Southampton (London), England - "Sir, when a man is tired of London, he is tired of life; for there is in London all that life can afford." Samuel Johnson's famous words are as true today as when he spoke them. A visitor to London could fill a month with fascinating people, art, music, late-night dancing, fabulous shopping, an endless array of pubs and first rate meals.

Tourists should take in Victoria Station, the beauty of Westminster Abbey, Parliament, and the pomp of Buckingham Palace. And then, there are the "Elgin Marbles" at the British Museum and the Crown Jewels in the Tower of London. Or visit Sherlock Holmes' HQ on Baker Street (you know the address). After all that, make what might be the most important stop of all: grab a pint at one of the many corner pubs that's been hosting revelers since before America was a nation.

London is most certainly a place to "take in," not just "pass through." You won't be bored.

After your time in London, you'll transfer to Southampton to board your ship and start your cruise conference. Options for doing that from bus transport to the train (which is very near the cruise port in Southampton) to private taxi are all solid choices. When your cruise ends, you'll head back to take in more of London), or head home from Heathrow or Gatwick (if by taxi, consider an optional detour to visit Stonehenge).

At Sea - Cruising - Cruising

Bilbao, Spain - Bilbao, Spain's sixth-largest city, is being revitalized with the help of astounding strides in art and architecture. New life arrived in this commercial/industrial hub via the astonishing Bilbao Guggenheim Museum; the new, sleek glass and steel tube metro system; and the stunning glass-decked parabolic arch footbridge above the Nervion River. Bilbao also provides an excellent home base from which to explore the diverse Basque country, from the Atlantic Ocean to the Pyrenees.

Lisbon, Portugal - Make your own discoveries in the city that launched the Age of Discovery. Cross the River Tagus on its soaring suspension bridge. Wander the maze of streets in the Alfama, the old Moorish quarter, dominated by the medieval Castle of St. George where peacocks strut and shriek. Stroll the Baixa, shop for elegant shoes.

Porto Leixoes, Portugal - Visit this city once and you are sure to want to come back for more. Located in northern Portugal, the city spreads across the base of a forested valley with crimson peaks on its sides. While it is famous for its Port wine, Porto is also home to many attractions including the Réserve Naturelle de Scandola, the marine reservation protected by UNESCO with amazing Calanques.

Le Havre, France - The allure and romance of cruise to Paris are legendary. This capital city of France is home to innumerable museums, such as the Louvre, Musée d'Orsay, Musée Picasso and Musée Rodin, parks and gardens, including the Tuileries Garden on the banks of the Seine and the Left Bank Luxembourg Garden, as well as monuments such as the Eiffel Tower and the Arc de Triomphe.