A 10-day Itinerary for Cruising Northern Europe

Welcome aboard your Northern Europe cruise!

Once you board your cruise ship in Reykjavik, take some time to settle in and explore the ship—walking each main deck is a great way to get your bearings and start planning your onboard experience.

Pro tip: Review the ship’s deck plans before boarding. Knowing where key venues are ahead of time will save you time and help you prioritize what matters most—whether that’s dining, entertainment, or activities.

Some popular spots fill up fast, and reservations may be required, so it’s smart to book those in advance whenever possible. Planning ahead means more time enjoying the journey and less time waiting in lines!

The first stop is the charming town of Ísafjörður in northwest Iceland. Though small and quaint, one of the region’s most captivating attractions lies just offshore: Vigur Island.

Vigur is a privately-owned island with only three year-round residents, and access is strictly limited to protect its fragile ecosystem—especially its seabird population. If your timing is right, you may catch a glimpse of the island’s most famous residents: puffins. These iconic birds typically leave by mid-to-late August, so visiting earlier in the season increases your chances.

Vigur, often called “Bird Island” or “Puffin Island,” is home to more than 45 bird species, including approximately 100,000 puffins (April to early August), 10,000 common eider ducks, Europe’s largest colony of black guillemots, and an uncountable number of arctic terns. The walking route across the island is adjusted based on bird activity, nesting seasons, and time constraints, always accompanied by insights from expert naturalist guides.

Keep an eye out for seals on the beaches during low tide and enjoy the potential for excellent whale watching right from the shore. Your visit concludes at the Vigur café and post office, where you can enjoy complimentary home-baked rhubarb cake and even send a postcard from Europe’s smallest post office—an unforgettable end to a truly unique excursion. Afterward, you'll return by boat to Ísafjörður.

Get ready for a day full of incredible landscapes and unforgettable sights. From waterfalls to volcanic wonders, Akureyri is the gateway to some of Iceland’s most otherworldly locations.

These are my recommended sights:

• Goðafoss (Waterfall of the Gods): Kick off the day with a visit to the stunning Goðafoss waterfall, one of Iceland’s most iconic natural wonders, located between Akureyri and Lake Mývatn.

• Lake Mývatn region: Explore the highlights of this unique geothermal area, including Námaskarð (Hverir) where you will witness bubbling mud pools and steaming fumaroles in this surreal, Mars-like landscape and Dimmuborgir Lava Formations where you can stroll through dramatic lava fields, also known as the “Dark Castle.”

• Grjótagjá Cave: Visit this fascinating lava cave, famous for its crystal-clear thermal waters and its place along the continental rift. From natural steam vents to lava castles, Akureyri showcases the raw, untouched beauty that makes Iceland so magical.

Make the most of your days at sea with everything the ship has to offer—spa treatments, live entertainment, games, trivia, karaoke, and more. There’s no shortage of fun onboard! Some family favorites include trivia contests, escape rooms, and interactive game shows—perfect for making memories between ports.

Welcome to Ålesund—Norway’s fishing capital!

This charming coastal town is also the gateway to Trollstigen (Troll’s Path)—one of Norway’s most iconic scenic drives, just two hours from port. With stunning landscapes and local charm, here’s what you can experience on a carefully curated guided tour:

• Liabygda Viewpoint: Enjoy panoramic fjord views, spot the Grandiosa pizza factory, and see the 1789 Rose Church in nearby Stordal.

• Gudbrandsjuvet Gorge: A dramatic river gorge with walkways and a cozy café. Don’t miss the salmon baguette. It was delish!

• Krikebrua Bridge: A beautiful 1891 stone bridge beside a waterfall—no concrete, just nature, and craftsmanship.

• Trollstigen: The main event! Winding roads, epic viewpoints, and a bit of troll folklore await. This is a MUST-DO in the Ålesand area.

Flåm is a true gem—where stunning scenery, rich history, and cultural charm come together. Looking for the best ways to explore it all? Take the Flåm train to Myrdal and back. You will see the most breathtaking fjord views, countryside, dramatic cliffs, and waterfalls up close. An additional pro tip: Do not miss kayaking in Flåm! There is no better way to see the fjord and get a better understanding of the size and scale of this majestic area.

Nature is untouched here—Flåm is the perfect escape into Norway’s wild beauty.

I highly recommend taking the Fløibanen funicular to the top of Mount Fløyen for breathtaking panoramic views of Bergen and the surrounding landscape.

Pro tip: Be sure to book your funicular tickets online in advance to skip the ticket lines and save time.

After soaking in the views at the top, consider walking back down the mountain. The descent offers a scenic and peaceful route through lush forests, picturesque viewpoints, and even a whimsical troll forest—perfect for photos and a bit of exploration.

Once you’re back in the city, head over to the Hanseatic Wharf, where you’ll find a vibrant mix of shops, galleries, and restaurants. Just across from the wharf, I highly recommend stopping by Fish Me for some of the freshest poke bowls and sushi.

If you’re interested in Norwegian culture and folklore, don’t miss Norli Strandgaten. This charming bookstore offers a fantastic selection of titles on ancient myths and local legends—an ideal spot to browse and pick up a unique souvenir.

Last day at sea to enjoy games, entertainment, spa services, and on-board amenities.

Our day in Amsterdam was a somber one. We reserved a private Anne Frank House and Jewish history tour which was deeply moving. We learned how the city became a haven for Jewish families fleeing persecution in Southern and Eastern Europe and uncovered the rich cultural legacy and the heartbreaking stories that shaped this resilient community. Our expert guide stopped at significant landmarks such as the Portuguese Synagogue and the Holocaust Memorial and along the way, told us powerful accounts of survival and resistance during World War II—stories of families in hiding, courageous efforts to rescue Jewish children, and the impact of Nazi occupation on daily life.
The tour ended outside the Anne Frank House and the nearby Westerkerk, whose bells Anne heard from the Secret Annex. Inside, we heard about Anne Frank’s life, the hidden world behind her diary, and the neighborhood that witnessed her story unfold.

Our guide’s deep knowledge of the area’s Jewish history added depth and meaning to the experience, making it a truly powerful and moving tour.

We then spent some time strolling the canals before heading back to the ship.

After disembarking in Zeebrugge, we took a taxi to Bruges—a scenic ride of about 30 minutes. The city’s historic center, recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage site, is often called the Venice of the North for its charming canals. Bruges is renowned for its stunning architecture, world-class chocolatiers, and picturesque cobblestone streets. We savored an authentic Flemish meal at De Vloamse Trine before picking up plenty of souvenirs to bring home. Tomorrow, we disembark our cruise ship in Southampton, England, but we have memories that we will carry in our hearts for a lifetime.