Norwegian Fjords Cruise 8 Nights • Southampton, England • Celebrity Apex

Southampton, England- Southampton is a bustling port city bursting with history, as well as shopping opportunities, great restaurants, and superb pubs. Located on England’s southern coast, the area has a deep connection with WWII, having been used as a staging area for the attack on D-Day. It’s also well-known to be the home port of the Queen Mary 2. Today, the city is largely defined by its universities and retail shopping. The real sightseeing, however, happens when you use this port as a jumping off point for attractions found outside, yet relatively close to the city. For instance, London is but a little over an hour away by train. You can also take a ferry to the Isle of Wight, an English holiday favorite with 25 miles of coastline, sand dunes and dramatic white cliffs. While on your Southampton cruise you can also visit the nearby, quaint town of Windsor where you can visit the many boutiques of High Street or enjoy a tour of historic Windsor Castle.

Your ship departs promptly at 4:00 pm, so we recommend arriving at least 2-3 hours early to smoothly navigate check-in and boarding. All ship amenities are open and ready, so kickstart your vacation with a refreshing drink or a delicious snack.

Bergen, Norway is a former Viking stronghold girded by deep fjords, towering mountains and sweeping glaciers. Visit Bryggen Wharf, where you can strike a bargain in one of the many artisans' workshops, or visit the famous Fish Market for a real treat. Bergen specialties include fish soup, cured salmon, herring, shrimp, and venison. Be sure to try the “skillingsbolle”, a sinfully good cinnamon roll while on your Bergen cruise. This city located on the southwest coast of Norway is straight out of storybook. At the center of its allure is the old wharf town of Bryggen, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, where winding cobblestone alleys transport you back through 400 years of Hanseatic domination. Indeed, the Middle Ages lurk around every bend of this wonderfully preserved Norwegian treasure, and yet it’s also alive with a youthful exuberance evident in eclectic coffee houses, sensational art galleries and a burgeoning local music scene. Perhaps, the best way to take it all in is by hopping aboard the city’s funicular and climbing some 1,000 feet above sea level. As sweeping views of the city, the surrounding mountains and glistening fjords envelop you; it’s impossible not to marvel at the beauty of Bergen.

Geiranger is remote even by Norwegian standards, with a rugged beauty that will leave you breathless. Winding your way through the Geiranger Fjord feels like the entrance to a secret world, protected by massive, snow-capped mountains on either side. On your Geiranger cruise you can also take a side trip to Ørnesvingen or Flydalsjuvet to gaze upon this magnificence. Superlatives simply fall short when trying to describe the epic beauty of Geiranger. Your welcoming committee is comprised of the sheer walls, snow-capped peaks, cascading waterfalls and emerald-green channels of Geirangerfjord, a UNESCO World Heritage landmark. At its head, lies a charming village that plays host to outdoor enthusiasts and nature-minded tourists from all over the world. Its Norwegian charms are certainly captivating with plenty of lovely shops for souvenirs and restaurants offering up fresh salmon, lake trout, and local favorites like goat meat, reindeer, and specialty sausages. It’s undeniably clear that here nature herself is the superstar. Whether it’s standing before the cascades of the Seven Sisters waterfalls or climbing to one of the scenic overlooks, Geiranger is a jaw-dropping panoramic adventure.

Much of this picturesque town, located at the tip of the Nordfjord, looks as though it is straight out of the 17th century. Its many historic sites include Olden Old Church, built in 1759 on the site of the original stave church dating back to the 14th century, and the Singer Home, former residence of American painter William Singer. Nature lover? Explore the lush, verdant scenery of Lake Olden and experience its tranquility on a relaxing sightseeing cruise. Want something more adventurous? On your Europe cruise, trek through the Norwegian wild to Briksdal Glacier, an arm of the largest glacier in continental Europe. You'll hike along river paths and see gentle waterfalls created by the melting ice.

The town of Flam, Norway is nestled in a tributary of the world's longest and deepest fjord. Surrounded by steep mountainsides, roaring waterfalls, and deep valleys, you’ll experience a one-of-a-kind encounter with nature on your Flam cruise. This quaint Norway town is a place of extremes. The epic majesty of Flam’s dense green mountains dwarfs even the grandest of cruise ships, and the glass-calm water that surrounds the town woos adventurers from near and far. This is place where you can’t help but feel closer to nature for no other reason that it overwhelms at every turn. Climb aboard the Flam Railway for the world’s steepest train ride and rumble 2,800 feet up the wilds of Norway. Kayak through the calm waters of the Aurlandsfjord for breathtaking views of mountain farms with grazing goats or sheep perched at the fjord’s edge. You’ll find many restaurants and cafes offering local Norwegian fare made with farm-fresh ingredients. And you can sample the famous brown and white goat cheese in nearby Undredal. Whether it’s hiking, kayaking, or taking a dizzying train ride into the mountains, Flam is a Norwegian wonderland that’s meant to be explored.

Stavanger, Norway: Whether you prefer outdoor adventure or ancient history, a Stavanger cruise offers a wide array of treasures to discover. Its charming streets climb from the waterfront and are dotted with timber homes painted in wonderfully vibrant colors. The city is a mix of old and new, charming and stylish with an eclectic collection of merchant shops, cafes and historic museums and churches. The Stavanger Cathedral is the country's oldest cathedral, having been built between 1100 and 1125. An easy day hike on Pulpit Rock, the cliff
rising over 1800 feet above the sea, offers gorgeous views of the Lysefjord and the surrounding lush terrain. Dining options in the area include outstanding fish and mussels, with French American, Japanese, and Indian influences found throughout the city.

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.

Your cruise may have ended, but the adventure continues. Take advantage of the fantastic activities in the area. If you're flying out, please keep your departure flight time in mind and plan accordingly.