Independence of the Seas
August 17, 2025

Southampton (London), England, offers docking at Southampton Port with excursions to London. Travelers explore Tower of London and Buckingham Palace. Excursions visit Stonehenge. Local markets sell fish and chips. The peak season, May to September, brings mild weather for city tours. Photography captures historic landmarks and Solent vistas. Dining onboard includes roast beef, an English favorite. Souvenirs, like tea crafts, are sold in ship shops. Briefings cover Anglo-Saxon history. Light layers and waterproof shoes suit the temperate climate, while comfortable shoes enhance city walks. Southampton’s urban gateway offers a vibrant English stop. Cruise travelers enjoy a mix of iconic landmarks and historic sites, making Southampton an engaging destination.

Brussels, Belgium, serves as an inland stop for cruises docking at Zeebrugge, 1 hour north by train. The city, population 1.2 million, features the Grand Place with guildhalls. Travelers visit the Atomium for 1958 Expo views. Local markets sell speculoos biscuits. Excursions to Antwerp, 45 minutes north, explore Rubens’ house. Peak season April to October; trains 10-15 EUR. Dining includes waffles at city cafes. Souvenirs feature Manneken Pis figurines.

Skjolden, Norway, offers docking at Skjolden Port. Travelers explore Sognefjord and Jostedal Glacier. Excursions include kayaking in Lustrafjord. Local markets sell brunost. The peak season, June to August, brings milder weather for fjord tours. Photography captures glacier views and Norwegian vistas. Dining onboard includes fårikål, a Norwegian favorite. Souvenirs, like wool crafts, are sold in ship shops. Briefings cover fjord history. Warm layers and waterproof boots suit the cool climate, while sturdy shoes enhance glacier hikes. Skjolden’s scenic charm offers a vibrant Norwegian stop. Cruise travelers enjoy a mix of dramatic fjords and natural beauty, making Skjolden an engaging destination for exploring Norway’s western coast.

Olden, Norway, offers docking at Olden Port. Travelers explore Briksdal Glacier and Loen Skylift’s panoramic views. Excursions kayak Nordfjord’s serene waters. Local markets sell svele pancakes. The peak season, June to August, brings mild weather for glacier tours. Photography captures icy landscapes and fjord vistas. Dining onboard includes rømmegrøt, a Norwegian porridge. Souvenirs, like wool sweaters, are sold in ship shops. Briefings cover fjord history. Light layers and waterproof boots suit the cool climate, while sturdy shoes enhance glacier hikes. Olden’s stunning fjord beauty offers a vibrant Norwegian stop. Cruise travelers enjoy a mix of glacial landscapes, outdoor adventures, and scenic fjords, making Olden an engaging destination for exploring Norway’s natural splendor and serene wilderness.

Haugesund, Norway, has docking at Haugesund Port. Travelers explore Haraldshaugen’s Viking monument. Excursions visit Skudeneshavn’s charming fishing village. Local markets sell smoked herring. The peak season, June to August, brings mild weather. Photography captures coastal vistas and historic sites. Dining onboard includes fiskesuppe, a Norwegian fish soup. Souvenirs, like Viking replicas, are sold in ship shops. Briefings cover Viking history. Light layers and waterproof shoes suit the cool climate. Binoculars enhance coastal views. Haugesund’s Viking heritage offers a serene Norwegian stop, blending history with scenic beauty.

Returning to Southampton (London) — see Day 1 above for port info.