MS Nieuw Statendam
August 23, 2025

Dover (London), England, has docking at Dover Port. Travelers marvel at the iconic White Cliffs from the harbor. Excursions explore Canterbury Cathedral’s Gothic splendor. Local markets sell Kentish ales. The peak season, May to September, brings mild weather. Photography captures chalk cliffs. Dining onboard includes fish and chips. Souvenirs, like Dover postcards, are sold in ship shops. Briefings cover medieval history. Light layers suit coastal weather. Dover’s historic port offers a gateway to England’s heritage.

Rotterdam, Netherlands, offers docking at Rotterdam Port. Travelers explore Erasmus Bridge and Museumpark’s art galleries. Excursions visit Kinderdijk’s UNESCO windmills. Local markets sell stroopwafels. The peak season, May to September, brings mild weather for city tours. Photography captures modern architecture and Maas River vistas. Dining onboard includes erwtensoep, a Dutch favorite. Souvenirs, like Delftware, are sold in ship shops. Briefings cover Dutch history. Light layers suit the temperate climate, while comfortable shoes enhance city walks. Rotterdam’s urban charm offers a vibrant Dutch stop. Cruise travelers enjoy a mix of innovative design, historic windmills, and maritime culture, making Rotterdam an engaging destination for exploring the Netherlands’ dynamic port city and heritage.

South Queensferry (Edinburgh), Scotland, offers docking at South Queensferry Port with excursions to Edinburgh. Travelers explore Edinburgh Castle and Royal Mile. Excursions visit Holyrood Palace. Local markets sell shortbread. The peak season, May to September, brings mild weather for city tours. Photography captures historic streets and Forth Bridge vistas. Dining onboard includes haggis, a Scottish favorite. Souvenirs, like tartan crafts, are sold in ship shops. Briefings cover Scottish history. Light layers and waterproof shoes suit the temperate climate, while comfortable shoes enhance city walks. South Queensferry’s historic charm offers a vibrant Scottish stop. Cruise travelers enjoy a mix of castles and cultural heritage, making South Queensferry an engaging destination.

Lerwick, Shetland Islands, Scotland, has docking at Lerwick Port. Travelers explore Scalloway Castle and Jarlshof’s prehistoric site. Excursions visit seabird cliffs at Noss. Local markets sell Shetland wool. The peak season, May to September, brings mild weather. Photography captures rugged coasts and Viking relics. Dining onboard includes bannocks, a Shetland staple. Souvenirs, like knitwear, are sold in ship shops. Briefings cover Norse history. Light layers and waterproof boots suit the cool climate. Binoculars enhance birdwatching. Lerwick’s rugged heritage offers a vibrant Scottish stop, blending history with coastal beauty.

Kirkwall, Orkney Islands, Scotland, has docking at Kirkwall Port. Travelers explore Skara Brae’s Neolithic ruins and St. Magnus Cathedral. Excursions visit Ring of Brodgar’s stone circle. Local markets sell Orkney cheese. The peak season, May to September, brings mild weather. Photography captures ancient sites and rugged coasts. Dining onboard includes bannocks, an Orkney staple. Souvenirs, like wool crafts, are sold in ship shops. Briefings cover Neolithic history. Light layers and waterproof shoes suit the cool climate. Comfortable shoes enhance ruin tours. Kirkwall’s ancient heritage offers a vibrant Scottish stop, blending history with coastal charm.

Stornoway, Isle of Lewis, Outer Hebrides, Scotland, offers docking at Stornoway Port. Travelers explore Callanish Stones and Lews Castle. Excursions visit Uig’s beaches. Local markets sell haggis. The peak season, May to September, brings mild weather for island tours. Photography captures standing stones and Hebridean vistas. Dining onboard includes stornoway black pudding, a Scottish favorite. Souvenirs, like Harris tweed, are sold in ship shops. Briefings cover Gaelic history. Light layers and waterproof boots suit the cool climate, while sturdy shoes enhance site walks. Stornoway’s historic charm offers a vibrant Scottish stop. Cruise travelers enjoy a mix of ancient sites and island beauty, making Stornoway an engaging destination for exploration.

Belfast, Northern Ireland, offers docking at Belfast Port. Travelers explore Titanic Belfast and Giant’s Causeway. Excursions visit Ulster Museum. Local markets sell Ulster fry. The peak season, May to September, brings mild weather for coastal tours. Photography captures basalt columns and Irish Sea vistas. Dining onboard includes Irish stew, a Northern Irish favorite. Souvenirs, like linen crafts, are sold in ship shops. Briefings cover Celtic history. Light layers and waterproof boots suit the temperate climate, while sturdy shoes enhance causeway hikes. Belfast’s cultural charm offers a vibrant stop. Cruise travelers enjoy a mix of industrial heritage and scenic coasts, making Belfast an engaging destination for exploration.

Liverpool, England, has docking at Liverpool Port. Travelers explore Beatles Story Museum and Albert Dock. Excursions visit Liverpool Cathedral. Local markets sell scouse stew. The peak season, May to September, brings mild weather. Photography captures Mersey River views and historic docks. Dining onboard includes fish and chips, a British favorite. Souvenirs, like Beatles memorabilia, are sold in ship shops. Briefings cover maritime history. Light layers suit the temperate climate. Comfortable shoes enhance city walks. Liverpool’s vibrant culture offers a dynamic English stop, blending music heritage with waterfront charm.

Greenock (Glasgow), Scotland, offers docking at Greenock Port with excursions to Glasgow. Travelers explore Kelvingrove Museum and Glasgow Cathedral. Excursions visit Loch Lomond. Local markets sell tablet. The peak season, May to September, brings mild weather for coastal tours. Photography captures Gothic architecture and Clyde River vistas. Dining onboard includes Cullen skink, a Scottish favorite. Souvenirs, like whisky crafts, are sold in ship shops. Briefings cover Clan history. Light layers and waterproof boots suit the temperate climate, while comfortable shoes enhance city walks. Greenock’s cultural gateway offers a vibrant Scottish stop. Cruise travelers enjoy a mix of historic landmarks and scenic lochs, making Greenock an engaging destination.

Douglas, Isle of Man, has docking at Douglas Port. Travelers explore the Manx Museum’s Viking artifacts. Excursions visit Peel Castle’s coastal ruins. Local markets sell Manx kippers. The peak season, May to September, brings mild weather. Photography captures Victorian promenades. Dining onboard includes queenies. Souvenirs, like triskelion charms, are available in ship shops. Briefings cover island history. Light layers suit temperate conditions. Douglas’ unique heritage offers a charming British Isles stop.

Cobh (Cork), Ireland, offers docking at Cobh Port with excursions to Cork. Travelers explore St. Colman’s Cathedral and Blarney Castle. Excursions visit Kinsale’s harbor. Local markets sell soda bread. The peak season, May to September, brings mild weather for coastal tours. Photography captures colorful waterfronts and Irish Sea vistas. Dining onboard includes Irish stew, an Irish favorite. Souvenirs, like wool crafts, are sold in ship shops. Briefings cover Gaelic history. Light layers and waterproof boots suit the temperate climate, while comfortable shoes enhance historic walks. Cobh’s maritime charm offers a vibrant Irish stop. Cruise travelers enjoy a mix of historic landmarks and scenic harbors, making Cobh an engaging destination.

Returning to Dover (london) — see Day 1 above for port info.

Amsterdam, Netherlands, offers docking at Amsterdam Port. Travelers explore Rijksmuseum and Anne Frank House. Excursions visit Keukenhof Gardens. Local markets sell stroopwafels. The peak season, April to September, brings mild weather for canal tours. Photography captures historic canals and North Sea vistas. Dining onboard includes haring, a Dutch favorite. Souvenirs, like delftware, are sold in ship shops. Briefings cover Dutch Golden Age history. Light layers and waterproof shoes suit the temperate climate, while comfortable shoes enhance city walks. Amsterdam’s cultural charm offers a vibrant Dutch stop. Cruise travelers enjoy a mix of historic museums and scenic canals, making Amsterdam an engaging destination for exploration.

Portland (Weymouth), England, offers docking at Portland Port. Travelers explore Weymouth’s sandy beach and Nothe Fort. Excursions visit Jurassic Coast’s Lulworth Cove. Local markets sell Dorset apple cake. The peak season, May to September, brings mild weather for coastal tours. Photography captures Georgian waterfronts and fossil-rich cliffs. Dining onboard includes fish and chips, an English favorite. Souvenirs, like nautical crafts, are sold in ship shops. Briefings cover Dorset’s maritime history. Light layers and waterproof shoes suit the temperate climate, while comfortable shoes enhance coastal walks. Portland’s seaside charm offers a vibrant English stop. Cruise travelers enjoy a mix of historic forts, scenic coastlines, and Jurassic heritage, making Portland an engaging destination for exploring England’s southern coast.

Bilbao, Spain, docks at Getxo Port, 10 kilometers from downtown, with shuttles for 20-minute rides. The city, population 340,000, features the Guggenheim Museum with Frank Gehry’s titanium design. Travelers stroll Casco Viejo for pintxos bars. Excursions to San Sebastián, 1 hour east, explore La Concha Beach. Local markets sell Idiazabal cheese. Peak season June to September; taxis 10-15 EUR. Dining includes bacalao at old town taverns. Souvenirs feature Basque berets.

La Coruña, Spain, offers docking at La Coruña Port. Travelers explore Tower of Hercules and María Pita Square. Excursions visit Santiago de Compostela. Local markets sell pulpo a la gallega. The peak season, April to October, brings mild weather for coastal tours. Photography captures Roman lighthouses and Atlantic vistas. Dining onboard includes empanada gallega, a Spanish favorite. Souvenirs, like scallop crafts, are sold in ship shops. Briefings cover Galician history. Light clothing and sun protection suit the temperate climate, while comfortable shoes enhance historic walks. La Coruña’s cultural charm offers a vibrant Spanish stop. Cruise travelers enjoy a mix of ancient landmarks and scenic coasts, making La Coruña an engaging destination.

Oporto, Portugal, offers docking at Leixões Port. Travelers explore Ribeira’s colorful waterfront and Livraria Lello. Excursions visit Douro Valley’s vineyards for port wine tastings. Local markets sell pastéis de nata. The peak season, April to October, brings mild weather for city tours. Photography captures tiled buildings and Douro River views. Dining onboard includes francesinha, a Porto favorite. Souvenirs, like port bottles, are sold in ship shops. Briefings cover Portugal’s maritime history. Light layers suit the temperate climate, while comfortable shoes enhance riverside walks. Oporto’s vibrant riverfront charm offers a dynamic Portuguese stop. Cruise travelers enjoy a mix of historic sites, wine culture, and scenic beauty, making Oporto an engaging destination for exploring Portugal’s northern heritage and Douro Valley.

Lisbon, Portugal, offers docking at Lisbon Port. Travelers explore Belém Tower and Jerónimos Monastery. Excursions visit Sintra’s Pena Palace. Local markets sell pastéis de nata. The peak season, April to October, brings mild weather for coastal tours. Photography captures Manueline architecture and Tagus River vistas. Dining onboard includes bacalhau, a Portuguese favorite. Souvenirs, like azulejo crafts, are sold in ship shops. Briefings cover Age of Exploration history. Light clothing and sun protection suit the Mediterranean climate, while comfortable shoes enhance city walks. Lisbon’s cultural charm offers a vibrant Portuguese stop. Cruise travelers enjoy a mix of historic landmarks and scenic rivers, making Lisbon an engaging destination.

The Strait of Gibraltar, with no docking, sees ships transiting between Spain and Morocco. Travelers observe bottlenose dolphins and migrating birds. Lectures onboard explore colonial history and trade routes. No facilities are present; provisions come from the ship. The peak season, April to October, faces strong currents. Photography captures the Rock of Gibraltar. Dining onboard includes paella. Souvenirs, like flamenco fans, are sold in ship shops. Briefings cover navigational significance. Binoculars enhance coastal views. Light clothing suits mild weather. The strait’s strategic waters connect the Atlantic to the Mediterranean.

Málaga, Spain, offers docking at Málaga Port. Travelers explore Alcazaba Fortress and Picasso Museum. Excursions visit Ronda’s deep gorges. Local markets sell gazpacho. The peak season, April to October, brings warm weather for coastal tours. Photography captures Moorish architecture and Mediterranean vistas. Dining onboard includes paella, a Spanish favorite. Souvenirs, like ceramic crafts, are sold in ship shops. Briefings cover Andalusian history. Light clothing and sun protection suit the Mediterranean climate, while comfortable shoes enhance city walks. Málaga’s cultural charm offers a vibrant Spanish stop. Cruise travelers enjoy a mix of historic fortresses and scenic coasts, making Málaga an engaging destination for exploring Spain’s Costa del Sol.

Alicante, Spain, offers docking at Alicante Port. Travelers explore Santa Bárbara Castle and Explanada de España. Excursions visit Elche’s palm groves. Local markets sell turrón. The peak season, April to October, brings warm weather for coastal tours. Photography captures Moorish castles and Mediterranean vistas. Dining onboard includes arroz a banda, a Spanish favorite. Souvenirs, like ceramic crafts, are sold in ship shops. Briefings cover Valencian history. Light clothing and sun protection suit the Mediterranean climate, while comfortable shoes enhance castle walks. Alicante’s coastal charm offers a vibrant Spanish stop. Cruise travelers enjoy a mix of historic landmarks and scenic promenades, making Alicante an engaging destination for exploration.

Valencia, Spain, offers docking at Valencia Port. Travelers explore City of Arts and Sciences and La Lonja. Excursions visit Albufera’s lagoon. Local markets sell paella. The peak season, April to October, brings warm weather for coastal tours. Photography captures futuristic architecture and Mediterranean vistas. Dining onboard includes horchata, a Valencian favorite. Souvenirs, like ceramic crafts, are sold in ship shops. Briefings cover Valencian history. Light clothing and sun protection suit the Mediterranean climate, while comfortable shoes enhance city walks. Valencia’s cultural charm offers a vibrant Spanish stop. Cruise travelers enjoy a mix of modern landmarks and scenic coasts, making Valencia an engaging destination for exploration.

Barcelona, Spain, offers docking at Barcelona Port. Travelers explore Sagrada Familia and Park Güell. Excursions visit Montserrat Monastery. Local markets sell paella. The peak season, April to October, brings warm weather for city tours. Photography captures Gaudí architecture and Mediterranean vistas. Dining onboard includes tapas, a Spanish favorite. Souvenirs, like ceramic crafts, are sold in ship shops. Briefings cover Catalan history. Light clothing and sun protection suit the Mediterranean climate, while comfortable shoes enhance city walks. Barcelona’s cultural charm offers a vibrant Spanish stop. Cruise travelers enjoy a mix of modernist landmarks and scenic coasts, making Barcelona an engaging destination for exploring Spain’s Catalan region.