Northern European City Escape

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.

If you still have energy after exploring ashore, why not try a new sport like archery or take a swing in the golf nets? You can also enjoy some friendly family competition with games like giant chess, table tennis, or shuffleboard. With so much to do on board - all at no extra charge - you're set for non-stop entertainment. Plus, get ready to make a splash in our selection of pools. On Iona, you'll find an incredible 18 whirlpool spas and four pools, including an infinity pool that's perfect for a refreshing dip while watching the world go by.

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.

Discover a whole world of exceptional dining on board our Excel class ship Iona. With modern British classics and flavours from around the globe, including menus inspired by your cruise holiday destinations, Iona is sure to excite even the pickiest of palates. As Iona is a Freedom Dining ship, you can cast aside routine to dine in her restaurants at a time that suits you and sit wherever you choose.

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.

Cherbourg is a thriving port steeped in seafaring history. It has a busy, cheerful and international atmosphere, with easily navigable streets dotted with inviting restaurants and charming cafés. Beyond the port, the region of Normandy brims with scenery and history in every direction. Ships will dock at either Quai de Normandie or Quai de France.

Top Things to Do in Cherbourg:

• tour the D-Day landing beaches
• visit the American Cemetery & Memorial
• explore Mont Saint Michel
• view the Bayeux Tapestry

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.