Belfast to Copenhagen

Before English and Scottish settlers arrived in the 1600s, Belfast was a tiny village called Béal Feirste ("sandbank ford") belonging to Ulster's ancient O'Neill clan. With the advent of the Plantation period (when settlers arrived in the 1600s), Sir Arthur Chichester, from Devon in southwestern England, received the city from the English Crown, and his son was made Earl of Donegall. Huguenots fleeing persecution from France settled near here, bringing their valuable linen-work skills. In the 18th century, Belfast underwent a phenomenal expansion—its population doubled every 10 years, despite an ever-present sectarian divide. Although the Anglican gentry despised the Presbyterian artisans—who, in turn, distrusted the native Catholics—Belfast's growth continued at a dizzying speed. The city was a great Victorian success story, an industrial boomtown whose prosperity was built on trade, especially linen and shipbuilding. Famously (or infamously), the Titanic was built here, giving Belfast, for a time, the nickname "Titanic Town." Having laid the foundation stone of the city's university in 1845, Queen Victoria returned to Belfast in 1849 (she is recalled in the names of buildings, streets, bars, monuments, and other places around the city), and in the same year, the university opened under the name Queen's College. Nearly 40 years later, in 1888, Victoria granted Belfast its city charter. Today its population is nearly 300,000, tourist numbers have increased, and this dramatically transformed city is enjoying an unparalleled renaissance.This is all a welcome change from the period when news about Belfast meant reports about "the Troubles." Since the 1994 ceasefire, Northern Ireland's capital city has benefited from major hotel investment, gentrified quaysides (or strands), a sophisticated new performing arts center, and major initiatives to boost tourism. Although the 1996 bombing of offices at Canary Wharf in London disrupted the 1994 peace agreement, the ceasefire was officially reestablished on July 20, 1997, and this embattled city began its quest for a newfound identity.Since 2008, the city has restored all its major public buildings such as museums, churches, theaters, City Hall, Ulster Hall—and even the glorious Crown Bar—spending millions of pounds on its built heritage. A gaol that at the height of the Troubles held some of the most notorious murderers involved in paramilitary violence is now a major visitor attraction.Belfast's city center is made up of three roughly contiguous areas that are easy to navigate on foot. From the south end to the north, it's about an hour's leisurely walk.

The Isle of Man, off England’s west coast (and Ireland’s east) needs no introduction. Its Celtic history is legendary, its political past labyrinthine and its national symbol – a three legged figure with neither body nor head – an enigma that has been foxing historians for centuries. Do not confuse the Isle of Man with the United Kingdom. It does have “crown dependency” similar to Jersey, but the 32-mile-long island is entirely self-governed. It changed hands between England and Scotland many times during the middle ages but fell under British rule in 1399. However, when the feudal lordship was revested in 1765, the island never became part of the United Kingdom. And has remained independent ever since.

Atmospheric cobbled streets with buskers scraping fiddles and characterful pubs inviting passersby inside is Dublin in a snapshot. Horse-drawn carriages plod along cobbled centuries-old streets blending with an easy-going cosmopolitan outlook. Known for its fun-filled gathering of pubs any excuse works to enjoy a celebratory toast and chat among good company. Home to perhaps the world's most famous beer - slurp perfect pourings of thick dark Guinness - cranked out for the city's thirsty punters. Learn more of the humble pint's journey at the Guinness Storehouse. Dublin has come along way since the Vikings established a trading port here back in the 9th Century. In the time since the city became the British Empire's defacto second city and the Georgian imprint still adds oodles of historic character. Learn of 1916's Easter Uprising when the Irish rebelled and established their independence here as you visit the infamous haunting Kilmainham Gaol. The uprising's leaders were tried and executed in these dark confines. Dublin's St. Patrick's Cathedral has immense history below its steep spire which dates back to 1191. There's rich literary heritage to leaf through too and the city's streets were rendered vividly in James Joyce's classic Ullyses. The Museum of Literature celebrates the full scope of Dublin's lyrical talents. Trinity College also has a prestigious roll-call of alumni - visit to see the Book of Kells a beautifully illustrated bible of the medieval era.

Liverpool is a maritime city in northwest England, where the River Mersey meets the Irish Sea. A key trade and migration port from the 18th to the early 20th centuries, it's also, famously, the hometown of The Beatles. Ferries cruise the waterfront, where the iconic mercantile buildings known as the "Three Graces" – Royal Liver Building, Cunard Building and Port of Liverpool Building – stand on the Pier Head.

Perched on a clifftop and stunningly picturesque Fishguard is considered the very heart of North Pembrokeshire. A small market town that almost seems untouched by time you’ll find clusters of quayside cottages family businesses selling local produce and plenty of Gaelic charm! Market day falls on a Saturday and although principally food there are some stalls selling local arts and crafts too. If you are not lucky enough to be visiting on market day the pretty high street has some lovely shops where you can easily while away a couple of hours. Known internationally as the place of the last invasion of Britain when the French landed in 1797 the village heaves with history. Historians will of course already know that the two-day invasion soon failed and the peace treaty was signed in the Royal Oak pub in the market square. The calm waters are perfect for kayaking while walkers will love the national parks that are filled with signposted trails for all levels of ability. Cyclist of all levels will also be pleased Fishguard and its surroundings do have a few hills but also lots of straight roads that offer a gentle visit of the stunning landscape. If all the activity gets too much for you then why not enjoy a delicious local welsh cake in one of the pretty cafes or head to the town hall and have a look at the 100 foot long Last Invasion Tapestry a humorous and entertaining story in a Bayeux tapestry style of the 1797 invasion of mainland Britain.

The capital city of Wales, Cardiff is a hub of entertainment. The city is popular for its history and bay area, as well as its cosmopolitan centre for shopping, eating and entertainment.

Falmouth is a town on the coast of Cornwall in southwest England. It’s known for its deep natural harbour on the Fal Estuary, and beaches like Swanpool and Gyllyngvase. The National Maritime Museum Cornwall has interactive galleries and a flotilla of model boats. On Pendennis Point, Pendennis Castle is a well-preserved 16th-century fortress built by Henry VIII. To the southwest, Trebah Garden has subtropical plants.

The Isle of Portland is a tied island, 6 kilometres long by 2.7 kilometres wide, in the English Channel. The southern tip, Portland Bill lies 8 kilometres south of the resort of Weymouth, forming the southernmost point of the county of Dorset, England. A barrier beach called Chesil Beach joins it to the mainland.

Rouen, a captivating port city in northern France, offering a delightful blend of history and charm. Explore the cobbled streets of the Old Town, visit the iconic Notre-Dame Cathedral, and immerse yourself in the city's maritime past at its fascinating museums. Follow in Claude Monet's footsteps and discover the inspiration behind his famous paintings. Enjoy the delectable flavors of Normandy's cuisine before reboarding your cruise ship. Rouen promises a memorable and enriching experience for all cruise travelers.

Rouen, a captivating port city in northern France, offering a delightful blend of history and charm. Explore the cobbled streets of the Old Town, visit the iconic Notre-Dame Cathedral, and immerse yourself in the city's maritime past at its fascinating museums. Follow in Claude Monet's footsteps and discover the inspiration behind his famous paintings. Enjoy the delectable flavors of Normandy's cuisine before reboarding your cruise ship. Rouen promises a memorable and enriching experience for all cruise travelers.

In 1895 work began to construct a new seaport and harbour next to the tiny village of Zeebrugge, situated on the North Sea coast. Today the fast-expanding port of Zeebrugge is one of the busiest in Europe and its marina is Belgium’s most important fishing port. Many attempts were made to destroy this important port during both World Wars. Zeebrugge is ideally located for discovering the historic city of Bruges, and delightful seaside resorts with long sandy beaches can be visited by using the trams that run the whole length of the Belgian coast. Please note that no food may be taken ashore in Belgium. We shall not be offering shuttle buses to Bruges, but you may visit the city on an optional excursion: those visiting Bruges should note that there may be quite a long walk from the coach to the town centre.

Bustling Rotterdam symbolizes the heart, courage and industry of the Dutch people. The city, a tribute to modern Dutch architecture and engineering, was almost destroyed in 1940 but has regained its position as one of the world’s largest ports. From the 14th to the 17th centuries, Rotterdam’s progress was more or less uninterrupted, and Dutch trade as well as colonizing expeditions to the East used the port as a base. With railroads coming to Rotterdam in the 18th and 19th centuries, the port expanded even more and transit trade grew. After 1940, nearly the entire city was rebuilt and since then more wealth has flowed in, largely as a result of Rotterdam’s growing petrochemicals industry and the trade through its huge port. Today, Rotterdam has the distinction as one of the few really modern cities in the Netherlands and as the country’s major transportation hub. History can be found at ancient Delfshaven in Rotterdam’s western district. Once a port in its own right, it was from here that the Speedwell left in 1620, carrying the small group of English Separatists, known later as the Pilgrims, to the New World. By contrast, modern architecture is represented in the city center where an intriguing series of cube-shaped dwellings balance on a tall stem. For art lovers there is no lack of outstanding art collections to be found in a number of fine museums, and philosophers recall Rotterdam as the city of Erasmus. Popular sights around town center can be explored on foot, while The Hague, Delft, historic Gouda and Amsterdam are just short drives away. A harbor cruise ranks high on the list of must-dos for most visitors to Rotterdam. Pier Information The ship is scheduled to dock at the Cruise Terminal located at the Holland America Quay. The city center (main street Coolsingle, site of the City Hall and Post Office) are a 15-20 minute drive from the port. Taxis are generally available at the pier. Shopping Rotterdam is touted as one of most sophisticated cities in this part of the world, and its shops reflect the city’s cosmopolitan outlook. In addition to typical Dutch handicrafts, you will find here designer clothing, jewelry, furniture and art. The main shopping areas include Lijnbaan, Binnenwegplain, Witte de Wittsraat and Oldebarneveltplaats. The local currency is the euro. Cuisine As a bustling, cosmopolitan city, Rotterdam offers a wide range of dining possibilities, from inexpensive food at roadside eateries to haute cuisine at elegant restaurants. Dutch delicatessens abound and there are numerous establishments that serve Indonesian, Chinese, Indian, African and Italian food. A special treat could be a luncheon at the new Euromast Brasserie, 300 feet above the ground with a 360 degree view of the world’s largest port and Rotterdam’s intriguing skyline (reservations required). Other Sites Prince Henry Maritime Museum Located at the head of the quay, the museum features exhibits devoted to the history and activity of the great port. Moored adjacent to the museum is the 19th-century Royal Dutch Navy warship De Buffel . Museum Boijmans van Beuningen Housed in a stunning building, the museum’s greatest attraction is the collection of old masters. View such treasures as Pieter Brueghel the Elder’s Tower of Babel to Peter Paul Rubens’ Nereid and Triton . The modern art section has a broad range, from Warhol and beyond, covering the period from 1850 to the present. In the museum café, you can see a fantastic collection of chairs, each by a different designer. Euromast The 605-foot-tall Euromast is one of the city’s most notable tourist attractions. For many years it was the highest building in Rotterdam. From the vantage point of the Euromast observation tower one can enjoy a great panoramic vista of the harbor and the city. New York Hotel At the very tip of Holland America Quay stands the former Holland America Line building, now converted into the New York Hotel. Many of the rooms still retain furnishings as a reminder of a bygone era. Private arrangements for independent sightseeing may be requested through the Tour Office on board.

Don't tell the residents of Göteborg that they live in Sweden's "second city," but not because they will get upset (people here are known for their amiability and good humor). They just may not understand what you are talking about. People who call Göteborg (pronounced YOO-teh-bor; most visitors stick with the simpler "Gothenburg") home seem to forget that the city is diminutive in size and status compared to Stockholm.Spend a couple of days here and you'll forget, too. You'll find it's easier to ask what Göteborg hasn't got to offer rather than what it has. Culturally it is superb, boasting a fine opera house and theater, one of the country's best art museums, as well as a fantastic applied-arts museum. There's plenty of history to soak up, from the ancient port that gave the city its start to the 19th-century factory buildings and workers' houses that helped put it on the commercial map. For those looking for nature, the wild-west coast and tame green fields are both within striking distance. And don't forget the food. Since its inception in 1983, more than half of the "Swedish Chef of the Year" competition winners were cooking in Göteborg.

Effortlessly cool and down to earth, Copenhagen is a contemporary, clean and classy highlight of Scandinavia. A city built to be liveable, Copenhagen has refused to compromise, resulting in a forward-thinking metropolis that’s green and clean. Swim in the waters of Havnebadet Islands during summer, or shelter from winter’s bite by snuggling in beside a roaring open fire during winter. You can even hop on a train to Sweden, traversing the famous span of a Nordic Noir star - the Öresund Bridge. It takes just a touch over half an hour to step off the train in Malmö. There’s only one way to truly explore Copenhagen and that’s on two wheels. Easy bike hire schemes will get you moving across this flat city, designed with bikes at the forefront of the mind. Choose a model with electronic assistance to take the strain out of any journey, giving you the freedom to whizz around and explore the modern angular architecture of the centre, and the pastoral colours of Nyhavn waterfront. Head out to the Little Mermaid statue, inspired by Hans Christian Andersen’s fairy tale - the strikingly-restrained statue is the perfect landmark for Copenhagen; unshowy, self-assured and utterly irresistible. The Danish concept of hygge is very much alive here, and you’ll feel that warm cosy feeling as you visit cafes illuminated by the warm glow of hanging filament bulbs, and stuffed to the brim with thick, dusty books. Home to mega-brewer Carlsberg, Copenhagen is also a city for hop enthusiasts, and there is a thriving craft brewing scene to sample. Danish Smørrebrød sandwiches are a must try, or for something a little more substantial, settle in for a culinary voyage and try a taster menu – the city’s restaurants are littered with Michelin stars.