LIVERPOOL.

Berthed at Liverpool Cruise Terminal a short walk to the city.

Taxi rank adjacent to the exit of the cruise terminal.

Tourist office located at the Albert Dock Visitor Information Centre.

We firstly walked into the city and headed for the Cavern on Mathew Street - synonymous with the Beatles. Victoria Square nearby and Eleanor Rigby statue.

Hop on hop off bus stop just outside terminal. We availed of this later on in the day ( £8 each. )Took about an hour to complete the full tour without getting off. We actually ended up going back to the ship for something to eat and a rest and headed back out again. We had a fantastic guide Chris . Recommend it.

At the stop for the Metropolitean Cathedral which is an interesting building our guide recommended visiting the Philharmonic Dining Rooms - a listed building - one of the most ornate buildings in Liverpool - with exquisite interior - lovely for a glass of wine , a local ale or something to eat.

And of course there is shopping for anyone interested!

Got a wonderful send off from Liverpool with singing from the Mersey Choir and Beatles Puppets.

LERWICK SHETLANDS

Tendered - so keep this in mind if reduced mobility and want to go ashore. Must say that the ship staff were fantastic assisting anyone who needed help.

Tours were offered by the ship. We had arranged our own tour at this port.

www.shetlandminibustours.co.uk .

Shetland Minibus Tours is run by Grant Redfern, an experienced and independent Shetland tour guide who was born and grew up on the Shetland Islands. Offering minibus (8 seats) tours the length and breadth of the Islands.

There were 6 on our tour. We had the tour booked for 9.00 as the ship was in very early. But the first tender for independent travellers was supposed to be at 9.15. We approached Staff at reception desk the night before and they kindly sorted us out.

South mainland tour - EXCELLENT TOUR - we were able to travel to places that the bigger buses were unable to get to and were able to leave an attraction whenever we wanted to at our own pace. Weather wet and foggy but Grant our guide would go to where the weather was brighter. We visited Scalloway Castle, Croft house Museum, St Ninians Isle, Carols Shetland Ponies, Jarlshof, and Sumburgh Head - the highlight being the puffins visible at close proximity.

Got to spend a little time in the town and worth a stroll around. Great selection of pubs , restaurants and shops. Don't forget to buy some Puffin Pooh or some lovely puffin toys available among other souvenirs at the tourist office near the pier. The locals love to stop and have a chat .

If you decide not to do a tour there is a nice walk to the Knab along the shore line.

KOLLAFJORDUR FAROE ISLANDS

Magnificent scenery cruising into Kollafjordur. Not much to see or do around Kollafjordur itself unless you like to hike a little .

Again we did not book a tour here. We had checked with the cruise company if there would be a bus provided to Torshavn and they replied that possibly so but that they could not confirm it until we were onboard the ship. Shuttle buses supplied but limited in number ( 3 ) so obvious queues . we waited 20 - 25 minutes and the journey to Torshavn which is lovely in itself took about 20 minutes- very much shortened by travelling through the long tunnel . Torshavn a delightful cosy little town - Bus stopped near the Fortress and Lighthouse and a short walk to the centre and to the old parliament - Tignanes area -

Lovely little churches worth visiting and cemetery worth a visit and narrow streets to wander around. It was a Sunday so unfortunately for many people the shops were closed. There was a lovely little supermarket where one could get a nice cup of coffee or tea and cakes and staff very friendly. The young people working there were interested in where we came from and showed us the Faroese notes and we were able to get some as a souvenir. Lovely little cafe Paname Cafe was opened. There was just one little gift shop opened on the day. Tourist information centre in centre of town with toilet facilities.

There is a local bus service - red town buses free to travel on which travels around the immediate town area if you wanted to see around the area without having to walk its an option.

Amazing scenery cruising out of the fjord

AKUREYRI

Yet another magnificent fjord journey to here.

A 5 to 10 minute walk to centre. We recommend travelling on the free of charge local city buses. Route 5 and 6 the most interesting and gives you a feel for the town. Lots of museums to visit. Lots of souvenir shops for you to browse in.

Botanical gardens small but interesting and also visit to the churches. Nice little cafes. Home to the northernmost golf course in the world for those interested.