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June 30, 2025

Summer is the perfect time to explore Northern Europe, with its history-rich cities, unspoiled nature, and pleasantly mild climate. Crystal offers a captivating itinerary that begins in the heart of the United Kingdom and visits some of the most charming ports in Belgium, the Netherlands, Scandinavia, and the British Isles, giving travelers a unique experience filled with art, flavors, architecture, and traditions. On board, guests enjoy comfort, relaxation, and a curated selection of excursions designed to enhance each destination.

This cruise is a unique opportunity to discover some of Northern Europe’s most fascinating cities at one of the best times of year. The journey starts in Portsmouth, a historic port city with a proud naval heritage. Here, you can visit legendary ships such as Lord Nelson’s HMS Victory, Henry VIII’s Mary Rose, and the HMS Warrior—the first iron-hulled warship. But Portsmouth is more than naval history: it’s also the birthplace of Charles Dickens and Peter Sellers, and a filming location for major movies like Tomorrow Never Dies. For breathtaking views of the city and sea, the 170-meter Spinnaker Tower is a must-see.

After boarding, the ship docks in Zeebrugge, a picturesque Belgian port that opens the doors to the wonders of Flanders. The excursions here include a visit to Dunkirk, where one can explore the Eperlecques bunker and the Operation Dynamo Museum, immersing oneself in the history of the Second World War. For those who prefer art and architecture, there is the opportunity to discover the Adornes Domain in Bruges, with the Jerusalem Chapel and the charitable houses. Sweet-toothed visitors can instead choose the visit to Bruges with a chocolate workshop, which combines the medieval history of the city with a hands-on lesson led by a master chocolatier.

The navigation continues towards IJmuiden, in the Netherlands, where a two-day stop is scheduled, allowing easy access to Amsterdam. In addition to the famous attractions of the Dutch capital, there are numerous excursions to suit all tastes: from cruises through the historic canals aboard elegant saloon boats, to discovering the secrets of Dutch gin with a Jenever tasting, and bicycle tours in the green Waterland, perfect for nature lovers and those who wish to better understand the country’s hydraulic engineering. Haarlem, with its cafés, gabled houses, and historic churches, is another nearby and fascinating destination. Art lovers can visit the Mauritshuis in The Hague or the Rijksmuseum in Amsterdam, where masterpieces by Rembrandt and Vermeer are on display. For a day devoted to taste, there is the excursion with Dutch cheese tasting, while those who prefer a broader view of the city can opt for the tour of Amsterdam’s surroundings, with stops at Java Island, the Tropenmuseum, and the historic Heineken brewery.

After the Dutch capital, the journey returns to the United Kingdom to visit Newcastle upon Tyne. This vibrant city, located on the northeast coast of England, offers an irresistible mix of urban culture, trendy venues, Georgian architecture, and nature. Grainger Town represents the elegant heart of the city, while the surrounding areas offer the chance to explore sandy beaches or venture along Hadrian’s Wall. The following day, the ship docks in Newhaven, the ideal gateway to Edinburgh. This former fishing community today blends into Leith, a fashionable district full of artisanal bakeries, art studios, and gourmet restaurants. From here, a modern tram connects in just 20 minutes to the historic center of the Scottish capital, where one can explore castles, museums, and boutiques. Not to be missed is the visit to the Royal Yacht Britannia, the former royal yacht now transformed into a museum.

Continuing northward, the cruise stops in Kirkwall, in the Orkney Islands, a place where ancient history intertwines with wild and fascinating nature. Among the proposed excursions are visits to Skara Brae and the Ring of Brodgar, evidence of the Neolithic era, as well as tours dedicated to Viking heritage and Second World War fortifications. For nature lovers, the excursion to Marwick Head offers the chance to observe the extraordinary biodiversity of the archipelago, with colonies of seabirds and breathtaking landscapes. A walk through the historic center of Kirkwall also reveals treasures such as St. Magnus Cathedral and the Bishop’s Palaces.

After a full day of sailing, spent relaxing on board between spa treatments and sports activities, the cruise arrives in Oslo, the capital of Norway. Here, history meets art and nature in perfect harmony. One can visit the Vigeland Sculpture Park, the Holmenkollen Ski Jump with its panoramic view, the Maritime Museum with its Viking ships, and the futuristic Opera House, a symbol of modern Norwegian architecture. The next stop is Lysekil, a gem on Sweden’s west coast. Here, the sea, the pink granite, and the salty sea air provide the backdrop to a holiday destination beloved since the 19th century. Today, in addition to bathing in the traditional seaside baths, visitors can explore the natural beauty of the Gullmarsfjorden and enjoy the freshest seafood right by the water.

Finally, the cruise concludes in Copenhagen, the capital of Denmark and the vibrant heart of Scandinavian culture. With its colorful houses, lively canals, Tivoli Gardens, and welcoming atmosphere, Copenhagen is the perfect place to end a journey full of discovery. Two days are available to explore the city at a leisurely pace—perhaps cycling along its bike paths or savoring its renowned cuisine in one of the many Michelin-starred restaurants and creative bistros.

This Crystal itinerary is designed for those who wish to discover Northern Europe in all its variety, with the comfort and elegance of a cruise that combines captivating destinations with a travel experience that is relaxing and meticulously curated in every detail. From the British coasts to the Scandinavian fjords, passing through art-filled cities and picturesque villages, each stop is an invitation to explore, while life on board offers moments of pleasure, conviviality, and well-being. A journey that leaves a lasting impression, between grand capitals, hidden corners, and unforgettable atmospheres.

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Giorgia Lombardo

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