Belgian Holiday Markets

Belgian Holiday Markets

About This Cruise

The holiday season in Belgium is something truly special. Each city throws an enchanting winter festival, which could include anything from market stalls and elaborate light displays to Ferris wheels and ice skating rinks. Bordered by the bigger tourism magnets France, Germany, and the Netherlands, Belgium is a small country bursting with cultural impact and well worthy of being the highlight of any European trip—whether it's your first time on the continent or your tenth. Chocolates, french fries, specialty spirits, and beers are amongst the many things this stretch of the Earth is known for doing well. You'll get to experience it all during Belgium's most festive time of the year, when you can sip vin chaud and the world's most delicious cups of hot chocolate between bites of warm liege waffles and spiced gingerbread.

Who will enjoy this cruise: This trip is perfect for those who have been to the classic markets of Germany and are looking for something new, for anyone looking to explore a different side of Belgium than most tourists see, or for those excited to lean into a holiday extravaganza for their next winter season.

Please note that some of the winter festivals we visit may not be open during the sailing departing on the 2nd of December.

Type

River, Luxury

Ship

S.S. Elisabeth

Departure Date

9 December 2027

Cruise Line

UNIWORLD Boutique River Cruises

Duration

7 Nights

Select Your Cabin Type
Select your cabin type
Call Us at 01 6874149

Overview

The holiday season in Belgium is something truly special. Each city throws an enchanting winter festival, which could include anything from market stalls and elaborate light displays to Ferris wheels and ice skating rinks. Bordered by the bigger tourism magnets France, Germany, and the Netherlands, Belgium is a small country bursting with cultural impact and well worthy of being the highlight of any European trip—whether it's your first time on the continent or your tenth. Chocolates, french fries, specialty spirits, and beers are amongst the many things this stretch of the Earth is known for doing well. You'll get to experience it all during Belgium's most festive time of the year, when you can sip vin chaud and the world's most delicious cups of hot chocolate between bites of warm liege waffles and spiced gingerbread.

Who will enjoy this cruise: This trip is perfect for those who have been to the classic markets of Germany and are looking for something new, for anyone looking to explore a different side of Belgium than most tourists see, or for those excited to lean into a holiday extravaganza for their next winter season.

Please note that some of the winter festivals we visit may not be open during the sailing departing on the 2nd of December.

Suite

Royal Suite

Luxurious riverview suite (506 sq ft - 47 sq m) with a spacious living room

King-sized bed (convertible to 2 singles), fine custom linens, walk-in closets, hair dryer, safe, individual thermostat, and flat-screen TV with infotainment center

Large bathroom with Asprey bath and body products, plush towels, comfortable bathrobes and slippers, double sink vanity, and rain shower

Additional amenities and service include: in-suite butler service; packing and unpacking assistance; in-room breakfast; daily fruit and cookie plate, and an elegant evening snack; espresso machine and fine teas; fully stocked mini bar; bottle of wine upon arrival; shoe shine; and free laundry service

Note that amenities may differ from those of a Uniworld company-owned ship

Suite

Suite

Luxurious riverview suite (253 sq ft - 23.5 sq m)

King-sized bed (convertible to 2 singles), fine custom linens, built-in closets, hair dryer, safe, individual thermostat, and flat-screen TV with infotainment center

Large bathroom with Asprey bath and body products, plush towels, comfortable bathrobes and slippers, double sink vanity, and rain shower

Additional amenities and services include in-suite butler service, packing and unpacking assistance, in-room breakfast, daily fruit and cookie plate and an elegant evening snack, espresso machine and fine teas, fully stocked mini bar, bottle of wine upon request, shoeshine, and free laundry service

Note that amenities may differ from those of a Uniworld company-owned ship

Balcony

Signature French Balcony

Luxurious riverview stateroom (253 sq ft - 23.5 sq m). *Please note that stateroom 202 is 237 sq ft (22 sq m), 16 sq ft smaller than the other Signature French Balcony staterooms

King-sized bed (convertible to 2 singles), fine custom linens, built-in closets, hair dryer, safe, individual thermostat, and flat-screen TV with infotainment center

Bathroom with Asprey bath and body products, plush towels, rain shower, comfortable bathrobes, and slippers

Note that amenities may differ from those of a Uniworld company-owned ship

Balcony

Signature French Balcony (202)

Luxurious riverview stateroom (237 sq ft, 22 sq m; stateroom is 16 sq ft, 1.5 sq m smaller than the other Signature French Balcony staterooms)

King-sized bed (convertible to 2 singles), fine custom linens, built-in closets, hair dryer, safe, individual thermostat, and flat-screen TV with infotainment center

Bathroom with Asprey bath and body products, plush towels, rain shower, comfortable bathrobes, and slippers

Note that amenities may differ from those of a Uniworld company-owned ship

Balcony

Deluxe French Balcony

Luxurious riverview stateroom (188 sq ft - 17.5 sq m)

King-sized bed (convertible to 2 singles), fine custom linens, built-in closets, hair dryer, safe, individual thermostat, and flat-screen TV with infotainment center

Bathroom with Asprey bath and body products, plush towels, rain shower, comfortable bathrobes, and slippers

Note that amenities may differ from those of a Uniworld company-owned ship

Balcony

French Balcony

Luxurious riverview stateroom (188 sq ft - 17.5 sq m)

King-sized bed (convertible to 2 singles), fine custom linens, built-in closets, hair dryer, safe, individual thermostat, and flat-screen TV with infotainment center

Bathroom with Asprey bath and body products, plush towels, rain shower, comfortable bathrobes, and slippers

Note that amenities may differ from those of a Uniworld company-owned ship

fine

Restaurant

The Restaurant can be found on the Cologne Deck.

Exclusive

Vintage Room

The Vintage Room can be found on the Basel Deck.

Food Hall

Bistro

The Bistro can be found on the Basel Deck.

cafe

Pantry

The Pantry can be found on the Cologne Deck.

Bar, Lounge

Lounge

The Lounge can be found on the Basel Deck.

Bar, Sun Deck

Vista Bar and Sun Deck

Vista Bar can be found on the Sun Deck.

Reception, Atrium

Lobby

The Lobby can be found on the Cologne Deck.

Gym

Fitness Centre

The Fitness Centre can be found on the Amsterdam Deck.

Pool

Swimming Pool

The Swimming Pool can be found on the Basel Deck.

Special Generation Amenities

  • Exciting shore excursions tailor-made for families and hosted by local experts
  • Kid-friendly menus for each meal and unlimited beverages onboard
  • Young Travellers’ Table, a special dining table reserved on certain nights just for our younger guests and Family Hosts
  • Onboard activities just for kids, such as cooking classes and dessert-making with the ship’s chef and pastry chef
  • Hands-on craft workshops tailored to the destinations you visit
  • Young travellers’ lounge and game room, complete with PlayStation, games, movies and local treats
  • Two dedicated Family Hosts to oversee all activities for Junior Cruisers (ages 4 to 12 years) and Teen Cruisers (ages 13 to 17 years)
  • Opportunities to “Live the Lingo” and learn words and phrases in other languages from our Family Hosts
  • Kids-only movie nights, where kids can enjoy popcorn-fueled screenings of family-friendly films along with their new onboard friends and Family Hosts
  • A special VIP ship tour with the Captain or Hotel Manager
  • Complimentary bicycles, helmets and Nordic walking sticks for use onshore
  • Young travellers will receive special surprise pillow gifts for each night of the cruise
  • Convenient departures scheduled during summer and winter breaks