We’re looking forward to welcoming you on board Balmoral for your Festive France and Belgium cruise later this year.

We’re getting as touch as we’ve had to make a change to your itinerary, and we’d like to share everything you need to know.

What’s changing?

Instead of visiting Antwerp on 14 and 15 December, we'll now be calling at Zeebrugge.

From there, we'll provide complimentary transfers to Bruges, giving you the opportunity to explore its famous Christmas markets at no extra cost.

As a result of this change, we'll now remain in Rouen until approximately 7.00am on 13 December, giving you even more time to explore the city and surrounding area, including the opportunity to visit Paris.

You'll also have the chance to experience more scenic cruising along the River Seine. As planned, we'll sail this beautiful waterway on 11 December, and we'll enjoy a second daytime sailing on 13 December.

A copy of your revised itinerary can be found below.

Why have we made this change?

We've recently been advised the Port of Antwerp will be closed during our planned call.

Providing you with the best possible experience is always a priority, so our Itineraries team has been working hard to find the best alternative. We're delighted to be able to offer a visit to Zeebrugge with complimentary transfers to the enchanting Christmas markets in Bruges.

Why Bruges?

Bruges is at its most atmospheric in December, when its canals, cobbled streets and medieval squares are illuminated by the enchanting Winter Glow festival. The Christmas market fills Markt Square and Simon Stevinplein with festive & artisan stalls and a beautifully decorated Christmas tree, while an illuminated trail winds through hidden courtyards, historic lanes and alongside picturesque canals. Compact and easy to explore on foot, Bruges takes on a quietly magical charm in winter.

Will you provide free transfers to Bruges? Will there be Christmas markets?

We're pleased to offer complimentary return shuttle buses from Balmoral to the centre of Bruges. The journey takes around 45 minutes, making it easy to enjoy your time ashore.

·       14 December: The first shuttle will depart from the port at 9:00am, with the last return shuttle leaving Bruges at around 10:00pm.

·       15 December: The first shuttle will depart from Balmoral at 9:00am, with the last shuttle departing Bruges at 2:15pm.

Details will be available in your copy of The Daily Times, delivered to your cabin each day.

The Christmas market is spread across two picturesque locations:

• Markt Square, home to traditional festive stalls, seasonal treats and a magnificent Christmas tree.
• Simon Stevinplein, where you'll find artisan gifts, handcrafted goods and local delicacies.

An illuminated light trail also winds its way through the city's cobbled streets, historic lanes and hidden corners, adding to Bruges' magical winter atmosphere.

With convenient shuttle transport and a compact, walkable city centre, everything is in place for a relaxed and memorable festive visit.

Is there anything else I need to know?

We appreciate this change may be disappointing and we’re sorry to have to make it, due to the port of Antwerp being closed.

We're confident visiting the Winter Glow Christmas markets in Bruges will make a wonderful alternative to Antwerp.  While we understand Bruges is not as easily accessible from the port as Antwerp, we'll be providing complimentary shuttle transfers, ensuring you can enjoy your visit at no additional cost.

If you've let us know you'll be bringing a wheelchair or mobility scooter and may be unable to manage the steps on and off a transfer coach, please get in touch with our Guest Services team who’ll be happy to discuss the options available to you. Find their contact details by clicking here.

Your revised itinerary:

Itinerary Map

Your on our new online Help Centre is now live, created to make planning your cruise easier than ever before.

• Visit the Help Centre homepage by clicking here
• See your formal nights and Colours and Tastes menus by clicking here

 A few helpful reminders

• Your Journey Guide, which includes all you need to know about available tours, experiences and your cruise will be sent to you at least 12 weeks before you embark Balmoral.
• We’ll send your cruise ticket 3 weeks before your check‑in day
• Your luggage labels will follow shortly after, arriving by post approximately 2 weeks before you set sail