Grand Voyage: Pole To Pole

IJmuiden, a dynamic port town in the Netherlands, stands as the maritime gateway to Amsterdam, located at the mouth of the North Sea Canal.

History was made in this port, just across the Firth of Forth from Rosyth, when the future Queen Margaret of Scotland arrived around 1071. Her devout religious attitude established 'Queen's Ferry' as the place for pilgrims from abroad to alight on their way to St. Andrews—Scotland's ecclesiastical capital in the Middle Ages. Margaret's legacy continues less than a dozen miles away at Edinburgh Castle. A key attraction up on the castle's rock is St. Margaret's Chapel, believed to be the oldest section of the fortifications and the place where she worshipped. There's more to Scotland's capital than the Castle, though. Edinburgh proudly displays multiple exhibits on national and international scientific achievement at the National Museum of Scotland, as well as some fantastic works of visual art at the National Galleries of Scotland. South Queensferry's moorings are also within easy striking distance of Scotland's largest metropolis: the city of Glasgow. Transformed in many ways since the post–WWII days when it had a reputation for grime and crime, the city is among the most vibrant in the U.K.: It is Scotland's de-facto capital of modern culture, with the hippest DJs and most accomplished conceptual artists.

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.

Trondheim, a historical gem in Norway's heartland, seamlessly melds its Viking roots with contemporary vibes.

Tromsø, often dubbed the Gateway to the Arctic, beckons visitors with its enchanting blend of urban sophistication and untouched wilderness.

Perched on the very tip of Norway, Honningsvåg is a beacon of Arctic allure. As one of the northernmost cities in the world, it serves as a gateway to the enchanting realm of the North Cape.

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.

Nestled at the head of Iceland's longest fjord, Akureyri is a charming gateway to the natural wonders of the north.

Ísafjörður, the heart of the Westfjords in Iceland, is a gem hidden by towering mountains and enchanting fjords.

Reykjavík, the world's northernmost capital, offers a striking blend of icy landscapes and fiery volcanic activity.

Sail past majestic whales and between immense icebergs as you cruise the serene waters that surround Greenland.

Sail past majestic whales and between immense icebergs as you cruise the serene waters that surround Greenland.

Paamiut formerly Frederikshab 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.

The scenic waters off St. Anthony are known as Iceberg Alley, offering the largest concentration of icebergs in Newfoundland and spectacular whale watching. Sample shore excursions: Icebergs & Whales; L anse Aux Meadows A Viking Tour.

At the easternmost gateway to North America, come ashore in the snug, landlocked harbor to discover a land the Norsemen visited five centuries before Columbus. See fishing villages perched on cliffs, visit the lovely Botanical Gardens.

The tiny French island of St-Pierre & Miquelon are the last remnants of the former colonial territory of New France. Enjoy the uniquely French architecture, cafes and people.

Perched along the rugged shores of Nova Scotia, Halifax exudes an irresistible maritime charm that beckons travellers from near and far.

Nestled on the rugged coast of Maine, Bar Harbor embodies the quintessential charm of a New England seaside town.

Boston, steeped in rich history and pulsing with modern energy, stands as a beacon of American culture on the eastern seaboard.

Nestled along the sun-drenched shores of Florida's Atlantic coast, Fort Lauderdale beckons with its pristine beaches, vibrant culture and world-class amenities.