Norwegian Fjords 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.

Your ship departs promptly at 5:00 pm, so plan to arrive at least 2-3 hours early to account for checking in and boarding protocols. During this time, many of the ship's amenities are open and operating, so feel free to start your vacation early.

Norway's fifth-largest city on the south coast faces Denmark and is surrounded by crystal blue water on three sides. Explore the colorful central market, and admire the original wooden houses in the historic quarter Posebyen. Go to the Ravnedalen Valley Nature Park west of town for a quiet walk on paths lined with trees and cliffs, or head to the Kristiansand Waterfall — you can find wild salmon swimming in the waters here.

Skjolden, Norway- Skjolden is the innermost port of Norway, located at the head of the longest navigable fjord in the world, Sognefjord. The village population may average 200, but its terrain is far from quaint. Experience the grand and pristine beauty of the north on your Skjolden cruise. The Breheimen National Park, home to three majestic glaciers and Feigumfossen Waterfall
in an idyllic setting on the southern side of the Lusterfjord are only a few of the scenic attractions you’ll find here. Take the short walk into the falls or admire the view from the National Tourist Route on the northern side of the fjord. For the outdoors-y type that wants to take in a great hike, take the Rv55, one of Norway's most scenic roadways, to the pristine fishing waters of Eidsvatnet lake. For more breathtaking scenery, head just a bit north to the Mørkridsdalen Valley where verdant mountains surround fields of colorful wildflowers and rushing streams.

Explore Inner Nordfjord with a paddling trip that will bring you close enough to the Briksdal Glacier to touch it. The tourist train provides local information while it brings you up the mountain. Once you get there, you can hike to the glacier to see it up-close. If you're more adventurous, try Via Ferrata Loen, a challenging tour that takes you to the mountain tops.

Gracefully combining past and present, as well as Flemish and French, Bruges offers a little something for everyone. Linked by the Baudouin Canal, this medieval town is the stuff of fairytale and storybooks. Cobblestone streets, old, historic churches and a dreamy landscape make this a very sought after destination -- especially during the summer months. Stroll through the Markt, a bustling plaza where the rhythmic beat of horse-drawn carriages echoes off a soaring belfry tower. Immerse yourself in a rich art history, best reflected in the paintings of Bruges’ own Jan Van Eyck, one of the most significant Renaissance artists of the 15th century. Spend a delightful day on the medieval streets of this city with a seemingly endless supply of charm, culture, and beauty.Foodies will revel in the eclectic dining options at local bistros. Dig into sweet Belgian waffles and stop by the renowned chocolate boutiques on your cruise to Bruges. If sampling the fresh fish of this country is on your agenda, the fish market located here is one of the biggest in Europe. Or, take a scenic cruise through the medieval city of Ghent, Belgium and discover important landmarks, including Chinese Teahouses, 13th-century monasteries and castles of the Counts.

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.

The cruise might have ended, but there are still some great activities to enjoy in the area. If you flew into this port, be mindful of your departure flight time and plan accordingly.