Oceania Cruises Northern Europe: 30 nights from Southampton with Vista
Aug 15, 2025

Cork

Galway

Killybegs

Belfast

Discover Belfast: A Historic Gem in the United Kingdom

Belfast, located in Northern Ireland, is a city with a rich history, vibrant culture, and stunning landscapes that offer visitors a unique blend of tradition and modernity. Founded in the 17th century, Belfast has transformed into a dynamic urban center known for its warm hospitality, historic landmarks, and thriving arts scene.

Moderate Climate of Belfast

Belfast experiences a temperate maritime climate with mild summers and cool winters influenced by the Atlantic Ocean. Summer months are ideal for exploring outdoor attractions like Botanic Gardens or taking a leisurely stroll along the River Lagan. Winter brings opportunities to visit cozy pubs, enjoy cultural events, and explore indoor attractions such as museums and galleries.

Top Attractions and Places to Visit in Belfast

Explore Belfast's top attractions, including the iconic Titanic Belfast museum commemorating the city's maritime heritage, the historic Crumlin Road Gaol offering insights into Northern Ireland's past, and the vibrant St. George's Market for local crafts and food. Visit the Ulster Museum for art and history exhibits, hike Cave Hill for panoramic views, or take a Black Taxi tour to learn about Belfast's political history.

Local Cuisine: Flavors of Northern Ireland

Indulge in Belfast's culinary delights with traditional dishes like Irish stew, soda bread, Ulster fry (a hearty breakfast), and fresh seafood from the nearby coast. Sample local specialties such as champ (mashed potatoes with scallions), dulse (seaweed snack), and potato bread. Explore the city's gastropubs for modern twists on classic recipes and enjoy a pint of Guinness or local craft beer.

Embark on an Unforgettable Cruise from Belfast

Enhance your Belfast experience by booking a cruise departing from this historic port city. Choose from cruise options exploring the rugged coastlines of Ireland, visiting picturesque ports along the British Isles, or sailing to destinations like Scotland or Iceland. A cruise from Belfast promises scenic views of coastal cliffs, cultural experiences in charming towns, and memorable adventures on the high seas.

Douglas

Dublin

Dublin has a powerful aura and if it captures you, you will always be left wanting more. This is a great thing for a small capital.

Today, Dublin has one of the youngest populations in Europe, who frequent funky bars, sophisticated restaurants and the renovated city streets. However, in the contemporary urban landscape of Dublin it is still possible to find traditional pubs, nostalgic museums and even horse-drawn carts to take you down cobblestone streets.

Meanwhile, a myriad of historic attractions and museums, including Trinity College, Ireland's oldest university, and the Guinness Storehouse, make you feel like you are reliving history of this wonderful city.

Waterford

Plymouth

Southampton

Southampton is a city positioned in the South of Great Britain and its port is one of the main ports in Europe. From the port of Southamptos it is possible to set sail for a Cunard transatlantic cruise and reach New York, or visit Amsterdam and Belgium with an MSC cruise. The city offers, further to the New Forest National Park, a wide natural park with its suggestive woods, also many museums and art galleries and remarkable architectural works. Noteworthy is King John’s Palace, of Norman origins as well as the old walls with 7 entrances to the city. An evidence of the Victorian Age is Tudor House, collecting objects dated back to that period. For the art lovers, Southampton City Art Gallery offers exhibitions of any kind of art, from drawing to photography with shows that attract many visitors.

Brussels

Paris

Paris is a unique city that makes everyone who visits it fall in love with it. Its atmosphere is magical, and its many characters make it beautiful and varied. Walking along the streets in Paris brings you back in time. In short, walking in Montmartre, you will relive the atmosphere of the Belle Époque, when Paris was the best destination for artists in search of fame.
Some of the most famous painters in the world chose Paris as the city to settle in, including Pisarro, Van Gogh, Toulouse-Lautrec and Modigliani. The city offers all kinds of attractions, from noteworthy works of architecture such as the Notre-Dame Cathedral, dated back to 12th century and the principal place of worship of the city and the Arc of Triomphe, located at the end of Champs-Élysées and built to celebrate Napoleone Bonaparte's victories.

It is inconceivable that you go to Paris and you do not visit the Palace of Versailles that was the residence of the Sun King until the French Revolution. The palace is located about 20 kilometers from the center and it is a true spectacle, both inside and outside. Famous is the Gallery of Mirrors, where the play of light makes it looks like as if it were bathed in gold, and its gardens, as far as the eye can see, are true gems. The interplay of perspective was designed by the architect André Le Nôtre and the result is an
expanse of water play and geometry, sculptures and canals. If you are an art lover, you can indulge yourself in Paris. The Gare d'Orsay, is a real railway station used as art gallery in 1986, features some of
the world's most famous works, such as Degas's ballerinas or Renoir's portraits. The structure itself is noteworthy: it is the old Paris station dating back to 1900.

Worth mentioning is the Centre Pompidou (or Beaubourg), inaugurated in 1977 and restructured in the 1990s by a group of architects including Renzo Piano. The gallery hosts works of architecture, modern art and photography with a permanent exhibition that is always active and lots of itinerant exhibitions that go hand in hand with conferences, concerts and cultural activities. Another attraction not to be missed is the Bibliothèque Publique d'Information, located inside Beaubourgand it is the main library in Paris that hosts hundreds of thousands of sources including books, magazines, maps, scores and much more.

Paris is also the city of fashion. Some of the most famous and exclusive brands have their headquarters in this city and the Fashion Week makes the city full of eccentric people showing off their extravagant outfits.

Paris

Paris is a unique city that makes everyone who visits it fall in love with it. Its atmosphere is magical, and its many characters make it beautiful and varied. Walking along the streets in Paris brings you back in time. In short, walking in Montmartre, you will relive the atmosphere of the Belle Époque, when Paris was the best destination for artists in search of fame.
Some of the most famous painters in the world chose Paris as the city to settle in, including Pisarro, Van Gogh, Toulouse-Lautrec and Modigliani. The city offers all kinds of attractions, from noteworthy works of architecture such as the Notre-Dame Cathedral, dated back to 12th century and the principal place of worship of the city and the Arc of Triomphe, located at the end of Champs-Élysées and built to celebrate Napoleone Bonaparte's victories.

It is inconceivable that you go to Paris and you do not visit the Palace of Versailles that was the residence of the Sun King until the French Revolution. The palace is located about 20 kilometers from the center and it is a true spectacle, both inside and outside. Famous is the Gallery of Mirrors, where the play of light makes it looks like as if it were bathed in gold, and its gardens, as far as the eye can see, are true gems. The interplay of perspective was designed by the architect André Le Nôtre and the result is an
expanse of water play and geometry, sculptures and canals. If you are an art lover, you can indulge yourself in Paris. The Gare d'Orsay, is a real railway station used as art gallery in 1986, features some of
the world's most famous works, such as Degas's ballerinas or Renoir's portraits. The structure itself is noteworthy: it is the old Paris station dating back to 1900.

Worth mentioning is the Centre Pompidou (or Beaubourg), inaugurated in 1977 and restructured in the 1990s by a group of architects including Renzo Piano. The gallery hosts works of architecture, modern art and photography with a permanent exhibition that is always active and lots of itinerant exhibitions that go hand in hand with conferences, concerts and cultural activities. Another attraction not to be missed is the Bibliothèque Publique d'Information, located inside Beaubourgand it is the main library in Paris that hosts hundreds of thousands of sources including books, magazines, maps, scores and much more.

Paris is also the city of fashion. Some of the most famous and exclusive brands have their headquarters in this city and the Fashion Week makes the city full of eccentric people showing off their extravagant outfits.

Saint Peter Port

Brest

La Rochelle

Bordeaux

Bordeaux is city on the Atlantic Ocean and its port hosts big ships. The city had initially the name Burdigala and was established in III Century B.C. by the Gallic people.

It was a neuralgic centre for the International commerce of tin and lead. After the arrival of the Romans, Bordeaux becomes one of the richest cities of Gallia and is robbed many times by populations such as Visigoths and Vandals. With the passing of time, the City starts economic relationships with England trading in salt and wine and, in XVI Century, also the colonial sugar and slaves start having a leading role in the sustenance of the city.
Bordeaux has a liveable city centre that can be visited by foot and that offers beautiful attractions and energy. At night, the city get crowded with young people filling up the main squares and the bars where you can taste excellent wines and plunge in the romantic atmosphere that the city assumes after the sunset. You can’t miss out Château de la Brède, a gothic style castle dated back to XIV Century, surrounded by a moat and an English garden. The philosopher Montesquieu lived here and tourists can visit his library and his bedroom that are just like they were in XIX Century.
We suggest to visit also the beautiful Saint Eloi Church. Established in XII Century, the construction and renovation works lasted until 1400’s. The current structure is dated back to this period. The church is one of the stop-overs of Santiago de Compostela walking tour and is part of UNESCO World Heritage. Bordeaux offers a wide variety of gastronomic and wine choices. There are many restaurants and bars where you can taste the best wines on the market and an amazing cuisine.

Bordeaux

Bordeaux is city on the Atlantic Ocean and its port hosts big ships. The city had initially the name Burdigala and was established in III Century B.C. by the Gallic people.

It was a neuralgic centre for the International commerce of tin and lead. After the arrival of the Romans, Bordeaux becomes one of the richest cities of Gallia and is robbed many times by populations such as Visigoths and Vandals. With the passing of time, the City starts economic relationships with England trading in salt and wine and, in XVI Century, also the colonial sugar and slaves start having a leading role in the sustenance of the city.
Bordeaux has a liveable city centre that can be visited by foot and that offers beautiful attractions and energy. At night, the city get crowded with young people filling up the main squares and the bars where you can taste excellent wines and plunge in the romantic atmosphere that the city assumes after the sunset. You can’t miss out Château de la Brède, a gothic style castle dated back to XIV Century, surrounded by a moat and an English garden. The philosopher Montesquieu lived here and tourists can visit his library and his bedroom that are just like they were in XIX Century.
We suggest to visit also the beautiful Saint Eloi Church. Established in XII Century, the construction and renovation works lasted until 1400’s. The current structure is dated back to this period. The church is one of the stop-overs of Santiago de Compostela walking tour and is part of UNESCO World Heritage. Bordeaux offers a wide variety of gastronomic and wine choices. There are many restaurants and bars where you can taste the best wines on the market and an amazing cuisine.

Santander

Bilbao

Bilbao, located on the Northern coast of Iberian Peninsula, is the ideal starting point to visit this area of Spain. Tourists come here to enjoy the beaches, discover its culture and absorb its mild climate. With one of Europe's largest ports, the vibrant city has been able to invest in a redevelopment plan, trasforming its brownfield sites into cutting-edge cultural and architectural venues.

But it is its historic center, which continues to fascinate with its stores, alleys and monuments. The city was officially founded in the 1300s, consolidating its economic position. Thanks to the exploitation of mining and steel industry areas, port and ship activity and its financial center, the city became one of the most important cities during the Industrial Revolution. 

A modern and transportation network connects Bilbao to other cities in Spain. Thanks to its beautiful beaches, the city is the ideal destination for beach lovers. Beaches are not the only attractions in Bilbao, there are very fascinating places besides the beautiful beaches: the Cathedral of Santiago, located in the heart of the Old Town (Casco Viejo) is dedicated to the apostle Santiago, the official patron saint of the city of Bilbao since 1643.

Built at the end of the 14th century in the Gothic style, the neo-Gothic tower and façade were made by Severino Achúcarro in late 1887. The Old Bridge of San Antonio is located next to the church of the same name. Pablo de Alzola and Ernesto Hoffmeyer built a second bridge in 1877 but it was destroyed during the Civil War in 1937. San Antonio Bridge dates from the early 20th century, also known as the Atxuri Bridge, connecting the old neighborhood to the rest of the city. For nature lovers, the city is surrounded by a fertile landscape of forests, mountains, beaches, and cliffs that make Bilbao a tourist destination. A holiday aboard a cruise offers the opportunity to visit this beautiful city and partecipate in one of these unique activities.

Gijon

La Coruna

Oporto

Lisbon

Perched on steep slopes overlooking the Rio Tejo, Lisbon offers all the pleasures one would expect from Portugal's main attraction. The capital of Portugal, Lisbon (Lisboa in Portuguese) has experienced a great development in recent years, with a thriving contemporary culture. Perched on the coast of the Atlantic Ocean, Lisbon is one of the rare European cities that faces the ocean and uses water as a defining element of the city. Lisbon enchants travellers with its white limestone buildings, intimate alleys and an old-world charm that makes it a popular year-round destination.

Lisbon

Perched on steep slopes overlooking the Rio Tejo, Lisbon offers all the pleasures one would expect from Portugal's main attraction. The capital of Portugal, Lisbon (Lisboa in Portuguese) has experienced a great development in recent years, with a thriving contemporary culture. Perched on the coast of the Atlantic Ocean, Lisbon is one of the rare European cities that faces the ocean and uses water as a defining element of the city. Lisbon enchants travellers with its white limestone buildings, intimate alleys and an old-world charm that makes it a popular year-round destination.

Tanger

Almeria

Cartagena

Carthage is a city with more than 2000 years of history. It was founded by the Carthaginian General Asdrubale in the years 227 B.C. and today is one of the most visited touristic cities in Spain.

If you visit its beautiful city center and monuments, you will immerse yourself in this unique atmosphere. The port of Cartagena, on the Mediterranean Costa Cálida, has been valued since the time of the Carthaginians. Thank to its strategic location along the Murcia coast, the city has been a meltingpot of different cultures and traces of their artistic heritage are still visible. Cartagena offers its visitors many activities, both cultural and leisure. Don't miss the ancient Roman theater with its thousand-year history and a huge site of archaeological excavations. You can also go trekking and diving, enjoy the excellent local cuisine, and visit churches and important museums. A holiday aboard a cruise offers the opportunity to visit this beautiful city and partecipate in one of these unique activities.

Carthage offers the tourists many activities, both cultural and for leisure. You cannot miss out the old Roman theatre with its thousand-year-old history and a huge archeological site. It is possible to practice trekking and immersions, taste excellent food of the local cuisine and visit Churchse and important Museums.

 

Palma de Mallorca

Palma de Mallorca: discover spanish islands

Palma de Mallorca is the main center of the island of Mallorca and is an enchanting stop during a cruise. It is renowned worldwide as a vibrant and culturally rich destination. La côte nord-ouest de l'île de Majorque, dominé par la chaîne montagneuse de la Serra de Tramuntana, est une belle région des oliveraies, forêts de pins et villages couleur ocre, avec un littoral spectaculaire. 

Best Of Palma

The northeastern coast is largely made up of two bays, the Badia de Pollença and the larger Badia d'Alcúdia. Its beautiful beaches are the ideal for sunbathing and water sports. Do not miss the opportunity to visit one of its famous market where you can taste local cuisine such as "sobrassada" (a type of sausage), "ensaimada" (a sweet pastry), and "pa amb oli" (bread with olive oil, tomatoes, and toppings). Palma de Mallorca is the main center of the island of Mallorca and it is an amazing stop during your cruise. It is renowned worldwide as a vibrant and culturally rich destination. This city has incredible energy, it attracts tourists from all over the world.

As soon as you arrive at the port, be prepared to be immediately surrounded by the beauty of the port; it’s a very cozy port. When you get off the ship, you are almost to the city center, where you see the Seu Cathedral. On your way to the center, grab prepared freshly churros and visit this cathedral. In the evening, this place offers beautiful views where you can enjoy the sunset. Nearby there are the incredible gardens of S'Ort del Rey, filled with fruit trees, olives and flowers. And nearby there is the Llotya de Palma building. But this is a cultural center that hosts temporary exhibitions.

The north-west coast of the island of Mallorca, dominated by the Serra de Tramuntana mountain range, is a beautiful region of olive groves, pine forests and ochre-colored villages, with a spectacularly wild coastline. Palma de Mallorca, is on the south side of the island, on a bay famous for its brilliant sunsets. Most of the south coast is lined with rocky cliffs interrupted by beaches and picturesque coves, while the interior is largely made up of the fertile plain known as Es Pla. The northeastern coast is largely made up of two bays, the Badia de Pollença and the larger Badia d'Alcúdia. Its beautiful beaches are the ideal for sunbathing and water sports.

If you have a little more time, then head to Soller, where you can taste the chocolate that is made there. You can reach this place on the legendary El tren de Soller train. Such trips will fill you with energy and strength, because you will see the beauty of cliffs, rocks and waves crashing against them. Just imagine how an old tram transports you across a mountain pass. In addition, we would advise you to go to the Cap de Formentor lighthouse, where you will see the beauty of nature.

And if you have even more time, be sure to visit the Drak caves. There you will see one of the largest lakes in the world, head to the grottoes, you will reach an amphitheater right in the cave, where a classical music concert will take place right on the boats. Just imagine how you will feel the moment of this beauty. After such life experiences, miracles happen in life.

Palma de Mallorca is a wonderful place, and the best place to go there is on a cruise ship. Live now and follow your dreams, book your dream cruise now.

Barcelona

Barcelona, the capital of Catalonia, is a jewel enclosed between sea and mountains, an en plein air museum to be discovered. Catalonia is an autonomous region whose indipendence has long been a subject of debate and is still a topic that divides opinion in the country. The region has its own language, culture and history, most visible in its Roman ruins, Gothic cathedral and modernist buildings. The city of Barcelona is the emblem of this unique culture. Barcelona is the most cosmopolitan city in Spain and one of the most busiest port in the Mediterranean. In summer, the beautiful beaches of this city are a magnet for beach lovers. Beautiful beaches are not the only the reason why Barcelon is one of the most loved destionations for tourists. 

The city is a symbol of the the artistic, culinary and cultural avant-garde: visit the Sagrada Familia and the other visionary architectural works of Antoni Gaudi, La Pedrera, Casa Batlllò or Park Guell. For sports lovers, a visit to Camp Nou is not to be missed, while for art lovers here is the Picasso Museum, the Caixa Forum, the MNAC or the Miró Museum. If you want to taste the local cuisine, restaurants and bars are the right choice. They are always crowded as the sea in summer. An holiday aboard a cruise offers the opportunity to visit this beautiful city and immerse yourself in this unique atmosphere.