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.

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

Today was a quiet, fog-draped day at sea as we cruised northwest from Norway toward Iceland. With no port stops and the horizon hidden behind a soft veil of mist, it was the perfect opportunity to slow down and enjoy the rhythm of life aboard the Emerald Princess.

We spent the day relaxing—playing games, watching shows, and, of course, indulging in delicious meals. Whether it was trivia in the lounge, a card game with fellow travelers, or catching a performance in the theater, there was plenty to keep us entertained.

🎉 A Special Moment in the Piazza: One highlight of the day was a lively ceremony held in the Piazza to prepare us for an exciting milestone ahead—crossing the Arctic Circle in the early hours of Day 10. The crew hosted a fun celebration to mark the upcoming event, complete with music, laughter, and a festive atmosphere. It added a sense of adventure to our otherwise peaceful day at sea.

As the fog rolled by and the ship gently rocked beneath us, we embraced the stillness and the joy of simply being present. Tomorrow, we arrive in Seyðisfjörður, Iceland, and we’re ready for whatever wonders await.

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We began our day sailing quietly up the Faleidfjorden, the morning mist lifting to reveal towering cliffs and lush green hillsides. Just after breakfast, we arrived in the picturesque village of Olden, nestled at the end of the fjord.

After disembarking, we boarded a bus and headed south along the Olden River Valley. The drive was a scenic delight, with winding roads flanked by waterfalls, meadows, and snow-capped peaks. Our destination was Olden Lake (Oldevatnet), and when we arrived, the view was absolutely breathtaking—crystal-clear turquoise waters reflecting the surrounding mountains and the distant glaciers above. It was one of those moments where nature leaves you speechless.

On our way back to town, we stopped at both the Gamle Olden kyrkje (Old Olden Church), a charming 18th-century wooden church, and the Nye Olden kyrkje (New Olden Church), built in the 20th century to accommodate the growing community. Each had its own unique charm and history, offering a glimpse into the spiritual life of this quiet village.

Back in Olden’s city center, we took a leisurely walk through the small shops and streets before returning to the Emerald Princess. As evening fell, we set sail once more—this time leaving the fjords behind. We passed through the final stretches of Norway’s dramatic coastline, soaking in the last views of waterfalls and mountain silhouettes.

Tomorrow is a sea day as we make our way toward Iceland, giving us time to reflect on the incredible beauty and peacefulness of Norway’s fjords.

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For more pictures of our day in Olden, and cruising through the fjords of Norway visit our photo collection.

We woke up this morning to the serene beauty of Lustrafjorden, the innermost arm of the mighty Sognefjord, Norway’s longest and deepest fjord. Lustrafjorden is known for its emerald-green waters, steep mountain walls, and peaceful atmosphere—an idyllic setting that greeted us right from our balcony. The morning light danced on the water, making it feel like we were floating in a dream.

After breakfast, our ship gently docked at the Skjolden Cruise Terminal, nestled at the very end of the fjord. We stepped ashore and wandered into the charming village of Skjolden, where time seems to slow down. With its cozy homes, friendly locals, and peaceful atmosphere, it felt like stepping into a postcard.

In the afternoon, we boarded a bus bound for Breheimsenteret, the glacier visitor center for Jostedalsbreen and Breheimen National Parks. The journey itself was a scenic delight, winding through valleys and past rivers until we reached the center. From there, we were treated to breathtaking views of the glacier, a reminder of nature’s raw power and beauty. The center also offered fascinating insights into the region’s glacial history and climate.

As we sailed away from Skjolden later in the day, we passed by the majestic Feigefossen waterfall, cascading down the mountainside in a dramatic display. Not long after, we caught sight of the village of Urnes, where the famous Urnes Stave Church, a World Heritage Site, stood proudly on the hillside—a striking silhouette against the lush green backdrop.

It was a day filled with quiet wonder, natural beauty, and a deep appreciation for Norway’s timeless landscapes.

Our first port of call brought us to Haugesund, Norway, a coastal town steeped in Viking history and natural beauty. The day began with a touch of mystery—thick fog blanketed the harbor as we arrived, giving our approach an almost cinematic feel. But by the time we reached Avaldsnes, the skies had cleared, revealing the lush, green landscape that awaited us.

Our shore excursion started at the Nordvegen History Centre, where we explored the rich heritage of Norway’s Viking past. The exhibits offered a fascinating look at Avaldsnes’ role as a royal seat and trading hub during the Viking Age.

From there, we walked a scenic path to the Viking Farm, located on a small island nearby. The reconstructed village featured a longhouse, roundhouse, and several outbuildings, all designed to reflect life on a Viking farm. Guides dressed in traditional Viking attire brought the site to life with stories and demonstrations, making it easy to imagine what life was like over a thousand years ago.

Before leaving Avaldsnes, we also visited the striking St. Olav’s Church, a medieval stone church that stands as a testament to the area’s long and layered history.

Back in Haugesund, our guide dropped us off at the pedestrian street in the town center. We spent the afternoon strolling past shops and cafés, picking up a few souvenirs, and admiring local landmarks like the Fiskerne statue and City Hall.

By late afternoon, we returned to the ship, tired but inspired by our first taste of Norway. From foggy beginnings to Viking tales and sunny streets, Haugesund gave us a memorable start to our Scandinavian adventure.

Our first full day aboard the Emerald Princess was a mix of rest, discovery, and entertainment as we continued sailing north through the North Sea.

We’re still catching up on sleep after our long journey, so the morning started slow—helped along by a thick blanket of fog outside our cabin window. But by the afternoon, the clouds lifted and the sun made a welcome appearance, giving us our first real taste of the open sea.

We spent part of the day attending port presentations for our first two stops: Haugesund and Skjolden. These sessions gave us a great preview of what to expect and what not to miss—waterfalls, fjords, and charming coastal towns await!

After dinner, we dressed up for the Captain’s Champagne Waterfall, a formal event where the ship’s senior officers were introduced. It was a fun and festive way to toast the voyage ahead.

The evening continued with the high-energy Rock Opera production in the Princess Theater—an impressive show blending classic rock with dramatic visuals. We capped off the night with the Yes or No Game Show in the Explorers Lounge, which had the whole room laughing.

And just when we thought the day was done, we stepped outside to catch a sunset over the North Sea—well after 10:00 p.m. A perfect end to a full day at sea.

After nearly 40 hours of travel, we’ve officially made it—aboard the Emerald Princess and ready to cruise!

Our overnight flight from Chicago to London arrived just a few minutes behind schedule, but everything went smoothly from there. We grabbed an Uber and made the drive to Southampton, arriving just in time—right before boarding began.

Once on board, we found our cabin, which will be our cozy home for the next two weeks. After settling in, we headed up to the sail away party to celebrate the start of our adventure. The energy was high, the views of the Port of Southampton were beautiful, and the excitement was finally starting to sink in.

From there, we enjoyed a delicious dinner, tested our brains at Welcome Aboard Trivia, and ended the night with a fantastic performance by singer Max Himmelreich. After all that—and nearly two days of travel—we were more than ready to crash and get some real sleep.

Tomorrow, the real exploring begins!

Today was all about patience.

We started the day at the Hyatt Regency in Chicago, waiting for our evening flight to London. With hours to spare, we took it slow—resting, repacking, and mentally preparing for the long haul ahead.

Eventually, we made our way to O’Hare and settled into the Flagship Lounge, which made the wait a little more comfortable (and caffeinated). But as we watched the skies darken with thunderstorms, we couldn’t help but worry: would we actually get out of Chicago tonight?

Thankfully, the storms cleared just in time. Our flight took off only about 20 minutes late, and we’re now officially in the air and on our way to London—right on track to board the Emerald Princess before its 4:00 p.m. departure tomorrow.

Even better? We’re flying business class, which means we’re being wined, dined, and fully reclined. After a long day of waiting, it feels good to finally be moving forward.

Next stop: London. Then, the adventure really begins.