Dec
2018
P&O Cruises Oceana Bruges & Germany Mini Cruise – 29th December 2018
So you want to celebrate New Year with a bang? How about cramming in some sightseeing in Bruges and Hamburg too?
If that sounds right up your street, look no further than this cruise from Southampton aboard P&O Cruises' Oceana.
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
This short break starts in Southampton on Saturday 29th December 2018. Polish off all the Christmas dinner leftovers and then head to the port where P&O Cruises' Oceana will await. The mid-sized cruise ship doesn't boast the headline-grabbing features of sister-ship Britannia, but at the same time, nor is it a trek from one end of the ship to the other. This ship still has plenty to see and do inside, which is a very good thing given the December weather as you sail the English Channel and North Sea certainly won't be 30ºC sunshine.
Even so, you're not booking this cruise for the weather (come on, it's Northern Europe in December!). You're after a post-Christmas detox and an excuse to toast in the New Year.
So after spending Sunday at sea you'll want to stretch your legs in Hamburg on Monday. This thoroughly modern maritime city boasts plenty of high-end shops, and plenty to see and do. Miniatur Wunderland is a great place to visit with the kids. Real world sights are miniaturised for this display of light and sound. The attention to detail is incredible.
Oceana will stay in port until late in the evening, so make the most of your time on land this New Year's Eve. Then it's out to sea for a New Year's party. Expect P&O Cruises to throw a memorable party as you bid farewell to 2018 and say 'guten tag' to 2019.
The itinerary gods bless you with a day at sea on Tuesday 1st January 2019, which you might well need if you party a little too hard the night before. So a lazy day is in order. Have a lie-in, send the kids to the children's club while you have a light lunch. Head to Oasis Spa for some well-earned pampering or hit the gym if you really feel the need to. There's lots going on around the ship so get up to as much or as little as you like.
Your final port of call on Wednesday is Zeebrugge for Bruges. Head to the city and if you're lucky, you'll catch a glimpse of the winter markets in Grote Markt before they close for another year (in 2017, they ran until 2nd January 2018, so you might be in with a chance here). Failing that, there's plenty of other attractions to keep you busy during the day, including museums, churches, and plenty of warm and inviting bars and restaurants. While the Belgian beer might be calling, it's the hot Belgian Frites and Waffles that'll warm you up - a perfect lunch whatever the weather.
It's back on board for an overnight sailing back to Southampton where you'll disembark on Thursday morning.
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 | At sea | All day |
| 3 | Monday 31st December 2018 | Hamburg | Early morning to late evening |
| 4 | Tuesday 1st January 2019 | At sea | All day |
| 5 | Wednesday 2nd January 2019 | Zeebrugge (for Bruges) | Morning to late afternoon |
| 6 | Thursday 3rd January 2019 | Southampton | Early morning |
Why choose this taster cruise?
- 5 nights on P&O Cruises' family-friendly ship, Oceana
- Voyage E829 departs on Saturday 29th December 2018
- Sail round-trip from Southampton
- Spend a day in Belgium and another in Hamburg
- 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.