Sample the best food and drink Europe has to offer on this unforgettable Oktoberfest cruise
Raise a stein with your loved ones and toast to the ultimate Oktoberfest experience on this fun-filled European tour from Princess Cruises
In times like these, it's important to give yourself something to look forward to – and what could be better than experiencing the fun and merriment of Oktoberfest with your loved ones? And, when you book with Princess Cruises, you can make a real occasion of it.
So, pull on your lederhosen, grab a stein of beer and hop onto the Island Princess for an Oktoberfest to remember. Not only will you get to experience Europe’s biggest party in its German motherland, this 10-day tour gives you a taste of the action in five other port cities.
After departing from Southampton, you’ll head to Hamburg, before calling at a number of vibrant European cities renowned for their thriving food and drink scenes, including Gothenburg, Copenhagen, Oslo and Rotterdam. Your final stop is Bruges, a city famed for its extensive selection of local beers, each one as tempting as the last. And the Oktoberfest-themed fun certainly doesn’t end when you’re back onboard the Island Princess, where you can enjoy leg-slapping dancers performing in Bavarian garb or let your children try their hand at pretzel making.
For a change of pace after all that excitement, why not spend the evening at Sabatini's, Princess' Italian speciality restaurant where you'll discover acclaimed chef Angelo Auriana's signature pastas and delectable desserts together. If you like your meals accompanied by breathtaking views, then the Ultimate Balcony Dining experience will be perfect for you. Not only will you get to tuck into a delicious multi-course meal, you'll enjoy it on your own private balcony, served by dedicated waitstaff. And, if all you want to do is unwind and switch off, then the soothing Lotus Spa® and its relaxing treatments are never far away.
Here’s just a taste of what this unforgettable trip from Princess Cruises can offer...
Hamburg, Germany
It wouldn’t be right to kick off an Oktoberfest tour anywhere other than Germany, and it doesn’t get much better than Hamburg. Boasting a rich culinary scene, you can take your pick from upscale Michelin-starred restaurants, such as the two-star seafood gem Seven Seas, cosy waterfront eateries and laid-back locales. If you want to travel further afield, Berlin’s Alexanderplatz offers an electric Oktoberfest experience. Along with kegs of quality beer, you can sample an array of Bavarian specialties, including pork knuckles, Brez’n (pretzels) and succulent roast pork, all against a backdrop of roaring live music.
Gothenburg, Sweden
Laced with a network of graceful canals and elegant buildings, there’s no denying this city is easy on the eye – but it’s very much a treat for the taste buds too. As you explore this cultural hub, you may find yourself lured to one of the many food trucks selling cinnamon buns as the sweet smell pervades the air. Or perhaps you’d rather tuck into something savoury like aromatic lemon sole fresh off the boats at the city’s fish market? When dinner is done, just head on over to the city’s very own Oktoberfest tent in Heden (a public square located in the centre of Gothenburg) to carry on the fun.
Copenhagen, Denmark
From the fabled statue of Hans Christian Andersen’s Little Mermaid to the ornamental beauty of its Rococo palaces, Copenhagen is ripe for exploration – so it’s a good job many of its delicacies can be savoured on the go. For the unmistakeable taste of Denmark, try a smørrebrød: a thin, buttered rye bread laden with an array of toppings, including smoked salmon, pork liver and bacon. If you’re in the mood for something sweeter, you can’t beat wienerbrød; a flaky, buttery pastry that’s packed with a sweet, creamy fillings. You won’t be hard pushed to find a good pint either, with talented brewers and their tempting craft beers popping up all over the city – and, of course, it’s also home to the famous Carlsberg. The historic beer brand’s brewery is currently closed for major renovation and modernisation works, but it’s set to reopen in the not-too-distant future with some of its best tours yet!
Oslo, Norway
The first thing you’ll notice about Oslo is the way the city buzzes with energy – and its food and drink scene is no exception. While you’ll be spoilt for choice for dishes to sample, Norway is renowned for its smoked salmon, which boasts a more distinct, deep flavour owing to its slower maturation times. For the ultimate salmon experience, don’t miss The Salmon, a restaurant and educational institution that’s devoted to spreading knowledge about Norwegian salmon farming and the wonders of this fish as a product. As well as enjoying a tantalising mix of traditional and modern salmon dishes in the restaurant, you can also buy freshly smoked fish and gravlax from its onsite smokehouse. And, along with boasting a burgeoning beer scene, the city has received international praise for its cocktail and coffee cultures too.
Bruges, Belgium
No beer-centric trip would be complete without a visit to Bruges, a city that’s steeped in brewing culture. A nirvana for beer lovers from all over the world, its cobblestoned streets are lined with congenial bars that often serve no less than 200 weird and wonderful varieties. It’s also considered one of the best spots in the world for chocolate, with tempting chocolatiers dotted throughout the city. The oldest artisan chocolatier in the city, Depla Chocolatier not only serves up delicious concoctions, but also creates its own chocolate sculptures that are exhibited in the shopfront window.