Occidental Charms

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.

Your cruise is about to begin! It's time to make your way to Southampton, if you haven't already. To reach Southampton from London, you can take a train from London Waterloo to Southampton Central, 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. Once in Southampton, the cruise terminals are within a short taxi ride from the station.

A visit to Bruges offers a step back in time with its medieval architecture, winding canals, and charming cobblestone streets. The Belfry of Bruges provides stunning panoramic views of the city, and don’t miss the chance to sample world-famous Belgian chocolates from local chocolatiers or take a leisurely boat tour through the picturesque canals.

As the heart of the European Union, Brussels boasts a blend of historic sites and modern attractions. Art lovers will appreciate the Magritte Museum, dedicated to the surrealist artist René Magritte. Be sure to try a classic Belgian waffle or indulge in mussels and fries at one of the city’s renowned brasseries, enjoying a quintessential Brussels culinary experience.

Zeebrugge serves as the gateway to both Bruges and Brussels. Bruges is approximately 17 km (10.6 miles) away, a 20-minute drive, offering medieval architecture and charming canals. Brussels, the Belgian capital, is about 100 km (62 miles) from the port, taking around 1.5 hours by car or train.

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.

The quirky and heritage-filled Hamburg is a true city of water, nestled snugly between the Baltic and North seas and intersected by a frayed network of rivers and canals, spanned by hundreds of pretty bridges. Explore the Speicherstadt, the world’s largest warehouse district and a UNESCO site, known for its neo-gothic architecture.

The nearby Elbphilharmonie concert hall is impressive with its striking design and views over the Elbe River. For a taste of local life, visit the lively Fish Market or stroll along the waterfront at Landungsbrücken, where ferries offer scenic river cruises along the canals.

Kiel, a vibrant port city in northern Germany, serves as a gateway to the bustling metropolis of Hamburg. Known for its maritime heritage, Kiel offers visitors a chance to explore its picturesque harbor and the Kiel Canal, the world’s busiest artificial waterway. The city is also home to the annual Kiel Week, the largest sailing event in the world, drawing sailing enthusiasts from around the globe.

From Kiel, a short train ride brings you to Hamburg, where you can delve into the city’s dynamic culture and history. Visit the UNESCO-listed Speicherstadt, the largest warehouse district in the world, and stroll along the lively waterfront at Landungsbrücken. Don’t miss the stunning Elbphilharmonie concert hall and indulge in local specialties like fresh fish at the bustling Fischmarkt.

Berlin, Germany's dynamic capital, is a city steeped in history and modern innovation. Start with the iconic Brandenburg Gate, a symbol of unity and peace. Nearby, the Reichstag Building offers a panoramic view of the city from its stunning glass dome.

Art lovers should not miss Museum Island, home to five world-renowned museums. For a poignant glimpse into the past, visit the Berlin Wall Memorial and the East Side Gallery, where vibrant murals cover remnants of the historic divide. End your visit with a relaxing afternoon in Tiergarten, Berlin’s expansive park perfect for unwinding and reflecting on the city’s rich tapestry.

Warnemünde, a quaint seaside resort in Germany, captures the hearts of visitors with its broad, sandy beaches and the charming promenade of Alter Strom, lined with fishing boats and boutiques. This port town is renowned for its maritime flair and historic lighthouse, dating back to 1898, which offers sweeping views of the Baltic Sea.

Warnemünde offers access to both the historic city of Rostock, just 13 kilometers (8 miles) away, and the vibrant capital, Berlin, approximately 240 kilometers (150 miles) away. Rostock is reachable within 20 minutes by train, while Berlin requires a longer travel time, about 3 hours by train or coach. Explore Rostock's medieval architecture and Hanseatic history or if you're looking to explore Berlin, plan for a full day experience.

Lively Szczecin, one of Poland’s largest cities and the capital of the West Pomerania region, has endured a colorful and multifaceted history that’s revealed in its architecture. Art nouveau mansions, ornate gothic-style buildings and baroque-style gates and fountains coexist with new glass and steel structures being erected such as the award-winning Szczecin Philharmonic Hall, which appears to glow with its innovatively lit glass façade.

Szczecin’s Old Town is an excellent starting point – it’s full of cafés, bustling restaurants, and top attractions such as the Castle of the Pomeranian Dukes, the Waly Chrobrego elevated riverfront promenade and several museums. With parks aplenty, Szczecin is also known for being green and lush. The Jasne Blonia Square and neighboring Kasprowicz Park are the most popular, and the nearby Szmaragdowe Lake features an observation deck that offers lovely views of the Lower Oder River and Szczecin.

Rønne, the largest town on the Danish island of Bornholm, offers a delightful mix of history, culture, and natural beauty. Wander through the charming old town with its cobblestone streets and half-timbered houses, visiting notable landmarks like St. Nicolai Church and the Bornholm Museum, which showcases the island's rich heritage.

The picturesque harbour area is perfect for a leisurely stroll, with cafes and shops offering local delicacies and crafts. Nearby, the white sandy beaches provide a relaxing escape, while the Erichsens Gård museum gives a glimpse into 19th-century Danish life. Rønne’s blend of historical charm and coastal scenery makes it a captivating destination on Bornholm.

Formerly known as Memel, Klaipeda is a modern and historic city, with its roots dating back to the days of German knights. The city is known for its innovative design and architecture, however its German heritage can still be seen in the half-timbered buildings of its Old Town area. Ships will dock at the Port of Klaipeda.

Top Things to Do in Klaipeda:

• stroll through the Old Town area
• visit the Amber Museum
• explore Zemaitija National Park
• visit Plateliai Soviet Nuclear Weapon Site
• take a ferry to the Curonian Spit
  

A small town on the island of Gotland, Visby was a popular trading spot during the Viking Age. Today, this pretty medieval city is Sweden's sunniest vacation destination and a UNESCO World Heritage site. Ships will dock at the Visby Cruise Quay.

Top Things to Do in Visby:

• visit the Gotlands Museum
• walk along the medieval Visby Ring Wall
• take in the view from Gallows Hill
• stroll through the Botanic Gardens
• pass through Dalmansporten's gate to explore the medieval city

Centred around a charming UNESCO World Heritage listed Old Town, Latvia’s capital is a quirky and artistic place. It is an architecture buff's dream come true with its collection of Art Nouveau buildings and Gothic structures. Ships will dock at the cruise quay on Daugava River.

Top Things to Do in Riga:

• admire the architecture on Elizabetes street
• take in the views from St Peter's Church
• visit Turaida’s famed castle
• explore the Latvian Ethnographic Museum
• trek along the Kemeri Bog Boardwalk
• visit the resort town of Jurmala

Defined by the Baltic Sea and surrounding archipelago, Kotka is a picturesque town with a rich maritime tradition. This cultural city has plenty to offer including parks, churches, sculptural displays, and museums. Ships will dock at the Port of HaminaKotka.

Top Things to Do in Kotka:

• stroll around the Sapokka Water Garden
• explore the Finnish capital, Helsinki
• sail around the Kotka Archipelago
• visit a traditional Finnish sauna
• walk through the Kotka Urban National Park
• visit the medieval town of Porvoo
  

Tallinn's fairy-tale castles, cobbled streets and warm hospitality remain one of Europe's best-kept secrets. Ancient convents, steepled churches and handsome guild houses are all preserved as they were in Tallinn’s Old Town area, which was named a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Ships will dock at the Old City Harbour.

Top Things to Do in Tallinn:

• admire the Alexander Nevsky Cathedral
• take in the city views from Toompea Hill
• visit the Open Air Museum
• stroll the gardens of Kadriorg Park
  

Stockholm, Sweden's charming capital, spans 14 islands connected by picturesque bridges. Begin your exploration in Gamla Stan, the city's historic old town, where cobblestone streets lead to the majestic Royal Palace and the medieval Storkyrkan Cathedral.

For a dose of modern culture, visit the ABBA Museum on Djurgården Island, celebrating Sweden's iconic pop group. Nearby, the Vasa Museum showcases a remarkably preserved 17th-century warship. Stroll along the waterfront promenade of Strandvägen for stunning views and vibrant cafes. Don't miss the Stockholm City Hall, renowned for its striking architecture and the annual Nobel Prize banquet. Enjoy Swedish cuisine at a local bistro, featuring dishes like meatballs and herring.