CME Cruise Conference

Amsterdam, The Netherlands - Amsterdam is a great city to discover the charms of northern Europe. The graceful canals of its central district are lined with beautiful gabled houses. It's many, grand art museums display masterpieces of Rembrandt and Vermeer and the largest collection of Van Gogh's work is found here. Fine food is also easy to find along with ample opportunities for shopping (including excellent vintage finds). This great city is well worth a day or two's stay before your cruise.

At Sea - Cruising - Cruising

Akureyri, Iceland -  Akureyi, Iceland's second largest city—affectionately known as the Capital of North Iceland—is one of the country's most important ports and fishing centers. Today, Akureyi is creating something of a buzz for its cool café scene, growing gourmet movement and bustling nightlife. But don't let that fool you. The atmosphere here is always laidback. From a fabulous summer festival program (energized by the near 24-hour daylight), to some of the best winter skiing you could wish for, Akureyi is a great base for exploring Eyjafjörður, Iceland's longest fjord, all year round.

Isafjordur, Iceland - Marvel at the stunning natural beauty of Iceland on an Isafjordur cruise, where you’ll find a small town surrounded by snow-capped mountains, pristine water, and jaw-dropping vistas. As the largest settlement in the Westfjords, Isafjordur is the ideal place to discover northern Iceland’s unspoiled terrain and spot wildlife, including whales, seals, and arctic foxes, in their natural habitat. Go birdwatching on the nearby island of Vigur. Visit the Hornstrandir Nature Reserve, or head to Dynjandi, a group of waterfalls known as the jewel of the region. During your time in Isafjordur, you’ll witness dramatic landscapes you won’t soon forget.

Reykjavik, Iceland - Iceland's capital and largest city is located on the country's southwest coast at the head of Faxafloi Bay. Settled in 877 AD, Reykjavik has grown into an important seaport and center of government and education with theatres, museums and observatories. Interestingly, this modern city still chooses to use water from nearby hot springs to heat all of its buildings.

Greenock (Glasgow), Scotland - Scotland's largest city, Glasgow's skyline is a kaleidoscope of architectural gems, encompassing the magnificent 12th century cathedral, the stunning Victorian cityscape and revolutionary Art Nouveau. Against this backdrop, the famed art galleries and museums of Glasgow have ensured that its cultural heritage stands alongside that of other major European cities. See works by some of the worlds greatest artists at Kelvingrove Art Gallery and Museum housing a superb collection of paintings by, among others, Botticelli, Rembrandt, Monet, Van Gogh and Picasso.

Belfast, Northern Ireland - So much of Ireland's political history is tied up in Belfast that many visitors are surprised to find that it is also a modern city, blending old and new effortlessly as the troubles of its pass fade into history. A day trip away are the Giants' Causeway (a series of stone pillars that extends to Scotland) and the spectacular Antrim coast.

Cobh (Cork), Ireland - Cobh is just a short train ride to charming Cork, Ireland, whose hilly streets echo with the music of what is renowned to be Ireland's most talkative citizenry. Visit local artisans and witness their skills in the arts of weaving and cutting crystal. The charming English Market is a great place to get a taste of the local flavors (including the chance for an excellent meal at the Farmgate Cafe located within). Also, Cork's lovely art museum has many fine works by lesser known artists from the last few centuries.