Christmas Market Cruises 2026/2027
Our Guide To Christmas Market Cruises In 2026/2027
A Christmas market cruise is a short festive break in December, usually 3 to 6 nights, that takes you to the markets of cities such as Amsterdam, Bruges, Antwerp and Hamburg. From the UK, Ambassador sails from London Tilbury and Fred Olsen from Southampton, so there's no flying, and you're home well before Christmas Day.
Mulled wine in Hamburg, waffles in Bruges, and your cabin waiting at the end of the day, with no packing and unpacking between cities. If you'd rather see the markets of Cologne or Vienna, a river cruise flies you out to sail the Rhine or the Danube instead.
Our Verdict
Want a long weekend? A 3 night Christmas market cruise from Tilbury with Ambassador, usually to Amsterdam and Bruges.
Want Hamburg's famous markets? A 5 or 6 night cruise with Fred Olsen from Southampton or Ambassador from Tilbury.
Want the classic German markets on the Rhine or the Danube? A TUI river cruise.
Where Christmas Market Cruises Go
Christmas Market Cruise Guide
Christmas Market Cruises Compared
These are the market cruises our partners run most Decembers. Exact routes and dates change each year, and the shortest sailings often sell out, so check the latest itineraries early.
| CRUISE | SAILS FROM | LENGTH | MARKETS | BEST FOR |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Ambassador short festive breaks | London Tilbury, early to mid December | 2 to 4 nights | Amsterdam, Bruges, Antwerp, sometimes Rotterdam | A long weekend with no flying |
| Ambassador festive cruises | London Tilbury, December | 5 to 6 nights | Hamburg, Amsterdam, Bruges, Honfleur | More cities in one trip |
| Fred Olsen Christmas markets | Southampton, mid December | 5 to 6 nights | Hamburg (overnight) and Honfleur | Hamburg's markets from the south coast |
| TUI River Cruises on the Rhine | Flights from the UK included | About 4 nights | Cologne, Düsseldorf, Koblenz, Rüdesheim | Classic German markets by river |
| TUI River Cruises on the Danube | Flights from the UK included | 4 to 7 nights | Vienna, Budapest, Bratislava | Grand capital city markets |
Christmas Market Cruise FAQs
A long weekend at sea in December. Ambassador runs 3 night sailings from London Tilbury, usually calling at Amsterdam and Bruges, or Belgian ports such as Antwerp, with full board on board.
Yes. Fred Olsen sails from Southampton in mid December on 5 to 6 night cruises that usually include an overnight in Hamburg and a call at Honfleur.
Mostly from early to mid December, when the markets are open and you're still home in good time for Christmas.
For a short break with no flying, Ambassador from Tilbury. For Hamburg, Fred Olsen from Southampton. For the classic German and Austrian markets, a TUI river cruise on the Rhine or the Danube.
Not for ocean cruises with Ambassador or Fred Olsen, which sail from UK ports. River cruises fly you to Europe, and TUI River Cruises includes the flights.
Ambassador's are. Fred Olsen's Borealis is adults only, while Balmoral and Bolette take all ages. Some TUI river cruise ships are adults only too, so check the ship when you book.
Book Your Christmas Market Cruise
Ambassador sails from London Tilbury on short festive breaks to Amsterdam, Bruges, Antwerp and Hamburg.
Fred Olsen sails from Southampton to Hamburg and Honfleur in mid December.
TUI River Cruises flies you out to the Rhine and Danube markets, with flights and service charges included.
