A Magical 2025 Christmas Cruise Through Belgium’s Festive Heartland
As winter sparkles across Europe, CroisiEurope invites holidaymakers to embark on a cozy, luxurious Christmas market cruise through Belgium in December 2025. This exclusive four-day river journey aboard the intimate MS Raymonde delivers a charming blend of holiday festivities, cultural immersion, and personalized service along the tranquil waterways between Bruges and Ghent—two of the country’s most enchanting medieval cities.
With just 22 guests onboard, this boutique holiday cruise offers an elevated, crowd-free way to experience the joy of Belgian Christmas markets at their finest. Departures are scheduled between December 2 and 14, 2025, offering travelers a choice of sailings from Bruges to Ghent or the reverse.
Festive Departures and Enchanting Destinations
CroisiEurope’s holiday-themed cruise runs on the following dates:
- Ghent to Bruges: December 2 and 10
- Bruges to Ghent: December 6 and 14
Both routes include immersive cultural experiences in each city, onboard festive celebrations, and indulgent French-Belgian cuisine—all set against the backdrop of Europe’s most atmospheric holiday markets.
Bruges: A Winter Fairytale on Water
Often called the “Venice of the North,” Bruges offers a storybook setting for the Christmas season. Its historic squares are draped in golden lights and filled with the comforting aroma of mulled wine, waffles, and roasted chestnuts. Guests on the cruise will enjoy visits to Bruges’ two signature Christmas markets:
- Grote Markt: The city’s main square, transformed into a vibrant winter village, features twinkling chalets, a skating rink, and festive music.
- Simon Stevinplein: A quieter, artisan-focused market where visitors can shop for handmade ornaments, Belgian chocolates, and seasonal delicacies.
In addition to guided walking tours, guests can sample traditional Flemish beer during a visit to the Bourgogne des Flandres brewery, adding another local layer to their holiday immersion.
Ghent: Belgium’s Winter Wonderland Comes Alive
In Ghent, the “Gentse Winterfeesten” transforms the city into a sprawling celebration of seasonal charm. The market stretches from Sint-Baafsplein to Korenmarkt, offering over 150 festively decorated stalls selling everything from local handicrafts to heartwarming Belgian cuisine.
Highlights include:
- Panoramic Ferris Wheel: Soaring above the city, this attraction provides unforgettable views of Ghent’s illuminated skyline.
- Ice Sculptures and Art Installations: A visual feast for families and photographers alike.
- Live Entertainment: Carolers, musicians, and dancers bring the spirit of Christmas to life along the canal-lined streets.
The medieval city’s architecture—think Gothic cathedrals and castles—adds even more atmosphere to the seasonal experience.
Aboard the MS Raymonde: Boutique Luxury Meets Holiday Cheer
After a day of exploration, guests will return to the MS Raymonde, CroisiEurope’s luxurious hotel barge. With just 11 en-suite cabins, the vessel ensures comfort, privacy, and personalized service. Each room features outward-facing windows for scenic views of the Belgian countryside.
Onboard highlights include:
- A lounge bar for relaxing with fellow travelers
- A restaurant serving expertly prepared French cuisine
- A sun deck and jacuzzi for wintertime relaxation
- A cozy dining atmosphere complete with festive touches and traditional treats like bredeles (Alsatian Christmas cookies) and Belgian hot chocolate
The onboard chef crafts holiday menus using fresh regional ingredients, celebrating the culinary spirit of both France and Belgium.
Inclusive Value and Family Offers
The all-inclusive package, starting at £987 per person, includes:
- All meals and beverages onboard
- Guided shore excursions
- Port fees
- Holiday-themed onboard activities
For families, CroisiEurope offers generous pricing incentives:
- Children aged 2–9 receive a 20% discount
- A third person sharing a cabin receives 30% off
International travelers can opt for fly-cruise packages, simplifying logistics with pre-arranged transport to the departure city.
A New Holiday Tradition for Discerning Travelers
For those seeking an alternative to crowded land-based markets or large ocean cruises, CroisiEurope’s MS Raymonde offers a refined and unforgettable way to celebrate the season. Whether it’s sipping mulled wine under the twinkling lights of Bruges or gliding through Ghent’s historic canals after a festive day of market hopping, every moment on this cruise is curated for comfort, joy, and holiday magic.
Availability is limited due to the vessel’s intimate size, making early reservations essential. For travelers longing for an enchanting European escape that captures the warmth and charm of the holidays, CroisiEurope’s Christmas market cruise through Belgium is the perfect seasonal journey.
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