Princess Cruises, Oktoberfest European Capitals from Southampton, October 18, 2023

Cruising from: Southampton, England;

Departure Date: 18 October, 2023;

Cruise Line: Princess Cruises;

Cruise Ship: Island Princess;

Duration: 12-day cruise;

Ports of Call: Southampton, Hamburg, Aarhus, Copenhagen, Gothenburg, Oslo, Rotterdam, Bruges, Le Havre, Southampton;

Day 0 Southampton, England

Known as the cruise capital of Europe, the Port of Southampton is a passenger and cargo port located in the central part of the south coast of England. There are four dedicated cruise terminals at Southampton which play host to a wide variety of cruise lines. Southampton is one of the most lively and dynamic cities in the south of England. From bustling shops and marinas to seaside resorts and areas of outstanding natural beauty, the city and region have lots to offer.

Day 1 At Sea, At Sea

Wonderful day at Sea.

Day 2 Hamburg, Germany

Straddling the Rive Elbe, Hamburg is Germany's second largest city and is affectionately known as the Gateway to the World, thanks to its rich maritime history and its privileged position as one of the premier sea ports in Europe. The best way to take in the Hamburg's culture and history is to hop aboard the Maritime Circle Line, a shuttle service which connects all of Hamburg's most important maritime attractions.

Day 3 At Sea, At Sea

Wonderful day at Sea.

Day 4 Aarhus, Denmark

The city of Aarhus is the second largest city in Denmark situated by the sea in the heart of Jutland. Big attractions in Aarhus include Den Gamle By is its old town open-air museum, with centuries-old timbered houses. Must-see sights, such as the Jelling Rune Stones, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, are all in easy reach, as well as fjords and beaches to explore.

Day 5 Copenhagen, Denmark

Copenhagen, the Danish capital's compact dimensions packed with cafes, shops and the best restaurants in Scandinavia are perfect for exploration on two feet or two wheels. The city's no.1 attraction, more than 100-year old amusement park Tivoli Gardens, is centrally situated a short distance west of the Central Train Station, while royal palaces Amalienborg and Rosenborg and museums like the National Gallery and the National Museum are also within the downtown area.

Day 6 Gothenburg, Sweden

Gothenburg, a major city in Sweden is situated off the Gota alv river on the country's west coast. An important seaport, it's known for its Dutch-style canals and leafy boulevards like the Avenyn, the city's main thoroughfare, lined with many cafes and shops. Gothenburgers love their cafes and the city is noted for its laid-back cafe vibe. The City of Gothenburg packs quite a cultural punch of its own, and it's definitely worth considering as a destination.

Day 7 Oslo, Norway

Set on the banks of the Oslofjord, which is in fact a lake, not a fjord, Norwegian capital Oslo is one of the sparsest capital cities in Europe, despite being one of the largest in terms of size. Oslo has a special combination of city life and easy access to the great outdoors. This provides lots of space for nature to thrive in the very heart of the metropolis. Outdoor activities like kayaking, skiing, hiking and cycling are just as popular within the capital as they are in the countryside.

Day 8 At Sea, At Sea

Wonderful day at Sea.

Day 9 Rotterdam, Netherlands

The port of Rotterdam is the largest port in Europe. The terminal is situated within the so called 'Manhattan on the Maas' right in the City Centre. The city of Rotterdam is known for the Erasmus University, riverside setting, lively cultural life and its maritime heritage. A few square kilometres of the city centre offers a complete overview of what the twentieth century has produced in terms of modern architecture.

Day 10 Bruges, Belgium

Zeebrugge is a Belgian port and seaside resort. It's linked to the city of Bruges by the Baudouin Canal. Located in the Flanders region of northern Belgium, Bruges is the closest thing you're likely to find in the real world to a fairytale city. The focal point of the town is Grote Markt, a large medieval square overlooked by the most perfect belfry you'll ever see. Bruges is also home to a number of fascinating art and history museums, with the Groeninge Museum being one of the best.

Day 11 Le Havre, France

Le Havre is a love letter to modernism, evoking, more than any other French city, France's postwar energy and optimism. Numerous museums and galleries provide cultural interest, and in summer, there are several beaches for the sun-seekers.

Day 12 Southampton, England

Known as the cruise capital of Europe, the Port of Southampton is a passenger and cargo port located in the central part of the south coast of England. There are four dedicated cruise terminals at Southampton which play host to a wide variety of cruise lines. Southampton is one of the most lively and dynamic cities in the south of England. From bustling shops and marinas to seaside resorts and areas of outstanding natural beauty, the city and region have lots to offer.