Dec
2018
P&O Cruises Aurora Bruges & Amsterdam Mini Cruise – 29th December 2018
Christmas. It's the one day in the year you either really love or really hate. But what do you do after you've unwrapped all your presents and stuffed your face?
Pack a bag ready for this five-night mini cruise aboard P&O Cruises' Aurora if you get your skates on.
Oh no, the ship has sailed on this cruise
Sorry, the ship has sailed on this mini cruise and I'm sure it was a blast! Never mind though, there are plenty more mini cruises to choose from.
About this cruise
Get Christmas on Tuesday and Boxing Day on Wednesday out of the way. Then start packing and head to Southampton port on Saturday 29th December 2018 where you'll board your ship.
The itinerary crams in a day in Belgium and two in Holland, as well as a day at sea, so unlike on the really short mini cruises where time is of the essence, you can afford to relax and unwind on your first afternoon onboard the ship. Tour your new home-from-home, enjoy a drink or two, chow down dinner, and take in the evening entertainment.
Zeebrugge is your first stop, and you really should make a beeline for Bruges, just a short bus or train ride away. The Christmas holidays in Bruges are simply magical. Wrap up warm and head down to the annual Christmas Market in Grote Markt - it really is a highlight. Bruges is also the chocolate capital - remember, the diet can wait until the 4th January when you disembark the ship!
Sail again overnight and arrive in Amsterdam. An overnight stop is schedule here, meaning the ship will spend the night docked rather than out at sea. This means you can experience Amsterdam's legendary nightlife, on New Year's Eve no less.
Amsterdam really knows how to celebrate New Year, and you will be in for a treat as you spend a night docked in the city. Kick start 2019 the Dutch way.
You'll arrive early in the morning on Monday 31st December 2018 and leave in the evening on Tuesday 1st January 2019, so you'll have plenty of time to explore Amsterdam or recover from a sore head if it all gets a bit too much welcoming in 2019.
I expect the Wednesday to be a quiet day. It's a sea day as you sail back to Southampton, so you can do as you please. Sleep off the partying, treat yourself at the spa, wrap up warm and watch the sea go by (no chance of lounging underneath glorious sunshine on the Channel in January!), or take part in the entertainment offered throughout the day.
Sadly, Thursday morning will roll in far too quickly when it's time to disembark in Southampton.
This is one of the last family-friendly cruises Aurora will be sailing. From April 2019, Aurora will become an adults-only ship.
This cruise takes place over the Christmas break, when most schools are shut. This is a family-friendly ship so is a great way to cram in a short family holiday while the kids are off school.
(Photo credit to 1919021)
The Route
The itinerary for this mini cruise is:
| Day | Date | Port | When |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Saturday 29th December 2018 | Southampton | Afternoon |
| 2 | Sunday 30th December 2018 | Zeebrugge (for Bruges) | Morning to late afternoon |
| 3 | Monday 31st December 2018 | Amsterdam | Arrive early morning |
| 4 | Tuesday 1st January 2019 | Amsterdam | Depart evening |
| 5 | Wednesday 2nd January 2019 | At sea | All day |
| 6 | Thursday 3rd January 2019 | Southampton | Early morning |
Why choose this taster cruise?
- 5 nights on P&O Cruises' family-friendly ship, Aurora
- Voyage R826 departs on Saturday 29th December 2018
- Sail round-trip from Southampton
- Spend a day in Belgium and an overnight call docked in Amsterdam
- Welcome in 2019 as you celebrate New Year on a cruise ship
So you know, the map above shows point-to-point lines which may cross land. Don't worry, your cruise ship will not sprout legs and run across dry land. Instead it's water all the way! Mapping is approximate, and the scheduled times are estimates. Your trip is subject to change as, occasionally, operators have to alter itineraries due to bad weather or unforeseen events.
The Price
Oh no, the ship has sailed on this cruise
Sorry, the ship has sailed on this mini cruise and I'm sure it was a blast! Never mind though, there are plenty more mini cruises to choose from.
More choices
Not quite right? Here are some other suggestions that may suit better.