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

Bergen, Norway - A key member of the medieval Hanseatic League of Merchants, Bergen has had plenty of practice combining commerce with community. In this delightful city, you will find pleasure in the Bryggen waterfront district and marketplace, or travel out of town for some great backcountry hikes. On the shores of Nordnes Lake is Troldhaugen—the historic home of composer Edvard Grieg.

Olden, Norway - As well as being surrounded by immense natural beauty - think emerald lakes, towering mountains and cascading waterfalls - this fjord village of approximately 500 inhabitants once hosted American portrait and landscape artist John Singer Sargent (1856-1925), whose "Singerheimen" home is about a mile from the pier. Olden is mainly a gateway to outdoor activities, such as fishing or boating in the chilly teal-colored, glacier-fed waters of Oldevatnet Lake.

Molde, Norway - All of the stunning beauty you associate with Norway is on display in Molde, a city roughly 400 kilometers (240 miles) north of Bergen with white clapboard houses sitting alongside a sparkling fjord. On a clear day, more than 200 peaks are visible from this part of the Romsdal Peninsula. (The Varden Viewpoint, 10 minutes by car from the center of town, is the best place to take in the breathtaking panorama.) Even when the weather is less cooperative, there is plenty to do, with cozy cafés, boutiques selling woolen sweaters and the Romsdal Museum, an open-air folk museum where you can literally stroll through the region’s history and traditional homes. Molde is also one end of one of Norway’s most beautiful coastal drives, the Atlantic Ocean Road (in Norwegian, the Atlanterhavsvegen), which crosses spectacular bridges and a number of islands.

Kristiansand, Norway - Kristiansand, named after its founding king, is the lively capital of Southern Norway. Stroll through the old town of Posebyen, known for its neat grid design with wooden white and pastel-colored houses. Explore the area around the quayside and fish market, and relax in an outdoor cafe. In summer, the Bystranda Beach is filled with cheerful Norwegians catching a spot of sunshine. Take a boat trip to visit the quaint fishing villages nearby. Bring your little ones to the large Dyrepark, which includes a zoo, a fantasy village, and a water park.