Bergen, Norway: Depart 20:00
Bergen was one of the great Hanseatic ports, and this maritime heritage is recalled by the 900-year-old Bryggen Wharf, with its splendid museum. The Bryggen is a delight to explore: its narrow streets climb away from the waterfront, lined by interesting shops, colourful half-timbered houses and cobbled stairways, with alleyways and tiny open spaces that beg to be explored. In summer months every spare corner seems to be filled with pots and containers overflowing with colourful flowers that fill the air with perfume.
Bergen is framed by seven magnificent hills, the highest of which can be reached by a funicular railway. From the top there are spectacular views down to the harbourside, where cafés, bars and restaurants welcome visitors from around the world. Bergen was the home of Norway’s most famous composer, Edvard Grieg, and the Troldhaugen is a museum devoted to his life and work, including an exhibition centre, shop and café.
Cruising Nordfjord:
Olden, Nordfjord: Arrive 08:00 - Depart 16:00
At the head of the three valleys amid the sublimely peaceful surroundings of the Inner Norfjord, idyllic Olden is the key to a not-to-be-missed journey up the million-years-old and ever-advancing Briksdal Galcier, best known of the gigantic Jostedal's many icy arms.
Flam, Sognefjord: Arrive 06:30 - Depart 16:00
Little Flam lies at the southern end of the Aurlandsfjord, one of the branches of the beautiful Sognefjord. From the tiny village you can enjoy a spectacular 40-minute rail journey spiralling nearly 3,000ft up a steep mountain gorge to Myrdal. Flam claims Norway's oldest church (built in 1667) - and with its traditionally decorated walls also arguably the prettiest.
Flaam:
Sailing through Norway's beautiful Sognefjord, the world's longest and deepest fjord, is one of the most memorable cruise experiences. Overlooked by snow-capped peaks and surrounded by cascading waterfalls, this is a sensational approach to the tiny village of Flamm, which nestles in the innermost part of Sognefjord.
Aurlandsfjord:
Sognefjord:
Olden:
At the head of the Nordfjord lies the charming and idyllic village of Olden. From this magnificent port of call you'll find an awe-inspiring landscape, as waterfalls cascade from the icefields above, plunging deep into the glass lake below. For picture-postcard views of the surrounding countryside, nothing beats taking a boat trip to visit Lovatnet Lake. Take a walk into Olden village, where you'll find plenty of shops selling local souvenirs for a great reminder of your time spent here!
Innvikfjorden:
Nordfjord:
Bergen:
Bergen's an old city with a young outlook, full of infectious charm. With its stunning setting, medieval buildings and a bustling atmosphere, it won't take you long to get caught up in the excitement of this magnificent city. Steeped in culture, Bergen has one of the oldest symphony orchestras, the first national theatre and plenty of museums including the Bergen Art Museum, which showcases some of Norway's finest artists. For a spectacular panorama of the city, the funicular railway can take you 1,000 feet to the top of Mount Floyen.
Southampton: Arrive 08:00 - Depart 20:00
The port of Southampton can trace its origins back to a Roman settlement on the banks of the River Itchen where Bitterne stands today. However, the Saxon settlement of Hamwic or Hamtun on the opposite shore of the Itchen is where Southampton’s early identity really starts to take shape. Unfortunately the wealth of this fledgling Saxon port attracted the attentions of Viking raiders who were, to say the least, bad for business.
However, the die had been cast and Southampton traded through good times and bad until, by the early 19th century, paddle steamers started running regular services to France. A century and a half later the first car ferries plied the same routes helping to further popularise the idea of foreign leisure travel that the White Star liners and the glamorous Southampton built flying boats had helped to pioneered.
Although the great liners were literally overtaken by the era of cheap jet travel, they never entirely disappeared and, gradually, modern cruising started to become more accessible and more popular. Today Southampton has three cruise terminals to copy with the unprecedented comings and goings of today’s massive cruise ships.
Hamburg: Arrive 07:00 - Depart 19:00
Tromso: Arrive 13:00 - Depart 21:00
Tromso was known as the Paris of the North in the 19th century, because people of the area appeared far more cosmopolitan than foreign tourists had expected them to be. The city center has the biggest concentration of historic wooden houses north of Trondheim. Some of the houses date back to the 17th century. Tromso is the largest city above the Artic Circle and invites visitors to enjoy nightlife in the light of the Midnight Sun.
Copenhagen: Depart 18:00
Copenhagen was founded during the 12th century. The city owes much of its charm to the buildings erected by Denmark's monarchs, and boasts a treasure trove of late-Renaissance and Rococo architecture.
Copenhagen deserves its accolade as the Venice of the North. Founded on a series of islands and islets, the city today is laced with graceful canals and boasts some of the most delightful architecture in Northern Europe. See the fabled statue of Hans Christian Andersen's Little Mermaid, a symbol of the city. Stroll along the old harbor of Nyhavn, lined with cafés, restaurants and 500-year-old gabled houses. Browse the superb shops on the world-famous Stroget or view the Rococo palaces lining Amalienborg Square. Best of all, savor the taste of local delicacies while wandering the paths of Tivoli Gardens, one of Europe's most celebrated pleasure gardens.
Oslo: Arrive 10:00 - Depart 23:00
The oldest of the Scandinavian capitals, Oslo boasts one of the most fabled maritime and cultural histories in the entire world: it was the homeland of the seafaring Vikings.
The dramatic beauty of the city's setting is understandably inspiring. One need only look out upon the breathtaking Oslofjord, glistening lakes and enchanting woodlands to see why a people might want to discover more beauty.
Berlin (Warnemunde): Arrive 07:00 - Depart 21:00
Berlin is a worthy rival to London or Paris in terms of history, art and culture. The city's highlights include the restored Reichstag Building with its magnificent glass dome and the stunning Pergamon Museum.
Warnemünde is a seaside resort near the harbor entrance to Rostock, one of the city-states that formed the medieval Hanseatic League. Originally a fishing village turned spa and resort. Explore the old Cold War hot spots and view the Brandenburg Gate, restored to its original magnificence. Or, stroll along the Kurfurstendamm and take coffee in a local cafe. Warnemünde is also your gateway to Mecklenburg and the German countryside.
Tallinn: Arrive 08:00 - Depart 17:00
Like Latvia and Lithuania, the Baltic republic of Estonia has survived a turbulent history. The small nation was conquered and ruled by the likes of Teutonic Knights, Polish princes and Russian Tsars. For 51 years, Estonia remained a pawn in the Soviet empire, until the burgeoning freedom movement led to independence for the Baltic Republics in 1991. Like its sister republics, Estonia maintained its ties to the Western tradition, retaining the Latin alphabet and Catholic and Protestant faiths. Once a member of the historic Hanseatic League, Tallinn is the political, commercial and cultural center of Estonia.
St. Petersburg: Arrive 06:30
St. Petersburg has provided a historic stage since the day Peter the Great ordained its construction on the banks of the Neva. In its relatively short history - the city is younger than New York - St. Petersburg has witnessed the rise and fall of Imperial Russia, three shattering revolutions, and civil war. The city survived a long and tragic siege during World War II - indeed St. Petersburg became a symbol of Russian resistance to Nazi invasion.
Russia's \"Window on the West,\" St. Petersburg remains one of the world's most beautiful metropolises. Perched on the banks of the Neva, the city is crisscrossed by canals. Two great architects helped bring Peter the Great's vision of St. Petersburg to life: Rastrelli and Carlo Rossi. The rich architecture that resulted features a mixture of styles from ornate Russian Baroque churches to neo-classical palaces. St. Petersburg has also been the cultural soul of Russia, a repository of priceless art and a home to poets, musicians and composers ranging from Pushkin to Shostakovich.
Peter the Great instilled his near-mania for architecture and building in his successors, making the then capital of Imperial Russia one of the architectural treasures of the world.
St. Petersburg: Depart 18:00
Helsinki: Arrive 07:00 - Depart 16:00
Perhaps their country's harsh climate encouraged the Finns' love and respect for design and the arts. Whatever the cause, there's no denying that Helsinki is one of the most vibrant and beautiful cities in Scandinavia. Hailed as the \"Daughter of the Baltic,\" Finland's capital is a city of graceful neoclassical buildings, striking modern architecture and spacious boulevards dotted with squares and parks. In the past century, Finland has nurtured some of the major creative talents of Western culture, from the composer Sibelius to architects Eliel & Eero Saarinen and Alvar Aalto.
The center of Finnish commerce and culture, Helsinki is home to some 616.000 people. Much of the city's neoclassical architecture dates from the period of Tsarist rule, which began in 1809 after political control of Finland passed from Sweden to Russia, Finland gained its independence in 1917.
Stockholm: Arrive 07:00 - Depart 19:00
Often described as the \"Capital of Scandinavia,\" Stockholm traces its origins back seven centuries, when it was founded on the island of Gamla Stan and became the capital of Sweden. Today, the city covers 14 separate islands connected by bays, channels and inlets. The skyline is a sea of copper roofs grown green with patina, towers, spires and graceful cupolas stand sentinel over the historic Old Town (Gamla Stan). With its population of nearly a million people, Stockholm is one of the world's most beautiful, clean and orderly cities.
With a history stretching over seven centuries, Stockholm is not just a beautiful city but also Sweden's center of art and culture.
Southampton: Depart 16:00
Southampton is a bustling port city bursting with history as well as shopping opportunities, great restaurants and superb pubs. Nearby you'll find the quaint town of Windsor, where you can visit the many boutiques of High Street or enjoy a tour of historic Windsor Castle.
Bergen: Arrive 12:00 - Depart 20:00
Once the seat of medieval Norway, Bergen is a former Viking stronghold girded by deep fjords, towering mountains and sweeping glaciers. Visit Bryggen Wharf, where you can strike a bargain in one of the many artisans’ workshops, or visit the famous Fish Market for a real treat.
Alesund: Arrive 07:00 - Depart 19:00
Ålesund’s architecture is known far and wide. Turrets, spires, and other whimsical art nouveau architectural touches give the town its distinctive, fairy-tale-like character. Scenic Geiranger Fjord, one of Norway’s best-known attractions, is just a stone’s throw from this quaint little town.
Geiranger: Arrive 07:00 - Depart 15:00
Geiranger is remote even by Norwegian standards, with a rugged beauty that will leave you breathless. Winding our way through the Geiranger Fjord feels like the entrance to a secret world, protected by massive, snowcapped mountains on either side. You can also take a side trip to Ørnesvingen or Flydalsjuvet to look down upon this magnificence.
Stavanger: Arrive 10:00 - Depart 18:00
Whether you prefer outdoor adventure or ancient history, Stavanger offers a wide array of treasures. An easy day hike takes you to Lysefjord, one of the world's most beautiful overlooks, while Stavanger domkirke is the country's oldest cathedral, having been built between 1100 and 1125.
Savona, Italy: Depart 17:00
One of the most celebrated former inhabitants of Savona was the navigator Christopher Columbus, who farmed land in the area while chronicling his journeys. 'Columbus's house', a cottage situated in the Savona hills, lay between vegetable crops and fruit trees. It is just one of many residences in Liguria associated with Columbus.
Several cities as well as Savona claim his birth and residency, such as Genoa and Terrarossa di Moconesi. Savona is the most important city on the west coast of Italy, within reach of the seaside resorts of Alassio, Loano and Varazze.
Barcelona: Arrive 15:00 - Depart 21:00
Barcelona is the second largest city in Spain with three million inhabitants, a dominating port in northern Mediterranean with one of the most renowned and important universities in the world. The city is a very rich commercial centre, where industrial operations crucial to the Spanish economy take place.
In fact, Catalans have always considered their region unique compared with the other Spanish regions and we can find its roots in the power exercised by Barcelona for four hundred years at least on Spanish monarchy and on European commercial events.
Palma (Spain): Arrive 08:00 - Depart 14:00
Malaga (Spain): Arrive 14:00 - Depart 20:00
The city of Malaga is today a bustling Andalusian tourist centre with a thriving agricultural market for the fruit and wine industries. In centuries gone by Malaga attracted the attention of some of the Mediterranean's most powerful forces, including the Phoenicians, Arabs, Carthaginians and Visigoths. The Arabs considered Malaga the Garden of Eden and built several homes there, which perhaps explains their relatively non-aggressive attitude towards the region. Before them, the Phoenicians, who first discovered the coastline, felt the same sense of tranquillity, building the first village (the origin of the name is the Phoenician 'malak') in the area. For an extensive period, Malaga was then governed by the Carthaginians, eventually abandoning it in the face of invasion by the Visigoths.
Cadiz (Spain): Arrive 08:00 - Depart 17:00
At the tip of a 9km peninsula is the Andalusian city of Cadiz perched on a limestone rock overlooking the sea. Because of its stunning position and the white-washed houses with flat roofs, the city is known as the \"Silver Cup\".
Lisbon, Portugal: Arrive 09:00 - Depart 17:00
Lisbon is one of the most fascinating cities in Europe, with many monuments in the manuelino style and museums. Not far, in Queluz, is the royal summer residence, surrounded by some of the most beautiful gardens in the world.
Vigo: Arrive 09:30 - Depart 18:00
Vigo is the port of call for Santiago de Compostela, one of the famous holy places of Christianity. Its magnificent Baroque cathedral, built on the tomb of Saint James, has been attracting pilgrims from all over Europe for centuries
Savona, Italy: Depart 17:00
One of the most celebrated former inhabitants of Savona was the navigator Christopher Columbus, who farmed land in the area while chronicling his journeys. 'Columbus's house', a cottage situated in the Savona hills, lay between vegetable crops and fruit trees. It is just one of many residences in Liguria associated with Columbus.
Several cities as well as Savona claim his birth and residency, such as Genoa and Terrarossa di Moconesi. Savona is the most important city on the west coast of Italy, within reach of the seaside resorts of Alassio, Loano and Varazze.
Barcelona: Arrive 15:00 - Depart 21:00
Barcelona is the second largest city in Spain with three million inhabitants, a dominating port in northern Mediterranean with one of the most renowned and important universities in the world. The city is a very rich commercial centre, where industrial operations crucial to the Spanish economy take place.
In fact, Catalans have always considered their region unique compared with the other Spanish regions and we can find its roots in the power exercised by Barcelona for four hundred years at least on Spanish monarchy and on European commercial events.
Palma (Spain): Arrive 08:00 - Depart 14:00
Malaga (Spain): Arrive 14:00 - Depart 20:00
The city of Malaga is today a bustling Andalusian tourist centre with a thriving agricultural market for the fruit and wine industries. In centuries gone by Malaga attracted the attention of some of the Mediterranean's most powerful forces, including the Phoenicians, Arabs, Carthaginians and Visigoths. The Arabs considered Malaga the Garden of Eden and built several homes there, which perhaps explains their relatively non-aggressive attitude towards the region. Before them, the Phoenicians, who first discovered the coastline, felt the same sense of tranquillity, building the first village (the origin of the name is the Phoenician 'malak') in the area. For an extensive period, Malaga was then governed by the Carthaginians, eventually abandoning it in the face of invasion by the Visigoths.
Cadiz (Spain): Arrive 08:00 - Depart 17:00
At the tip of a 9km peninsula is the Andalusian city of Cadiz perched on a limestone rock overlooking the sea. Because of its stunning position and the white-washed houses with flat roofs, the city is known as the \"Silver Cup\".
Lisbon, Portugal: Arrive 09:00 - Depart 17:00
Lisbon is one of the most fascinating cities in Europe, with many monuments in the manuelino style and museums. Not far, in Queluz, is the royal summer residence, surrounded by some of the most beautiful gardens in the world.
Vigo: Arrive 09:30 - Depart 18:00
Vigo is the port of call for Santiago de Compostela, one of the famous holy places of Christianity. Its magnificent Baroque cathedral, built on the tomb of Saint James, has been attracting pilgrims from all over Europe for centuries
Berlin (Warnemunde): Depart 21:00
Berlin is a worthy rival to London or Paris in terms of history, art and culture. The city's highlights include the restored Reichstag Building with its magnificent glass dome and the stunning Pergamon Museum.
Warnemünde is a seaside resort near the harbor entrance to Rostock, one of the city-states that formed the medieval Hanseatic League. Originally a fishing village turned spa and resort. Explore the old Cold War hot spots and view the Brandenburg Gate, restored to its original magnificence. Or, stroll along the Kurfurstendamm and take coffee in a local cafe. Warnemünde is also your gateway to Mecklenburg and the German countryside.
Tallinn: Arrive 08:00 - Depart 17:00
Like Latvia and Lithuania, the Baltic republic of Estonia has survived a turbulent history. The small nation was conquered and ruled by the likes of Teutonic Knights, Polish princes and Russian Tsars. For 51 years, Estonia remained a pawn in the Soviet empire, until the burgeoning freedom movement led to independence for the Baltic Republics in 1991. Like its sister republics, Estonia maintained its ties to the Western tradition, retaining the Latin alphabet and Catholic and Protestant faiths. Once a member of the historic Hanseatic League, Tallinn is the political, commercial and cultural center of Estonia.
St. Petersburg: Depart 18:30
St. Petersburg has provided a historic stage since the day Peter the Great ordained its construction on the banks of the Neva. In its relatively short history - the city is younger than New York - St. Petersburg has witnessed the rise and fall of Imperial Russia, three shattering revolutions, and civil war. The city survived a long and tragic siege during World War II - indeed St. Petersburg became a symbol of Russian resistance to Nazi invasion.
Russia's \"Window on the West,\" St. Petersburg remains one of the world's most beautiful metropolises. Perched on the banks of the Neva, the city is crisscrossed by canals. Two great architects helped bring Peter the Great's vision of St. Petersburg to life: Rastrelli and Carlo Rossi. The rich architecture that resulted features a mixture of styles from ornate Russian Baroque churches to neo-classical palaces. St. Petersburg has also been the cultural soul of Russia, a repository of priceless art and a home to poets, musicians and composers ranging from Pushkin to Shostakovich.
Peter the Great instilled his near-mania for architecture and building in his successors, making the then capital of Imperial Russia one of the architectural treasures of the world.
St. Petersburg: Arrive 06:30
Helsinki: Arrive 07:00 - Depart 16:00
Perhaps their country's harsh climate encouraged the Finns' love and respect for design and the arts. Whatever the cause, there's no denying that Helsinki is one of the most vibrant and beautiful cities in Scandinavia. Hailed as the \"Daughter of the Baltic,\" Finland's capital is a city of graceful neoclassical buildings, striking modern architecture and spacious boulevards dotted with squares and parks. In the past century, Finland has nurtured some of the major creative talents of Western culture, from the composer Sibelius to architects Eliel & Eero Saarinen and Alvar Aalto.
The center of Finnish commerce and culture, Helsinki is home to some 616.000 people. Much of the city's neoclassical architecture dates from the period of Tsarist rule, which began in 1809 after political control of Finland passed from Sweden to Russia, Finland gained its independence in 1917.
Stockholm: Arrive 07:00 - Depart 19:00
Often described as the \"Capital of Scandinavia,\" Stockholm traces its origins back seven centuries, when it was founded on the island of Gamla Stan and became the capital of Sweden. Today, the city covers 14 separate islands connected by bays, channels and inlets. The skyline is a sea of copper roofs grown green with patina, towers, spires and graceful cupolas stand sentinel over the historic Old Town (Gamla Stan). With its population of nearly a million people, Stockholm is one of the world's most beautiful, clean and orderly cities.
With a history stretching over seven centuries, Stockholm is not just a beautiful city but also Sweden's center of art and culture.
Copenhagen: Arrive 08:00 - Depart 17:00
Copenhagen was founded during the 12th century. The city owes much of its charm to the buildings erected by Denmark's monarchs, and boasts a treasure trove of late-Renaissance and Rococo architecture.
Copenhagen deserves its accolade as the Venice of the North. Founded on a series of islands and islets, the city today is laced with graceful canals and boasts some of the most delightful architecture in Northern Europe. See the fabled statue of Hans Christian Andersen's Little Mermaid, a symbol of the city. Stroll along the old harbor of Nyhavn, lined with cafés, restaurants and 500-year-old gabled houses. Browse the superb shops on the world-famous Stroget or view the Rococo palaces lining Amalienborg Square. Best of all, savor the taste of local delicacies while wandering the paths of Tivoli Gardens, one of Europe's most celebrated pleasure gardens.
Oslo: Arrive 10:00 - Depart 23:00
The oldest of the Scandinavian capitals, Oslo boasts one of the most fabled maritime and cultural histories in the entire world: it was the homeland of the seafaring Vikings.
The dramatic beauty of the city's setting is understandably inspiring. One need only look out upon the breathtaking Oslofjord, glistening lakes and enchanting woodlands to see why a people might want to discover more beauty.
Newcastle, UK: Depart 17:00
The cruise terminal in Newcastle offers fast and efficient check-in areas, a spacious departure lounge with seating areas, a café-bar and smart washrooms all resulting in a comfortable and relaxing atmosphere. If you wish to travel by car and park for the duration of your cruise, no pre-booking is required.
Bergen, Norway: Arrive 08:30 - Depart 21:00
Bergen was one of the great Hanseatic ports, and this maritime heritage is recalled by the 900-year-old Bryggen Wharf, with its splendid museum. The Bryggen is a delight to explore: its narrow streets climb away from the waterfront, lined by interesting shops, colourful half-timbered houses and cobbled stairways, with alleyways and tiny open spaces that beg to be explored. In summer months every spare corner seems to be filled with pots and containers overflowing with colourful flowers that fill the air with perfume.
Bergen is framed by seven magnificent hills, the highest of which can be reached by a funicular railway. From the top there are spectacular views down to the harbourside, where cafés, bars and restaurants welcome visitors from around the world. Bergen was the home of Norway’s most famous composer, Edvard Grieg, and the Troldhaugen is a museum devoted to his life and work, including an exhibition centre, shop and café.
Bergen:
Bergen's an old city with a young outlook, full of infectious charm. With its stunning setting, medieval buildings and a bustling atmosphere, it won't take you long to get caught up in the excitement of this magnificent city. Steeped in culture, Bergen has one of the oldest symphony orchestras, the first national theatre and plenty of museums including the Bergen Art Museum, which showcases some of Norway's finest artists. For a spectacular panorama of the city, the funicular railway can take you 1,000 feet to the top of Mount Floyen.
Geiranger:
Your arrival into Geiranger unfolds to reveal one of the most beautiful settings in Norway. Fjords glitter in the distance, sheer rock walls combine with trickling waterfalls, deserted farmhouses dot the horizon and lakes shimmer in various shades of green and blue. A small coastal settlement located at the water's edge, Geiranger has a backdrop of rolling hills and its stunning scenery and clean living lifestyle offers plenty to see and do. Travelling up serpentine roads and zigzagging pathways you'll receive breathtaking panoramic views over the fjord, leaving you feeling exhilarated!
Geirangerfjord:
Sunnylvsfjorden:
Storfjorden:
Flaam:
Sailing through Norway's beautiful Sognefjord, the world's longest and deepest fjord, is one of the most memorable cruise experiences. Overlooked by snow-capped peaks and surrounded by cascading waterfalls, this is a sensational approach to the tiny village of Flamm, which nestles in the innermost part of Sognefjord.