Ijmuiden (Amsterdam) to Southampton

If you have time to explore Amsterdam before your cruise departs today, take a visit to the Van Gogh Museum, home to the largest collection of the artist's works. Stroll through the picturesque Jordaan neighborhood, renowned for its narrow streets, quaint cafes, and boutique shops, or enjoy a scenic canal cruise to see the city's iconic architecture from a unique perspective. If you're looking for a relaxing start to your cruise, head to Vondelpark, the city's largest green space, perfect for a leisurely walk before heading to your ship.

IJmuiden serves as a key cruise port for Amsterdam. The port is approximately 27 kilometres (about 17 miles) from Amsterdam's city centre, a journey that takes around 30-45 minutes by car or shuttle bus. IJmuiden itself offers attractions like the expansive Zuid-Kennemerland National Park and the historic Forteiland, providing a mix of natural beauty and cultural heritage.

Days at sea are the perfect opportunity to relax, unwind and catch up with what you’ve been meaning to do. So whether that is going to the gym, visiting the spa, whale watching, catching up on your reading or simply topping up your tan, these blue sea days are the perfect balance to busy days spent exploring shore side.

Nestled between the Highlands and the Border Hills, Edinburgh is a gracious city noted for its superb skyline, its impressive collection of architecture and its beautiful parks. Here you'll find the best of central eastern Scotland: spectacular views, rolling hills and castles. Ships will dock at the Port of Leith Cruise Liner Terminal.

Top Things to Do in Edinburgh:

• explore the Edinburgh Castle
• visit the Holyroodhouse
• wander down the Royal Mile
• play a round at the worlds oldest golf course

Where the rivers Dee and Don meet the North Sea, you’ll find the harbour city of Aberdeen. The city is famous for its stunning, sparkling, granite buildings and monuments which shimmer in the sunlight and the warming tones of 'Doric', the local Scots dialect you'll hear in the streets.

Top Things to Do in Aberdeen:

• walk through the Winter Gardens
• visit the Aberdeen Art Gallery
• explore Craigievar Castle or Drum Castle
• play a round at the Royal Aberdeen Golf Club

Days at sea are the perfect opportunity to relax, unwind and catch up with what you’ve been meaning to do. So whether that is going to the gym, visiting the spa, whale watching, catching up on your reading or simply topping up your tan, these blue sea days are the perfect balance to busy days spent exploring shore side.

Glasgow was Scotland's great industrial centre during the 19th century and today, the city remains the commercial and cultural capital of the Lowlands. Lying on the banks of the River Clyde, Glasgow boasts some of the finest Victorian architecture in the entire United Kingdom. Ships will dock in Greenock which is a 45 minute drive from Glasgow.

Top Things to Do in Glasgow:

• admire the famed Glasgow Cathedral
• stroll through the Glasgow Botanic Garden
• cruise Loch Lomond
• visit the Kelvingrove Art Gallery and Museum

Greenock, the main port for Glasgow, is located approximately 40 kilometers (25 miles) from Glasgow's city center, about a 45-minute drive. Ships dock at the Greenock Ocean Terminal, providing direct access to the town of Greenock.

The Isle of Man, nestled in the Irish Sea, is a treasure trove of natural beauty, history, and folklore. This island captivates with its rugged coastline, medieval castles, and quaint villages. Although famed for the TT motorcycle race, there’s much more to explore here, from the ancient Celtic and Viking heritage at sites like Peel Castle to the tranquil beauty of the Manx countryside.

The island's extensive network of heritage railways provides a unique perspective on its scenic landscapes, while the Manx Museum in Douglas offers insights into the island's 10,000-year history. With its commitment to preserving its natural and historical sites, the Isle of Man offers a blend of adventure and tranquility that will charm and delight.

Cruise ships dock at the Victoria Pier in Douglas, the capital of the Isle of Man. The terminal is located right in the heart of the town, making it convenient to explore on foot. The picturesque promenade and various shops, restaurants, and cafes are just a short walk away. For a unique experience, take the Manx Electric Railway from Douglas to the historic village of Laxey, about 10 miles (16 kilometers) away, which takes approximately 30 minutes. Alternatively, visit the Manx Museum, a 10-minute walk from the port, to learn about the island's rich heritage.

Located in northwest England, Liverpool is a bustling maritime city. Dating back to the 13th century, it boasts a number of UNESCO World Heritage Sites, some of the country's best museums and an unrivalled musical heritage. Ships will dock at Princes Dock.

Top Things to Do in Liverpool:

• stroll through historic Royal Albert Dock
• visit the Beatles Story museum
• take in the view from the Radio City Tower
• tour the Liverpool Football Club
• explore the charming city of Chester
• cross the Welsh boarder to Conwy Castle

Days at sea are the perfect opportunity to relax, unwind and catch up with what you’ve been meaning to do. So whether that is going to the gym, visiting the spa, whale watching, catching up on your reading or simply topping up your tan, these blue sea days are the perfect balance to busy days spent exploring shore side.

Joined to the mainland of Dorset by a spindly strip of beach, the Isle of Portland is ruggedly beautiful, with endless vistas and wild landscapes. Just four miles long, its coastal cliffs and area's unique flora and fauna are awe-inspiring, the perfect complement to the islands rich history. Ships will dock in Portland Harbour.

Top Things to Do on the Isle of Portland:

• explore Portland Castle
• visit the Abbotsbury Swannery
  
• view the Jurassic coast from atop the Portland Bill Lighthouse
• visit the Castletown D-Day Centre

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.

Known as the 'Gateway to England', the southeastern town of Dover is the main transit port between the two sides of the English Channel. This quaint and uniquely British town is famous for its impressive white cliffs, which have inspired many a poet and playwright. Ships will dock at the Dover Cruise Terminal.

Transport to London from Dover is efficient with trains running regularly from Dover Priory station to London St Pancras International, with a journey time of around 1 hour and 30 minutes. You can walk from the station to the Cruise Terminals in about 25 minutes. This makes it convenient for cruise passengers to access the capital for day trips. Additionally, coach services connect Dover with various London locations, offering a budget-friendly option.

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.