Land of Fire and Ice: A Summer Cruise from Iceland to the UK

When Josh and I first started planning our summer 2024 travels, we knew we wanted to do something truly unforgettable. We had long been captivated by the stark contrasts of Iceland and the dreamy landscapes of the Norwegian Fjords, and when we saw the itinerary for a summer cruise from Iceland to the UK on the Norwegian Prima, we booked it without hesitation. What followed was one of the most breathtaking journeys we've ever taken together. Here’s a look at our adventure, port by port, and all the highlights that made this trip so memorable.

A Retro Start: From Kansas City to Reykjavik via the TWA Hotel

We began our journey with a positioning flight from Kansas City to New York City, where we stayed overnight at the TWA Hotel at JFK Airport. This hotel is an experience in and of itself. With its mid-century modern design and incredible attention to detail, we felt like we had stepped into another era.

We enjoyed one of the best pizzas we’ve ever had at the Paris Cafe, the Jean-Georges restaurant located right in the hotel. The crust was perfectly crisp, the toppings creative yet balanced, and the vibe was elevated yet playful. Cocktails at the Sunken Lounge and Connie Cocktail Lounge were a perfect way to toast the beginning of our trip. We even peeked at the rooftop pool, although it wasn’t quite warm enough for a swim.

The next day, we boarded a daytime flight to Reykjavik with IcelandAir. The daylight flight was a game-changer for us. No red-eye fatigue and no awkward attempts at sleeping in cramped airplane seats.

Arrival in Reykjavik: Clean Air and Bold Flavors

We landed at Keflavik Airport and were whisked to our hotel via a pre-booked car service. As soon as we stepped outside, I turned to Josh and said, "Iceland smells so clean."

We checked into the Exeter Hotel, a hip, modern spot in a perfect location right in the heart of Reykjavik. Our room was sleek and comfortable, and the included breakfast each morning was outstanding. Best of all? The bagels at Deig Bakery, located right in the hotel lobby. Do not miss these.

We spent our first full day on the Reykjavik Food Tour, and I cannot recommend it enough. We wandered the charming streets with a really fun and tasted everything from lamb soup and fermented shark (not my jam) to traditional hot dogs (get it with everything!), Icelandic rye bread ice cream, and creamy skyr. This tour gave us a true sense of the culture through its cuisine and made us feel connected to the city in a way that restaurants alone never could.

Day Trips: South Coast and DIY Golden Circle

Our next day was spent on the South Coast Adventure Tour, and it was one of the most awe-inspiring day trips we’ve ever done. The tour was small and intimate, and our guide’s storytelling brought each landscape to life. From walking behind the curtain of water at Seljalandsfoss to standing in the mist of the mighty Skogafoss, each waterfall was unforgettable. The Black Sand Beach at Reynisfjara felt otherworldly with its basalt columns and pounding surf. Vík, a tiny coastal town, offered charming cafes and scenic ocean views. We ended the day touching the glacial ice of Sólheimajökull and standing in awe of Iceland’s geological magic.

When our Golden Circle tour was canceled last-minute, we rented a car and did it ourselves. We started early and made our way to the Secret Lagoon, where we soaked in naturally heated waters surrounded by steam vents and bubbling springs. We then explored Thingvellir National Park, where we stood between two tectonic plates and learned about Iceland’s democratic history. The Geysir Geothermal Area was full of erupting hot springs, and Gullfoss waterfall delivered a double cascade that was both powerful and poetic.

Art lovers will enjoy Reykjavik's museums. We visited Kjarvalsstaðir, Ásmundarsafn, and the Einar Jonsson Museum, all of which gave us a rich look at Icelandic creativity across generations. And yes, we also visited the infamous Phallological Museum, which was far more fascinating and academic than we expected—it was quirky, funny, and surprisingly scientific.

All Aboard the Norwegian Prima

The Norwegian Prima felt like home the minute we stepped on board. We had sailed her sister ship, the Viva, previously, so we knew to expect stylish design, great dining, and attentive service. We were not disappointed.

Isafjordur, Iceland

In Isafjordur, we joined the Majestic Waterfall Dynjandi Super Jeep Tour. We ventured through tunnels and mountain passes, stopping at Þingeyri and crossing the scenic Hrafnseyrarheidi Heath to reach Dynjandi. This massive waterfall cascades like a bridal veil over a 100-meter drop and is truly one of the most majestic sights in the country. The Super Jeep was built to handle rough roads, and the dramatic views of jagged cliffs, eider duck colonies, and sparkling fjords made this feel like a true Icelandic wilderness adventure.

Akureyri, Iceland

Our Myvatn Lake, Craters & Waterfall tour included one marvel after another. Goðafoss, the Waterfall of the Gods, was a stunning blend of myth and beauty. We explored the Skútustaðagígar pseudo craters, hiked among the lava towers of Dimmuborgir, and inhaled the steamy, sulfur-rich air at Námaskarð. The midges were intense, but our silly-looking mosquito nets saved the day. This area felt raw and untouched, with geothermal energy bubbling beneath the surface.

Alesund, Norway

The Trollstigen Day Tour took us on a twisting journey through fjords, forests, and mountaintops. Highlights included the Aksla Viewpoint overlooking Ålesund, the Gudbrandsjuvet gorge with its glass walkways, and the mossy, centuries-old Krikebrua bridge. We watched salmon leap through ladders at Holsbrua and ended at the iconic Trollstigen viewing platform, marveling at the serpentine road we had just climbed.

Geiranger, Norway

In Geiranger, we hopped aboard a RIB boat for a fast-paced tour of the UNESCO-listed fjord. The boat hugged the cliffs, getting us up close to the Seven Sisters waterfall and telling stories of isolated farms that once thrived here. The fjord was serene and powerful all at once, with every turn offering new photo ops and jaw-dropping views.

Bergen, Norway

The Norway in a Day tour took us deep into Norway’s heartland. We rode the Flåm Railway, one of the most scenic train rides in the world, descending through switchbacks and tunnels carved into the mountains. In Flam, we relaxed by the river before heading to Gudvangen, where towering cliffs made us feel small. We stopped at the misty Tvinde Waterfalls and enjoyed a hearty lunch at a mountain lodge. This was Norway’s landscape at its most cinematic.

On to the Low Countries

Amsterdam, Netherlands

In Amsterdam, we first toured the hauntingly powerful Anne Frank House, a solemn and unforgettable experience. We then took a Luxury Canal Cruise on a small electric boat, which allowed us to explore narrower canals that larger boats skip. The guide shared stories of the city’s history, architecture, and quirky fun facts. It was the perfect balance of sightseeing and relaxation.

Bruges, Belgium

On the Bruges in a Day tour, we strolled cobbled streets lined with medieval buildings. We visited the Belfry Tower, the Chapel of the Holy Blood, and took a canal boat ride that gave us a fresh angle of the city’s stunning architecture. After the tour, we wandered into lace and chocolate shops, buying handmade treats and Belgian souvenirs to bring home.

Disembarkation and London Adventure

We disembarked in Southampton and took the South Western Railway to London for a four-night stay at the lovely Bloomsbury Hotel. It was elegant and centrally located.

Our Twilight SoHo Food Tour took us into some of the neighborhood’s trendiest food spots. We ate some of the very best Indian food we’ve ever tasted, tacos that rivaled anything from Austin, amazing pork bao in Chinatown, Spanish tapas, and wrapped up with cocktails in a speakeasy-style bar. The guide shared stories of London’s pop culture history and music legends.

The next day, we joined the Warner Bros. Studio Tour with Oxford. We began with a walking tour of Oxford, admiring its historic colleges and grand libraries. Then came the Studio Tour, where we walked through the actual sets of Hogwarts, wandered Diagon Alley, and saw the real costumes and props from the Harry Potter films. As a lifelong fan, I was completely enchanted and highly recommend a visit to any Potterhead visiting London.

We also took a day trip to Cardiff, Wales, by train, exploring Cardiff Castle and browsing the city’s Victorian shopping arcades. It was a quick yet fulfilling way to check off another country on our map.

Homeward Bound

We flew back to New York and stayed overnight at the Hyatt Place Flushing/LaGuardia Airport. Before our final flight home, we squeezed in one more food tour with Owen, a guide who knows Flushing’s Chinatown like the back of his hand. We devoured Taiwanese popcorn chicken, hand-pulled noodles, Korean dumplings, and silky milk tea from hidden gems we never would have found on our own.

This trip was everything we hoped for and more: the serenity of the fjords, the raw power of Iceland’s landscapes, the culture of Europe’s old cities, and the joy of traveling together. If you ever have the chance to sail this route, take it.