Discovering the Best of Hamburg & Rotterdam on a 5-Night Cruise with Independence of the Seas

If you have ever thought about combining your trip to Europe with a visit to the art-rich city of Hamburg and stylish Rotterdam, Royal Caribbean’s five-night cruise on Independence of the Seas could be for you, as it calls at both ports.

The itinerary kicks off in edgy Hamburg – home to HafenCity waterfront district and countless must-see attractions – before sailing on to cultural powerhouse Rotterdam.

Both destinations are brought alive through tours that unveil their secrets, dining experiences featuring local food and drink, and coastal jaunts highlighting their natural beauty. Don’t miss out! Read now for an unforgettable journey!

About the Ship

The Independence of the Seas, owned by Royal Caribbean, is a fantastic cruise liner that’s been making hearts race since its first outing on May 2nd, 2008.

It’s no shrimp: this stupendous ship measures in at an impressive 1,112 feet long and can take upwards of 3,600 passengers.

The boat boasts all mod-cons with multiple pools to choose from, cabins for different budgets, various dining options, and loads of places to let your hair down, including an ice-skating rink and even…a climbing wall!

To ensure everyone gets the service they deserve there’s a crew number to make anyone feel faint: roughly 1,360 people!

Accommodation On Board

The Independence of the Seas is home to various options for those seeking comfortable and convenient accommodations. No matter your travel needs, you’re bound to find a place that checks all the boxes during your voyage.

Interior Staterooms: Want a comfy room with everything you need on hand? Book an interior stateroom. It’s perfect for penny-pinchers.
Ocean View Staterooms: These gems have big windows or portholes so you can gaze at sea views or let sunlight fill your space as you relax.
Balcony Staterooms: Get yourself one of these babies if sitting out on your own private balcony sipping coffee in the morning sounds like heaven – or watching a breathtaking sunset, cocktail in hand, at night.
Suites: Total VIP treatment is yours when you book one of these bad boys. There are separate living areas, bedrooms, and balconies/verandas (private ones). And perks include access to a suite-only lounge and concierge service.

Activities & Entertainment

Get ready for an amazing adventure once you step aboard the Independence of the Seas because boredom just isn’t an option! Prepare to enter the Battle for Planet Z and take part in glow-in-the-dark, interactive laser tag.

On The Perfect Storm dueling waterslides, get set to launch yourself into action – and see who can slide the fastest among your family or friends.

And when it’s time to chill out and have some low-key fun, SplaShaway Bay Water Park will keep kids – as well as adults – entertained with a range of fountains.

With such a wide choice of activities and entertainment on offer on this trip, every second will be filled with enjoyment – not to mention fantastic memories, too.

Dining

Calling all foodies! Get ready to tuck into a feast of epic proportions on board Independence of the Seas, where an incredible array of bars and restaurants await.

Fancy some proper British grub? Head to Fish & Ships for crispy calamari, fresh-battered cod, fluffy hand-cut chips – and even a pint. Or how about an Asian adventure?

Izumi Hibachi & Sushi serves up delicious sushi and teppanyaki – prepared at your table by talented chefs.

Love sport as much as you love eating? Playmakers Sports Bar & Arcade is where you’ll find pub classics, ice-cold draughts, and live matches on multiple screens – all in one place.

And don’t forget about Sugar Beach candy or dessert: you’ll find treats galore at this indulgent sweet spot alone. So grab your gang – it’s time to go culinary cruising!

Itinerary

Join us for an exciting six-night Northern European Cruise starting at Southampton, England. The itinerary below describes every day of your incredible trip:

Day 1 – Southampton, England: Board the elegant vessel at Southampton to embark on your journey. You will leave the port soon enough. Make sure that you absorb all of this sea atmosphere and get comfortable in your cabin before enjoying yourself with those amenities onboard.
Day 2 – Cruising: Enjoy peace as you spend the entire day afloat. Use this time lying around at the decks, spoiling yourself with some spa treatments, or taking part in onboard entertainment; this day is meant for the pure enjoyment of cruising.
Day 3 – Hamburg, Germany: The ship docks in Hamburg by morning (8:00 am) and leaves around evening (5:00 pm). Hamburg is full of surprises, from the Elbphilharmonie to the busy harbor, and this promises to be a truly diverse, experience-packed day out.
Day 4 – Cruising: With a second straight day at sea, there couldn’t be a better time to just sit back and enjoy what the vessel has available. Indulge in the cruise lifestyle and take advantage of onboard amenities while sailing towards your next port of call.
Day 5 – Rotterdam, Netherlands: Enjoy the elegance of Rotterdam since it will receive you at around nine o’clock. From bold street art to iconic landmarks, this Dutch city with modern designs and a deep maritime past will keep you entertained throughout its bustling streets and amidst cultural events until about seven in the evening.
Day 6 – Southampton, England: Finally, we get back to Southampton. It will also mark the end of your six nights North European Cruise, which includes trips to Hamburg and Rotterdam. Now you are set for Europe as you disembark today, recalling all that Hamburg and Rotterdam.

Excursions

From the rich historical tapestry of Southampton, England, to the buzzing cultural hubs of Germany’s Hamburg and the Netherlands’ Rotterdam – these destinations offer a heady cocktail of art, history, architecture, and local flavor.

Southampton, England

Delve into medieval history at Tudor House and Gardens or Bargate, a former city gate. The famous Titanic exhibition is an engaging way to learn about maritime history at SeaCity Museum.

Nature lovers can take a stroll through New Forest or visit Mottisfont Abbey with its beautiful gardens.

Hamburg, Germany

Dive straight into vibrant Hamburg by visiting iconic landmarks such as St Michael’s Church before exploring HafenCity, Europe’s largest inner-city development project.

Don’t miss taking in the picturesque harbor on a boat tour or walking along Speicherstadt – the historic warehouse district. Art fans should visit Kunsthalle Hamburg museum or catch a performance at Elbphilharmonie concert hall.

Rotterdam, Netherlands

Behold architectural wonders like the Erasmus Bridge and Cube Houses in this forward-thinking city. Get arty at Museum Boijmans Van Beuningen or delve into Dutch maritime history at Maritime Museum Rotterdam.

For panoramic views, head to Euromast. Market lovers will get their fixes from Markthal and Witte de Withstraat. You can go for shopping, eating out, and drinking in local culture.

Bottom Line

Hop aboard the Independence of the Seas and have a blast during a sensational five-night break taking in Hamburg and Rotterdam.

You won’t be able to resist Southampton. It is just an appetizer for what’s to come in these two charm-packed cities that ooze culture from every pore.

Famous sights? Tick. Terrific food? Tick again. Rich history galore? Three ticks. Idyllic harbourside walks, amazing restaurants lining the coast, and stunning panoramas from suspension bridges high above the water – this trip has it all!

Get ready for an unforgettable adventure. You’ll need your suitcase space as we make memories that will last long after our suitcases are back in the loft – enjoy!