Coastal Charms – La Rochelle & Bilbao

About this cruise

The kind of trip that's easy to say yes to and hard to regret. 7 nights from Southampton on June 20, 2026, visiting La Rochelle, Bilbao, A Coruña and Cherbourg. Expect a run of consecutive ports, 4 stops total, with the busiest days packed close together. The sea days around them feel earned. Stone-walled harbours, cream teas, and rain that clears just long enough for the view to be worth it. If one port sticks with you, it'll probably be Cherbourg, Normandy's transatlantic harbour of history. Roughly 10 hours ashore per stop. No need to rush. MSC Virtuosa keeps you well fed. 7 places to eat, with 1 included in the fare and a few specialty spots if you're in the mood. Families and groups will find plenty to do: waterslides, shows, multiple pools, and something for every age. If you can, add a night in Southampton before boarding. It's a good city to wander. And June means long, warm days. Good for the ports, good for the pool. It's the kind of trip you actually remember afterwards.