Northern Europe Cruise from Southampton

We had groups joining us in both London and Birmingham, each buzzing with excitement and ready for the adventure ahead.

The day began with everyone gathering in London, luggage in hand and smiles all around. There was that usual mix of anticipation and a touch of chaos that comes with group travel. The drive to Southampton took a few hours, giving everyone time to settle in and get to know each other a bit better. Once at the port, the sight of the ship brought it all to life; this was happening.

After clearing customs, we boarded our floating home for the week. The mood shifted from rushed to relaxed almost instantly. Dinner that evening was about settling in, meeting fellow travelers, and watching the shoreline slowly disappear. That moment when the land shrinks into the horizon is when it all feels real.

The next few days fell into a rhythm: wake up in a new port, step out to explore, come back with stories.

In Zeebrugge, the weather played along with sunshine just in time for trips into Bruges or the serene Belgian countryside. Rotterdam welcomed us with its striking architecture, wide canals, and a surprising mix of old and new. In Cherbourg, many made the trip to the breathtaking Mont Saint-Michel, spending the day exploring the historic abbey perched on its tidal island. For those who stayed on the ship, it was a quieter day of taking it slow, maybe a long coffee, some quiet deck time, or just letting the sea breeze do its thing.

Our sea day was anything but dull. The energy kicked up with live performances of old Bollywood classics, a lively round of bhangra, and garba that drew in not just our group but also curious guests from around the ship. It turned into a real celebration, one of those spontaneous moments that end up being a highlight.

By the time we returned to Southampton, there was a real sense of connection among the group. Everyone had shared this journey, some came for the sights, others for the relaxation, but all left with a sense of something special. The drive back to London was quieter, a little tired maybe, but full of stories to tell.