Norwegian Fjords 7 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.

Located between mountains, islands and the North Sea, the beautiful, rugged landscape of Haugesund will take you back to the days when the city was the home of Viking kings and chieftains. Today it’s one of Norway’s principal culture centers, hosting the Norwegian International Film Festival as well as a jazz festival every summer. The fascinating story of the Viking Kings at the heart of the region, a rich cultural scene, plenty of festivals and shopping, vibrant towns and extreme sport activities all go together to provide a rich menu of experiences to choose from.

Alesund’s turrets, spires, and other whimsical art nouveau architectural touches give the town its distinctive, fairytale-like character. On your cruise to Alesund, don’t forget to visit scenic Geiranger Fjord. One of Norway’s best-known attractions is just a stone’s throw from this quaint little town. Ages of glacial erosion have given way to sculpted, towering mountainsides upon which flow numerous, dramatic waterfalls. There is no shortage of nature to stand in awe of at this favorite Norway attraction. To fully capture the depth of beauty in this seaside town, a jaunt up Mount Aksla is in order. From there, you’ll have a bird’s-eye view of this colorful, magical place. Drive the famous Path of Trolls, a roadway that was literally blasted out of the mountainside. Travel back to Viking days and discover exotic marine life on this exploration of the Saga Islands. Begin on Giske, where you’ll walk in the footsteps of Viking legends then continue to the island of Godoy to visit the Atlantic Sea Park. Built directly into the rugged landscape, it features massive aquariums teeming with colorful fish and sea life.

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.

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.

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 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.