Sponsored by Celebrity Cruises
When it comes to stunning coastlines, dramatic landscapes, and rich cultures, few regions can match the diversity offered by Iceland, Nova Scotia, Portugal, Spain, and Norway. While each season brings its own unique experience to travellers, summer remains a popular time of year with each destination providing a blend of natural beauty, wildlife, and cultural treasures.
Blurring the line between ship and shore, Celebrity Cruises offers a more elevated way to explore these incredible destinations – allowing travellers to enjoy the journey as much as the destination.
Starting in the rugged North Atlantic, it’s hard to pass up the opportunity to visit Iceland and Nova Scotia. Iceland’s glaciers, volcanoes, and waterfalls create an otherworldly landscape that comes alive in summer, and with up to 20 hours of daylight, it’s a playground for outdoor enthusiasts. Popular activities include kayaking through fjords, glacier hikes, and whale-watching – where humpbacks and orcas are common. Meanwhile, birdwatchers flock to Grimsey Island, home to puffins and Arctic terns, while local berries like bilberries add flavour to traditional dishes such as skyr – Iceland’s beloved yoghurt.
Across the Atlantic, Nova Scotia’s rugged coastlines enchant visitors with dramatic cliffs, lush forests, and charming fishing villages. The Cabot Trail showcases rolling hills and shimmering waters– perfect for scenic drives, hiking, and cycling. Whale-watching tours reveal humpbacks, dolphins, and minke whales breaching offshore. Its black sand beaches, like Martinique Beach, are ideal for relaxing walks, while Kejimkujik National Park offers tranquil lakes and forests. The region’s seafood– lobster, scallops, and clams– complements vibrant birdlife, including puffins and ospreys nesting along the coast.
Moving southward, Portugal and Spain showcase a tapestry of coastal culture and scenery. Portugal’s Atlantic coast features vibrant cities like Lisbon, with its historic streets lined with azulejos and overlooking the Tagus River. The nearby Sintra’s fairy-tale castles and the Algarve’s stunning beaches– Praia da Marinha and Ponta da Piedade – are summer favourites. The volcanic Azores islands, with crater lakes like Sete Cidades and geothermal springs, offer year-round whale-watching, lush scenery, and unique local cuisine such as pineapple and tea plantations.
Spain’s coastlines and islands are equally captivating. Barcelona dazzles with Gaudí’s whimsical architecture– La Sagrada Família and Park Güell– and lively beaches like Barceloneta. In southern Spain, Seville’s Moorish palaces and flamenco rhythms evoke passionate culture. The Balearic Islands– Ibiza’s nightlife and Mallorca’s tranquil coves– are summer hotspots, while the volcanic Canary Islands, including Gran Canaria and Lanzarote, feature surreal landscapes and year-round sunshine. For food enthusiasts, Spain’s renowned wine regions, Rioja and Jerez, pair beautifully with local tapas and seafood.
Meanwhile, for travellers seeking an unforgettable Arctic adventure, Norway’s fjords and rugged coastlines come alive in summer. Extended daylight– up to 24 hours in the far north– allows ample time for exploration. Celebrity Cruises offers an 11-day voyage departing in July 2026, navigating iconic fjords like Geirangerfjord and Nærøyfjord, revealing towering cliffs, cascading waterfalls, and mirror-like waters. Scenic drives along the Atlantic Road and through the Lofoten Islands showcase dramatic mountain peaks and picturesque fishing villages, while outdoor activities like hiking, kayaking, and wildlife watching offer a true immersion into Norway’s captivating wilderness.
Celebrity Cruises’ summer itineraries offer curated journeys that highlight the natural splendours and cultural vibrancy of each destination they visit. Whether cruising through Norway’s fjords, exploring Portugal and Spain’s historic cities and beaches, or discovering Iceland’s glaciers and Nova Scotia’s rugged coastlines, travellers are guaranteed to be enjoy both beauty and adventure.
Ready to see dramatic landscapes up close? Get in touch with your personal travel manager and they’ll help you find a Celebrity Cruises voyage to suit you.
TravelManagers respects and honours the Traditional Custodians of the land and pay our respects to their Elders past, present and future. We acknowledge the stories, traditions and culture of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples on the lands where we work and gather, and those we visit.
