MSC Meraviglia: 7-Night from Southampton - May 29, 2027

You'll have 10 hours hours to explore Gijon, Spain, from 7:00 AM to 5:00 PM - a solid full day ashore. That's enough for 2-3 attractions and a sit-down lunch without rushing. Tackle the most distant spot first, then work your way back toward the port. Bring layers and a light waterproof jacket, as northern Spain can be breezy.

The MSC Meraviglia carries 3,500+ passengers, which can create congestion at the terminal in La Rochelle, France. Ship-arranged shore excursions are your best bet - these groups most often receive priority disembarkation. The old harbor is the heart of La Rochelle and the best place to start exploring.

Your ship arrives in Bilbao, Spain at 9:00 AM, one of the most common arrival windows. If you've booked a morning excursion, aim to be among the first off. If your plans are flexible, waiting 30-45 minutes lets the initial wave pass. The Guggenheim Museum has become the symbol of Bilbao's renewal, both for its art and its architecture.

With 12 hours hours in Cherbourg, France - from 7:00 AM to 7:00 PM - you have a full day ashore with room to breathe. Go beyond the typical tourist stops: neighborhoods, local dining, and cultural sites that most cruise visitors never reach. Leave time for unstructured wandering. Bring a light jacket, as coastal breezes can feel cool even in warmer months.

Your cruise ends in Southampton, England, where the MSC Meraviglia is scheduled to dock at 7:00 AM. With 3,500+ passengers, disembarkation groups are called over a two to three hour window - but once your group is called, you'll be off in about 15 minutes. Self-assist - carrying your own bags off - lets you skip the wait and walk off first. Book your flight at least five hours after the ship's scheduled arrival. Step back in time at the Tudor House Museum, a beautifully preserved historic home showcasing centuries of Southampton's domestic and social history, including exhibitions on trade and local life.