Hamburg & Bruges Cruise 5 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.

Discover the international flair of Germany's Tor zur Welt, or "Gateway to the World." Explore Hamburg landmarks like the Rathaus (City Hall), with its distinctive sky-high spire and ornate courtyard fountain. Marvel at the ships and seabirds of Hamburg Harbor. Then, hop on a canal tour — you'll get a lay of the land as the architecture shifts from the medieval Old Town to the ultra-modern HafenCity, a waterside quarter recently built on reclaimed land along the waterfront.

Begin your day in Bruges at Markt, the historic main square, before exploring the canals. Marvel at the impressive medieval and Dutch architecture: Highlights include the Church of our Lady, the Basilica of the Holy Blood and Bruges Vrije. A 40-minute train ride will take you to Zeebrugge and its popular oceanfront. There, enjoy pristine beaches, hip brasseries and Seafront Maritime Theme Park.

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.