This is a pleasant time of year to visit some of Northern Europe's most interesting cities. Casting off from Portsmouth, with its rich maritime history, our first destination is Zeebrugge in Belgium, a picturesque port that offers easy access to fairytale Bruges with its cobbled streets lined with medieval buildings. We sail onwards to IJmuiden for an overnight stay - perfect for exploring Amsterdam`s canals and cultural treasures. We now return to British shores, visiting Newcastle-upon-Tyne to discover a rich industrial heritage and vibrant Geordie culture, and Edinburgh, the majestic Scottish capital. Continuing north, we stop at the Orkney Islands to unearth Neolithic sites and Viking heritage. A day at sea brings a chance to enjoy the onboard spa and sporting facilities before we arrive in Oslo, Norway's capital, known for its striking architecture. Next, we head to Sweden's west-coast town of Lysekil, framed by red-hued cliffs, before arriving in Copenhagen to enjoy two days in the enchanting Danish capital.