Northern City Escapes Cruise 7 Nights • Southampton, England • Freedom of the Seas

A cruise out of Southampton unlocks all kinds of incredible destinations, from French and Spanish wine country to Norway’s majestic fjords. But this charming port is also a great destination in and of itself. Spend some time getting to know it before your vacation — you won’t be disappointed. If you have a soft spot for medieval history, you’ll find plenty of interesting sites here. Like Bargate, a gatehouse that dates back over a thousand years to Norman times. Or visit St. Michael's church on Castle Way — built in the 11th century, it’s home to ancient Norman artifacts and relics. Then, fast forward a few centuries at the Tudor house in St. Michael’s Square, which served as the home of a wealthy merchant family in the 15th century. Today it’s a museum that showcases exhibits featuring nearly a thousand years of local history.

The Netherlands' second-largest city is both modern and classic. Marvel at the futuristic architecture and explore the free, outdoor avant-garde art galleries. Browse the chic and trendy shops. To see the quaint, old-school side of Rotterdam, head to Kalingse Plas park to see centuries-old windmills. Then cross the iconic Erasmus bridge to the Wilhelminapier, a small peninsula with restaurants and theaters housed in boldly designed skyscrapers.

Adventure comes in many forms in Copenhagen, from Baltic beaches to famous fairytales. And each neighborhood offers unexpected discoveries. Explore the city’s seafaring past with a canal cruise, or stroll along Nyhavn’s colorful quay. Browse Kødbyen’s trendy art galleries. Dine on Nordic cuisine in Christiania’s quirky cafes. Or trace Denmark’s royal legacy among the castles and palaces of Frederiksstaden.

Denmark's second largest city dates back to the Viking Age. Explore the Latin Quarter, the Old Town and the many museums before enjoying a world-class meal. Stroll through the Tivoli or the Botanical Gardens. Or hop on a bike with the wind in your hair and discover why this city routinely crops up as one of the happiest in the world.

Begin your day in Bruges at Markt, the historic main square, before exploring the canals. Marvel at the impressive medieval and Dutch architecture: Highlights include the Church of our Lady, the Basilica of the Holy Blood and Bruges Vrije. A 40-minute train ride will take you to Zeebrugge and its popular oceanfront. There, enjoy pristine beaches, hip brasseries and Seafront Maritime Theme Park.

Your adventure doesn't have to end once you've gotten back to Southampton. Before you go, spend a few days exploring the quaint English towns of the Hampshire region like Winchester, the ancient capital, or the pretty market town of Romsey. This village is also home to the Romsey Abbey, one of the most magnificent churches in Southern England thanks to its round Norman arches and lofty nave.