These cruises are selling out fast, get them while you can.
Kick-start your European adventure on a cruise from Southampton. An excellent jumping-off point to see all of Northern Europe, Southampton is central to countries like Belgium, Germany, Netherlands, and Norway. Before you set sail for the week, experience Southampton the right way. Enjoy a few hours cruising around the harbor and taking in the views of the shore from the sea. Extend your stay to explore other seaside towns like Brighton or Portsmouth, or even London, which is only an hour away.
tWO WAYS TO EXPLORE
THE FUN NEVER STOPS
The holiday of your life begins the second your cruise departs from Southampton. Sea days are filled with fun onboard the cruise ships and port days will bring you to far-off destinations. No matter where you are, the fun never stops on your Southampton cruise.
Rev up your vacation on Independence of the Seas® — where adventure abounds on every deck. Challenge your crew to a water slide race in The Perfect Storm℠ or test your balance on the FlowRider® surf simulator. Unforgettable getaways start here.
Southampton serves as the perfect jumping off point to experience some of Europe’s most stunning destinations. Soak up endless natural splendor as you cruise along Norway’s majestic fjords, and savor top-notch vintages from the vineyards in Bordeaux. Or wander the rugged, windswept beaches of Normandy before immersing yourself in Basque cuisine and culture during a visit to Bilbao.
View of Stonehenge in England
Located just an hour from Southampton, Stonehenge is one of the most well-known prehistoric sites in all of Europe. Wander around the miraculous stone circle and transport yourself back in time when Neolithic engineers used only simple tools to build the huge monument — it's believed they hauled those massive stones over 240 miles from Wales without the use of machines.
The entrance to the SeaCity Museum in Southampton, England
Southampton is home to one of the largest ports in the UK and millions of travelers pass through each year. In 1912, the most famous of those travelers would pass through as they set out to America onboard the Titanic. Southampton's SeaCity museum gives you the opportunity to learn more about the events that happened aboard that famous ship.
Step back into the medieval era and walk the old walls of the city. Built to protect the town from attack by sea, most of the wall is still standing, leaving visitors a spectacular view of Southampton and the sea. Watch as boats enter the port city, and see how it would have been if you were a knight on watch hundreds of years ago.
Head to the pub for a refreshing glass of ale to pair with crispy, mouthwatering fish and chips. If fried food isn't your thing, go in for a salad with fresh watercress, the peppery green that the Hampshire region is famous for. You'll also find upscale fare based on England's most-loved flavors: Try chicken with Indian-inspired vegetable pakora and tandoori puree or braised Hampshire beef with ale cream.
Shop for big-name brands galore at Westquay Shopping Centre, the premier shopping destination of the South Coast. Head to Bedford Place for independent shops and boutiques — the country's oldest traditional shoemaker is located here. On weekends, wander down the road to Bar Street to check out the local market for antiques, crafts, vintage accessories and jewelry.