French & Spanish Coast – La Rochelle & Bilbao

About this cruise

A week or so at sea, a few great ports, and nothing to organise once you're on board. This 7-night sailing from Southampton on July 4, 2026 visits 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. People come back from this cruise talking about A Coruña: Galicia's glass-towered city on the Atlantic. Roughly 10 hours ashore per stop. No need to rush. MSC Virtuosa takes the food seriously, with 7 restaurants to choose from. 1 are included, and the rest are worth the splurge. Families and groups will find plenty to do: waterslides, shows, multiple pools, and something for every age. And July means long, warm days. Good for the ports, good for the pool. 4 ports, 2 countries, one suitcase. That's the appeal.