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FROM SOUTHAMPTON, ENGLAND - ONBOARD CELEBRITY APEX
June 5: Southampton, England - Embark
Arrive in Southampton and transfer to the cruise port and board your ship, the Celebrity Apex. This is where this exciting journey begins!
June 6: Bruges, (Zeebrugge), Belgium
Gracefully combining past and present, as well as Flemish and French, Bruges offers a little something for everyone. Linked by the Baudouin Canal, this medieval town is the stuff of fairytale and storybooks. Cobblestone streets, old, historic churches and a dreamy landscape make this a very sought after destination -- especially during the summer months. Stroll through the Markt, a bustling plaza where the rhythmic beat of horse-drawn carriages echoes off a soaring belfry tower. Immerse yourself in a rich art history, best reflected in the paintings of Bruges’ own Jan Van Eyck, one of the most significant Renaissance artists of the 15th century. Spend a delightful day on the medieval streets of this city with a seemingly endless supply of charm, culture, and beauty.Foodies will revel in the eclectic dining options at local bistros. Dig into sweet Belgian waffles and stop by the renowned chocolate boutiques on your cruise to Bruges. If sampling the fresh fish of this country is on your agenda, the fish market located here is one of the biggest in Europe. Or, take a scenic cruise through the medieval city of Ghent, Belgium and discover important landmarks, including Chinese Teahouses, 13th-century monasteries and castles of the Counts.
June 7: Day at Sea
June 8: Flam, Norway
The town of Flam, Norway is nestled in a tributary of the world's longest and deepest fjord. Surrounded by steep mountainsides, roaring waterfalls, and deep valleys, you’ll experience a one-of-a-kind encounter with nature on your Flam cruise. This quaint Norway town is a place of extremes. The epic majesty of Flam’s dense green mountains dwarfs even the grandest of cruise ships, and the glass-calm water that surrounds the town woos adventurers from near and far. This is place where you can’t help but feel closer to nature for no other reason that it overwhelms at every turn. Climb aboard the Flam Railway for the world’s steepest train ride and rumble 2,800 feet up the wilds of Norway. Kayak through the calm waters of the Aurlandsfjord for breathtaking views of mountain farms with grazing goats or sheep perched at the fjord’s edge. You’ll find many restaurants and cafes offering local Norwegian fare made with farm-fresh ingredients. And you can sample the famous brown and white goat cheese in nearby Undredal. Whether it’s hiking, kayaking, or taking a dizzying train ride into the mountains, Flam is a Norwegian wonderland that’s meant to be explored.
June 9: Arctic Circle (Cruising), Norway
Crossing the imaginary line of the Arctic Circle as you cruise Norway’s starkly beautiful fjord-indented coast is a thrilling rite of passage to many travelers. Jagged, tooth-like mountains, their peaks dusted in snow even in summer, extend along the coast as far as the eye can see. Hundreds of rocky islets and skerries, remnants of the last Ice Age, are scattered across the sea.
June 10: Tromso, Norway
Often referred to as the Arctic’s capital, this colorful northern Norwegian city is located above the Article Circle and is one of the best places to see the Northern Lights. As a major cultural hub—previously called the “Paris of the North”—Tromsø will offer you a young and vibrant city center to explore, a buzzy harbor, and an exciting international dining scene filled with cozy cafes, pubs, and vibrant restaurants. You can also stop for a pint at Mack’s Ølhallen, one of the world’s northernmost breweries. Tromsø’s striking surrounding landscape also offers a playground for hiking, dog sledding, and skiing during your Norway cruise. Other must-see points include the Arctic Cathedral—a true icon of Northern Norway, built in 1965, with beautiful, stained-glass windows—the Tromsø Cathedral; the Polaria and Perspective museums; and cable car rides for stunning city views.
June 11: Honningsvag, Norway
Located on the island of Magerøya, Honningsvåg is the northmost city in mainland Europe and the gateway port for cruise passengers heading up to the Arctic Circle. This rugged yet charming town features brightly painted wooden buildings with a surrounding landscape characterized by expansive stretches of tundra, breathtaking fjords, waterfalls, and dense forests. The tiny fishing town was completely rebuilt after World War II and is one of the best places to experience the “midnight sun,” a phenomenon where the sun doesn’t set in the summer and offers continuous light.
On a Norway cruise that visits Honningsvåg, get a taste of the local culture in the town’s quaint cafes and restaurants which feature incredible local seafood, “koldtbord” (cold table buffets), or traditional “pølser” (sausages). Spend some time strolling downtown to shop for artisan crafts such as furs, woven cloths, textiles, woodcarvings, and pottery. Other highlights include Duken Mountain, North Cape Museum, Honningsvåg Church, and the Bamse Statue.
June 12: Arctic Circle (Cruising), Norway
June 13: Geiranger, Norway
Geiranger is remote even by Norwegian standards, with a rugged beauty that will leave you breathless. Winding your way through the Geiranger Fjord feels like the entrance to a secret world, protected by massive, snow-capped mountains on either side. On your Geiranger cruise you can also take a side trip to Ørnesvingen or Flydalsjuvet to gaze upon this magnificence. Superlatives simply fall short when trying to describe the epic beauty of Geiranger. Your welcoming committee is comprised of the sheer walls, snow-capped peaks, cascading waterfalls and emerald-green channels of Geirangerfjord, a UNESCO World Heritage landmark. At its head, lies a charming village that plays host to outdoor enthusiasts and nature-minded tourists from all over the world. Its Norwegian charms are certainly captivating with plenty of lovely shops for souvenirs and restaurants offering up fresh salmon, lake trout, and local favorites like goat meat, reindeer, and specialty sausages. It’s undeniably clear that here nature herself is the superstar. Whether it’s standing before the cascades of the Seven Sisters waterfalls or climbing to one of the scenic overlooks, Geiranger is a jaw-dropping panoramic adventure.
June 14: Alesund, Norway
Alesund’s turrets, spires, and other whimsical art nouveau architectural touches give the town its distinctive, fairytale-like character. On your cruise to Alesund, don’t forget to visit scenic Geiranger Fjord. One of Norway’s best-known attractions is just a stone’s throw from this quaint little town. Ages of glacial erosion have given way to sculpted, towering mountainsides upon which flow numerous, dramatic waterfalls. There is no shortage of nature to stand in awe of at this favorite Norway attraction. To fully capture the depth of beauty in this seaside town, a jaunt up Mount Aksla is in order. From there, you’ll have a bird’s-eye view of this colorful, magical place. Drive the famous Path of Trolls, a roadway that was literally blasted out of the mountainside. Travel back to Viking days and discover exotic marine life on this exploration of the Saga Islands. Begin on Giske, where you’ll walk in the footsteps of Viking legends then continue to the island of Godoy to visit the Atlantic Sea Park. Built directly into the rugged landscape, it features massive aquariums teeming with colorful fish and sea life.
June 15: Haugesund, Norway
Located between mountains, islands and the North Sea, the beautiful, rugged landscape of Haugesund will take you back to the days when the city was the home of Viking kings and chieftains. Today it’s one of Norway’s principal culture centers, hosting the Norwegian International Film Festival as well as a jazz festival every summer. The fascinating story of the Viking Kings at the heart of the region, a rich cultural scene, plenty of festivals and shopping, vibrant towns and extreme sport activities all go together to provide a rich menu of experiences to choose from.
June 16: Day at Sea
June 17: Southampton, England - Disembark
The time has come to disembark and make our way back home with all the wonderful memories made on our trip.
*All pricing, promotions, itinerary, and inclusions for this trip are subject to change and based on availability. Pricing stated is perk pricing. For other pricing, please talk with your Roseborough Advisor.
**Group leader inclusion may be subject to passenger count.