35-DAY LEGENDARY VOYAGE OF THE VIKINGS: SOLAR ECLIPSE

Relax and enjoy the facilities and entertainment onboard your ship. If the weather is good take some sun and sunbathe on the pool deck. Otherwise explore below deck the wide range of activities that will be available during the day. Perhaps you prefer to find a quiet spot and catch up on your reading.

Corner Brook is a friendly leaf-peeper port on the rugged west coast of Newfoundland, 22 miles from the Gulf of St. Lawrence. Charted and named by Captain James Cook in 1767, the city of 20,000 once dominated by fishing and lumber industries is now a major regional retail, medical and educational hub on the Island. The Captain James Cook Monument, perched on a hill overlooking the city, sea, and surrounding wooded wilderness, is a favourite destination for cruisers who look for migrating whales and snap photos of fall colour while posing with the towering statue of the famous English explorer.

The coastal community of Red Bay has all the hallmarks of rural Labrador and Canada: colourful houses dot the craggy coastline, with a backdrop of rolling green hills. The town's history dates back to the 1500s, when it was a whaling station used by thousands of basque whalers. The whaling station itself is now a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and the wider Red Bay area itself has been designated a National Historic Site of Canada since 1979 due to the several historic shipwrecks in the area. One of these is the San Juan de Pasajes, a basque galleon which broke her moorings during a storm in 1565, and went down with a full hold of oil. Excavation of the wreck has revealed much about the Basque shipbuilding industry, and the wider whaling industry of the time. Today, a visitor centre at Red Bay is operated by Parks Canada during the summer months.

Relax and enjoy the facilities and entertainment onboard your ship. If the weather is good take some sun and sunbathe on the pool deck. Otherwise explore below deck the wide range of activities that will be available during the day. Perhaps you prefer to find a quiet spot and catch up on your reading.

Paamiut is a colourful fishing village with a proud Inuit culture and strong links to the ocean. Explore the history of the settlement which has roots back as far as 1500BC. Head out onto the water and keep lookout for minke whales, fin whales, humpbacks and orcas that often can be seen in pods surrounding the town.

Prins Christiansund Fjord lies at the southeastern corner of Greenland just to the north of Cape Farewell on the east coast. It is a wonderland of spectacular glaciers, steep fjords, and plummeting waterfalls created by the terrific force of the Greenland ice cap.

Relax and enjoy the facilities and entertainment onboard your ship. If the weather is good take some sun and sunbathe on the pool deck. Otherwise explore below deck the wide range of activities that will be available during the day. Perhaps you prefer to find a quiet spot and catch up on your reading.

Europe's northernmost and westernmost capital is a delightful destination, part old Norse, part modern city, with a quirky personality of its own. The puffin, troll and elf souvenirs found in gift stores are apt mascots for a city with a decidedly playful streak. More than half of Iceland's population lives in Reykjavík (or nearby), in one of the world's smallest capital cities -- some 190,000 people. Cruise ships are increasingly paying calls on Reykjavík from late May to early October, especially during the summer months, when the daylight literally lasts 'round the clock. Visitors and residents alike seem to stay awake, golfing, strolling the compact town's picturesque streets, drinking Gull beer at sidewalk cafes and cycling along the seafront promenade. Many believe that Reykjavík's character is more defined in winter, when daunting weather and 20-hour nights are defied by rollicking pubs and a sense of humour. But, locals laugh at the climate, whether calm or tempestuous. They keep warm in the iconic handsome sweaters for which Iceland is well known; the long hours indoors and out inspire artisans, evidenced by many shops that display lovely local art and clothing. This is a city that has learned to make the best of things. The Iceland landscape is bare and covered with volcanic rock. With no trees for building houses, 18th-century settlers used driftwood that floated in from the sea, covering the wood in sheets of corrugated tin and painting walls and roofs in vivid colours to brighten the scene. The rock that abounds was turned into material for a fine stone Parliament building, erected in 1881. Citizens have planted and nurtured welcome oases of green. The geothermal springs that bubble underground have been put to work to provide hot water for residents. Reykjavík has experienced much advancement in the past few years. Progress is plain to see in the sleek, contemporary buildings that are changing the cityscape. Several worthwhile museums salute local history and art, and whimsical street murals dot the city centre. With fishing still a dominant occupation, restaurants serve up delectable seafood, and gourmet dining of all kinds is plentiful and popular. But, if you ask natives for their favourite eating place, the answer most often will be a simple hot dog stand near the harbour. Reykjavík is a safe city, compact and easy to navigate on foot. As charming as it is, no visit to Iceland is complete without getting out into the vast interior, which lies at the city's doorstep. Seriously, how can you not love a place where sheep have the right of way? Cruise lines often assign ships to overnight in Reykjavík, offering passengers more than the typical eight-hour port experience, but my greatest regret is that visitors don't have even more time to explore this charming land, where the balance of urban sophistication and nature at its most rugged is unique. If you regard cruise travel as a chance to sample places you might want to return to later for longer stays, I can't think of a better recommendation than Reykjavík.

Europe's northernmost and westernmost capital is a delightful destination, part old Norse, part modern city, with a quirky personality of its own. The puffin, troll and elf souvenirs found in gift stores are apt mascots for a city with a decidedly playful streak. More than half of Iceland's population lives in Reykjavík (or nearby), in one of the world's smallest capital cities -- some 190,000 people. Cruise ships are increasingly paying calls on Reykjavík from late May to early October, especially during the summer months, when the daylight literally lasts 'round the clock. Visitors and residents alike seem to stay awake, golfing, strolling the compact town's picturesque streets, drinking Gull beer at sidewalk cafes and cycling along the seafront promenade. Many believe that Reykjavík's character is more defined in winter, when daunting weather and 20-hour nights are defied by rollicking pubs and a sense of humour. But, locals laugh at the climate, whether calm or tempestuous. They keep warm in the iconic handsome sweaters for which Iceland is well known; the long hours indoors and out inspire artisans, evidenced by many shops that display lovely local art and clothing. This is a city that has learned to make the best of things. The Iceland landscape is bare and covered with volcanic rock. With no trees for building houses, 18th-century settlers used driftwood that floated in from the sea, covering the wood in sheets of corrugated tin and painting walls and roofs in vivid colours to brighten the scene. The rock that abounds was turned into material for a fine stone Parliament building, erected in 1881. Citizens have planted and nurtured welcome oases of green. The geothermal springs that bubble underground have been put to work to provide hot water for residents. Reykjavík has experienced much advancement in the past few years. Progress is plain to see in the sleek, contemporary buildings that are changing the cityscape. Several worthwhile museums salute local history and art, and whimsical street murals dot the city centre. With fishing still a dominant occupation, restaurants serve up delectable seafood, and gourmet dining of all kinds is plentiful and popular. But, if you ask natives for their favourite eating place, the answer most often will be a simple hot dog stand near the harbour. Reykjavík is a safe city, compact and easy to navigate on foot. As charming as it is, no visit to Iceland is complete without getting out into the vast interior, which lies at the city's doorstep. Seriously, how can you not love a place where sheep have the right of way? Cruise lines often assign ships to overnight in Reykjavík, offering passengers more than the typical eight-hour port experience, but my greatest regret is that visitors don't have even more time to explore this charming land, where the balance of urban sophistication and nature at its most rugged is unique. If you regard cruise travel as a chance to sample places you might want to return to later for longer stays, I can't think of a better recommendation than Reykjavík.

Relax and enjoy the facilities and entertainment onboard your ship. If the weather is good take some sun and sunbathe on the pool deck. Otherwise explore below deck the wide range of activities that will be available during the day. Perhaps you prefer to find a quiet spot and catch up on your reading.

Relax and enjoy the facilities and entertainment onboard your ship. If the weather is good take some sun and sunbathe on the pool deck. Otherwise explore below deck the wide range of activities that will be available during the day. Perhaps you prefer to find a quiet spot and catch up on your reading.

Hardangerfjord is famous for its striking scenery with its backdrop of imposing mountains, waterfalls and glaciers. It extends 183 km (114 miles) from the sea and 113 km (70 miles) from the fringe of islands at its mouth and attains a maximum depth of about 640 m (2,100 ft). Many smaller fiords branch off the main inlet, which is itself separated into numerous parts, each having a different name. In the areas bordering the fiord are fertile valleys and many small villages. The inhabitants of the area preserve traditional customs, dress, and dialect. Both Hardangerfjorden and nearby Hardangervidda National Park are popular with tourists.

Tucked under the granite cliffs of Europe's largest mountain plateau and surrounded by an icy fjord and a river that's fly-fishing heaven for those in search of trout and salmon, this community of 900 residents in Western Norway is yards from the small pier and easily explored in an hour. The Art Gallery N. Bergslien holds fascinating paintings by Norwegian painter Nils Bergslien (1853-1928), which depict the landscape and daily life of his time, while several shops sell local knitwear and crafts. Most visitors head for the region's natural wonders, which can be viewed by bus tours, helicopters or an hourlong ride on the "troll train." The Eidfjord (pronounced "Ayd-fjord") tourist office offers information on easy-to-access hiking trails, as well as free Wi-Fi.

Relax and enjoy the facilities and entertainment onboard your ship. If the weather is good take some sun and sunbathe on the pool deck. Otherwise explore below deck the wide range of activities that will be available during the day. Perhaps you prefer to find a quiet spot and catch up on your reading.

If Holland's past lives on in Amsterdam's fabled canals and historic row houses, its future can be found in the gleaming skyscrapers and office towers of Rotterdam. Following a devastating bomb raid in World War II that almost completely levelled the city, Rotterdam has risen from its own ashes to become the one of the largest seaports in the world -- and the driving force behind the Dutch economy. A local joke captures this city's unique role within the Netherlands: "Rotterdam earns the money, The Hague distributes it and Amsterdam spends it."

You can feel that sense of energy and industry as soon as your ship pulls into Rotterdam's vast deep-water harbour, which is almost a city unto itself. Little tugboats steam briskly past heavily laden river barges, while freighters unload cargo crates into stacks that stretch like buildings from the docks toward the sky. The north and south banks of the river, both lined with high-rises, are linked by the dramatic spans of two cable bridges -- including the asymmetrical Erasmus bridge, a city landmark.

Rotterdam was founded in 1340, but you'd never know it by looking at today's modern skyline. Centuries of history were wiped out by Nazi bombs in May 1940. Afterwards, the rebuilding of Rotterdam was embraced with a vengeance -- and continues to this day, with new buildings popping up every year. This constant buzz of energy and expansion makes Rotterdam one of the most dynamic places to visit on any European itinerary.

For the first-time visitor, it can be jarring to see steel and cement instead of canals and cobblestones. But what Rotterdam lacks in historic charm it makes up for in cutting-edge architecture, world-class museums and sunny sidewalk terraces perfect for enjoying a Dutch beer or two. And the past isn't entirely forgotten; look closely enough and you'll unearth a few remnants of the city's history, like a 1920s statehouse, a 15th-century church and a 400-year-old statue of Erasmus -- a ghost from the past who seems to smile benevolently upon Rotterdam's bright future.

If Holland's past lives on in Amsterdam's fabled canals and historic row houses, its future can be found in the gleaming skyscrapers and office towers of Rotterdam. Following a devastating bomb raid in World War II that almost completely levelled the city, Rotterdam has risen from its own ashes to become the one of the largest seaports in the world -- and the driving force behind the Dutch economy. A local joke captures this city's unique role within the Netherlands: "Rotterdam earns the money, The Hague distributes it and Amsterdam spends it."

You can feel that sense of energy and industry as soon as your ship pulls into Rotterdam's vast deep-water harbour, which is almost a city unto itself. Little tugboats steam briskly past heavily laden river barges, while freighters unload cargo crates into stacks that stretch like buildings from the docks toward the sky. The north and south banks of the river, both lined with high-rises, are linked by the dramatic spans of two cable bridges -- including the asymmetrical Erasmus bridge, a city landmark.

Rotterdam was founded in 1340, but you'd never know it by looking at today's modern skyline. Centuries of history were wiped out by Nazi bombs in May 1940. Afterwards, the rebuilding of Rotterdam was embraced with a vengeance -- and continues to this day, with new buildings popping up every year. This constant buzz of energy and expansion makes Rotterdam one of the most dynamic places to visit on any European itinerary.

For the first-time visitor, it can be jarring to see steel and cement instead of canals and cobblestones. But what Rotterdam lacks in historic charm it makes up for in cutting-edge architecture, world-class museums and sunny sidewalk terraces perfect for enjoying a Dutch beer or two. And the past isn't entirely forgotten; look closely enough and you'll unearth a few remnants of the city's history, like a 1920s statehouse, a 15th-century church and a 400-year-old statue of Erasmus -- a ghost from the past who seems to smile benevolently upon Rotterdam's bright future.

Relax and enjoy the facilities and entertainment onboard your ship. If the weather is good take some sun and sunbathe on the pool deck. Otherwise explore below deck the wide range of activities that will be available during the day. Perhaps you prefer to find a quiet spot and catch up on your reading.

Douglas has been the capital and principal port and ferry terminal of the island since 1869, the island itself having become a Crown possession in 1828. It lies at the mouths of the Dhoo and Glass Rivers, hence its name. About a third of the islanders live in Douglas, which originally developed around smuggling, but today has light industry, tourism, and is the seat of the island's parliament, the Tynwald and House of Keys (the oldest parliament in the world). Many tourists visit the Isle of Man for its interesting features, such as its own unique currency and the famous tailless Manx cats. Douglas boasts Castle Mona (1804), and the Tower of Refuge (1832), as well as the impressive Manx Electric Railway (1893) and Douglas horse-drawn trams (1876), both of which are still in service. Located along the Irish Sea, the Isle of Man lies half way between England and Northern Ireland, and its wooded hills and jagged coastline offer some of the country's most spectacular scenery. The island was once occupied by the Celts, who left behind Iron Age forts and huts. Though the Romans never settled here, it is believed that Celtic Christianity was introduced by St. Patrick and flourished from the fifth century to the end of the eighth century when the Vikings conquered the island. On the island you can also visit the Calf of Man bird sanctuary, and Castle Rushen at Castletown, the former capital of this island of cliffs and moorlands.

There was a time when the name Belfast raised an immediate red flag to visitors, but these days, the town's highly publicised political unrest has greatly subsided. Curiosity-seekers can still find elaborate murals and other relics from turbulent times lingering in certain neighbourhoods, but for the most part, Belfast is now safer than many other European capitals, and its new image is one of both progress and hospitality. If you've been to Dublin, the differences between that city and Belfast may seem striking. Belfast, of course, is part of Northern Ireland, which itself is part of the United Kingdom; the Republic of Ireland is part of... just the Republic of Ireland. So British influence seems to have coated Belfast with a more polished veneer and a Victorian elegance that's evident in the town's shops, restaurants and even its pubs. The omnipresent Irish charm still exists, but Belfast also projects a cosmopolitan flair that's rarely seen elsewhere on the Emerald Isle. The glittering row of boutiques lining the Golden Mile, Belfast's premier shopping district, is more reminiscent of Paris or Milan, while a new wave of trendy restaurants now offers visitors haute cuisine in addition to local favourites. The city has come a long way since the days of security checkpoints and armoured patrols, and Belfast now appears poised to shed its unfortunate past and take its place among Europe's new hot spots.

Relax and enjoy the facilities and entertainment onboard your ship. If the weather is good take some sun and sunbathe on the pool deck. Otherwise explore below deck the wide range of activities that will be available during the day. Perhaps you prefer to find a quiet spot and catch up on your reading.

This beautiful 19th-century Norwegian village on the east coast of Iceland is the terminus for the ferry from Shetland. Visit the nearby town of Egilsstaðir set on Lake Lögurinn surrounded by forests and Hengifoss, the third-highest waterfall in the country. Regarded as one of the most picturesque towns in Iceland, the remote, stark location makes the visit even more memorable.

Húsavík, located in Skjálfandi Bay backed by spectacular snow clad mountains, is a small port on the north coast of Iceland. It has become the most popular location for whale watching in Europe with frequent sightings of minke and humpback whales as well as white-beaked dolphins. This fishing town also has a beautiful church and a Whale Museum. From here you can visit Lake Mývatn (lake of midges) in an interesting and lush geological area where the bird and fish life is abundant. Nearby is the Goðafoss, waterfall of the Gods and Jökulságljúfur canyon, which holds the swirling Jökulsá á Fjöllum and three impressive waterfalls - Selfoss, Hafragilsfoss and Dettifoss.

Catching a solar eclipse at sea on a cruise offers a truly unforgettable experience.  With uninterrupted views and minimal light pollution, you can witness this celestial event in all its glory, surrounded by the vast ocean for a truly awe-inspiring moment.

The imposing landscape as you approach Grundarfjörður provides a dramatic setting for one of the oldest settlements on the island. Barren mountains, volcanoes and lava fields bore witness to a dramatic history of migration, settlement, war and religious conflict.

Relax and enjoy the facilities and entertainment onboard your ship. If the weather is good take some sun and sunbathe on the pool deck. Otherwise explore below deck the wide range of activities that will be available during the day. Perhaps you prefer to find a quiet spot and catch up on your reading.

Prins Christiansund Fjord lies at the southeastern corner of Greenland just to the north of Cape Farewell on the east coast. It is a wonderland of spectacular glaciers, steep fjords, and plummeting waterfalls created by the terrific force of the Greenland ice cap.

Qaqortoq (also Julianhab) is located on Julianehab Fjord, an inlet of the Labrador Sea on the southeastern coast of Greenland. Just 3 miles north of the town is Qassiarsuk, the site of Brattahlid (meaning "steep mountain"), Erik the Red's homestead and the first Norse settlement (982) in Greenland.

Relax and enjoy the facilities and entertainment onboard your ship. If the weather is good take some sun and sunbathe on the pool deck. Otherwise explore below deck the wide range of activities that will be available during the day. Perhaps you prefer to find a quiet spot and catch up on your reading.

St. Anthony is a fishing village located at the most northerly tip of Newfoundland, close to L'Anse aux Meadows, the site of the first European settlement in the New World, approximately 500 years before Columbus' arrival. Other Norse groups had relocated from their homelands to the New World. In 1961, explorer and writer Helge Instad discovered a group of large mounds in the countryside. These mounds were excavated revealing the remains of a Norse settlement. This site became L'Anse aux Meadows National Historic Park in 1977 and is noted on the UNESCO World Heritage List of important cultural properties. The site at L'Anse aux Meadows has been completely excavated allowing visitors to see the remains of the homes, a smithy, and various worksheds. 

St. John's is the capital of Newfoundland and Labrador province. Its harbour was settled by the British in the 1600s. Downtown is known for its colourful row houses. Cape Spear Lighthouse, perched high up on a rugged clifftop, is another must-see historical site. Stand with your back to this iconic symbol of Newfoundland and Labrador's maritime history and take in the spectacular scenery, including magnificent icebergs in every shape and size in the spring and early summer.

For wildlife enthusiasts, Newfoundland and Labrador is one of the most spectacular whale watching places in the world, home to over 22 species of these majestic creatures including the world's largest population of humpbacks. Choose from several boat tours or alternatively embark on your own kayaking adventure or hike a seaside trail while spotting whales breaching the surface of the Atlantic.

Relax and enjoy the facilities and entertainment onboard your ship. If the weather is good take some sun and sunbathe on the pool deck. Otherwise explore below deck the wide range of activities that will be available during the day. Perhaps you prefer to find a quiet spot and catch up on your reading.

Relax and enjoy the facilities and entertainment onboard your ship. If the weather is good take some sun and sunbathe on the pool deck. Otherwise explore below deck the wide range of activities that will be available during the day. Perhaps you prefer to find a quiet spot and catch up on your reading.