The Authentic Cruise Company

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Belgian Holiday Markets

with UNIWORLD Boutique River Cruises
Dec. 09, 2025 - Dec. 16, 2025
8 days5 ports

There’s no more magical way to enjoy the holiday season than with a visit to a Christmas market. And on an all-inclusive, luxury river cruise, you can wander the stalls of many such markets in one trip, encountering the delights of each city’s unique rendition along the way. The holiday season in Belgium is something truly special. Not only will each city have its own quintessential Christmas setup, with rows of stalls offering handcrafted gifts and delicious wintertime treats, but they’ll also surround these markets with enchanting festivals, ice skating rinks, elaborate light displays, Ferris wheels and more characterize the holiday season in towns across Belgium.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, and you’ll get to experience it all during Belgium’s most festive time of the year.Visit Christmas towns unlike any other in Belgium, Germany and the Netherlands—such as Brussels, Bruges and Aachen, where the markets are often named amongst the best in Europe.

Discover why as you 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.

  • brand-new ship
  • Cherry Blossoms
  • Cruise
  • Dining
  • Japan
  • Luxury Cruise
  • Prestige
  • Reservations Now Open
  • Seabourn
  • Seabourn dining
  • SERENITY SUITE
  • Seven Seas Prestige
  • SEVEN SEAS SUI
  • Spring
  • The Prestige Loft S
  • The SkyView Luna

Itinerary

Day 1: Brussel (Bruxelles)
Day 2: Brussel (Bruxelles)
Day 3: Gent (Ghent)
Day 4: Hasselt
Day 5: Maastricht
Day 6: Antwerp
Day 7: Antwerp
Day 8: Brussel (Bruxelles)
Day 1: Brussel (Bruxelles)

Day programme:

Arrive at Brussels Airport. If your cruise package includes a group arrival transfer, or if you have purchased a private arrival transfer, you will be greeted by a Uniworld representative and transferred to the ship.

Day 2: Brussel (Bruxelles)

Day programme:

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.

Day 3: Gent (Ghent)

Day programme:

Visit one of two national gems: beautiful Bruges, the capital of West Flanders and one of the best-preserved medieval cities in Europe, or 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.

Day 4: Hasselt

Day programme:

Today, you’ll explore the trendy-yet-quaint town of Hasselt. A blend of city interest—with plenty of cafés, shopping and the area’s largest Christmas market—and an easygoing, small-town atmosphere, the mostly car-free Hasselt is a charming place to explore on foot. It is also, as you can discover at one of the tasting booths in the market, known as the unofficial capital of Belgium’s famous spirit, Jenever.

Day 5: Maastricht

Day programme:

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.

Day 6: Antwerp

Explore Antwerp, Belgium’s second city. Known for its diamond cutting industry, fashion and the many great artists that lived in its vicinity, Antwerp is a city focused on art and culture.

Day programme:

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.

Day 7: Antwerp

Explore Antwerp, Belgium’s second city. Known for its diamond cutting industry, fashion and the many great artists that lived in its vicinity, Antwerp is a city focused on art and culture.

Day programme:

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.

Day 8: Brussel (Bruxelles)

Day programme:

Disembark the ship. If your cruise package includes a group departure transfer, or if you have purchased a private departure transfer, you will be transferred to Brussels Airport for your flight home.

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Ship features

Royal 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
Royal Suite
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
Royal Suite
Suite
Signature French 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, espresso machine, 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
Royal Suite
Suite
Signature French Balcony
Signature French Balcony (202)

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, espresso machine, 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
Royal Suite
Suite
Signature French Balcony
Signature French Balcony (202)
Deluxe French 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, espresso machine, 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
Royal Suite
Suite
Signature French Balcony
Signature French Balcony (202)
Deluxe French Balcony
French 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, espresso machine, 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. 
Restaurant

Restaurant

The Restaurant can be found on the Main Deck.

Restaurant
Vintage Room

Vintage Room

The Vintage Room can be found on the Rhine Deck.

Restaurant
Vintage Room
Bistro

Bistro

The Bistro can be found on the Rhine Deck.

Included Excursions

Included Excursions

VILLAGE DAY

Get an in-depth look into the quaint destinations we visit and the local people who bring them to life.

LET’S GO

These active excursions feature walking, hiking, cycling, kayaking and golfing activities.

DO AS THE LOCALS DO

Experience life like a local, from riding the subway to stopping into a café for a local treat.

NIGHTS OUT

Private after-hours tours of popular attractions and fun local nightlife experiences.

Included Excursions
Private Experiences

Private Experiences

From visiting a museum without the crowds to an after-hours tour of a famous landmark, these included, once-in-a-lifetime experiences are arranged privately for Uniworld guests.

Included Excursions
Private Experiences
Masterpiece Collection

Masterpiece Collection

Tasting cheese with a cheese affineur in Rüdesheim or cruising through the streets of Bordeaux in a retro sidecar–if going above and beyond is what you’re after, you’ll be sure to enjoy our selection of Masterpiece Collection optional experiences, available for an additional cost.

Included Excursions
Private Experiences
Masterpiece Collection
Curated Services

Curated Services

Guests looking to treat themselves and their loved ones to a private, extraordinary experience can arrange a Curated Service. These experiences can be booked onboard, are often accompanied with a private car and/or guide, are fully customizable, and provide guests with an opportunity to create an exceptionally special moment just for them.

Lounge

Lounge

The Lounge can be found on the Rhine Deck.

Lounge
Vista Bar

Vista Bar

Vista Bar can be found on the Sun Deck.

Lounge
Vista Bar
Swimming Pool

Swimming Pool

The Swimming Pool can be found on the Rhine Deck.

Gym

Gym

The Gym can be found on the Moselle Deck.

Laundry

Laundry

Most ships have either a self-serve laundrette (with ironing board) or laundry service for an additional fee. Please contact info@uniworld.com to find out what services your ship offers. No dry cleaning services are available on any ship.

Laundry
Wi-Fi

Wi-Fi

Select ships offer complimentary Wi-Fi access. Please view your ship’s specific information page on our website or email us at info@uniworld.com to find out if Wi-Fi is available onboard. Service may be briefly interrupted in remote areas, while sailing, or when moving through locks, and the speed will likely be slower than what you are used to back home.

Laundry
Wi-Fi
Smoking Policy

Smoking Policy

For the comfort of all our guests, smoking is only permitted on the sun decks of our ships. Smoking is not permitted on motorcoaches. This policy applies to all forms of smoking materials including vapor e-cigarettes.

We also ask guests to refrain from smoking on shore excursions/tours, especially since many historical sites and other tourist attractions are now smoke-free as well.

Laundry
Wi-Fi
Smoking Policy
Dress Code

Dress Code

It’s best to pack for a range of weather conditions, depending on the season and regions visited. Wearing layers will allow you to easily adjust to temperature changes. Limiting your wardrobe to a simple mix-and-match color scheme will keep your bags to a minimum.

We recommend wearing comfortable, smart-casual clothing both onshore and onboard. We also suggest sturdy walking shoes, as you will do a significant amount of walking on shore excursions, often over cobblestones or uneven terrain. A sun hat, rain gear, and a coat or wrap for chilly evenings are useful items to have. For dining ashore, concerts, special events onboard, etc., men may want to bring a sports jacket and women a cocktail dress or pantsuit. Neckties are optional. Please note that shorts are not allowed at dinner aboard the ship.

Laundry
Wi-Fi
Smoking Policy
Dress Code
Age Restrictions

Age Restrictions

In our experience, most young children—especially those under 4—are simply not yet old enough to enjoy river cruising. We make no special arrangements for little ones and offer few kid-friendly activities onboard or onshore. Please note: Our Generations program departures include programs and services designed for families traveling with children. Adults accompanying children are responsible for their safety and behavior onboard and onshore.

Europe, Asia, India, and Egypt: Guests should be 4 years of age or older. Guests who are less than 18 years of age must be accompanied by a parent or guardian and booked in a cabin with someone who is 21 years of age or older.

Peru: Guests must be 7 years of age or older. Guests under 21 must be booked in a cabin with someone who is 25 years of age or older, or traveling with a parent or guardian who is booked in a connecting suite. Some excursions may not be suitable for young children.

Laundry
Wi-Fi
Smoking Policy
Dress Code
Age Restrictions
Dietary Requirements

Dietary Requirements

Kindly inform us in advance if you have specific dietary requests (e.g., low-fat, low-calorie, gluten-free, sugar-free, vegetarian, etc.). This information can be provided to us when completing your Passenger Information Form. We have a “Travelling Lite” menu for guests seeking more health-conscious options, as well as light lunches, vegetarian options, and generous buffets that offer something for everyone. We will do our very best to accommodate your needs given the resources available to us.

Laundry
Wi-Fi
Smoking Policy
Dress Code
Age Restrictions
Dietary Requirements
Disabled Facilities

Disabled Facilities

Uniworld strives to provide a safe, enjoyable, and memorable travel experience for all passengers. The Company welcomes passengers with special needs or disabilities. However, please note the following:

Passengers are required to advise the Company, in advance, of any physical, medical, or other special needs that require accommodation.

All guests must ensure they are medically and physically fit for travel. The Company may impose safety requirements necessary for the safe operation of the tour. The Company may also exclude an individual from participating in a tour or an activity if that individual’s participation poses a direct threat to health or safety.

The Company does not provide personal devices (such as wheelchairs, hearing aids or prescription eye glasses) or services of a personal nature (such as pushing a wheelchair or assistance in eating, toileting or dressing). A companion capable of providing such assistance must accompany any passenger who requires services of a personal nature.

The Company does not employ medical personnel. Any necessary medical attention will be provided by a local facility at the passenger’s expense. The Company is not responsible or liable for any losses or costs incurred as a result of medical services obtained while on tour, or for the quality of the care or services received. Passengers should be aware some tours include rough terrain, extensive walking over cobblestone streets, uneven pavement, steps and locations which may not be easily accessible or accessible by wheelchair.

During the tour, the Company may make arrangements with carriers, hotels and other independent suppliers to provide travel services. These parties are independent entities over which the Company has no control. Accommodations on international tours may differ from those in the united kingdom. The Company cannot guarantee disability access or accommodations for passengers travelling on international tours. The Company may, in its sole discretion, decline the booking of any passenger or remove any passenger who cannot comply or refuses to comply with the Company’s terms and conditions. The Company is not responsible for any costs incurred in the event a passenger is removed from a tour. Passengers agree not to hold the Company or any of its related entities liable for any actions taken under these terms and conditions.

Sun Deck

Sun Deck

  • Sun Roof
  • Canopy
  • Vista Bar
  • Skylight
Sun Deck
Rhine Deck

Rhine Deck

  • Swimming Pool
  • Bistro
  • Vintage Room
  • Lounge
  • Stage
  • Wheelhouse
  • Suite
  • Royal Suite
  • Deluxe French Balcony
  • Elevator
Sun Deck
Rhine Deck
Main Deck

Main Deck

  • Reception
  • Lobby
  • Pantry
  • Restaurant
  • Signature French Balcony
  • French Balcony
  • Elevator
Sun Deck
Rhine Deck
Main Deck
Moselle Deck

Moselle Deck

  • Guest Laundry
  • Fitness Center
  • Serenity River Spa
  • Stairs
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