Get ready, WanderFam — this one’s sweet in more ways than one! All aboard the gorgeous Norwegian Prima for a journey from Iceland to England that’s equal parts adventure, cozy comfort, and jaw-dropping scenery. Think brisk fjord walks, charming European towns, spa-day bliss, and all the shipboard fun (and food!) your heart could want. Lace up those sneakers, grab your sense of wonder, and let’s wander our way through one unforgettable cruise.
Now, if you’ve been reading my recent posts, you already know I squeezed in a LOT of adventure in London and Iceland before boarding the Norwegian Prima. I’ve already blogged those stories if you want a peek -- click links above.
Pre-Cruise Planning: What to Book Early & Why It Matters
Before you even step foot on the Norwegian Prima, there are a few things you’ll want to book as early as the system allows. Norwegian typically opens dining and spa reservations about 120 days before sailing, and trust me — grab them! The Thermal Spa Pass is absolutely worth it and the specialty restaurants fill up fast, especially Hasuki, Cagney’s, and Palomar.
Excursions usually open around six months out, and I highly recommend booking the ones you really want as soon as you know your plans. The biggest perk of booking directly through Norwegian is their “back-to-ship guarantee” — meaning if your tour runs late, the ship will wait for you. Yes, you pay more for that peace of mind, but for tight-port days it’s worth every penny. However, if you’ve got a generous amount of time in port, an independent option like Viator can give you more variety and better pricing. You’ll see throughout this blog where I used both, and I’ll note what I’d recommend for your own cruise planning.
What I Packed
Before any big trip — especially one that follows adventures in London and Iceland like mine did — I rely on a streamlined packing list that keeps everything organized and stress-free. For this sailing, I made sure all my electronics were in order: earbuds (both wireless and wired), my Kindle with downloaded books and movies, my phone and chargers, a brick charger, a cable organizer bag as well as my Apple watch and charger. I also packed my converter plugs since we’d been traveling internationally before the cruise [and there are both kinds of plugs on the ship], plus my laptop for those quiet moments in the Observation Lounge.
When it comes to documents, I keep everything together: ATM card, driver’s license, credit cards, cash, my ticket envelope, passport, and vaccination card — all tucked into a reorganized “travel-ready” purse. There’s a safe in your cabin. For safety, I bring my passport when I leave the ship in international destinations because if an emergency happens, and I cannot get back to the ship, I will need my passport.
Then there are the little extras that make the trip feel smoother and more comfortable: sunglasses, beanies [I hate cold ears], a few pieces of jewelry, battery powered candle lights for cozy cabin evenings, a refillable water bottle, playing cards, a highlighter and pen (always useful on a ship!), a lumbar pillow, and magnetic hooks — the secret weapon of cruise cabins with metal walls.
Packing for a trip this long — with everything from London strolls to Iceland ice caves to chilly Norwegian fjords — takes a little planning. I approached it with a “pack once, refresh twice” strategy. I did laundry in Iceland around day six, then again midway through the cruise. Norwegian often runs a fixed-price laundry bag special, and it is absolutely worth it. You stuff as much as you can into that laundry paper bag (roll everything tightly!), send it off, and like magic it’s back freshly folded the next day. It saved me from overpacking and kept my suitcase manageable. Below is my full packing list — feel free to use it as a guide for your own cruise adventure.
PACKING LIST
rolling bag + backpack + packingcubes + comfy travel outfit = travel freedom, just saying. For a trip this big, I checked a bag, had a carry on rolling back and a travel backpack.
I did not put a link on everything below, just on the things I really love and what you might not know about :)
Clothing
• 10 pairs underwear
• 4 long-sleeve button down blouses + 2 camisoles
• 4 turtlenecks (black, white, grey, brown)
• Jeans + 4 pairs lined tights
• 3 dresses + under dress-shorts
• Sweater for dresses [ship can be chilly at dinner]
• 2 scarves [cause style and warmth]
• Black sweatshirt
• 2 sets of exercise clothes
• Shoes: pair of boots, tennis shoes, hiking boots Merrells, heels
• Hiking light backpack
• 10 pairs of socks
• 2 sets of pajamas
• 1 lounge outfit
• Baseball hat [gym hair]
• Knit beanies (black, white, grey, red)
• 2 swimsuits + pool flip-flops [they have robes in the spa you can use]
• Puffy warm coat [mine goes to my knees and stuffs into a tiny bag – LOVE it]
• Small purse for onboard use
Toiletries
• Toothbrush, toothpaste, floss
• Makeup & brushes
• Moisturizers
• Hairbrush & comb
• Hairspray
• Shampoo & conditioner [Norwegians’ shampoo conditioner combo is awful with that hard water –
bring something you enjoy, I like Moroccan Oil which they sell onboard but sometimes is sold out]
bring something you enjoy, I like Moroccan Oil which they sell onboard but sometimes is sold out]
• Nail kit (nail clippers, file, tweezers, scissors)
• Deodorant
• Medications: Benadryl, Advil, Tums, Gas-X, Sudafed [I like to be prepared]
• Eye drops [sometimes my eyes are so dry after flying]
• Cotton swabs
• Hair ties
• Bonine (for seasickness – less sleepy making than Dramamine – lifesaver for me)
• Supplements/vitamins
Electronics
• Earbuds (wireless + wired backup)
• Kindle + charger (download books/movies in advance)
• Phone + charger
• Cable organizer bag
• Waterproof phone case [nice for soaking in a lagoon in Iceland]
• Laptop
Documents
• ATM card / Driver’s License / Credit Card
• Cash
• Tickets envelope
• Passport
• Vaccination card
• Reorganized purse for travel
Extras
• Sunglasses
• Jewelry
• Small candle/lights [provides light in room and bathroom – love them]
• Water bottle [refill as needed for day trips, and I like it by my bed at night]
• Playing cards
• Cruise Bag Tag Holders [ great way to pre-print Norwegian Bag tags, and they won’t fall off]
• Highlighter + pen [for marking the cruise daily newsletter]
• Lumbar pillow [Yes, this is a must for me]
• Magnetic hooks [So awesome and gives you much more space]
The Cruise
Alrighty, now we are ready to jump into the cruise itself — the food, ports, spa, shows, and unforgettable landscapes. This is exactly what I did on my June 6–22, 2025 journey from Reykjavik to Southampton — and what I would recommend for your own Nordic cruise.
Embarkation – Reykjavik (June 12)
We boarded the Prima ready to relax and explore. If you’ve never stepped onto a Prima-class ship, picture this: airy lounges, gorgeous lighting, and a spa that seems to whisper “come in…” every time you walk by.
WanderLyn Tip:
1] Get some fun photos as you board the ship. For this first photo only, they offer you a background that shows all the cruise ports for your trip – one of my favorites.
2]Before you unpack—book any dinners you did not pre-book, book some shows in the main theater, and check out your spa access if you booked the weekly pass. Plus, the spa almost always has some event where you can win a massage.
3] Speaking of the spa, wait a few days to purchase and book your massage as they almost always run a port day special. As we spend a lot of time in some ports, you will be able to take advantage before or after a tour!
Dinner: Hudson’s
Hudson’s became one of our go-to’s. It’s included dining but feels elevated — think panoramic windows, modern décor, and comforting-but-upscale dishes. Great steaks, soups, pastas, and desserts. It’s the perfect “first-night-onboard” restaurant.
Isafjordur, Iceland (June 13)
Ísafjörður is a tiny, stunning port tucked deep in the Westfjords of Iceland, where dramatic mountains rise straight out of the sea. It’s the perfect jumping-off point for outdoor adventures—think hiking, kayaking, puffin spotting, and exploring the charming old town with its colorful wooden houses. Even a short stop here feels magical, offering a peaceful slice of Icelandic life far from the crowds.
We are in port for quite some time, so I felt safe booking this through Viator. Dynjandi
is magnificent — a giant bridal-veil waterfall cascading down terraced rock. The main waterfall is the largest, with smaller cascades tumbling around it with a short hiking trail leads up alongside the waterfalls, offering multiple viewpoints and plenty of opportunities to feel the mist on your face. The farm stop felt like stepping into Icelandic life: goats, horses, homemade treats, and a slow, peaceful pace.
is magnificent — a giant bridal-veil waterfall cascading down terraced rock. The main waterfall is the largest, with smaller cascades tumbling around it with a short hiking trail leads up alongside the waterfalls, offering multiple viewpoints and plenty of opportunities to feel the mist on your face. The farm stop felt like stepping into Icelandic life: goats, horses, homemade treats, and a slow, peaceful pace.
WanderLyn Pro-Tip:
Bring a waterproof layer and sturdy shoes. The trail can be slippery near the spray, but the effort is worth every step. Don’t forget your beanie — the wind funnels down the fjord, and your ears will thank you!
Ship Evening:
Staying Active at Sea: The Gym on the Prima
One of my favorite tips—especially on a cruise with very good food—is to make friends with the gym early. The fitness center on the Norwegian Prima is surprisingly spacious, with a full lineup of treadmills, ellipticals, rowing machines, free weights, cable stations, and plenty of room for stretching or floor workouts. It’s bright, modern, and has those postcard-worthy ocean views that somehow make cardio feel slightly less like cardio. If you’re dealing with jet lag (hi, Europe trips!), getting your body moving really helps reset your rhythm. Even a quick 20-minute walk on the treadmill makes a difference and means you can enjoy all the pasta, pastries, and sundaes with zero guilt.
The Spa: Your Floating Sanctuary
Just steps away from the hustle and excitement of the ship is the Prima’s Thermal Spa—your perfect escape after a long day in port or a workout. This is hands-down one of the best spaces on the ship: heated loungers that hug your tired muscles, saunas, a salt room, steam rooms, experience showers, and pools that look straight out of a luxury hotel. The view from the relaxation lounge alone is worth the price of the pass—floor-to-ceiling windows where you can watch the ocean roll by while you melt into a lounge chair. It’s the ideal place to unwind, recharge, and soothe any sore legs from all your wandering (and you know WanderLyn is all about those 10k steps!).
Dinner at Commodore — a refined, quiet dining room where the menu leans French/classic European. Think fish dishes done beautifully, rich sauces, and lovely desserts. Great for a slower, more romantic dinner.
Akureyri, Iceland (June 14)
Akureyri, known as the “Capital of the North,” is a lively Icelandic port surrounded by snow-dusted peaks and a beautifully sheltered fjord. Its walkable town center is filled with cafés, quirky shops, and the iconic church that watches over it from the hilltop. From here, you can easily reach some of Iceland’s most unforgettable natural wonders, including waterfalls, lava fields, and geothermal treasures.
Excursion: Forest Lagoon -- More details in Iceland Blog
Forest Lagoon is so close to the ship, we walked off and hopped the free shuttle – so easy.
Gorgeous! Warm geothermal pools surrounded by tall trees and views of the sea. It’s peaceful, cozy, and a great alternative to the bigger tourist lagoons. Grab a drink at the swim-up bar and just relax.
WanderLyn Tip:
Pack a towel, swim suit, flip flops, and a beanie! The water is lovely and warm, but your ears can get very cold! A waterproof phone case is great so you can get some wonderful pics.
Dinner: Indulge Food Hall
Indulge is the foodie’s playground — it’s included, it’s casual, and it’s SO good. You order small plates from around the world:
• Noodles, dumplings, Indian curries
• BBQ brisket
• Tapas-style bites
• Desserts change every night – yippee!
A super fun and casual, no-reservation option.
At Sea (June 15)
Sea days = workout then relaxation days.
Morning: Gym time then some spa time
Afternoon Tea: Observation Lounge
Tea time in the Observation Lounge on the Prima is a calm, cozy mid-afternoon ritual. With floor-to-ceiling windows offering sweeping 180° ocean views, it’s a soothing spot to sip tea or coffee, while indulging in finger sandwiches, scones (served with jam and cream), and delicate pastries. The vibe is relaxed and elegant —a peaceful place to unwind, read, or just gaze out at the sea. And the bar is just around the corner if you need some bubbles.
Dinner: Hasuki
Hasuki is Norwegian’s lively teppanyaki restaurant where dinner comes with a built-in show. The chefs slice, flip, and sizzle your meal right in front of you, making it as entertaining as it is delicious. Come hungry—the portions are generous, the flavors are bold, and the whole experience is pure vacation fun.
WanderLyn Tip:
Do at least one specialty dining night—it breaks up the routine!
After Dinner Show: Syd Norman’s Pour House — Think classic rock anthems in a dive-bar vibe (Pour House). Amazing performers pull you into the performance. Arrive early to get a seat!
Ålesund, Norway (June 16)
One of the prettiest ports in Norway. Art Nouveau architecture everywhere. Think whimsical rooftops and colorful buildings hugging a sparkling harbor.
Excursion: Fjord Cruise – Norwegian Cruise tour. You walk right from the ship to the cruise. A relaxing boat ride through dramatic granite cliffs and deep-blue water. Ideal if you want gorgeous scenery without strenuous hiking.
WanderLyn Tip:
Don’t just sit on the fjord cruise, wander around the boat. There are many incredible views that you just cannot take in from below decks!
Dinner: The Local
24/7 comfort food! Fish & chips, wings, meatloaf, nachos—fast, tasty, casual. And the sundae – yummy!! Perfect after a long excursion.
Catch a Comic: Levity Comedy (Improv at Sea) — The Prima’s comedy club brings a cheeky “Science of Comedy” theme with stand-up performances that blend wit and humor. Lots of chuckles that turned into giggles and belly laughs. Highly recommend!
Flåm, Norway (June 17)
This port is WOW. Mountains, waterfalls, and emerald water everywhere. My FAVORITE excursion. I did an entire Blog on this one. Click this link for all the details. The short version below.
Excursion: Train → Zipline → Bike Adventure
The Flåm Railway is one of the most beautiful train rides in the world. Then you zipline down the mountain (exhilarating!) and bike the rest of the way along streams and wildflower fields. So worth it!
WanderLyn Tip:
This combo excursion sells out—book early.
Dinner: Hudson’s
After a day of adventure, this was a perfect, relaxing meal.
Spa Evening: I was a little sore after the bike ride, so really enjoyed my soak. Then I snuck out for another dessert. Did I mention the sundae at the Local? Delicious!
Bergen, Norway (June 18)
Charming, colorful, misty Bergen! The waterfront looks like something from a children’s storybook: crooked houses, bright colors, cobblestone lanes.
Excursion: Walking Tour + Fløyen Funicular – Norweigian Cruise Excursion
The funicular takes you up the mountain for sweeping views over Bergen. The walking tour covers Bryggen Wharf, Viking history, and old merchant houses. Shopping and snacking along was super fun.
WanderLyn Tip:
Bergen is famous for sudden rain—pack a hood! Not an umbrella (it’s windy).
Dinner: Commodore
Elegant, calm, and consistently delicious.
After Dinner Show: Bossa Nova Beat — This one whisks you away to the warm rhythms of Cuba with samba, salsa, and rumba. The dancers ignite the stage with passion and energy, channeling the spirit of Havana in every step. It made me want to get up and dance, so we found a Latin dance party later that evening and salsa danced the night away. So fun!
At Sea (June 19)
Gym. Spa. Tea. Games. Repeat.
Dinner: Cagney’s Steakhouse
One of the best dining experiences on the ship, Cagney’s delivers that classic American steakhouse feel with a touch of cruise-ship indulgence. The filet mignon is the star — perfectly cooked, tender, and full of flavor — and it pairs beautifully with their addictively good truffle fries. Even the Caesar salad feels elevated, crisp and fresh with just the right amount of garlicky bite. And save room for dessert, because everything that comes out of Cagney’s kitchen is rich, decadent, and worth every calorie. If you’re using specialty dining credits, this is absolutely one of the best places to spend them.
WanderLyn Tip:
Ask for a window seat to catch the stunning evening views.
Post Dinner Wander: Tonight, we decided to dress up and get some photos taken. They have stations with different back drops around the ship. It was fun to pick our favorites.
Amsterdam, Netherlands (June 20)
Amsterdam is canals, cheese, windmills, history, bicycles… and more bicycles.
Excursion: Dutch Heritage Trail Zaanse Schans – Norwegian Cruise Tour
Zaanse Schans is like stepping straight into a Dutch daydream — iconic windmills turning lazily in the breeze while the whole village smells like chocolate and warm waffles. You can wander between the working mills, pop into the cheese shops for creamy samples, and watch chocolatiers work their magic right in front of you. And don’t even think about leaving without a bag of their famous stroopwafels — they’re soft, gooey, caramel-kissed perfection and the ultimate travel snack for your wander-happy soul.
WanderLyn Tip:
Try the free samples -- it is so fun to taste the different cheeses. Make your own hot chocolate – so delicious! Get a stroopwafel -- there are about 20 different toppings to choose from. Enjoy!
Massage at the Spa – As our tour was only 4 hours, I was able to take advantage of the in port spa special. I got a wonderful full body Swedish massage. And for about 40% off, it was well worth it!
Dinner: Indulge Food Hall
Great choice after a wonderful day—lots of variety, fast service.
Post Dinner: Stroll the decks and enjoy the ambience. Maybe catch some music and relax.
Zeebrugge (Bruges), Belgium (June 21)
A short ride from port brings you to Bruges—a medieval fairy tale town full of chocolate shops, lace stores, canals, and old-world charm.
Excursion: Bruges On Your Own – Norwegian Cruise
A bus takes you just outside the city and away you go to wander. Really one of the prettiest towns we visited. I would definitely go back for a longer stay. It has a gorgeous market square, pretty canals, towers, and flowers everywhere. Then there is the chocolate. I got this amazing waffle on a stick topped with Belgian Chocolate and marshmallows. We stopped and had an amazing waffle with fresh strawberries and cream along with delicious coffee. Then I found the Chocolate Factory – lots of prezzies to take home. It was a great time just roaming and exploring.
WanderLyn Tip:
Try the waffles on a stick—they’re crispy outside, soft inside, covered in chocolate and delicious toppings! This is a great place to go gift shopping.
Dinner: Hudson’s
A relaxing end to a beautiful vacation.
(My cruise crew above - cruising can be fun to do on your own, but also a joy with family and friends!)
Post Dinner Shopping, bill checking, packing: I took advantage of the last day to do a little onboard shopping and scoop up any mementos I might’ve missed. I also double-checked our bill to make sure everything looked right — always worth the two-minute peek. I didn’t do it this time, but in the past I’ve used the last night to buy CruiseNext packages, since the savings go toward your next cruise; if you buy earlier in the sailing, they usually throw in an onboard credit instead, so it’s really your call.
Make sure you’re packed up and ready, because disembarkation comes with choices. NCL will assign you a time based on your transportation or tour plans, but I personally love walking my own bags off early and skipping the crowds. This trip I used Norwegian’s transfer from the ship to the airport — it’s a solid deal, super convenient, and gets you there early so your flight day stays stress-free.
Southampton & Home (June 22)
We disembarked early, hopped on NCL transportation to Heathrow, and said goodbye to two weeks of magic at sea. One of the perks of flying home through Heathrow is that arriving early actually feels like part of the adventure. The terminals are packed with great last-minute shopping, including Harrods and Fortnum & Mason — perfect for scooping up those English treasures you may have forgotten, from teas and biscuits to luxe souvenirs. And if you’re hungry, Heathrow has plenty of delicious food options, so grabbing a meal or a sweet treat before your flight is almost too easy. Honestly, it’s one of those airports where being early feels less like a chore and more like bonus vacation time.
Final Thoughts: A Cruise Worth Repeating
I used to think cruising was all about sunshine and beaches, so this itinerary was such a wonderful surprise and absolute delight. It’s a dream for anyone who loves mountains, waterfalls, fjords, cozy European towns, spa days, great ship food, and that perfect mix of adventure and relaxation. The landscapes felt otherworldly, the ports were charming, and the whole journey had a peaceful, soul-filling vibe I never expected from a cruise. Would I recommend it? Absolutely — especially if you pair it with pre-cruise days in London and Iceland like we did.
Until next time,
Eat well. Move well. Wander well.
Lyn, WanderLynTravel
Check us out on Social media: @WanderLynTravel
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