Spain & France Cruise 7 netter • Southampton, England • Liberty 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.

Skipet ditt har avgang nøyaktig kl. 5:00 p.m.. På grunn av innsjekkings- og ombordstigningsrutiner ber vi deg om å ankomme minst 2–3 timer før avgang. I løpet av denne tiden er mange av skipets fasiliteter åpne og i drift, så du må gjerne starte ferien tidlig.

Start your day with a stroll around the old town. Visit the Basilique St-Michel with its impressive stained-glass windows and climb the bell tower for breathtaking views from 114 meters up. Next, admire the 17th-century Dutch, Flemish and Italian paintings in the Musée des Beaux-Arts de Bordeaux or discover the cool art (or attend a concert) at The Submarine Base, a World War II-era submarine bunker complex. Also, try to make some time to visit the wine museum, La Cité du Vin, which is housed in a beautifully designed building.

Bilbao makes a great first impression. Once you arrive, you'll soon spot the futuristic building that's become the beating heart of the city: the Guggenheim Museum. Get swept up by Michelin-starred restaurants, enchanting tapas bars, sidrerias (cider houses) and a clever 100-year-old suspension bridge.

Get to know La Coruna by walking the Paseo Maritimo, an ocean-facing promenade that'll take you past some of the city's must-see sights. Pop into the Aquarium Finesterre and say hi to the energetic seals that sun themselves on the outdoor terrace. Climb the hill to the Tower of Hercules, a Roman-era lighthouse that's still in use today. See Celtic artifacts and 16th-century cannons at the fortress of Castillo de San Anton.

Get a taste of Spain's Galicia region in the bustling port city of Vigo. See the work of local artists at the Vigo Museum of Contemporary Art. Then, head to the Cies Islands for a dip in the clear blue waters surrounded by the region's forested mountains. Later, feast on huge grilled red prawns and meaty mussels with a glass of crisp Galician white wine.

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.

Cruiset kan være over, men det er fortsatt mye å gjøre i området. Hvis du ankom havnen med fly, må du passe på avgangstiden for flyvningen din og planlegge deretter.