Best of Scandinavia 12 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.

Whether strolling through blooming flowers in Tivoli Gardens, witnessing the changing of the guard at Amalienborg Palace, or touring Kronborg Castle—the setting of Shakespeare's Hamlet—it's easy to see why Copenhagen grew to become the capital of Denmark. And, if you believe all the survey reports about this cheerful city, not only will you find yourself in one of the most cosmopolitan Nordic capitals on this Copenhagen cruise, but you’ll be elbow to elbow with some of the happiest locals on Earth.

With picturesque townhouses splashed in more color than a box of crayons, this delightful destination has a real flair for design. As you amble through the streets of Copenhagen you may begin to experience ‘hygge’-- a concept of gentle, soothing coziness, and comfort that’s infused in the lifestyle and culture. The quaint cobblestone streets, scenic landscapes, and charming cafes will attest to the country’s dedication to this concept of welcoming warmth and kindness. Relax on a short boat ride down its waterways passed scenic landmarks old and new. And, depending on the time of year, you may just catch many of the exhibits and works of art on public display in the city parks, gardens, and zoos.

Occupying a peninsula and several islands, this capital city's stunning structures surround some of the most spectacular bays you could ever hope to find. Stroll down broad, tree-lined streets, or take in the amazing neo-classically designed architecture in Senate Square.

Tallinn, Estonia- Tallinn has remained remarkably unchanged since its founding in 1154 A.D. The preservation of this city’s old world charm enables visitors to enjoy architectural marvels of centuries past, such as the soaring towers of Toompea Castle and the exquisite Russian Orthodox Cathedral. The exception is the delightfully modern pink Parliament building, visible from Palace Square. With a boisterous nightlife, Tallinn stands as one of the most exciting cities of the former Soviet Union. Here, ancient church spires and baroque architecture intermingle with modern glass buildings that echo the many influences and cultures that have left their imprint throughout the centuries. There are so many amazing sites to explore on your Tallinn cruise. Visit the imaginative Estonian Open-Air Museum, where ancient structures are arranged among the trees complete with actors in period garb. People watching doesn’t get much better than what you’ll find in Town Hall Square and if it’s animals you’d rather observe, visit the Tallinn Zoo where over 350 different species are housed.

Stockholm, Sweden- No fewer than 50 bridges connect this Swedish capital’s 14 islands to its mainland. The country is modern, dynamic, and ever-evolving. It may be liberal and forward-looking when it comes to the collective attitude, but it’s rich in history too. On your Europe cruise, visit the many parks, museums, and palaces or make your way through Gamla Stan, or Old Town, packed with historic buildings, shops, and cafés. The world’s first open-air museum, Skansen, is here, located on the island of Royal Djurgården and there’s the fascinating maritime Vasa Museum in town.

Visby is a former Viking city on the island of Gotland in the middle of the Baltic Sea. This walled city is considered to be the best-persevered fortified commercial town in Northern Europe, with numerous excellent examples of medieval art and architecture. Nearby you'll find attractive beaches and pleasant rolling hills and countryside.

Skagen, Denmark- This Danish port town is rife with nautical charm. Rugged and beautiful, Skagen is a favored tourist destination, especially in the summer months with its long coastline and pleasant atmosphere. Popularized by an influx of Scandinavian artists in the mid-19th century who were drawn by its radiance, the town enjoys a wealth of cultural treasures. A great way to learn about the artists who have settled here is to plan a trip during your Skagen cruise to Anchers Hus. This was the home of Michael and Anna Anchers that has remained unchanged since they first lived there. You can see some of their works, the studios where they painted and a glimpse into how they lived.
If you want to experience Skagen’s formidable outdoor offerings, take a tractor ride to Grenen, the geographical tip of Denmark where the Skagerrak Sea and the Kattegat Sea meet. At the end of your day before gazing into a picturesque sunset, make a stop at the Bolcheriet Candy Shop for a tour on how candies and caramel are created and choose between 32 varieties to satisfy your sweet tooth.

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.