In May I boarded Celebrity Eclipse for what turned out to be one of my most unforgettable journeys—13 nights sailing from Amsterdam to Ireland, Iceland, Scotland and back again. I’ll admit I was a bit nervous about nearly two weeks at sea, but between breathtaking scenery, historic ports and onboard surprises, time truly sailed by.
ALL ABOARD & SEA LEGS
- Lawn Club Discovery: A perfectly manicured grass deck where I tried my hand at croquet and bocce—and practiced my “relaxed cruiser” vibe.
- Martini Mixology Class: I mastered the art of shaken vs. stirred and can now whip up the smoothest Vesper on this side of the Atlantic.
- Inspection of the Pools: I checked out the pools, but I admit that with the outside temperature averaging in the 50’s, I wasn’t brave enough to venture in like other sailors.
CORK & KINSALE: CASTLES, COBBLESTONES & CRISPY FISH
In Cork, I hopped off the ship for a quick jaunt to Kinsale. Charles Fort’s 17th-century star-shaped walls were every bit as impressive in person, and the lively waterfront—with its pastel buildings and bustling pubs—made the perfect backdrop for possibly the best fish and chips I’ve ever tasted.
SURPRISE SEA DAYS, FAST-FRIENDSHIPS & AN ANIMATED MEAL
A brewing storm forced us to skip Belfast, gifting us a bonus sea day and an early arrival in Reykjavík. With rain clouds overhead, I alternated between cozying up with a novel in the ship’s lounges and bundling up for fresh-air deck strolls. Best of all, impromptu chats at the Mast Bar transformed strangers into fast friends and shared laughter.
One evening I indulged in the Le Petit Chef experience—where each course arrives alongside playful 3D projections dancing on your plate. Tiny, animated chefs cooked right beneath my fork, weaving a story with every bite. Dining has never been this delightfully theatrical.
REYKJAVÍK RELOADED
Thanks to our schedule change, we enjoyed two full days in Iceland’s capital. Highlights included:
- Bæjarins Beztu Pylsur: This legendary hot-dog stand—famous for serving everyone from Bill Clinton to Beyoncé—served me a lamb-infused sausage in a soft bun, topped with raw and crispy onions, ketchup, sweet mustard and tangy remoulade. One bite and I knew that the hype was real.
- Private Viking Tour: My guide Stefan led me through Harpa Concert Hall’s shimmering façade, up to the spire of Hallgrímskirkja Church, and even shared fascinating elf-house lore—complete with stories of roads rerouted to avoid upsetting Iceland’s hidden folk.
GOLDEN CIRCLE EXPLORATION
On our 2nd day in Reykjavik, we got out of the city and toured the famed Golden Circle. We walked between the Eurasian and American tectonic plates at Þingvellir, felt the spray of Gullfoss’s twin plunges (36 feet and 69 feet), watched Strokkur geyser erupt in a spectacular steam show and ended our tour at a volcanic crater. Pictures do not these amazing sites justice.
We danced the night away as we sailed away from Reykjavik to our next port witnessing the sunset at 11:45 pm. (Pictured above)
NEXT UP – PART 2: THE REST OF ICELAND & SCOTLAND
Stay tuned for tales of volcanic lagoons, rugged highlands and animals as our journey continues!
