Discover Southampton’s maritime history at the SeaCity Museum or see impressive works in the city’s art gallery. Jane Austen used to walk Southampton’s city walls and you can too, stopping at the Tudor House Museum along the way. Go all nostalgic over vintage cars at the National Motor Museum at Beaulieu or see King Arthur’s fabled Round Table at nearby Winchester, the ancient capital of England.

Heralded as one of the world’s friendliest cities, Glasgow is Scotland’s cultural capital. It’s also Scotland’s biggest city, surpassing even Edinburgh. Glasgow experienced a cultural boom from the 18th to 20th century, giving birth to the ornate Victorian and Art Nouveau architecture you see here today. With your Glasgow, Scotland cruise check out Killingrove Art Gallery and Museum in the city’s West End. You’ll encounter everything from the remains of prehistoric mammals to mind-bending Dali paintings. Explore the city’s deeper history in the East End, where you’ll find Glasgow Cathedral, a monument of 12th-century Gothic design. Glasgow is also a UNESCO City of Music — stop into one of the 130 music events that are held here each week at venues like the Glasgow Royal Concert Hall.

Reykjavik is the beating heart of Iceland. The city was founded in 1786, but it’s also the site of Iceland’s first permanent settlement, dating back to 874 AD. Check out the Settlement Exhibition, a combination archaeological ruin and museum based around a 10th-century longhouse, where interactive technology and archaeology reveal historical Iceland. The church Hallgrimskirkja dominates the skyline – admire its distinctive Expressionist-style architecture designed to mirror the nearby mountains and glaciers during your Iceland cruise. Need relaxation of the highest order? Take the sub-hour drive to the world-famous Blue Lagoon, a geothermal spa surrounded by volcanic vistas.

Reykjavik is the beating heart of Iceland. The city was founded in 1786, but it’s also the site of Iceland’s first permanent settlement, dating back to 874 AD. Check out the Settlement Exhibition, a combination archaeological ruin and museum based around a 10th-century longhouse, where interactive technology and archaeology reveal historical Iceland. The church Hallgrimskirkja dominates the skyline – admire its distinctive Expressionist-style architecture designed to mirror the nearby mountains and glaciers during your Iceland cruise. Need relaxation of the highest order? Take the sub-hour drive to the world-famous Blue Lagoon, a geothermal spa surrounded by volcanic vistas.

With 3,229 inhabitants, Qaqortoq is a large town for Greenlandic standards. Stroll around the historical buildings in this colourful colonial town, formerly known as Julianeha. Cruise to Greenland to admire the open-air sculpture gallery Stone and Man, and check out the spouting whale fountain. Then, visit the quaint Qaqortoq Museum, housed in the town’s oldest building. Kayak among the fjords around the city, or hike along the nearby mountain-rimmed Lake Tasersuaq. Later, soak your stress away in the delightful hot springs, bubbling at a perfect 98 to 100 degrees Fahrenheit on the island of Uunartoq.

Most travellers come to Greenland for the glaciers, ice fields and fjords, but to enjoy this large island’s culture, be sure to stop in Nuuk. Like most other cities in Greenland, the capital is located along the ice-free, fjord-lined southwest coast, offering beautiful views of both the rolling landscape and the gorgeous icy waters beyond. Cruise to Greenland to stroll around the old harbour, with its wooden homes and fantastic views of the Nuuk fjord. Admire the street art, sculptures and avant-garde architecture like the Katuaq Cultural Centre with its wooden ‘screen’ meant to symbolise the Northern Lights. Sample some traditional dishes, such as nipisa suaat – Greenland’s intense, umami-rich signature caviar or browse for a warmer outfit at local boutiques like the family-owned Qiviut.

The sight of the world’s largest fiddle welcomes you to Sydney, Nova Scotia. In this enclave on Cape Breton Island, metropolitan charm meets local hospitality. Originally founded by Loyalists spooked by the American Revolution, Sydney remains a haven – but today, it’s one replete with golf courses, a hearty music scene and the world-famous Cabot Trail. Step back into the 18th century while you walk amongst the town’s classically inspired buildings and dramatically steepled churches. Cruise to Nova Scotia and stroll along the boardwalk, indulge your inner lover of learning at the Cape Breton Centre for Heritage and Science, and end your day toe-tapping to Celtic beats.

Halifax was founded as a naval base in 1749 — but you’d never know it from the vibe of this bustling urban capital today. Peer a little closer and you’ll see the Citadel, the star-shaped fortress that still stands guard from its hilltop perch. Discover historic architecture, restaurants, museums and boutique shops on the restored waterfront. Hop a ferry to Dartmouth or visit Peggy’s Cove. Jump onboard a Nova Scotia cruise and spend your day whale-watching, or sailing, and celebrate the day with some of the best beer and lobster the Maritimes have to offer.

Toting over 400 years of history, Boston is one of the oldest cities in America. Boston cruises allow you to see Revolution-era relics standing tall amid modern cityscapes, and homes where legendary patriots, politicians and poets once lived. Discover cobblestone charm in Beacon Hill and Paul Revere’s midnight route through the North End. Breathe in salty air along the Harborwalk and ride in a swan boat around Boston Public Garden. Whether it’s walking the Freedom Trail, kayaking on the Charles River, or living time-honored baseball traditions at Fenway Park, you’ll come to find Boston is the birthplace of New England adventure.