Europe
Baltic Sea
An increasingly popular travel alternative to the Mediterranean, the Baltic Sea has benefitted from the gradual opening of former Soviet Republics as well as the Scandinavian destinations that have always been mainstays in the region. Enclosed by the shores of Sweden, Denmark, Finland, Germany, Poland, Latvia, Lithuania, Estonia, and Russia, this historically vital waterway has long held strategic importance and prominence in northern Europe. For tourists, it provides a maritime highway to discover the riches of this beautiful and diverse corner of the world.
British Isles
In the British Isles, you’re never more than 70 miles away from the nearest shore, a perfect reason to discover this slice of Europe aboard a cruise ship. Comprised of Great Britain, Ireland, and numerous offshore islands (including the Isle of Man, the Channel Islands, the Orkney Isles, the Outer Hebrides, and the Shetland Isles), this region is home to England, Scotland, Wales, Northern Ireland, and the Republic of Ireland. Rich in culture and history, beautiful landscapes, breathtaking castles, and world-class cities, the British Isles offer a varied cruise experience for travelers of all interests.
Canary Islands
Legend has it that the Canary Islands are the only remnants of the long-lost kingdom of Atlantis. What’s certainly not a myth is that this Spanish archipelago located off the southwestern coast of Morocco, Africa has long attracted visitors, thanks to its pleasant weather, enchanting locals, striking landscapes, alluring culture and, of course, abundance of beaches. The seven main islands of the archipelago—Gran Canaria, Tenerife, Lanzarote, Fuerteventura, La Palma, La Gomera, and El Hierro – welcome travelers with their distinctive charms
European Coast
Standing at the western edge of the continent, the Atlantic coasts of Europe have served throughout history as the access points to the riches of the Old World and the gateway to New Worlds. Washing the shores of Portugal, Spain, France, and Belgium, these very coasts have witnessed Viking invasions, intrepid explorers in search of routes to Asia and the Americas, and the turning point in the fortunes of World War II. Shaped by the elements and the customs of the diverse cultures that call this region home, the European Coast offers a fascinating microcosm of the continent; one that’s rich in history, art, dramatic landscapes, first-rate cuisine, and charming cities.
North Europe
From the elaborate system of canals and waterways in Amsterdam to the intriguing geothermal-rich sceneries of Iceland, discovering northern Europe is a treat for all the senses. Some of Europe’s most cosmopolitan and historic cities lie in this region, along with the most extreme and striking landscapes the continent has to offer. Covering the Netherlands, northern Germany, Denmark, Norway, the Faroe Islands, and Iceland, northern Europe provides a worthy destination alternative to Europe’s warmer zones
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Norwegian Fjords
Norse mythology regarded fjords as gifts from the gods. Although nowadays it is widely accepted that glacial erosion is responsible for creating them, it’s hard to blame anyone for attributing a divine origin to these stunning natural landmarks. Striking waterfalls plummeting down rocky cliffs surrounded by thick forests and verdant meadows, colorful villages on the shores of cobalt-blue waters, and majestic glaciers defiantly cutting through the landscape paint the typical postcard beauty of this Scandinavian nation. More than a thousand fjords carve the coasts of Norway, from the southwestern ends of the country to the frigid reaches past the Arctic Circle.
