Following the success of its Northern Europe season this summer and due to the constant demand for cruises in this region, MSC Cruises today announced the introduction of a Northern Europe itinerary for this winter, the first time the company has offered a winter program in the region.
Starting November 14, 2021, MSC Magnifica will offer 7-night cruises visiting five of Europe's most popular cities: the Pearls of the North. The ship will call at Hamburg (Germany); IJmuiden and Amsterdam (Netherlands); Zeebrugge for Bruges and Brussels (Belgium); Le Havre for Paris (France); and Southampton for London (United Kingdom). Extended port stays of up to 12 hours will allow passengers to make the most of their time ashore. Embarkation will be possible at each port, ensuring proximity to the most convenient connections for passengers.
Winter is one of the best times of year to visit Northern Europe: cities are less crowded with tourists, the Christmas season brings festive decorations and Christmas markets that create a magical atmosphere, and many landscapes are transformed into winter wonderlands. This is also a unique opportunity to visit some of Europe's capital cities in a single trip.
The Pearls of the North
Hamburg, Germany, is famous for its elegant boulevards, stately buildings, and emerald-green parks. In November and December, you can enjoy one of the city's 30 Christmas markets while sipping mulled wine or roasting chestnuts. From Hamburg, you can visit the magnificent Hanseatic city of Lübeck, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, or Lüneburg, the "City of White Gold," with its numerous historic buildings and cobbled streets.
The British port of Southampton offers convenient access to several of southern England's top tourist attractions, including the historic cities of Winchester and Salisbury, with their world-renowned cathedrals, Windsor Castle, dating back to the 1st century, and the Stonehenge stone circle, one of the Kingdom's most intriguing and ancient sites. For those wishing to visit another capital city, a day trip to London is possible, where passengers can stroll down Oxford Street, explore Hyde Park, visit Covent Garden Market, immerse themselves in culture at one of the many museums or art galleries, or simply enjoy a pint and relax in a traditional English pub.
From Le Havre, France, passengers can visit Rouen, the historic capital of Normandy, or Honfleur, a small town known for its picturesque harbor and beautifully preserved old buildings with slate-covered facades. Honfleur is famous for having inspired many painters, including Gustave Courbet, Claude Monet, Eugène Boudin, and Johan Jongkind. It is also possible to visit Paris and soak up the charm of France's romantic capital, seeing the Champs-Élysées, the Eiffel Tower, the Palais de la Concorde, and many other world-famous landmarks.
Zeebrugge, Belgium, is near the picturesque city of Bruges, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of Europe's best-preserved medieval cities, with charming cobblestone streets and tranquil canals. Passengers can indulge in traditional Belgian delicacies such as waffles, chocolate, the city's famous craft beers, and fries—a true Belgian creation—or purchase beautiful local lace and tapestries. Alternatively, spend the day exploring Brussels, the capital of Belgium, where skyscrapers and hotels have modernized the appearance of this French- and Flemish-speaking city. Step back in time with a stroll through the Grand Place, one of Europe's most beautiful squares. The extraordinary collection of Baroque facades was built on the very spot where Brussels' first inhabitants held their market in the 12th century, the heart of the community in the Middle Ages.
Amsterdam is a charming city of canals and bridges with stunning 16th-century architecture. Popular attractions include the Anne Frank House and the Van Gogh Museum. Food lovers can visit the famous city of Gouda, known worldwide for its delicious creamy cheese and syrup waffles. For those looking to venture beyond the city, the windmill village of Zaanse Schans offers a unique experience. There, most of the houses are wooden and boast the beautiful green facades typical of the Zaan region. The village showcases traditional Dutch crafts, including a wooden shoe factory where you can see how the famous Dutch clogs are made.
