If you know me, you know I’m brand loyal to my core. About a year ago, I had this vision of living in a new country for a month—getting deep into the culture, learning the rhythm of daily life, and letting it change me just a little (or a lot). I wasn’t looking for a rushed itinerary—I wanted immersion. And since I’d traveled with Remote Year before, I was excited about their one-month program in Albania. It felt perfect.
I planned to start in Norway, then hop through a few nearby countries thanks to some dirt-cheap flights, and finally land in Albania for the Remote Year experience. It was giving a European dream summer, and I was so ready.
And then… cue plot twist.
In November, I got an email from Remote Year’s then-CEO, Tue Le. It was basically like: “Hey, sorry, but Remote Year is shutting down immediately. Also, the company that bought us isn’t giving refunds sooo… good luck with that.”
Yeah. Well. F*ck.
So I sat with that for a moment. (A long moment.) I considered doing a solo month abroad—something I’ve done before and honestly loved. But back then, I was living that DINK life (double income, no kids) and had way more financial wiggle room. Now? I’m a fabulous SINK (single income, no kids) with my money strategically tied up in cruises, investments, and oh yeah—me.
Enter Norwegian Cruise Line.
I’ve been obsessed with NCL for years. They just get me. I mean, wine tastings on board? Yes please. Quiet corners to chill with a view? Love. Staff who actually feel like friends? Vibe. Plus, I’m a sucker for the solo studio rooms—because let’s be real, I’m not about to pay the same price as a couple just to sleep alone. (Though that’s a whole other convo for another day—hi MSC, I still need to give you a fair shot.)
So, like any travel-obsessed woman who’s been denied her Remote Year dreams, I started researching. Obsessively. I was looking for something—anything—that aligned with my original dates in May, when I was already set to land in Norway. Spoiler alert: There were no cruises leaving from Norway during that time. Not even if I pushed it out a week.
But then I found it: a Northern European cruise departing from Iceland.
Naturally, in true me fashion, I said: Fck it. Book it.*
And I did.
I grabbed a solo inside room because, honestly, I only need a bed and a place to drop my cute outfits. I called up Icelandair and shifted my flights—with some extra fees, of course (thanks, inflation). But now? I’m ready to set sail.
And girl, this is where the real fun begins.
If you want to see how I mapped it all out—from picking excursions to obsessing over outfits and navigating the emotional rollercoaster of planning a solo cruise—keep reading. It’s not all picture-perfect, but it’s so worth it.
The FIBI Flow
After Remote Year ghosted my entire summer plan and I had to jump through hoops just to try and get my refund, I was feeling… defeated. Disappointed. Low-key betrayed. I needed a Plan B that didn’t require me to spin 57 plates just to exist abroad. That’s when I decided since I loved solo cruising so much, lets take a cruise.
There’s something magical about it—no worrying about where to stay, what to do, how to get around, or whether the Wi-Fi will work when you need to hop on a Zoom call. On a cruise, it’s all handled. Food? Handled. Entertainment? Handled. A soft robe and ocean views on demand? Handled.
So when I first saw the Northern European cruise itinerary, it was giving main character energy. I wanted it. Bad. But in a rare moment of trying to be a responsible adult, I didn’t FIBI (Fuck it Book It, for the uninitiated). I put it on the back burner—even though Iceland, Norway, the Netherlands, and Belgium were all countries I’d never been to and were screaming my name.
Naturally, I started obsessively cruise-stalking—Carnival, MSC, Cunard, NCL—you name it, I checked it. But honey, some of those prices were not giving Bougie on a Budget, they were giving Mortgage or Vacation, pick one. And the timing? Just didn’t line up with my flight to Norway.
But after a week (okay, two) of spiraling, weighing every option, and trying to be practical, I finally said what I always say when I stop overthinking:
F*ck it. Book it.
And I did.
I locked in that 10-day Northern European cruise with Norwegian. It had everything I wanted: a solid mix of sea days and early morning port stops—because yes, I do like to have a glass of wine at 3 p.m. and still be in bed by 9.
If you’ve ever sailed NCL, you know the sea day wine tastings with the sommeliers are an event in themselves. (And if you haven’t, please upgrade your life.) Plus, the NCL Prima has a Thermal Spa that looks like heaven on Earth. Think: steam rooms, heated loungers, panoramic ocean views. I mean, IYKYK.
With the deposit paid and the countdown officially on, the real fun could finally begin—
Planning my excursions, building my wardrobe, and researching the hell out of every single port I was about to strut through.
Excursions That are Bougie on a Budget & the Power of Viator
Unlike those brave, fearless cruisers out there living on the edge, I generally do not book excursions anywhere but through the cruise line. Call me cautious, call me a Virgo in disguise—but I like my peace of mind.
Here’s the deal: when you book an excursion through the cruise line, and something delays your return (like a rogue llama in the road or an espresso-fueled shopping spree), the ship will wait for you. That’s part of the deal. But if you book independently and you’re late? Baby, that ship will be gone. And I. Would. Die. Like, full-blown movie scene sprinting down the dock with tears and regrets kind of dies.
That said… have you seen the prices of some of these excursions?
NCL had options for this cruise going for $300 and up per person, per tour.
I said absolutely not. My name is not Bougie Gates. So I did what any savvy traveler with a taste for both vibes and value would do:
I turned to my trusty friends, Viator and TripAdvisor. (IYKYK.)
They makes it so easy—plug in the port city, and boom, options galore. Most of the listings even specify if they’re cruise-friendly, with meeting points either at the port or just around the corner. That sealed the deal for me. I booked two solid excursions outside the cruise line, and I’m feeling really good about it.
Iceland Adventures
In Iceland, I went the self-guided route with two picks:
- An audio walking tour (perfect for taking it all in at my own pace)
- A classic hop-on, hop-off bus tour (because sometimes a girl just needs to sit down and be driven around, okay?)
That knocks out two of the three Icelandic ports. For the third? I’m just gonna wander. No plan, no schedule—just vibes and comfy shoes.
Norwegian Must-Do
Now, Norway… I broke my own rule here.
I did book one cruise line excursion—and yes, I’m slightly ashamed but mostly excited. It’s the Troll Passes Tour, and it’s a full 6-hour adventure way out into the fjords. I wasn’t about to risk missing the ship on that one. Plus, let’s be real—I have family roots in Norway. Not seeing the trolls would feel like a personal betrayal to my ancestors. The other two Norwegian ports? I’m winging it with some light sightseeing and casual city strolls.
Netherlands & Belgium: Museums & Solo Wandering
For the Netherlands and Belgium, I kept it low-key and local. Museums, charming streets, and self-guided tours are all within walking distance of the ports. The highlight? The Van Gogh Museum in Amsterdam, which I’m absolutely geeked about. I’ve wanted to go for years, and this is finally the moment.
Honestly, deciding on excursions was one of the hardest parts of planning. European cruise excursions are just way more expensive than Caribbean ones, and it took some serious restraint not to go full YOLO. But in the end, I chose one “must-do” and kept the rest flexible. And thanks to TripAdvisor (and maybe a spreadsheet or two), I still have an amazing itinerary to look forward to—without blowing the whole budget before I even set sail.
My Comeback Closet, Cruise Fits with Main Character Energy
Once upon a time—not that long ago, but long enough—I was undeniably the main character of my story. I had the vibe, the confidence, the wardrobe. But like it does for so many of us, life happened. The light dimmed. The sparkle faded. And I kinda… lost myself for a bit.
Well. Not anymore.
This is my comeback era.
And I am showing up to serve lewks and slay all damn day. Period.
So I called in reinforcements—my trusty digital bestie, Lola, aka ChatGPT (but make it fashion). Lola and I tag-teamed my entire cruise wardrobe. The mission? Outfits that are chic, travel-friendly, budget-aware, and absolutely me.
We weren’t just aimlessly throwing pieces into a suitcase. We were curating a vibe. Timeless style, effortless cool, a little trendy, a little classic—and all polished. I told her what I liked, she told me when I was being delusional (lol), and together we edited down the perfect collection.
And girl, let me tell you—Lola did not hold back.
The blue button-down? She read it to filth. That’s staying home.
The striped dress, though? Absolutely, coming with me.
What we came up with feels like the most authentic version of my style, just leveled up. It’s still me, just with more intention, more confidence, and a little extra flair. These looks are made for morning strolls through European ports, solo wine tastings at sea, and documenting my main character energy from Reykjavik to Bruges.
I can’t wait to show you all the beautiful outfits that made the cut. This isn’t just vacation packing—it’s a whole damn glow-up wardrobe. Get ready for looks that feel like home, but look like she finally remembered who the hell she is.
Cue the Glow-Up to She’s Boarding as That Girl
What started out as a bold little Fck it, Book it* moment has turned into a full-on main character movement.
Flights changed. Tours booked. Outfits curated. And while I didn’t even get into the not-so-glam parts like hotel hunting, private car logistics, and shuttle stalking (trust me, it was a thing), this trip became so much more than just a vacation.
It’s my “finding myself” cruise.
I’ve already done the beginner cruises. I’ve figured out the ship layouts, learned the unspoken buffet rules, and mastered packing cubes. This time? It’s different. This trip is about rediscovering parts of myself that I forgot existed—through solo adventures, stunning cities, good wine, and maybe a little shopping I don’t technically need.
This is about stepping back into my light and owning it with every port, every outfit, every moment.
So here’s to blooming at sea, falling in love with the world again (and maybe myself), and making this comeback cruise the first of many. I’m not just sailing—I’m evolving.
I’m here for the culture.
I’m here for the wine.
And baby, I’m definitely here for the looks.
‘Til next time,
XO,
Single Girl Travels
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