Flights
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.
Please call us on 01895 83 33 33 to discuss your flight requirements.
Maastricht, Valkenburg, Aachen & Antwerp Christmas Markets Cruise
6 days by Rail or Air, December 2nd 2026, from £1349 per person
Itinerary
Day 1: UK to Amsterdam/Haarlem
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 in Haarlem just outside Amsterdam city centre. Dinner, free drinks and entertainment on board. Overnight sailing to Nijmegen.
Day 2: Nijmegen & Arnhem
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.
Day 3: Maastricht & Aachen
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.
Day 4: Maastricht & Valkenburg
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 Antwerp.
Day 5: Antwerp & Ghent
This morning, we wake up in Belgium and dock in Antwerp, once a major trading hub of the 16th Century Golden Age and known as the Diamond Capital of the World. Today is free to stroll into town and visit the Christmas Markets throughout the picturesque squares in the historic centre. This afternoon you can remain in Antwerp at leisure or join the optional coach excursion to Ghent (approx. 50 minutes’ drive). Ghent offers a vibrant mix of stunning medieval architecture, canals, rich history, great food and beer. The Christmas Market features over 150 stalls in the historic city centre. Lunch, dinner, free drinks and entertainment on board. Overnight Sailing to Haarlem.
Day 6: Haarlem/Amsterdam to UK
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
- Excursion to Ghent 4hrs £35pp
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.
Entertainment
Billy Shannon was part of Showaddywaddy from 2021 to 2024 as guitarist and lead vocalist. 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.
Accommodation
MS Carmen
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.
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.
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.
Facilities – Wifi is available throughout the ship, there is a coffee station available to guests 24/7 and a shop on board.
Ship’s stats – Length: 110 metres • Breadth: 11.40 metres • Max passenger Capacity: 126 • Passengers decks: 3
Note: MS Carmen shares its name with, but is not the MS Carmen we chartered before 2022.
Decks & Cabins
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.
What Our Customers Say
Loved the Carmen, I received hugs and greetings from many of the ship’s crew who remembered me from when we were in Budapest (once seen never forgotten !!!). The Cruise was fabulous, so looking forward to Amsterdam in April. Melanie and Keith, as always, did a great job. Judith Weir Read more “Dutch Bulbfields 2025 Judith”
I was on the MS Verdi Bulbfields cruise, it was fantastic. Anyone considering one for the future don't hold back, life's too short. Terry & Chris Croft Read more “Dutch Bulbfields MS Verdi 2024”
This was our very first river cruise and WOW what a treat. We did a big cruise once and it wasn't for us, but the MS Verdi is the perfect size and travelling down the river so tranquil. GN Holidays is an amazing firm and totally recommend their party weekends and river cruises. Linda & Rowley Bletsoe Read more “Dutch Bulbfields April 2025”
