Grand Voyage: Iceland to the Baltics

Land in London with two free days ahead before your cruise begins. Settle in, adjust to the time zone and get ready to explore one of the world’s great capitals at your own pace.

Spend the day exploring on your own terms, from the Tower of London and Westminster to the markets of Camden and Borough. This is your city to discover before the ship takes over.

Your final day in London before boarding tomorrow. Tick off anything still on your list, grab a last pub lunch or a West End show, then get set for Southampton in the morning.

Head south to Southampton, the port that once launched the great transatlantic liners, to board Regal Princess. Settle into your stateroom and get your first taste of life on board as you set sail for Belgium.

Zeebrugge puts Brussels within easy reach, a city split neatly in two. Wander the Baroque guildhalls and cobbled lanes of the old town, or head into the modern quarter that’s home to the European Union and NATO.

Rotterdam wears its rebuilding well, glass towers standing next to postwar streets in one of Europe’s busiest ports. Spend the day taking in a city that’s more about the new skyline than old world charm.

A day to enjoy Regal Princess at your own pace, from the Sanctuary retreat to the SeaWalk glass floor 28 feet out over the water.

Norway’s oldest capital sits at the head of the Oslofjord, ringed by lakes and woodland. Spend the day among the Viking history that shaped the city, or simply take in the fjord views the locals never tire of.

This southern Norwegian city claims the country’s sunniest summers, and it shows in the relaxed pace of the place. Wander the old quarter or head along the coast for a look at the strait separating Norway from Denmark.

Skagen sits where the Baltic meets the North Sea, a fishing town that’s drawn painters for over a century for its light. Cycle out to Grenen and stand with one foot in each sea, then finish with marinated herring and aquavit at Pakhuset.

Copenhagen’s canals and 500 year old harbourfront houses make Nyhavn worth the wander alone. Take in the Little Mermaid statue, browse Strøget’s shops or spend the afternoon among the rides and gardens of Tivoli.

Warnemünde is your gateway to Berlin, a city that holds its own against London or Paris for history and culture. Closer to port, the seaside resort itself is worth a slower morning of cafes and a stroll along the water.

This Baltic island has drawn artists since the 19th century, its coastline running from sandy beaches to the ruins of Northern Europe’s largest medieval fortress. It’s also known for its food, so leave room for the local smoked fish and cheese.

Gdynia is the gateway to Gdansk, a Baltic port with over a thousand years of history and an old town built for wandering. Look out for amber jewellery, the local specialty, in the shops and galleries of the old quarter.

Settle in for a day at sea between Poland and Sweden, plenty of time to enjoy the ship before Visby comes into view tomorrow.

Visby’s 13th century walls still ring the old Viking settlement, a UNESCO listed town of winding streets and rose covered cottages. Head to the Gotlands Fornsal museum for the island’s history, or out beyond the walls to the old Hanseatic harbour.

Tallinn’s old town has survived centuries of shifting rulers with its Hanseatic character intact. Spend the day wandering the medieval streets at the heart of Estonia’s political and cultural centre.

Helsinki’s neoclassical architecture and modern design sensibility make it one of Scandinavia’s most distinctive capitals. With over half a million people calling it home, there’s plenty of city to explore between its boulevards, parks and harbourfront.

Back in Tallinn for a second look, this time with the chance to slow down and explore parts you missed first time round. Head beyond the old town walls to the newer districts, or find a cafe and watch the city at its own pace.

Stockholm spans 14 islands linked by water, its copper rooftops and spires framing the historic Old Town of Gamla Stan. With an overnight stay ahead, take your first day to explore the highlights at an easy pace.

Wake up still docked in Stockholm, with a full second day to dig deeper into Sweden’s capital. Head further out to the museums and galleries you didn’t get to yesterday, or take a boat out among the islands before sailing on tonight.

A second stop in Visby, this time worth using to get further beyond the old walls. Head out to Gotland’s countryside for a look at the farms and meadows the island is known for, away from the crowds inside the town.

Back at Gdynia for another look at Gdansk, with time to go deeper into the amber trade that’s shaped the city for centuries. Take the chance to explore neighbourhoods beyond the old town this time round.

A return visit to Bornholm, ideal for getting further into the island’s countryside and forests after your first stop covered the coast. Track down more of the smoked fish and local beer the island’s known for.

Aarhus claims the title of Scandinavia’s oldest city despite its modern skyline, with roots tracing back over a thousand years. Explore the Domkirke cathedral and its towering spire, or head into the surrounding forests and lake district.

Back in Copenhagen with a second day to enjoy the city at a slower pace. Head beyond Nyhavn and Tivoli this time to the quieter neighbourhoods locals call home.

A return to Skagen, worth spending on the galleries and museums if you covered the coastline first time round. The light that drew painters here a century ago is just as good on a second visit.

Hardangerfjord is Norway at its most dramatic, glaciers, waterfalls and orchards lining one of the country’s longest fjords. Take in the scenery from the ship or head ashore for a closer look at the valley.

Skjolden sits deep inside Sognefjord, Norway’s longest and deepest fjord, ringed by mountains and two UNESCO listed valleys. This is fjord scenery at its most dramatic, well worth getting up early for.

Olden has drawn travellers since the 19th century for the contrast between quiet farmland and the glaciers towering above it. Take a look at the Nordfjord waters or head inland toward the ice.

A day at sea crossing toward Iceland, time to make the most of the ship before the fjords and volcanic coastline ahead.

Seydisfjordur sits at the head of a narrow fjord in Iceland’s east, a gateway to some of the country’s wildest scenery. Wander the town’s well preserved 19th century buildings or head out into the surrounding fjords.

Just below the Arctic Circle, Akureyri is warmer than you’d expect, with tree lined streets and a botanical garden that shouldn’t work this far north but does. It’s your base for exploring Iceland’s dramatic volcanic landscapes further inland.

Isafjordur sits ringed by mountains on three sides in Iceland’s least populated region, a working fishing town with some of the country’s oldest buildings. It’s a quiet, striking corner of Iceland worth taking slowly.

Iceland’s capital blends volcanic landscapes with a sophisticated, modern city, all under the same northern light. Spend the day exploring the thermal pools and lava fields on the city’s doorstep, or the streets of the world’s northernmost capital itself.

Back in Isafjordur for a second look, ideal for pushing further out into the West Fjords this time. The scenery here rewards a slower pace on a return visit.

A return stop in Akureyri, worth using to head further out toward the volcanic landscapes you may not have reached the first time. The town itself is easy to revisit for a relaxed second day.

Back at Seydisfjordur, with time to explore further into the wild scenery of Iceland’s Eastern Fjords. A quieter second visit to one of Iceland’s most remote towns.

A day at sea between Iceland and Scotland, time to unwind before the Orkney Islands come into view.

The Orkney Islands hold the greatest concentration of prehistoric sites in Europe, including the Ring of Brodgar and Skara Brae. Dramatic sea cliffs and quiet white sand beaches round out one of Scotland’s most distinctive corners.

Invergordon is your gateway to Loch Ness and the Highlands beyond, home to the legend that’s kept people watching the water for a century. Head inland for the loch itself, or explore the ruins of Urquhart Castle.

Scotland’s capital pairs a medieval Old Town with the elegant Georgian New Town, all watched over by Edinburgh Castle. Home to Scotland’s crown jewels and the Stone of Destiny, it’s a city built for a full day of exploring.

A day at sea heading south toward Belgium, time to enjoy the ship before you’re back on European shores.

A return call at Zeebrugge, your gateway back to Brussels. Use the second visit to explore parts of the city you missed the first time, from the modern EU quarter to the quieter corners of the old town.

A stop back at Southampton partway through your voyage, though this isn’t your final port. Stretch your legs on English soil before continuing on toward Cornwall and Ireland.

Falmouth sits on Cornwall’s Riviera coast, home to one of the world’s largest natural deepwater harbours. Nearby, the picture postcard harbours of Polperro and Charlestown are well worth the short trip.

Cobh was once Ireland’s busiest port of emigration, and today it’s your gateway to Cork and the countryside beyond. With an overnight stay ahead, spend today taking in the city itself or the nearby Blarney Castle.

Still docked in Cobh, use your second day to get further out into the Irish countryside. The Lakes of Killarney or the region’s prehistoric monuments are both worth the trip if you haven’t already been.

Dun Laoghaire is a relaxed coastal suburb close to Dublin, known for its long pier walks and fresh fish and chips. The National Maritime Museum makes a good stop if you’re after a slower, local day.

Belfast has transformed itself since the Good Friday Agreement into a confident, cosmopolitan city along the River Lagan. Explore its Victorian architecture and shipbuilding history, or head out to the Giant’s Causeway.

Glasgow was the industrial heart of 19th century Scotland, and its Victorian architecture still shows it, especially around the City Chambers. The Burrell Collection is worth the visit for its art and antiquities alone.

Your final day at sea, time to make the most of everything Regal Princess has to offer before you’re back in Southampton tomorrow.

Your voyage comes to an end back in Southampton, the same port that launched the great transatlantic liners for decades. Take a last look at the English coast before your transfer to the airport and the journey home.