| Cruise Region : Northern Europe, Europe |
| Company : MSC Cruises |
| Ship : MSC Virtuosa |
| Journey Start : Sat 29 Aug 2026 |
| Journey End : Sat 05 Sep 2026 |
| Count Nights : 7 nights |
| Day | Date | Port | Arrival | Departure |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 29.08 Sat | Southampton / Great Britain | 16:00 | |
| 2 | 30.08 Sun | Day at sea / Sea | ||
| 3 | 31.08 Mon | Haugesund / Norway | 09:00 | 16:00 |
| 4 | 1.09 Tue | Olden / Norway | 09:00 | 18:00 |
| 5 | 2.09 Wed | Alesund / Norway | 07:00 | 14:00 |
| 6 | 3.09 Thu | Kristiansand / Norway | 12:00 | 19:00 |
| 7 | 4.09 Fri | Day at sea / Sea | ||
| 8 | 5.09 Sat | Southampton / Great Britain | 07:00 |
Important: MSC reserves the right to change the cabin to the same category or higher. However, MSC will do everything possible to avoid changing the cabin.
Additional costs:
Additionally paid on the liner:
For any purchase of goods on the liner in bars, restaurants, shops and services in the spa center, hairdresser, etc. you will be additionally charged a service fee, which will average 15% of the purchase price.
Drink packages for the seasons "Winter 2024-2025", "Summer 2025", "Winter 2025-2026", "Summer 2026", "Winter 2026-2027"
Drink packages must be booked by all guests staying in the same cabin, including children over 3 years old (they book the MINORS PACKAGE for children);
Seating at the same table in the main restaurant for dinner is only possible if all guests have booked the same drink package (or if all guests do not have one);
Packages are intended for personal use, the cruise card is not transferable to other people. Only one drink can be ordered per request. In case of violation of the rules for using the package, the cruise company reserves the right to block this package without a refund for unused days;
Packages are valid every day during the cruise and cannot be purchased per day;
In accordance with Saudi Arabian law, alcoholic beverages are not served during port calls in Saudi Arabia (only soft drinks are available). Alcoholic beverages will only be available once the ship has left port and is at sea;
The price of drink packages when purchased on board will be higher than when booking a cruise;
A detailed list of drinks included in drink packages will be provided in the bar menus on board the ship;
Drink packages are also valid on Sir Bani Yas and Ocean Cay;
The cruise line reserves the right to suspend drink packages at any time;
The price is per person per day.
Where applicable:
Mediterranean; Northern Europe; UAE and Gulf; Canary Islands; Caribbean from Fort-de-France; Round-the-World Routes
EASY PACKAGE (for adults aged 18 and over)
A limited selection of alcoholic and non-alcoholic drinks by the glass:
Beer (1 type) and non-alcoholic beer
Wine (white, pink, red)
Alcoholic and non-alcoholic cocktails
Limited selection of spirits
Solid drinks and juices
Classic hot drinks: espresso, americano, cappuccino, latte, tea
Bottled mineral water
There is a limit on alcoholic drinks:
15 drinks per day (non-alcoholic drinks – unlimited).
A detailed list of drinks is presented in the bar menus on board the ship.
Those who wish can take advantage of a €7 discount on a more expensive drink that is not included in the Easy package (a 15% service charge will be added to the price difference).
Where it applies:
24 hours a day in certain bars on board, in the main restaurants and in the buffet restaurant.
Where it does not apply:
in alternative restaurants, in Venchi 1878, Jean-Philippe Maury, MSC Virtuosa Starship Club, MSC World Europa & America Coffee Emporium, MSC World Europa Raj Polo Tea Room.
Note:
The package must be booked by all guests staying in the same cabin or traveling together, in which case seating in the main restaurant will be at the same table. This rule also applies to children aged three and over, for whom the MINORS PACKAGE (for children) is purchased.
The package price does not include: minibar, bottled alcoholic beverages, some brands of drinks, ice cream.
Cruises from 1 to 4 days 40 €/day
Cruises from 5 to 10 days 40 €/day
Cruises from 11 days and more 36 €/day
EASY PLUS PACKAGE (for adults from 18 years)
A wide selection of alcoholic and non-alcoholic drinks by the glass, costing up to 9 €:
Draught, craft, bottled and non-alcoholic beer
Wine (white, pink, red, and sparkling)
Drink of the day
Alcoholic and non-alcoholic cocktails
Strong alcoholic drinks of famous brands
Carbonated drinks and juices
A wide selection of classic hot drinks: espresso, americano, cappuccino, latte, iced coffee, tea, etc.
Bottled mineral water
There is a limit on alcoholic drinks:
15 drinks per day (non-alcoholic drinks - unlimited).
The Easy plus package gives a 10% discount on the purchase of bottles of wine on board.
Those who wish can take advantage of a €9 discount on a more expensive drink that is not included in the Easy plus package (a 15% service charge will be added to the difference in price).
Where it applies:
24 hours a day in the onboard bars, main restaurants, buffet restaurant and alternative restaurants.
Where it does not apply:
Venchi 1878, Jean-Philippe Maury and MSC Virtuosa Starship Club.
Note:
The package must be booked by all guests staying in the same cabin or traveling together, in which case seating in the main restaurant will be at the same table. This rule also applies to children aged three and over, for whom the MINORS PACKAGE (for children) is purchased.
The following items are not included in the package price: minibar, bottled alcoholic beverages, some brands of drinks, ice cream.
Cruises from 1 to 4 days 54 €/day
Cruises from 5 to 10 days 54 €/day
Cruises from 11 days and more 50 €/day
PREMIUM EXTRA PACKAGE (for adults from 18 years)
A wide selection of alcoholic and non-alcoholic drinks by the glass, costing up to 14 €:
Draught, craft, bottled and non-alcoholic beer A wide selection of wines and champagne
Drink of the day
Alcoholic and non-alcoholic cocktails
Premium spirits
Carbonated drinks and juices
A wide selection of classic hot drinks: espresso, americano, cappuccino, latte, iced coffee, tea, etc.
Bottled mineral water
Limit on alcoholic drinks:
15 drinks per day (unlimited soft drinks).
The Premium Extra package offers a 25% discount on bottles of wine and champagne on board.
Where it is valid:
24 hours a day in the onboard bars, main restaurants, buffet restaurant and alternative restaurants.
Where it is not valid:
Venchi 1878, Jean-Philippe Maury and MSC Virtuosa Starship Club.
Note:
The package must be booked by all guests staying in the same cabin or travelling together, in which case seating in the main restaurant will be at the same table. This rule also applies to children aged three and over, for whom the MINORS PACKAGE (for children) is purchased.
The package price does not include: minibar, bottled alcoholic drinks, some brands of drinks, ice cream.
Cruises from 1 to 4 days 75 €/day
Cruises from 5 to 10 days 75 €/day
Cruises from 11 days and more 70 €/day
ALCOHOL-FREE PACKAGE (for adults from 18 years)
A wide selection of soft drinks, carbonated and energy drinks, bottled mineral water, fruit juices, a wide range of coffee drinks, tea and ice cream "to go".
Where it is valid:
24 hours a day in certain bars on board, in the main restaurants and in the buffet restaurant.
Where it is not valid:
in alternative restaurants, in Venchi 1878, Jean-Philippe Maury, MSC Virtuosa Starship Club.
Note:
The package must be booked by all guests staying in the same cabin or traveling together, in this case the seating in the main restaurant will be at the same table. This rule also applies to children who have reached the age of three, for whom the MINORS PACKAGE (for children) is purchased.
The package price does not include: mini-bar, alcoholic drinks.
Cruises from 1 to 4 days 26 €/day
Cruises from 5 to 10 days 26 €/day
Cruises from 11 days and more 24 €/day
MINORS PACKAGE (for children aged 3 to 17)
A wide selection of soft drinks, carbonated and energy drinks, bottled mineral water, fruit juices, a wide range of coffee drinks, tea and ice cream to go.
Where it is valid:
24 hours a day in certain bars on board, in the main restaurants and in the buffet restaurant.
Where it is not valid:
in alternative restaurants, in Venchi 1878, Jean-Philippe Maury, MSC Virtuosa Starship Club.
Note:
This package is bookable for children aged 3 to 17 years old, traveling in the same cabin with adults. However, adult passengers must book adult drink packages.
The following are not included in the package price: minibar, alcoholic drinks.
Cruises from 1 to 4 days 17 € / day
Cruises from 5 to 10 days 17 € / day
Cruises from 11 days and more 17 € / day
Caribbean from Miami; North America; Alaska
EASY PACKAGE (for adults from 21 years)
A limited selection of alcoholic and non-alcoholic drinks by the glass:
Beer (1 type) and non-alcoholic beer
Wine (white, pink, red)
Alcoholic and non-alcoholic cocktails
Limited selection of spirits
Sodas and juices
Classic hot drinks: espresso, americano, cappuccino, latte, tea
Bottled mineral water
There is a limit on alcoholic drinks:
15 drinks per day (non-alcoholic drinks - unlimited).
A detailed list of drinks is presented in the bar menus on board the liner.
Those who wish can take advantage of a $10 discount on the purchase of a more expensive drink that is not included in the Easy package (an 18% service charge will be added to the difference in price).
Where it applies:
24 hours a day in certain bars on board, in the main restaurants and in the buffet restaurant.
Where it does not apply:
in alternative restaurants, in Venchi 1878, Jean-Philippe Maury, MSC Virtuosa Starship Club, MSC World Europa & America Coffee Emporium, MSC World Europa Raj Polo Tea Room.
Note:
The package must be booked by all guests staying in the same cabin or traveling together, in this case, seating in the main restaurant will be at the same table. This rule also applies to children aged three and over, for whom the MINORS PACKAGE (for children) is purchased.
Not included in the package price: minibar, bottled alcoholic drinks, some brands of drinks, ice cream.
Cruises from 1 to 4 days 40 €/day
Cruises from 5 to 10 days 40 €/day
Cruises from 11 days and more 36 €/day
EASY PLUS PACKAGE (for adults 21 and older)
A wide selection of alcoholic and non-alcoholic drinks by the glass, priced up to $14:
Draft, craft, bottled and non-alcoholic beer
Wine (white, pink, red, and sparkling)
Drink of the day
Alcoholic and non-alcoholic cocktails
Strong alcoholic drinks of famous brands
Carbonated drinks and juices
A wide selection of classic hot drinks: espresso, americano, cappuccino, latte, iced coffee, tea, etc.
Bottled mineral water
There is a limit on alcoholic drinks:
15 drinks per day (non-alcoholic drinks - unlimited).
The Easy plus package gives a 10% discount on the purchase of bottles of wine on board.
Those who wish can take advantage of a $14 discount on a more expensive drink that is not included in the Easy plus package (an 18% service charge will be added to the difference in price).
Where it applies:
24 hours a day in the onboard bars, main restaurants, buffet restaurant and alternative restaurants.
Where it does not apply:
Venchi 1878, Jean-Philippe Maury and MSC Virtuosa Starship Club.
Note:
The package must be booked by all guests staying in the same cabin or traveling together, in this case, seating in the main restaurant will be at the same table. This rule also applies to children aged three and over, for whom the MINORS PACKAGE (for children) is purchased.
The package does not include: minibar, bottled alcoholic beverages, some brands of drinks, ice cream.
Cruises from 1 to 4 days 54 €/day
Cruises from 5 to 10 days 54 €/day
Cruises from 11 days and more 50 €/day
PREMIUM EXTRA PACKAGE (for adults from 21 years old)
A wide selection of alcoholic and non-alcoholic drinks by the glass, costing up to $16:
Draft, craft, bottled and non-alcoholic beer
A wide selection of wines and champagne
Drink of the day
Alcoholic and non-alcoholic cocktails
Premium spirits
Soft drinks and juices
A wide selection of classic hot drinks: espresso, americano, cappuccino, latte, iced coffee, tea, etc.
Bottled mineral water
Limit on alcoholic drinks:
15 drinks per day (unlimited soft drinks).
The Premium Extra package offers a 25% discount on bottles of wine and champagne on board.
Where it is valid:
24 hours a day in the onboard bars, main restaurants, buffet restaurant and alternative restaurants.
Where it is not valid:
Venchi 1878, Jean-Philippe Maury and MSC Virtuosa Starship Club.
Note:
The package must be booked by all guests staying in the same cabin or travelling together, in which case seating in the main restaurant will be at the same table. This rule also applies to children aged three and over, for whom the MINORS PACKAGE (for children) is purchased.
The package price does not include: minibar, bottled alcoholic drinks, some brands of drinks, ice cream.
Cruises from 1 to 4 days 75 €/day
Cruises from 5 to 10 days 75 €/day
Cruises from 11 days and more 70 €/day
ALCOHOL-FREE PACKAGE (for adults from 21 years)
A wide selection of soft drinks, carbonated and energy drinks, bottled mineral water, fruit juices, a wide range of coffee drinks, tea and ice cream "to go".
Where it is valid:
24 hours a day in certain bars on board, in the main restaurants and in the buffet restaurant.
Where it is not valid:
in alternative restaurants, in Venchi 1878, Jean-Philippe Maury, MSC Virtuosa Starship Club.
Note:
The package must be booked by all guests staying in the same cabin or traveling together, in this case the seating in the main restaurant will be at the same table. This rule also applies to children aged three and over, for whom a MINORS PACKAGE (for children) is purchased.
The following are not included in the package price: minibar, alcoholic beverages.
Cruises from 1 to 4 days 26 €/day
Cruises from 5 to 10 days 26 €/day
Cruises from 11 days and more 24 €/day
MINORS PACKAGE (for children aged 3 to 20)
A wide selection of soft drinks, carbonated and energy drinks, bottled mineral water, fruit juices, a wide range of coffee drinks, tea and ice cream "to go".
Where it applies:
24 hours a day in certain bars on board, in the main restaurants and in the buffet restaurant.
Where it does not apply:
in alternative restaurants, in Venchi 1878, Jean-Philippe Maury, MSC Virtuosa Starship Club.
Note:
This package is bookable for children aged 3 to 20 years old, travelling in the same cabin with adults. In this case, adult passengers must book adult drink packages.
The following items are not included in the package price: minibar, alcoholic drinks.
Cruises from 1 to 4 days 17 €/day
Cruises from 5 to 10 days 17 €/day
Cruises from 11 days and more 17 €/day
Asia; Far East
EASY PACKAGE (for adults 20 years and older)
A limited selection of alcoholic and non-alcoholic drinks by the glass:
Beer (1 type) and non-alcoholic beer
Wine (white, pink, red)
Alcoholic and non-alcoholic cocktails
Limited selection of spirits
Carbonated drinks and juices
Classic hot drinks: espresso, americano, cappuccino, latte, tea
Bottled mineral water
There is a limit on alcoholic drinks:
15 drinks per day (non-alcoholic drinks - unlimited).
A detailed list of drinks is presented in the bar menus on board the liner.
Those who wish can take advantage of an $8 discount on the purchase of a more expensive drink that is not included in the Easy package (an 18% service charge will be added to the difference in price).
Where it applies:
24 hours a day in certain bars on board, in the main restaurants and in the buffet restaurant.
Where it does not apply:
in alternative restaurants, in Venchi 1878, Jean-Philippe Maury, MSC Virtuosa Starship Club, MSC World Europa & America Coffee Emporium, MSC World Europa Raj Polo Tea Room.
Note:
The package must be booked by all guests staying in the same cabin or traveling together, in which case seating in the main restaurant will be at the same table. This rule also applies to children aged three and over, for whom the MINORS PACKAGE (for children) is purchased.
The package price does not include: minibar, bottled alcoholic beverages, some brands of drinks, ice cream.
Cruises from 1 to 4 days 40 €/day
Cruises from 5 to 10 days 40 €/day
Cruises from 11 days and more 36 €/day
EASY PLUS PACKAGE (for adults from 20 years old)
A wide selection of alcoholic and non-alcoholic drinks by the glass, costing up to $10:
Draft, craft, bottled and non-alcoholic beer
Wine (white, pink, red, and sparkling)
Drink of the day
Alcoholic and non-alcoholic cocktails
Strong alcoholic drinks of famous brands
Carbonated drinks and juices
A wide selection of classic hot drinks: espresso, americano, cappuccino, latte, iced coffee, tea, etc.
Bottled mineral water
Limit on alcoholic drinks:
15 drinks per day (unlimited soft drinks).
The Easy plus package gives a 10% discount on bottles of wine on board.
A $10 discount on a more expensive drink not included in the Easy plus package (an 18% service charge will be added to the difference in price).
Where it applies:
24 hours a day in the onboard bars, main restaurants, buffet restaurant and alternative restaurants.
Where it does not apply:
Venchi 1878, Jean-Philippe Maury and MSC Virtuosa Starship Club.
Note:
The package must be booked by all guests staying in the same cabin or traveling together, in which case seating in the main restaurant will be at the same table. This rule also applies to children aged three and over, for whom the MINORS PACKAGE (for children) must be purchased.
Not included in the package price: minibar, bottled alcoholic drinks, some brands of drinks, ice cream.
Cruises from 1 to 4 days 54 € / day
Cruises from 5 to 10 days 54 € / day
Cruises from 11 days and more 50 € / day
PREMIUM EXTRA PACKAGE (for adults 20 years and older)
A wide selection of alcoholic and non-alcoholic drinks by the glass, priced up to $16:
Draft, craft, bottled and non-alcoholic beer A wide selection of wines and champagne
Drink of the day
Alcoholic and non-alcoholic cocktails
Premium spirits
Carbonated drinks and juices
A wide selection of classic hot drinks: espresso, americano, cappuccino, latte, iced coffee, tea, etc.
Bottled mineral water
There is a limit on alcoholic drinks:
15 drinks per day (non-alcoholic drinks - unlimited).
The Premium Extra package gives a 25% discount on the purchase of bottles of wine and champagne on board.
Where it applies:
24 hours a day in the onboard bars, main restaurants, buffet restaurant and alternative restaurants.
Where it does not apply:
Venchi 1878, Jean-Philippe Maury and MSC Virtuosa Starship Club.
Note:
The package must be booked by all guests staying in the same cabin or travelling together, in which case seating in the main restaurant will be at the same table. This rule also applies to children aged three and over, for whom the MINORS PACKAGE (for children) is purchased.
The package price does not include: minibar, bottled alcoholic beverages, some brands of drinks, ice cream.
Cruises from 1 to 4 days 75 €/day
Cruises from 5 to 10 days 75 €/day
Cruises from 11 days and more 70 €/day
ALCOHOL-FREE PACKAGE (for adults from 20 years)
A wide selection of soft drinks, carbonated and energy drinks, bottled mineral water, fruit juices, a wide range of coffee drinks, tea and ice cream "to go".
Where it is valid:
24 hours a day in certain bars on board, in the main restaurants and in the buffet restaurant.
Where it is not valid:
in alternative restaurants, in Venchi 1878, Jean-Philippe Maury, MSC Virtuosa Starship Club.
Note:
The package must be booked by all guests staying in the same cabin or traveling together, in this case the seating in the main restaurant will be at the same table. This rule also applies to children aged three and over, for whom a MINORS PACKAGE (for children) is purchased.
The following are not included in the package price: minibar, alcoholic beverages.
Cruises from 1 to 4 days 26 €/day
Cruises from 5 to 10 days 26 €/day
Cruises from 11 days and more 24 €/day
MINORS PACKAGE (for children aged 3 to 19)
A wide selection of soft drinks, carbonated and energy drinks, bottled mineral water, fruit juices, a wide range of coffee drinks, tea and ice cream "to go".
Where it applies:
24 hours a day in certain bars on board, in the main restaurants and in the buffet restaurant.
Where it does not apply:
in alternative restaurants, in Venchi 1878, Jean-Philippe Maury, MSC Virtuosa Starship Club.
Note:
This package is booked for children from 3 to 19 years old, traveling in the same cabin with adults. However, adult passengers must book adult drink packages.
The following are not included in the package price: minibar, alcoholic drinks.
Cruises from 1 to 4 days 17 € / day
Cruises from 5 to 10 days 17 € / day
Cruises from 11 days and more 17 € / day
The cruise booking conditions may vary depending on the itinerary, season, and selected package. However, the basic conditions include:
1. **Deposit and Full Payment:**
- A deposit of 30% is required to confirm the booking.
- Full payment is usually required 60-90 days prior to departure. For late bookings, full payment may be required immediately.
2. **Cancellation and Penalties:**
- Cancellation penalties depend on the time remaining before departure. The closer to the departure date, the higher the penalties.
- More than 60 days before departure: €50 per person
- 59 to 30 days: 30% of the total price
- 29 to 22 days: 50%
- 21 to 15 days: 70%
- Less than 14 days before departure: 100%
3. **Booking Changes:**
- Passenger substitutions are subject to an additional fee of €50 per person.
4. **Insurance:**
- It is recommended to purchase travel or medical insurance to cover potential costs in case of cancellation or changes to the booking, as well as medical expenses during the cruise.
5. **Document Requirements:**
- All passengers must have valid passports and visas for visiting countries (if required by the destination) on the cruise itinerary. The responsibility for obtaining visas lies with the passengers.
Southampton is the largest city in the ceremonial county of Hampshire, England. It is 69 miles (111 km) south-west of London and 15 miles (24 km) west north-west of Portsmouth. Southampton is a major port and the closest city to the New Forest. It lies at the northernmost point of Southampton Water at the confluence of the Rivers Test and Itchen, with the River Hamble joining to the south of the urban area. The city, which is a unitary authority, has an estimated population of 253,651. The city's name is sometimes abbreviated in writing to "So'ton" or "Soton", and a resident of Southampton is called a Sotonian.
Significant employers in the city include Southampton City Council, the University of Southampton, Solent University, Southampton Airport, Ordnance Survey, BBC South, the NHS, ABP and Carnival UK. Southampton is noted for its association with the RMS Titanic, the Spitfire and more generally in the World War II narrative as one of the departure points for D-Day, and more recently as the home port of a number of the largest cruise ships in the world. Southampton has a large shopping centre and retail park, Westquay. In 2014, the city council approved a neighbouring followup Westquay South which opened in 2016–2017.
In the 2001 census Southampton and Portsmouth were recorded as being parts of separate urban areas; however by the time of the 2011 census they had merged apolitically to become the sixth-largest built-up area in England with a population of 855,569. This built-up area is part of the metropolitan area known as South Hampshire, which is also known as Solent City, particularly in the media when discussing local governance organisational changes. With a population of over 1.5 million this makes the region one of the United Kingdom's most populous metropolitan areas.
The cozy town of Haugesund on Norway's southwest coast welcomes visitors with fresh sea air and the true atmosphere of the Norwegian coast. Here, the stories of the Vikings come alive: it was near Haugesund that important trade routes once passed, and nearby stands the Haraldshaugen monument, erected in honor of Norway’s first king. The town’s streets are filled with cozy cafes, boutiques, and galleries, while the pier with white boats and fishermen’s houses invites you to enjoy peaceful seaside walks.
Every year, Haugesund hosts film festivals, maritime celebrations, and music events, keeping the town lively and warm. It’s the perfect place to discover Norwegian traditions, taste fresh seafood straight from the fishing boats, and take a walk along the North Sea coast, enjoying views of green hills and cliffs diving into the ocean.
The soft morning mist and mirror-like waters greet travelers in Olden, revealing views of glaciers and emerald valleys seemingly painted by nature for unhurried walks. This small Norwegian village by the Nordfjord offers a rare sense of seclusion, where the sounds of waterfalls and seagulls become your only company while you breathe in the crystal-clear air.
Olden is known for its proximity to the Briksdal Glacier, where hiking trails begin with breathtaking panoramas of blue ice masses and mountain peaks. Along the way, you will pass small farms with red houses, and in local cafes, you can taste freshly baked cinnamon buns while enjoying views of the fjord and the slow rhythm of life in this corner of Norway.
Nestled between majestic fjords and the open sea, Ålesund captivates visitors with its unique blend of natural beauty and distinctive architecture. Known for its stunning Art Nouveau style, rebuilt after a devastating fire in 1904, the town offers a charming atmosphere where colorful buildings line the waterfront, creating a picturesque setting unlike any other in Norway.
Adventurers and culture lovers alike find plenty to enjoy in Ålesund. From hiking up the viewpoint at Aksla Hill for panoramic views of the archipelago to exploring local museums and fresh seafood markets, this coastal town invites travelers to immerse themselves in Norway’s maritime heritage and breathtaking landscapes. Whether cruising the nearby fjords or wandering the narrow streets, every moment in Ålesund promises memorable discoveries.
The southernmost coast of Norway invites you to discover the amazing city of Kristiansand. This charming town is surrounded by the sea on three sides. It is the fifth-largest city in the country, and although its center fits within a small area of just 1 km², Kristiansand has much to offer its visitors. It’s not only about the incredibly clean Norwegian air but also many other interesting attractions.
Among them is Norway’s largest zoo, home to 80 species of animals. A visit here will delight both children and adults. You can enjoy rides on carousels, laugh wholeheartedly at the circus, and take the whole family on a sea excursion or spend time together at a playground.
Southampton is the largest city in the ceremonial county of Hampshire, England. It is 69 miles (111 km) south-west of London and 15 miles (24 km) west north-west of Portsmouth. Southampton is a major port and the closest city to the New Forest. It lies at the northernmost point of Southampton Water at the confluence of the Rivers Test and Itchen, with the River Hamble joining to the south of the urban area. The city, which is a unitary authority, has an estimated population of 253,651. The city's name is sometimes abbreviated in writing to "So'ton" or "Soton", and a resident of Southampton is called a Sotonian.
Significant employers in the city include Southampton City Council, the University of Southampton, Solent University, Southampton Airport, Ordnance Survey, BBC South, the NHS, ABP and Carnival UK. Southampton is noted for its association with the RMS Titanic, the Spitfire and more generally in the World War II narrative as one of the departure points for D-Day, and more recently as the home port of a number of the largest cruise ships in the world. Southampton has a large shopping centre and retail park, Westquay. In 2014, the city council approved a neighbouring followup Westquay South which opened in 2016–2017.
In the 2001 census Southampton and Portsmouth were recorded as being parts of separate urban areas; however by the time of the 2011 census they had merged apolitically to become the sixth-largest built-up area in England with a population of 855,569. This built-up area is part of the metropolitan area known as South Hampshire, which is also known as Solent City, particularly in the media when discussing local governance organisational changes. With a population of over 1.5 million this makes the region one of the United Kingdom's most populous metropolitan areas.
