Northern Europe

Cruise Itinerary

• Day 1: Southampton, UK

  Embark on board MSC Preziosa for your 7-night cruise.

• Day 2: At sea

  Day at sea

• Day 3: Hamburg, Germany

  Germany's largest port and second-biggest city is found on the River Elbe in the north of the country. Hamburg has been an integral part of German trade since the Middle Ages and its strong maritime history can be seen throughout its culture, atmosphere and UNESCO-listed architecture today. Stroll through the legendary Fish Market, take a scenic barge tour, or visit one of many museum ships to learn more about Hamburg's seafaring past. Tower over Hamburg Airport and the Alps at the home of the largest model railway in the world — Miniatur Wunderland — or start at the Jungfernstieg in the city centre to find shops, cafes and multicultural restaurants.

• Day 4: At sea

  Day at sea

• Day 5: Zeebrugge (Bruges), Belgium

  The modern port of Zeebrugge sits in the centre of Belgium's coast alongside the North Sea. Wander around the marina and visit the Seafront theme park; which is set in the old fish market and focuses on local seafaring and fishing heritage including a Russian submarine. Nearby Knokke-Heist is home to the F for Freedom Museum; where the dioramas evoke the area's WWII history. Travel along the coast to experience the De Fonteintjes wetland and dunes. Zeebrugge is also the gateway to Bruges via the Baudoin Canal - where you can look forward to up-close views of glittering jewels at the Diamond Museum, the world of chocolate making at the Choco-Story, and the art of lace making at the Lace Centre. Belgium's vibrant capital city of Brussels is also easily accessible with its Grand Place, Manneken Pis statue, and Heysel Park's iconic Atomium.

• Day 6: Cherbourg (St Michel), France

  Dock at Cherbourg, on France's Normandy coast. Take a walk around the medieval harbour of Barfleur and the nearby Gatteville lighthouse. Visit the largest nuclear submarine open to the public and the Titanic exhibition at Cite de la Mer. Explore the town's World War II history at Museum of the Order of the Liberation. Admire the colourful flora and fauna at Parc Emmanuel Liais, make a pilgrimage to nearby UNESCO World Heritage site of Mont-St-Michel or visit the Contentin D-Day Landing Beaches.

• Day 7: Le Havre (Paris), France

  A major port in northern France's Normandy region, Le Havre is situated at the mouth of the River Seine. A visit to Le Havre Art Museum with its impressive collections of paintings is a must; perhaps admire the beautiful 'Water Lilies' by Monet? Cathedral Notre-Dame, which has been extensively restored, also offers spectacular sights. Architecture is fascinating in this town; it mainly comprises post-war modern structures, the work of Auguste Perret. The Church of Saint Joseph is a tall building, over 100 metre high, and represents the town’s architecture perfectly. The beach here attracts visitors; the broad promenade is frequently occupied by people soaking up the sunshine. Le Havre is also gateway to the famous sights and attractions of Paris and the Normandy region.

• Day 8: Southampton, UK

  Today your cruise comes to an end.