Europe and Mediterranean: Belgian Holiday Markets Cruise

Uniworld Boutique River Cruises

The holiday season in Belgium is something truly special. Each city throws an enchanting winter festival, which could include anything from market stalls and elaborate light displays to Ferris wheels and ice skating rinks. Bordered by the bigger tourism magnets France, Germany, and the Netherlands, Belgium is a small country bursting with cultural impact and well worthy of being the highlight of any European trip—whether it's your first time on the continent or your tenth. Chocolates, french fries, specialty spirits, and beers are amongst the many things this stretch of the Earth is known for doing well. You'll get to experience it all during Belgium's most festive time of the year, when you can sip vin chaud and the world's most delicious cups of hot chocolate between bites of warm liege waffles and spiced gingerbread.

All-Inclusive Cruise

  • True All-Inclusive Boutique River Cruising™

  • All gratuities for onboard services

  • Unlimited fine wine, beer, spirits and nonalcoholic beverages**

  • Shore excursions with local experts as your guide

  • Internet and Wi-Fi

  • All arrival and departure day transfers

Executive Member Benefit

  • Executive Members receive an annual 2% Reward, up to $1,250, on qualified Costco Travel purchases

  • Receive a US $ 50 shipboard credit per person (maximum US $ 100 per stateroom)♦

Digital Costco Shop Card

  • Member Exclusive: Digital Costco Shop Card with every Uniworld river cruise†

Sailing Itinerary

Note: Cruise itineraries are subject to change. Please verify ports and times directly with the cruise line.

Day 1 Brussels

Overview

Brussels is more than a 1000 years old. Today the name Brussels stands for an agglomeration of 19 communes forming one of the three Regions of the federal Belgian state; the capital of the Kingdom of Belgium; the headquarters of the French and Flemish Communities. Brussels also has an important international vocation: as the European capital the city is home to the European Commission and to the Council of ministers of the European Union (EU). Brussels is the bilingual capital of Belgium. This means that both French and Dutch are the official languages of the city. Street names and traffic sings are always in these two languages. Furthermore, it is a cosmopolitan city where many different cultures live together and where different languages can be heard on each street. This liveliness and international flair is, of course, intimately related to its role as a crossroads for all of Europe. The same variety and contrast can also be found in the different architectural styles that can be found in Brussels, the former capital of the medieval Duchy of Brabant. Gothic cathedrals and churches are next to - and sometimes in stark contrast with - gracious classical facades like the buildings around the Royal Square (Place Royale - Koningsplein), or beautiful art nouveau and art deco houses. The heart of Brussels and the place to start getting to know the city is the Grand'Place (Grote Markt). This historic market square with its splendid guild houses and the impressive Gothic beauty of the Town Hall, is widely considered to be one of the most beautiful town squares in Europe.

Day 2 Ghent

Overview

Gent is the fourth largest city of Belgium with about 250.000 inhabitants. It is not as big as Antwerp but bigger than Bruges. It is also less famous among tourists than the often praised Bruges. However, for some people Ghent is the real diamond of Flanders and Belgium. In a unique way, Ghent has managed to preserve its medieval power while keeping up with the times. The city center alone is a showcase of medieval Flemish wealth and commercial success. Modern Ghent certainly cannot be overlooked in Belgium. The city has an important harbor, thanks to the canal Ghent-Terneuzen which allows sea-going vessels to bring their products to the city and its industrial hinterland. Because of the central location in the country, the 'Flanders Technology' fair can regularly be organized. The Belgian State University (RUG = Rijksuniversiteit Gent) continues to grow in importance. The presence of so many young people and students has turned Ghent into an important Flemish cultural center. Ghent is also the flower city of Belgium. Flower growers from the region around Ghent sell their beautiful begonia's and azalea's all over the world. Every 5 years the successful 'Gentse Floraliën" ( Ghent Flower Show) attracts thousands to the city.The tourist will not have eyes enough to admire the awesome architectural wealth , which offers a splendid combination of impressiveness and idyllic charm of the proud and (in former times) often rebellious city of Ghent.

Day 3 Antwerp

Overview

Antwerp is the largest city in Flanders, the northern part of Belgium. Some 60% of the ten million Belgians are Flemings. They speak Dutch. Like their French and German-speaking compatriots they have their own parliament and government. The capital of Flanders is Brussels, also capital of federal Belgium and the heart of Europe. The city's 468 717 inhabitants (as recorded on 02/2004) live in a territory, which covers approximately 22,076 hectares. The city is located between latitude 51°13'16' and 4°23'60' eastern longitude. It has a moderate maritime climate.

Day 4 Hasselt

Overview

Hasselt is the capital of the Belgian province of Limburg. It has a population of 68,000, and is located 70 kilometers east of Brussels, in the Maas-Rhine region.The E313 roadway and the Albert Canal pass through Hasselt from northwest to southeast. Hasselt has a very contemporary demeanor, it is an administrative center as well as a commercial one. The central "Grote Markt" may not be that big, but the friendly atmosphere around thecosy terraces and the numerous sidewalk cafés on the square certainly make up for the lack of "grandeur" that typifies the Belgian Market Square in cities such as Brussels and Antwerp. A famous flavored Gin, spiced with juniper berries and called "Jenever", is made in Hasselt; there are several factories, and a museum dedicated to its history. Hasselt hoasts several interesting museums.Two museums of interest are the Stedelijk Museum, an archive of fashion from 1830 onwards, and the Stedelijk Beiaardmuseum, dedicated to carillons. An very charming tourist attraction is the beautiful Japanese Garden on the outskirts of the city. Not far from Hasselt lies also the magnificent Open Air Museum of Bokrijk, dedicated to Flemish rural architecture of the past and the Flemish country life.

Day 5 Maastricht

Overview

One of the foremost attractions in the southernmost part of the Netherlands is Maastricht itself. It is a beautiful old town, a business provincial capital and a city that has preserved its hospitable international character through the centuries. Maastricht is a city with plenty to offer. It has been shaped through the ages by art and culture, and has a rich heritage and wealth of historic monuments. It is also a city of atmosphere and fun with a varied cycle of annual festivals and other events.

Day 6 Antwerp

Overview

Antwerp is the largest city in Flanders, the northern part of Belgium. Some 60% of the ten million Belgians are Flemings. They speak Dutch. Like their French and German-speaking compatriots they have their own parliament and government. The capital of Flanders is Brussels, also capital of federal Belgium and the heart of Europe. The city's 468 717 inhabitants (as recorded on 02/2004) live in a territory, which covers approximately 22,076 hectares. The city is located between latitude 51°13'16' and 4°23'60' eastern longitude. It has a moderate maritime climate.

Day 7 Brussels

Overview

Brussels is more than a 1000 years old. Today the name Brussels stands for an agglomeration of 19 communes forming one of the three Regions of the federal Belgian state; the capital of the Kingdom of Belgium; the headquarters of the French and Flemish Communities. Brussels also has an important international vocation: as the European capital the city is home to the European Commission and to the Council of ministers of the European Union (EU). Brussels is the bilingual capital of Belgium. This means that both French and Dutch are the official languages of the city. Street names and traffic sings are always in these two languages. Furthermore, it is a cosmopolitan city where many different cultures live together and where different languages can be heard on each street. This liveliness and international flair is, of course, intimately related to its role as a crossroads for all of Europe. The same variety and contrast can also be found in the different architectural styles that can be found in Brussels, the former capital of the medieval Duchy of Brabant. Gothic cathedrals and churches are next to - and sometimes in stark contrast with - gracious classical facades like the buildings around the Royal Square (Place Royale - Koningsplein), or beautiful art nouveau and art deco houses. The heart of Brussels and the place to start getting to know the city is the Grand'Place (Grote Markt). This historic market square with its splendid guild houses and the impressive Gothic beauty of the Town Hall, is widely considered to be one of the most beautiful town squares in Europe.

Day 8 Brussels

Overview

Brussels is more than a 1000 years old. Today the name Brussels stands for an agglomeration of 19 communes forming one of the three Regions of the federal Belgian state; the capital of the Kingdom of Belgium; the headquarters of the French and Flemish Communities. Brussels also has an important international vocation: as the European capital the city is home to the European Commission and to the Council of ministers of the European Union (EU). Brussels is the bilingual capital of Belgium. This means that both French and Dutch are the official languages of the city. Street names and traffic sings are always in these two languages. Furthermore, it is a cosmopolitan city where many different cultures live together and where different languages can be heard on each street. This liveliness and international flair is, of course, intimately related to its role as a crossroads for all of Europe. The same variety and contrast can also be found in the different architectural styles that can be found in Brussels, the former capital of the medieval Duchy of Brabant. Gothic cathedrals and churches are next to - and sometimes in stark contrast with - gracious classical facades like the buildings around the Royal Square (Place Royale - Koningsplein), or beautiful art nouveau and art deco houses. The heart of Brussels and the place to start getting to know the city is the Grand'Place (Grote Markt). This historic market square with its splendid guild houses and the impressive Gothic beauty of the Town Hall, is widely considered to be one of the most beautiful town squares in Europe.

Onboard the S.S. Victoria

Costco Member Reviews

S.S. Victoria joins our European fleet in 2024 with an ambiance of contemporary luxury and features the largest suites on the rivers of Europe. Two Royal Suites onboard offer an incredible 506 square feet each. Reserve the adjoining standard Suite next door, and that turns into 759 square feet total, with two bedrooms connected by a separate living room. All the Suites and Signature French Balconies offer abundant space—much higher than standard—with ultra-comfortable, water-facing beds dressed in Uniworld’s fine custom linens.

Onboard Activities

Activities & Services (included in cruise)

 

  • Fitness Center
  • Fitness Classes
  • Spa Services/Massage
  • Educational Programs
  • Guest Lecturers
  • Pool - Indoor
  • Rock-Climbing Wall
  • Bars/Lounges
  • Sundeck bar
  • Concierge Desk
  • Dry Cleaning/ Laundry Service
  • Elevators
  • Safe Deposit Boxes
  • Self-Service Laundromat

Activities & Services (available for an extra fee)

 


    Costco Travel makes every effort to verify the accuracy of all information provided. Additional fees for amenities or services may be charged by the cruise line. Amenities or services may be discontinued or revised by the cruise line without notice. Staterooms designated as wheelchair-accessible do not necessarily meet ADA requirements. Costco Travel is not responsible for inaccuracies or provider modifications.

    Dining

    Main Dining Room

    Main Dining

    Main Dining Room (open seating): Main Dining Room (open seating): This seating option allows you to choose when and with whom you dine. Menus are a blend of classic cuisine with a touch of contemporary elegance, and are created using only the finest and freshest ingredients often brought onboard from local ports of call. You'll be surrounded by the beauty of passing riverbank towns and villages.


    Times, costs and other specifics are outside the control of Costco Travel. All information is at the sole discretion of the cruise line and is subject to change without notice. Dining time and table size preferences are submitted to the cruise line on a first-come, first-served request basis and are confirmed aboard ship. Questions, concerns and/or special needs regarding dining arrangements must be addressed with the maitre d' hotel aboard ship. Every effort is made to accommodate travelers' preferences; however, Costco Travel cannot guarantee dining arrangements. In specialty restaurants, space is limited and reservations are recommended. A cover charge and dress code may apply.

    Staterooms

    Deck Plan

    Ship Facts

    S.S. Victoria ship image
    • Ship Name: S.S. Victoria
    • Year Built: 2017
    • Year Entered Present Fleet: 2024
    • Ship Class: River Super Ship
    • Number of Passenger Decks: 2
    • Number of Crew: 41
    • Officers' Nationality: European/International
    • Ocean-View without Balcony: 14
    • Ocean-View with Balcony: 6
    • Capacity Based on Double Occupancy: 110
    • Total Staterooms: 63
    • Suites with Balcony: 43
    • Crew/Hotel Staff Nationality: European/International
    Costco Travel makes every effort to verify the accuracy of all information provided. Additional fees for amenities or services may be charged by the hotel, resort or cruise line. Amenities or services may be discontinued or revised by the provider without notice. Hotels, resorts, ships or accommodations designated as wheelchair-accessible do not necessarily meet ADA requirements. Costco Travel is not responsible for inaccuracies or provider modifications.

    Costco Member Reviews

    Available Dates & Prices

    Departure Date

    Inside Stateroom

    River-View Stateroom

    Balcony Stateroom

    Suite Stateroom

    Departure Date - 12/02/2025

    Inside Stateroom

    N/A

    River-View Stateroom

    N/A

    Balcony Stateroom

    CA $ 6,699

    Suite Stateroom

    CA $ 9,499

    Departure Date - 12/09/2025

    Inside Stateroom

    N/A

    River-View Stateroom

    N/A

    Balcony Stateroom

    CA $ 7,899

    Suite Stateroom

    CA $ 9,499

    Departure Date - 12/16/2025

    Inside Stateroom

    N/A

    River-View Stateroom

    N/A

    Balcony Stateroom

    CA $ 6,099

    Suite Stateroom

    CA $ 8,899

    Terms & Conditions

    *Price shown is per person based on double occupancy, is valid for select stateroom categories only, and does not include government taxes/fees and gratuities. Click on Terms & Conditions link below for details.

    **Unlimited beverages include premium wine and premium spirits. Diamond List of wine and spirits is available at an additional cost.

    ♦Executive Members receive a US $ 50 shipboard credit per person, maximum US $ 100 per stateroom. Executive Member benefit is valid for primary cardholder only. Shipboard credit is per stateroom based on double occupancy. Shipboard credit will be applied to your onboard account. Any unused portion of the credit is nontransferable, nonrefundable and may not be redeemed for cash.

    †One Digital Costco Shop Card per room/stateroom, per stay. The exact amount of the Digital Costco Shop Card will be calculated during the booking process. The Digital Costco Shop Card promotion is nontransferable and may not be combined with any other promotion. A Digital Costco Shop Card will arrive by email approximately 10 days after the start of your cruise. Click on the Terms & Conditions link below for additional information.

      Package ID: UNIVICEUR20251216