Northern Legends Cruise 2026

As a VACAYA guest, discounts are available to you with various air carriers when booking your flights using our Group Codes/Links. Those codes/links, as well as the instructions for booking, can be found HERE.

Glasgow, Scotland’s airport is the Glasgow International Airport in Paisley (GLA).

Reykjavik, Iceland’s airport is Keflavik International Airport (KEF).

UPDATE: Find your full itinerary HERE.

Elevate your Northern Legends Cruise with an exclusive prelude of regal splendor. Join a select circle of Vacayans for two luminous pre-cruise nights as VACAYA takes over the storied Crossbasket Castle in Glasgow, where torchlit halls, sweeping grounds, and sumptuous service await.

Your Royal Experience Includes:

• May 25 – VIP Luxury Transfer from Glasgow Airport straight to Crossbasket Castle upon arrival
• May 25 – VIP Arrival Lounge on the Trocadero Terrace with a sumptuous breakfast and BBQ served 7am-3pm for early arrivals (Castle check-in is at 3pm)
• May 25–27 – Two nights in luxurious accommodations within Crossbasket Castle
• May 25 – Dinner in the elegant Stewart Room
• May 26 – Curated VIP tour of Glasgow (9am-4pm): Glasgow Cathedral, Glasgow Botanic Gardens, Kelvingrove Art Gallery & Museum, and a tasting at Clydeside Distillery
• May 26 – Pre-dinner reception at the distinguished Foveran’s
• May 26 – Dinner at Michelin chef Michel Roux’s legendary Trocadero Terrace
• May 27 – Breakfast at Foveran’s, where exceptional cuisine and a serene atmosphere come together to create a perfect start to your embarkation day
• May 27 – VIP Group Transfer to the Port of Glasgow and L’Austral at 12pm

Indulge in impeccable service, historic grandeur, and intimate moments designed to make you feel truly sovereign. With limited availability, we encourage you to reserve your place among the privileged few quickly so you can begin your VACAYA voyage like royalty.

Crossbasket Castle features nine luxurious rooms and suites, with package pricing as follows:

Lindsay Tower Suite – 4997 USD per person 
Crossbasket Castle’s Lindsay Tower Suite is the height of luxury. The luxury suite is located in one of the castle’s 17th century towers, where you can enjoy multiple rooms spread across four-stories.

Downie Suite – 4997 USD per person 
Crossbasket’s Downie Suite features a large double bedroom including a luxuriously oversized period style bed and large bay windows that offer a stunning view over the rolling castle estate. Also included is a modern en-suite bathroom for relaxing as well as a separate lounge area with large comfortable couches for enjoying a romantic evening or socializing with friends.

Clark Junior Suite – 4597 USD per person
Unwind with an escape to the countryside in Crossbasket Castle’s luxurious Clark Junior Suite. Individually designed to offer you a truly tranquil escape, the Junior Suite overlooks the beautiful castle gardens and includes a large double room, a separate lounge area, and en-suite bathroom with a generous walk-in shower and an elegant freestanding roll top bath, perfect for rest and relaxation.

Peter Large Double Room – 4297 USD per person
Individually decorated in deep, rich hues of purple, this large double room with an ensuite offers you an unforgettable stay. Featuring big, beautiful bay windows with views across the rolling greens and castle estate, this large double room is incredibly light and spacious. With space for beds, a lounge area, and modern bathroom with a free-standing bath, there’s so much space for relaxation, entertainment, and more.

Mackintosh Large Double Room – 4297 USD per person
For extra space, relaxation, and comfort, Crossbasket’s Mackintosh Large Double Room is the perfect choice. This double room offers you the very best in luxury and refinement during your trip to Blantyre. Uniquely designed in hues of pastel blue, the room has been lovingly restored to celebrate the castle’s original architecture, so you can wake up feeling like you’re in a fairy tale.

Findlay Superior Double Room – 4297 USD per person
Blending Scottish heritage with Victorian-era furnishings, the Findlay Room is a truly luxurious haven. Decorated in delicate florals and hues of cream and pastel blue, the plush antique furnishings ooze refinement and are topped off with a large period-style bed and overhead chandelier. Blending this antique design with all the modern amenities you could need, the Findlay Room also includes a generous en-suite with a walk-in shower, high-quality fittings, and luxurious complimentary amenities.

Neilson Double Room – 3997 USD per person
This room is the perfect haven for couples looking for a cozy yet luxurious escape. Located in the heart of Crossbasket Castle. Whilst smaller than some of the Castle’s other rooms, the Neilson Double Room boasts beautiful large bay windows that let in bright daylight and hold stunning views across the castle gardens and wider estate. Uniquely decorated with delicate pastel floral fabric and bespoke wooden furniture, the room has everything you need to enjoy a relaxing retreat, including a fully fitted en-suite.

Cabbell Small Double or Twin Room – 3997 USD per person
This versatile room can be arranged to suit your stay. So, whether you want to treat your partner to a romantic countryside escape or enjoy relaxing time with a friend, we can set the room up with a double or twin bed. Features a large bay window overlooking the castle estate.

Hamilton Small Double or Twin Room – 3997 USD per person
No matter the bed arrangements, you can be assured of a good night’s sleep with Crossbasket Castle’s luxuriously plush mattress, comforting bedding, and period-style bed frame. This double or twin room is also decorated with duvet rich fabrics, heavy curtains, bespoke wooden furnishings, and a grand chandelier all of which you can enjoy alongside a fully fitted en-suite bathroom and views of the estate from scenic bay windows.

All Castle rooms feature luxurious period-style decorations and furnishings, Wi-Fi, bathrobes, hairdryer, TV, radio, telephone, in-room safe, and 24-hour room service (additional charge).

Pre-paid Gratuities are 197 USD per person.

To lock in one of Crossbasket Castle’s nine rooms/suites, follow these steps to book:

• Go to MY TRIPS and log in
• Find your 2026 Northern Legends Cruise reservation
• Click the pink VIEW/MODIFY button
• Click on the pink ADD MORE OPTIONS button
• Click the pink SELECT button
• Tick the boxes for you and the guest you’re purchasing the option for
• Click the pink CONTINUE button
• Click the pink CHECK OUT button
• Then, just follow the prompts

Multiple currencies are used on this trip:

Scotland & Northern Ireland use the British Pound (GBP).

1 GBP = 1.34 USD

1 USD = 0.74 GBP

The Faroe Islands use the Danish Krone (DKK).

1 DKK = 0.16 USD

1 USD = 6.4 DKK

Iceland uses the Icelandic Krona (ISK). 

1 ISK = 0.01 USD

1 USD = 126 ISK

American Express, MasterCard, and Visa are widely accepted. You’ll find that ATMs are readily available at the airport and in the city centers.

All travelers are required to carry a Passport for this journey, with no exceptions.

In addition, most visitors to the United Kingdom (including US, Canadian, and Australian citizens) are also required to apply for an ETA visa with the UK. For full details and to apply online, visit https://www.gov.uk/eta/apply. 

The online application process starts with downloading the UK ETA app, which you can do HERE for iPhone or HERE for Android devices. 

The cost of this ETA is £16 (or roughly $21 USD). 

After you apply, you’ll get a decision by email from UK Visas and Immigration (UKVI), usually within a day. Allow up to 3 working days (Monday to Friday) to get a decision, but it may arrive much sooner.

The email will contain your 16 digit ETA reference number.

You must wait until you get an email confirming you have an ETA before you travel to the UK.

If you have not received a decision after 3 working days, check your spam or junk email folder before contacting UKVI.

You may get decisions at different times from other people you applied for.

Your ETA will be linked to the passport you applied with. You only need to show your passport when you travel to the UK.

An ETA lasts for 2 years or until your passport expires, whichever is sooner. You can travel to the UK as many times as you want while you have an ETA.

To maximize the time of your ETA’s validity, we recommend applying for your ETA approximately two weeks before you travel to the UK. 

All emails to our Booked Guests are available here:

May 14, 2026 – 13 Days To Go!

April 27, 2026 – Entertainment Preview!

April 12, 2026 – Excursions Ready to be Booked!

January 8, 2026 – LAST CALL for Crossbasket Castle

November 13, 2025 – Pre-Cruise Add-on at Crossbasket Castle

On all our small-ship adventures, the destination is the star, but we’ve lined up some seriously bright talent to complement these incredible ports of call. Our performers will be under the deft guidance of our fab Music Director Nate Buccieri and the messiest and mayhemiest broad at sea, Cruise Director Marti Cummings!

To learn more about each performer, simply click on their photo…

For the first time in our history with PONANT, it appears we’ll be able to sell excursions in advance (as opposed to the previously announced “on board”). You can preview the soon-to-be-bookable excursions HERE.

Once you’ve decided which excursions you’d like to book, please follow these steps:

• Download THIS BOOKING FORM
• Be sure to complete the top of the form with your name and room number (<<ROOM NUMBER>>).
• Choose your desired excursions and indicate the number of people you’re booking for. You can ignore the tour timing column; the Excursions Manager on board will complete this section.
• Sign and date the Booking Form on the last page.
• Email your completed Booking Form to uscharters@ponant.com.
• Confirmation responses will be sent within 72 hours of receipt.
• Payment for excursions will be made on board.

The cut-off date for pre-booking excursions in advance is FRIDAY, MAY 8. After that, excursions can only be booked once on board L’Austral. 

As always, capacity is limited on all excursions, but if there are more requests than spots on a given excursion, PONANT will do their very best to work with the local tour operators to add capacity. Conversely, each excursion has a minimum, as well. If the minimum isn’t met, you’ll be informed on board and an alternative adventure offered. 

Excursions are subject to change at any time.

You have pre-paid basic gratuities. However, if someone goes above and beyond for you, you are more than welcome to offer them a few dollars (or more if appropriate) as an extended note of appreciation and grace. Collectively, those small thank yous add up and can make all the difference in the lives of these hard-working crew members.

Premium Beverages are included for all guests. That’s most spirits, beer, select wines by the glass, sodas, juices, bottled waters, and specialty coffee drinks/teas.

Wines by the bottle are available for purchase from any of the bars or from your sommelier in the main restaurant.

We now have our final detailed itinerary:

As always, our itinerary is subject to change at any time.

L’Austral will be docked in the following location:

Reykjavik Cruise Terminal – Sundahöfn Harbour
Reykjavík, Iceland

*Subject to change

Laundry services are available aboard L’Austral.

You’ll find laundry pricing, bags, and slips inside your stateroom. During your entire cruise, your steward or stewardess will be available for laundry and ironing services, which will be completed within 48-72 hours. You can contact PONANT for specifics on pricing at +1.888.400.1082.

Lost & Found is located at Reception on Deck 3. If you’re missing anything, be sure to check there first. And of course if you find anything, be sure to turn it into Reception so they can get it back to its owner with haste.

To expedite boarding and check-in, we encourage everyone to print their PONANT Luggage Tags at home and then attach them to your checked bags just prior to arriving at L’ustral. You can download and print PONANT’s Luggage Tags HERE.

L’Austral will be docked in the following location:

Glasgow’s Greenock Cruise Port
Patrick Street
Greenock
PA16 8UU
Scotland, United Kingdom

Boarding begins at 4pm, with all aboard at 6:30pm. L’Austral will sail for Belfast, Northern Ireland at 7pm sharp. 

PONANT is renowned to have health care’s latest generation of equipment onboard their ships.

They also go beyond industry standards with the following additional provisions:

• The onboard Medical Team consists of one Physician and one Nurse, but the team can be scaled up at any time, if required. The inhouse Medical Team is available 24/7.
• Rapid diagnostic medical equipment in an isolated environment, with mobile laboratory terminals, allowing to test all common infectious diseases, potentially dangerous or contagious, tropical diseases, as well as cardiac distress syndromes.
• “Shore-hospital-like” professional diagnostic equipment: ultrasound, radiology, and blood biological analysis.
• Facilities for the management of respiratory distress
  • 3x 40ltr bottles of O2 to last 80 hours to 5 ltr/min or 200 to 2 ltr/min distributed in fixed general circuit
  • 5 portable 5-l bottles to last 6 hours to 2 ltr/mm
  • 1 O2 extractor
  • 2 respirators
  • Intubation kits
  • Intubation drugs
  • Resuscitation solute
• Pharmacy, which has been leveled up with specific Covid-19 dotation
• Specific training and drills performed regularly
• EVASAN (evacuation) plan ready at all times in case of emergency
• Infrastructure
• 1 resuscitation bed
• 1 intra-hospital isolation room

Because everyone is traveling so far for this adventure, we’re keeping things super simple on the party theme front. Our small-ship parties are more of the cocktail variety and will feature iconic music genres. Four exceptions are:

THIS IS ME 
Wear a little somethin’ somethin’ that lets us know where you’re from. This is Night 1 and it’s all about getting to know each other! 

BATHROBE NIGHT
Our favorite VACAYA small-ship cruise tradition has everyone in their stateroom bathrobes starting at 6pm and continuing through dinner, the evening’s show, and post-show cocktails in the Main Lounge. Bring a few fun accessories from home to give your robe a little extra flair! (Pro Tip: Bring a few safety pins with you). This evening will end at the pool, where everyone drops their robes and jumps in!

PLAID TO THE BONE
We can’t be in Scotland without having a Plaid Night! So, don something/anything/everything plaid and get ready for a night in the highlands!

GREENS, GREENS, AND NOTHING BUT GREENS
Tonight, green is the dress code. Inspired by Scotland, Northern Ireland, the Faroe Islands, and Iceland, this is a celebration of wild landscapes, deep roots, and northern spirit. Think emerald, moss, sage, seafoam, or anything green that makes you feel good. No costumes. Just color and connection. 

For Reykjavik, Iceland, our recommended post-cruise hotels are The Reykjavik Edition (luxury), Hilton Reykjavik Nordic (mid-level), and Icelandair Hotel Reykjavik Natura (economy). 

You can book our recommended hotels using THIS SPECIAL LINK.

For Glasgow, Scotland, our recommended pre-cruise hotels are the Voco Grand Central Glasgow (mid-level) and the Hampton by Hilton Glasgow Central (economy). For luxury, we encourage you to join our pre-cruise program at Crossbasket Castle. 

You can book our recommended hotels using THIS SPECIAL LINK.

VACAYA’s ReachOUT initiative for this trip proudly supports Scotland’s LGBT Health & Wellbeing, a queer-led charity creating safer, healthier, and more connected LGBTQ+ communities across Scotland.

Since 2003, this remarkable organization has provided affirming support, community connection, counselling, wellbeing programs, and vital resources for LGBTQ+ people across the country. Their work also carries forward the legacy of Scotland’s first LGBTQ+ helpline, a lifeline that has supported our community through some of its most challenging chapters.

To learn more about this worthy organization, watch a special video message from CEO Mark Kelvin HERE.

As we begin our journey in Scotland, we invite you to help us give back to the community welcoming us. Please consider making a donation in support of LGBT Health & Wellbeing by clicking HERE.

Your onboard magnetic card (we point out it’s magnetic to warn against placing it too close to your mobile phone, which could erase the information), which will be handed to you upon boarding is your room key. It’s also your onboard charge card and you’ll be asked for it to make onboard purchases. Whenever you leave the ship or re-board it in our ports of call, you’ll show your card to Security when leaving/returning.

When you board, you’ll want to register a credit card with Reception to cover any onboard purchases. You’ll receive a final invoice in your room on the last evening of your cruise. Assuming all of the charges are correct (and if not, be sure to speak with Reception), your card on file with PONANT will be automatically charged the morning of disembarkation. If you’d prefer to pay cash to close out your account, you will need to do that on our last night before they charge your card the following morning.

L’Austral is a NON-SMOKING ship. Smoking – including eCigarettes & Vape Pens – is not permitted in staterooms, on balconies, or in any public rooms. A small smoking area will be available onboard and we’ll point that out during our Day 1 Orientation.

And of course NEVER throw cigarette butts overboard. They can easily get sucked into the ship’s ventilation system and cause a fire.

The Spa’s beauticians and massage therapists are at your service on Deck 5 Aft and offer a wide range of treatments that can be booked once onboard. The Spa is typically open 9am to 8pm, but that could change slightly depending on our time ashore. Check your Daily Program (delivered to your stateroom each night with the following day’s schedule) for exact times.

L’Austral’s Fitness Center, also on Deck 5 near the Spa, is open 24 hours a day and contains several cardio machines for your use. There are no free weights in the ship’s Fitness Center. We recommend packing lightweight stretch bands that are great for resistance training, if needed.

If you have a special need you’d like us to communicate to PONANT, please provide those to us at info@myvacaya.com and we’ll pass them along.

VACAYA is all about connections. To help strengthen the bonds between our guests, we’re creating a “This Is Me” Community Board where pictures and fun facts of each of our guests will be featured. We’re hoping this new board will be a welcome addition to your VACAYA experience.

While participation is certainly not compulsory, we hope each of you will choose to join us. If you’d like to be included, please send the following to us prior to Friday, April 24:

• A Photo of you as an Individual or as a Couple (the orientation of the pics will be portrait, so think about that as you choose the best pic). Be sure the photo you choose is a clear face pic and no larger than 5MB.
• Your Name (or Names if a couple. Please indicate who’s who in the pic.)
• Your Hometown
• Your Relationship Status
• Occupation
• Family Info (children, pets, etc.)
• Interest/Hobbies
• Social Media Handle

You can send your photo and the above information to V Team Member Jen at jen@myvacaya.com. Simply click on that pink link to connect with Jen.

Please note that we won’t be able to add anyone to the board after the deadline. Shortly after April 24, the information we’ve received will be laid out by a graphic designer and the boards completed. Also, each This Is Me board is independent from past boards. So even if you’ve sent in your information for a past cruise, it won’t carry forward to this one. So, you’ll need to send it in again.

This Community Board will be posted near the ship’s Lobby.

Here is an example of what your entry will look like on the board:

PONANT ships have a state-of-the-art sewage treatment plant onboard, which helps preserve the pristine waters through which we sail. To assure it can properly do its job, we need your full cooperation.

• Only use the biodegradable toilet tissue provided.
• Do not flush facial tissues, sanitary wipes, feminine hygiene products, condoms, cigarettes (you shouldn’t be smoking in your bathroom anyway), or any other materials, as they can affect the entire system and may cause embarrassing backups in your room AND in your neighbors’ rooms.
• Keep the toilet lid closed when not in use, and be careful not to drop towels, wash cloths, or personal grooming articles (including floss and Q-tips) into the toilet while flushing.

In today’s ever-shifting world, it’s imperative to protect your hard-earned vacation dollars. You can do that by insuring your investment. VACAYA partners with Travel Guard.

If you ever need to make an adjustment to your Travel Guard policy (for example, if your travel dates have shifted or you’ve added to your travel plans beyond our cruise), you can submit a policy modification request via Travel Guard’s online modification form. Modification requests must be submitted prior to your travel dates. Through this form, you can also change or add any pre- or post-cruise travel days or add additional trip costs (flights, hotel, etc.). Adding coverage for other items beyond your cruise (if that’s all that was covered in your original policy) may incur additional premium costs.

If you have questions, we encourage you to visit Travel Guard’s Resource Center, where you’ll find answers to many frequently asked questions. You can also speak with a licensed Travel Guard insurance agent by calling +1.800.826.5248.

A NOTE ABOUT TRIP INTERRUPTION INSURANCE
If you’ve not purchased trip interruption insurance (that helps defray costs of hotel accommodations in case of a positive test result at the end of the trip), there’s still time to add it to your existing policy or originate a policy with most travel insurance carriers. Although we can’t consult on insurance, we are pointing out that these policies offer peace of mind for a reasonable price.

Here are the average seasonal temperatures you can expect on our journey:

Glasgow, Scotland

• Highs: 60°F – 62°F (15°C – 17°C)
• Lows: 46°F – 49°F (8°C – 9°C)

Belfast, Northern Ireland

• Highs: 60°F – 62°F (15.5°C – 16.5°C)
• Lows: 45°F – 47°F (7°C – 8°C)

Faroe Islands

• Highs: 48°F – 50°F (9°C – 10°C)
• Lows: 41°F – 43°F (5°C – 6°C)

Reykjavik, Iceland

• Highs: 51°F – 54°F (11°C – 12°C)
• Lows: 43°F – 45°F (6°C – 7°C)

Throughout this area, you can expect roughly 16 to 17 hours of daylight, with the sun setting around 9:30pm each night.

Although our super yachts are quite elegant, we maintain a relaxed comfy vibe onboard.

With cooler temperatures throughout the journey, you’ll likely want to wear long pants and shirts with sleeves most of the time. DEFINITELY bring both a lighter weight and a medium/heavy weight coat for cooler nights.

You’ll want to have several waterproof pieces, as well, for you time ashore:

• Waterproof Jacket
• Waterproof Pants
• Waterproof Hiking Shoes (with great tread)
• Waterproof Hat
• Waterproof Scarf
• Waterproof Gloves

Complimentary WiFi is included. However, please keep in mind that the speed on board is rarely as fast as it is at home. 

When you check in, you will receive ONE WiFi passcode for one device. This is done to ensure there’s enough bandwidth for all guests. If you need access on multiple devices, simply log out of one and log in to the other.