Northern City Escapes Cruise 8 nätter • 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.

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.

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.

Discover the international flair of Germany's Tor zur Welt, or "Gateway to the World." Explore Hamburg landmarks like the Rathaus (City Hall), with its distinctive sky-high spire and ornate courtyard fountain. Marvel at the ships and seabirds of Hamburg Harbor. Then, hop on a canal tour — you'll get a lay of the land as the architecture shifts from the medieval Old Town to the ultra-modern HafenCity, a waterside quarter recently built on reclaimed land along the waterfront.

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.

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.