Seven Seas Mariner - July 28, 2025

Reykjavik, the largest city and capital of Iceland, is a city full of history, great theatre, and exciting nightlife. For a dose of Icelandic and Viking history, visit the National Museum and visit Hallgrimskirkja, a church that features a famous statue of explorer Leif Erickson and a great spot to view the entire city.

Named for Thos, the god of thunder, this Danish outpost in the middle of the Atlantic has much of interest to see. Visit a farmhouse with a 900-year-old smoke room, the unfinished Gothic-style St. Magnus Cathedral, a medieval church still in use, and a fascinating Maritime and Historical Museum containing boats from the Viking period to the present.

Kirkwall is the capital of the Orkney Islands, and is a major regional seaport located off the northern coast of Scotland. The Cathedral of St. Magnus, a red sandstone structure, is the town's most prominent landmark. Other architectural specimens, such as Earl's Palace, Bishop's Palace, and Tankerness House, add to Kirkwall's picturesque quality.

Climb the hill beyond Belfast Castle for a stunning view of this charming city. Soak up the nine thousand years of Irish history at the Ulster Museum in the Botanical Gardens. Sit on one of Belfast's many benches and watch the street musicians or head to the pub for a pint. Stroll the streets and marvel at the city's Victorian and Edwardian architecture.

Great Britain's Isle of Man combines a scenic location with a rare glimpse into the era of the highlanders. Douglas is the capital of Isle of Man, and features a spellbinding view of the Irish Sea. Visitors are immediately struck by the Tower of Refuge, an intricate 19th-century structure built to guard the Isle harbor. Travelers can trace the progression of Isle history at the Manx Museum.

Holyhead is a port and resort on the Welsh Holy Island. Visitors to the town can still see much evidence of early Celtic and Roman cultures. Places of interest in the Holyhead area include Holy Mountain and the South Stack Lighthouse. Visitors can also go fishing, golfing, and sailing. The town is known as a busy ferry port.

Liverpool is a city in Merseyside County, on the northwest coast of England. Visit the town where the Beatles got their start. Liverpool continues to be a national center of shipping, communication, and transport. The town is filled with architectural landmarks, including the Town Hall, St. George's Hall, and the Metropolitan Cathedral. The city's symphony orchestra is also world-renowned.

A town of churches, bridges and pubs, Cork is best known for Blarney Castle where you are invited to kiss the famed stone to acquire the "gift of gab." St. Patrick Street, the town's main thoroughfare, is good for shopping and people watching. See the Shandon bells in St. Anne's church. Those who are willing to climb the 134 winding steps to the top of the steeple will be rewarded with a wondrous view of the city, harbor and hills.

The walled inner town of St. Malo dominates the view as you sail into the harbour of this historic city, making this ancient naval port one of France's top tourist attractions. It is possible to walk the perimeter of the inner town on the ramparts on top of the walls. The walk not only gives fine views of St. Malo itself but also up the valley of the Rance towards Dinard and out over the numerous off shore islets.

Le Havre is the gateway for optional tours to Paris, the "City of Light." See the Eiffel Tower, the Arc de Triomphe, Notre Dame Cathedral and the Champs Elysees. In Le Havre itself, cruise visitors can explore at leisure and learn something of the French "art de vivre." Visit fish and vegetable markets, public parks, modern architecture, a long seaside promenade and a vast beach.