The MSC Poesia will dock at four cities known for their Christmas markets – Hamburg, Rotterdam, Bruges and Le Havre – and the price includes all meals onboard
A seven-day cruise, taking in some of Europe’s most renowned Christmas market cities, is currently available for a mere £384.
Iglu Cruises has just cut the price of this week-long journey from Southampton aboard the MSC Poesia, setting sail on 28 November.
This no-fly cruise deal includes a wide array of amenities, including all meals onboard and a midnight buffet for those needing a late-night snack after a busy day hunting for festive bargains at the market stalls.
The ship, capable of accommodating around 3,000 passengers, boasts five restaurants, 16 bars and lounges, sports facilities such as tennis, basketball, and mini-golf, two swimming pools, a gym, sauna, whirlpools, and the award-winning MSC Aurea Spa.
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And if that wasn’t enough, MSC Poesia also features a library, casino, and games room onboard, as well as evening entertainment in the form of Broadway-style shows. While all these may tempt you to spend the entire week onboard, the cruise is ideal for those keen to explore new places, reports the Express.
Fortunately, the ship will dock at four cities famed for their Christmas markets.
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Hamburg
Hamburg is renowned for its food markets, particularly the fish markets that have gained global recognition. However, Germany’s second-largest city also excels in hosting Christmas Markets.
The most famous and largest market in Hamburg is the main Weihnachtsmarkt, situated in front of the Town Hall, with a grand Christmas tree marking its location. Other unique markets are scattered throughout the city, including the ‘Santa Pauli’ festival on the Reeperbahn, which boasts being the world’s first erotic Christmas market.
Rotterdam
The Winter Fair takes place at the Ahoy Convention Centre, where you can purchase a variety of goods and culinary delights, including the Rotterdam staple ‘kapsalon’ – a dish consisting of thin chips topped with gyro meat and smothered in cheese.
Bruges
Undeniably one of Europe’s most picturesque cities, Bruges truly sparkles when its medieval architecture is illuminated against the dark winter night sky. The market is a riot of colour and sound, with stalls offering a carefully chosen selection of holiday goods, from handmade ornaments and decorations to gourmet chocolates and festive attire.
Traditional Belgian fare such as waffles and chips, along with plenty of beers, are sure to be highlights.
Le Havre
A lesser-known but delightful festive destination is Intra Muros, located at the foot of the Castle on Esplanade St Vincent. It boasts a variety of chalets offering food and drink, including scrumptious cheeses, crêpes, and mulled wine, as well as arts and crafts and an array of gifts. The town also features an ice rink and horse-drawn carriage rides.
Iglu currently has two other Christmas market-themed cruises available:
‘Christmas Markets from Tilbury’ is offered by Iglu Cruise for £572 per person (previously £619), for a 6-night, full-board trip departing on 14th December 2025. The cruise visits Hamburg, Amsterdam, and Zeebrugge (for Bruges) and is based on two people sharing an outside cabin on board Ambassador’s Ambience. Solo cabins are available for only £552 (previously £679).
‘Christmas Markets Hamburg, Rotterdam & Bruges from Southampton’ is offered by Iglu Cruise for £621 per person (previously £649), for a 7-night, full-board trip departing on 14th December 2025. The cruise visits Zeebrugge (for Bruges), Rotterdam, and Hamburg and is based on two people sharing an inside cabin on board Cunard’s Queen Anne.