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.

The Netherlands' second-largest city is both modern and classic. Marvel at the futuristic architecture and explore the free, outdoor avant-garde art galleries. Browse the chic and trendy shops. To see the quaint, old-school side of Rotterdam, head to Kalingse Plas park to see centuries-old windmills. Then cross the iconic Erasmus bridge to the Wilhelminapier, a small peninsula with restaurants and theaters housed in boldly designed skyscrapers.

Explore the village of Skjolden, nestled between Norway's highest mountain range, Jotunheimen National Park and two spectacular glaciers. Head to the Fjordstova cultural center, where you'll find the tourist office, a cafe, a swimming pool and a climbing wall. Go hiking in Morkridsdalen, the valley north of the village. Admire one of the magnificent waterfalls in the area, such as Vetlefosso.

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.