Amsterdam, The Netherlands - Amsterdam is a great city to discover the charms of northern Europe. The graceful canals of its central district are lined with beautiful gabled houses. It's many, grand art museums display masterpieces of Rembrandt and Vermeer and the largest collection of Van Gogh's work is found here. Fine food is also easy to find along with ample opportunities for shopping (including excellent vintage finds). This great city is well worth a day or two's stay before your cruise.

At Sea - Cruising - Cruising

Lerwick (Shetland), Scotland - Almost 100 islands make up the Shetland Islands, which sit on the northernmost part of the British Isles. Lerwick is Shetland's only town and is a cosmopolitan seaport that offers warm hospitality to its visitors. The old waterfront is filled with pleasure boats, visiting yachts, and more. Travelers can experience everything from lively "theme" bars and clubs to a Town Hall that boasts breathtaking stained glassed glass windows, each with its own story.

Glasgow (Greenock), Scotland - Scotland's largest city, Glasgow's skyline is a kaleidoscope of architectural gems, encompassing the magnificent 12th century cathedral, the stunning Victorian cityscape and revolutionary Art Nouveau. Against this backdrop, the famed art galleries and museums of Glasgow have ensured that its cultural heritage stands alongside that of other major European cities. See works by some of the worlds greatest artists at Kelvingrove Art Gallery and Museum housing a superb collection of paintings by, among others, Botticelli, Rembrandt, Monet, Van Gogh and Picasso.

Belfast, Northern Ireland - So much of Ireland's political history is tied up in Belfast that many visitors are surprised to find that it is also a modern city, blending old and new effortlessly as the troubles of its pass fade into history. A day trip away are the Giants' Causeway (a series of stone pillars that extends to Scotland) and the spectacular Antrim coast.

Liverpool, England - Roll over Beethoven! Liverpool is the birthplace of the Beatles! And it won't take long to discover the amazing legacy of art, music and sport that influence this charming city. A short walk from your ship you'll find Albert Dock a bustling, converted maritime business center that now houses all sorts of entertainments (shopping, food, "The Beatles Story" and wonderful modern art at the Tate Liverpool. A bit further afield (but still quite walkable, if you're hearty), you'll find the Cavern Club, where the Beatles got their start.

Cobh (Cork), Ireland - Cobh is just a short train ride to charming Cork, Ireland, whose hilly streets echo with the music of what is renowned to be Ireland's most talkative citizenry. Visit local artisans and witness their skills in the arts of weaving and cutting crystal. The charming English Market is a great place to get a taste of the local flavors (including the chance for an excellent meal at the Farmgate Cafe located within). Also, Cork's lovely art museum has many fine works by lesser known artists from the last few centuries.

Waterford (Dunmore East), Ireland - In this city, founded in 853 by the Vikings, the attraction is clearly the crystal factory. Follow all stages of production, observing how sand, lead and potash are transformed by fire into sparkling crystal.

Dover (London), England - After seeing her fomous "white cliffs" as you arrive, you can take a quick trip to nearby Canterbury to see its medieval cathedral, where Thomas Becket met his tragic end. Or carry on to London for a day filled with whatever your heart desires. This is London, after all, of which Samuel Johnson famously said "Sir, when a man is tired of London, he is tired of life; for there is in London all that life can afford." Whether its history, fashion, shopping, art, culture or food you're looking for, London's got it.