Norwegian Fjords Cruise 7 Nights • Southampton, England • Liberty of the Seas

A cruise out of Southampton unlocks all kinds of incredible destinations, from French and Spanish wine country to Norway’s majestic fjords. But this charming port is also a great destination in and of itself. Spend some time getting to know it before your vacation — you won’t be disappointed. If you have a soft spot for medieval history, you’ll find plenty of interesting sites here. Like Bargate, a gatehouse that dates back over a thousand years to Norman times. Or visit St. Michael's church on Castle Way — built in the 11th century, it’s home to ancient Norman artifacts and relics. Then, fast forward a few centuries at the Tudor house in St. Michael’s Square, which served as the home of a wealthy merchant family in the 15th century. Today it’s a museum that showcases exhibits featuring nearly a thousand years of local history.

Your ship departs promptly at 5:00 pm, so plan to arrive at least 2-3 hours early to account for checking in and boarding protocols. During this time, many of the ship's amenities are open and operating, so feel free to start your vacation early.

Begin your day in Bruges at Markt, the historic main square, before exploring the canals. Marvel at the impressive medieval and Dutch architecture: Highlights include the Church of our Lady, the Basilica of the Holy Blood and Bruges Vrije. A 40-minute train ride will take you to Zeebrugge and its popular oceanfront. There, enjoy pristine beaches, hip brasseries and Seafront Maritime Theme Park.

Dating back to the Middle Ages, Molde is known today for its jazz festival, the 222 peaks visible in the surrounding mountains and the iconic Atlantic Road. Rent a bike and explore the surrounding countryside. When you're ready for some indoor time, visit the Romsdal Museum — just 10 minutes from the town center, this folk museum shows you buildings and interiors that bring old Norway back to life.

Explore Inner Nordfjord with a paddling trip that will bring you close enough to the Briksdal Glacier to touch it. The tourist train provides local information while it brings you up the mountain. Once you get there, you can hike to the glacier to see it up-close. If you're more adventurous, try Via Ferrata Loen, a challenging tour that takes you to the mountain tops.

Start by exploring Old Stavanger, where traditional pastel cottages remain in remarkably good order. See Stavanger Cathedral, the oldest church in Norway. About 90 minutes away by car, you'll find the trail that will take you to the top of Prekestol, which offers views over all of the 40 kilometers that make up the unusually straight Lysefjord. Formed during the Ice Age, Lysefjord's mountains reach more than 3,000 feet above sea level and run as far as the eye can see.

Your adventure doesn't have to end once you've gotten back to Southampton. Before you go, spend a few days exploring the quaint English towns of the Hampshire region like Winchester, the ancient capital, or the pretty market town of Romsey. This village is also home to the Romsey Abbey, one of the most magnificent churches in Southern England thanks to its round Norman arches and lofty nave.

The cruise might have ended, but there are still some great activities to enjoy in the area. If you flew into this port, be mindful of your departure flight time and plan accordingly.