Bruges, BelgiumChristmas Markets Cruise from Southampton
7 nights on MSC Preziosa to Hamburg, Bruges and Normandy, 11 to 18 December 2026. No flights needed.
Per person, two sharing, when we checked on 4 November 2026. Tips included.
Check prices on Cruise Nation →Get the free port guideThis is the cruise Cruise Nation customers are looking at most right now, and it's easy to see why. For £399 each you get a week at sea with two Christmas market stops, all from Southampton. Until 29 October the cheapest cabin on this sailing was about £560 per person. On 30 October it dropped to £377 and, as of 4 November, it is £399, still well below the old fare, with balcony cabins the same price as inside.
The price drop
From Cruise Nation's own price history for this sailing. That is a saving of about £161 per person, or £322 for two in an inside cabin, and more on a balcony.
Your 7-night itinerary
| Fri 11 Dec | SouthamptonSail at 7:30pm |
| Sat 12 Dec | At seaPools, spa, shows and the shops on board |
| Sun 13 Dec | Hamburg, Germany7am to 9pm: Rathausmarkt Christmas market, the harbour and Speicherstadt |
| Mon 14 Dec | At sea |
| Tue 15 Dec | Zeebrugge, Belgium7am to 6pm: Bruges is about 20 to 30 minutes away |
| Wed 16 Dec | Cherbourg, France9am to 8pm: Normandy coast and the D-Day beaches |
| Thu 17 Dec | Le Havre, France9am to 9pm: Honfleur, Rouen or a long day in Paris |
| Fri 18 Dec | SouthamptonArrive at 8am, home before the weekend |
Two Christmas market stops
Hamburg
Sunday 13 December, 7am to 9pm
A full day in Germany's second city. The historic Christmas market on Rathausmarkt, in front of the town hall, is a short trip from the cruise terminal. Add the old warehouse district (Speicherstadt) and the harbour.
Bruges (from Zeebrugge)
Tuesday 15 December, 7am to 6pm
Bruges is about 20 to 30 minutes from the port. Its Christmas market fills the Markt square, under the medieval belfry, with an ice rink nearby. Brussels is about 1 hour 15 minutes away if you would rather go there.
Cabin prices
Lowest price per person for each cabin type, two sharing, when we checked on 4 November 2026. Fares change often, so check the live price before you book.
What you get, and what costs extra
Included in the £399
- 7 nights in your cabin
- Meals in the main restaurants and buffet
- Theatre shows, pools and entertainment
- Port taxes
- MSC gratuities, included by Cruise Nation (normally about €10 per person per night)
Extra
- Drinks: Cruise Nation offers MSC's Premium Extra package from £28 per person per day if you book by phone
- Speciality restaurants and Wi-Fi
- Shore trips and transfers to Bruges, Rouen or Paris
- Parking at Southampton
- Travel insurance
Not ready to book yet?
Get our free port guide for this cruise: how to reach the Hamburg and Bruges Christmas markets from the ship, what costs extra on top of the £399, and which cabin to pick. If we see the fare change before sailing, we'll let you know.
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Can't do 11 December?
The same ship runs similar 7-night sailings from Southampton in January, calling at Hamburg and Zeebrugge.
Your questions
What is included in the £399 price?
The fare covers your cabin for 7 nights, meals in the main restaurants and buffet, entertainment, and port taxes. Cruise Nation includes MSC's gratuities (normally about €10 per person per night) at no extra cost. Drinks, speciality restaurants, Wi-Fi and shore trips are extra.
Do I need a flight?
No. The cruise starts and ends in Southampton, so you can drive or take the train. Car parking at the port is extra.
Is £399 per person?
Yes. Cruise Nation's prices are per person, based on two people sharing the cheapest cabin of each type. When we checked on 4 November 2026, inside, ocean view and balcony cabins were all £399 per person, and suites were £999.
Will the Christmas markets be open?
The ship calls at Hamburg on 13 December and Zeebrugge (for Bruges) on 15 December. Both cities normally run their Christmas markets from late November until just before Christmas, so they should be open, but check the 2026 dates before you go.
Can I get to Paris from Le Havre?
Paris is about two and a half to three hours each way from Le Havre, so it makes a long day. Rouen, with its cathedral and Christmas market, is about an hour away, and Honfleur is about 30 minutes.
Who do I book with?
You book with Cruise Nation, a UK cruise agency. Luxury Cruising is independent: if you book through our links we may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you.
How these prices work: prices are Cruise Nation's lowest per-person fares for each cabin type, two sharing, when we checked on 4 November 2026. Fares and availability change often, so check the live price before you book. This offer is for UK customers. The buttons are affiliate links: if you book, we may earn a commission at no extra cost to you. Luxury Cruising is independent and not affiliated with MSC Cruises or Cruise Nation. Photos: Bruges and Hamburg Christmas markets (stock photography).
Comparing dates? Our guide to Christmas cruises from Southampton lists December 2026 and 2027 sailings with prices, including Christmas Day and New Year on board.