Ocean Discovery – Gijon, La Rochelle & Bilbao

About this cruise

A 14-night sailing gives you something shorter trips can't: the feeling that you're not just visiting places but actually living somewhere else for a while. This one leaves Southampton on September 4, 2027 and visits Gijon, La Rochelle and Bilbao, with additional stops along the Western Mediterranean. A few ports come in quick succession, which is great for sightseeing but means you'll appreciate the sea days when they arrive. The Western Mediterranean route takes in Spain, France, Norway, Denmark and Belgium, 5 countries, and the differences show up in the food, the architecture, and the mood. Of the stops, Fredericia tends to be the one people talk about: Denmark's fortress city on the Little Belt. Around 10 hours per port on average, which is generous enough to go beyond the obvious. MSC Meraviglia keeps you well fed. 9 places to eat, with 3 included in the fare and a few specialty spots if you're in the mood. There are enough performances, events, and social mixers on a cruise this length that you couldn't do them all if you tried. And that's a good problem. 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. The autumn timing is underrated too. Good weather, calmer seas, and a more relaxed ship. Sometimes the best trips are the ones you just go ahead and book.