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.

Bruges (Zeebrugge), Belgium - Bordering the delta of the Scheldt, and the Maas and Rhine rivers, Zeebrugge could be one of the most unique seaports you visit in this lifetime. Zeebrugge is blessed with a picturesque network of canals and fields peppered with graceful windmills. Zeebrugge serves as a gateway port to the historic city of Brussels.

At Sea - Cruising - Cruising

La Coruna, Spain - La Coruna has tons to offer the curious traveler. You can explore the delightful region of Spain known as Galacia, see a Roman lighthouse built in the second century which is still in use today, and glimpse La Coruna'a ancient past in the celtic stone monoliths. Appreciaters of nature can look out over the verdant countryside, small coves, and magnificent coastlines.

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.

Vigo, Spain - Catholic pilgrims flock to the nearby sacred cathedral of Santiago de Compostela, built over the burial spot of St. James. In Vigo, Galicia province's most populated city, El Sireno, a gilded sculpture depicting a half-man-half-sea-creature, towers over your head and the city's lovely gardens and well-preserved historical buildings.

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.