Norwegian Fjords Cruise 7 Nights • Southampton, England • Independence 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.

In Alesund, you'll find distinctive archiecture in the Jugendstil style, the Scandinavian answer to the ornate, asymmetrical style of Art Nouveau. Discover the region's mouthwatering seafood, and attend one of the lively cultural and arts festivals. Climb the 418 steps to the summit of Aksla Hill for clear views of the city, the surrounding mountains and the islands that dot the bay. Or hit the mountains for some skiing — there are rugged slopes as well as gentle hills.

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.

Nestled between the North Sea, islands and mountains is Haugesund, Norway. When you disembark here, you'll experience a region rich in history, culture and nature. Spend your day visiting Harald Fairhair's burial site; Fairhair is the Viking who united Norway into a single kingdom. Or indulge yourself (and your stomach) by tasting some of the fresh seafood you can find. Stroll through the city, where you can learn about glassblowing. If nature is more your speed, hike up Himakånå, the little sister of Trolltunga, where you can take in some of the most stunning views you've ever seen. If you're looking for even more adventure, hop on a boat to the island of Utsira or get up close and personal with the Langfoss waterfall, which is listed as one of the 10 most beautiful waterfalls in the entire world. There's something for everyone during cruises to Haugesund, so start exploring.

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.