Norwegian Fjords Cruise 7 Nights • Southampton, England • Mariner 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.

Start by exploring Old Stavanger, where traditional pastel cottages remain in remarkably good order. See Stavanger Cathedral, the oldest church in Norway. About 90 minutes away by car, you'll find the trail that will take you to the top of Prekestol, which offers views over all of the 40 kilometers that make up the unusually straight Lysefjord. Formed during the Ice Age, Lysefjord's mountains reach more than 3,000 feet above sea level and run as far as the eye can see.

Wooded mountains and narrow fjords surround the vibrant city of Bergen. Explore the charming harbor and the historic streets, lined with distinctively colorful wooden houses. Or take the Floibanen funicular to the top of Mount Floyen, and savor views of snow-capped peaks in the distance and the harbor below. When your appetite calls, sample the traditional Bergen fish soup, or treat yourself to killingsbolle, a large cinnamon bun.

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.

Just over a two-hour drive from the port, Paris is called the City of Light for a reason — old lamps adorn every avenue and boulevard, illuminating the city's most celebrated sites. Saunter the romantic streets — from almost every corner you can spot the Eiffel Tower. Discover famous avenues like fashionable Champ Elysees and secret lanes like the colorful Rue Cremieux. Walk up the steps to the Basilica de Sacre Coeur, the highest point in Paris, and get a panoramic view of the city from above.

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.