Southampton

The city centre is a charming mix of old city walls and a large modern shopping centre. With multiple restaurants, museums, cinemas and theatres there is plenty to be explored. Time spent at embarkation and disembarkation ports may be limited which may restrict availability of shore excursions.

St John's NF

En route from New England to Canada, this charming and historic port, St John's is the capital of Newfoundland and the oldest city in Canada. Dating back to the 16th century, its long heritage is reflected in some well-preserved historic buildings. As it is right by the easternmost point (Cape Spear) of North America, it has always been a busy port with many ships and travellers passing through. There is a real pioneer spirit about the place. In the winter, temperatures can fall to 40F below - hard to believe as you bask in the warmth of the summer or autumn sun. The surrounding country is exceptionally scenic and you can enjoy some spectacular walks, particularly around Cape Spear and nearby Petty Harbour.

Discover the beauty of the Copenhagen cruises while visiting the delightful Tivoli Gardens, where you can soar above the city in a hot air balloon suspended from a Ferris Wheel. Since it opened in 1843, the park has served as inspiration for the likes of Hans Christian Andersen and Walt Disney, and has been a haven for locals and visitors alike who flock to it for a magical escape. It’s captivating around the clock, but perhaps never more so than at night, when twinkling lights add to the charm. Stroll down leafy byways as dusk falls and hundreds of lights twinkle through the trees or in the shops and cafés of Stroget, Europe's longest pedestrianised shopping street.

Wonderful, wonderful Copenhagen was the adopted home of Hans Christian Andersen - commemorated in the waterfront sculpture of his Little Mermaid. And, true to the spirit of its most famous resident, Copenhagen embodies a Nordic fairytale magic all of its own.

With a variety of destinations to explore, cruises to Copenhagen have plenty to offer. Enjoy another stroll along the Nyhavn Canal, browsing the market stalls and looking at the fine old sailing ships moored near its banks. You will find more history at the magnificent Christiansborg Palace, the National Museum - home to fascinating Viking relics - and at Kronberg Castle - the former Elsinore of Shakespeare's 'Hamlet'.

Iles de la Madeleine, Canada

Although the Iles de la Madeleine (Magdalen Island) archipelago is floating in the middle of the massive Gulf of St Lawrence, it belongs to the province of Quebec. It offers an intoxicating mix of rich, island culture and vast natural spaces. This green archipelago has beautiful marine landscapes and an incredible coastline. It's filled with red cliffs, coastal lagoons and miles of windswept beaches. And it's home to hundreds of bird species. The Îles de la Madeleine offer a fascinating blend of Acadian, French and English cultures, formed in isolation over two centuries. The pace of life is slower and flows along. But the traditions are strong and apparent in the art galleries, museums and historic churches. Brightly painted commercial fishing boats lining the docks are testament to their typical regional cuisine, which features the flavours of the sea. You won't find any fresher snow crab, lobster, northern shrimp or shellfish anywhere.

Halifax, Canada

Halifax is the principal city of Nova Scotia and one of the most dramatically indented coastlines in the world. It is also one of the closest Canadian ports to Europe, hence its early prominence in transatlantic trade (Samuel Cunard was born here). For lovers of maritime history, a call at the cruise port Halifax will be one of the most memorable of a cruise around the USA's Eastern Seaboard and the Canadian Maritimes. When the Titanic hit an iceberg and sank in April 1912, the rescue and recovery operation was co-ordinated from Halifax, which became the last resting place for many of its victims. The city's fascinating Maritime Museum - set right on its waterfront - holds remnants of the ship, including a steamer chair. Equally interesting are the two- to three-hour 'Historic Halifax Downtown Walks', which leave from the International Visitor Centre on Sackville Street and show visitors the city's highlights, including the 19th century mansion of George Wright, one of the 33 millionaires who joined Titanic's maiden voyage.

Portland ME, USA

History, superb scenery and designer label bargain-packed factory outlet shopping - Portland in Maine has all the ingredients for the perfect New England cruise call. Just north of Boston and nestling on a peninsula in the delightful Casco Bay, Portland is the ideal place just to go wandering. From the restored waterfronts eclectic mix of pubs, restaurants, galleries and arty-crafty boutiques to the fascinating Victorian architecture of the town centre, it is as relaxing as it is entertaining. Just along the rugged coast at Cape Elizabeth is the worlds oldest permanently-operating lighthouse - the 18th century Portland Headlight. As you might expect, the views are just spectacular.

At Sea

Newport, United States

Fabulous mansions, fantastic scenery and the world famous ten mile Ocean Drive make Newport, Rhode Island a must see city. From the splendour of its palatial 'summer cottages' to its quaint colonial streets, inviting vineyards and numerous marinas. For a glimpse into gilded age living, visit Breakers - the most opulent and elegant mansion renowned for its intricate art and craftsmanship, or marvel at Marble Cottage - a social and architectural landmark and the first of Newport's grand residences. Both are laced with endless carpets of green lawn and beautifully manicured gardens. Miles of scenic coastline give it a rugged beauty ideal for sailing, riding and rejuvenating walks. For true nature lovers Newport's sanctuaries display a wide variety of bird life and for those who want to simply relax lagoon-like Gooseberry beach is the perfect location. Other famous landmarks include Trinity Church, Redwood Library and the Gothic Church of St. Mary's - where Jacqui and JFK were married.

Rockland, USA

Rockland is a laid-back call in mid-coast Maine with much to see and do at your leisure. Expect to eat local, delicious seafood and fresh lobster, the catch of every day thanks to the thriving fishing industry here (just one of Rockland’s claims to fame). Take your pick of pubs, try an oyster bar or lobster shack and you’ll even find award-winning restaurants, all within walking distance. The Breakwater Lighthouse and boardwalk around the working waterfront make for a lovely stroll. On a peaceful harbour trail you can see Red Maples, Norway spruce and Maine’s largest native North American Ohio Buckeye. In historic downtown where the trams once whizzed, a rich history is revealed. Learn of the lime quarries, once the lifeblood of Rockland, so named back in 1850 when early settlers built homes and shops along the shore. Here they farmed, fished and turned lumber from the forests into ships. Why not try some souvenir shopping on Main Street and the bespoke jewellery boutiques or go bargain hunting in the antique shops? Art galleries in Rockland include the Center for Maine Contemporary Art and Farnsworth Art Museum, which houses American art by local and global names such as Andrew Wyeth. Enjoy your day in this location acknowledged as ‘one of the best small towns in the country’.

At Sea

At Sea