Oslo, Norway

Oslo is the oldest of the Scandinavian capital cities with a varied collection of cultural attractions and natural wonders. Situated at the head of a 60-mile fjord on the southern coast, Oslo is beautifully framed by a vast expense of woods, moors and lakes. Today, Norway's capital is a blend of 19th and 20th-century architectural styles. Woodcarvings and colorful frescoes decorate the city's buildings, and the parks and public squares are resplendent with unique works of sculpture.

For a spectacular view of the city and the fjord, visit Akershus Castle. Sitting on a cliff, this fortress was originally built in 1300. The present structure dates mainly from the 17th century and features quaint buildings and beautiful grounds.

• Experience the sites, history and art of Oslo as you travel through the beautiful scenic countryside to Hadeland, where you can discover the art of Hadeland Glassworks.
• Visit the Royal Palace, current residence of the Royal Family.
• Take the winding road of Holmenkollen Hill where you'll see charming residences and impressive views. At the top, you'll see the world-famous ski-jumping area Hollmenkollen, built for the 1952 Olympics.
• Visit the Viking Ship Museum and see the incredible artisanship of all the beautiful Viking long ships.
• Get a Taste of Local Flavor: Far i Kal is a traditional dish here, a stew of lamb and cabbage. Kjottkaker (meatcakes) are also quite common, served with sauerkraut flavored with caraway. Reindeer appears on many menus, particularly further north. It's similar to beef, but a richer, slightly sweet-flavored meat. The Norwegians are also partial to wild berries. Two varieties native to the area are lingonberries, similar to cranberries, and cloudberries, which are like orange-colored raspberries, only they are a little crunchy and have a sharper taste.

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	Stockholm, Sweden

Situated where Lake Mälaren meets the Baltic Sea, Stockholm was founded as a fortress in the mid-13th century. The fortress grew into a town, spread to nearby islands, and the mainland eventually became the capital of Sweden. It is a city of remarkable beauty with its numerous parks, tree-lined squares and boulevards and pleasant water vistas.

The Gamla Stan is the oldest part of Stockholm and a popular attraction. Its narrow cobblestone streets are lined with beautiful buildings dating from the 13th through the 18th centuries. Today they house boutiques, restaurants, cafes, and clubs.

• Explore the city's ancient history by visiting the medieval Old Town and the impressive City Hall, the site of the Nobel Prize banquet. Take time to enjoy the smart boutiques, art galleries and antique shops that line the streets.
• Visit the grand Vasa Ship Museum, home to Vasa, the world's oldest preserved ship.
• Get medieval in the Medieval Museum, which focuses on the archaeological discoveries of the Castle of Three Crowns of Stockholm.
  Get a Taste of Local Flavor: Vodka is the drink most widely associated with Sweden, but the locals prefer Aquavit, a potato based liquor, served ice-cold and drunk as a shot. But beware, it is very strong.

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	Helsinki, Finland

Helsinki is the sparkling capital of Finland, an elegant city of spectacular architecture, beautiful gardens, and harborside parks. The Finns have long been admired for graceful design and imaginative architecture. Many styles from centuries past and present are represented here, from medieval to neoclassical, as well as the superb ultra-modern creations by Aalto, Saarinen, and other Finnish masters.

The heart of Helsinki is the bustling kauppatori or market square. Also known as the fish market, it is surrounded by graceful 19th-century buildings - some of the few remaining in the city after the devastation of WWII. Visit Havis Amanda, the lovely mermaid statue and fountain just west of the fish market. The statue was designed in 1908 by one of Finland's most beloved artists, Ville Vallgren. Also known as Manta, it is commonly regarded as the symbol of Helsinki - if not all of Finland.

• Explore the city of Helsinki. Visit Temppeliaukio, one of Europe's most unusual modern churches. Stop at the Olympic Stadium, site of the 1952 Olympic Games. Visit Sibelius Park, where you can see the unique stainless-steel monument erected for the Finnish composer Jean Sibelius.
• Immerse yourself in the history of Porvoo, the second-oldest town in Finland. See the majestic medieval cathedral as you walk the cobblestone streets of this old wooden town.
• Explore the Uspenski Orthodox Cathedral, the Presidential Palace, and the Senate Square.
• Get a Taste of Local Flavor: As in other Scandinavian countries, the smorgasbord is popular. It's a buffet with a wide range of hot and cold dishes featuring plenty of seafood, including Baltic herring and smoked salmon. There is a variety of ways to serve reindeer, including cold and smoked, much like salmon. Bear and elk may appear on the menu, and there is always plenty of game. You'll also find many pastries and desserts, as well as cloudberries, a slightly tarter variation on raspberries.

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	St. Petersburg, Russia

St. Petersburg is rich in cultural heritage, and a masterpiece of architecture that embodies the soul of Imperial Russia. In 1703, Peter the Great built a fortress on the banks of the Neva River, and by 1712 a new city had emerged. Elegant façades, glorious cathedrals and grand residences were built along the city's canals. Construction flourished under Catherine the Great, and the city gained new splendor with elaborate palaces, lovely parks and magnificent squares designed by French and Italian architects. St. Petersburg is the most European-influenced city in Russia, and certainly the most spectacular.

While you're in St. Petersburg, take time to explore the Hermitage Museum. This museum is one of the world's greatest treasures and features more than 3 million exhibits. And that doesn't include the impressive building itself or its beautiful furnishings.

• Explore the sights of St. Petersburg, including Peter and Paul Fortress, birthplace of modern St. Petersburg; St. Isaac Cathedral, the world's largest domed cathedral; and Palace Square, the rallying point of the 1917 Russian Revolution.
• Visit Peterhof, the summer home of Peter the Great. Built under the supervision of the French architect Alexandre Le Blond, this town of palaces, fountains and parks rivals the great palaces of Versailles.
  Get a Taste of Local Flavor: Typical Russian dishes include borscht, a beetroot soup; beef stroganoff, thin slices of beef braised with mushrooms, onions and sour cream; and the famous chicken kiev, chicken breasts wrapped around garlic butter, usually breaded and sauteed. The Russians are also famous for their caviar, often served with finely chopped hard-boiled egg and onion on blinis (miniature pancakes).

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	Tallinn, Estonia

Tallinn, the capital of Estonia, is one of the oldest cities on the Baltic Sea, founded in 1154. Its Old Town has remained remarkably unchanged for the past 600 years, making it one of the most attractive cities in Europe. Today's Tallinn is also a thoroughly modern capital filled with parks, museums, sports centers, hotels and cafés - a city certain to suit almost every traveler's tastes.

Discover the influence of the old Hanseatic League in the well-preserved medieval quarter of Tallinn, with its narrow cobblestone alleyways. You'll find old walls, winding cobbled lanes and buildings that date back to the Middle Ages.

• Tour the Upper Town of Tallinn and explore the open-air museum of Rocca-al-Mare.
• Visit Toompea Castle, in the upper part of the Old Town. Dating from the first half of the 13th century, the castle has undergone much reconstruction and is now fronted by the pink Parliament House built in 1773. Hop on a bicycle and head to the picturesque area of Kakumäe.
• See Kadriorg, an English garden founded by Peter the Great. There, you'll find Kadriorg Palace, built in 1718 as one of his summer palaces.
• Experience the spirit of this old town, see its sights and medieval details on one of our bike tours which start at the Roca al Mer Museum, which displays ancient rural buildings from the 18th and 19th century.
  Get a Taste of Local Flavor: Estonia is known for its local specialties such as Herring & rootbeet salad, Pork Chops with Sourkraut and Curds or Cheese Cake.

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	Harwich, England

An international port located on the estuary of the rivers Stour and Orwell in northeast Essex, Harwich is one of England's busiest coastal towns. It's also just 69 miles from London. Throughout history, the town has been a crucial port, providing a sheltered anchorage for many ships. The old town of Harwich is a conservation area, where you'll discover many historic buildings. The neighboring town of Dovercourt is a bit more modern, but equally quaint and fascinating to explore

When you're in Harwich, you'll definitely want to make a side trip to London. While you're there, explore the city, visiting Big Ben, the National Gallery, Westminster Abbey, Madame Tussaud's waxwork collection, the Tower of London, the Museum of Natural History, the Museum of Science, the Victoria and Albert Museum, Trafalgar Square, and so much more.

• Go shopping in London at world-famous Harrods department store and explore their awe-inspiring food hall.
• Visit London's world-famous Victoria and Albert Museum, with seven miles of galleries on four floors.
• Explore Covent Garden in London, full of open-air cafés, stylish boutiques, and lively street entertainers. The famous Punch and Judy puppet show has been performed here since the 1600s.
• Watch the Changing of the Guard at London's Buckingham Palace. This half-hour parade of guards is an exciting display of pomp and circumstance.

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Jewel of the Seas Ship Highlights:
• Jewel of the Seas - Solarium
• Jewel of the Seas - ShipShape Spa
• Jewel of the Seas - Seaview Cafe
• Jewel of the Seas - Safari Club
• Jewel of the Seas - Sports Court
• Jewel of the Seas - Chops Grille Restaurant
• Jewel of the Seas - Casino Royale
• Jewel of the Seas - Fitness Center
• Jewel of the Seas - Serengeti Club
• Jewel of the Seas - Onboard Show
• Jewel of the Seas - Coral Theater
• Jewel of the Seas - Champagne Bar
• Jewel of the Seas - Spa Reception
• Jewel of the Seas - Vortex Bar & Lounge