Canal by the Bonifacius Hotel in Bruges, Belgium

Destinations New to cruising Northern Europe

Short Breaks, lifelong memories

Make the most of every moment on a short cruise break to Europe. History, culture, fine wines and plenty of good times – it’s the ultimate city escape.

6 min 15 Aug 2022

Editorial Team

Author

What do you look for in a holiday? Is it world-class food and wine, inspiring architecture, or brilliant arts and culture? Whatever your motivation, you don’t have to venture far to find it.

A Short Break offers a world of adventure close to home. With year-round sailings, there’s ample opportunity to soak up the best the seasons have to offer, whether you’re admiring Amsterdam’s beautiful springtime blooms or wrapping up warm in the winter to soak up the splendour of medieval Bruges.

Back on board, you can relax with a massage in the spa, sip a drink on deck, enjoy some entertainment, indulge in a sumptuous Black Tie Gala dinner, then dance the night away. Ready to make the most of every moment? These destinations will help inspire your next escape.

1. Amsterdam

Amsterdam (from Ijmuiden) is brimming with attractions. World-famous museums abound, among them the Van Gogh Museum and the Rijksmuseum, home of masterpieces by Rembrandt and Vermeer. Stroll through the charming Jordaan neighbourhood, teeming with shops, galleries, bars and restaurants. Amsterdam Noord, meanwhile, has blossomed into a cultural hipster hub with street markets, cool cafés and dynamic green spaces. After dark, the streets exude a pulsing energy and unique sparkle. Find a range of live music venues in the Leidseplein and Rembrandtplein areas and explore the area’s bustling nightlife.

Amsterdam, Netherlands

2. Bruges

With its medieval buildings and intricate network of canals, Bruges (from Zeebrugge) has its own special magic. The cobbled streets are lined with shops, restaurants and bars and grand historic buildings, among them the Belfry in the imposing Market Square, and the Church of Our Lady, home to Michelangelo’s Madonna and Child marble statue. Small and perfectly formed, the city is best explored on foot, by bike, by canal boat or by Segway. When it’s time to refuel, taste some local beers alongside a steaming bowl of traditional moules-frites, and finish it off with a quintessentially Belgian treat: chocolate.

Bruges, Belgium

3. St Peter Port

British and French influences combine on Guernsey to create an island with a charm all its own. The capital, St Peter Port, is perfect for exploring on foot – a walk on the beautiful Havelet Bay beach, followed by lunch, will leave you feeling brand new. History fans can learn more about the fascinating role the island played in the Second World War with a visit to the La Vallette Underground Military Museum, housed in an old U-boat fuel storage bunker. To truly get away from it all, explore the car-free island of Sark and soak up the breathtaking vistas, coves and pretty villages.

4. Hamburg

Lively, multicultural Hamburg has something for everyone. Explore the Speicherstadt and Kontorhaus district, one of the world’s largest warehouse complexes linked together by narrow streets, bridges and canals and home to harbourside pubs and charming restaurants. After dinner, head for the Spielbudenplatz – the historic core of Hamburg’s entertainment district is the perfect place to stroll and soak up the city vibes. When the sun goes down, light up the night in the bright and brash Reeperbahn, Hamburg’s legendary nightlife mile. Here you'll find a colourful array of dance clubs, live music venues and cosy pubs in a buzzy mash-up with something for everyone and where anything goes.

Hamburg, Germany

5. Cherbourg

Cherbourg is the gateway to the rugged Normandy region. Foodies are in for a number of treats here: sample seafood in the buzzing Old Town’s fish market, or indulge in cheese, cider and calvados, a brandy made from apples or pears. The city also makes an ideal base for day trips, showcasing a very different side of France from its more famous southern ports. Visit Mont Saint Michel, the grand Gothic abbey crowning a fabulous fairytale island; weave your way to Bayeaux to experience the world’s most famous tapestry; or visit the beaches of the British and American D-Day landings.