Flourishing Fjords

Located at the head of the gorgeous Oslofjord, Norway's capital is encircled by wooded hills and snow capped peaks. Explore the striking Oslo Opera House, where you can walk on the rooftop for harbor views. The Viking Ship Museum showcases remarkably preserved ships from the Viking era, while Vigeland Park features over 200 sculptures by Gustav Vigeland. Visit the Akershus Fortress for a glimpse into medieval history, or stroll along the waterfront Aker Brygge, filled with restaurants and shops.

A centuries-old fishing village, Skagen (pronounced Skain) is perched along the windswept sand dunes at the northernmost point of Denmark. Boasting white-sand beaches, crystal-clear waters and stunning natural landscapes, the area has lured artists since the mid-19th century. The town’s vibrant art scene is showcased at the Skagen Museum, featuring works by local painters inspired by the area's stunning landscapes.

Stroll through the charming streets lined with yellow houses or visit the iconic Skagen Lighthouse for panoramic views or explore Grenen, where the North Sea and Baltic Sea meet, creating a dramatic natural spectacle.

Stavanger offers a blend of nature and culture, with its colorful wooden houses lining Old Town's cobblestone streets. A highlight is the nearby Lysefjord, where the iconic Preikestolen (Pulpit Rock) provides breathtaking fjord views after a rewarding hike. The Norwegian Petroleum Museum dives into the region’s oil history, while Gamle Stavanger, the best-preserved wooden settlement in Europe, transports visitors back in time with its charming 18th-century homes.

Surrounded by steep mountains, thundering waterfalls, and emerald-green valleys, tiny Flåm clings to the innermost point of Sognefjord, Europe's longest, deepest fjord. Flåm also boasts the extraordinary Flåms Railway. One of the most dramatic train rides in Europe, the Flåm Railway takes an hour to cover 10 miles, hugging cliffs, plunging through tunnels and pausing for its passengers to admire the views as it ascends the Flåm Valley to Myrdal, a desolate mountain plateau.

Top Things to Do in Flam:

• ride the scenic Flam Railway
• cruise the Nærøyfjor
• visit the viking village in Gudvangen
• hike to the Brekkefossen waterfall
• drive to Stegastein viewpoint
• visit the picturesque village of Aurland

Geiranger nestles in a valley at the inland tip of Geirangerfjord, which is unabashedly called 'the most beautiful fjord in the world.' The scenery here is stunning, snow-mantled mountains rise from the glacier-carved fjord, waterfalls burst forth from the cliffs and emerald-green forests blanket the hillsides. Ships will anchor offshore and tenders will be provided to the pier.

Top Things to Do in Geirangerfjord:

• view the fjord from atop Mt. Dalsnibba
• drive up the Eagle Road
• discover the fjord up close by kayak
• hike Westerasfjellet Mountain

Hellesylt is a picturesque village nestled at the head of Sunnylvsfjord. One highlight is the stunning Hellesylt Waterfall, which dramatically cuts through the center of the village. A gateway to the Geirangerfjord, Hellesylt offers excellent hiking, including trails to the scenic viewpoint of Ljøbrekka or to ancient farms like the UNESCO-listed Skageflå. A ferry ride to Geiranger also reveals some of Norway’s most impressive fjord landscapes.

Set on the shores of a sparkling fjord, cosmopolitan Kristiansand is the largest city in Southern Norway. It has a cultural and tranquil atmosphere, a blend of contemporary and traditional architecture, and a natural beauty woven throughout and beyond the city. Ships will dock at the cruise terminal.

Top Things to Do in Kristiansand:

• admire the wooden buildings in Posebyen
• cross the bridge to the island of Odderoya
• visit the Christiansholm Fortress
• hop aboard the Setesdal Vintage Railway
• visit the charming village of Lillesand

Mountainous Bodo perches on a picturesque stretch of peninsula just north of the Arctic Circle. The city is one of Norway’s fastest growing cities, full of urban excitement while remaining deeply connected to its rich natural surroundings. Ships will dock at this port.

Top Things to Do in Bodo:

• witness the world’s strongest tidal change in Saltstraumen
• explore Saltfjellet-Svartisen National Park
• hike to the top of Mount Keiservarden
• visit Bodo's Aviation Museum
• take a boat to find the European Sea Eagle

A colourful, historic capital of Norway, Trondheim's history reaches back to 997 AD. It may be Norway's third-biggest city, but there's a welcoming and intimate feel here, with a photogenic waterfront, and glowing wooden warehouses adding old-time charm. Ships will dock in the port of Trondheim.

Top Things to Do in Trondheim:

• visit the Rockheim Museum
• walk a trail in Bymarka Nature Reserve
• visit the Nidaros Cathedral
• ride the historic trolley up Byåsen Hill
• stroll the charming Bakklandet district

Soaring turrets, spires and beautiful ornamentation adorn the buildings throughout Ålesund, giving it a distinctive flair and earning the town a revered architectural reputation. Seven islands comprise Ålesund , and they’re cleverly connected by an elaborate set of underwater tunnels. Feeling energetic - climb the 418 steps to Mount Aksla for panoramic views of the town, surrounding islands and fjords or how about visting the Atlanterhavsparken aquarium, which offers an immersive look at marine life.

Norway’s beauty shines brighter than ever in Bergen, where colourful wooden buildings line every street. From the historic wharf called the Bryggen to the neighbouring fjords just waiting to be explored, a day in Bergen makes for a fun mix of city and seclusion, outdoor adventure and arts and culture. Ships will dock at the Skolten cruise port.

Top Things to Do in Bergen:

• take in the views from atop Mount Floyen
• visit the Bryggens Museum
• explore the famous fish market
• fly over Hardangerfjord in a seaplane

Haugesund, known as Norway’s "Homeland of the Viking Kings," offers a blend of history and coastal charm. Visit Haraldshaugen, a national monument marking Norway’s unification under King Harald Fairhair. Stroll through the vibrant waterfront lined with colorful wooden houses, or explore the nearby island of Røvær, perfect for a quick escape into serene nature. The region is also home to Avaldsnes, an ancient Viking settlement with a fascinating history.

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.

To reach London from Southampton, you can take a train from Southampton Central (the station is within a short taxi ride from the cruise terminals) to London Waterloo, with the journey taking around 1.5 hours - that's approximately 128 km's (80 miles). Alternatively if you're travelling by coach or have arranged a private transfer, please allow around 2 hours for the journey.