10-Day Northern Europe Cruise with Norwegian Prima: Full Review, Tips & Itinerary

In June, I finally checked off an experience that had been sitting on my wishlist for years: a 10-Day Northern Europe Cruise with Norwegian Prima, one of the newest ships in the fleet, launched in 2022. Well…to be honest, cruising through the fjords was the dream, and the rest came as a beautiful bonus.

 

We embarked in Reykjavik, Iceland, after a flight with a layover and an overnight stay in Warsaw. On the way back, we extended the vacation with three extra nights in London, because why not? I had never visited England before.

 

Out of all the countries on our Northern Europe cruise itinerary, except for England and Poland, Iceland and Norway were completely new for me. And honestly, I believe early June is the ideal time for this kind of adventure. Yes, it was colder than expected. Yes, it rained at times, especially in the Norwegian cities. But the landscapes, the vibe onboard, and the daily activities made it all worthwhile.

 

 

And when I say activities, I mean it. This cruise was not about lounging around. Every single day brought a new port, a new city to explore, breathtaking scenery, and tens of thousands of steps tracked on foot. We averaged 15 km per day.

 

It was one of the most demanding yet most spectacular vacations I’ve taken in recent years. And if you get lucky with the weather or just pack a good jacket, you might already start planning your next adventure. I know I am. This Norwegian Prima cruise review is just the beginning of a new addiction.

 

 

10-Day Northern Europe Cruise Itinerary

 

I chose this cruise because I had already sailed with Norwegian Cruise Line in the past, on an epic Mediterranean adventure that took me through Malta, Santorini, Taormina, and many more. And yes, I liked it! That was also a 10-day cruise (maybe even 11?), and that’s when I truly fell in love with life at sea and with watching the sunrise from the balcony.

 

So when I found this 10-Day Northern Europe Cruise that included Iceland and Norway, two countries that had been patiently waiting on my wishlist for years, I didn’t hesitate for a second.

 

It was my second cruise ever, and to be honest, I think I enjoyed it even more than the first. The destinations felt more special, more dramatic, and the thrill of exploring was stronger than ever. Of course, I traveled with my boyfriend, and our route looked like this: Iceland: Reykjavik, Isafjordur, Akureyri; then a sea day; Norway: Alesund, Flam, Bergen; another sea day; followed by the Netherlands – Amsterdam; Belgium – Bruges; and finally London, where we extended our adventure with 3 more nights in the UK’s capital.

 

This 10-Day Cruise through Northern Europe on the Norwegian Prima was everything I hoped for and more: unforgettable landscapes, vibrant ports, and that signature freedom you only get when you’re cruising Norway and Iceland.

 

 

 

Our stateroom on the Norwegian Prima Cruise

 

This time, we went for an interior cabin. Not only were we curious to see how cruising without a window or balcony feels, but to be honest, there weren’t many other options left. And honestly, we were happy with our choice. We stayed on deck 11, in interior stateroom 11731 – no balcony.

 

During this time of year in Iceland and Norway, the night is about as short as an Instagram story, so having a cabin without natural light actually helped us sleep deeply and normally, without waking up at 3 a.m. thinking it’s lunchtime.

 

Surprisingly, we were lucky enough to get an extra spacious interior cabin. The bathroom was huge, larger than in many hotels I’ve stayed in, with a separate shower, a large sink, LED mirror, and generous closet space. The bed was super comfy, there were plenty of outlets, smart layout, and even a desk I used for downloading photos or writing notes.

 

Even without a balcony, the overall comfort was 10 out of 10, and it made me feel truly pampered throughout this 10-Day Northern Europe Cruise with Norwegian Prima.

 

Honestly? It exceeded all expectations. We got one of the largest interior cabins, with a huge bathroom, bigger than in many hotel rooms. Even the hallways were peaceful, with discreet and friendly passengers. Our room attendant was always smiling and incredibly helpful.

 

 

 

10-Day Northern Europe Cruise with Norwegian Prima – Itinerary, Full Review &  Travel Tips

 

Day 1: Reykjavik – The Start of Our 10-Day Northern Europe Cruise Adventure

 

We arrived in Reykjavik a day early, just to be sure we wouldn’t miss embarkation. We stayed at a hostel with a private room, close to the city center, and had a few hours to explore the Icelandic capital.

 

And I fell in love with its peaceful vibe, the crisp morning air, the serene lake with relaxed ducks and swans, the little houses that reminded me of America, the pastel-colored flowers, and especially a pink lilac I saw for the first time in my life.

 

We climbed the Hallgrímskirkja Church tower, Reykjavik’s most iconic landmark, and from the top, the city looked like a Nordic puzzle. After our short walk, we took a local bus to the port. Embarkation was quick and well-organized, way easier than on my first cruise.

 

 

We boarded the Norwegian Prima around 4 PM, and by 6 PM we were sailing away from Iceland’s capital, heading to our first stop on this 10-day cruise through Northern Europe: Isafjordur.

 

Our luggage arrived a little later, but it got there, and that’s what matters. In the meantime, we comforted ourselves with our first buffet experience on board. The food? Pretty similar to our first cruise: diverse, decent, nothing mind-blowing, but definitely satisfying.

 

We also started to explore the ship slowly. We found some common areas, checked out a few restaurants, and already felt the modern vibe of the Norwegian Prima. It had a lot of promise, and it definitely delivered.

 

These are the best-rated tours in Reykjavik

 

 

Day 2: Isafjordur  –  Snowy Mountains and a Hidden Waterfall

 

We woke up early, stepped out of our stateroom, and… wow. We headed to the top deck of the Norwegian Prima and just froze for a few seconds, completely taken aback. All around us, towering mountains with snow-dusted peaks painted in shades of grey and white. Isafjordur stole our hearts before we even set foot on land, just by standing there and taking in the view.

 

We didn’t book an organized excursion for this stop because everything was already sold out by the time we checked. So here’s my first tip for anyone planning a 10-day cruise through Northern Europe: book your shore excursions in advance. Instead, we decided to hike on our own to Bunarfoss waterfall, located about 5 km from town.

 

 

And what a great decision that was. The trail was absolutely stunning: fields full of lupine (that purplish-blue flower you see all over Iceland). It’s beautiful but apparently invasive, as it tends to take over native plants.

 

Buffet, however… was a bit disappointing. Not the food itself, but the space. For such a large cruise ship, the buffet area felt too small, and there was crowding at nearly every mealtime, especially in the mornings, when everyone’s in a rush to eat and head out to explore the day’s port.

 

READ ALSO: One day in Isafjordur Iceland – best things to do

 

 

The waterfall, though, was totally worth it. Not huge, not famous, but it had a special charm and a gorgeous natural setting. I’d definitely recommend it if you don’t have a tour booked. On our way back, we caught a local bus into town and wandered a bit more.

 

We found a lovely viewpoint, spotted a few sleepy cats sunbathing (or trying to), admired the colorful house facades that reminded me of small-town America, and popped into a few souvenir shops. We returned to the ship with rosy cheeks and full hearts. One port down, and off to a magical start on our Norwegian Prima cruise through Iceland and Norway.

 

 

These are the best-rated tours in Isafjordur 

 

 

Day 3: Akureyri – A Legendary Waterfall, a Volcanic Lake, and a Pastry with Personality

 

In Akureyri, we finally had a pre-booked tour grabbed from GetYourGuide. The tour lasted around six hours and took us to some of the most jaw-dropping places in Northern Iceland: Godafoss waterfall, Lake Mývatn, the lava formations of Dimmuborgir, and a geothermal area with bubbling mud pools and eerie, lunar landscapes.

 

Godafoss is one of the most famous waterfalls in Iceland, and rightfully so: it’s wide, dramatic, and tied to Iceland’s historical transition to Christianity. The area around Lake Mývatn looks like it was pulled straight out of a sci-fi movie, with bizarre rock formations, sulfur smells, and steaming craters.

 

At the end of the tour, we asked the driver to drop us off in the center of Akureyri so we could wander a bit on foot. Best decision ever. Though small, the town has such a good vibe, relaxed but full of life. A few charming streets filled with shops, a bakery where I had something vanilla-flavored (I don’t know what it was, but I’d fly back for it), and cute houses with red roofs that looked like they were drawn with a ruler.

 

 

Quick fun facts about Akureyri:

 

• It’s considered the capital of Northern Iceland

• Only about 20,000 people live here, but it feels bigger

• The red light at crosswalks is shaped like a ❤️

• It’s nestled in a dramatic fjord and surrounded by mountains

After a few chill hours, we made our way back to the ship: tired but so happy. Iceland had already won our hearts, but a new country was just around the corner. One that’s been on my bucket list since forever.

 

 

These are the best-rated tours in Akureyri

 

 

Day 4: A Sea Day Between Iceland and Norway on our 10 Day Northern Europe Cruise

 

After walking endless kilometers every single day, this sea day came at the perfect time. We had to cross over to Norway, and the distance was pretty long, so the Norwegian Prima needed time. But honestly, so did we. It was the perfect day to relax and explore the ship a little deeper.

 

Norwegian Prima offers plenty of attractions, maybe not enough to get lost in, but definitely enough to keep you entertained. We tried out the hot tubs with a view (yes, even with the chilly Icelandic-Norwegian breeze), tested a few of the complimentary restaurants: yes, there are several free dining options onboard, and some even have outdoor seating (though let’s be honest, no one was brave enough to eat outside with the fjord wind blowing in your soup).

 

 

We strolled the mini boulevard with the glass floor, great for those without a fear of heights. We wandered through different decks, peeked into the casino, browsed the shops, relaxed in the Observation Lounge, checked in at the ship’s Starbucks, and spent time around the Atrium where something’s always going on.

 

Every night, the staff leaves a flyer at your stateroom door with the next day’s schedule, so you don’t miss anything. Plus, there’s the ship’s app, where you can check all the daily events and book activities or shows in advance.

 

And yes, the Burn the Floor dance crew was part of the entertainment lineup again, just like on my first Norwegian cruise. I love them. They’re insanely talented dancers, and I’ll tell you more about their performance in a later post.

 

 

Day 5: Ålesund – The Most Instagrammable Town in Norway

 

Finally… Norway! Our first stop: Alesund – an absolutely Instagrammable city nestled between water and mountains, with delicate Art Nouveau architecture that looks like it was drawn with a fine pencil. The rain joined us from early morning (yep, raincoat and umbrella out), but it didn’t ruin the mood. Quite the opposite.

 

We climbed the famous Aksla viewpoint, from where you can see the entire city in all its splendor. It’s a must, even if it’s raining, even if it’s cold. It’s free to go up, and there are several scenic stops along the way. There’s even a café at the top where you can enjoy the view with a hot drink, except it was closed the day we went. But honestly, the panoramic views on the way up were more than enough. Truly breathtaking.

 

 

After the descent, we wandered through Ålesund’s cozy city center. Highly recommend stopping at a café. We found a spot called Raccoon, and I swear they served the best peanut butter cookies in the known universe. The coffee? Also great. We then popped into a few souvenir shops and, obviously, bought trolls. Norway has thousands of designs, from cute to creepy, so there’s something for everyone.

 

Later, we walked all the way to the Ålesund Aquarium, one of the largest in Norway. It’s quite a distance from the city center. We walked there but took an Uber back, which in Norway… is an investment. We paid around 25 euros for an 8-minute ride. Yes, Norway doesn’t joke when it comes to prices. There’s a shuttle bus option too, but the Uber made more sense in that moment.

 

 

 

The aquarium was definitely worth it. We saw penguins, playful otters, and sea creatures I had never even heard of. It’s a very interactive, well-organized, and enjoyable place, especially if you’re an animal lover like me.

 

We returned to the Norwegian Prima and admired the city from the top deck. It was a full day, cold, but stunning. Oh, and fun fact: I spotted a 7-Eleven in Ålesund! I’ve seen them in Thailand and the US, but I didn’t expect one in Norway. Small world, huh?

 

 

These are the best-rated tours in Alesund

 

 

Day 6: Flåm – fjords, waterfalls and the most scenic train ride in the world (my favorite destination on our 10 Day Northern Europe Cruise)

 

Flåm was, without a doubt, my favorite stop of the entire 10-Day Northern Europe Cruise with Norwegian Prima. A tiny, peaceful village hidden between mountains and deep waters. We wandered around a bit, visited the small railway museum (free entrance), enjoyed a hot coffee in a local restaurant and browsed the souvenir shops.

 

Then we hopped on a shuttle bus to Gudvangen, a nearby village from where we started a 2-hour mini-cruise through the fjords, especially Nærøyfjord, part of the UNESCO World Heritage. The weather was typical Norwegian: light rain, then heavier, then back to sunshine. But that added to the dramatic beauty of the landscapes. We were on a big catamaran, a bit crowded, but the views made up for everything.

 

 

And the views? Straight out of a fairytale. Waterfalls at every corner, green-clad mountains and mist descending slowly over the fjords like a magical veil. I had never seen that many waterfalls before, one after another, streaming right from the mountaintops.

 

Probably a mix of melting snow and constant rain, but honestly, it was jaw-dropping. I fell hopelessly in love with this corner of Norway and I’m already dreaming of going back to explore more fjords.

 

After returning to Flåm, we had only one hour before another top experience: the Flåm Railway, known as one of the most beautiful train journeys in the world. The round trip takes about two hours and passes through dozens of tunnels, near countless waterfalls, and stunning mountain scenery.

 

 

🔹 Pro tip: when boarding the train, sit on the right side (in the direction of travel) and choose a window that opens, so you can admire and photograph the landscapes without reflections.

It was a full-on day, with two very different but equally impressive excursions. Flåm is the kind of place that made me say: “Norway, we’ll meet again soon.”

All our tickets for the activities in Flåm were booked through Norwaysbest.

 

 

Day 7: Bergen – colorful houses, light rain and a memorable waterfall

 

Bergen is a beautiful city with that typical Norwegian charm: quiet, nestled between mountains and fjords, and with a lovely old town. The Bryggen district, a UNESCO World Heritage site, is the most iconic part of the city, with perfectly aligned wooden houses painted in warm yet slightly weathered shades.

 

We also walked through the famous fish market, where you can find everything from smoked salmon to reindeer souvenirs and trolls.

 

Of course, it rained again in Bergen, no surprise there. At this point, rain had become our loyal travel companion while cruising Norway. We had a half-day bus tour booked, which took us through the scenic villages around the city. The absolute highlight was Steinsdalsfossen Waterfall, a natural beauty you can actually walk behind without getting soaked. I found it genuinely impressive.

 

 

The tour also included a stop at an apple farm, where we tried a slice of homemade apple pie and enjoyed a nice coffee in a cozy, rustic setting. It was sweet, though not spectacular, maybe because we had just come from Flåm, which had set the bar incredibly high on this Norwegian Prima Cruise.

 

After the tour, we had time to wander around Bergen on our own. I liked the architecture, with its slanted rooftops and wooden façades, but overall, I think Ålesund suited my taste better. Bergen felt more touristy, larger, and busier. Ålesund seemed more artsy, more bohemian… and more personal.

 

Still, it was a lovely day, full of lush scenery, cozy stops, and yes, plenty of rain. Just like Norway itself: pure, misty, and deeply soulful.

 

These are the best-rated tours in Bergen

 

 

Day 8: Sea Day – Infinity Pool, rooftop karting, and a magical sunset

 

Our second full day at sea came just at the right time after the intense days spent exploring Iceland and Norway. We kicked it off with a relaxing session at the Infinity Pool, a super chill area with direct ocean views, where you soak in warm water and feel like you’re floating at the edge of the world.

 

But the real wow moment came later: go-karting on the rooftop of the ship. Yes, you read that right. Norwegian Prima features a rooftop go-kart track, and it’s hands down the coolest activity on board. We paid 15 euros per person for 8 minutes, and honestly?

 

Worth every cent. It was my first time ever racing go-karts, and the adrenaline rush was unreal. I loved it so much I did it again the day after our stop in Amsterdam.

 

 

In the evening, we went to see Burn the Floor, a dance show featuring the same incredible troupe I saw on my first cruise. Full of energy, perfect synchronization, passionate moves and fabulous outfits. I absolutely loved it!

 

We enjoyed a delicious dinner, indulged in decadent desserts, strolled through the ship’s glowing areas, and caught a truly spectacular sunset. One of those golden moments where you just stop and stare in silence. It was a slow-paced but beautiful day.

 

This Norwegian Prima Cruise Review wouldn’t be complete without mentioning how well the ship knows how to pamper you, even on days without a port stop. The only downside? The temperature – still a bit too chilly for full-on sunbathing.

 

 

 

Day 9: Amsterdam – canals, coffee and a reawakened longing

 

On the second-to-last day of our 10-Day Northern Europe Cruise, we arrived in the Netherlands and spent a beautiful 10 hours in Amsterdam, a city I had visited a few years ago and completely fell in love with. This time, I was excited to walk again through the same charming streets that had stayed with me. Amsterdam has that special charm you don’t lose, even if it’s your second, third or tenth time seeing it.

 

Of course, we couldn’t skip the classic canal boat tour, one of the most relaxing and delightful things to do in the city. It costs around €20 per person and it’s totally worth it. You see Amsterdam’s stunning architecture from the water, glide under cozy bridges, pass lively squares, tilted buildings and bikes resting poetically by the edge.

 

 

If you’ve got more time, visit the Anne Frank House or the Van Gogh Museum, take a break in a cute café, stop by the flower market (yes, the famous tulip bulb souvenirs are still there), browse vintage shops or go for a little urban shopping. And why not? Wander through the iconic Red Light District.

 

Amsterdam is a city built for walking, biking, and public transport, all great and easy options. If you want to feel like a local, rent a bike and just get lost with no map. If you’re craving chill time, grab a coffee and hop on a boat. Either way, the city gives you exactly what you need.

 

 

For me, it was a beautiful reunion with a place I absolutely adore. And even though we had just 10 hours, I made the most of every single minute.

 

Also, if you ever plan a longer stay in Amsterdam, I highly recommend taking a day trip to the fairytale village of Giethoorn, probably one of the prettiest in the world, or to Zaanse Schans, where you can see authentic Dutch windmills in action.

 

These are the best-rated tours in Amsterdam

 

 

 

Day 10: Bruges – gingerbread houses, swans and Belgian chocolate

 

Our final real stop on this 10-Day Northern Europe Cruise with Norwegian Prima (not counting the disembarkation in London) was Bruges, a city I had visited before for a few days and one that remains one of my favorite places in all of Europe. Bruges is romantic and storybook-like, with cobbled streets, gingerbread-style houses and flowers blooming everywhere.

 

Even though we only had 10 hours, I was so happy to see it again and wander through its peaceful canals. The city breathes beauty and calm, with swans gliding slowly over the water, charming squares and perfectly preserved Gothic architecture.

 

💡 Fun fact: you can take a boat tour on the canals, and I totally recommend it, but this time we didn’t have enough time. With only a few hours available, we chose to enjoy a slow, scenic walk instead.

 

 

We passed by the Grand Markt, admired the towering cathedral at the heart of the city, browsed chocolate shops, devoured a perfect waffle and soaked up Bruges’ laid-back atmosphere. The city also has lovely museums (including the quirky Frietmuseum), old churches and cozy cafés that make you want to sit and stay forever.

 

🍟 Speaking of fries – the Belgians insist they invented them, not the French. And honestly, after tasting them here, I’m inclined to believe them.

 

📍 One important thing to know: the ship docks in Zeebrugge, which is about 30 minutes away from Bruges. We paid €30 per person for the roundtrip shuttle, so be sure to plan your time accordingly if you’re cruising to Bruges. All in all, Bruges is the perfect city for a one-day stop, it leaves you feeling lighthearted and full of joy.

 

 

These are the best-rated tours in Bruges

 

 

Disembarkation Day and 3 Nights in London

 

After 10 days of exploring fjords, waterfalls, fairytale towns and soaking in the infinity pool aboard the Norwegian Prima, it was finally time to disembark. We arrived in the port of Southampton which is not exactly next door to London, like you might think. We took a train that took nearly 3 hours to reach the capital.

 

The disembarkation process was smooth and well organized. You can either:

• Keep your luggage with you (which is what we did)

• Or leave it outside your room the night before, tagged and sorted by the time slot you choose to leave the ship

 

 

We chose to disembark among the last guests, just to stretch that holiday vibe a little longer and walk around the ship one last time. Since they were already cleaning, we managed to peek into a few open staterooms.

 

We were totally impressed by The Haven category – Norwegian Prima’s luxury section:

• massive private terrace

• your own jacuzzi

• glass-walled bathroom with a view

• sleek, modern design – absolutely wow!

We also checked out the standard balcony cabins – they looked great too: bright, spacious and cozy.

 

 

3 Nights in London – a quick overview

 

Even though I’ll dedicate a full article to London soon (because this city deserves its own spotlight), here’s a short recap of what we did after our 10-Day Cruise through Northern Europe:

• Wandering through charming little streets

• Buckingham Palace

• London Eye – best at sunset for that wow view

• Big Ben, Tower of London, London Bridge

• Chinatown – colorful, lively, packed with energy

• Soho, Mayfair, Oxford Street

• Chilling in Hyde Park and St. James’s Park

• A one-day trip to the Cotswolds – visiting storybook villages like Bibury, Burford and Stow-on-the-Wold

 

These are the best-rated tours in London

 

 

Life Onboard Norwegian Prima – What to Expect on a 10-Day Cruise

 

We sailed on the Norwegian Prima, launched in 2022, and I can confidently say it’s one of the most modern and elegant cruise ships out there. The overall vibe? Super chill. Everyone smiles, the staff is incredibly attentive and friendly, and the general mood is just good. The average age on board seemed to be around 50-60, in case that matters to you.

 

 

What You Can Do Onboard Norwegian Prima

 

There’s a lot to do onboard, but you’ll need time and energy for it all. I focus mostly on shore excursions, so I use the ship to unwind and eat like royalty. Still, during our 10-Day Northern Europe Cruise, I managed to enjoy quite a few onboard experiences:

 

• Jacuzzis with a view and the Infinity Pool – my absolute favorites, especially with those breathtaking fjord views

• Rooftop karting track – 15 euros for 8 minutes of pure adrenaline. It was my first time and I got totally hooked. I did it again after Amsterdam

• Mini golf and other deck games

• Huge slides – not really my thing, but fun for thrill-seekers

• Observation lounges – perfect for sea watching, spotting oil platforms, or other ships

• Theater – I loved the Burn the Floor show, full of passion and energy

• Workshops, trivia, karaoke, daily games and contests – you’ll find everything in the printed flyer left at your door or in the ship’s app

 

Dining on Norwegian Prima

 

Worried about food? Don’t be. You’ll probably gain 2 kilos. 🙃 There are plenty of included dining options, and you definitely won’t go hungry:

 

Buffet – tons of options: pasta, pizza, meat (chicken, beef, pork), schnitzels, meatballs, salads, cheeses, yogurt, ice cream, desserts, tea, coffee, juices

Complimentary à la carte restaurants – my favorites:

• Indulge Food Hall – diverse, casual and cozy
• Local Bar & Grill – great for a chill lunch
• Hudson’s – elegant and with amazing desserts

 

Specialty restaurants (extra cost) – we didn’t try them, because honestly, the free ones were more than enough

 

 

What I Loved vs. What I Didn’t on the Norwegian Prima

 

What I loved:

• Spacious and comfy cabin

• Infinity Pool and hot tubs with stunning views

• Karting – an absolute highlight

• Night shows – especially Burn the Floor

• À la carte dining – delicious and well-organized

• Observation areas – peaceful and scenic

• Ocean Boulevard – dreamy walks

 

What I didn’t love:

• Crowded buffet at breakfast – too small for the number of guests

• Some activities get fully booked fast – you need to plan ahead

• Long waits at free restaurants during dinner time

 

 

Things to Know Before Going on a 10-Day Cruise through Northern Europe

 

How much does a 10-Day Cruise cost and what’s included?

 

Prices vary depending on the time of year, cruise line, cabin type, and itinerary.
Our Norwegian Prima 10-Day Northern Europe Cruise, from June 12–22, cost about €3000 for two people, in an inside cabin, with gratuities included.

 

What’s included in the price:

• Accommodation in the cabin you select

• All meals (buffet and complimentary restaurants)

• Non-alcoholic drinks from dispensers (water, juice, tea, coffee)

• Access to all free areas and activities (pool, theater, lounges, jacuzzis, etc.)

 

 

What’s not included:

• Alcoholic or branded drinks (unless you purchase a drinks package)

• Specialty restaurants

• Extra-fee activities (karting, escape room, spa, etc.)

• Shore excursions in ports

• Flights and pre/post-cruise accommodation

 

 

How to choose the right cabin?

 

If it’s your first cruise, go for a balcony cabin. You’ll have a direct sea view and you can enjoy sunrises and sunsets without even leaving your room.

If you’re already a cruise pro and don’t mind the lack of natural light, an inside cabin is cheaper and just as comfy. It really depends on your budget and how much time you’ll spend in your room.

 

What to pack for a Northern Europe cruise?

 

The weather can be sneaky, especially in June. Check the forecast and then subtract 3–4°C from what you see.
Be prepared for the unexpected.

 

 

Essentials:

• A rain poncho and umbrella

• Warm, layered clothing

• Waterproof and comfy shoes

• A beanie or ear warmer, maybe even thin gloves

• A light backpack for day trips

• Reusable water bottle

• Power bank

• A SIM card or eSIM with European data – much cheaper than the ship’s Wi-Fi

 

 

Cruise vs. Independent Travel

 

Cruise pros:

• No daily packing and unpacking

• Meals included – no stress hunting for restaurants

• You visit multiple places without planning a thing

• Activities and entertainment are always available

 

Cruise cons:

• Limited time in each destination

• You can’t stay overnight if you fall in love with a place

• Food can get repetitive over time

• Optional tours can be pricey if you don’t plan ahead

 

 

How’s the internet onboard?

 

Expensive… and not always worth it.

I used an international SIM card with European coverage and it worked perfectly in ports and on land.
Onboard, you get signal near the shore, but in the middle of the sea – good luck.

So unless you need Wi-Fi for work or emergencies, go offline. Trust me, your brain will thank you.

 

 

 

My Final Thoughts after a 10-Day Cruise through Northern Europe

 

 

What I loved the most

 

What I loved most were the destinations, no doubt about it. Waking up in a new place every day felt like magic.
I adored our cabin – even though it was an inside stateroom, it was so comfy that I slept like a baby after every full day of exploring.

 

• The go-kart track on the rooftop? Pure adrenaline.
• The Observation Lounge? Incredible – you basically get the captain’s view.
• I loved how modern Norwegian Prima felt: elegant bathrooms, well-designed areas, and cozy furniture.
• The food was decent, not Michelin-star level, but satisfying. The desserts, though? Could use some love.

 

But more than anything, I loved the overall comfort. Sleeping well helped me give 100% in every destination.
I walked tens of thousands of steps daily and barely felt tired.

 

And yes, cruises are now officially part of me.
I’m already dreaming of the next one, hoping the itinerary will be just as breathtaking.

 

 

Tips for anyone considering a cruise

 

• If you hate repacking your suitcase every other day, cruising is made for you

• You wake up in a new country without lifting a finger (well, maybe just to push the elevator button)

• No need to plan hotels, transport, or restaurants – it’s all there

• You get to see multiple countries in a short time, minus the stress

• Bring any meds you might need – they’re pricey and limited onboard

• Definitely download the cruise app and use it – it’s super helpful

 

A cruise is a great choice for young travelers, families with kids, and not just for retirees.
And if you have a few sea days, you’ll have time to really relax: in the lounge, the hot tub, or with a book by the ocean.

 

 

Norwegian Prima has so many beautifully designed areas, I didn’t even manage to explore them all. I’m honestly grateful cruises exist. I hope I’ll get to enjoy many more of them in the future.

 

I’d love to return to Norway, to see even more of its fjords in all their glory. And I hope future cruises will take me to warmer, more exotic islands, where I can actually lie on a sunbed, not just run from one waterfall to the next.

 

So for those still wondering: yes, go on a cruise. The value-for-money is hard to beat.