Scottish Highlands & Route Of The Vikings

Glasgow was Scotland's great industrial centre during the 19th century and today, the city remains the commercial and cultural capital of the Lowlands. Lying on the banks of the River Clyde, Glasgow boasts some of the finest Victorian architecture in the entire United Kingdom. Ships will dock in Greenock which is a 45 minute drive from Glasgow.

Top Things to Do in Glasgow:

• admire the famed Glasgow Cathedral
• stroll through the Glasgow Botanic Garden
• cruise Loch Lomond
• visit the Kelvingrove Art Gallery and Museum

Greenock, the main port for Glasgow, is located approximately 40 kilometers (25 miles) from Glasgow's city center, about a 45-minute drive. Ships dock at the Greenock Ocean Terminal, providing direct access to the town of Greenock.

Northern Ireland's capital, Belfast, enjoys a wonderful setting of high hills, sea lough and river valley. Reborn as a cool, modern city, it has successfully left its troubles behind, emerging as a hotbed of culture and architecture, where the comfort of a cosy pub is never far away. Ships will dock in Belfast Harbour.

Top Things to Do in Belfast:

• visit the Titanic Belfast Museum
• see the basalt columns of Giant's Causeway
• explore the Hillsborough Castle and Gardens
• take a famous Black Taxi Tour
• travel along Ards Peninsula to Grey Abbey

Under the craggy, emerald peaks of the Scottish Highlands lies a tiny port town with a heart for adventure. Gaelic for 'little bay', Oban is a town of endless Victorian charm and elegance that fulfills your every dream of Scotland. Ships will anchor offshore and tenders will be provided to the shore.

Top Things to Do in Oban:

• ride the Jacobite Steam Train
• take a gondola up Aonach Mor
• stroll through the Arduaine gardens
• enjoy a scenic drive to Glencoe
• tour the Oban scotch whiskey distillery
  

Each Seabourn ship offers a choice of dining venues to suit your mood of the moment. All dining venues are complimentary, and nearly all are open-seating, inviting you to dine where, when, and with whom you wish. Complimentary fine wines are poured with lunch and dinner, and there is never an extra charge for any dining choice. You can even enjoy a meal in your suite or on your veranda.

Nestled between the Highlands and the Border Hills, Edinburgh is a gracious city noted for its superb skyline, its impressive collection of architecture and its beautiful parks. Here you'll find the best of central eastern Scotland: spectacular views, rolling hills and castles. Ships will dock at the Port of Leith Cruise Liner Terminal.

Top Things to Do in Edinburgh:

• explore the Edinburgh Castle
• visit the Holyroodhouse
• wander down the Royal Mile
• play a round at the worlds oldest golf course

Great Yarmouth, located on the eastern coast of England, is a seaside town with a rich maritime heritage and classic British beach resort charm. The town features a long, sandy beach alongside the famous Golden Mile, lined with amusement arcades, cafes, and shops, offering a nostalgic British seaside experience. The historic Pleasure Beach amusement park, dating back to 1909, continues to be a major attraction with its blend of vintage and modern rides.

For those interested in history, the award-winning Time and Tide Museum provides insights into Great Yarmouth’s past as a major fishing port and its development over the centuries. The restored Victorian town area, with its piers and market place, invites visitors to explore further,

London, a vibrant metropolis brimming with history and culture, is a must-visit destination for cruise travellers. Explore the historic Tower of London, witness the grandeur of Buckingham Palace, and stroll across the majestic Tower Bridge. Art enthusiasts will relish the treasures housed in the British Museum and Tate Modern.

Explore London's culinary diversity at Borough Market, where a variety of international flavors await. Be sure to visit the lively Covent Garden, renowned for its street performers and charming boutiques. From the tranquil Royal Parks to the vibrant West End theatres, London provides a captivating blend of British heritage and modern vitality.

Known as the 'Gateway to England', the southeastern town of Dover is the main transit port between the two sides of the English Channel. This quaint and uniquely British town is famous for its impressive white cliffs, which have inspired many a poet and playwright. Ships will dock at the Dover Cruise Terminal.

Transport to London from Dover is efficient with trains running regularly from Dover Priory station to London St Pancras International, with a journey time of around 1 hour and 30 minutes. You can walk from the station to the Cruise Terminals in about 25 minutes. This makes it convenient for cruise passengers to access the capital for day trips. Additionally, coach services connect Dover with various London locations, offering a budget-friendly option.

Anchor offshore and tender directly into the heart of Cowes, a charming town renowned for its sailing heritage. Explore Cowes' bustling High Street, filled with nautical boutiques, quaint cafes, and galleries.

Dive into the town's maritime history and vibrant sailing scene, or pay a visit to the Cowes Castle, home to the prestigious Royal Yacht Squadron.

For those keen to venture beyond Cowes, the island is home to iconic landmarks such as the Needles, Osborne House, and Queen Victoria’s summer residence, approximately 20 minutes away.

The Isle of Wight is a compact yet diverse destination, with picturesque landscapes, historic sites, and coastal walks, all within a short journey from Cowes.

Make yourself at home with delightful daily diversions that add to our fleet’s private yacht-like atmosphere. Embrace this moment and indulge – spending the day pampering yourself in the spa or soaking in a Pure Pampering ℠ bath drawn by your attentive suite host. Meditate upon the vast views that surround you from a yoga mat, the ship’s bow, or your private veranda.

Start your exploration of Dublin with a visit to Trinity College, home to the ancient Book of Kells. A stroll through the cobbled streets of Temple Bar reveals an array of lively pubs, quirky shops, and the fascinating Irish Film Institute.

History enthusiasts will appreciate the solemn beauty of Dublin Castle and the poignant exhibits at Kilmainham Gaol. For a taste of local flavor, visit the Guinness Storehouse to learn about Ireland's famous stout. End your day with a leisurely walk along the River Liffey, enjoying views of the Ha'penny Bridge and the city's charming Georgian architecture.

Cruise ships docking in Dun Laoghaire typically use the Dun Laoghaire Harbour, located about 12 kilometers (7.5 miles) south of Dublin. The journey to Dublin takes approximately 30 minutes by train or car. The port area itself is picturesque, featuring a beautiful harbor, Victorian piers, and the historic Dun Laoghaire Pavilion.

Cut into the northwestern shore of the Firth of Clyde in Scotland’s Argyll and Bute, Holy Loch gets its name from its long association with Christian churches. In Kilmun the 19th century church stands on a site where earlier ones are believed to date to the 6th or 7th Century. At Sandbank, the Robertson’s Yard built famous wooden 12- and 15-metre racing yachts from the late 19th through the mid-20th Century, including several America’s Cup challengers.

In World War II, Holy Loch was used by the Royal Navy as a submarine base, and during the Cold War the United States also used it as a base for its nuclear submarines. Nearby Dunoon, and its now-ruined castle, was the seat of Clan Campbell, later the Earls of Argyll, until they moved inland to build the castle at Inveraray. In fact, Mary Stuart, Queen of Scots, was an occasional guest there. You can also visit the Benmore Botanic Gardens, Inveraray Castle and Scotland’s second-largest city, Glasgow.

The Isle of Mull, situated off Scotland's west coast, is renowned for its picturesque landscapes and charming villages. Nature lovers will be captivated by the island's diverse wildlife, including eagles, otters, and whales. Explore the island’s rich history by viewing Duart Castle, the ancestral home of Clan Maclean, perched dramatically on a cliff overlooking the Sound of Mull.

Located at the northernmost tip of the lovely Isle of Mull, Tobermory has to be one of the most beautiful natural seaports on Scotland’s West Coast. Founded in 1788, this ancient fishing village has been converted to a leisure port highly appreciated today for its surroundings and the quiet charm it exudes.

Visitors will be won over by the row of many-storied houses on the hillside, illuminating the harbour with their vibrant colours. The town offers a museum dedicated to the local history, an art gallery, a 9-hole golf course and a whiskey distillery.

Colourful row houses and red-hulled fishing vessels line the shores of this picturesque port set on the edge of the Outer Hebrides. The gateway to Lewis and Harris Island, Stornoway is a short journey to a natural wonderland of mountains, craggy rocks, moorlands, meadows, and rugged coastlines. Ships will anchor offshore and tender guests to shore.

Top Things to Do in Stornoway:

• explore Lews Castle
• visit the Callanish Stones
• tour the Gearrannan Blackhouse Village
• cruise the Uig coastline in a RIB (boat)

Each Seabourn ship offers a choice of dining venues to suit your mood of the moment. All dining venues are complimentary, and nearly all are open-seating, inviting you to dine where, when, and with whom you wish. Complimentary fine wines are poured with lunch and dinner, and there is never an extra charge for any dining choice. You can even enjoy a meal in your suite or on your veranda.

Vestmannaeyjar or Westman Islands are an archipelago of 15 islands and 30 rock stacks off the south coast of Iceland.

The largest of the islands, Heimaey, is the only inhabited island of the group and is known for its steep Edfell volcano, grey sand beaches and its green prairies.

Located in the chilly and wild North Atlantic, it is common to see whales and seals in the surrounding waters. Puffins are also a common sight in summer, as the islands are considered as the largest Atlantic puffin colony in the world. Ships will dock in the main harbour.

Heimaey, the largest island in Iceland's Vestmannaeyjar archipelago, is renowned for its dramatic landscapes and rich history. The island is famous for the 1973 volcanic eruption of Eldfell, which reshaped its terrain and nearly buried the town. Visitors can explore the Eldheimar Museum to learn about this event and its impact on the local community.

Heimaey offers breathtaking natural beauty, with rugged cliffs that are home to thousands of puffins and other seabirds. The island's scenic hiking trails provide stunning views of the surrounding North Atlantic. The picturesque harbour, surrounded by volcanic peaks, is perfect for boat tours, offering close encounters with marine life like whales and seals.

Reykjavik, the vibrant capital of Iceland, offers a blend of natural beauty and cultural richness. Begin your day exploring the striking Hallgrímskirkja church, with its panoramic city views from the tower. Wander through the colorful streets of the Old Harbor, where you can find quirky shops, cozy cafes, and stunning views of Mount Esja.

Don't miss the Harpa Concert Hall, an architectural marvel on the waterfront, or a visit to the National Museum for a deep dive into Icelandic history. Recharge at one of Reykjavik's many geothermal pools, like the Blue Lagoon, just a short drive from the city. Wrap up your visit with a stroll along the scenic Sun Voyager sculpture, capturing the spirit of adventure and discovery.

Although remotely located in northwest Iceland and surrounded by ruggedly beautiful fjords, Isafjordur is surprisingly cosmopolitan. Surrounded on three sides by remarkable mountains jutting upwards around a gorgeous bay, this is one of the most beautiful places you’ll ever visit. Smaller ships will dock at this port, while larger ships will anchor offshore.

Top Things to Do in Isafjordur:

• visit the Osvor and Maritime Museums
• look for Puffins on Vigur Island
• journey to the Dynjandi waterfall
• cruise through the Glacier Fjords
  

Make yourself at home with delightful daily diversions that add to our fleet’s private yacht-like atmosphere. Embrace this moment and indulge – spending the day pampering yourself in the spa or soaking in a Pure Pampering ℠ bath drawn by your attentive suite host. Meditate upon the vast views that surround you from a yoga mat, the ship’s bow, or your private veranda.

Prince Christian Sound or Prins Christian Sund is a dramatically picturesque fjord in the south of Greenland with gorgeous glaciers, steep mountains reaching over 2,200 metres, crystal-clear waterfalls fed by the ice sheet and untouched wildlife.

Here, whales swim along the iceberg-dotted shores and bearded seals love to lie on the floating ice to soak up the sunshine.

Bright blue and purple flowers come out during the summer and visitors may get to witness an aurora borealis, a stunning light show put on by the polar night.

Nanortalik is located on a small island in the southern tip of Greenland. It is an adventurer's wonderland with vertical cliff walls, sheets of floating sea ice and a plethora of Arctic wildlife, including seals and Minke, humpback and fin whales. Sometimes polar bears can also be spotted on the offshore flow of ice. Ships will anchor offshore and tender guests to shore.

Top Things to Do in Nanortalik:

• visit the Nanortalik museum
• take a cruise amongst the ice bergs
• join a boat tour of the Tasermiut Fjord
• take a hike through the beautiful scenery

The largest town in southern Greenland, colourful Qaqortoq rises steeply over the fjord system around the city, offering breath-taking panoramic vistas of the surrounding mountains, deep, blue sea, Lake Tasersuag, icebergs in the bay, and pastoral backcountry. Ships will anchor offshore and tender guests to shore.

Top Things to Do in Qaqortoq:

• hike around Lake Tasersuaq
• visit the Norse ruins at Hvalsey Church
• tour the Qaqortoq Art Walk
• bathe in the hot springs on Uunartoq Island
• visit the Qaqortoq Museum
  

Make yourself at home with delightful daily diversions that add to our fleet’s private yacht-like atmosphere. Embrace this moment and indulge – spending the day pampering yourself in the spa or soaking in a Pure Pampering ℠ bath drawn by your attentive suite host. Meditate upon the vast views that surround you from a yoga mat, the ship’s bow, or your private veranda.

Newfoundland, an island in Canada, is known for its stunning coastal scenery and rich cultural heritage. The vibrant city of St. John’s, one of North America’s oldest, features colourful row houses, the iconic Signal Hill, and the historic Cabot Tower, offering panoramic views of the Atlantic Ocean.

Exploring beyond the city, visitors can discover Gros Morne National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage site with dramatic fjords, cliffs, and diverse wildlife. The island’s picturesque fishing villages, such as Twillingate, are perfect for whale watching and iceberg spotting. Newfoundland’s blend of natural beauty and unique culture makes it an unforgettable destination.

St. John's, the vibrant capital of Newfoundland and Labrador, is known for its colorful row houses and friendly streets. As the easternmost point in North America, this city offers breathtaking views from Signal Hill, where Marconi received the first transatlantic wireless signal.

For those interested in maritime history, the Rooms museum provides insights into the rich cultural heritage of Newfoundland and Labrador through extensive exhibits and artifacts. Nearby, Cape Spear Lighthouse stands as the continent's oldest surviving lighthouse, offering panoramic views of the Atlantic. Nature lovers can relish coastal walks that offer glimpses of icebergs, seabirds, and whales, depending on the season.

Saint Pierre and Miquelon, a small French archipelago near the coast of Newfoundland, Canada, exudes a unique blend of French charm and rugged North Atlantic beauty. This remote outpost of France offers a slice of Gallic culture, complete with quaint bistros, street-side cafés, and shops selling French goods. The islands’ colourful houses and the old-world feel of its capital, Saint-Pierre, transport visitors to a coastal town in Brittany or Normandy.

The natural surroundings are marked by stark, windswept landscapes, offering ideal conditions for hiking and bird watching. The rich waters around the islands are also popular for fishing and observing marine life, such as seals. Saint Pierre and Miquelon stand as a fascinating fusion of French culture and subarctic wilderness.

Each Seabourn ship offers a choice of dining venues to suit your mood of the moment. All dining venues are complimentary, and nearly all are open-seating, inviting you to dine where, when, and with whom you wish. Complimentary fine wines are poured with lunch and dinner, and there is never an extra charge for any dining choice. You can even enjoy a meal in your suite or on your veranda.

Saguenay is distinguished by its dramatic landscape, where lush forests meet the fjord’s steep cliffs. This region is famous for the Saguenay Fjord, one of the world’s longest, offering breathtaking views and opportunities for whale watching. The fjord itself is a powerful presence in the city’s identity, influencing local culture and outdoor activities.

Cultural enrichment is plentiful in Saguenay, with the La Pulperie de Chicoutimi / Regional Museum providing insights into the area's historical industry and art. For those keen on performance arts, the Théâtre Banque Nationale offers a variety of shows that enhance the local cultural scene. Discover the natural and cultural offerings in the heart of Quebec’s wilderness and heritage during this port of call in Saguenay.

Few places in North America are as steeped in history as Québec City. Founded before the Pilgrims landed at Plymouth Rock, it boasts intact fortifications, a rarity north of Mexico. The historic district, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, houses 17th-century religious orders and hospitals. Stroll through Place-Royale, a familiar sight to explorer Samuel de Champlain, now dotted with modern shops and cafés.

On the Plains of Abraham, walk the battlefield where French forces under Montcalm were defeated by the British in 1759. Despite this, French culture thrives, with over 95% of residents speaking French. Discover this vibrant culture through museums, historic sites, and distinctive cuisine.

Montreal, Quebec's largest city, stands out as a centre of culture and history, reflecting a dynamic blend of French and English influences. The city's heart beats strongest in its old quarter, Vieux-Montréal, where cobbled streets and historic buildings create a European ambiance. Notable landmarks include Notre-Dame Basilica, with its intricate interior, and the bustling Place Jacques-Cartier.

Montreal is also celebrated for its culinary scene, from classic poutine to innovative fine dining, drawing on its diverse cultural heritage. The city hosts numerous festivals throughout the year, such as the famous Montreal Jazz Festival, which transforms the streets into vibrant venues for live music, demonstrating Montreal's lively spirit and its residents' love for celebration.