For my 50th birthday, I’m sailing Explora IV from Southampton to Reykjavik in May 2027, and I would love for you to come with me. It’s an eight night Explora Journeys Iceland cruise through Ireland, the Scottish islands and the north of Iceland, and I’ve held a small number of suites for anyone who wants to celebrate along the way.
You don’t need to know me well. You don’t need to be a cruiser. All it takes is liking the idea of a resort at sea pointed somewhere most people never go.
Why I Chose an Explora Journeys Iceland Cruise for My 50th
I’ve spent nearly 30 years sending people to beautiful places. For my 50th, I wanted destinations that were new to me. I’ve been to London, and that’s it. Ireland’s northwest coast, the Scottish islands and Iceland are all firsts.
And I wanted luxury. Explora is the cruise I recommend to people who say they don’t like cruises. Every suite is ocean-front with its own terrace, there are no assigned dining times and no formal nights, and nearly everything is included before you leave home. I’ve written more about that in my post on luxury small ship cruising.
And honestly, I thought it might be fun to open it up to anyone who would like to join me.
The Itinerary, Port by Port
We sail Tuesday, May 25, 2027 and step off in Reykjavik on Wednesday, June 2. Here’s how the week runs.
| Date & Port | Ashore |
|---|---|
| Tue, May 25 · Southampton, England An easy trip down from London without rushing. We sail in the evening. | Sails 7:00 PM |
| Wed, May 26 · At Sea A full day to settle in, find the spa and decide which restaurant is your favorite. | — |
| Thu, May 27 · Greencastle, County Donegal, Ireland A full day ashore in the rugged northwest corner of Ireland. | 9:00 AM to 7:00 PM |
| Fri, May 28 · Stornoway, Isle of Lewis, Scotland Another full day, this time in the Outer Hebrides. | 9:00 AM to 7:00 PM |
| Sat, May 29 · At Sea The long run north to Iceland. | — |
| Sun, May 30 · Seydisfjordur, Iceland We arrive by tender into a small town in the East Fjords. | 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM |
| Mon, May 31 · Akureyri, Iceland The longest port day of the trip, in the north of Iceland. | 8:00 AM to 6:00 PM |
| Tue, Jun 1 · Reykjavik, Iceland We stay overnight, so you get an evening in Reykjavik with the ship as your hotel. | Arrives 3:00 PM |
| Wed, Jun 2 · Reykjavik, Iceland Disembark after breakfast. | Morning |
What’s Included on Explora IV
This is the part my all-inclusive clients understand right away. One fare covers every restaurant, unlimited beverages including fine wines and premium spirits, the in-suite minibar, all onboard gratuities, wifi throughout the ship, the spa thermal area, and shuttles from the port into town where offered.
Two honest carve-outs. There’s an ultra-premium wine and spirits list that costs extra, and the complimentary selection doesn’t apply at Anthology, the guest chef restaurant. Shore excursions are booked separately.
Suites Held for the Latitude 21 Group
I’ve held two categories for our group.
Ocean Terrace Suites
The entry category, and the one John and I are in. Ocean-front, floor-to-ceiling windows and a private terrace. From $7,460 per person, based on two guests.
Ocean Penthouses
More space for the ones who want to treat themselves. From $9,150 per person, based on two guests.
Every suite booked in our group also comes with a €200 Journey Experience Credit to use onboard. Group pricing as of October 2026, subject to availability.
These suites are held through early December 2026, and after that they go back to Explora.
Arrive at Least a Day Early
I always recommend flying in at least one day before any cruise. A delayed flight shouldn’t cost you the ship. John and I are flying into London on May 23 for two nights before we head to Southampton.
If you’d like to come in early too, I’ll arrange your hotel and your transfer to the port alongside your suite.
Is This Trip Right for You?
I would rather tell you now than have you find out in Akureyri.
This is a cool weather trip. Pack layers and a real jacket, not a sundress. There are two sea days, which I love and some people don’t. Seydisfjordur is a tender port, so getting ashore means a short boat ride. And Explora is adult in feel but not adults only, so you may see a few families onboard.
Joining my group doesn’t mean joining a schedule. You’ll have your own suite, your own plans and your own dinner reservations.
Frequently Asked Questions About the Explora Journeys Iceland Cruise
Eight nights, May 25 to June 2, 2027. The ship calls at Greencastle in Ireland, Stornoway in Scotland, and Seydisfjordur and Akureyri in Iceland, with two sea days and an overnight in Reykjavik.
Nearly everything onboard. Your fare covers all restaurants, unlimited beverages including premium spirits, the minibar, gratuities, wifi and the spa thermal area, while an ultra-premium list and shore excursions cost extra.
Yes. You don’t need to know me personally, and you book your own suite through Latitude 21 like any other trip.
No. You have your own suite and your own plans, and you can join in as much or as little as you like.
Ocean Terrace Suites from $7,460 per person and Ocean Penthouses from $9,150 per person, based on two guests. Both are ocean-front with a private terrace, and space in each is limited.
No, though it feels adult. Explora accepts infants from six months and runs a club for ages 6 to 17, so you may see a few families onboard.
By early December 2026, when the group suites go back to Explora.
Ready to Celebrate With Me?
If this sounds like your kind of trip, I would love to have you onboard. Call me at 800-838-1830 or start below, and I’ll hold your suite while we talk through the details. You can see all of our hosted trips here too.