Solo summer 2025 Day 72: All Aboard the Norwegian Prima - From London to Reykjavik by Sea
After five unforgettable nights soaking in the sights, flavors, and theater magic of London, it was time to set sail on the next chapter of my summer adventure. I checked out of the lovely Flemings Mayfair early in the morning and hailed a car bound for Southampton Port. The drive from central London to the cruise terminal took a little under two hours — smooth and scenic once we broke free from city traffic. As we neared the port, the towering silhouette of my floating home for the next 11 nights came into view: the Norwegian Prima.
First Impressions: Welcome Aboard!
Let me just say — wow. The Norwegian Prima is not your average cruise ship. She’s sleek and modern with a design that feels more like a luxury boutique hotel than a massive ocean liner. This is the first of Norwegian Cruise Line’s new Prima-class ships, and they’ve clearly gone all out to impress. The check-in process at Southampton was surprisingly streamlined, and soon enough, I was walking up the gangway into the sparkling atrium of this floating city.
The Ship: Modern Luxury at Sea
From the moment I stepped on board, everything about the Prima felt elevated. The interiors blend Scandinavian minimalism with high-end luxury — clean lines, rich textures, and an emphasis on open space. The ship carries fewer passengers than other vessels its size, which means more room for everyone and a quieter, more upscale vibe.
Here are some highlights that immediately stood out:
The Ocean Boulevard: This wraparound promenade on Deck 8 offers amazing sea views, infinity pools, and cozy nooks for lounging. It was one of my favorite spots to relax with a coffee or cocktail in hand.
Indulge Food Hall: Forget the standard buffet. This upscale food court features a variety of globally inspired food stations — Indian street food, ramen, tapas, and even a Texas-style smokehouse. You order from a tablet and everything is brought to your table.
The Observation Lounge: A two-story space with floor-to-ceiling windows and plush seating — perfect for sipping wine and watching the fjords or northern lights glide by.
The Stateroom: My cabin was modern and thoughtfully designed with tons of storage, a comfy bed, and a balcony that quickly became my morning coffee spot. The bathroom was also surprisingly spacious!
The Speedway: Yes, you read that right. The Prima has a three-level go-kart track at sea. I couldn’t resist signing up for a race — nothing quite like speeding around a track with the North Sea in the background!
Theater and Entertainment: The Prima has a cutting-edge venue that transforms from a Broadway-style theater to a nightclub. During the cruise, I caught a couple of fantastic shows and live music performances that were Broadway-quality.
The Itinerary: 11 Nights of Coastal Magic
The itinerary for this sailing is nothing short of epic — an 11-night journey from Southampton all the way to Reykjavik, Iceland, with an incredible mix of history, culture, and raw natural beauty along the way.
Here’s the lineup:
Southampton, England – Embarkation day. Excitement, exploration, and unpacking.
Brugge (Zeebrugge), Belgium – Medieval canals, chocolate shops, and plenty of frites.
Amsterdam, Netherlands – Canals, bikes, and museums galore. One of my favorite cities to revisit.
Day at Sea – A perfect day to explore more of the ship, hit the spa, and relax.
Geiranger, Norway – A postcard-perfect fjord town with waterfalls and dramatic cliffs.
Alesund, Norway – Art Nouveau architecture and panoramic hikes.
Bergen, Norway – Colorful waterfronts, fish markets, and a funicular ride for the best views.
Akureyri, Iceland – Known as the “Capital of the North,” with geothermal baths and lava fields nearby.
Isafjordur, Iceland – Quaint and quiet, nestled in a dramatic fjord with hiking trails and puffins.
Reykjavik, Iceland – Disembarkation, but also the start of more Icelandic adventures.
I can’t wait to experience the wild landscapes of Norway and Iceland, not to mention the charming European ports along the way.
Sea Days Done Right
The ship is so packed with activities that I’m actually looking forward to the sea days just as much as the ports. There’s a spa with a two-story thermal suite (including a charcoal sauna and snow room!), countless dining venues from sushi to French bistro fare, art installations throughout the ship, and plenty of quiet spaces to just read and take in the view.
With such a perfect balance of vibrant cities, peaceful nature, and luxurious onboard life, I have a feeling this is going to be one of my most memorable cruises yet.
Next stop: Brugge! Bring on the beer, waffles, and cobblestone charm.