Maastricht, Valkenburg & Aachen Christmas Markets Cruise
Free drinks. Live entertainment every night
6days from
£1,349*per person
Overview
Join us on this fun and friendly cruise including visits to Maastricht, Nijmegen, Rotterdam, Valkenburg Christmas Caves and Aachen Christmas Market in Germany. Enjoy live music and festive entertainment hosted by multi-talented Keith Slater and Billy Shannon.
Itinerary
- Mid-morning escorted departure from St Pancras on the direct train to Amsterdam arriving mid-afternoon. Or fly from your chosen airport to Amsterdam. On arrival transfer to the MS Carmen. Dinner, free drinks and entertainment on board. Overnight sailing to Nijmegen.
- This morning we dock early in Nijmegen, the oldest city in the Netherlands situated between the Waal and Meuse rivers, Nijmegen has always had a strategic importance. During World War II Nijmegen was the first Dutch city to fall into German hands. The day is at leisure in Nijmegen to visit the town and the Grot Markt (Central Square) where the Christmas Market is situated. Or you may like to join the morning optional tour to Arnhem and spend the afternoon in Nijmegen: Nestled along the banks of the majestic Rhine River Arnhem is famously known for the pivotal Battle of Arnhem during World War II, a story immortalized in the book and film, “A Bridge Too Far”. We drive along the fields where the paratroopers landed to the Airborne Museum and cemetery at Oosterbeek on our return we will make a brief stop at the John Frost Bridge in Arnhem. We set sail early evening for Maastricht. Dinner, free drinks and entertainment on board. Overnight sailing to Maastricht.
- This morning we wake up in Maastricht. Morning at leisure or you may also like to join the optional walking tour of this famous town and hometown of André Rieu. This afternoon we drive the short distance into Germany (approx. 40 mins) to Aachen. Germany is famous for its Christmas markets and Aachen is a perfect example of why, the local speciality at this time of year is Aachen Printen, a kind of gingerbread. Also, you may like to visit the Lindt chocolate factory outlet store. We return to the ship for lunch and a free afternoon in Maastricht. Dinner, free drinks and entertainment on board. Overnight in Maastricht.
- After breakfast a short journey by coach (approx. 20 minutes) to Valkenburg where we spend the morning visiting the town. Every year the residents of Valkenburg transform the caves under the town into a Christmas Market (small admission fee to market caves), which has made it one of the most popular Christmas Markets in Europe. We return to the ship for lunch on board before a free afternoon in Maastricht where you can visit the Christmas market – known as Magical Maastricht. Dinner, free drinks and entertainment on board. Overnight sailing to Rotterdam.
- We arrive Rotterdam midday. Rotterdam is a major port city renowned for its modern architecture following reconstruction after WWII, and its historic 17th-century Delfshaven neighbourhood, home to canal side shopping and Pilgrim Fathers Church where pilgrims worshipped before sailing to America. You may like to visit The Maritime Museum’s vintage ships and exhibits which trace the city’s seafaring history. Enjoy an afternoon at leisure, or join our optional guided walking tour. Dinner, free drinks and entertainment on board. Overnight sailing to Amsterdam.
- After breakfast we disembark the ship and transfer to Amsterdam Central station to take the direct train to London St Pancras. Alternatively, transfer to the airport for your flight to the UK. Optional Excursions Excursion to Airbourne Museum and cemetery at Oosterbeek near Arnhem 2hrs £35pp Maastricht walking tour 2hrs £20pp Rotterdam walking tour 2hrs £20pp Excursions must be booked prior to departure. All operate subject to minimum numbers. Note: Order and times of events and excursions may be subject to change. The Christmas markets are not scheduled until 2026 so are subject to change. Most are annual from mid-November through to January.
What's Included
Holiday Highlights
- Free drinks
- Live entertainment every night
- Full-board cruise on the four-star MS Carmen
Our Price Includes
- Escorted return rail travel from London St Pancras to Amsterdam or return flights with luggage to Amsterdam (supplement may apply)
- Five nights' four-star full-board plus cruise accommodation on board MS Carmen sharing a Main deck cabin – single cabins and upgrades available
- Beer, wine & soft drinks served at lunch and dinner and from 6pm to Midnight at the bar
- Afternoon coffee/tea and pastries, breakfasts, three-course lunches, four-course dinners, late night snacks, five-course Captain’s dinner
- Entertainment
- Transfers abroad
- Services of a Cruise Director and Host on Board
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Dates and Prices
Ship Information
Cruise Overview
GN Holidays & Voyages is chartering the four-star MS Carmen & MS Otello for four exclusive cruises in 2026. The Carmen and her sister ship Otello, were built in 1995, completely renovated in 2017 by former owners Uniworld and further updated by present owners in 2023. They are identical in size and space and can accommodate up to 102 guests in a variety of well-equipped, en-suite cabins with hotel style beds.Cabin Details
On the Upper deck you’ll find the reception, lounge and bar, plus *French Balcony suites, doubles and single (with double bed) cabins. On the main deck is the restaurant and coffee station, plus standard double and single (with double bed) cabins – all with picture window. There is a stair lift between the upper deck reception and the main deck. Cabins all have a double hotel style bed, TV, Wifi, safe, hair dryer, individually controlled heating and cooling system, shower and WC. *’French Balcony’ is a sliding patio door with a railing at waist height placed directly behind the glass – there isn’t a separate space/balcony you can walk out onto. Please note: When docking ships can be moored side by side so views from the cabin may be obscured.Dining Details
The restaurant features large picture windows and is light and airy with modern decor, furnishings and a relaxed, informal atmosphere. Diners can enjoy generous buffet breakfasts, three course lunches and four course dinners.Activities Details
The impressive Reception on the Upper deck gives access to the welcoming lounge and bar, with bar stools, easy chairs, booth style seating, a dance floor and state of the art entertainment equipment. The Sun deck has sun loungers, chairs and a panoramic, conservatory style bar so you can enjoy 360 degree views no matter the weather.Facilities
Facilities – Wifi is available throughout the ship, there is a coffee station available to guests 24/7 and a shop on board.Deck 1
Deck 2
Deck 3
Deck 4
Deck 5
Deck 6
Deck 7
Other Information
Flights are currently possible from Heathrow, Liverpool, Birmingham, Bristol, Manchester, Stansted, Gatwick & Edinburgh airports subject to availability at time of booking the flights, and a supplement may apply. Alternative UK departure airports may become available, we will look at all options when you book.
• Flights include 1 checked in bag (usually no more than 20kgs) and 1 carry on bag per person – weight/size subject to airline rules.
• Flight duration around 1 hour.
• Transfer time Amsterdam Airport to ship around 30 mins each way subject to traffic.
Entertainment
Billy Shannon was part of Showaddywaddy from 2021 to 2024 as guitarist and 2nd lead vocalist to Andy Pelos. His stage name is derived from his two favourite artists Billy Fury & Del Shannon. Favourite music genre 50s & 60s Rock & Roll.
Multi-talented Keith Slater has been a professional musician since 1981 and sings hits from the 60s to present day. He has performed with well known artistes Malcolm Stent, Don Maclean and in award winning bands Inheritance and Vivo.
Deposit £200pp and Balance payment 12 weeks before departure.
• Flights include 1 checked in bag (usually no more than 20kgs) and 1 carry on bag per person – weight/size subject to airline rules.
• Flight duration around 1 hour.
• Transfer time Amsterdam Airport to ship around 30 mins each way subject to traffic.
Entertainment
Billy Shannon was part of Showaddywaddy from 2021 to 2024 as guitarist and 2nd lead vocalist to Andy Pelos. His stage name is derived from his two favourite artists Billy Fury & Del Shannon. Favourite music genre 50s & 60s Rock & Roll.
Multi-talented Keith Slater has been a professional musician since 1981 and sings hits from the 60s to present day. He has performed with well known artistes Malcolm Stent, Don Maclean and in award winning bands Inheritance and Vivo.
Deposit £200pp and Balance payment 12 weeks before departure.
Holiday code
GN430Holiday provided by GN Holidays & Voyages
BOOK WITH CONFIDENCE: This holiday is sold and operated by GN Voyages (ABTA Y0291, ATOL 9362). These ABTA and ATOL bonds mean that, when you book a GN Voyages holiday, you can be 100% sure that your money is safe.