Let us help you get that Festive Sparkle at Sea

So Halloween is just under two weeks away and whilst some of us are still trying to decide what to wear trick or treating a lot of businesses have started the dreaded discussions to start in your workplace about the Christmas party. Some poor person has the responsibility to ring around all the hotels in your town and get quotes and details of what is available and then have to listen to people complaining already about the band, the food, the location etc.

I thought this was the way in every work place until I was speaking to a customer yesterday and this brought a whole new meaning to Christmas Sparkle. I was speaking to a lady who was putting the feelers out for mini cruises going in November and December. The ladies in her work place have been saving £30 a month each and put it in pot and use it towards a one or two night cruise to Bruges or Amsterdam. They look forward to this ‘man free’ road trip every year and think it is fantastic value for everything they get included. They get totally glam on the formal dining and get ready to dance the night away and only have to stumble a few steps to bed. They also get the added bonus of getting to visit some of Europe’s fantastic Christmas Markets and it gets them in the festive season.

When looking at options for them I discovered there are some really fantastic deals out there sailing from the UK and Cruise and Maritime have a major focus on this market for December 2019

Below are some of there spectacular festive options

9th December, 2 nights on Columbus sailing from Tilbury and calling at Antwerp from £149 per person based on 2 sharing an inside cabin.

Antwerp Christmas market is spread over different squares in the historic city centre which makes it very cosy. Everything is within short walking distance: The Grote Markt, Suikerrui, Handschoenmarkt, the Groenplaats, and Steenplein at the foot of Antwerp Steen castle

15th December, 3 nights on Magellan sailing from Tilbury and calling at Rouen and Honfleur after a lovely scenic cruise down the River Seine from £219 per person sharing an inside cabin.

In Rouen the Christmas event is called “Rouen givrée” (Frosted Rouen). The Normand city offers a number of cultural events: games, concerts, music and shows for children. The streets of the old town can be explored under magical street lighting while visitors and locals alike have fun at the ice-skating rink on Place de l’Hôtel de Ville or on the Ferris Wheel on Place du Vieux-Marché.

The Honfleur Christmas Market is also set in a beautiful location on the famous Vieux Bassin (old fishing port). It includes 25 chalets selling the most gorgeous gifts, an ice-skating rink, carriage rides, concerts and other festive activities.

16th December, 3 nights on Columbus sailing from Tilbury and calling at Antwerp and Amsterdam from £229 per person sharing an inside cabin.

The Christmas Market is Amsterdam is a hugely popular one with the main focus being around Dam Square. This is where you will find the shopping Chalets and the 65 foot Christmas Tree. There will also be a few ice skating rinks dotted around the city centre with the most popular one being located at the Rijksmuseum with some wintry refreshment stands close by.

One of the most popular options has been the 8th December sailing on Magellan for 4 nights from Tilbury calling at Rouen, Honfleur and Zeebrugge. Inside cabins on this sailing are starting at £249 per person sharing.

The Christmas Market in Bruges has to be on everyone’s to do list. It was certainly on mine and I had a fabulous time there when I went a few years ago. It was worth the trip just for my chocolate haul alone. But it really has to be seen and experienced to be believed. The historical city centre is completely transformed into a winter wonderland and if you could imagine the perfect Christmas market with stalls, ice skating, hot chocolate and roasted chestnuts – well Bruges has you covered.

So when you are all sitting down in your staff room to try and think of unique ideas for your party this year then be brave a suggest a mini cruise for the value, destinations, fantastic food, great entertainment and the best festive over all experience.