These Cruises Might Be the Best Way to Visit Iceland This Summer

icelandic cruise

Ice bars, rooftop tours, meatballs and more – use our handy city guide to get a fresh view of Sweden’s brilliant capital. Your European cruise should be every bit as refreshing as it is inspiring. Unwind in the Sanctuary, a retreat just for adults, and relish in tranquility. Or book an appointment at the Lotus Spa®, named "Best Spa on a Cruise Ship" by Spafinder Wellness 365™. Enjoy relaxing treatments — like facials, hot stone massages and detoxifying wraps — that will leave you recharged for upcoming adventures. That’s why every room is equipped with the expertly designed Princess Luxury Bed, 100% Jacquard-woven cotton linens and our SLEEP program created by a board-certified sleep expert.

Delightful Shore Excursions OnIceland Cruises

Climb the "Holy Mountain," which once housed a temple dedicated to Thor. Tour the 4,000-year old lava fields of Berserkergata, and live through the stories of Iceland’s sagas — tales of migration, war, religion and mythology. Or spend the day birdwatching in the fishing village of Arnarstapi, where gulls, fulmars and kittiwakes reside. For those interested in history and culture, Iceland has a rich and fascinating history, with a wealth of museums and historic sites to explore. The country is also famous for its literature, music, and art scenes, which offer a vibrant and dynamic cultural experience. The observation deck puts your attention on the natural wonders of Iceland, including mountains, geothermal areas, the ocean and a glacier.

Travel Is Our Tradition

Of course, the aforementioned Falgradalsfjall volcano also figures high on many cruisers day-hike itineraries. Additionally, expedition lines such as Lindblad boost the adrenaline factor, with Zodiac options as well. Iceland is renowned for its breathtaking fjords, carved over the millennia by glaciers. In summer, ribbon-like waterfalls tumble over the rocks, and the hills are ablaze with the color of purple lupines. Hvalfjörður is a popular fjord just a short drive from Reykjavik, opening out to black-sand beaches and hikes with sweeping views. Explore the uninhabited islands along Borgarfjordur, or visit Siglufjordur, a colorful fishing village nestled alongside its namesake fjord.

Viking Inclusive Value

Iceland's cold waters produce top-quality seafood, and one of the country's signature ways to enjoy the fruits of the sea is fiskisupa, or fish stew. Made with cod or haddock, potatoes, butter, milk and herbs, it's a hearty, stick-to-your-ribs way to enjoy the local bounty. No matter which 7-day cruise to Europe you end up booking, here's how to plan a European vacation that's high on adventure with low added stress. Plan a cultural vacation to Italy by setting sail for the Roman Colosseum. Enjoy a tour guide tailored to you on the history of Rome & its gladiator. There's more to a European cruise vacation than just packing your bags!

The town looks out over Skjálfandi bay, which enjoys visits from humpback and minke whales, white-beaked dolphins, harbor porpoises and occasionally blue whales. If you’re lucky, you might see one or more of these giants at sea, and you can learn more about them at the Húsavík Whale Museum. Discover Iceland’s stark scenery, with active volcanoes, geysers, glaciers, mountains and waterfalls. The country offers some of the best whale watching in Europe at this time of year. Among the Arctic birdlife, keep an eye out for colonies of Atlantic puffins. After unforgettable days in port, you’ll return to total comfort on board, where incredible amenities, thoughtful service, and exciting culinary experiences await.

Viking Resident Historian

Visit nearby sites like The Blue Lagoon, the flower-filled lava fields of Thingvellir National Park, and the magnificent Gullfoss waterfall (aka The Golden Waterfall). Sail to Iceland’s remote Westfjord region offering everything from hiking to watersports, then continue to Akureyri – the center of Icelandic folk culture. Discover greater Northern Europe on your cruise with stops to cities like Amsterdam, Brussels, London, or Paris, and visits to lush sceneries like Norway and Scotland. With Every Luxury Included, experience the arctic splendor, cinematic landscapes and ruggedly unique cities of Iceland while sailing aboard The World's Most Luxurious Fleet™. Let the capital city of Reykjavik's flourishing art scene, vibrant cultural institutions and stunning architecture nourish your soul as you indulge in your all-inclusive cruise to Iceland with Regent Seven Seas. From each of Iceland's ports, excursions offer a glimpse into what this almost-Arctic country has to offer.

A uniformed Princess representative meets you at the airport after you've retrieved your luggage and transports you directly to your ship or hotel without you having to worry about the logistics of navigating a new city. Discover the best museums, restaurants, cafés, attractions and experiences in the Scandinavian country. Learn all about our exciting options to visit Europe from cruises to in-depth cruisetour vacations. From a balcony stateroom, marvel at breathtaking shorelines passing by before enjoying international cuisine in one of our many eateries during your Norway and Iceland cruise. From savory Norwegian meatloaf to sweet Icelandic celebration cake, Northern Europe is bursting with flavor.

Where, When And Why To Go On A Northern Lights Cruise In 2024 - Forbes

Where, When And Why To Go On A Northern Lights Cruise In 2024.

Posted: Thu, 07 Dec 2023 08:00:00 GMT [source]

Or visit Honningsvag for a glimpse of the Midnight Sun during your evening departure. While we can’t guarantee you’ll see these natural phenomena, we can promise that the journey is just as exciting as the wonders themselves. Your expedition cruise starts in Reykjavík – a laid-back city of art, culture and history. It is well worth spending some time exploring this delightful city. In Reykjavík, you’ll get a taste of modern Iceland, with its stylish restaurants, boutiques and galleries, as well as its museums detailing Icelandic history and culture through the ages.

The original 'Maud' got her name from the first Queen of modern-day Norway. She also had her namesake in Hurtigruten Expedition’s 1925 flagship, DS Dronning Maud ('DS Queen Maud'). Today, MS Maud is equipped with advanced technology that makes her exceptionally well-suited for expedition cruises in Norway and the British Isles. Typical Iceland cruise itineraries include visits to Reykjavik, Akureyri, and Invergordon in Scotland. The best time to cruise to Iceland is from May to September, with June offering long daylight hours perfect for whale watching, and September providing ideal conditions to witness Iceland's mesmerizing Northern Lights.

Located at the head of a deep fjord, Akureyri is the gateway to the wild natural beauty of northern Iceland. Visit Godafoss to marvel at the magnitude of the thundering, 40-foot-tall waterfall. Experience an authentic Icelandic mud bath at Lake Myvatn, or join a whale-watching cruise to spot humpback and minke whales and orcas.

Gaze at snowcapped peaks as we cruise into Eyjafjörður, Iceland’s longest fjord. Together with neighboring Skjálfandi bay, it’s one of the best places in Europe to spot whales. At Akureyri's Lystigardurinn, the northernmost botanical garden in the world, however, you'll be able to spot 430 native species of colourful, wild arctic flowers in one spot.

icelandic cruise

Several cruise lines, including Windstar Cruises, Celebrity Cruises, Norwegian Cruise Line (NCL), Holland America Line (HAL), Oceania Cruises and Viking Ocean Cruises offer voyages to Iceland. To find the ideal Iceland cruise for you, explore Cruise Critic's comprehensive cruise pricing and information below for easy comparison. A Barcelona vacation is always a good idea, but arriving at this iconic port of call by sea is a truly unique experience.

You can also join our Post-Program and explore Iceland's beautiful south coast, with waterfalls, black-sand beaches, geothermal springs and majestic mountains. At the national park, visit Djúpalónssandur's black-sand beach and the Lóndrangar basalt cliffs. Ride a snowcat to the top of the Snæfellsjökull glacier, or take a guided coastal hike with a glacial cave tour. MS Maud, previously MS Midnatsol, is named after one of the most famous polar vessels of all time, Roald Amundsen's 'Maud' from 1917.

Head to the National Museum of Iceland in Reykjavik and discover the secrets of Viking settlement on the island. Admire the Sun Voyager, a futuristic sculpture that celebrates the significance of the Vikings in Icelandic history. At the Akureyri Museum, you can explore local history from the Viking era all the way up to modern settlement. Before taking in the geological wonders of Lake Myvatn, head to the visitor center to understand the storied lore and myths surrounding Akureyri. There are springs of all sizes, from Kvika Footbath, a tiny pool near the Grótta Lighthouse perfect for dipping your feet in, to the Blue Lagoon, Iceland’s most famous geothermal pool.

There are a few items you'll be thankful you packed for your Iceland trip. Though "ice" is in its name, Iceland experiences a lot of rainy days, so be sure to make room in your suitcase for a waterproof jacket and shoes. If you're planning on walking or trekking, be sure to bring a pair of hiking shoes that can withstand the country's terrain, which includes volcanoes, thermal springs and hills. Step aboard a cruise to Iceland and discover the enchanting cities of Reykjavik and Akureyri with their colorful houses and relaxing thermal pools. Climb glacial mountains, watch the Northern Lights, or dine on fermented shark. Hop on a free shuttle in Reykjavik to make your way from Harpa Music Hall to Perlan Dome.

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