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.

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.

Discover Molde, a charming city in Norway known among locals as “the town of roses.” In Molde, you’ll find yourself surrounded by spectacular landscapes, blooming gardens, and the sound of jazz music, Hike up to the Varden Viewpoint and take in the magnificent scenery of the Molde Panorama, where 222 snow-capped mountains and the sparkling fjord in the distance are sure to take your breath away. Explore some of the nearby islands and natural wonders, such as the ridge of Romsdalseggen and the winding road of Trollstigen, an impressive roadway that is part of the Norwegian Scenic Route.

Tucked away on the quiet shores of the Trondheim Fjord, you’ll find the perfect combination of modern and medieval in Norway’s third-largest city, Trondheim. Discover the Nidaros Cathedral, located at the heart of the city, and its striking Gothic architecture. Be immersed in Trondheim’s old-world charm as you wander through its cobbled streets lined with colorful buildings and experience the vibrant cultural scene marked by many galleries, museums, and festivals. Past the city center, the surrounding landscapes, fjords, and rolling hills are a playground for your outdoor adventures, including hiking and sailing. A captivating city, Trondheim is a unique destination that offers you an unforgettable experience.

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.

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.