It is that festive time of the year again – Merry Christmas!!!

Last Sunday we went to the Winchester Christmas market and I have to say that Winchester is lovely and the market is one of the best I have been to in the U.K., however, a Christmas market is just so much better when in Europe. A few years ago we went on a Cunard mini cruise to Bruges Christmas market. You may have read this in a previous blog of mine.

It is such a lovely experience and if you live near Southampton why not cruise there? You get 2 or 3 nights on the ship with all your entertainment and food plus if you are new to cruising then a mini cruise is the best way to experience your first cruise.

P&O, Cunard usually have cruises from Southampton and tend to go to Bruges whilst Cruise & Maritime will cruise out of London Tilbury and have more choice. There are so many wonderful markets to enjoy from  Hamburg to Antwerp. There is also the Rotterdam Christmas Market, where a series of delightful stalls, full with seasonal gifts, await those that visit.

Another option is a river cruise – this will require you getting to Europe but once there a magical experience.

Bruges already makes for a dreamy break with its picturesque canals, cobbled streets and historic buildings, but during the festive season, it gets an extra touch of magic as it’s transformed into a Christmas market hub. For a perfect European fairy-tale Christmas break not far from the county, Bruges is probably your best bet, soaked in the moreish scent of warm waffles and illuminated in the twinkling fairy lights reflected in the canal.

We cruised on the Queen Mary 2 with friends from London. It was a 3-day cruise which gave us a full day at sea to catch up and spend quality time together. In the evenings after dinner, we all went to the theatre together. Our friends live very busy lives in London so it was the perfect long weekend of catching up and experiencing the Christmas cheer.

May this Christmas end the present year on a cheerful note and make way for a fresh and bright New Year. Here’s wishing you a Merry Christmas and Happy New Year.