Reykjavik to Lisbon

Formed by volcanic eruptions and settled by Norse Vikings, Iceland is an unforested land of volcanoes, hot springs, mountains, glaciers and northern lights. While its preserved language remains, this is a forward-thinking, eco-friendly country and Reykjavik is its capital where 60% of the population lives. Europe’s second largest island is known for whale watching and its ancient maritime history.

A day at sea with Crystal can be as relaxed or as engaging as you wish. Begin with breakfast on your veranda, take a walk along the Promenade Deck or spend the morning by the Seahorse Pool before retreating to the Aurōra Spa & Salon for a restorative treatment. Enrichment is always close at hand, with lectures, bridge, creative workshops, dance classes, wellness sessions and opportunities to fine tune skills from photography to golf.

Dining is a highlight throughout the day, from relaxed bites by the pool to elegant dinners at venues such as Umi Uma by Nobu, Beefbar or Waterside. As evening arrives, enjoy live music, theatre entertainment, comedy, social gatherings, cocktails in the lounges or a quiet night in with 24-hour in-suite dining.

Tórshavn, named after the Norse god Thor and the most populous of the Faroe Islands, is one of the smallest capitals in the world. Here, classic grass turfed-roof houses and modern buildings stand side by side. This capital may be small in size but Tórshavn's beauty lies in its abundance of mountains and valleys, culinary delights, impressive art scene and an unapologetic love for football---here, Soccer is king.

A place of contrasts and balance, Kirkwall offers the high points of a large Scottish city – stellar local shopping and impressive historical sites like the St. Magnus Cathedral and ruins of the Bishop’s Palace and Earl’s Palace – as well as the charms of a small village. It is a relatively quiet ferry landing town that is also an excellent example of an ancient Norse settlement, making Kirkwall itself a living museum.

Gateway to Edinburgh, this deepwater anchorage has a tender dock flanked by quayside shops and cafes. A former fishing community, Newhaven harbour dates to the 1480s; today the town has merged with cosmopolitan Leith where you’ll find sourdough bakeries, art studios, chic bars, and some of Scotland’s best chefs at work. It’s also home to Britannia, the former Royal Yacht, now museum, that hosted the British royal family on foreign travels for almost 50 years before being decommissioned in 1997. A modern tram service connects Newhaven, Leith, and the historic sights of Edinburgh in 20 minutes.

A day at sea with Crystal can be as relaxed or as engaging as you wish. Begin with breakfast on your veranda, take a walk along the Promenade Deck or spend the morning by the Seahorse Pool before retreating to the Aurōra Spa & Salon for a restorative treatment. Enrichment is always close at hand, with lectures, bridge, creative workshops, dance classes, wellness sessions and opportunities to fine tune skills from photography to golf.

Dining is a highlight throughout the day, from relaxed bites by the pool to elegant dinners at venues such as Umi Uma by Nobu, Beefbar or Waterside. As evening arrives, enjoy live music, theatre entertainment, comedy, social gatherings, cocktails in the lounges or a quiet night in with 24-hour in-suite dining.

With a name that literally means, "the Harbor," Le Havre is indeed a city that grew out of a need for a working port. In the early 16th century, the harbor at Honfleur was silting up, rendering the port less and less usable. King Francois I had a solution: establish another harbor on the right bank of the Seine estuary, just 15 miles from Honfleur. So it came to pass that in 1517, Le Havre was built. Though it always had a military function, Le Havre flourished essentially as a commercial port, receiving cotton, tobacco and sugar from America and distributing the goods throughout France. But its military role was expanded in the 17th century when the harbor was converted to a naval base. In WWII, Le Havre was pressed into even greater military service as it became a stronghold on the continent. The city you see today is mostly post-war construction-much of Le Havre was destroyed during the war. Its reconstruction was overseen by architect Auguste Perret. Its commercial rebirth was spurred by the bustling port activity that began in the 1960s, and continues today.

Within its fortified walls, this city of bustling shops, cafés and bars is home to the highest concentration of seafood restaurants in Europe. Heavily bombed during World War II, it was lovingly restored to its original splendor. The city's top destination is the citadel, from where Corsairs would raid enemy ships in the name of the King. Be sure to take a stroll atop the ramparts for magical views, and save time for a journey to the medieval Mont St-Michel abbey.

Whether you see it from the hills above, the water below or the narrow tangle of streets that wind within, the town of Fowey is simply charming. This quaint Cornish town boasts a 14th century parish church, with a traditional bell tower that peeks out from behind the colorful buildings that gather around it. Situated at the mouth of the river Fowey, this fishing town has a picturesque waterfront and the remains of a small castle sitting above Readymoney Beach.

This pretty fishing village, set on a glorious sheltered beach, is a great example of what makes the sunny southern coast of Ireland so appealing. Whether you want to get out on the water or explore on land, there’s plenty to do. Enjoy a long walk along the rust-colored cliffs, soaking up the sea views as you go. Hire a kayak or paddleboard to explore calm coves and little inlets, and refresh yourself afterwards with a cool drink at a waterfront pub, where you can enjoy a taste of Ireland’s famed hospitality. And don’t miss a visit to the Waterford factory and visitors center, where you can admire the world’s largest collection of the renowned crystalware, and pick up a piece or two for yourself as a memento of your trip.

At the heart of Holyhead is St. Cybi's Church, situated inside one of Europe's only three-walled Roman forts. Indeed, local history stretches back to Roman and Prehistoric times. Explore maritime history at a museum highlighting the 100 or so shipwrecks that have occurred in the vicinity, or make the trek to the South Stack Lighthouse, which stands guard over an area popular with birdwatchers.

The Isle of Man, nestled in the Irish Sea, is a treasure trove of natural beauty, history, and folklore. This island captivates with its rugged coastline, medieval castles, and quaint villages. Although famed for the TT motorcycle race, there’s much more to explore here, from the ancient Celtic and Viking heritage at sites like Peel Castle to the tranquil beauty of the Manx countryside.

The island's extensive network of heritage railways provides a unique perspective on its scenic landscapes, while the Manx Museum in Douglas offers insights into the island's 10,000-year history. With its commitment to preserving its natural and historical sites, the Isle of Man offers a blend of adventure and tranquility that will charm and delight.

Tucked between Ireland and England lies the little known (and even lesser visited) Isle of Man. Don’t be surprised if you have not heard of this little island – with a population of less than 85,000, this stunning maritime jewel nestled within the Irish Sea heaves is fairly far off the beaten track. The Isle of Man’s picturesque capital, Douglas, offers visitors a nostalgic link to the past, so enjoy its seamless blend of history, culture, and coastal allure. From its seafront promenade to the historic architecture that graces its streets, Douglas offers a captivating glimpse into the island's character, and no one can be dispointed with the stunningly pretty harbor that pulses with life with fishing boats and yachts comfortably coexisting or the authentic Horse Tramway, where visitors to the island can take a leisurely ride along the coast. As you wander the streets, the presence of the Isle of Man's rich history envelops you. Explore the Manx Museum, where artifacts and exhibits unveil tales of ancient Celts, Vikings, and more.

Known for being the birthplace of the Beatles, the city offers many different attractions dedicated to this iconic band. Liverpool is also home to the stunningly original Anglican cathedral, considered the biggest in Britain, and of the famous dish known as “scouse,” which you can enjoy in multiple restaurants across the city.

A day at sea with Crystal can be as relaxed or as engaging as you wish. Begin with breakfast on your veranda, take a walk along the Promenade Deck or spend the morning by the Seahorse Pool before retreating to the Aurōra Spa & Salon for a restorative treatment. Enrichment is always close at hand, with lectures, bridge, creative workshops, dance classes, wellness sessions and opportunities to fine tune skills from photography to golf.

Dining is a highlight throughout the day, from relaxed bites by the pool to elegant dinners at venues such as Umi Uma by Nobu, Beefbar or Waterside. As evening arrives, enjoy live music, theatre entertainment, comedy, social gatherings, cocktails in the lounges or a quiet night in with 24-hour in-suite dining.

The sea has always defined Brest, in a sheltered bay on the westernmost finger of Brittany. A harbour for ships since Roman times, its strategic importance in World War II was the reason 90 per cent of it was bombed by the Allies. Remarkably, the castle overlooking the harbour survived (today it houses a marine museum), while the rest of the city was rebuilt on a modern chequerboard pattern. But it’s the sea that draws the eye, from the jumble of ports and quays to the futuristic Oceanopolis, which plunges you into the wonders of marine life, with penguins, tropical lagoons, and shark tanks to see.

This salty-aired town on the banks of the Loire estuary is within pebble-skimming distance of Brière Regional Nature Park, one of the largest wetlands in France. Hop aboard a traditional flat-bottomed chaland boat to be punted quietly through the patchwork of water meadows, keeping an eye out for bluethroats and herons in the reeds. Just as head-turning are the nearby modern-art installations that are revealed with the tide: a 130-metre-long steel serpent slinks out of the waves at Mindin and a towering woollen jumper carved from concrete hunkers down near the harbourmaster's office in Saint-Nazaire. Unexpected finds on France's Atlantic coast.

Known as the Port of the Moon for the graceful curve of its harbor, the UNESCO-listed city of Bordeaux showcases some of the finest culture, cuisine, and architecture of southwest France. Surrounded by prestigious vineyards – including Médoc, Saint-Émilion, and Sauternes – the city is a paradise for oenophiles. Learn about the history of wine at La Cité du Vin, a state-of-the-art museum that’s appropriately shaped like a wine decanter, before setting off to the vineyards for an afternoon of wine tasting. Or, simply amble around the city, strolling along the River Garonne, admiring the gothic spires of Cathédrale St-André, and stopping for oysters and a glass of wine at the Marché des Capucins.

Home to Frank Gehry’s Guggenheim Museum, this bustling city epitomizes the merger of modernity and history. Gateway to the Cantabrico Sea from the plateau of Castilla, Bilbao has flourished from the middle ages as a busy port. Today, the city is renowned for its vital exuberance, as modern architects erect new buildings next to 19th-century structures.

A day at sea with Crystal can be as relaxed or as engaging as you wish. Begin with breakfast on your veranda, take a walk along the Promenade Deck or spend the morning by the Seahorse Pool before retreating to the Aurōra Spa & Salon for a restorative treatment. Enrichment is always close at hand, with lectures, bridge, creative workshops, dance classes, wellness sessions and opportunities to fine tune skills from photography to golf.

Dining is a highlight throughout the day, from relaxed bites by the pool to elegant dinners at venues such as Umi Uma by Nobu, Beefbar or Waterside. As evening arrives, enjoy live music, theatre entertainment, comedy, social gatherings, cocktails in the lounges or a quiet night in with 24-hour in-suite dining.

This picturesque city is popular for its colorful tile-decorated buildings, its many hills and the iconic bridges by the Douro River. For an authentic Portuguese experience, go to the Ribeira neighborhood and cross the Dom Luis I bridge to watch the magical sunset among the locals.

From Moorish walls and Manueline carvings to elaborate azulejo tiles and Gothic arches – the traces of Lisbon’s rich history can be seen and felt simply by wandering its storied (and rather hilly) streets. But Europe’s second-oldest city is also one of its most cosmopolitan, and amid historic landmarks like Jerónimos Monastery and São Jorge Castle, you’ll find chic rooftop bars with views across red terracotta rooftops and the sparkling Tagus river, design-led concept stores selling artisanal souvenirs, and stylish restaurants serving up inventive takes on local ingredients.