7 Night Northern City Escapes Cruise

Discover Southampton’s maritime history at the SeaCity Museum or see impressive works in the city’s art gallery. Jane Austen used to walk Southampton’s city walls and you can too, stopping at the Tudor House Museum along the way. Go all nostalgic over vintage cars at the National Motor Museum at Beaulieu or see King Arthur’s fabled Round Table at nearby Winchester, the ancient capital of England.

Rotterdam is Europe's biggest port and one of the Netherlands' great surprises. Hit hard by World War II, the city was rebuilt gradually from the 1950s to the '70s – today, it's a lively, thriving metropolis that's home to a diverse, multicultural population. Get a taste of what the city used to look like at the Old Harbour or Delfshaven, a historic marina that survived the 1940 bombardment. Then, visit one of the many top-class museums, such as Boijmans, Van Beuningen or the Kunsthal in Rotterdam's Museum Park. Take a gander at the extraordinary cube houses and the sparkling market hall. Cruise to Rotterdam to relax at the Kralingse Plas lake and park, and snap a photo of the windmills.

Copenhagen has come a long way from its early Viking days. Its historic centre of Frederiksstaden has its share of castles and royal-era palaces – but it’s the modern, sleek Scandinavian design and playful, hygge spirit that sets Denmark’s capital apart today. Each neighbourhood offers its own unique, exciting adventures. Explore the city’s seafaring past with a canal cruise under a network of bridges, or take a stroll along Nyhavn’s colourful quay. Peek in Kødbyen’s trendy art galleries and savour world-renowned Nordic cuisine in Christiania’s quirky cafes. Adventure comes in many forms in Copenhagen, from Baltic beaches to famous fairytales.

Founded during the Viking Age, Aarhus is a compact and vibrant city perfect for history buffs and lovers of the arts and culture. Head to the bustling Latin Quarter, lined with cafes, boutique shops and cutting-edge restaurants on your next Denmark cruise. Take a short walk to Aarhus Cathedral to see the tallest church in Denmark. Can't get enough art and history? You're in luck: Aarhus was recently named European Capital of Culture. Its myriad museums include the Moesgaard History Museum, Aros Aarhus Art Museum and Den Gamle By, nestled in an open-air botanical garden. The oldest section of Aarhus is the Latin Quarter, dating back to the 14th century. Walk through its narrow cobblestoned streets filled with chic shops, galleries and some of the city's best eateries. In the heart of the Latin Quarter, you'll find the cosy square Puservig Torv – its many cafes are the perfect place for a midday break Lined with traditional timber houses, Den Gamle By – 'the Old Town' – is Denmark's national open-air museum of urban history and culture. Experience how people lived and worked at the end of the 19th century. Interested in more recent history? Check out the street that brings Denmark in 1974 back to life..

Bruges offers the best of both worlds: a European cultural hub and, not far beyond, a seafront paradise. Often called the Venice of the North, the capital of Belgium's West Flanders province is lined with canals, bridges and historic buildings. One of Europe's best-preserved medieval towns, Bruges' historic town centre is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Belgium cruises give you access to the lively market square and you'll see the Belfry of Bruges, a popular piece of Middle Ages architecture. Encounter the city's other personality in Zeebrugge – or 'Bruges on sea'. This international port and seafront resort is home to cafes, a beach and a marina..

Discover Southampton’s maritime history at the SeaCity Museum or see impressive works in the city’s art gallery. Jane Austen used to walk Southampton’s city walls and you can too, stopping at the Tudor House Museum along the way. Go all nostalgic over vintage cars at the National Motor Museum at Beaulieu or see King Arthur’s fabled Round Table at nearby Winchester, the ancient capital of England.