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.
Amsterdam
DAY 2
One of the most popular cruise destinations in Europe, Amsterdam is perfect for a picturesque city getaway. Whether you're exploring the city on foot, by bike or by a canal boat, a tour is a great way to discover hidden gems as well as iconic landmarks such as the Anne Frank House, the Rijksmuseum and the Van Gogh Museum. Depending on the time of year, you may also experience the vibrant Keukenhof Gardens which are home to more than 7 million tulips.
Things to do in Amsterdam:
Rijksmuseum
Situated in the centre of Amsterdam, the Rijksmuseum, also known as the museum of Netherlands is home to an array of art, from Rembrandt to Van Gogh. Showcasing over 800 years of history, this beautiful and historic building is an iconic landmark that’s popular with both tourists and locals.
Anne Frank House
Located next to Westerkerk, the Anne Frank House is a museum that honours the Jewish wartime diarist Anne Frank. Situated on the Prinsengracht Canal, this fascinating but sorrowful landmark makes for a harrowing visit.
Vondelpark
This picturesque park spans an incredible 120 acres. Full of picturesque flora and fauna, it features a cafe, bandstand and more. A tranquil way to spend your day in Amsterdam, many people choose to ride bikes around it.
Amsterdam
DAY 3
One of the most popular cruise destinations in Europe, Amsterdam is perfect for a picturesque city getaway. Whether you're exploring the city on foot, by bike or by a canal boat, a tour is a great way to discover hidden gems as well as iconic landmarks such as the Anne Frank House, the Rijksmuseum and the Van Gogh Museum. Depending on the time of year, you may also experience the vibrant Keukenhof Gardens which are home to more than 7 million tulips.
Things to do in Amsterdam:
Rijksmuseum
Situated in the centre of Amsterdam, the Rijksmuseum, also known as the museum of Netherlands is home to an array of art, from Rembrandt to Van Gogh. Showcasing over 800 years of history, this beautiful and historic building is an iconic landmark that’s popular with both tourists and locals.
Anne Frank House
Located next to Westerkerk, the Anne Frank House is a museum that honours the Jewish wartime diarist Anne Frank. Situated on the Prinsengracht Canal, this fascinating but sorrowful landmark makes for a harrowing visit.
Vondelpark
This picturesque park spans an incredible 120 acres. Full of picturesque flora and fauna, it features a cafe, bandstand and more. A tranquil way to spend your day in Amsterdam, many people choose to ride bikes around it.
Bruges (Zeebrugge)
DAY 4
Pocket-sized, picturesque and perfect for a romantic getaway, Bruges is easily accessible, especially for cruises departing from the UK. With Gothic and neo-Gothic architecture throughout the quaint streets and canals, there's plenty of history and culture to discover. Visit the Markt and Belfort's stunning views over the city, the Groeninge Museum for early Flemish art, and enjoy a boat ride around the canals for a scenic city tour.
Things to do in Bruges (Zeebrugge):
The Belfry of Bruges
In the heart of Bruges, Belgium, there lies a mediaeval bell tower known as The Belfry. The belfry, one of the city's most recognisable landmarks, once held the municipal records and a treasury., along with acting as an observation station for spotting fires and other hazards. You can now climb the Belfry and take in incredible views of surrounding Bruges.
2be Beer Wall
Housing over 780 beers, a shop and a bar, the 2be Beer Wall is a hugely popular attraction in Bruges. Boasting a modern feel and a unique selection of Belgian beers, alongside merchandise- such as tankards.
Minnewater
If you’re looking for a tranquil activity whilst in Bruges, head to the Minnewater lake. A picturesque lake that’s aligned with benches, and beautiful buildings dotted along it, it’s the perfect place to sit and take in the breathtaking surroundings; and an escape from the hustle and bustle of the centre.
Southampton
DAY 5
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.
Customer reviews for Oriana
4.3
Based on 124 reviews
Cabin
4.3
Service
4.3
Excursions
4.3
Dining
4.3
Activities
4.3
Value for money
4.3
Entertainment
4.3
i enjoyed the ship very much, and i enjoyed the holiday because i had never been to any of the places before.
Verified customer
1 cruise
31 Jul 2019
It was as we remembered it and was pleased to see it in good shape service was excellent standards in the food have dropped somewhat but are satisfactory was disappointed about being second sitting so we used beach hut instead but overall we were pleased and booked another cruise straight away.
Verified customer
1 cruise
30 Jul 2019
Thank you Iglu for arranging our cruise very efficiently. We have been on Oriana several times, unfortunately it’s journey is shortly coming to an end, but the Aurora will take its place being child free. The ship was what we expected and Iglu booked the cabin we have had before and liked very much. We tend not to have balcony cabins as they can be very noisy so we prefer an outside cabin with a picture window, mid ships. The ship was as we remembered, second sitting dining and pleased to have been given a table for two as requested. The theatre had some good comediennes. We always enjoyed Al Frescos for a cup of tea and an afternoon snack. The Beach House was very relaxing and the Indian Restaurant excellent food and service, at extra cost. The biggest problem was the ports of call. We were informed only a few weeks prior to the cruise that it would not be stopping in the main port in the Pharoe Islands, due to the berth not being available. We then had to book a trip at the cost of £100 in order to see the main town. The town where we berthed was very small, it was a Sunday, the church wasn’t available to visit and there was only one coffee shop open! We were then informed that we would not be stopping in Dublin due to berthing problems again. Very disappointing for most of the passengers. We arrived in Southampton the night before we should have berthed but had to stay on the ship until the next morning. I also feel as though P&O have lowered their dress standards. I don’t think men in T shirts is acceptable at evening dinner in the restaurant when I have made the effort to dress for dinner.
Verified customer
1 cruise
26 Jul 2019
Superb from start to finish
Verified customer
1 cruise
12 Jul 2019
Terms and Conditions
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.