I'm Going Back to the Shetland Islands — And This Princess Cruise Itinerary Is the Reason

When a place gets into you, it gets into you.

I've been to the Shetland Islands before. I left knowing I'd go back. And when I saw Princess Cruise Line's "Fire, Ice & Ancient Isles" itinerary sailing July 17, 2028 aboard the Caribbean Princess — with Lerwick, Shetland right there on the port list — I didn't deliberate for long. Since the day my husband and I left Shetland we said it was a place we wanted to visit again. We even watched the entire BBC Shetland series since we came home!

Here's everything you need to know about this sailing, whether you're thinking about joining or just wondering what makes this itinerary worth talking about.

The Itinerary: Where You're Actually Going

This is a 10-night voyage that covers more ground than most people see in multiple trips to Europe. The ports:

Reykjavik, Iceland — The gateway and one of the most walkable, charming cities in the world. Colorful buildings, incredible food, and the kind of energy that makes you want to stay an extra day every single time.

Grundarfjörður & Ísafjörður, Iceland — These are the fjord ports, and they are dramatic in the best way. Steep cliffs, mirror-still water, tiny towns that look like they belong in a film. This is Iceland that most tourists don't reach.

Akureyri, Iceland — The "capital of the north," with access to some of Iceland's most stunning natural scenery including Goðafoss waterfall and whale watching in Eyjafjörður fjord.

Runavík, Faroe Islands — This is where the itinerary gets genuinely rare. The Faroe Islands are one of the most visually stunning places on earth and most people can't find them on a map. Rugged cliffs, sea stacks, and a culture unlike anywhere else in Europe.

Lerwick, Shetland Islands — My personal highlight. I've been here before and I'm going back on purpose. The Shetland Islands are the kind of place that stays with you: Norse history that runs deeper than most of Scotland, Shetland ponies (yes, in the wild), a town of colorful flags and genuine warmth, and scenery that's wild in a way that feels ancient. If you've never been, you need to go. If you have been, you already know.

Inverness / Loch Ness, Scotland — The Highlands. Loch Ness. I mean. Do I need to say more?

Edinburgh Castle - the inspiration for Hogwarts Castle

Edinburgh, Scotland — One of the great cities of the world. The castle, the Royal Mile, the food scene, the pubs, the architecture. Edinburgh rewards every hour you spend in it.

Southampton, England — The voyage ends here, which puts you perfectly positioned to add London time if you want to extend the trip.

The Ship: Caribbean Princess

Princess Cruise Line's Caribbean Princess is built for itineraries like this, and here's why it matters: 900 balcony staterooms. On a sailing where you're passing through Icelandic fjords and Scottish coastlines, having a private balcony isn't a luxury — it's the whole point. You want to be able to step outside at any hour and watch the scenery without planning around it.

The ship also features Movies Under the Stars (outdoor cinema on deck — remarkable on a clear night at sea) and an intimate Piazza atmosphere that makes the communal spaces feel welcoming rather than overwhelming. It's a well-sized ship for an itinerary this scenic.

The Deposit: Why You Should Book Now

$100 per person. Refundable. That's the deposit.

2028 feels far away, and that's actually the point. This gives you time to plan properly, save intentionally, and get excited without rushing. But these sailings fill from the outside in — balcony cabins with the best views go first, and once they're gone, they're gone.

The refundable deposit means there's no real risk in holding your spot while you think it through. That's a rare combination of flexibility and access, and it's worth taking advantage of.

Ready to Talk?

I'm sailing this one myself — which means I can tell you exactly what to expect, how to prepare, and how to make the most of every port. If this itinerary is on your radar, let's connect before the cabins you want are taken.

Princess Cruises Lines, Ltd. ships registered to Bermuda.