Legendary Solar Eclipse with Greenland & Scotland

Rotterdam, The Netherlands

4:00 PM (Embark)

The Netherlands’ second-largest city and Europe’s busiest port is home to some of the 20th and 21st centuries' most important architectural feats, which is particularly impressive when you consider that nearly all of Rotterdam was razed to the ground during World War II. Sometimes referred to as “Manhattan-on-the-Maas,” the city lives up to its reputation as a forward-looking metropolis with fascinating design and some of the Netherlands' finest museums and most trendy shops.

Marvel at buildings by starchitects Rem Koolhaas and Norman Foster or get lost in the maze of gabled homes in historic Delfshaven, the point from which the Pilgrims set sail for the New World aboard the Speedwell in 1620. In the postwar years, Rotterdam has also become one of the most diverse cities on the continent as waves of migrants from elsewhere in Europe, North Africa and Turkey have come to work in the shipping industry, concentrated here thanks to the city’s location on the deltas of the Rhine and Maas rivers. With its sweeping harbor and massive Europoort, the city has quickly grown to become the largest port in all of Europe.

At Sea

Arrives: 12:00 PM
Departs: 11:59 AM

Kristiansand, Norway

Arrives: 08:00 AM
Departs: 04:00 PM

The capital of the southern coastal region known as the Norwegian Riviera, Kristiansand has earned the nickname “Summer City.” The Gulf Stream keeps temperatures mild and snow to a minimum, so Kristiansand is Norway’s outdoor playground.

Even with just a few hours, Kristiansand’s grid layout makes it simple to get around on foot to explore historic sites such as Posebyen (the old town), which dates back to 1631, and former military fortresses and installations. Within the city limits are a number of forested recreational areas, a fish market with harbor views and even a sandy beach. The coastline is dotted with islands, skerries and picturesque fishing villages and farther afield, highlights of the region include Kristiansand Zoo & Amusement Park, the quaint town of Lillesand and Setesdal Mineral Park, with glittering displays of crystals and gems.

Eidfjord, Norway

Arrives: 10:00 AM
Departs: 06:00 PM

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.

Scenic cruising Hardangerfjord

From easy guided hikes and the summer-skiing resort on the Folgefonna glaciers to the serious hiking trails that encompass waterfalls and panoramic vistas, Norway’s Hardangerfjord region offers truly exceptional outdoor experiences. Norway’s Queen Sonja is known to favor the hiking trails around the village of Kinsarvik so much that a tough 16-kilometer (10-mile) hike is named after her.

At 161 kilometers (100 miles) long, the fjord is the fourth-longest in the world and plunges down almost 914 meters (a half mile) at its deepest point. Take in the best of the landscape from the unique vantage point provided by the fjord as you sail inland from the island of Stord toward the ever-more-imposing mountains of the Hardangervidda National Park. Waterfalls, islands and shoreline villages dot the journey. Dangling more than 610 meters (2,000 feet) above Lake Ringedalsvatnet is the Troll’s Tongue, a unique rock formation and one of Norway’s most famous hikes—and photo opportunities.

The deep waters of the fjord are home to plentiful stocks of fish, while brown trout and wild salmon fill the rivers and lakes of the region. The mountainous national parks east of the fjord are the natural habitat of wild reindeer herds, elk and the mountain fox.

Sandnes (Stavanger), Norway

Arrives: 08:00 AM
Departs: 05:00 PM

A cruise to Sandnes, Norway, shows off the country’s natural splendors, from North Sea beaches to snow-capped ridges and glistening fjords. On the southern point of Gandsfjord and a brief train ride from Stavanger, Sandnes caters to outdoor enthusiasts. Swimmers can cool off in the fjord; cyclists and hikers will have plenty of mountain trails to explore. Pulpit Rock excursions are possible, as it is about an hour’s drive. Nearby Dalsnuten offers an easier trek. Sandnes is a pleasant town with shopping and dining along wide pedestrian streets. Geek out at the Vitenfabrikken, a science museum with a solar telescope and interactive exhibits. Take the kids to Kongeparken, offering more than 60 rides and other activities for ages 3 to 12. The Tryggvi Icelandic horse farm is another top thing to do in Sandnes, as you can trot through the countryside astride these endearing horses. Whatever you do in Sandnes or nearby Stavanger, you’re in for a fantastic time.

At Sea

Arrives: 12:00 PM
Departs: 11:59 AM

Seydisfjordur, Iceland

Arrives: 10:00 AM
Departs: 08:00 PM

The lush valleys and dramatic waterfalls of Seyðisfjörður are some of the most picturesque sights on Iceland’s east coast. And at the head of the fjord sits the colorful, lively town of Seyðisfjörð with a thriving art and music scene thanks to the LungA Art Festival and concerts in the landmark Blue Church each summer. The Skaftfell Center for Visual Art, open year round, exhibits the work of young artists and also has a popular bistro and a bookstore. Seyðisfjörð was founded in the 19th century by Norwegian settlers, who built some of the brightly painted wooden buildings you see today. The town, population 700, has kept its connection to the European mainland: It's the only port in Iceland that regularly sees passenger ships from Europe, through a ferry service to and from Denmark and the Faroe Islands. The residents in the area surrounding Seyðisfjörð are more likely to be wild reindeer—originally imported from Norway, they're the only such animals in Iceland—and arctic foxes, while seals and porpoises swim along the coast. Many native bird species, including puffins and arctic terns, nest around town, with dozens of species at Skálanes, a nature reserve and research center. Farther afield is Iceland’s largest forest, one of its tallest waterfalls and many opportunities for hiking, cycling and kayaking.

Scenic cruising Seydisfjordur

Cruising through east Iceland’s Seyðisfjörður, you'll feel enveloped by snowcapped mountains, cascading streams and emerald-green valleys. Even on foggy days, the colorful buildings of the town of Seyðisfjörð peek out from the head of the 17-kilometer (10.5-mile) fjord. Many of the timber houses here were imported from Norway as assemble-it-yourself kits more than 100 years ago, giving the town a timeless feel. Today, the 700 inhabitants of Seyðisfjörð keep it buzzing through art and culture, particularly in summer and when visitors arrive by ferry from Denmark and the Faroe Islands. Walking trails and gravel roads lead out of town to the mountains, following the river Fjarðará and its two dozen waterfalls, and a mountain pass connects Seyðisfjörð to the rest of Iceland. Bjólfur and Strandartindur are the most imposing of the seven peaks surrounding Seyðisfjörð, each more than 1,000 meters (3,280 feet) high. Skálanes, a nature conservatory and research station, sits just to the east of town and features 47 species of birds, including eider ducks, arctic terns and Europe’s largest falcon. While there, you may also spot nesting puffins, seals lazing on the volcanic beaches and sheep grazing along the fjord.

Djupivogur, Iceland

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.

Scenic cruising Berufjordur

Majestic Berufjordur in West Iceland is the dramatic setting for many an Icelandic saga, not surprising given the magical quality of its ruggedly beautiful terrain, vegetation and wildlife.

Akureyri, Iceland

Arrives: 10:00 AM
Departs: 07:00 PM

Often described as the capital of north Iceland, the country's second-largest city is both vibrant and pretty, and serves as an ideal hub for exploring the incredible landscape that surrounds it.

Located at the head of a 60-kilometer fjord—the country’s longest—and surrounded by snow-streaked mountains, Akureyri was originally settled in the 9th century and was first officially mentioned as a city in the 16th century. Today it boasts a population of around 17,000, a scenic harbor and an array of interesting shops, buzzy cafés and upscale restaurants. Its main sights include the Akureyri Church, a wonderful botanical garden (founded in 1912) and the fascinating Akureyri Museum.

From here it’s possible to explore some of the country’s most memorable landscapes, starting with Akureyri’s own fjord, Eyjafjörður, where you'll find several museums (including the Icelandic Folk and Outsider Art Museum), fishing villages like Grenivík and plenty of dramatic mountain scenery. Farther afield are the island of Grímsey, the volcanic wonderland of Lake Mývatn and a whole host of waterfalls, gorges, churches and saga sites.

Scenic cruising Eyjafjordur

Eyjafjörður, which translated to English means 'Island Fjord,' is one of Iceland’s longest fjords. Lined by peaks that descend to the water’s edge, it runs some 64 kilometers (40 miles) long and is located roughly in the middle of the country’s northern coast. Hydrothermal vents surround the fjord and the small island of Hrísey sits smack in the middle of it. Inhabited since the 9th century, Hrísey was long the home of a herring processing facility, though today it is better known as a bird sanctuary. Farther down the fjord at its southern end, Akureyri is commonly called the capital of the north. Though it has a population of just over 18,000, it is Iceland’s second-largest city. The university town is hemmed in by the fjord on one side and the mountains on its other three. Its streets are lined with late-19th-century wooden houses, while the spire of a modern Lutheran church rises atop a hill near the waterfront. Beyond the fjord itself, Súlur and Kerling are two of the area’s tallest mountains and some of Iceland’s most fertile farmland can be found in the region.

Isafjordur, Iceland

Arrives: 08:00 AM
Departs: 04:00 PM

Bordered on three sides by dramatic mountains that form a natural harbor, the idyllic town of Ísafjörður—population 2,600—serves as a charming exploration hub for the surrounding Westfjords peninsula. Settled since the 16th century, and traditionally dependent on fishing as its main source of income, its streets are today lined with old wooden houses interspersed with occasional shops, restaurants and cafés.

Despite its low-key atmosphere, Ísafjörður offers plenty to do, from visiting local museums and enjoying a game of golf, to hiking, biking and kayaking around the town and harbor. The town also hosts several notable events, such as Iceland's oldest cross-country ski race, the mud-football European Championships and a classical music festival, Við Djúpið.

The rugged and remote Westfjords offer many more attractions. A daily summer ferry transports visitors to the scenic Hornstrandir Nature Reserve and to Vigur, an island that's home to many protected bird populations. Follow the region’s striking coastline and you’ll find snow-streaked mountains, waterfalls and beaches.

 Scenic Cruising Isafjardurdjur

Although it is the largest town in and the capital of the Westfjords region of Iceland, Ísafjörður has a mere 2,600 inhabitants and is only connected to the mainland by a narrow nine-meter-wide (30-foot-wide) isthmus. Local lore has it that the isthmus, and the town itself, were formed by a group of trolls who wanted to live apart from humans. Despite its small population, Ísafjörður has earned a reputation as a cultured and urbane town thanks to its excellent choral and theatrical groups, a nationally known theater festival called Act Alone and the popular music festival Aldrei Fór Ég Suður (“I Never Went South”) held each Easter. Ísafjörður and its outlying regions stretch over 2,300 square kilometers (900 square miles) from the stunning waterfall of Dynjandi in the south to the vast Hornstrandir Nature Reserve in the north where, on the cliff of Hornbjarg, visitors can see the largest colony of seabirds in the North Atlantic. Along Iceland's spectacular coastline, glacier-carved green mountains stand in contrast against the deep blue sea. Given its location, it’s no surprise that the fishing industry has long been central to life in Ísafjörður—you'll likely pass fishing boats headed out to sea. On dry land, chief among Ísafjörður’s attractions is the Westfjord Heritage Museum, situated at the tip of the spit on which the town makes its home, in a renovated 18th-century house. The museum focuses mainly on maritime history; you’ll find everything from fishhooks to antique ships here.

Grundarfjordur, Iceland

Arrives: 08:00 AM
Departs: 05:00 PM

Quaint fishing villages are ubiquitous on an Iceland cruise, but Grundarfjørdur, Iceland is special. It’s on the Snæfellsnes Peninsula, a piece of land that juts out to the sea in Western Iceland. Black-lava beaches, crystalline waterfalls and massive glaciers are found on this long stretch and Grundarfjørdur is a good place to jump on a tour to these natural wonders. Kirkjufell, the town’s landmark and ever-present backdrop, is purportedly the most photographed mountain in the entire country. Its fantastical good looks even landed it a role in Game of Thrones. Snapping a hundred pictures of the mountain is tempting, but there’s much more to do on an Iceland cruise to this area. Sit in a steaming hot spring, surrounded by natural beauty and let your worries wash away. See how petrified shark meat is made at the Shark Museum in nearby Bjarnarhofn. Or watch puffins pad around on sea cliffs from a boat tour off Melrakkaey Island. An Iceland cruise is filled with adventure, no matter what you do.

As part of your cruise to Iceland, sample some local fare. Start off the first day of your cruise Icelandic-style with a filling breakfast of oatmeal or thick and creamy yogurt called skyr. Iceland hot chocolate is amazing, everywhere you go and plokkfiskur (fish stew) is a hearty comfort food after a day of exploring. 

At Sea

Arrives: 12:00 PM
Departs: 11:29 AM

Paamiut (Frederikshab), Greenland

Arrives: 08:00 AM
Departs: 05:00 PM

*Greenland visits are subject to weather and ice conditions.

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 (Godthab), Greenland

Arrives: 08:00 AM
Departs: 04:00 PM

*Greenland visits are subject to weather and ice conditions.

Nuuk, the capital of Greenland, is a captivating blend of traditional Inuit culture and modern Nordic influences. As the largest city in Greenland, Nuuk offers a unique opportunity to experience the thriving arts scene of the Arctic. From the iconic Katuaq Cultural Centre to the Greenland National Museum, which houses ice mummies from the 15th century, Nuuk is rich with history and culture. The city's picturesque harbor, colorful houses and surrounding fjords create a stunning backdrop for exploration. Nature lovers can venture out on excursions to nearby mountains, enjoy a boat tour through the fjords, or watch for the Northern Lights. Nuuk is more than just a gateway to the Arctic; it's a destination where ancient traditions and contemporary life coexist in harmony.

Nanortalik, Greenland

Arrives: 12:00 PM
Departs: 08:00 PM

*Greenland visits are subject to weather and ice conditions.

Nanortalik, which means "the place with polar bears," is the southernmost town in Greenland, located on an island of the same name. Founded in 1797 as a trading depot at the mouth of Tasermiut Fjord, the town is currently home to approximately 1,000 people. Although the island is named for polar bears, the chance of seeing these furry giants is fairly slim. What you will find, however, is a place of majestic beauty and friendly, welcoming residents.

From the nearby Tasermiut Fjord, where rocky summits rise above a narrow glacial inlet, to the Qinngua Valley—the only forest in all of Greenland—Nanortalik is surrounded by natural wonders. Culturally there is just as much to experience. For history buffs, the Nanortalik Museum explores native, Old Norse and European colonial history as it shaped Greenland, with nine historic buildings and the world’s oldest umiak (sealskin boat). To appreciate the richness of Greenland’s traditions, be sure to attend a local choral concert where you’ll hear a unique blend of musical disciplines unlike any you’ve heard before.

Qaqortoq, Greenland

Arrives: 08:00 AM
Departs: 05:00 PM

*Greenland visits are subject to weather and ice conditions.

Located near Cape Thorvaldsen, the town of Qaqortoq is the most populous town in southern Greenland. The area has a rich history, as it has been inhabited continuously since prehistoric times. You can still see traces of Thule and Norse cultures throughout the region, starting with the ruins of the 14th-century Hvalsey Church at the nearby Hvalsey Fjord.

The town of Qaqortoq is home to the oldest fountain in Greenland; completed in 1932, it depicts whales spouting water out of their blowholes. Most of the city’s main attractions, including restaurants and the Qaqortoq Museum, are located on or close to the main square.

Nearby sites of interest include Uunartoq Hot Springs—the only heated outdoor spa in Greenland—as well as Lake Tasersuaq and the permanent art installation Stone and Man, a series of 40 stone carvings by contemporary Nordic artists that is embedded into the landscape in and around Qaqortoq.

At Sea

Arrives: 12:00 PM
Departs: 11:29 AM

Heimaey, Westman Islands, Iceland

Arrives: 08:00 AM
Departs: 05:00 PM

Some 4,500 people live on Heimaey, a 13-square-kilometer (five-square-mile) island off the southern coast of Iceland. It's mentioned in some medieval Icelandic sagas and was attacked in a Turkish raid in the 17th century, but events that took place on January 23, 1973, really put Heimaey on the map. On that day, the island’s inhabitants woke up to an earthquake and plumes of ash from the volcano Eldfell, followed by lava flows. Most residents were evacuated, while a few remained to defend the harbor by spraying ocean water on the hot molten lava. When the eruption subsided almost six months later, the island had grown by 2.2 square kilometers (0.9 square miles) and half of the town had been destroyed—but the harbor had been saved. Most of the island’s residents returned, and in the years since Heimaey has become known as a dramatic microcosm of Iceland’s remarkable geological activity. The 1973 eruption is the focus of the fascinating Eldheimar museum; among the exhibits is a house that, as in Pompeii, was engulfed in ash. A circumnavigation of the island offers yet another perspective on Heimaey’s remarkable geological history, and its present. 

Reykjavik, Iceland

Arrives: 07:00 AM
Departs: 11:00 PM

Let Holland America Line take you to Reykjavik, the heart of Iceland's natural wonders and rich Viking heritage. From geothermal spas to the dramatic landscapes of the Golden Circle, Reykjavik serves as your gateway to adventure. Immerse yourself in Icelandic culture, savor unique Nordic cuisine, and explore the rugged beauty of the land. Onboard, our ship provides a haven of luxury and service, ensuring your Icelandic journey is as comfortable as it is thrilling.

At Sea

Arrives: 12:00 PM
Departs: 11:29 AM

Runavik, Faroe Islands

Arrives: 08:00 AM
Departs: 04:00 PM

The tiny archipelago of the Faroe Islands, located midway between Iceland and Scotland in the North Atlantic, may have been the “islands of sheep and the paradise of birds” referenced by 6th-century Irish monk St. Brendan. What is less disputed is that the islands were settled by the Norse in the 9th century and since then have been tied politically to Scandinavia. Today the islands are a self-governing country within the Kingdom of Denmark, yet they have a culture and language—most closely related to Icelandic—all their own.

Runavík, a quaint fishing village on the island of Eysturoy, is comprised of a chain of settlements along the Skálafjørður—the largest fjord in the Faroe Islands—and serves as a gateway to Eysturoy’s natural beauty. Only 4,000 people live in Runavík and there are more sheep than humans. The town has changed little since its founding in 1916, though in recent years Runavík has become a major cruise port as well as a base for exploratory drillings for North Sea oil.

Stornoway, Isle of Lewis, Scotland, United Kingdom

Arrives: 08:00 AM
Departs: 05:00 PM

Inhabited for more than 6,000 years, the Isle of Lewis has a rich history and rugged beauty. Explore the islands varied scenery from fjord-like lochs and dramatic sea-cliffs to barren peat moors and romantic heather covered uplands; marvel at the mysterious Standing Stones at Callanish, the most remarkable piece of antiquity in the Western Isles; and shop for famous Harris Tweed, hand-woven and uniquely dyed using indigenous plants.  

Invergordon (Inverness), Scotland, United Kingdom

Arrives: 07:00 AM
Departs: 04:00 PM

Welcome to the Highlands, the wildest and least trammeled region in the entire United Kingdom. Inverness is considered the Highland capital and, while a very small city by international comparisons, it does offer more than a few hours of enjoyment and entertainment with first-class restaurants among its attractions.

Just outside Inverness is a trove of Scottish and Celtic history, myth and natural beauty amid unspoiled glens, mountains, lochs, rivers and more. Most famous among the attractions is no doubt the legendary (and likely imaginary) Loch Ness Monster, though for the less frivolous traveler, the sites associated with Scottish history will hold more appeal. For example, the Culloden Battlefield, where the 1746 stand-off between Bonnie Prince Charlie and the army of the Hanoverian King in London put the nail in the coffin of any Jacobite rebellion—and led to years of Highland repression to ensure no further uprising ensued.

The port of Invergordon is only a short drive from charming villages such as Fortrose with its ancient cathedral ruins or Rosemarkie where the Groam House Museum will show you the remarkable prehistoric art of Scotland's aboriginals, the Picts.

South Queensferry (Edinburgh), Scotland, United Kingdom

Arrives: 08:00 AM
Departs: 01:00 AM (the next day)

Dover (London), England, UK

Arrives: 07:00 AM
Departs: 06:00 PM

Arrive in the historic port of Dover with Holland America Line, your gateway to the rich heritage and iconic sights of England. Explore Dover Castle, venture into the bustling city of London, and experience the picturesque English countryside. Our cruise offers a luxurious and comfortable base from which to explore, with amenities and service that cater to your every need, making your visit to Dover a seamless addition to your European adventure.

Rotterdam, The Netherlands

Arrives: 07:00 AM

The Netherlands’ second-largest city and Europe’s busiest port is home to some of the 20th and 21st centuries' most important architectural feats, which is particularly impressive when you consider that nearly all of Rotterdam was razed to the ground during World War II. Sometimes referred to as “Manhattan-on-the-Maas,” the city lives up to its reputation as a forward-looking metropolis with fascinating design and some of the Netherlands' finest museums and most trendy shops.

Marvel at buildings by starchitects Rem Koolhaas and Norman Foster or get lost in the maze of gabled homes in historic Delfshaven, the point from which the Pilgrims set sail for the New World aboard the Speedwell in 1620. In the postwar years, Rotterdam has also become one of the most diverse cities on the continent as waves of migrants from elsewhere in Europe, North Africa and Turkey have come to work in the shipping industry, concentrated here thanks to the city’s location on the deltas of the Rhine and Maas rivers. With its sweeping harbor and massive Europoort, the city has quickly grown to become the largest port in all of Europe.