Cities of Germany via the Kiel Canal - L2307 Balmoral departing 11 Apr 2023

Southampton offers fast and efficient check-in areas, spacious departure lounges with seating areas, café-bars and smart washrooms. If you wish to travel by car and park for the duration of your cruise, you can pay for and reserve parking in advance directly with the relevant company. Alternatively, if being dropped off or collected by taxi or private car, they can drive right up alongside the terminal building.

On the River Elbe, 70 miles from the North Sea, Hamburg was founded by Charlemagne, and boasts a Hanseatic League heritage harking back 700 years. Cherishing its long historic and cultural traditions, today’s spacious and leafy city is a flourishing commercial dynamo of stylish shops, excellent restaurants, and legendary nightlife.

Running for almost 100 km right through Schleswig-Holstein – from Brunsbuttel to Kiel-Holtenau linking the North Sea with the Baltic. Today the Kiel Canal is the basis for the trade between the countries of the Baltic area and the rest of the world.

The city of Kiel is characterised by the sea, with it reaching into the heart of the city. With a constantly expanding harbour, Kiel is home to the international oceanic research, and offers world-class water sports. There is a certain urban charm and sense of fun.

Our port for a full day excursion to history-torn Berlin, this former fishing village and elegant bathing spa has everything a seaside resort needs: a spacious promenade, broad sandy beach and typical bathing architecture. It’s a place for leisurely strolls, a cosy pub; a coffee in a snug café and for impeccable cuisine serving wholesome local produce. Nearby Rostock itself offers breathtaking extensive woodlands, zoo and botanical gardens.

Running for almost 100 km right through Schleswig-Holstein – from Brunsbuttel to Kiel-Holtenau linking the North Sea with the Baltic. Today the Kiel Canal is the basis for the trade between the countries of the Baltic area and the rest of the world.

The key maritime role played by the city of Bremen, which straddles the Weser River in northwest Germany, is underlined by its impressive Hanseatic buildings. Bremen’s Hanseatic Gothic architecture in the Marktplatz and narrow timber buildings in the Schnoor Quarter are the standout highlights in the oldest part of the city. The ornate Gothic Town Hall, originally built between 1405 and 1410, is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, features a restaurant with original Hanseatic era décor, as well as the Bremer Ratskeller, a public house in the basement.

The Town Hall is also home to a number of large model ships in its upper hall and 12 of the oldest wines in the world. Nearby is the Roland Statue, a giant stone figure that symbolises freedom of trade.

In contrast, Überseestadt – the former docklands – offers a completely different experience and is a fine example of modern Bremen. Here, a selection of trendy bars, stylish cafes and fine restaurants can be found, as well as a beautiful harbour and yacht-filled marina.

Southampton offers fast and efficient check-in areas, spacious departure lounges with seating areas, café-bars and smart washrooms. If you wish to travel by car and park for the duration of your cruise, you can pay for and reserve parking in advance directly with the relevant company. Alternatively, if being dropped off or collected by taxi or private car, they can drive right up alongside the terminal building.