MSC Yacht Club Northern Europe: 6 nights from Southampton with MSC Virtuosa
Oct 19, 2025

La Rochelle

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.

La Coruna

La Coruña is a city and municipality in Spain. It belongs to the autonomous region of Galicia and is the capital of the province. Important historic port is located on the north-western coast of the Iberian Peninsula, in the Rias Altas.

Located on the coast of the Atlantic Ocean, La Coruña is a city whose history has maintained close ties with its old fishing and commercial port. The peninsula on which the houses of the historic center are located, beyond the Tower of Hercules, one of the symbols of the city and declared a World Heritage Site by UNESCO, you will find a set of interesting and historic streets, squares and medieval churches.
Although the origin of the town may appear as an old Celtic settlement, the history of the city began to be important in Roman times, when the port became a fundamental structure for the country.
Historically, the port has been the scene of some of the most important historical events in the city, such as the defeat of the English corsair Francis Drake in 1589, thanks to the resistance of the entire population and led by the protagonist María Pita.
The Finisterrae Aquarium, the Domus and the Science Museum are some of the areas that show the most modern and playful side of the provincial capital, also offers one of the most beautiful and extensive beaches of Riazor and Orzán. All this is completed with a traditional cuisine, marked by the excellence of its fish and meats from the interior of the province. Gastronomic city par excellence, it has many good places to enjoy the exquisite Galician cuisine. Furthermore, you will find several establishments that offer excellent wine, normally concentrated in the old part of the city.
In its splendid, always lively streets, there are good examples of Romanesque architecture. One of the most beautiful churches in the city is undoubtedly that of Santiago, the oldest in the area, built in the 12th century. Its large nave of arches houses a polychrome sculpture of Saint James dating back to the 13th century. For its architectural interest, it has been declared a Historical-Artistic Monument.
Sit on a terrace in Plaza de María Pita and discover its fascinating history, stroll through the Cantons admiring its famous modern-style crystal galleries, and if you want to go shopping, this is certainly the best place.

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.

Set sail from Southampton, the historic and vibrant port city on England's south coast, renowned as the UK's premier cruise departure point. With its rich maritime heritage, including its association with the Titanic, and excellent transport links, Southampton offers a grand beginning to voyages across the Atlantic, to the Mediterranean, Northern Europe, and beyond. Before embarking, explore its ancient city walls, maritime museums, and lively shopping districts. Southampton provides a seamless and exciting start to your global cruise adventure.

Cruises departing from Southampton open up a world of possibilities, from transatlantic crossings to the Americas, sun-drenched Mediterranean escapes, and captivating Northern European explorations. Whether you dream of iconic cityscapes, breathtaking natural wonders, or culturally immersive experiences, Southampton serves as an ideal launchpad. Enjoy the convenience of a world-class port and the anticipation of new discoveries as you leave the shores of England for unforgettable experiences on the open water, promising relaxation, entertainment, and endless exploration. Each voyage from Southampton promises a journey of a lifetime.