France, Netherlands & Belgium Cruise: Rouen, Amsterdam & Antwerp

London, a vibrant metropolis brimming with history and culture, is a must-visit destination for cruise travellers. Explore the historic Tower of London, witness the grandeur of Buckingham Palace, and stroll across the majestic Tower Bridge. Art enthusiasts will relish the treasures housed in the British Museum and Tate Modern.

Explore London's culinary diversity at Borough Market, where a variety of international flavors await. Be sure to visit the lively Covent Garden, renowned for its street performers and charming boutiques. From the tranquil Royal Parks to the vibrant West End theatres, London provides a captivating blend of British heritage and modern vitality.

Portsmouth, a historic port city on England's south coast, is known for its significant maritime heritage. The city's key attraction for cruise travellers is the Historic Dockyard, showcasing the HMS Victory and the Mary Rose Museum, offering insights into naval history. Additionally, the Spinnaker Tower stands out for its panoramic views of the harbour.

For transport, Portsmouth is well-linked to London. Regular train services connect Portsmouth Harbour or Portsmouth & Southsea stations to London Waterloo, with journeys taking around 1.5 to 2 hours. Coaches offer an alternative, often more economical route. Additionally, taxis and car hire services are readily available for direct travel. Portsmouth's blend of historical significance and easy accessibility to London makes it an intriguing destination for cruise visitors.

Nestled along the Seine River lies the city of Rouen. With its modern cruise terminal located near the city centre, whether you dock in port or tender to shore, you’ll be off the ship and exploring Rouen in no time.

Famously referred to by Victor Hugo as ‘the city of a hundred spires’, you’ll see incredible churches lined east to west through the city centre, including Notre-Dame Cathedral. Pay a visit to the Place du Vieux Marché, where Joan of Arc was martyred, and admire the Gros Horloge astronomical clock which dates back to the 16th Century.

The quintessential French seaside town of Honfleur is an artists dream with its half-timbered houses along cobblestone lanes and bright wooden fishing boats lining its waterfront. Located in scenic Normandy, where the Seine opens out into the Channel, it is one of France's most spectacular, historic harbours. Ships will dock at the Port of Honfleur.

Top Things to Do in Honfleur:

• go to Omaha Beach, the D-Day landing site
• see the 15th-century St. Catherine's Church
  
• meander the Old Harbour of Honfleur
• spend the day in Paris

Well known throughout the world as the scene for Operation Dynamo in 1940, Dunkirk is one of the few places in Europe that seamlessly combines a wealth of history with fabulous boutique shops, delightful restaurants, a stunning golf course and miles of sweeping sandy beaches.

Top Things to Do in Dunkerque:

• browse a museum devoted to the Battle of Dunkirk & operation Dynamo
• visit the battle sites & Fort Des Dunes
• drive the scenic Opal Coast
• visit Lille, the capital of the French Flanders

Amsterdam, the vibrant capital of the Netherlands, is famed for its picturesque canals and historic charm. Start your visit with a leisurely canal cruise, offering a unique perspective of the city's stunning 17th-century architecture. The Anne Frank House, located on Prinsengracht, provides a poignant glimpse into history, making it a must-see landmark.

Wander through the Museum Quarter, home to the renowned Rijksmuseum, Van Gogh Museum, and Stedelijk Museum. For a local experience, explore the lively Jordaan district, filled with boutique shops, cozy cafes, and art galleries. Don't forget to stop by the Albert Cuyp Market, where you can sample Dutch treats like stroopwafels and fresh herring, immersing yourself in Amsterdam's vibrant culinary scene.

Antwerp is a stylish and sophisticated city filled with monumental reminders of its prosperous medieval and Renaissance past. It is renowned for being the 'world's leading diamond city' and for its beautifully preserved Gothic and Baroque architecture. Small ships will dock at Willemdok or Kattendijkook piers, while large ships will dock at Wandelteras Zuid cruise terminal.

Top Things to Do in Antwerp:

• visit the Rubens House Museum
• tour the Cathedral of Our Lady
• explore nearby Ghent or Brussels
• tour Fort Breendonk, a Nazi SS transit camp

London, a vibrant metropolis brimming with history and culture, is a must-visit destination for cruise travellers. Explore the historic Tower of London, witness the grandeur of Buckingham Palace, and stroll across the majestic Tower Bridge. Art enthusiasts will relish the treasures housed in the British Museum and Tate Modern.

Explore London's culinary diversity at Borough Market, where a variety of international flavors await. Be sure to visit the lively Covent Garden, renowned for its street performers and charming boutiques. From the tranquil Royal Parks to the vibrant West End theatres, London provides a captivating blend of British heritage and modern vitality.

Portsmouth, a historic port city on England's south coast, is known for its significant maritime heritage. The city's key attraction for cruise travellers is the Historic Dockyard, showcasing the HMS Victory and the Mary Rose Museum, offering insights into naval history. Additionally, the Spinnaker Tower stands out for its panoramic views of the harbour.

For transport, Portsmouth is well-linked to London. Regular train services connect Portsmouth Harbour or Portsmouth & Southsea stations to London Waterloo, with journeys taking around 1.5 to 2 hours. Coaches offer an alternative, often more economical route. Additionally, taxis and car hire services are readily available for direct travel. Portsmouth's blend of historical significance and easy accessibility to London makes it an intriguing destination for cruise visitors.