Someday Is Now: Nordic Discoveries & Geothermal Wonders with Chrissy

If you've ever said, "I'm not sure I'm a cruise person," Explora Journeys may change your mind.

Think less traditional cruise ship and more luxury resort at sea.

With fewer than 900 guests (compared to the 3,000 to 6,000 you'll find on most ships), spacious oceanfront accommodations, exceptional culinary experiences, beautiful indoor and outdoor spaces, and an unhurried approach to exploring each destination, Explora Journeys offers a completely different way to cruise.

It's sophisticated without feeling stuffy, luxurious without being overly formal, and designed for travelers who want to truly enjoy the journey.

And this voyage is aboard Explora IV, a brand-new ship making her debut in April 2027. This itinerary is part of her inaugural season. You won't just be visiting these destinations for the first time. In a very real sense, you'll be experiencing this ship for the first time, too.

I could tell you this itinerary is extraordinary because of the destinations, and it is. I could tell you it's extraordinary because you'll be aboard a brand-new ship in her inaugural season, and that's true too.

But the real reason I chose this itinerary is more personal than any of that.

England

When I was sixteen, I tried to get to England. My school offered a trip, and it cost $1,200. My family couldn't help financially, so I worked every job I could find. When the deadline came, I had raised $750. I was $450 short.

I told myself: someday.

I went to travel school. I built a career in this industry, left it for eighteen years when life made it necessary, and then found my way back. I built Escape Reality Travel. I sent hundreds of people to places I had always dreamed of. And England, somehow, kept waiting.

This trip has an optional three days in London before we even board the ship in Southampton. I will walk those streets for the first time in my life. England is no longer someday. It is May 22, 2027.

Ireland

We sail from Southampton and call on Greencastle, in County Donegal, on the wild northwestern coast of Ireland.

My grandfather was Irish, born in Ireland, and I still have family in Ireland today. This stop is not just a port on an itinerary. It is a homecoming of sorts, on behalf of my Pap and the family that came before me.

Iceland

Years ago, my son went on a school trip to Iceland. He called me every single day to tell me about its beauty: the landscapes, the light, the feeling of being somewhere completely unlike anywhere else on earth.

I have never been. I want to go see what he saw.

Three destinations. A lifetime of meaning.

I chose this itinerary because it is extraordinary on its own. And I chose it because Explora Journeys is the only brand I trust to carry the weight of what this journey means to me.

This is high school Chrissy, who REFUSED to let her dreams slip by!

This isn't a traditional group cruise where everyone is expected to do everything together.

Think of it as the best of both worlds.

You'll have people to connect with, share a drink with, enjoy dinner with, or explore alongside, while still having plenty of freedom to make the journey your own.

I'll be sailing with you and helping take care of the details before we leave. Once onboard, you can be as social or as independent as you'd like.

Come with friends. Bring your partner. Or join us on your own.

Either way, you'll already have a group waiting for you.

OPTIONAL London, England: May 22, 23 & 24 (Pre-Sailing)

Our journey begins here.

Three days in London before we even board the ship. Time to settle in, explore, and soak up a city that has been on my list for thirty years. We'll arrange accommodations together and have plenty of time to see the city at our own pace before we make our way to Southampton to board.

Southampton, England: May 25 (Embarkation)

We board Explora IV in Southampton.

Southampton is one of England's great port cities, with a rich maritime history (fittingly, this is where the Titanic departed). We'll make our way here from London, board our beautiful new home at sea, and toast to the journey ahead.

Greencastle, County Donegal, Ireland

A stop that carries something deeply personal for me.

Greencastle is a small harbor town on the wild northwestern coast of Ireland, in County Donegal. It's a quieter, more authentic side of Ireland: green hills, Atlantic views, and the kind of place that feels untouched by time. For me, it's also a connection to my grandfather and the family that still calls this part of Ireland home.

Stornoway, Outer Hebrides, Scotland

Ancient landscapes at the edge of the world.

Stornoway is the main town of Lewis and Harris, the largest island in the Outer Hebrides, off Scotland's northwest coast. This is rugged, windswept Atlantic Scotland: dramatic coastline, prehistoric standing stones, Harris Tweed weavers, and wide open skies that seem to go on forever. It's one of those destinations that stops you in your tracks.

Seyðisfjörður, Iceland

Iceland's most dramatic fjord entrance.

Seyðisfjörður is a small, colorful town tucked at the end of a stunning 17-mile fjord on Iceland's east coast. Snow-capped mountains rise steeply on either side as the ship makes her way in. The town itself is a creative hub, known for its art scene, rainbow street, and otherworldly beauty. This is Iceland at its most visually striking.

Akureyri, Iceland

Iceland's charming capital of the north, and yes, there is a beer bath.

Akureyri is Iceland's second-largest town, nestled at the head of the longest fjord in the country. It's a welcoming, walkable city with great restaurants, geothermal pools, and easy access to some of Iceland's most dramatic landscapes. And just outside of town, the Bjórböðin Beer Spa offers exactly what it sounds like: a warm, relaxing beer bath. We are absolutely going.

Reykjavik, Iceland: June 2 (Disembarkation)

The perfect ending to an unforgettable journey.

We finish in Iceland's vibrant capital: geothermal pools, volcanic landscapes, exceptional restaurants, and the chance to stay a night or two and explore before heading home. I highly recommend building in extra time here. Reykjavik is not a city you want to rush through.

One of my favorite things about Explora Journeys is how much is already included.

You can settle in, relax, and enjoy the experience without constantly reaching for your wallet.

Your journey includes:

• Multiple culinary experiences and sophisticated dining venues

• Fine wines, premium spirits, specialty coffees, teas, and soft drinks

• Champagne and refreshments in your accommodation

• Access to the onboard thermal spa area

• High-speed Wi-Fi throughout the ship

• Onboard gratuities

• Shuttle services from port to city center where available

• Beautifully designed oceanfront accommodations with private terraces

• Attentive, intuitive service throughout your journey

This is luxury made easy.

Fewer Guests. More Space. A Different Kind of Journey.

With fewer than 900 guests onboard, Explora Journeys offers something that can be hard to find on larger ships: space.

Space to relax. Space to linger over an incredible meal. Space to find your favorite quiet corner with a cocktail and a view.

The result feels much more like a luxury boutique resort that happens to take you somewhere new. Aboard a brand-new ship. On her very first season.

I'll be the first to say it: this journey won't be the right fit for every traveler, and that's okay.

Explora Journeys is a different kind of cruise experience and comes at a higher investment than many traditional cruise vacations. Add transatlantic flights and a few nights in London, and it becomes a meaningful financial commitment.

This journey is for travelers who are ready to invest in an experience rather than just a destination. It's for those who value fewer guests, more space, beautiful accommodations, exceptional food and drinks, elevated service, and an unhurried pace at sea.

It's also for anyone who has a destination on this route that they've been carrying around for a long time. England. Ireland. Iceland. If one of those places means something to you, this may be the sailing that finally gets you there.

If your first priority is finding the most affordable way to visit Northern Europe, this probably isn't the sailing I would recommend.

But if you've been thinking, "For my next big trip, I want to do something truly special," this might be exactly what you've been waiting for.

And if you're not sure? Ask me. That's part of my job. I'll give you an honest answer about whether Explora Journeys is the right fit for how you like to travel.

Pricing is per person, based on two guests sharing the accommodation, and is subject to availability and change until your reservation is confirmed.

Ocean Terrance 2 $11,400 total for two
Ocean Terrance 3 $11,940 total for two

Penthouse: $14,640 total for two

Not sure which one is right for You?

You don't have to figure it out on your own.

Reach out, and I'll walk you through the options, answer your questions, and help you decide which experience makes the most sense for you.

Interested in a solo cabin, or have questions about the London pre-trip? I'm happy to check current availability and walk you through everything.

When I walk the streets of London for the very first time, three days before I even board the ship in Southampton, it will be Explora Journeys that finally brought me there.

That is not a coincidence. I chose this itinerary because it is extraordinary on its own. And I chose it because this ship is the only brand I trust to carry the weight of what this journey means to me.

The intimacy of the experience, the standard of care, the fact that every detail has been considered. That matters when a trip carries this much personal significance.

But what I'm most looking forward to is sharing it with my parents, and YOU!

** YES! I am bringing my parents along on this journey, and at the end, my son will be meeting me in Iceland so we can experience it together. I finally get to see what he saw years ago. My heart is full.

Come with your partner. Grab a few friends. Or decide that this is finally the trip you're going to take for yourself.

I'll take care of the details. You just need to decide you're ready to go.