173 Orkney, UK Cruise guests have multiple opportunities to immerse themselves in local life and culture during a day call in Orkney. In the morning, they can head west to delve into the Orcadian past by visiting the tidal island of Brough of Birsay to see its neolithic history or learning about Orkney’s agricultural history at the Kirbuster Farm Museum. In addition, they can visit Orkney’s two shopping locations in Stromness and Kirkwall, both of which are stocked with local produce, or head to Orkney’s distilleries. One of these is the Noust at Scapa, which has the best view over Scapa Flow. Finally, to end the day, guests can head to the east of Orkney, across the Churchill Barriers to see the Italian Chapel. Harlingen, Netherlands Harlingen is one of the oldest seaports in the Netherlands, dating back to 1300. This small Dutch city of canals, warehouses and old inner harbours stands as a monument to the Dutch ‘Golden Age’ of shipping. To get to Harlingen, ships (of up to 160 metres) pass through the Wadden Sea, which has been a Unesco World Heritage Site since 2009. It has been described as one of the most beautiful nature reserves of the northern hemisphere and ‘Europe’s Great Barrier Reef’. Harlingen offers various experiences for cruise guests, including historic walking tours, riding Zodiacs through canals, and checking out great feats of engineering and the natural surroundings. Port of HaminaKotka, Finland For some cruise passengers, the opportunity to rest in nature or lose themselves and undertake adrenaline-inducing activities is much needed. The Kymijoki River provides activities for thrill-seekers, including whitewater rafting. This natural environment is the perfect setting for an exhilarating ride down the rapids, as the raft navigates the twists and turns of the river, allowing guests to take in the scenery. After the ride, cruise guests can refresh themselves with a sauna bath or a swim before they head out to find a local snack. Photo: Bruce Flett
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