A... ARCTIC
The Arctic’s pristine, frozen landscapes are a draw for intrepid travellers wishing to follow in the footsteps of legendary explorers, while ticking off their bucket-list aspirations. Spend time in this diverse polar region and you’ll witness towering glaciers, floating icebergs, secluded fjords, unique wildlife including polar bears and the captivating aurora borealis, aka the northern lights. From the Svalbard wilderness to unspoilt Greenland and the off-grid appeal of Franz Josef Land, there’s much to discover, and luxury expedition lines including Seabourn, Ponant, Scenic and Swan Hellenic will provide your front-row seat – along with Zodiacs and kayaks – for some of the most breathtaking shows on the planet.
WORDS REBECCA BARNES
B… BODØ
It says a lot about the ambitious civic spirit of this Norwegian city that they powered the successful bid to be a European Capital of Culture 2024 themselves. It’s the first time the title has been awarded to a city above the Arctic Circle, and the opening ceremony will set the tone on a purpose-built floating stage. Highlights include the Sámi Theatre Trilogy, which brings Sámi drama and culture to a wider audience, and the city’s museum, which will become a pop-up Sámi space for the year. Big names calling at this up-and-coming port include Cunard’s Queen Anne, while Fred Olsen Cruise Lines, Viking and Azamara also serve the city.
WORDS ROBIN MCKELVIE
C… COLOMBIA
Cartagena has long drawn visitors with its colourful architecture, washed in lemon sherbet shades and sandwiched between lively cobbled plazas, bustling markets and the city’s famous walls, built to protect it from pirate attacks in the 17th and 18th centuries. A growing number of cruise lines call here on voyages to the southern Caribbean, but that’s not the only jewel in Colombia’s crown. Coastal Santa Marta – the country’s oldest city –
