Today marked the final chapter of our incredible 14-day journey aboard the Emerald Princess. After disembarking in Southampton, we boarded our transfer bus back to London—but not without one last adventure.

We had planned a special detour to Stonehenge, one of the world’s most iconic and mysterious prehistoric monuments. Nestled on the Salisbury Plain, Stonehenge is believed to have been constructed between 3000 and 2000 BCE. The site consists of a ring of massive standing stones, some weighing over 25 tons, arranged in a circular layout that aligns with the movements of the sun. Scholars still debate its original purpose—whether it was a temple, a burial ground, or an astronomical observatory—but its spiritual and cultural significance is undeniable.

We spent a couple of hours exploring the site, walking the perimeter path, and soaking in the atmosphere of this ancient place. The visitor centre offered fascinating insights into the monument’s construction, the people who built it, and the many theories surrounding its use. Standing before the towering trilithons, it was easy to feel a deep connection to the past.

After our visit, we continued on to London and checked into our hotel for the night. With bags repacked and memories swirling, we’re trying to get some rest before our flight home tomorrow.

Our final day aboard the Emerald Princess was a bittersweet blend of favorite traditions and heartfelt goodbyes. The morning began with one of our most-loved activities: the Culinary Demonstration hosted by the Executive Chef and Head of Restaurants. Their energy, humor, and behind-the-scenes insights made it a highlight once again. Afterward, we joined a Galley Tour, where we got a fascinating look at the scale and precision behind the ship’s food operations—an impressive choreography of chefs, ingredients, and logistics.

In the afternoon, we took time to wander the ship one last time, soaking in the atmosphere and revisiting favorite spots. We stumbled upon a hidden gem—a viewing area perched above the bridge—offering panoramic views and a quiet place to reflect on the journey.

Dinner was a poignant moment as we said goodbye to our wonderful waiters, Edel and Ronald, whose warmth and service had made every meal special. Their farewell was heartfelt and full of gratitude.

The evening wrapped up with the Farewell Show in the Princess Theater, a lively and emotional send-off featuring music, dance, and tributes to the crew. Then it was time to pack up and prepare for disembarkation.

Tomorrow, Thursday, we’ll disembark in Southampton, with hopes of squeezing in a bit of sightseeing on the way back to London. Our flight home departs early Friday morning, marking the end of an unforgettable adventure through Norway and Iceland.

This morning, we woke to find the Emerald Princess docked in Greenock, a historic town on Scotland’s west coast. Once a major shipbuilding hub, Greenock now serves as a picturesque port of call and a gateway to Glasgow, Scotland’s largest city.

After going ashore, we boarded a shuttle bus into the heart of Glasgow. There, we joined a narrated sightseeing tour that gave us a sweeping overview of the city’s highlights. We passed George Square, the city’s civic center; the sleek, modern Armadillo concert hall; the River Clyde, which shaped Glasgow’s industrial past; and the green expanse of Kelvingrove Park.

After the tour, we walked to the magnificent Glasgow Cathedral, a rare and beautifully preserved example of medieval Gothic architecture. Built in the 12th century, the cathedral is dedicated to St. Mungo, Glasgow’s patron saint. We visited his tomb in the crypt, a solemn and sacred space that has drawn pilgrims for centuries. The cathedral’s soaring arches and stained glass windows made it a true highlight of the day.

Just above the cathedral, we explored the Glasgow Necropolis, a Victorian garden cemetery often called the “City of the Dead.” This hillside resting place is filled with elaborate monuments and mausoleums, many honoring the city’s 19th-century industrial elite. The views from the top were stunning, offering a panoramic look at the cathedral and the city skyline.

Later in the afternoon, we returned to the Emerald Princess for the final time. As the ship pulled away from port, we enjoyed peaceful views of the Scottish countryside from the deck, reflecting on the incredible journey we’ve had.

We now have one final day at sea before arriving in Southampton the day after tomorrow, where we’ll begin our journey home. It’s hard to believe this unforgettable adventure is nearly at its end.

Today marked our second consecutive day at sea as we continued our journey from Iceland toward our final port of call in Greenock, Scotland. With no excursions or port logistics to think about, it was a quiet, restorative day—perfect for sitting back, relaxing, and diving into a good book.

We began the morning with a fascinating enrichment presentation by Professor Sophie Scott, a cognitive neuroscientist from University College London. Professor Scott is the director of UCL’s Institute of Cognitive Neuroscience and is internationally recognized for her research on the science of laughter. Her work explores how our brains process vocal emotions, speech, and laughter—particularly how laughter functions as a deeply social behavior. Most of the time, she explained, we laugh not at jokes, but in response to social cues and connections. It was a brilliant blend of science and humor that left us both entertained and enlightened .

Later in the day, we joined a spoon playing class—yes, actual musical spoons! It was a fun and surprisingly rhythmic experience, and a great reminder of how much joy can be found in trying something completely new (and slightly silly).

As the evening approached, we stepped out onto our balcony and were greeted by a beautiful sight: the Scottish coast emerging on the horizon. After days of open ocean, it was a welcome preview of what’s to come.

Tomorrow, we arrive in Scotland—our final port before heading home. It’s hard to believe the journey is nearly over, but we’re soaking up every last moment.

After days of fjords, ports, and packed excursions, Day 13 gave us a chance to slow down and enjoy the rhythm of the open ocean. We’re now en route from Iceland to Scotland, and while the skies were mostly calm, the sea had other plans. The waves were a bit choppier than we’ve grown used to, and the Emerald Princess gently rocked us throughout the day—like a cradle for grown-ups.

It was a perfect day to lean into the slower pace of sea life. One of the highlights was a presentation with our captain, Captain Jonathan Baranski, who shared insights about the ship, its operations, and some behind-the-scenes stories that made us appreciate the complexity of cruising even more.

Later in the afternoon, we watched an ice carving demonstration on the pool deck. It’s always amazing to see a block of ice transformed into something intricate and beautiful in just minutes—especially when done with chisels!

The evening brought a high-energy tribute show to Freddie Mercury, and it did not disappoint. The vocals, the costumes, the energy—it was a fitting homage to one of rock’s greatest legends and had the whole theater clapping along to Queen classics.

Tomorrow brings another day at sea before we reach our final port of call in Scotland. Hard to believe the journey is nearing its end, but for now, we’re enjoying every last wave and moment.

Our streak of good weather and smooth port access finally ran out today as we arrived in Ísafjörður, nestled deep in the Westfjords of Iceland. The skies were gray, the air was chilly, and a persistent drizzle set the tone for the day. To add to the challenge, with three other ships already in port, the Emerald Princess had to anchor far out in Skutulsfjörður, making for a long tender ride to shore—and even longer waits to board the tenders. But despite the soggy start and logistical hurdles, we made the most of our time in this remote and rugged corner of Iceland.

Ísafjörður, with a population of just over 2,500, is the largest town in the Westfjords and a hub of culture and commerce in the region. Its name means “ice fjord,” and it has a long history as a fishing and trading post dating back to the 16th century. The town is surrounded by dramatic mountains and steep cliffs, giving it a secluded, almost storybook feel.

Once ashore, we strolled past Ísafjarðarkirkja, the town’s modernist Lutheran church, and the old hospital, now repurposed as a library and community center. The drizzle didn’t let up, but we pressed on, eager to escape the crowds and explore on our own terms.

Leaving the main streets behind, we found a quiet trail northwest of town. It was blissfully empty, and despite the mist, we were rewarded with peaceful views of the fjord and the village below—Ísafjörður’s colorful houses looking like tiny Lego bricks against the slate-gray sea.

Later, we hiked up to the observation point just above town, where the panoramic view was well worth the climb. From there, we descended into Jónsgarður park, a small but charming green space with sculptures, benches, and a sense of calm that contrasted nicely with the bustle of the port.

As we sailed out of the fjord in the evening, the rain followed us, and the seas turned rougher than we’ve experienced so far. The ship is rolling tonight—rocking us to sleep, or at least trying to.

Tomorrow, we arrive in Reykjavík, our final port of call in Iceland. Here’s hoping for calmer seas and clearer skies as we wrap up our time in Iceland.

At 12:15 AM, something magical happened—we crossed the Arctic Circle aboard the Emerald Princess! Bundled up in the midnight chill, we stepped out onto our balcony to snap selfies and celebrate this bucket-list moment. The ship remained in the Arctic until around 4:00 AM, gliding silently through the northern waters under a sky that never quite went dark.

By morning, we were sailing into the stunning Eyjafjörður, Iceland’s longest fjord. Surrounded by steep, green mountains and dotted with small farms and fishing villages, the fjord is a serene gateway to Akureyri, often called the “Capital of North Iceland.” With a population of just under 20,000, Akureyri is Iceland’s second-largest urban area and a vibrant cultural hub nestled at the base of snow-capped peaks.

Our day began with a scenic bus ride through the highlands above Akureyri, offering sweeping views of the fjord and valleys below. Our destination: the majestic Goðafoss, or “Waterfall of the Gods.” This horseshoe-shaped cascade is not only breathtaking but also steeped in history—legend has it that in the year 1000, a local chieftain threw his pagan idols into the falls after Iceland converted to Christianity, giving the waterfall its divine name.

Returning to Akureyri, we enjoyed a peaceful stroll through the Akureyri Botanical Gardens. These gardens are a true gem, showcasing over 7,000 species of native and foreign plants—an impressive feat given the Arctic climate. The paths wind through colorful flowerbeds, tranquil ponds, and shaded groves, making it a perfect spot to relax and take in the natural beauty.

Our bus dropped us off at the city center, where we explored the charming pedestrian street lined with shops, cafés, and street art. We made our way to the iconic Akureyrarkirkja, the town’s Lutheran church perched on a hill overlooking the city. Designed by Guðjón Samúelsson (the same architect behind Reykjavík’s Hallgrímskirkja), the church features striking stepped architecture and beautiful stained-glass windows. Inside, a ship model hangs from the ceiling—a nod to Iceland’s seafaring heritage.

After dinner back on board, we headed to the deck for a final treat: whale watching as we sailed out of Eyjafjörður. Though the whales kept their distance, we spotted several surfacing in the calm waters, their silhouettes framed by the golden Arctic twilight.

This morning, we woke to a dreamscape—our ship gliding silently into the narrow fjord of Seyðisfjörður, surrounded by steep, misty mountains that seemed to rise straight from the sea. This is our first stop in Iceland, and it couldn’t be more magical. The country is already living up to its reputation for breathtaking natural beauty.

After breakfast, we tendered ashore and stepped into the charming village of Seyðisfjörður. The town is small but full of character, with colorful wooden houses, art installations, and a peaceful vibe that feels like something out of a storybook. We strolled along Rainbow Street, a cheerful path leading to the iconic Seyðisfjardarkirkja, also known as the Blue Church, its powder-blue facade standing out against the dramatic landscape.

Leaving the bustle of the town behind, we followed a trail up the hillside just south of Seyðisfjörður. The reward? A pair of serene waterfalls tucked into the green slopes, their sound echoing through the quiet valley. It felt like we had the whole place to ourselves.

Later , we visited Búðareyrarfoss, another stunning waterfall just outside town before tendering back to the Emerald Princess.

The light lingered well into the evening—by 10:00 PM, the sky was still glowing, casting a golden hue over the Iceland Sea. Tonight, we sail north again. In the early hours of the morning, we’ll cross into the Arctic Circle for a brief but thrilling moment. Another milestone in this unforgettable journey.

For more pictures and videos from our time in Iceland visit our Iceland Collection. Also, visit our Norway Collection from earlier in this journey.