Norwegian Prima: 11-Day Northern Europe Cruise from London to Reykjavik

After an exhilarating week at the Paris Olympics and a peaceful countryside escape in a 17th-century barn in Taplow, England, my family of 11—spanning three generations—embarked on Norwegian Cruise Line’s Prima for an 11-day Northern Europe journey from London to Reykjavik. Staying in The Haven, Norwegian’s ultra-luxurious private ship-within-a-ship experience, made this trip exceptionally relaxing and indulgent. My husband, parents, and I shared the 2-Bedroom Deluxe Owner's Suite with a spacious living room, massive balcony, and our favorite perk: a private outdoor jacuzzi. The rest of our family stayed in Haven Family Villas, and our group often gathered in The Haven’s serene pool and jacuzzi area to unwind. With the Free at Sea package, we enjoyed the unlimited open bar and dined at specialty restaurants like Cagney’s, Hasuki, Onda, and Le Bistro—each one a delight. My dad made the most of the Thermal Suite Spa Pass, while evenings were filled with dancing events, karaoke, and lounge time, making life onboard just as memorable as the ports.

Norwegian Prima Owner's Suite balcony

Norwegian Prima dance floor

Each port of call brought a unique blend of culture, cuisine, and charm. In Bruges, we opted for the “Bruges on Your Own” tour—an easy motorcoach transfer that gave us the freedom to explore at our own pace. We wandered the cobbled streets, took a dreamy canal boat ride, sampled beer at Bourgogne Des Flandres, and had lunch in historic Burg Square. A highlight was sipping coffee and listening to records at Cherry Picker Vinyl Store, followed by relaxing by the canals at Minnewater Park. In Amsterdam, we meandered down Haarlemmerbuurt Street, popping into shops before settling into Westerpark for a slow afternoon of card games and sun. We snacked on Iberico ham at Ibericus and finished the day with the most decadent Irish coffee I’ve ever had—topped with a generous mountain of whipped cream!

Bruges Canals

Norway's ports were a showcase of natural beauty. In Bergen, we explored the harborfront seafood markets and dined at the cozy Bryggeloftet Restaurant, where I had an unforgettable langoustine dish while rain pattered outside. My husband and I spontaneously bought matching parkas to stay dry—fashionable and functional! We warmed up with crepes, wine, and explored the charming lanes. Geiranger was a standout—nestled deep in a fjord, the views were awe-inspiring. As we cruised out past the Seven Sisters waterfall, our entire family gathered on our suite’s balcony for drinks and breathtaking views. In Alesund, we joined the Hjorund Fjord Cruise excursion, a peaceful and jaw-dropping ride through glass-like waters framed by lush cliffs.

View of Geiranger from Prima

Alesund Fjord boat tour

Iceland’s magic wrapped up our voyage beautifully. In Akureyri, we took the nature and history tour, where we stepped inside the turf-roofed houses of the Laufás Museum and heard an organ performance in a quaint old church. Godafoss waterfall was majestic, and climbing down the rocks gave us a chilly but thrilling close-up. The Akureyri Botanical Garden—one of the northernmost in the world—was surprisingly lush and colorful, and we capped the day with a great meal at Strikið. Isafjordur was a quiet delight, perfect for wandering. Reykjavik was the grand finale: we soaked in the Sky Lagoon and completed their full multi-step ritual—deeply rejuvenating and set against an epic backdrop. The food there was hearty and soul-warming. On our final day, we joined the Bathing in the Blue Lagoon tour—a peaceful end to a trip filled with nature, culture, and connection.

Laufás Museum Akureyri

Godafoss Waterfall Akureyri

Sky Lagoon Reykjavik

• Book The Haven early – If you're traveling with a group or multi-generational family, The Haven suites are absolutely worth it for the added space, private amenities, and concierge-level service. The Deluxe Owner’s Suite with Large Balcony offers a perfect gathering space and the jacuzzi is a standout feature, especially when cruising through Norway’s fjords.

• Leverage the Free at Sea package – Norwegian’s Free at Sea package can be a huge value. Take advantage of the open bar, included specialty dining, and shore excursion credits. Reserve your dining and spa experiences as early as possible once your cruise is confirmed—popular spots like Le Bistro and the Thermal Suite sell out quickly.

• Plan port days with a mix of structure and spontaneity – Some of our favorite memories came from semi-structured excursions like “Bruges on Your Own,” which gave us the freedom to explore at our pace. Balance guided tours (like the Akureyri Nature & History tour) with self-led wanderings through cities like Amsterdam or Isafjordur.

• Pack for all weather—even in summer – Northern Europe can be chilly and rainy, especially in Norway and Iceland. We were grateful to find matching parkas in Bergen when the weather turned wet. Pack layers, a compact umbrella or rain jacket, and waterproof shoes for maximum comfort.

• Don’t skip the Sky Lagoon in Reykjavik – If you only do one spa experience in Iceland, make it the Sky Lagoon. Its multi-step ritual and oceanside infinity pool make it more immersive and serene than the larger, busier Blue Lagoon. We also recommend staying for a warm meal on-site—it’s both delicious and grounding after the soak.

• Bring a portable speaker and games – For group trips, we loved having evenings on our large balcony with music and drinks. Playing cards in the park in Amsterdam and having mini family gatherings in our suite made the trip feel even more special and personalized.

• Support local businesses in port cities – Whether it was sipping beer at Bourgogne Des Flandres in Bruges, picking up fresh seafood in Bergen, or shopping in downtown Akureyri, engaging with local spots made each stop more memorable and authentic.

• Choose a diverse itinerary like this one for variety – This Northern Europe sailing offered an incredible mix of medieval towns, modern cities, dramatic fjords, and geothermal wonders. It’s ideal for travelers who want to see a lot without having to constantly repack or move accommodations.

For more inspiration and insider recommendations, visit our cruises page.