The UK’s largest cruise port and where many will begin their cruise holiday, Southampton has no shortage of maritime and historical attractions. Discover local landmarks on a walking tour including 30 ancient monuments, learn about the tragic story of the Titanic and escape to the great outdoors at the New Forest National Park. With numerous options for seafood dining and even a free art gallery, Southampton is an undoubtedly great destination for a pre- or post cruise stay.
Things to do in Southampton:
SeaCity Museum
Dedicated to the tragedy of the Titanic, SeaCity Museum excellently portrays the aftermath through interactive exhibits. Featuring a 1:25 scale model of the ship, visitors learn about life onboard as well as the disaster that deeply affected Southampton in 1912.
Solent Sky Museum
Home to over 20 aircraft that were integral to the war effort, Solent Sky Museum is dedicated to the history of the RAF. Southampton itself played a large role in producing Supermarine Spitfires, which you’ll learn all about here.
The New Forest
If you’re looking to escape the busy port city, the New Forest National Park is just a short distance away with native New Forest ponies and lush heathland. Visitors can also catch events, activities and workshops throughout the year.
Tudor House and Garden
As Southampton’s most important historic building, this restored home holds over 800 years of history after having numerous owners. Now a museum, it showcases many artefacts once belonging to past residents of Southampton, as well as a Tudor House Café.
Southampton City Art Gallery
Since opening in 1939, this free art gallery has showcased exhibitions of sculptures, photography and traditional paintings. Thanks to an ever-changing programme of activities, you’ll find something here that the whole family will enjoy.
Le Havre (Paris)
DAY 2
This charming port town in Normandy is the gateway to France's chic capital, but is also a destination in its own right. Stick around the coast to explore the Musée des Beaux Arts and the D-Day beaches, or go on an optional shore excursion to Mont St Michel, the medieval town of Rouen, or into Paris.
At Sea
DAY 3
You will be at sea on day 3 while travelling from Le Havre (Paris) to Gijon.
Gijon
DAY 4
Nestled on the coastline of the Bay of Biscay, Gijon is home to an extensive maritime history. Numerous heritage buildings throughout the city have roots in the Roman age, which will make even a leisurely stroll a fascinating journey through time. Discover the Old Town which offers most attractions in close proximity, including the Roman Baths, Plaza Mayor and a museum. You can also visit the fishing village Cimadevilla for delectable seafood.
Bilbao (Getxo)
DAY 5
One of the Basque country’s best destinations, Bilbao is a hub of fascinating architecture, contemporary design and artistic flair in almost every direction you look. Start your exploration in Plaza Nueva for the best sightseeing, shopping and cuisine, as well as museums and galleries. You’ll also find many lush parks in the city and rolling hills in the surrounding areas, making this a truly unique experience in comparison to most Spanish city breaks.
Things to do in Bilbao (Getxo):
Bilbao Cathedral
Built in the 14th and 15th centuries, Bilbao Cathedral has a Gothic style exterior and interior, though with Renaissance and neo-Classical influences. Despite still being a working church, visitors can take a tour with information provided by an audio guide.
Basilica de Begona
Towering from the top of a hill, the 16th-century Basilica de Begoña can be reached on foot or by an elevator from Calle Esperanza. Its imposing Gothic steeple makes a fantastic photo opportunity while, inside the basilica, you’ll find an intricate gold altarpiece.
Bilbao Fine Arts Museum
Displaying works from the 12th century through to the present day, the Museum of Fine Arts of Bilbao is a must visit particularly for traditional art enthusiasts. Visitors will find paintings, sculptures, drawings, engravings and more, organised by topic alphabetically.
Guggenheim Museum
One of the largest museums in Spain, the Guggenheim Museum is dedicated to showcasing modern and contemporary art. The building itself is a unique architectural landmark while inside you’ll find countless ever-changing exhibitions.
Plaza Nueva
If you’re in need of some authentic Spanish cuisine after a long day of sightseeing and shopping, Plaza Nueva is the place to be. The square has a reputation as the city’s social gathering spot, hosting markets, bars, cafés and more. This is the place to try a renowned local pinxo!
At Sea
DAY 6
You will be at sea on day 6 while travelling from Bilbao (Getxo) to Southampton.
Southampton
DAY 7
The UK’s largest cruise port and where many will begin their cruise holiday, Southampton has no shortage of maritime and historical attractions. Discover local landmarks on a walking tour including 30 ancient monuments, learn about the tragic story of the Titanic and escape to the great outdoors at the New Forest National Park. With numerous options for seafood dining and even a free art gallery, Southampton is an undoubtedly great destination for a pre- or post cruise stay.
Things to do in Southampton:
SeaCity Museum
Dedicated to the tragedy of the Titanic, SeaCity Museum excellently portrays the aftermath through interactive exhibits. Featuring a 1:25 scale model of the ship, visitors learn about life onboard as well as the disaster that deeply affected Southampton in 1912.
Solent Sky Museum
Home to over 20 aircraft that were integral to the war effort, Solent Sky Museum is dedicated to the history of the RAF. Southampton itself played a large role in producing Supermarine Spitfires, which you’ll learn all about here.
The New Forest
If you’re looking to escape the busy port city, the New Forest National Park is just a short distance away with native New Forest ponies and lush heathland. Visitors can also catch events, activities and workshops throughout the year.
Tudor House and Garden
As Southampton’s most important historic building, this restored home holds over 800 years of history after having numerous owners. Now a museum, it showcases many artefacts once belonging to past residents of Southampton, as well as a Tudor House Café.
Southampton City Art Gallery
Since opening in 1939, this free art gallery has showcased exhibitions of sculptures, photography and traditional paintings. Thanks to an ever-changing programme of activities, you’ll find something here that the whole family will enjoy.
Just did a 12 night cruise and absolutely loved everything about it as I've done many cruises now,crew amazing,itinerary amazing for the money,drinks package absolutely shocking and the food was amazingly,pity about the drinks packages for us normal working people,where else would you pay $8 for a beer,NOWHERE
Just back from a great cruise new aditions since refit great,staff fantastic as always but our junior suite was very tired looking and the evening meal was sadly very poor and after doing over 30 cruises this was the first time we have had to go to the buffet for evening meals but the food was a lot better than the main restaurant which is a shame.
We were lucky to go on her maiden voyage - and to have sailed on her another 6 times but! I am afraid to say the Indy is not the ship she used to be. The staff are still great but the whole concept is now focused on selling! Nearly every talk or seminar is aimed at selling something, from the expensive excursions to the never ending spa treatments. The specialised dining has increased in price as well as the drinks packages. We also found that the ship docked much further away from the usual places forcing everyone to have to pay for shuttles etc. Very disappointing. On the plus side, the staff are still great and the food was excellent! We are however now going to try another cruise line.
Staff are very courteous and can’t do enough for you but that’s about where the good news ends. The ship is over crowded and the kids club facilities are very basic. Would have given 4 stars but had an issue with my son who has a severe nut allergy. No allergy information displayed anywhere in the restaurant buffet area. My son wanted a Chocolate mouse so we asked so speak to the chef to check if it contained nuts and was told that it didn’t. Asked them to double check as it has praline in the description and were reassured that the mouse did not contain nuts. Needless to say he had one spoonful and reacted. Took him to the ships doctor and then asked to speak to the head chef who confirmed that indeed the mouse has a 15% nut concentration. Understandably, we were quite anxious about what he was eating for the rest of the trip not to mention one evening ruined by spending it in the infirmary. In summary, fantastic crew (despite the allergy incident) but Royal Caribbean’s procedures and need to pack you in like sardines to maximise income let down the experience.
I have been on this ship many times and I have always had a great time. This time was no exception but I did notice that the food was not as good as previous cruises. The service was very good but the quality and menu choices in the restaurants in the evening did not live up to the standard of past cruises. Embarkment and Disembarkment was exceptional
Had another amazing time on this wonderful ship! The staff are so helpful and attentive, nothing is too much trouble. This was the 2nd time I’ve been on this one and it doesn’t let you down! If you’ve not tried RC you must. Lots to do for all ages and we love the adult only area for the pool and hot tubs. Food is amazing and so much to choose from. Even the fussiest of eaters will find something. Entertainment is brilliant as well.
Wonderful ship, there's so much to do for families. The entertainment is first class, food excellent and very child friendly. The only downside was the price of drinks was expensive, and the app which was supposed to track your bill was not working. We were billed hundreds of pounds, but no idea what for. So far no response from Royal Caribbean.
I did not enjoy my cruise this time compared to last year. My grandchildren were looking forward to some of the activities that they enjoyed last year and many were cancelled although they were advertised, and some had to be booked on the app that even the crew didn't understand - so we had to go to the main desk and book, only to then find a fault and there was no booking. I found it overwhelming to be continuously pestered to purchase goods and services plus tips you couldnt move through the promenade deck for sales tables outside the shops and being pestered to buy. As this was a taster cruise I am afraid I was definately put off and would never use this cruise line again. Even chatting with the crew, they were all a bit disgruntled with the company and this was reflected - although they were all lovely and worked hard you, had to feel sorry for them. The cabin looked a bit tired with broken drawers, holes in soft furnishing and noise. I was glad to get home for a rest and some sleep. Such a pity as I have recommended this to others after last year but reversed this now. This is no reflection on your company, I will still use and recommend you .
We enjoyed our time on the mini cruise. Was a little disappointed with the room sizes and don't see that they were part of the refurb. We found the drinks on-board more expensive this time and the staff always a little pushy to try and sell a service. Entertainment was good and the food in the dining rooms was great as well as the service.
Thoroughly enjoyed this first cruise experience and will definitely be going again. Service, food and entertainment all excellent. Only niggle was the amount of people who daily reserved sun loungers inspite of the policy, but it wasn't being applied! That did not spoil an otherwise excellent holiday.
All offers and prices are subject to change and availability at time of enquiry. Prices are based on two passengers sharing unless otherwise stated and are subject to the Tour Operator's terms and conditions. Cabin and Flight supplements may apply. Other supplements may apply in addition to the price shown above. Flight details, timings and routing may be subject to alteration. Other tour operator charges may also apply. Any Onboard Spending money or drinks package value shown will be per cabin, again based on two sharing.
Note: On 13 January 2018, new European legislation is being adopted in the UK which as result will mean that we may change our required method of payment at our discretion, irrespective of how any deposit or prior payment was made.