Southampton to Tromsø

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.

Your cruise is about to begin! It's time to make your way to Southampton, if you haven't already. To reach Southampton from London, you can take a train from London Waterloo to Southampton Central, with the journey taking around 1.5 hours - that's approximately 128 km's (80 miles). Alternatively if you're travelling by coach or have arranged a private transfer, please allow around 2 hours for the journey. Once in Southampton, the cruise terminals are within a short taxi ride from the station.

For many visitors Tresco is the most attractive of the Isles of Scilly. This is especially due to its Abbey Garden, which is home to thousands of exotic plant species from around 80 different countries. Plant collector Augustus Smith began the gardens in the 1830s on the site of an old Benedictine Abbey by channelling the weather up and over a network of walled enclosures built around the Priory ruins. He had three terraces carved from the rocky south slope and maximised Tresco’s mild Gulf Stream climate. Even in mid-winter there still are hundreds of plants flowering here. Another surprising attraction at the Abbey Garden is the collection of figureheads from ships that wrecked among the Isles of Scilly.

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.

Port St Mary is a picturesque harbour village. Ships anchor offshore, requiring a tender to reach the port. The village is a short, leisurely walk from the tender drop-off point, and exudes charm right away. With no dedicated cruise terminal, the experience feels uniquely intimate and local. The historic Castle Rushen in Castletown is only approximately 10km (6 miles) away, while the Laxey Wheel, the world's largest working waterwheel, presents a marvel of Victorian engineering.

Known as the 'cradle of Christianity', Iona has an atmosphere of peace and tranquillity, enhanced by green fields and sandy beaches fringed with intense blue-green seas that look more Mediterranean than Scottish. 

The island's main attraction is its medieval abbey, established by Saint Columba when he arrived from Ireland in 563. The abbey is a fine example of ecclesiastical architecture dating from the Middle Ages and it also serves as an important site of spiritual pilgrimage. Many kings of Scotland, including the legendary Macbeth, are buried in the nearby cemetery.

The stunning Isle of Lunga is the largest island in the Treshnish archipelago. With volcanic origin the isle was populated until the 19th Century, and remains of black houses can be seen around this magnificent coastal jewel. Abundant plant life and exotic birdlife are now the main inhabitants of the area. Fortunate visitors view the magnificent array of birds, especially the great puffins that breed on the islands plateau. One can sit within just a few feet away without disturbing the avian ambassador’s peace. The 81 hectare island is home to many rare and endangered plants such as, primroses and orchids. Views over the landscape and across the ocean can be seen from the 300 foot high cliffs.

The Isle of Canna, the westernmost of the Small Isles in Scotland, is a serene and compact haven known for its rich history and natural beauty. Owned by the National Trust for Scotland, this peaceful island offers an array of archaeological sites, from ancient Celtic crosses to the remnants of Viking settlements.

Birdwatchers are particularly drawn to Canna for its significant populations of seabirds.

With just a few hours to explore, visitors can easily traverse the island’s gentle hills and enjoy panoramic views of the surrounding seas. The tranquil beaches and clear waters also invite leisurely strolls and picnics, making Canna a delightful retreat from the hustle of modern life.

Gloriously remote, the archipelago of St. Kilda towers out of the storm tossed waters of the Atlantic Ocean. The islands are the UK's only dual UNESCO World Heritage Site. They have some of the highest cliffs in Europe, which have large colonies of rare and endangered species of birds, especially puffins and gannets.

Uninhabited since 1930, the islands bear the evidence of more than 2,000 years of human occupation in the extreme conditions prevalent to the area. Human vestiges include built structures and field systems, the cleits and the traditional Highland stone houses.

Boreray Island, part of Scotland's remote St Kilda archipelago, stands as a sentinel in the Atlantic, its sheer cliffs rising dramatically from the sea.

This uninhabited island, known for its rugged landscapes and significant bird populations, is a sanctuary for myriad seabird species, including the northern gannet and puffins, which nest on its steep cliffs.

Boreray's archaeological importance is highlighted by ancient stone structures and cleitean, small stone storage huts used by St Kilda's former inhabitants.

Journey back in time and encounter the overwhelming power of the natural elements as you cruise by one of the most isolated parts of the British Isles.

A spectacular coastline greets visitors to Papa Stour. The island has layers of ancient volcanic lava and ash; and the softer volcanic rocks have been carved by waves into arches, sea caves, cliffy inlets and rock stacks. These dominate the landscape from both sea and land. The Maiden Stack guards the island’s harbour and is so named because the Viking Lord Thorvald Thoresson marooned his daughter in a small house on the stack to protect her virtue.

One story says she escaped by eloping with a fisherman, whilst another tale states she left the stack pregnant! A handful of resilient people still live on Papa Stour Island. In its heyday in the 19th century, the small island of 828 hectares (2046 acres) supported a thriving fishing industry based on six-oared row boats. Fishing is only a small operation today. Crofting, or small-scale farming has been a traditional activity and is still conducted with sheep as hardy as the crofters who tend them. Marine wildlife thrives around Papa Stour. Cliffs, rock stacks and hills support many breeding seabirds in spring and summer.

The most travelled bird of all—the Arctic Tern—breeds here. In winter, these plucky small seabirds migrate all the way to the Antarctic. Occasionally European Otters are sighted amongst the kelp. Common and Grey Seals give birth to their pups onshore in summer. Common Seals rest on rocks with their tails and noses up, resembling bananas in shape. Grey Seals are larger, with a long nose, and no fruit copying tendencies.

Foula, part of the remote Shetland Islands, stands out for its dramatic cliffs and rugged, untouched landscapes. This small island, one of the UK’s most isolated inhabited locations, is a haven for birdwatchers, housing a significant population of seabirds, including puffins and great skuas. The island's striking geology and steep bird cliffs are captivating, offering panoramic views across the North Atlantic.

Despite its remote location, Foula retains a strong sense of community, with traditions that reach back to Norse times. Explore the island’s five peaks and enjoy the solitude of its vast, open spaces. For those interested in more than just nature, the local history and folklore provide a deep dive into the island’s cultural heritage.

Lerwick, the capital of the Shetland Island Archipelago, offers stone age ruins, heather-covered moors and rugged Scottish highlands. With its dramatic cliffs, Grand Victorian houses, charming Shetland ponies, and Nordic heritage Lerwick allows for hours of entertainment. Smaller ships will dock at the Port of Lerwick, while larger ships will anchor offshore.

Top Things to Do in Lerwick:

• explore the ruins of Scalloway Castle
• hike on Mousa Island
• visit the Shetland Museum
• admire Fort Charlotte

Runde is an island in southern Norway, some 25 kilometers to the west of Ålesund. Runde’s south and northeast shores have flat ground and a few houses for the roughly 150 regular inhabitants. On the west side of Runde, and facing the open ocean, are impressive cliffs with caves. Here one finds Norway’s southernmost accessible nesting sites of Atlantic Puffins, Black-legged Kittiwakes, Razorbills, Northern Gannets, and Common Guillemots. Several hundred thousand birds come here. Among the roughly 80 species nesting on Runde even White-tailed Eagles can be found.

The different colonies can be seen from the sea, as well as hiking up the mountain. One of the largest seal colonies in the region is found on islets 4 kilometers northeast of Runde. These islets as well as a small portion of Runde’s east and entire west coast are part of Norway’s Ramsar site 2164. A scientific station does not only work in seabird monitoring, but also in marine biology, rocky shore monitoring, oceanography and meteorology.

Days at sea are the perfect opportunity to relax, unwind and catch up with what you’ve been meaning to do. So whether that is going to the gym, visiting the spa, whale watching, catching up on your reading or simply topping up your tan, these blue sea days are the perfect balance to busy days spent exploring shore side.

Way beyond the Arctic Circle, Lofoten Islands are truly considered to be in 'another world'. A jewel of nature in its most pristine state, this archipelago with its jagged coastline offers you majestic settings of high alpine summits, sandy beaches, green prairies and fjords of a deep blue, where countless bird colonies make their nests.

Top Things to Do on the Lofoten Islands:

• visit the Svolvaer Magic Ice Bar and Gallery
• explore the preserved Nusfjord fishing village
• take a boat tour among the Lofoten Skerries
• visit the Gallery Lofoten House

Way beyond the Arctic Circle, Lofoten Islands are truly considered to be in 'another world'. A jewel of nature in its most pristine state, this archipelago with its jagged coastline offers you majestic settings of high alpine summits, sandy beaches, green prairies and fjords of a deep blue, where countless bird colonies make their nests.

Top Things to Do on the Lofoten Islands:

• visit the Svolvaer Magic Ice Bar and Gallery
• explore the preserved Nusfjord fishing village
• take a boat tour among the Lofoten Skerries
• visit the Gallery Lofoten House

Leknes is blessed with some of the most spectacular scenery in Norway. Pretty red houses lay dotted on the green covered hills, while jagged mountains soar behind in a magnificent backdrop. Ships will anchor offshore and tenders will be provided to the pier.

Top Things to Do in Leknes:

• explore the UNESCO listed Nusfjord
• visit the 18th century Flakstad Church
• trek from Utakleiv to Haukland Beach
• visit the Viking Museum in Borg
• look for sea eagles along the Leknes coast

According to legend, Trollfjord was named after the mythical creatures that guarded this narrow two kilometre strip of the Raftsundet Strait. Bright and verdant in the warmer months, snow-capped and glacial in the cold frost of winter, experience out of this world beauty no matter what time of the year you visit.

This breathtaking passage has the largest sea eagle population in the world, listen to the call of these majestic birds while keeping your eyes peeled for puffins clinging to cliffs. In the water below, otters and seals play in surf teeming with fish and the occasional porpoise or whale.

Narvik, located in northern Norway, is a city steeped in history and surrounded by stunning natural beauty. Nestled along the Ofotfjord, Narvik is known for its strategic importance during World War II, which is commemorated at the Narvik War Museum. The city’s historical significance is matched by its spectacular landscapes, making it a gateway to Arctic adventures.

In summer, the Midnight Sun illuminates the rugged terrain, providing endless opportunities for hiking, fishing, and exploring the wilderness. As the seasons change, Narvik becomes an ideal location to witness the Northern Lights, offering a mesmerising display of colours in the night sky. Narvik's unique blend of historical depth and natural splendour makes it a captivating destination in the heart of northern Norway.

Superbly located on Norway’s biggest island Hinnøya, Harstad is a perfect illustration of what makes Norway famous. Spectacular scenery, powerful, raw beauty, long summer days and endless white nights are par for the course here, not to mention clear fjordic waters teeming with marine life. Ships will dock at this port.

Top Things to Do in Harstad:

• visit the medieval Trondenes Church
• kayak in Arctic Norway
• sample local beer at Harstad Brewery
• hike Mount Aun
• visit Grottebadet Waterpark

Tromsø, nestled within the Arctic Circle, is ideal if you want to see the northern lights, and offers a lovely mix of outdoor activities, cultural events, and restaurants that serve Arctic delicacies. The Arctic Cathedral, with its striking design, is a must-see. Take a cable car up Storsteinen Mountain for panoramic views of the fjords and surrounding islands.

Tromsø is also renowned for its Northern Lights, visible from September to April. The Polaria Arctic aquarium provides a unique insight into Arctic marine life, and the Polar Museum offers a fascinating look at the region's polar history. Stroll through the city center to explore charming cafes, shops, and the historic wooden houses of Skansen.