As you venture home from your journey, filled with excitement to tell the tales of your European explorations, you could also be returning with incredible pieces of your adventure to share with your loved ones.

Whether you’re searching for unique Christmas gifts that will stand out from the crowd or want to lose yourself in the rich culture of a spectacular city destination– embark on a shopping experience like no other with DFDS cruises.

Get the most out of this festive season with bustling markets and enchanting cities where you could meet the people behind local businesses and experience some of the world’s most famous shopping destinations. 

Wander into Christmas

Step off your mini-cruise into the magic of vibrant Christmas markets and be transported to endless festive opportunities at major European ports. From here, you’ll peruse stunning markets and local businesses to uncover hidden gems and handmade gifts, providing the perfect opportunity to bring back a little piece of your festive journey for friends and family. 

Enjoy the twinkling lights of the French marchés when you sail across the Channel to Calais, visiting Paris, Colmar, Stasbourg, Reims, Le Havre and more. Or venture from Dover to Dunkirk and explore the wonders of Christmas in Cologne, Brussels, Bruges and Amsterdam for shopping you won’t soon forget. 

Find what you’ve been looking for to surprise that special someone, tuck into delicious traditional treats, sip mulled wine or take in an aerial view from the Ferris wheel, the opportunities for festive excitement are practically endless. 

Explore, discover, shop 

While the Christmas markets offer a truly unique day-out, it’s not just mulled wine and gingerbread that brings people back to these special places year after year. Embark on your dream mini-cruise and adventure to Europe’s most famous cities for shopping and find one-off gifts and treasures created by local artisans. 

With DFDS ferries heading to Dunkirk, Amsterdam, and three ports in France, you can travel to brilliant gateway destinations, including: 

Paris
Venture into the awe-inspiring city of Paris and take a stroll down one of the most famous streets in the world- the Champs-Élysées. From an array of luxury brands and divine cuisine to thrilling theatres and nightlife, you’ll find retail therapy unlike anywhere else on this storied shopping street. 

Oslo
Connecting two of Europe’s most spectacular cities, witness the breathtaking coastline of Norway on the ferry from Copenhagen. Once you arrive, hit the town and wander through one of the largest shopping centres in all of Norway, Oslo City Shopping Centre. With more than 90 shops spread over 5 floors, you can be sure to find what you’re searching for. 

Amsterdam
Travel to Amsterdam from Newcastle and spend a day exploring the wondrous streets of the city. At the heart of Dam Square, tour the historic building of department store De Bijenkord to find 45 shops full of Christmas list must-haves. 

Focus on the memories

Before heading to iconic destinations like Paris, Oslo and Amsterdam, it can be helpful to channel some of your excitement into preparation. Here is a simple checklist to guarantee you can focus on making memories and return home with no regrets:

• Have you made a shopping list?
• Have you set a shopping budget?
• Have you planned your timings?
• Have you planned your transport?
• Have you left packing space to bring back souvenirs?
• Have you packed appropriate clothes?

Save money at sea 

Once you have finished exploring fascinating destinations and discovering the wonders of Europe, your shopping experience doesn’t have to end here. You can make your mini-cruise even more special by taking advantage of the incredible on-board facilities. 

After a long day of making memories and finding exquisite gifts, relax in the all-inclusive Premium Lounge and fill your luggage with Christmas essentials at a cheaper price with Duty Free. Get the most out of your shopping, with amazing Duty-Free savings of up to 50% compared to the UK high street available both on-board DFDS cruises and at port shops. 

What’s more, you can open the door to further exploration by bringing your car with you. Collect one-off items from all around Europe or stock up on wines, spirits, beers, perfumes and more from Duty Free without the hassle of carrying anything around or fitting it into luggage. 

From shops to sights

With options to bring your car and well-connected transport links, you can venture further than the ports, explore things at your own pace, and really take in the rich tapestry of European culture.

So, where do you picture yourself? Maybe travelling through the iconic waterways of Amsterdam taking in the city’s historic architecture. Or perhaps driving along the Baltic Coast to find its hidden gems. 

From the charming streets of Copenhagen to watching the enchanting sunset over the North Sea- find your perfect mini-cruise today and start making memories. 

Ready to embrace your inner explorer this festive season? Book your dream mini-cruise with DFDS today and embark on the European shopping adventure of a lifetime!