Iceland & Norway - NCL Prima (New Ship)

Day 1: Southampton, London

Embarkation on Norwegian Prima from Southampton port. The ship departs at 17:00

Day 2: Brussels, Belgium

The ship arrives at Zeebrugge port at 09.00 and departs at 18.00

The ultimate European city, Brussels has tonnes of museums, fountains, gardens and great shopping. Stroll the Old Town area to see St. Hubert Arcades and its shops, as well as Butchers' Street with its plethora of restaurants and cafes and the Grand Place with its Baroque guild houses.

Famous For the narrow streets of this medieval gem past gabled buildings and the bustling market.  

Fun Fact #1: Take a boat ride along the city’s canals, spend the day exploring Brussels and its famed Grand Place  

Fun Fact #2: Find beautiful lace in Bruges, chocolates in Brussels and diamonds in Antwerp.  

Fun Fact #3: Enjoy a typical Flemish dish of beef cooked in beer, fresh game in season or a delicious waterzooi, a stew of chicken or fish.
 

Day 3: Amsterdam, Netherlands

The ship arrives at Amsterdam port at 07.00 and departs at 18.00

Affectionately known as the "Venice of the North," Amsterdam is actually situated below sea level and built entirely on stakes driven into the ground. The Anne Frank House, The Hague and a Delft Blue Pottery Factory are but a few of the sights that await your arrival.

Famous For: Amsterdam is known as the "Venice of the North," and offers plenty to see; The Anne Frank House, Van Gogh Museum and the Canals of Amsterdam are just a few.

Fun Fact #1: Though tulips are not native to Holland, they flourished greatly when brought home by Dutch explorers and are now known as such. 

Fun Fact #2: be sure to snack on a traditional stroopwafel, a waffle made of two thin layers of dough with caramel syrup in the middle.

Day 4: At sea

Day at your leisure to explore and enjoy the facilities and entertainment of the megaship NCL Prima. 

Day 5: Geiranger, Norway

The ship arrives at Geiranger port at 11.00 and departs at 20.00

A quaint village nestled in a valley in western Norway, Geiranger grants a respite to remember. Visitors come from all over to explore the fjord and its gorgeous views of nearby waterfalls, mountainscapes and charming farms.

Fun Fact #1: The car manufacturer Opel designed cars specifically for Geiranger's steep and curvy roads. These cars sported large engines and improved turn radius.  

Fun Fact #2: Several hundred thousand tourists visit via cruise every summer and tourism is the main business for the 250 people who live there permanently.
 

Day 6: Bergen, Norway

The ship arrives at Bergen port at 10.00 and departs at 20.00

View this lovely and charming Norwegian city from your cruise ship and you'll see how the city is nestled between seven mountains, seven fjords and the North Sea. The Norwegian King resided here, and many historical events took place in this busy port. These events come alive when you amble down the old streets of Bryggen, past picturesque, wooden buildings and the Romanesque-style St. Mary's church. 

Fun Fact #1: You may find the rules regarding alcohol very strict. The prices are high and there are certain restrictions to when/where you can buy alcohol in the store.  

Fun Fact #2: Frozen pizza is the unofficial national dish. Each year Norwegians consume more than 20 million pizzas.

Day 7: Alesund, Norway

The ship arrives at Alesund port at 08:00 and departs at 18:00

One of Norway's most beautiful towns, renowned for its Jugend-style architecture and art nouveau style. Cruise visitors will immediately notice Alesund's unique layout, as it is built on islands extending to the sea, and offers scenic views of fjords and the Sunnmore Alps. Alesund is the fishing capital of Norway.

Famous for: the city of Alesund is known for its Art Nouveau architecture, surrounding fjords and high peaks of the Sunnmore Alps.  

Fun Fact #1: Alesund is the fishing capital of Norway, making it a popular pastime for locals and visitors alike.

Day 8: At sea

Day at your leisure to explore and enjoy the facilities and entertainment of the megaship NCL Prima. 

Day 9: Akureyri, Iceland

The ship arrives at Akureyri port at 09:00 and departs at 20:00

Nestled along the shores of one of the most breathtaking fjords in Iceland, Akureyri is the nation's second largest urban area and a centre of Icelandic folk culture. Visit the museums, hike along the extraordinary vistas or explore the botanical gardens. Shop in one of the charming boutiques and then catch a glimpse of the most northerly 18-hole golf course in the world. After you've worked up an appetite, feast on some Nordic specialities like smoked lamb and fresh fish and then indulge in an Icelandic fried pastry.

Famous For: Due to its intense elevation above sea level, Akureyri is known to have some of the best ski slopes in Iceland.
 
Fun Fact #1:The Northern Lights, or Aurora Borealis, can often be seen in Akureyri on clear nights from September through April.
 
Fun Fact #2: Known as the "Waterfall of the Gods," Godafoss is a stunning natural landmark with a reputation as one of the most breathtaking in Iceland.

Day 10: Isafjordur, Iceland

The ship arrives at Isafjordur port at 09:00 and departs at 18:00

As the largest town in Iceland's remote Westfjords's region, Ísafjörður is a magnet for outdoor enthusiasts. Boasting an enchanting fjord ideal for watersports and a mountainous landscape brimming with opportunities for hiking, biking, horseback riding and more, there's something for everyone to enjoy. Originally a church site and a 16th century trading post, the town of Ísafjörður is home to wonderful museums and historic sites for those wishing to learn about the region's rich heritage and local culture.

Fact #1:Nearby Dynjandi is considered one of Iceland’s most spectacular waterfalls and is composed of a series of seven waterfalls and considered a popular attraction in the region.

Fun Fact #2: Stretching 220 square miles, the Hornstrandir Nature Reserve is home to approximately 260 species of flowering plants and ferns and ideal for a day hike where you might see foxes running through the tundra or nesting puffins, arctic terns, black guillemots or one of many other bird species.

Day 11: Reykjavik, Iceland

The NCL Viva arrives at Reykjavik port at 07:00 am and overnights.

There's a good reason that Iceland is considered a photographer's dream destination. Its terrain is visually stunning, offering views of lava flows, hot springs, unspoiled nature - and colourful, fascinating cities like Reykjavik. The world's most northerly capital brings together quaint villages, exciting museums, a flourishing music scene and restaurants that rival Europe's finest.

Famous For: enjoy the view from atop the Hallgrímskirkja, the largest church in Iceland and the 6th tallest architectural structure in Iceland.  Fun

Fact #1:Due to prohibition laws, most beers were banned in Iceland until 1989. Today the craft brewing scene in Reykjavik is just starting to catch up.

Day 12: Reykjavik, Iceland

Disembarkation from Reykjavik port at 08:00 am