Amsterdam, The Netherlands - Amsterdam is a great city in which 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 or after your cruise.

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.

At Sea - Cruising - Cruising

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.

Holyhead, Wales - Holyhead, the largest town on the island of Anglesey, is known for its excellent fishing, golfing and sailing opportunities. It's charming downtown is home to some of the nicest folks you could ever hope to meet. It's also surrounded by wonderful scenery, charming walking paths, and beaches; you can easily lose yourself happily here for a day. If you are feeling fit or want to walk off lunch, 'stroll' down to South Stack Lighthouse. It is well worth a visit but be prepared to face the challenge of 400 steps down, and the same number on the return journey. South Stack offers a wealth of bird life from the RSPB's Ellin's Tower. Every summer 4000 birds visit the area, a variety of species, including puffins, and you could be lucky to see the odd seal or dolphin meandering through the Irish Sea.

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.

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 that blends old and new effortlessly as the troubles of its past fade into history. Just a day trip away are the Giants' Causeway (a series of stone pillars that extends to Scotland) and the spectacular Antrim coast.

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.

Inverness/Loch Ness, Scotland - The Scottish Highlands are home to famous battles, historic castles and to an even more famous legendary sea monster: Nessie of Loch Ness. Explore Inverness' picturesque riverside on foot. You'll pass by the 18th-century Old High Church and the Castle of Inverness, built of red sandstone in 1863 on the site of an 11th-century fortress. Join a Loch Ness cruise to explore Culloden Battlefield, a windswept moor where the Jacobite's last stand took place in the 1760s. Seeking even deeper roots? See a 4,000-year-old burial site built by neolithic farmers at the Clava Cairns. Before you depart, toast your adventure with a wee dram of single-malt Scotch whisky, savoring its distinctive peaty aromas.