Christie W. 2025

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SHIP: Scarlet Lady

Cruise Schedule: Portsmouth, England (27 Jul d1800); Amsterdam, Holland (28 Jul 1830(+1)1600); Bergen, Norway (31 Jul 0900-1800); Lerwick, Shetland Isles (01 Aug 0900-1700); Akureyri, Iceland (03 Aug 1100-2100); Isafjord, Iceland (04 Aug 1000-2000); Reykjavik, Iceland (05 Aug a0900(+1)disembark) 

ame: Name: Christie Wagner leader for the group       Tel  +1 678 5179230                              

CURRENCY:  Prices shown are in EURO  at this time 1 EUR is flactuating between 1.03 to 1.13  DOLLARS. See here for up to date info 

PAYMENT INSTRUCTIONS:  

Pay by credit card here. Please make payments in  EURO (Your credit card will convert it into the current USD value.): 

Portsmouth  (27 Jul d1800)

Everybody will fly into London Heathrow Airport (LHR) 

Great Map of London with Landmarks and suggested hotels

Article with What to do in London  Ricks Steve's Itinerary

July 25 Transfer from London: 

Transfer by private van for 6 people at 9:30 am, from the airport to the Holiday inn express in Portsmouth in Portsmouth is GBP $299  (about  $380) for a mercedes vito van similar (8 pax + 8 luggage). This is at today's exchange rate when converted in USD. The price is guaranteed in GBP.

Amsterdam  (28 Jul 1830(+1)1600)

July 28 - 2 Hours Private Custom Walking Tour of Amsterdam

Private guided tour EUR 40 per person  need a minimum of   7 People. 

Time: start at 6:45 right at the ship - Duration 2 hours
Walking Level: Moderate (approx. 2 miles  with plenty of stops)
Meeting Point: At the cruise port
End Point: Either at the  Evening Canal Cruise entrance or  close to major attractions for optional independent visits

Discover the best of Amsterdam on a private walking tour tailored for cruise visitors. This suggested itinerary covers city highlights without the need for entrance tickets and can be customized to your interests.

Advantages of a private tour: Explore at your pace, ask questions, and enjoy the insights of a local guide. Customize the route however you like!

Suggested route:

• Amsterdam Central Station – introduction to the city

• Dam Square & Royal Palace (outside) – historic city center

• Jordaan District – charming streets and hidden courtyards

• The 9 Streets – boutique shops and canal views

• Anne Frank House (outside) – meaningful history

• Westerkerk & Canal Belt – architecture and scenic stroll

OPTIONAL ENDS:

1. have Sebastian take you to the 9:00 pm Evening Canal Cruise (see below for details)

2. OR Finish near Museumplein or Dam Square, ideal for exploring museums or shopping on your own.

Great article to get a good overall get ready feeling for Amsterdam

July 28 - Evening Canal Cruise

Here are several evening  cruises options to choose from:  lovers.nl for which we have a 30% discount with te code VRIENDEN. I am not affiliated with them I am just passing on a good discount that the group can use,

July 29 - 5h  Guided Tour to Zaanse Schans  (Windmills Village) - Cheese farm, Clogs workshop and Windmills visit all in one tour of Dutch Heritage at its Best

Private guided tour EUR 94 per person  need a minimum of  8 People. 

Included in this tour:

• Meet right at the ship with your private fantastic guide Sebastian!

• Round-trip train transportation from the port with scenic countryside views

• Expert English-speaking guide throughout the experience

• Guided walk through the village of Zaanse Schans

• Visit to a local cheese farm with live demonstration and tasting

• Clog-making demonstration at a traditional wooden shoe workshop

• Entry to and guided visit of the most famous windmill in Zaanse Schans
  
  

Step off your ship and into a postcard-perfect Dutch experience! Your expert local guide will be waiting for you right at the port to warmly welcome you. Together, you'll head to the nearby train station and embark on a comfortable, scenic ride through the Dutch countryside. As the train glides past green fields, grazing cows, canals, and charming villages, your guide will share stories and insights that bring the landscape to life.

Arriving at Zaanse Schans feels like stepping back in time. This beautifully preserved village showcases the best of traditional Dutch life, with its iconic green wooden houses, working windmills, and artisan workshops.

Your first stop will be a local cheese farm, where you'll enjoy a live demonstration of traditional cheese-making and sample some of the finest Dutch cheeses right on site. Then, follow your guide through the village, soaking in the sights, sounds, and stories of this unique open-air museum.

You’ll also visit a traditional wooden clog workshop, where a skilled artisan will demonstrate how these iconic Dutch shoes are made — a fun and fascinating experience.

A highlight of the visit is a guided tour of one of the most famous windmills in the area — a fully functioning mill where you'll learn how wind power has shaped Dutch industry and culture.

After plenty of time for exploration and photos, you’ll return to the port by train, filled with wonderful memories, unique tastes, and a deeper understanding of Dutch heritage — all made more special thanks to your fantastic guide.

Bergen, Norway (31 Jul 0900-1800); 

For those that want to book the Hop On Hop Off Bus Tour Bergen:

• Operated by Stomma @ $44.50 per person see here

• Operated by City Sightseing @ $45.51   per person  see here

NOTE: I am not affiliated with any of them I am just passing on a good information.

I can organize private tours by Limo and English speaking Chauffeur if there is enough information.

Details to come for Discover Bergen 

Lerwick, Shetland Isles (01 Aug 0900-1700); 

Need to know your preferences here

Akureyri, Iceland (03 Aug 1100-2100);

Akureyri...Journey Godafoss Waterfall and Views

Working on details for 4 or more people, need to know if there is interest.

Isafjord, Iceland (04 Aug 1000-2000); 

Need your preferences here

Reykjavik, Iceland (05 Aug a0900(+1)disembark) 

EUR 220 pp- 4 h Tour: Bathing in the Blue Lagoon - shared group tour

NCL price:  $349 pp (for reference)

Experience the Blue Lagoon, Iceland’s world-famous geothermal spa, with a scenic journey through Reykjanes Peninsula’s lava fields. Begin with a drive past Perlan (The Pearl) and Hafnarfjordur, known for its Viking heritage, before reaching the lagoon.

Upon arrival, enjoy approximately two hours to soak in the 98°F (37°C), mineral-rich waters, known for their healing properties. The steaming pools and surrounding lava walls create a unique, tranquil atmosphere.

Includes:
✔ Round-trip transport from Reykjavik (not from the port you will have to reach a pick up location available at walking distance)
✔ Comfort Admission (Blue Lagoon entry, silica mud mask, towel, and one drink)

Excludes:
✘ Meals and additional spa treatments

Duration: ~4 hours (including transfer time)

Your drive back to Reykjavik takes you over the barren Reykjanes peninsula dominated by old lava-flows.

EUR 250 pp- 11 h Tour: GOLDEN CIRCLE & THE BLUE LAGOON (Admission incl.) - Private Tour for 17 people

EUR 280 pp- 11 h Tour: GOLDEN CIRCLE & THE BLUE LAGOON (Admission incl.) - Private Tour for 14 people

NCL price for reference: The golden circle (8h) $359 + Blue lagoon 4h tour $349 pp (i did not see a combo tour.

NOTE: We need a minimum of 14 or 17 participants (max 19) for  the private tour with customized pick up and drop off at port. Else we will join a group tour with picks up available at walking distance (to be determined).

Tour Includes:
✔ Round-trip transport from and back to the port  (convenient pick up location and time with private tour)
✔ Visit to Kerid Volcanic Crater
✔ Visit to Geysir geothermal area (Strokkur geyser)
✔ Visit to Gullfoss Waterfall
✔ Comfort Admission to the Blue Lagoon  valued at $128 (as you can see at the official web site):

 ✔ Entry to the Blue Lagoon
✔ Silica mud mask
✔ Use of towel
✔ One drink of your choice

Tour Excludes:
✘ Meals and additional spa treatments

Duration: ~11 hours, pick up time 9:30 am for the private tour or 10:00 am for the shared group tour.

Experience Iceland’s dramatic landscapes with a journey through the Golden Circle and relaxation at the iconic Blue Lagoon. Start your day with pickup from the port at 9:30 or 10:00 AM, and set off to explore Kerid Volcanic Crater, the erupting Strokkur geyser at the Geysir geothermal area, and the powerful Gullfoss waterfall—one of Iceland’s most stunning natural sights.

Then it’s time to unwind at the world-renowned Blue Lagoon. Spend relaxing time soaking in the warm, mineral-rich waters (98°F / 37°C), surrounded by black lava fields and rising steam—pure bliss after a day of exploration.

You’ll return to the port after a day of unforgettable natural beauty and deep relaxation, driving through the volcanic scenery of the Reykjanes Peninsula.