26 Nights Star Collector - Summer Solstice on the North Sea: Dublin to Reyjavik

Cruise Ship

Europe | Windstar Cruises - Star Pride

Departure Dates:

June

Ports of Call:

Dublin, Ireland; Ise of Man, United Kingdom; Portrush, Ireland; Tobermory, Scotland; Portree, Scotland; Kirkwall, Scotland; Invergordon, Scotland; Edinburgh, Scotland; Bergen, Norway; Geiranger, Norway; Alesund, Norway; Molde, Norway; Torshavn, Denmark; Reyjavik, Iceland; Heimaey Island, Iceland; Seydisfjordur, Iceland; Akureyri, Iceland; Isafjordur, Iceland; Grandarfjordur, Iceland

General Info:

Nights are either short or nonexistent when you sail the North Sea in early summer, so you see more in Ireland, the Isle of Man, UK, Norway, Faroe Islands (Denmark), and Iceland. This 26-day cruise winds throughout the northern expanses and smaller ports throughout UK and Norway before touching on the remote Faroe Islands and eventually circling all of Iceland, giving you plenty of time to explore storied Scottish castles in Portree, sample unique goat cheeses in Geiranger, Norway and ride charming Icelandic horses close to the Arctic Circle in Akureyri, Iceland.

Type of Vessel

With only 212 guests, a Star Pride cruise will make you feel like you're on board your own private yacht almost as soon as you step aboard. The sitting area of your spacious, suite gives you an expansive ocean view, making it a welcome retreat. When you're ready to make an appearance, the lounges, club, casino, screening room, and library are waiting to be explored. Take some "you" time in the tranquil WindSpa, enjoy a dip in the pool, work off that decadent dessert in the Fitness Center , and, of course, you are always welcome to visit the Bridge to examine navigation charts with the Captain. Star Pride is large enough to pamper and entertain you, yet small enough to tuck into delightful tiny harbors and hidden coves that others can’t reach.

Itinerary

Day 1 | Dublin, Ireland: Dublin is a city of delights and surprises. Stroll across the Ha’Penny Bridge to Trinity College for a glimpse of the Book of Kells. Step inside the 11th century Dublin Castle. Stop by the Guinness Storehouse or Old Jameson Distillery for a taste of Irish history. And embrace the beauty of Dublin Bay, a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve.

Day 2 | Isle of Man, United Kingdom: From the Manx Grand Prix to the 14th century castle at Peel. From Rushen Abbey to the island’s own breed of cats and sheep. The Isle of Man stands on its own. Here you can enjoy one of our most exciting optional excursions – experience the motorcycle course that draws fans from all over the world on our own specially designed 3-seater Trike. And enjoy beautiful scenery of this UNESCO Biosphere Reserve while you ride.

Day 3 | Portrush, Ireland: Enjoy this beautiful Northern Ireland resort town, graced by sandy beaches and wonderful tide pools. You may also want to visit Belfast from here, with its superb gardens and architecture. Or arrange a side trip to the famous Giant’s Causeway, a UNESCO site. A visit to Mussenden Temple at Downhill Demesne will heighten your appreciation for the builder’s art.

Day 4 | Tobermory, Scotland: On the beautiful approach to Tobermory, you’ll be hard-pressed to decide if the cheery buildings along the harbor or the fishing boats in front have the brighter palette. Call it a draw, and an appetizer to the day ahead in this charming port off the beaten path. Go whale watching or watch the shadows play in the cloister of magnificent Iona Abbey. Good thing your yacht is so appealing or you might be tempted to stay.

Day 5 | Portree, Scotland: Watch for sea eagles as we approach Skye’s picturesque capital. The rare bird with an 8-foot wingspan was re-introduced here in 1975 and several pairs nest at Portree Bay. The pastel buildings along the waterfront and Cuillin Ridges beyond promise a day of Hebrides-style adventure. Visit stately Dunvegan Castle, or shop for naturally dyed yarns in Skye colors.

Day 6 | Kirkwall, Scotland: Everything about Orkney is olde, from the 5,000-year-old village of Skara Brae (the “Scottish Pompeii”) to the peat-distilled whisky at Highland Park to the UNESCO site of the Ring of Brodgar, dating back to 2700 B.C. Even the local brogue hints at times past, accented by the area’s Viking legacy.

Day 7 | Invergordon, Scotland: Here is your entry to Scotland’s spectacular Highlands. In Inverness, listen for the song of the Highlands in the sparkling gurgle of the River Ness as it winds through the town’s center. Look for a glimpse of the elusive Nessie in Loch Ness. And wait for whispers of Shakespeare’s Macbeth in the fairytale setting of Cawdor Castle.

Day 8 | At Sea

Day 9 | Edinburgh, Scotland: From the Firth of Forth, a UNESCO site, to the Royal Mile, Edinburgh is steeped in history. Edinburgh Castle. The Royal Botanic Gardens. The UNESCO site of Old Town. The wonders of Edinburgh are never ending. From one of Europe’s best-preserved castles to the world’s longest herbaceous border, a riot of color and culture pervades. In this city as old as Scotland itself, you’ll find the perfect blend of historic tradition and natural beauty.

Day 10 & 11 | Kirkwall, Scotland: Everything about Orkney is olde, from the 5,000-year-old village of Skara Brae (the “Scottish Pompeii”) to the peat-distilled whisky at Highland Park to the UNESCO site of the Ring of Brodgar, dating back to 2700 B.C. Even the local brogue hints at times past, accented by the area’s Viking legacy.

Day 12 | At Sea

Day 13 | Bergen, Norway: Colorful Bryggen, Bergen’s Hanseatic quay and a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is so delightful you may find it difficult to explore further. But do. Watch the Huldras (forest nymphs) dance at Kjosfossen Waterfall, wander the narrow smau between the old buildings climbing the hillside.

Day 14 | Geiranger, Norway: Visit tiny goat villages to sample homemade cheese. Take a RIB boat out on the spectacular Geirangerfjord, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Buy yourself a mango ice cream cone and absorb all the beauty around you.

Day 15 | Alesund, Norway: At the entrance to spectacular Geirangerfjord, Alesund has been voted the most beautiful town in Norway, and not only because of its location. The town burned to the ground in 1904 and was rebuilt in Art Nouveau style, with a few added elements from Nordic mythology – a longboat here, an image of Thor there.

Day 16 | Molde, Norway: Known as the City of Roses, Molde is encircled by 222 mountains, each one worthy of oohs and ahhs. Breathtaking excursions await, including the world-famous Trollstigen scenic mountain road with its sheer cliffs, waterfalls, and hairpin turns. Or take the low road—the Atlantic Road—twisting its way across the islands of the North Sea like an asphalt roller coaster.

Day 17 | At Sea

Day 18 | Torshavn, Denmark: Dock within walking distance of Old Town and marvel at a place where people mow their roofs and 17th century buildings are considered young. Listen to echoes of Old Norse in the language of shopkeepers and passersby as you shop for warm knit sweaters made from the islands’ distinctive wool.

Day 19 | At Sea

Day 20 | Reykjavik, Iceland: The world's most northerly capital enjoys almost 24-hour sunlight in summer, all the better to show off the city’s eclectic architecture and dazzling natural wonders. Soak in the milky Blue Lagoon, visit Guilfoss Waterfall, find Pingvellir National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site , or explore the surprisingly vibrant local museum and art scene.
Day 21 | Heimaey Island, Iceland: Witness a world still in transition. Circle Surtsey Island, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, which rose from the sea in the 1960s. Next up, Heimaey, where a volcanic eruption created a modern-day Pompeii in 1973.

Day 22 & 23 | Seydisfjordur, Iceland: Seydisfjord is 11 miles of long, narrow, beautiful waterway surrounded by high mountains that ends at the town of Seydisfjordur, known for its old multi-colored wooden buildings and cascading waterfalls even in the town. This is home of the Skalanes Nature Reserve with its wide variety of wildlife including more than 45 bird species. The first high-voltage electricity in Iceland was opened here in 1913 and is still in operation today. A popular hiking path starts at the town center, following the east bank of the Fjardara River that flows through the center of town.

Day 24 | Akureyri, Iceland: Akureyri is an important port and fisheries center especially because of its ice-free harbor so close to the Arctic Circle. It lies at the end of Iceland’s longest fjord, which is 37 miles long, at sits at the base of snowcapped peaks that offer some of Iceland’s best skiing during the winter. Must-sees in Akureyri include the Listagil (art canyon) which is home to many arts and crafts galleries and shops, the beautiful church in the center of town, the botanical garden, and Hafnarstraeti, the main shopping street.This is also the perfect place to ride an Icelandic horse or soak in the sky-blue Myvatn Nature Baths.

Day 25 | Isafjordur, Iceland: Small and easily walkable Isafjordur has one of the largest fisheries in Iceland. But the sever decline of the fishing industry has caused Isafjordur to look elsewhere for work. Despite its small size, this town has a school of music and has become a center for alternative music and they host a yearly festival that provides a platform for local musicians, band from around Iceland and the world to perform.

Day 26 | Grundarfjordur, Iceland: Beautiful Grundarfjordur is located between a mountain range and the sea. The road nearby crosses a lava field that is partially warm so snow does not always stick there. The main attraction of the area is Snæfellsjokull National Park full of regal glaciers, lava fields, waterfalls, caves, calderas, and basalt cliffs. The peninsula there received the EARTHCHECK Sustainable Community Award in 2010, the first area in Iceland to win such an award.

Day 27 | Reykjavik, Iceland: The world's most northerly capital enjoys almost 24-hour sunlight in summer, all the better to show off the city’s eclectic architecture and dazzling natural wonders. Soak in the milky Blue Lagoon, visit Guilfoss Waterfall, find Pingvellir National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site , or explore the surprisingly vibrant local museum and art scene.

Food and Dining

All meals in all venues at all times, including room service menu available 24 hours. All non-alcoholic beverages, including cappuccino, espresso, and other specialty non-alcoholic drinks are offered to guests. There is also a welcome cocktails reception as well.

Onboard Activities/Events

Guests are allowed unlimited access to use all water sports equipment and there is also on board entertainment. A casino, library/business center, lounge, pool, two whirlpools, a veranda, a watersports platform, and a bridge are also available for guests at their leisure.

Shore Excursions

Explore beautiful landmarks throughout your journey on many highlighted excursions. Below are just a few of the many that you can experience on your voyage.

Southern Cliffs Walking Tour
Delights of Londonderry
Iona Abbey & Scenic Mull
Eilean Donan Castle
Sites of the Souther Isles with a Taste of Orkney
Mighty Fort George
Sea-Faring Stromness
Nordic Walking
Marble Caves & Atlantic Ocean Road
Vestmanna Sea Cliffs
Myvatn Nature Baths
RIB Boat Whale Watching
Wonders of the West

Staterooms or Cabins

All accommodations feature a queen size bed with luxurious linens, robe and slippers, flat screen TV with DVD player, a fully stocked mini bar/refrigerator, a safety deposit box, a direct dial phone, luxury bath amenities, Wi Fi access, fresh flowers and fruit, granite vanity with magnifying mirror, a walk in closet, a bathroom with granite counter tops and a full size tub and shower and a hairdryer.
Gracious Balcony and Ocean View Suites offer stylish comfort and ocean views that welcome you into the 277 square foot space. Enjoy a luxurious soak in your full-size tub or an invigorating shower, then wrap up in your waffle-weave robe and slippers, savor a treat from the fresh fruit bowl, or simply stretch out and enjoy the fresh flowers.
Classic Suites allow you to relax in a spacious 400-530 square foot space with your own living area that offers beautiful views from the forward-facing window and French doors onto your private veranda. Two spacious closets give you plenty of room to unpack.
Owner’s Suites include 575 square feet of space and offers a separate living room and dining room areas. A veranda, two flat-screen TVs and DVD players, and a full master bath and separate powder room indulge you in spacious comfort.

Spa

WindSpa is available to guests who wish to take time and relax after an adventurous day out exploring.

Fitness

There is a fitness center on board for guests who want to continue their workout while sailing.

CALL YOUR TRAVEL ADVISOR OR

800.837.0420

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