MSC VIRTUOSA: Southampton (London),United Kingdom - Southampton (London),United Kingdom - 29.08.2026. - 8 days

     The villages of Olden, Strayn and Loen lie around the spectacular Nordfjord. The 100 kilometres-long fjord is situated in the centre of Norway, between Sognefjord and Geirangerfjord. Combined with surrounding lakes, glaciers and mountains, the fjords offer dramatic scenery. Nordfjord stretches from the Stryn Mountains to the region of Stad. Its width varies between 800 metres and two kilometres, with an average depth of 300 metres. It is also an area known for a hardy equine breed, which through the ages have been used to transport people and goods. According to historical research, the area was once a place where hordes of Viking horsemen would gather.
     Some 8,000 people live in Olden and surrounding district, the majority earning their living from agriculture and tourism. Of particular note in the town is a wooden church dating back to 1772, built 26 years after the original structure was destroyed by gales. The village's lakeside valley setting is quite spectacular.

Visiting Ålesund on a Northern Europe cruise means stepping into a fairy-tale atmosphere. After a devastating fire, the town was rebuilt in the early 20th century in an impressive Art Nouveau style.

The streets of Ålesund are filled with charming turrets, spires, and beautiful decorative details that give the town its unique character. You can admire the heart of Ålesund from above by climbing the 418 steps to the panoramic viewpoint of Mount Aksla, which offers stunning views of the surrounding islands and the Sunnmøre Alps.

Alternatively, take a scenic walk to Sukkertoppen (“Sugar Peak”), starting from Hessa. For a deeper experience of traditional coastal architecture, visit the island of Godøy, home to the picturesque fishing village of Alnes, located right by the beach. There you’ll find local crafts and homemade delicacies sold in charming courtyard stalls.

A visit to Geirangerfjord is also a must — one of the most beautiful and famous fjords in the world, and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. If you're up for more adventure, try the Ørnevegen (“Eagle Road”), a winding mountain pass that climbs from sea level to 620 metres through just 11 sharp hairpin bends!

Ålesund is a city where Norwegian character, European elegance, and dramatic nature come together. Whether you’re a lover of architecture, landscapes, photography, or simply in search of peace in one of Europe’s most beautiful corners – Ålesund will not disappoint.

Cruises from Southampton are part of a rich maritime heritage. Some of the most famous ships have set sail from this port, which, before the rise of commercial air travel, was the main gateway to the world. Hollywood stars like Bette Davis and Elizabeth Taylor passed through here to board cruises from Southampton, and it is also known as the port from which the Titanic departed in 1912.

In the picturesque Old Town, walking along cobbled streets reveals 12th-century churches, Tudor-style houses, and one of the best-preserved medieval city walls in the UK, featuring the historic Bargate entrance. The city also offers lively marina-side bars, modern shopping districts, and a cultural quarter where the Mayflower Theatre stages popular West End musicals, while the SeaCity Museum documents Southampton’s rich maritime past.

Some of England’s most famous landmarks are just a short drive away: the Neolithic wonder Stonehenge, the picturesque spa city of Bath, or iconic London attractions like Buckingham Palace, Tate Modern, and Tower Bridge.

Discover 5,000 years of history and much more on a cruise from Southampton.