Northern Europe from Southampton Cruise

Day 1 - Southampton

Arrive: Sat 10 July 2021 / Depart: Sat 10 July 2021 at 16:00

The port of Southampton can trace its origins back to a Roman settlement on the banks of the River Itchen where Bitterne stands today. However, the Saxon settlement of Hamwic or Hamtun on the opposite shore of the Itchen is where Southampton’s early identity really starts to take shape. Unfortunately the wealth of this fledgling Saxon port attracted the attentions of Viking raiders who were, to say the least, bad for business. However, the die had been cast and Southampton traded through good times and bad until, by the early 19th century, paddle steamers started running regular services to France. A century and a half later the first car ferries plied the same routes helping to further popularise the idea of foreign leisure travel that the White Star liners and the glamorous Southampton built flying boats had helped to pioneered. Although the great liners were literally overtaken by the era of cheap jet travel, they never entirely disappeared and, gradually, modern cruising started to become more accessible and more popular. Today Southampton has three cruise terminals to copy with the unprecedented comings and goings of today’s massive cruise ships.

Day 2 - At Sea

Day 3 - Eidfjord, Norway

Arrive: Mon 12 July 2021 at 08:00 / Depart: Mon 12 July 2021 at 18:00

Day 4 - Stavanger, Norway

Arrive: Tue 13 July 2021 at 08:00 / Depart: Tue 13 July 2021 at 18:00

Founded in the 8th century and one of Norways oldest towns, Stavanger is situated along the Byfjord, an arm of the Stavangerfjordin southwestern Norway. Echoes of its proud heritage liveson amid the evocative cobbled streets of Gamle (Old) Stavanger,whose whitewashed 18th century houses are probably northern Europes best-preserved community of wooden houses.

Day 5 - Flam

Arrive: Wed 14 July 2021 at 08:00 / Depart: Wed 14 July 2021 at 18:00

One of the most characteristic corners of Norway, natural landscapes and magnificant waterfalls along with breathtaking views.

Day 6 - Kristiansund, Norway

Arrive: Thu 15 July 2021 at 10:00 / Depart: Thu 15 July 2021 at 16:00

Kristiansand is the biggest city on the South Coast, and the southernmost city in Norway. It is a charming city, retaining many of the 17th century buildings from its founding days by King Christian IV. The town is home to some of the best beaches in Norway. The Renaissance style is readily apparent in the strict street plan of the area called Kvadraten ("The Square"). "Posebyen", the oldest section of town, boasts tiny, but charming houses in the traditional style of the area. The name comes from the French word reposer, meaning to sleep, from when soldiers were billeted in private homes. The Norwegian concept of the southern idyll conjures up islets and skerries and small white houses with lush gardens nestled between rocky coastline knolls. The same building style characterises the other southern towns as well. One of the region poets claimed that people's close contact with the sea has given them webbed feet and hospitable, good-natured temperaments.

Day 7 - At Sea

Day 8 - Southampton

Arrive: Sat 17 July 2021 at 07:00 / Depart: Sat 17 July 2021

The port of Southampton can trace its origins back to a Roman settlement on the banks of the River Itchen where Bitterne stands today. However, the Saxon settlement of Hamwic or Hamtun on the opposite shore of the Itchen is where Southampton’s early identity really starts to take shape. Unfortunately the wealth of this fledgling Saxon port attracted the attentions of Viking raiders who were, to say the least, bad for business. However, the die had been cast and Southampton traded through good times and bad until, by the early 19th century, paddle steamers started running regular services to France. A century and a half later the first car ferries plied the same routes helping to further popularise the idea of foreign leisure travel that the White Star liners and the glamorous Southampton built flying boats had helped to pioneered. Although the great liners were literally overtaken by the era of cheap jet travel, they never entirely disappeared and, gradually, modern cruising started to become more accessible and more popular. Today Southampton has three cruise terminals to copy with the unprecedented comings and goings of today’s massive cruise ships.