Cruise · 6 nights · with Fred. Olsen Cruise Lines
German Christmas Markets
A six-night cruise on Balmoral from Southampton to Hamburg for the Christmas Markets, then down the River Seine to Honfleur, returning to England via quiet waters and festive streets with Fred. Olsen Cruise Lines.
- Duration
- 6 nights
- Departs
- 16 Dec 2026
- Sails from
- Southampton
- Returns to the same port
- Ship
- Balmoral
- From
- £749
- per person, sharing
Highlights
What makes this one worth it
Christmas Market stalls in Hamburg
Overnight stay in Hamburg
Cruise down the size-restricted River Seine
Visits to Southampton and Honfleur
Festive treats like glühwein and lebkuchen
About the trip
This Fred. Olsen Cruise Lines holiday sets sail from Southampton with a single day at sea before reaching Hamburg. The city’s Christmas Market takes centre stage, filling the streets with stalls selling glühwein, lebkuchen and bratwurst, and an overnight stay lets you enjoy the festivities beyond the daylight hours.
After Hamburg, Balmoral heads south-west towards France, where the ship passes the size-restricted River Seine en route to Honfleur. Here, the Old Harbour is lined with 16th to 18th-century houses, and the markets offer a quieter, more subtle take on the season’s celebrations.
The return to Southampton retraces the route across the Channel, leaving time to look back on a cruise where the winter chill meets historic towns and riverside charm. Balmoral’s sturdy presence and friendly crew make for a steady and easy passage through this festive short break.
- 1 Southampton
- 2 Hamburg
- 3 Honfleur
Itinerary
The route, day by day
Day 1
Southampton, England
Day 2
At sea
Day 3
Hamburg, Germany
Day 4
Honfleur, France
When to go
Departures and prices
Lowest price each month, per person.
Fred. Olsen Cruise Lines confirms exact dates, availability and prices when you book.
Need to know
Before you book
- Price based on
- Two people sharing a cabinThe operator confirms the exact basis when you book.
- Travelling alone
- Check with Fred. Olsen Cruise Lines
- Flights
- Not needed if you join at Southampton
- What’s included
- Check with Fred. Olsen Cruise Lines
- Accessibility
- Check with Fred. Olsen Cruise Lines
- Cabin
- Interior Room
For full details of what’s included, check with Fred. Olsen Cruise Lines. See the full details on their site
Questions people ask
- How long is German Christmas Markets?
- German Christmas Markets is a 6 nights cruise holiday.
- Where does German Christmas Markets depart from?
- German Christmas Markets departs from Southampton.
- Who operates German Christmas Markets?
- German Christmas Markets is operated by Fred. Olsen Cruise Lines aboard Balmoral.
- How much does German Christmas Markets cost?
- Prices for German Christmas Markets start from £749, subject to availability.
The operator
Fred. Olsen Cruise Lines
Smaller-ship cruises, many from UK ports
A Norwegian family name in shipping since the nineteenth century, known for smaller ships that can reach the narrower fjords and harbours.
You book with Fred. Olsen Cruise Lines directly. They confirm your place, take payment, and look after you from the moment you leave home; Atlas & Passage’s part ends when you click through.
New to United Kingdom? Our United Kingdom guide has the practical essentials: money, plugs, visas and when to go.
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