From Southampton to Reykjavik · Northern Europe · 8 nights
From Southampton to Reykjavik
The third and fourth ships from Explora Journeys will join the fleet in summer 2026 and summer 2027 respectively, promising the same intimate experience on board with some enhancements.
Maintaining the Explora Journeys style but with some key
enhancements, Explora III and IV will be the first LNG-powered
ships in the fleet, demonstrating Explora Journeys’ commitment to
more sustainable marine operations. She will also benefit from more
suites in higher categories including a second Owner’s Residence,
new dining venues, and a reimagined wellness space.
Southampton is the UK's leading port. Bustling modern cruise terminals, as well as wharfs and commercial harbours, line the waterfront, whilst the city itself is a fascinating mix of ancient and modern, with a picturesque old town, the original city walls still standing, and super-modern shopping centres and office complexes. On all corners you will see tributes to the city's rich history and maritime heritage. Henry V marched his troops through the Westgate on his way to the battle of Agincourt, The Mayflower sailed from here with a cargo of settlers to the New World, and the Titanic started her fateful voyage here.
Disagreements over the correct name for Northern Ireland’s second city date back to 1613, and are unlikely to be resolved any time soon, so let’s focus instead on what the city has to offer. Highlights include the 17th century city walls, a vibrant live music scene and a city centre rejuvenated by Derry’s stint as UK Capital of Culture in 2013. (Greencastle is actually in the Republic, but it's a short drive south to Derry.)
Situated on a natural harbour on the east coast of the Isle of Lewis, Stornoway is the largest town in the Outer Hebrides. The island is one of the last major strongholds of the Gaelic language, and is home to fascinating Neolithic sites such as the mysterious standing stones at Callanish.
Seyðisfjörður is one of the highlights of Iceland’s Eastfjords, a cute collection of colourful houses at the head of a dramatic fjord. The backdrop of snowy mountains and cascading waterfalls makes this one of the most picturesque ports in Iceland, and the town is surprisingly cosmopolitan.
Akureyri is Iceland’s second city, though with just 18,000 inhabitants it’s really more of a small town. Situated on the north coast at the head of Iceland’s largest fjord, it’s a cute and quirky place that also serves as a base from which to explore the bubbling mud pools and lunar landscapes around Lake Mývatn.
Capital of Iceland and gateway to this extraordinary volcanic island, modern Reykjavík is home to an impressive collection of interesting attractions and places of historic significance. Visit the impressive Hallgrímskirkja church, relax in a thermal pool, potter around the old harbour, and enjoy 24 hour daylight in the summer months.
