offered alongside our coach travel option – please note a supplement will apply and transfers to the ship are not included except for cruises certain cruises.
Ferry crossing at Dover, Hull or Newcastle
When you travel by coach or car, you will join a ferry at Dover, Hull or Newcastle, depending on your chosen cruise, and cross over to Europe. Our coach will then take you to meet our ship at the embarkation point as shown in the cruise itinerary. Hull and Newcastle crossings take place overnight, adding 2 days to the cruise duration.
Overnight hotel in Dover or Ashford
Travel at your own pace, in the comfort of your own vehicle and stay overnight at Dover or Ashford, in accommodation close to the port of departure and be collected/returned by our coach. Prices start from £49.50 per person per night on a bed and breakfast basis and includes parking for one vehicle for the duration of your cruise.
Join at the Ship
You are of course free to make your own way to and from the ship by booking your flight/ferry or train tickets independently – a small reduction applies. With your joining instructions we will send you a map of where the ship is berthed and also a boarding time.
Excursions
Enhance your holiday experience with a range of optional and included excursions that allow you to discover the history of our ports of call, experience the tradition of local regions and explore further afield. They’re the perfect complement to your cruise itinerary, but they are subject to availability so we recommend you book early!
NEW Valkenburg Christmas Market
£12
In this charming hillside town, built around the romantic ruins of a castle, a unique Christmas market is held in the labyrinth of caves that run beneath it known as the ‘velvet caves’. These ancient passageways were only opened in 1937 and originally enabled the knights that occupied the castle to vanish in times of war and attack the enemy from behind. The soft marlstone walls display mysterious carvings, inscriptions and sculptures which will be illuminated with festive light, with market stalls selling unique gifts, exquisitely made handicrafts and culinary delights
NEW Bruges
Included
Bruges is a beautiful example of medieval Belgium, filled with gabled houses, majestic churches, cobbled streets and charming canals which gave the city the name the ‘Venice of the north’. Highlights include Market Square with its imposing belfry, Castle Square with its 14th century town hall, and Rozenhoedkaai – one of the most photographic locations in all of Bruges.
NEW The Red Star Line Museum
£10
This unique museum, housed in the historic sheds of the legendary Red Star Line shipping company, invites you on an eventful journey as we follow in the footsteps of the millions of men, women and children who sailed from Europe to America – the Promised Land – in the 1800s.
NEW Brussels guided tour
£25
See the best of Brussels on our guided tour which also takes you to see the Atomium – the unmistakable symbol of the city and a unique feat in the history of architecture. Shaped on the model of an elementary iron crystal enlarged 165 billion times, you can walk through the tubes and spheres and enjoy spectacular views across the city.
Excursion Package Price
£35
SAVE £12 PER PERSON
Don't miss a thing by booking our special excursion package which includes all the listed excursions for this cruise. Not only can you take part in all the exciting trips we have organised, you can enjoy all this at a reduced cost!
Departure
21 December
Coach
7 Days
From £799.00 per person
21 December
Ferry / Join at Port
7 Days
From £799.00 per person
21 December
Eurostar
7 Days
From £979.00 per person
21 December
Join at Ship *
7 Days *
From £799.00 per person *
21 December
Air - Fly from UK*
7 Days *
Price on Request *
* Price will vary depending on availability at time of booking. We can arrange from various airports around UK and offer with a choice of Airlines.
We also can offer additional nights pre/ or post cruise and also transfers between Ship and Hotel , ship and airport or coach/ rail station.
Rail, Coach, Cruise only option supplied by the river cruise line
Air and Cruise & Stay options offered by C2C Cruises using ATOL 5279
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