Christmas Market Cruise on MSC Euribia

A Perfect Yuletide Adventure: Hamburg, Rotterdam, Blankenberge and Bruges.

As avid Christmas enthusiasts, we could hardly contain our excitement for the ultimate holiday adventure: a Christmas market cruise on the luxurious MSC Euribia! This holiday cruise was truly one for the books. Our festive journey whisked us away to the magical destinations of Hamburg, Rotterdam, Blankenberge and Bruges, where we soaked up the holiday cheer, indulged in scrumptious local cuisine, and marveled at picture-perfect sights. Staying in an Aurea balcony suite, our cruise travel experience was as cozy as it was enchanting. Here are some of the unforgettable highlights from our Christmas market cruise!

Hamburg: A Winter Wonderland

Our first stop was the festive city of Hamburg, where the Christmas markets were in full swing and bursting with holiday cheer. At the historic Rathausmarkt, twinkling lights illuminated the night, and the delightful aroma of roasted chestnuts and mulled wine filled the air. As we wandered through the market, we were enchanted by the vibrant holiday atmosphere and the charming stalls brimming with handcrafted gifts, ornaments, and mouthwatering treats. To top it all off, a steaming cup of hot chocolate was the perfect finishing touch to this magical experience.

Rotterdam: A Culinary Haven

Next, our Christmas market cruise took us to the vibrant city of Rotterdam, where the festive market was a true gastronomic delight. Michael dived into a variety of Dutch croquettes, savoring their crispy exterior and creamy interior with every bite. Meanwhile, I couldn’t resist the traditional Dutch Oliebollen. These scrumptious doughnuts, dusted with powdered sugar, were the ultimate treat for the chilly weather. I actually had four of them!! The lively ambiance of the city, paired with the delectable food, made our visit to Rotterdam an unforgettable holiday experience.

Blankenberge: A Seaside Splendour

Next on our stops, was the charming seaside town of Blankenberge, and it was nothing short of magical! The seaside town was transformed into a winter wonderland, with twinkling lights and festive decorations at every turn. The Christmas market was brimming with local crafts, holiday treats, and delightful souvenirs. We strolled along the beach, soaking in the festive atmosphere while sipping on warm mulled wine and nibbling on Belgian chocolates. The enchanting blend of coastal beauty and holiday spirit made our visit to Blankenberge an unforgettable highlight of our Christmas travel adventure! This would be a great place to visit in the summer!

Bruges: A Day in Fairy-Tale Splendor

Our final stop on this Christmas market cruise was none other than the enchanting city of Bruges. Having visited Bruges many times before, it has firmly become one of our favorite destinations of all. Renowned for its medieval architecture and charming cobblestone streets, Bruges always feels like stepping into a fairy tale. The Christmas market, set against the backdrop of historic buildings, was truly magical. We spent the day wandering through the market, sampling delectable Belgian chocolates, eating our body weight in waffles, and admiring the intricate lacework that Bruges is famous for. This picturesque city was the perfect finale to our festive holiday adventure. I could have stayed for a week quite happily. We will definitely visit again.

MSC Euribia: Luxury and Comfort

Throughout our Christmas market cruise, MSC Euribia was our luxurious floating retreat. Our Aurea balcony suite offered breathtaking ocean views and unmatched comfort. Onboard amenities, from the indulgent spa to the gourmet dining options, made our time on the ship just as enjoyable as our onshore adventures. The Aurea experience, with its exclusive perks and attentive service, made our cruise truly special and unforgettable.