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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.

Who Is This Cruise For?

  • Couples

    Luxury service and an intimate, small-ship feel

  • Over 50s

    A gentle pace with daily excursions and no sea days

  • Solo travellers

    Low or no single supplement on selected cabins

Type

River, Luxury

Ship

S.S. Elisabeth

Departure Date

2 December 2027

Cruise Line

UNIWORLD Boutique River Cruises

Duration

7 Nights

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

Itinerary

Belgium

Brussel (Bruxelles)

Arrive at Brussels Airport. If you have arranged a Uniworld arrival transfer, you will be greeted by a Uniworld representative and transferred to the ship.

Belgium

Gent (Ghent)

Visit two national gems: beautiful Bruges, the capital of West Flanders and one of the best-preserved medieval cities in Europe, and fascinating Ghent, the capital city of East Flanders, whose long history does not weigh on its vibrant present. Belgium’s second-largest city, Ghent abounds in medieval architecture, which makes for a particularly magical canvas for the town’s Christmastime decorations.

Belgium

Antwerp

You’ll find a penchant for all things high quality in the country’s biggest port city. Diamonds, art, fashion, and more compete for attention here, so you’re sure to find just the thing to make your time in Antwerp memorable.

Belgium

Hasselt

Today, you’ll explore the trendy-yet-quaint town of Hasselt. A blend of city interest—with plenty of cafés and shopping—and an easygoing, small-town atmosphere, the mostly car-free Hasselt is a charming place to explore on foot.

Netherlands

Maastricht

Venture into the Netherlands to visit Maastricht, known as one of the most beautiful and romantic cities of Holland and loved for its convivial lifestyle and historic center, which has long played a strategic role in European politics. Not only will you explore this city’s Christmas market, but you will also have the opportunity to head into Germany to visit the famous Aachen Christmas Market.

Belgium

Antwerp

Discover an eclectic mix of historic and modern in Belgium’s “Second City,” Antwerp, a town where well-preserved medieval buildings are interspersed with artful modern architecture. After your included explorations today, you may find your final Christmas market for this journey centered in Antwerp’s Old Town, lighting up nostalgic facades and the local castle to create the perfect backdrop for this festive event. Please note that Antwerp’s Christmas Market will not be open during the December 2 sailing of this itinerary.

Belgium

Brussel (Bruxelles)

Brussels, the capital of Belgium, offers a treasure trove of historic architecture, along with a rich culinary tradition—chocolate!—and a vibrant culinary capital. Food lovers will be lured by the divine aromas drifting from the many holiday market stalls, while others will be attracted to the city’s enchanting architecture and elaborate Christmas displays.

Belgium

Brussel (Bruxelles)

Disembark the ship. If you have arranged a Uniworld departure transfer, you will be transferred to Brussels Airport for your flight home.

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.

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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

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Suite

Suite

Please note this category is only available for 2026 sailings.

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

Butler service, such as packing and unpacking assistance, shoe shining, complimentary laundry service, and in-room breakfast delivery

In-room treats: fresh fruits and treats from your pastry chef delivered daily, a complimentary menu of specialty snacks and cocktails, Nespresso coffees and fine teas, a fully stocked mini bar, and a bottle of wine upon arrival

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

Suite

Suite A

Please note this category is only available on 2027 & 2028 sailings.

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

Butler service, such as packing and unpacking assistance, shoe shining, complimentary laundry service, and in-room breakfast delivery

In-room treats: fresh fruits and treats from your pastry chef delivered daily, a complimentary menu of specialty snacks and cocktails, Nespresso coffees and fine teas, a fully stocked mini bar, and a bottle of wine upon arrival

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

Suite

Suite B

Please note this category is only available on 2027 & 2028 sailings.

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

Butler service, such as packing and unpacking assistance, shoe shining, complimentary laundry service, and in-room breakfast delivery

In-room treats: fresh fruits and treats from your pastry chef delivered daily, a complimentary menu of specialty snacks and cocktails, Nespresso coffees and fine teas, a fully stocked mini bar, and a bottle of wine upon arrival

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

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Balcony

Signature French Balcony

Please note this category is only available for 2026 sailings.

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 A

This category is only available on 2027 & 2028 sailings.

Luxurious riverview stateroom (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

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.

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

Balcony

Signature French Balcony B

This category is only available on 2027 & 2028 sailings.

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

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.

room

24-Hour Room Service

Craving a bite in between breakfast, lunch or dinner? Inquire about 24-hour room service and à la carte menus. 

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Bar, Lounge

Lounge

The Lounge can be found on the Basel Deck.

Bar

Vista Bar

Vista Bar can be found on the Sun Deck.
Reception, Atrium

Lobby

The Lobby can be found on the Cologne Deck.

Bar, Sun Deck

Sun Deck

The Sun Deck offers sun loungers and the Vista Bar.

Spa, Wellness

Serenity River Spa™

Relax at the Serenity River Spa™ with a soothing facial or massage treatment.
Exercise Class, Wellness, Yoga

Wellness on the Water™

Start your day with sunrise yoga on the top deck, a TRX® Suspension Training class, or work out at your own pace in the well-equipped fitness center.
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.

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The Generations Collection

Share the joys of river cruising with the entire family.

Find out more here.