Solar Eclipse Collectors' Voyage: Northern Europe

Embark from the storied cliffs of Dover, where the iconic White Cliffs stand as silent sentinels to England's maritime legacy.

The romantic Rhine River flows down from the Swiss Alps and meanders through central and Western Europe until it reaches the North Sea.

History was made in this port, just across the Firth of Forth from Rosyth, when the future Queen Margaret of Scotland arrived around 1071. Her devout religious attitude established 'Queen's Ferry' as the place for pilgrims from abroad to alight on their way to St. Andrews—Scotland's ecclesiastical capital in the Middle Ages. Margaret's legacy continues less than a dozen miles away at Edinburgh Castle. A key attraction up on the castle's rock is St. Margaret's Chapel, believed to be the oldest section of the fortifications and the place where she worshipped. There's more to Scotland's capital than the Castle, though. Edinburgh proudly displays multiple exhibits on national and international scientific achievement at the National Museum of Scotland, as well as some fantastic works of visual art at the National Galleries of Scotland. South Queensferry's moorings are also within easy striking distance of Scotland's largest metropolis: the city of Glasgow. Transformed in many ways since the post–WWII days when it had a reputation for grime and crime, the city is among the most vibrant in the U.K.: It is Scotland's de-facto capital of modern culture, with the hippest DJs and most accomplished conceptual artists.

Stornoway, the largest town in Scotland's Outer Hebrides, sits proudly on the Isle of Lewis.

The largest town on Skye - located in the Inner Hebrides of Scotland - this port's harbor is fringed by steep cliffs and the town's Gaelic heritage in evident in the local attractions. Harry Potter fans will recognize that the town is home to the fictional Pride of Portree. Everything is a short stroll away within Portree, and nearby Glasgow provides further opportunities for exploration. The mountainous Isle of Skye provides breathtaking vistas from nearly every destination. Play a round of golf in nearby Sconser or go pony trekking at Skeabost. Skye is also the ideal place for fishing and bird watching. Sample the local whisky at Talisker Distillery in Carbost or simply find a quiet spot to admire the views.

Belfast, the dynamic capital of Northern Ireland, blends a rich historical tapestry with a vibrant contemporary pulse.

Dive into the historic maritime splendour of Liverpool, the iconic port city that’s a portal to vast, seafaring journeys.

Dublin, Ireland's capital, is a city of literary legends, historic landmarks and vibrant street life.

Corkonians are fiercely proud of their hometown, so much so that it’s jokingly referred to as the People’s Republic of Cork. And there is a lot to love about Ireland’s second city. Hugging the banks of the River Lee, it takes its name from corcaigh, the Gaelic word for "marshy." With its origins in the 7th century, Cork enjoyed a flourishing period as a merchant center in the 18th and 19th centuries, with grand buildings like the elegant Cork City Hall bearing testimony to this status. On the north bank of the River Lee is the quaint neighborhood of Shandon with its landmark clock tower of St. Anne’s Church. The city’s heart is set on an island sandwiched between two channels of the Lee that open out into one of Europe's largest natural harbors at Cobh. Cobh brought the city prosperity (and also happened to be the final port of call for the ill-fated RMS Titanic). And it was from Cobh that over 2.5 million immigrants caught their final glimpse of their home country as they departed in search of a better life in the United States between 1848 and 1950. There’s a more modern side to Cork, with a thriving university quarter, pubs, bars and restaurants. Whatever your interests, you will find a side of Cork to love too.

Embark from the storied cliffs of Dover, where the iconic White Cliffs stand as silent sentinels to England's maritime legacy.

The romantic Rhine River flows down from the Swiss Alps and meanders through central and Western Europe until it reaches the North Sea.

One of southern Norway's most picturesque attractions. Take a walk among the white wooden houses, or visit the variety of shops. You'll discover the town's interesting geometric layout designed during the Renaissance.

In the shadow of snowy peaks and near stunning blue-green fjords, Eidfjord is considered by many to be one of the most beautiful villages in Norway. Even though it has a population of less than 1,000, scores of visitors come here each year to bask in the area's natural splendor. Hardangervidda, near Eidfjord, is Europe's largest mountain plateau as well as Norway's largest national park. Interestingly, the legendary polar explorer Roald Amundsen, who led the first expedition to reach the South Pole, and Fridtjof Nansen, who made the first successful crossing of the Greenland interior, both used Hardangervidda to prepare for their expeditions. Walking, hiking, cycling and cross-country skiing are popular, and the area is home to Europe's largest population of wild reindeer. Numerous canyons, including the famous Måbødalen Valley, lead south from the Hardangervidda plateau to the fjords along the coast, and about 16 kilometers (10 miles) south of Eidfjord, visitors can see the dramatic 182-meter-tall (597-foot-tall) Vøringfossen waterfall. In the center of Eidfjord stands the 14th-century stone Eidfjord Kirke, while outside town the famous Kjeåsen Mountain Farm sits on a ledge some 600 meters (1,968 feet) above the Simadalsfjord.

Nestled amid the pristine landscapes of Norway lies Hardangerfjord, a breathtaking ribbon of sapphire waters flanked by majestic cliffs and cascading waterfalls.

Nestled along Norway's southwestern coast, Stavanger offers a riveting fusion of natural beauty and rich history.

Nestled in the East Fjords of Iceland, Seydisfjordur is a picturesque village where multi-coloured wooden houses are framed by snow-capped mountains and crystalline waterfalls.

Djúpivogur, a quiet fishing village with fewer than 500 residents, sits on the eastern coast of Iceland and dates back to the days of the Vikings. Despite the fearsome reputation of those who first established Djúpivogur, today what draws visitors to this remote corner of the country is its dramatic natural setting. Located on Berufjörður, it is near stunning natural wonders like the Hofellsjökull Glacier and the Valley of Waterfalls. Wherever you journey in the region, you'll come upon stunning vistas and a landscape shaped by glaciers and geothermal activity. The village itself is home to intriguing sites like Langabúð, a log house built in 1790 that now houses artifacts related to Iceland’s long-held folk traditions. (These include a belief in “hidden folk” who live in the ancient windswept landscapes of rock, glacier and lava.) You can also journey to nearby Papey Island and meet some of eastern Iceland's seabird population including cute and quirky puffins. These birds are so beloved in Iceland that they were long the symbol of the national airline and actually outnumber the country's human population by some 25 to 1.

Nestled at the head of Iceland's longest fjord, Akureyri is a charming gateway to the natural wonders of the north.

Ísafjörður, the heart of the Westfjords in Iceland, is a gem hidden by towering mountains and enchanting fjords.

Nestled on the northern shores of the Snæfellsnes Peninsula, Grundarfjörður is a scenic Icelandic gem, embraced by dramatic landscapes.

Paamiut formerly Frederikshab With more time at sea and more out-of-the-way ports, there’s much to explore—both on and off your ship. Discover the medieval art of Cherbourg. Stroll the gardens of Madeira. Relax and enjoy yourself.

Nuuk, formerly known as Gothab, is Greenland's modern capital, with a university, cafes, museums, buses and shops. When in this small metropolis of 14,000, you'll find that you are never far from nature—eagles glide majestically over glaciated peaks, and late, late sunsets are illuminated by the mysterious Northern Lights.

Sail past majestic whales and between immense icebergs as you cruise the serene waters that surround Greenland.

Sail past majestic whales and between immense icebergs as you cruise the serene waters that surround Greenland.

Heimaey, the largest island of Iceland's Westman archipelago, emerges from the North Atlantic's embrace with a story of resilience and natural splendour.

Reykjavík, the world's northernmost capital, offers a striking blend of icy landscapes and fiery volcanic activity.

Situated on the picturesque island of Eysturoy, the small village of Runavík is your gateway to the Faroe Islands. This ethereal archipelago and autonomous region of Denmark lies in the North Atlantic between Scotland, Iceland and Norway. Explore the islands’ pastoral landscapes, dotted with colorful cottages, grass roofed wooden churches, Viking stone farmhouses, and sheep grazing on green pastures of scotch heather.

Stornoway, the largest town in Scotland's Outer Hebrides, sits proudly on the Isle of Lewis.

Invergordon, nestled in the heart of the Scottish Highlands, is a picturesque port town known for its deep maritime history and stunning natural beauty.

History was made in this port, just across the Firth of Forth from Rosyth, when the future Queen Margaret of Scotland arrived around 1071. Her devout religious attitude established 'Queen's Ferry' as the place for pilgrims from abroad to alight on their way to St. Andrews—Scotland's ecclesiastical capital in the Middle Ages. Margaret's legacy continues less than a dozen miles away at Edinburgh Castle. A key attraction up on the castle's rock is St. Margaret's Chapel, believed to be the oldest section of the fortifications and the place where she worshipped. There's more to Scotland's capital than the Castle, though. Edinburgh proudly displays multiple exhibits on national and international scientific achievement at the National Museum of Scotland, as well as some fantastic works of visual art at the National Galleries of Scotland. South Queensferry's moorings are also within easy striking distance of Scotland's largest metropolis: the city of Glasgow. Transformed in many ways since the post–WWII days when it had a reputation for grime and crime, the city is among the most vibrant in the U.K.: It is Scotland's de-facto capital of modern culture, with the hippest DJs and most accomplished conceptual artists.

Embark from the storied cliffs of Dover, where the iconic White Cliffs stand as silent sentinels to England's maritime legacy.