Star Collector: North Atlantic Explorer

The world's most northerly capital enjoys almost 24-hour sunlight in summer, all the better to show off the city's eclectic architecture and dazzling natural wonders. Soak in the milky Blue Lagoon, visit Guilfoss Waterfall, find Pingvellir National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site , or explore the surprisingly vibrant local museum and art scene.

Beautiful Grundarfjordur is located between a mountain range and the sea.  The road nearby crosses a lava field that is partially warm so snow does not always stick there. The main attraction of the area is Snæfellsjokull National Park full of regal glaciers, lava fields, waterfalls, caves, calderas, and basalt cliffs. The peninsula there received the EARTHCHECK Sustainable Community Award in 2010, the first area in Iceland to win such an award.

Small and easily walkable Isafjordur has one of the largest fisheries in Iceland. But the sever decline of the fishing industry has caused Isafjordur to look elsewhere for work. Despite its small size, this town has a school of music and has become a center for alternative music and they host a yearly festival that provides a platform for local musicians, band from around Iceland and the world to perform.

Akureyri is an important port and fisheries center especially because of its ice-free harbor so close to the Arctic Circle.  It lies at the end of Iceland's longest fjord, which is 37 miles long, at sits at the base of snowcapped peaks that offer some of Iceland's best skiing during the winter.  Must-sees in Akureyri include the Listagil (art canyon) which is home to many arts and crafts galleries and shops, the beautiful church in the center of town, the botanical garden, and Hafnarstraeti, the main shopping street.This is also the perfect place to ride an Icelandic horse or soak in the sky-blue Myvatn Nature Baths.

Seydisfjord is 11 miles of long, narrow, beautiful waterway surrounded by high mountains that ends at the town of Seydisfjordur, known for its old multi-colored wooden buildings and cascading waterfalls even in the town.  This is home of the Skalanes Nature Reserve with its wide variety of wildlife including more than 45 bird species.  The first high-voltage electricity in Iceland was opened here in 1913 and is still in operation today. A popular hiking path starts at the town center, following the east bank of the Fjardara River that flows through the center of town. 

Seydisfjord is 11 miles of long, narrow, beautiful waterway surrounded by high mountains that ends at the town of Seydisfjordur, known for its old multi-colored wooden buildings and cascading waterfalls even in the town.  This is home of the Skalanes Nature Reserve with its wide variety of wildlife including more than 45 bird species.  The first high-voltage electricity in Iceland was opened here in 1913 and is still in operation today. A popular hiking path starts at the town center, following the east bank of the Fjardara River that flows through the center of town. 

Witness a world still in transition. Circle Surtsey Island, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, which rose from the sea in the 1960s. Next up, Heimaey, where a volcanic eruption created a modern-day Pompeii in 1973. 

Take a boat tour to view Surtsey Island, which only rose from the sea in the 1960s and has been a protected UNESCO World Heritage Site since its birth. The other big attraction here is seabirds. Zodiac tours provide close up views of seabird populated sea cliffs including the largest colony of Atlantic puffins.

The world's most northerly capital enjoys almost 24-hour sunlight in summer, all the better to show off the city's eclectic architecture and dazzling natural wonders. Soak in the milky Blue Lagoon, visit Guilfoss Waterfall, find Pingvellir National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site , or explore the surprisingly vibrant local museum and art scene.

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The beautiful fjord system of Prince Christian Sound is a waterway in southern Greenland that connects the Labrador Sea and the Irminger Sea. Sixty miles long and narrows to only 1,500 feet wide at some points. It separates the mainland from the islands of the Cape Farewell Archipelago and is surrounded by steep granite mountains as high as 3,937 feet.

The scenic colonial town of Qaqortoq is easily seen on foot. Walk to the town square with its gorgeous fountain built of Igaliku rocks. Colorful houses encircle the square and Our Saviour's Church, built in 1832, is nearby. There are many works of art that have been chiseled into the rocks at the sculpture park called "Stone and Man,"  and the local museum full of Nordic artifacts is definitely worth a visit. Another point of interest is the fishing wharf where fresh and dried fish is sold.

With a population of 1,600, Narsaq is the youngest town of Greenland and was founded in 1959. The mountain behind the town is full of coveted minerals and is a major attractions for rock pickers and geologists including the rare mineral, Tugtupit which has only been found in one or two places around the world.

The southernmost town in Greenland located at the mouth of the Tasermuit Fjord, Nanortalik shares space with polar bears who live and hunt on the sea outside of town. Vertical cliffs and steep peaks characterize the area around Nanortalik and Ketil Mountain at 6,562 feet has one of the highest climbing walls with Greenland's only natural forest just 25 miles away. The locals are charming and friendly and known for their choir singing, which you may end up hearing.

This 43-mile (70km) long fjord opens into the Labrador Sea and separates two long mountainous peninsulas. Nanortalik Island is located at the mouth of the fjord. It is a popular spot for climbers and kayakers and is the starting point for many challenging treks.

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Located at the northern tip of Newfoundland, St. Anthony is known for its dramatic coastline, iceberg sightings, and profound humanitarian history. The Grenfell Interpretation Centre tells the story of Sir Wilfred Grenfell and his mission to bring medical care and education to remote coastal communities, offering one of the most compelling museum experiences in the region. The surrounding wilderness of mountains, valleys, and sea creates a striking backdrop for a destination defined by resilience, exploration, and care for isolated communities.

Located within Gros Morne National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, Bonne Bay and Woody Point sit amid an ancient landscape shaped by glaciers and tectonic forces. Fjords, mountains, and coastal ecosystems create a natural classroom where geology, marine life, and human history intersect. Small but information-rich museums and interpretive centers near the waterfront deepen understanding of the region’s natural history. IMPORTANT: To accommodate the afternoon shore excursion, the ship will reposition from Woody Point to Norris Point at approximately 12:30PM. All Aboard will be 12:00PM.

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The capital of Nova Scotia was ranked the 4th best place to live in Canada back in 2012. It is a city with more pubs and clubs per capita than any other Canadian city and even one of the mayors was a brewmaster. The boardwalk on the waterfront follows the water's edge and is lined with unique shops. Halifax is home to the longest running saltwater ferry and a 200-year-old restored fishing village. Be sure to find time to try fabled donair (pita, meat and sauce), the official food of Halifax.

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Founded in 1630 by Puritan settlers, Boston is one of the oldest cities in the U.S. It was a pivotal place during the American Revolution for the Boston Massacre, the Boston Tea Party, the Battle of Bunker Hill and the Siege of Boston. Tourists to Boston see the Faneuil Hall Marketplace, the JFK Library and Museum, the Museum of Fine Arts, the New England Aquarium, and the USS Constitution.