Liverpool, England, was a “day call only” port for cruise ships until March 2012, when it received permission to be a “turnaround” port, where ships can begin and end their cruises. A new terminal is being built, and in May the port welcomed its first ship on a “turnaround” cruise. The facility expects to handle 17 turnarounds and 24 day calls in 2013, with visits from lines such as Celebrity, Fred. Olsen and Hapag-Lloyd.

In April, a judge upheld a new law in the Netherlands that effectively ends the selling of marijuana to tourists. Coffee shop owners now will be allowed to sell cannabis only to registered members (2,000 maximum per shop) with valid local addresses and identification.

The ban went into effect on May 1 in three southern provinces and will apply nationwide by the end of 2012. Lawyers for the 700-plus coffee shops affected say that if they lose their next appeal, they’ll take it to the...

Through Sept. 30, 2012, visitors to the Palace of Holyroodhouse (Canongate, Edinburgh, Scotland; phone [0131] 556 5100), at the east end of the Royal Mile in Edinburgh, can combine their tour of the residence with a half-hour “Garden History Tour,” including ruins of a 12th-century abbey and the site where the Queen’s Garden Party takes place.

The guided walk runs hourly, with the last tour starting at 5 p.m. Combined residence/garden tour tickets cost £12.80 (near $20) adult, £11.65...