Netherlands & Nordic Shores

Most famously known for its dramatic white-chalk towering cliffs, Dover is the nearest city to France across the English Channel. Its strategic location as a doorway into England has earned it the moniker “Key to England.” As the port was under constant threat because of its location, the massive Dover Castle overlooking the channel grew over the centuries to become the nation’s largest edifice and remains so today. Dover also served as a bastion and command center during World War II.

Amsterdam combines the unrivaled beauty of the 17th-century Golden Age city center with plenty of museums and art of the highest order, not to mention a remarkably laid-back atmosphere. It all comes together to make this one of the world's most appealing and offbeat metropolises in the world. Built on a latticework of concentric canals like an aquatic rainbow, Amsterdam is known as the City of Canals—but it's no Venice, content to live on moonlight serenades and former glory. Quite the contrary: on nearly every street here you'll find old and new side by side—quiet corners where time seems to be holding its breath next to streets like neon-lit Kalverstraat, and Red Light ladies strutting by the city's oldest church. Indeed, Amsterdam has as many lovely facets as a 40-carat diamond polished by one of the city's gem cutters. It's certainly a metropolis, but a rather small and very accessible one. Locals tend to refer to it as a big village, albeit one that happens to pack the cultural wallop of a major world destination. There are scores of concerts every day, numerous museums, summertime festivals, and, of course, a legendary year-round party scene. It's pretty much impossible to resist Amsterdam's charms. With 7,000 registered monuments, most of which began as the residences and warehouses of humble merchants, set on 160 man-made canals, and traversed by 1,500 or so bridges, Amsterdam has the largest historical inner city in Europe. Its famous circle of waterways, the grachtengordel, was a 17th-century urban expansion plan for the rich and is a lasting testament to the city’s Golden Age. This town is endearing because of its kinder, gentler nature—but a reputation for championing sex, drugs, and rock ’n’ roll does not alone account for Amsterdam's being one of the most popular destinations in Europe: consider that within a single square mile the city harbors some of the greatest achievements in Western art, from Rembrandt to Van Gogh. Not to mention that this is one of Europe's great walking cities, with so many of its treasures in the untouted details: tiny alleyways barely visible on the map, hidden garden courtyards, shop windows, floating houseboats, hidden hofjes(courtyards with almshouses), sudden vistas of church spires, and gabled roofs that look like so many unframed paintings. And don’t forget that the joy lies in details: elaborate gables and witty gable stones denoting the trade of a previous owner. Keep in mind that those XXX symbols you see all over town are not a mark of the city's triple-X reputation. They're part of Amsterdam's official coat of arms—three St. Andrew's crosses, believed to represent the three dangers that have traditionally plagued the city: flood, fire, and pestilence. The coat's motto ("Valiant, determined, compassionate") was introduced in 1947 by Queen Wilhelmina in remembrance of the 1941 February Strike in Amsterdam—the first time in Europe that non-Jewish people protested against the persecution of Jews by the Nazi regime.

Harlingen in the Netherlands is a port city on the Dutch Wadden Sea. The city has the only seaport in the province of Friesland. The old town is grouped around the old harbor, which consists of a bay cut deep into the land. The canals, typical for Holland, extend from there into the city. The numerous old houses exude the quaint atmosphere of an old trading and fishing town. Many of the houses that form the front line at the harbor show the typical brick facades with stepped gables. The baroque town hall from 1730 still has a tower from its 16th century predecessor, and the Grote Kerk (Great Church) was built from 1772 to 1775. However, it is not so much these individual buildings that make up the special atmosphere of Harlingen, but rather the overall ensemble of the harbor bay with the historic houses and the sailing yachts moored in front of it. The museum in the Hannemahuis shows a worth seeing exhibition about the fishing history of Harlingen.

In Kiel, delve into the extraordinary maritime history by visiting its namesake canal. The Kiel Canal is located at the root of the Jutland Peninsula near the border between Germany and Denmark and is among the world’s three major canals with the Suez and Panama Canals. The canal opened in 1895 and is now the world’s busiest artificial waterway, as it connects the North Sea to the Baltic Sea. Take the time to witness the Holtenau Locks at the northeastern terminus in action and see how the canal has been altered over the past century to accommodate more ships.

Please note: Navigation times may change at the Captain’s discretion.

Wismar, a charming UNESCO World Heritage town on Germany’s Baltic coast, was once a thriving Hanseatic trading hub—its legacy still echoing through beautifully preserved medieval architecture and a picturesque harborfront. Explore historic churches, quaint cobblestone streets, and local breweries offering authentic German beer. This hidden gem combines rich history with a vibrant small-town atmosphere, perfect for travelers seeking an off-the-beaten-path cultural experience.

By the 11th century, Copenhagen was already an important trading and fishing centre and today you will find an attractive city which, although the largest in Scandinavia, has managed to retain its low-level skyline. Discover some of the famous attractions including Gefion Fountain and Amalienborg Palace, perhaps cruise the city’s waterways, visit Rosenborg Castle or explore the medieval fishing village of Dragoer. Once the home of Hans Christian Andersen, Copenhagen features many reminders of its fairytale heritage and lives up to the reputation immortalised in the famous song ‘Wonderful Copenhagen’.

Skagen is a charming old seaside village nestled amid pristine dunes, picturesque moors and long sand beaches. During the Middle Ages, Skagen was known for its herring catch, and remains a major fishing center today. With the introduction of the railway, a group of impressionist painters discovered the area’s seascapes and soft evening light and journeyed here to found the Skagen Painters; their work is showcased at the small Skagens Museum. The lure of Skagen inspired royalty to visit: King Christian X was so taken with the setting that he built a summer residence here.

This hidden gem nestled within Norway’s enchanting landscapes is a harmonious blend of timeworn charm and natural splendor. As you wander through Fredrikstad’s cobblestone streets, you’ll be embraced by a rich history that dates back to the Renaissance era, evident in its well-preserved Old Town, Gamlebyen. This fortified town stands as one of the finest examples of ancient architecture in Northern Europe, its ramparts echoing tales of yesteryears. But it’s also a treasure trove of cultural delights. Embark on a culinary journey through vibrant local markets and cozy cafes, where traditional Norwegian dishes are reimagined with a modern twist. Dive into the local art scene, where galleries and exhibitions celebrate both contemporary artisans and storied craftsmen. In Fredrikstad, a turn at every corner unveils a new wonder, promising an expedition both awe-inspiring and enriching.

Nestling on the shores of the Glomma estuary, Fredrikstad captivates with its rich historical heritage, picturesque canals and warm atmosphere. Founded in 1567, the fortified old town still has traces of its rich past. Fall under the spell of its cobbled narrow streets, edged with traditional old wooden buildings, boutiques and lively cafes, and also discover the extremely well-preserved ramparts, built almost 5 centuries ago. Nature enthusiasts will also appreciate the magnificent hiking paths along the Oslo fjord and surrounding islands, such as Hankø, with its idyllic beaches and lush plains.