Quest, Northern European Summer ex Rotterdam to Reykjavik – 24 May 2021

44 Night Cruise sailing from Rotterdam to Reykjavik onboard Seabourn Quest.

Seabourn Quest is the third iteration of the vessel design that has been called “a game-changer for the luxury segment. True to her Seabourn bloodlines, wherever she sails around the world, Seabourn Quest carries with her a bevy of award-winning dining venues that are comparable to the finest restaurants to be found anywhere. Under the guidance of celebrity chef Charlie Palmer, Seabourn Quest offers a variety of dining options to suit every taste and every mood, with never an extra charge.

Highlights of this cruise:

Rotterdam, The Netherlands
Rotterdam’s skyline includes some of the most eclectic and daring architecture in Europe, resulting from the fact that most of the city was destroyed during Allied bombing in World War II during its Nazi occupation. Today it is Europe’s largest port. Only three buildings in the city center survived, the Art Deco City Hall, the Great St. Laurence church from 1499, and the 10-storey, Art Nouveau style White House from 1898. Delfshaven is the oldest existing neighborhood of Rotterdam, dating mostly from the 17th century. The city is rich in museums, with the Boymans van Beuningen being the most extensive art collection, from the 14th century forward. The striking Kunsthal designed by architect Rem Koolhaas, is a work of art in itself. Rotterdam has only seven windmills remaining, but a short trip to nearby Kinderdijk takes you to the UNESCO World Heritage Site containing 19 classic Dutch windmills. Other options for excursions from Rotterdam include half- or full-day tours to Amsterdam or to the 17th century charms of Gouda.

Oslo, Norway
Beautiful Oslo was named as ‘Europe’s Green Capital.’ As Norway’s largest city, it is a cosmopolitan hub with an abundance of world-class architecture, museums, restaurants and shopping. Oslo buzzes with energy, from its new neighborhoods to its cutting-edge food, fashion, art scene and famous museums. The Oslo Opera House is a magnificent architectural wonder, resembling a massive iceberg, while Frognerparken showcases the work of Norway’s best-loved sculptor, Gustav Vigeland, in an open-air setting. The Astrup Fearnley Modern Art Museum is an exemplar of Oslo’s modern metropolitan atmosphere. Yet the city maintains a refreshing closeness to nature that few other capital cities can match. Founded in 1049 by King Harold Sigurdsson, Olso celebrates its long-standing traditional Norse heritage. Those with an interest in its history may discover the sprawling castle-fortress of Akershus Slott, strategically built along the shores of the fjord in 1299 by King HÃ¥kon V, or explore Vikingskipshuset with its preserved Viking long-ships dating from the year 1100.

Klaipeda, Lithuania
Klaipeda’s history dates back to 1252, when it was founded as a fortress to provide protection against marauders arriving by sea. A member of the Hanseatic League during its heyday, Klaipeda was also ruled at various times by Sweden, Russia, Prussia, Lithuania, Germany, the Soviet Union, and now, once again, Lithuania. With a population of nearly 200,000, Klaipeda is one of Lithuania’s largest cities and most important ports. Be sure to visit Mazvydas Sculpture Park or perhaps make the drive to nearby Palanga or Nida along the Baltic coast. Special Note: Please bear in mind that tourism in Lithuania is still in its infancy. Facilities and guides may not be up to Seabourn’s normally high standards.

Gdansk, Poland
Formerly known by its German name Danzig, this city has survived six changes in power between Poland and its western neighbor since the 10th century. In the 13th century, Gdansk became an important Baltic port when it joined the Hanseatic League. Today the city near the mouth of the Vistula River is still a major commercial center and the headquarters of a prominent shipbuilding industry. It is also part of the sprawling ‘Tri-cities’ urban conglomeration of Gdansk-Gdynia-Sopot along the Baltic Sea coast, combining cultural, historical and resort attractions. Without doubt, the main attraction is the historic Old City. Virtually destroyed during World War II, the beautifully restored center draws thousands of tourists each year. More recent history marks Gdansk as the home of Solidarity and the beginning of democracy in Poland. Special Note: Tourism is still developing in Poland; guides, while the best available, may not be up to Seabourn’s normally high standards.

Daylight Transit Kiel Canal
Your ship will transit the 61-mile Nord-Ostsee-Kanal between the North Sea and the Baltic between Brunsbüttel at the mouth of the Elbe River and Holtenau, near Kiel Harbour. The freshwater canal cuts through the flat, agricultural lowlands of Schleswig-Holstein, saving ships an average of 250 nautical miles navigating around the Jutland Peninsula. It is the busiest artificial waterway in the world. Ships pass under nine high bridge crossings, passing through locks at each end.

Hamburg, Germany
The residents of Hamburg have retained the independent spirit which earned this autonomous commercial center its ‘Free City’ designation in the Middle Ages. One of Germany’s principal ports, Hamburg is surrounded by enormous dock areas and the gaudy, licentious Reeperbahn (which translates loosely to ‘Anchorage of Joy’) is fully prepared to offer every form of entertainment to the world’s sailors. The vaudeville acts at the Hansa-Theater are bright and clever (and language is no barrier). The Kunsthalle (art museum) boasts an outstanding collection of 16th- and 20th-century masterpieces, and the Renaissance Rathaus (city hall) sits atop some 4,000 piles driven into marshy ground proving that the engineers of Hamburg have been skilled and imaginative for centuries.

Amsterdam, The Netherlands
The delightfully attractive city of Amsterdam is home to many of the world’s great art treasures, and is a major center of the glamorous diamond trade as well. Unique architectural styles of the past blend with superb modern structures, and the web of curved and straight canals makes the city as easy to traverse by water as by land. The hospitality of the local people has been remarked upon by generations of travelers, and the Dutch’s respect for and tolerance of the beliefs of others has attracted refugees from around the world for centuries.

Dover (London), England, UK
Crossing the English Channel from continental Europe to Great Britain, the first view of England is the milky-white strip of land called the White Cliffs of Dover. As you get closer, the coastline unfolds before you in all its striking beauty. White chalk cliffs with streaks of black flint rise straight from the sea to a height of 350’ (110 m). Numerous archaeological finds reveal people were present in the area during the Stone Age. Yet the first record of Dover is from Romans, who valued its close proximity to the mainland. A mere 21 miles (33 km) separate Dover from the closest point in France. A Roman-built lighthouse in the area is the tallest Roman structure still standing in Britain. The remains of a Roman villa with the only preserved Roman wall mural outside of Italy are another unique survivor from ancient times which make Dover one of a kind.

Bristol (Bath), England, United Kingdom
Known as ‘the city of the seven hills,’ Bristol’s characteristic landscape of rolling hills, softened by the curves of the Avon River, is easily recognizable. Its key landmarks include the Clifton Suspension Bridge spanning the Avon Gorge and the 878-year-old, 300′ (90 m) Bristol Cathedral towering above the old town. The stone structures of historic Bristol University with their awe-inspiring pillars, statues and fountains stand in stark contrast to the many ultra-modern buildings. Cabot Tower, built to commemorate the 400th anniversary of John Cabot’s 1497 voyage to the New World, stands on Brandon Hill. Though Bristol sustained significant damage during WWII, it remains a unique mixture of Victorian, Georgian, and post-war architecture. It was the Romans who first noted the area’s mild climate and built a number of villas along the Frome and Avon rivers. Bristol enjoys more sunshine than most of England and is one of the country’s warmest cities.

Dublin, Ireland
Historic Dublin, the capital of Ireland, is rich in tradition and heritage. Founded in 841 as a Viking settlement, Dublin remained under Viking rule until the Norman invasion of Ireland in the 12th century. Divided by the Liffey and Tolka rivers, Dublin is a truly quaint and picturesque city. Bridges, waterways, narrow alleyways, and beautiful Georgian architecture await discovery. Dublin’s 751 pubs support a traditional folk music scene second to none. Wandering along its streets, you cannot avoid noticing the city’s different faces — its cobblestone streets next to modern and mid-century buildings, massive stone churches heavy with the weight of ages, and colorful storefronts with ornate woodcarvings. The history of Dublin and Ireland itself can be seen through the changes in Dublin Castle. This impressive architectural landmark is one of Ireland’s most iconic symbols. Of traditional Norman design, it was erected in the 13th century to serve as the headquarters for Norman power.

Brodick, Isle Of Arran, United Kingdom
Brodick is the largest town on Arran, the largest island in the Firth of Clyde. The town is sited overlooking Brodick Bay and the Firth, with looming Goatfell mountain as a backdrop. At nearly 3,000 feet (847m) tall, the mountain is one of Scotland’s most popular hiking sites. Brodick is an important ferry terminal for the crucial tourism trade on the island. Arran is a popular holiday destination for hill-walking, horseback riding, fishing and golf. Brodick Castle is a red sandstone baronial home surrounded by handsome gardens and Scotland’s only island country park. The Isle of Arran Heritage Museum recounts the history of the island from prehistoric burial sites to the present day.

Djupivogur, Iceland
Djúpivogur is a very small, quaint town of some 456 people, located in East Iceland in Berufjörður fjord. Towering, pyramid-shaped Mount Búlandstindur dominates the landscape, rising to 3,510’ (1,069 m). It is a place of unspoiled nature, with quiet lagoons and a tranquil harbor populated by colorful fishing boats. The area is well-known for the diversity of birdlife, especially in nearby Búlandsnes Bird Sanctuary where most of Iceland’s bird species can be observed. Time seems to flow more slowly here, because the residents have chosen a much different lifestyle, enriched with opportunities to observe their natural surroundings. Djúpivogur is a creative community, displaying its local arts and crafts in workshops and galleries. The Eggs of Merry Bay, ‘Eggin í Gleðivík,’ is a large outdoor art installation by renowned Icelandic artist Sigurður Guðmundsson. It consists of 34 large sculpted stone eggs representing the 34 bird species found in the vicinity. Located only a kilometre from the town center, it makes an easy and pleasant stroll along the shore.

Reykjavik, Iceland
Reykjavík, established by Viking settler Ingólfur Arnarson around 870 C.E, is the location of the first permanent settlement in Iceland. The census of 1703 recorded that Reykjavík had 69 residents and consisted of a farm and a church. The impressive statue of Leif Erikson, in the center of town, reminds all of Iceland’s Viking heritage. Its name translates to ‘smoky bay’, due to the geothermal nature of the surrounding area. Today about 200.000 people live in the Icelandic capital, roughly 60 % of the country’s population. It has evolved into a sophisticated city. The northernmost national capital in the world is also one of the cleanest, greenest, and safest on Earth. Walking Reykjavik streets one will find rich culture, history, music, shopping and in the late hours vibrant night-life. Colorful rooftops and the elegant spire of Hallgrímskirkja Church dominate Reykjaviks’s skyline. Known for its arts, Reykjavik hosts a number of internationally recognized festivals, notably the Iceland Air music festival, Reykjavik Arts Festival and the Reykjavik International Film Festival.

Akureyri, Iceland
Akureyri is the second largest urban area in Iceland with a population of around 18,000. Nicknamed ‘The Capital of the North,’ it is situated at the head of Eyjafjörður, the longest fjord in Iceland, only 62 miles (100 km) from the Arctic Circle. Surrounded by snow-streaked mountains, the Akureyri hills flourish in summer with a profusion of arctic wildflowers. Mt. Kerling is the highest peak visible from town, at 5,064’ (1,538 m). Often cloudy, with a mild climate, Akureyri has much less precipitation than its southern counterpart Reykjavik. It is a cultured city, with a university, numerous galleries, museums, art exhibitions, and live theater performances. Nearby Hrísey Island is a spectacularly beautiful and peaceful island often called ‘The Pearl of Eyjafjörður,’ with an atmosphere of calm and settled tranquility. Numerous Atlantic puffins fly overhead, and the occasional whale is seen traversing the fjord.

Tromso, Norway
Tromsø is the largest city in northern Norway and the ninth most populous municipality in the country. It surprises visitors with its sophisticated art scene, its contrasting modern and historical architecture, international cuisine, multicultural events, and festivals throughout the year. Situated 200 miles north of the Arctic Circle, Tromsø is within the land of the midnight sun during summer months and the elusive northern lights in winter. However, thanks to the warming effect of the Gulf Stream, the sea doesn’t freeze here in winter, and there is no permafrost in the vicinity. Tromsø is noticeably milder than other towns at the same latitudes in other parts of the world. Tromsø is also ‘The City of Explorers’ and has seen a number of expeditions set off from its shores to the probe the polar realm. Both Roald Amundsen and Fridtjof Nansen frequently recruited men in the city. Nowadays home to the Norwegian Polar Institute, Tromsø continues a tradition of being one of the key centers in explorations of the Arctic.

Scenic Cruising North Cape
The looming cliffs of Norway’s North Cape rise directly from the sea 1007 ft/307m to a plateau as flat as a table. This impressive headland has been selected to represent the northernmost point of Europe, even though it is technically located on an island, Magerøya, connected to the mainland by a bridge. At 71° 10’ 20” N latitude, it is just 1,306 mi/2012 km from the North Pole. At this point, the Norwegian Sea, which is part of the Atlantic Ocean, meets the Barents Sea, part of the Arctic Ocean. Further north, the mountainous archipelagoes of Franz Josef Land and Svalbard are the last lands before the Polar Ice Pack. The Midnight Sun does not dip below the horizon here at any time between May 14 and July 31 each year. Sheer and formidable, the North Cape pays its role to the hilt, emphatically declaring itself the end of Europe’s landmass.

Skagafjordur, Iceland
The deep bay of Skagafjördur cuts into Iceland’s northern coast west of Akureyri. Surrounded by mesa peaks and rolling slopes, this is rich agricultural country renowned for sheep ranching, horse breeding and resounding choral singing. Prosperous Saudárkrókur is the main town. Three islands in the bay, Malmey, Drangey and Lundey are all packed with breeding birds in the summer, including razorbills, guillemots and puffins, for which Lundey is named. Drangey is the most picturesque, a fortress-like block of volcanic tuff rising sheer from the sea. The promontory of Bórdarhöfdi presents a palisade of columnar basalt when seen from the water. The nearby Glaumbaer Museum centers on an authentic turf farmhouse and outbuildings stocked with tools and artifacts breathing life into the past. This might be an opportunity to try a horseback ride on one of the distinctive, small Icelandic horses with their unusual gait. Or pick up a sweater or other item woven from the unique Icelandic wool.