11-night Polar Regions cruise from Southampton on EXPLORA IV
The A Journey of Majestic Fjords, Soaring Waterfalls, & Timeless European Charm is a 11-night Polar Regions cruise aboard EXPLORA IV, operated by Explora Journeys. Departing Southampton on June 5, 2028, the voyage visits 8 ports including Geiranger (Norway), Alesund, Flam. Fares start from $7,745 per person.
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Southampton
Cruises from Southampton are part of a storied maritime heritage. Famous ships have sailed from Southampton port and, before commercial air travel, it was the gateway to the world with Hollywood celebrities like Bette Davis and Elizabeth Taylor passing through to board a Southampton cruise.
In its atmospheric Old Town, 12th-century churches, cobbled streets, and timber-framed houses like the impressive Tudor House & Garden sit side-by-side, surrounded by one of the most complete Medieval city walls in the UK where the Bargate – the ancient entrance – still stands intact.
There are bustling marina-side bars, shiny shopping districts and a vibrant cultural quarter where the Mayflower Theatre puts on West End musicals and the SeaCity Museum catalogues Southampton’s seafaring past.
Some of England’s most impressive landmarks are an easy drive away, including the Neolithic wonder Stonehenge, the picturesque spa city Bath or Buckingham Palace, Tate Modern and Tower Bridge in the bustling capital of London. Discover 5,000 years of history and more on a Southampton cruise.
Geiranger (Norway)
Nestled at the end of a fantasy fjord (one of two in Norway singled out for UNESCO status), Geiranger is a flawless illustration of a small coastal Nordic village. Soak it all in as you stand in the rainbow-mist of the Seven Sisters waterfalls then catch your breath as you walk on air at Geiranger Skywalk for the best views of Geirangerfjord. Hike stone steps to find yourself standing behind a stunning plummet of melted snow; e-bike up mountain ridges and into lush farms; delve into vivid blue waters by fast boat or slow kayak; wherever you weave, you will find inner peace and preservation in this deeply sacred site of Mother Nature’s fertile grounds and snow-capped mountains.
Alesund
Visiting Ålesund on an MSC cruise of Northern Europe means plunging into a fairytale atmosphere. After a devastating fire, the town was rebuilt at the beginning of the 20th century in art Amazing venue on the sea nouveau style.
The streets of Ålesund are filled with turrets, spires and splendid decorations that make it truly unique; if you enjoy this style, you should visit the Jugendstilsenteret, the National Art Nouveau Centre. You can admire the centre of Ålesund from above by climbimg up the 418 steps that lead you to the panoramic heights of Mount Aksla with a view of the islands that surround the town and of the Sunnmøre Alps.
In alternative you can reach the Sukkertoppen, the “sugar peak”, by taking a walk that starts from Hessa, just above the port where your MSC cruise ship is anchored. To get a closer look at the traditional architecture you should instead go the island of Godøy, where you can visit Alnes, a picturesque fisherman’s village built very close to the beach where you find local crafts and food sold in the courtyards.
Book an excursion to the characteristic lighthouse from where you have a wonderful view of the ocean. You cannot claim to have visited Norway on an MSC cruise if you haven’t visited a fjord, so don’t miss an excursion to Geirangerfjord. Dropping from the tall mountains that surround it are wonderful waterfalls like the Brudesløret (the Bride’s Veil) and the De syv søstrene (Seven Sisters) or the Storseterfossen, behind which you can take a walk.
And if you like more challenging paths you could climb up the Ørnevegen (the Eagle’s Path), twisting up from sea level to 620 metres above in just 11 hairpin bends!
Prices come from third-party data feeds via Explora Journeys and may differ from the cruise line's current fare. Confirm the final price before booking. How our pricing works
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Follow the entire sailing from its first day to its last, with the route and schedule in one view.
Day 1·Jun 5, 2028
Southampton
Cruises from Southampton are part of a storied maritime heritage. Famous ships have sailed from Southampton port and, before commercial air travel, it was the gateway to the world…
EXPLORA IV is the latest LNG-powered ship in our fleet, reflecting our continued commitment to decarbonising our marine operations and reducing environmental impact.
A sanctuary of space and serenity, EXPLORA IV invites guests to reconnect – with themselves, the ocean, and the world around them.
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