Roundtrip Southampton

The city center is a charming mix of old city walls and a large modern shopping centre. With multiple restaurants, museums, cinemas and theatres there is plenty to be explored. Time spent at embarkation and disembarkation ports may be limited which may restrict availability of shore excursions.

Understand that Zeebrugge literally means Bruges-on-Sea and you immediately appreciate why this ferry port is also Belgium’s major cruise port. A medieval jewel on the North Sea, the charming city of Bruges is just 10 miles away. Sometimes called the Venice of the North because of the picturesque criss-crossing canals on which you can enjoy fascinating and romantic boat rides, Bruges actually has a character all its own. Although it has all the facilities of a modern city – smart shops, restaurants, bars and hotels – these are all found behind the centuries-old facades and weathered gables of the historic buildings at the city’s heart. Bruges is rightly famous for its exquisite lacework, tasty chocolate and huge range of local beers while, from Zeebrugge, you can also visit another historic city, Ghent, the capital Brussels, and historic battlefield sites such as Waterloo and Ypres.

Surrounded by steep hills with spectacular falls, Skjolden is located at the head of the longest navigable fjord in the world – Sognefjord. As well as being situated in a breathtaking location, the town itself is host to a number of activities and attractions. Once home to the Austrian philosopher Ludwig Wittgenstein (1889-1951), he wrote some of his most important works here.

Lustrafjorden, Norway

The Sognefjord or Sognefjorden, nicknamed the King of the Fjords, is the largest and deepest fjord in Norway. Located in Vestland county in Western Norway, it stretches 205 kilometres inland from the ocean to the small village of Skjolden in the municipality of Luster

The Icelandic fishing port of Isafjordur is the perfect starting point for those who want to experience the magnificent natural beauty of the West Fjords, and its two valleys of Tungudalur and Engidalur lend themselves well to outdoor pursuits. Surrounded by steep sloping mountains you can indulge in a spot of skiing, golfing, or hiking – just some of the activities on offer. The town is also rich in art, culture and historical significance. Main points of interest include the Slunkariki Art Gallery and the West Fjords Folk Museum which houses a remarkable collection of traditional tools and relics. Nearby Neostikaupstaour consists of the oldest buildings in Iceland, including four from the 18th century, which belonged to Danish merchants. The town centre is interesting to walk around as it has a selection of old streets, small shops and a unique array of houses. Known for its quirky peculiarities don’t be surprised to see the barber playing his accordion, the baker training for the marathon or see the goldsmith paddling around in his kayak!

Visionary 19th century novelist Jules Verne was so inspired by the spectacularly volcanic terrain of the Snaefellsnes (Snow Mountain) peninsula, on which the Icelandic cruise port Grundafjordur is located, that he set his epic tale ‘Journey to the Centre of the Earth’ at its heart – Snaefellsjokull.

The name means ‘Smoky (or Steamy) Bay’ but these days the Icelandic capital Reykjavik is even hotter than that. Its reputation now as a truly cultural, cosmopolitan city, with great restaurants and lively nightlife, has made it a hugely popular destination. Another big attraction is the opportunity to swim in open-air pools heated by the very geothermal springs that inspired Reykjavik’s name. Not that Reykjavik – or most of Iceland for that matter – is actually icy at all. It may be the most northerly capital in the world and in the ‘Land of Fire and Ice’, but if you want ice, you have to travel away from the capital on one of the exciting glacier safari tours. But the most popular destination remains the nearby Blue Lagoon geothermal spa, where minerals bubble up from 5,000ft below the earth’s surface.

The name means ‘Smoky (or Steamy) Bay’ but these days the Icelandic capital Reykjavik is even hotter than that. Its reputation now as a truly cultural, cosmopolitan city, with great restaurants and lively nightlife, has made it a hugely popular destination. Another big attraction is the opportunity to swim in open-air pools heated by the very geothermal springs that inspired Reykjavik’s name. Not that Reykjavik – or most of Iceland for that matter – is actually icy at all. It may be the most northerly capital in the world and in the ‘Land of Fire and Ice’, but if you want ice, you have to travel away from the capital on one of the exciting glacier safari tours. But the most popular destination remains the nearby Blue Lagoon geothermal spa, where minerals bubble up from 5,000ft below the earth’s surface.

Pronounced ‘Cove, Cobh is the cruise port of Irelands second biggest city, Cork, and boasts one of Europes largest natural harbours. Poignantly, it was also the final departure point of the ill-fated Titanic. With its colourful seafront houses, the town has the feel of a true seaside resort, dominated by a cathedral offering fabulous views over the bay. Nearby Cork City, European Capital of Culture in 2005, hosts many festivals, ranging from jazz and folk to choral and film. The bustling city centre is home to fascinating shops and markets while traditional Irish music can be heard in many of the historic pubs and bars which populate the city centre.

The city center is a charming mix of old city walls and a large modern shopping centre. With multiple restaurants, museums, cinemas and theatres there is plenty to be explored. Time spent at embarkation and disembarkation ports may be limited which may restrict availability of shore excursions.