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

Oslo, Norway - At the head of Oslofjord, Norway's handsome capital awaits. Inspect Thor Heyerdahl's raft Kon Tiki. Watch the changing of the palace guard. Ferry to the open-air Folke Museum with its 12th-century stave church.

Copenhagen, Denmark - Denmark's capital is sophisticated, saucy and friendly. Stroll the fairytale world of Tivoli Gardens to take in bright lights, castles that out-Disney Disney. See the city's 200- year-old Royal Palace, the lively Old Harbor - Hans Christian Andersen lived here. Salute the Little Mermaid, symbol of this light-hearted city.

Aarhus, Denmark - Just about everything you'll want to see and do is within easy walking distance.  The second oldest city in Denmak, Aarhus has the youngest population in the country.  Here you'll find charming cafes, chic shops and great shopping.

Rotterdam, Holland - Rotterdam is Europe's biggest port and one of the Netherlands' great surprises. Hit hard by World War II, the city was rebuilt gradually from the 1950s to the '70s — today, it's a lively, thriving metropolis that's home to a diverse, multicultural population. Get a taste of what the city used to look like at the Old Harbour or Delfshaven, a historic marina that survived the 1940 bombardment. Then, visit one of the many top-class museums, such as Boijmans, Van Beuningen or the Kunsthal in Rotterdam's Museum Park. Take a gander at the extraordinary cube houses and the sparkling market hall. Cruise to Rotterdam to relax at the Kralingse Plas lake and park, and snap a photo of the windmills.

Paris (Le Havre), France - Paris is an iconic city — a melange of everything artistic and sublime, with a worldwide reputation for excellence in cuisine, fashion, architecture and the fine arts. After you take the drive in from the port (just over two hours), hit the streets to see the city's monumental landmarks: Pass through the Arc de Triomphe, and stand in the presence of the Eiffel Tower. The beauty here is only matched by the history and culture. Cruise to Paris to feel the cool morning air outside Gothic Notre Dame cathedral, and see works from prehistoric to postmodern at the Louvre. At evening, walk the lamplit avenues as restaurants' wooden tables and rattan chairs spill onto the sidewalks and terraces. Pull up a seat, order a glass of vin rougeand a plate of pate on toast, and dive in.