Viking Cruise Lines Begins Its Welcome Back Cruise Around Iceland For The 2021 Season
Its no mystery that we are devoted fans of Viking Cruise lines, with whom we have traveled over the years on many amazing and memorable adventures.
Were overjoyed to announce that Viking successfully launched its season just a few days ago to begin its 2021 season. Here are the highlights:
The majestic Viking Sky sails past the town of Tromso, Norway on its Into the Midnight Sun voyage. Photos of the newly-launched Iceland itinerary will be posted shortly.
Viking® celebrated the latest milestone in its return to service as guests were welcomed on board in Iceland. Over this past weekend, guests boarded the award-winning Viking Sky® in Reykjavík, where the ship will homeport this summer along with her sister ship Viking Jupiter®. Both ships will sail the new Iceland’s Natural Beauty itinerary through early September 2021. Offered as part of Viking’s Welcome Back collection, exclusively available for vaccinated guests, the voyage currently underway is the first of 19 round trip sailings from Reykjavík. The eight-day circumnavigation of Iceland calls upon the coastal towns of Akureyri, Seydisfjördur, Heimaey and more before returning to the capital city.
In addition to Iceland, Viking will also launch Welcome Back sailings in the Mediterranean with three ocean ships homeported in Valletta, Malta. It will also restart its European river operations with select itineraries in Portugal, France and along the Rhine.
Booking Details
Best Time To Visit Iceland
Long Arctic days and warmer temperatures make summer the best time to visit Iceland. May through September is the best time for whale watching. The Aurora Borealis can be viewed beginning in late September. Hiking and wildlife are most active in mid-summer: June through August. Most Iceland cruises operate during the summer months of June through August.
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The price of your cruise will be different depending on who you book it with. Its always cheaper to use a travel agent with access discounted rates.
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Cruises To Iceland From The Us
If you live in the United States, its possible cruise to Iceland without flying. However, most cruises to Iceland from the US are one-way trips. It may actually be easier to fly to Europe and cruise from there.
Cruises to Iceland from Boston
There is just one cruise to Iceland from Boston in 2022. This 24-night Canada, New England and Iceland cruise is a round-trip on Holland America Lines ms Nieuw Statendam in August 2022.
Cruises to Iceland from New York
Its not possible to take a round-trip cruise from New York to Iceland. However, you can cruise one-way from New York to Iceland as a segment of a world cruise, as part of a transatlantic crossing to Southampton or on a one-way cruise from New York to Reykjavik.
There are several cruise lines to choose from, including Norwegian Cruise Line, Princess Cruises, Celebrity Cruises, Regent Seven Seas, Silversea and Oceania Cruises all cruising one-way from New York to Iceland in 2022.
Set Sail On A Cruise To Iceland
Experience the magnificence of Icelands natural wonders on a luxury cruise vacation. Glorious waterfalls, mossy lava fields, snow-capped mountains, and jaw-dropping fjords are breathtaking sights just waiting to be explored on our Iceland cruises.
Dip into the mineral-rich waters of the Blue Lagoon. Discover Viking history at the National Museum of Iceland, or snap a photo in front of the Sun Voyager, a modern sculpture inspired by a Viking ship. In Akureyri, sports and alpine trails at Hlíðarfjall are huge draws for travelers. See the Waterfall of the Gods, Godafoss, or take a relaxing mud bath at Lake Myvatn.
Cruise to Iceland and discover the unparalleled beauty of this Nordic island in complete comfort. Stylish accommodations onboard feature unique design and exquisite amenities. Experience world-class cuisine, innovative venues, and impeccable service on board. Reach new heights of adventure with our award-winning Iceland cruises.
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Start Planning Your Iceland Cruise
Start your Iceland cruise search below, using the filters to narrow down your search. Or contact us for a personalized recommendation and a free quote on your Iceland cruise.
Work with a dedicated Adventure Specialist with expertise in Iceland small ship cruises to research, book and prepare for your small ship cruise. Our crew will handle all the arrangements including pre- and post-cruise transfers, gear rental if needed, hotels, tours and trip extensions.
An Iceland cruise aboard a small ship can be the trip of a lifetime. There are more Iceland cruise options than ever. Let our experts help you find the right cruise at the best price.
The Westman Islands Photo By Tommy Larey/shutterstockvisiting Icelands Westman Islands Is Another Cruise
Another ship-exploration bonus offered by lines such as Ponant, Windstar, Hurtigruten, and Seabourn is easy access in the south to Heimaey, the only populated destination in Icelands Westman Islands and a small fishing town that lost about 50 percent of its buildings to lava and ash in 1973 when nearby Edfell volcano erupted. From here passengers will also be able to view the Westman Islands 5,000-year-old Helgafell volcano. The island of 4,000 people also boasts a summer population of some 8 million puffins. While youre in the neighborhood, catch views of Surtsey, Icelands newest island, which rose from the sea in the 1960s and is now a protected UNESCO World Heritage site. Its home to 89 bird species and 335 invertebrates.
Cruises in Iceland typically range from seven days to two weeks, and from budget sailings from as low as $1,406 per person , for 10 days on Norwegian Star between Reykjavík and London, to over-the-top luxury and expedition ships roundtrip from Reykjavík, starting at about $5,100 per personand into five figures for suites.
What passengers will experience during their sailing, as we did during our cruise, is that with so much of Icelands history, identity, and culture intrinsically connected to the water, visiting by ship truly adds to the experience.
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Historic South & Golden Isles
When it comes to small ships operating coastal cruises like this one, chances are most of the ports arent ones youll commonly find with major cruise line itineraries.
This seven-night American Cruise Lines voyage sails between Charleston, South Carolina and Amelia Island in the most northeastern corner of Florida. All but one of the voyages days is a port day, and that one day is spent cruising the Intracoastal Waterway.
The destinations on the journey are Beaufort and Hilton Head Island, South Carolina and Savannah, Jekyll Island, and St. Simons Island, Georgia.
This itinerary is the perfect way to get a taste of the charming coastal towns that the southeast has to offer, all on an intimate vessel where youll probably get to know just about all the other passengers before the voyage is complete.
What Are The Best Things To Do In Iceland
With its enormous glaciers, intricate waterfalls and incredible volcanoes, Iceland offers visitors plenty to do. If youâre travelling during the summer, you can expect to see the Midnight Sun or the Northern Lights in winter. The best things to do in Iceland include bathing in Icelandâs hot springs and toasty geothermal pools, watching whales, dolphins and puffins in the wild and snorkelling between tectonic plates.
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Small Ship Cruises To Iceland
Iceland small ship cruises carry 200 or fewer guests and explore up close, cruising where the big ships cannot. Discover remote towns and national parks beyond the reach of large Iceland cruise ship ports. Visit Icelands backcountry wilderness in search of whales, puffins and wildlife. Get off the ship in the company of expert naturalist guides to actively explore Iceland up close. Find the best Iceland cruise tours below, then contact our experts to book your dream vacation.
Can You Cruise To Iceland From The Uk
Iceland is in the North Atlantic between the UK, Greenland and Norway so you can reach Iceland on cruises from the UK. Many Iceland cruises from the UK depart from Southampton, and there are several round-trip no-fly cruises from Southampton to Iceland each year, lasting between 12 and 30 nights. If youâre looking to cruise to Iceland from the UK, cruise lines travelling to Iceland from Southampton include Celebrity Cruises, Cunard, P& O Cruises and Princess Cruises. Aside from Iceland cruises from Southampton, you may be able to find regional departures such as an Iceland cruise from Liverpool or other UK ports such as Dover.
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Featured Iceland Cruise Ports
Reykjavik, Iceland
Reykjavik has become a hotspot for international travelers thanks to the magnificent Blue Lagoon and the towering Gullfoss waterfall. Reykjavik is also one of the few places in the world where you can hike up a glacier or check ice cave diving off your bucket list. Along with its incredible natural wonders, the capital city is a cultural hub filled with innovative museums, striking architecture, and fine dining.
The Harbours Of Reykjavik
Icelands capital city is the heart of the country, central to the tour industry and a cultural, historical hub with a wealth of activities on offer. It has two main harbours, the Old Harbour, or Miðbakki, and the New Harbour, or Skarfabakki, which in turn have several quays that your cruise ship may dock at.
Most cruise ship passengers arrive at Skarfabakki, due to its much greater size, which allows it to accommodate enormous vessels. Though slightly out of town, the centre can still be easily reached by a forty-minute walk along the beautiful coastline, or via a short and convenient bus ride. The port is also close to popular attractions such as the Laugardalslaug swimming pool and the Family Park and Zoo.
Tour operators that tailor to cruise ships will pick you up from the meeting point here. Sundabakki and Korngarður are examples of quays at Skarfabakki.
- See also: Reykjavik Guide
Miðbakki is less frequently stopped at by cruise ships, but some do still arrive here. The area is primarily a private marina and the departure point for many tours such as whale and puffin watching. It is located right by the city centre.
Many tour operators do not offer direct pick-up from this harbour but will do from the nearby hotels, just a short walk away. Grófarbakki and Faxagarður are examples of quays at the Old Harbour.
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Reasons To Cruise To Iceland
There are so many reasons to visit Iceland as it offers so much to see and do. Here are the top five reasons why you simply must explore Iceland at least once in your lifetime
- Royal Caribbean
- TUI
As well as the mainstream family-friendly cruise ships, Iceland is a popular port of call for ultra-luxury cruise lines like Crystal Cruises, Seabourn, Silversea and Viking and expedition cruise lines such as Hurtigruten, Aurora Expeditions and Lindblad.
Ports & Harbours In Iceland
Credit: Closer to nature | Whales & Birds in Eyjafjordur Fjord.
One of the most popular means of discovering Iceland through cruise ship travel is to take a circumnavigational trip around the island, making stops at a number of countrys ports. This way, guests will have the opportunity to see each of Icelands unparalleled regions, as well as soak in the Icelandic coastline in all of its glory.
There are eighteen ports in Iceland which will be listed in alphabetical order below. Reykjavík, however, is by far the busiest, and a city with two major harbours, so to avoid any confusion, it will be discussed first.
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Lake Myvatn Minibus Tour
If you are stopping in Akureyri and are hoping to see some of Icelands beautiful nature this is the tour for you. The area around Lake Mývatn offers a variety of incredibly stunning spots, making this tour great value for your money. Get ready to take photographs to make anyone who stayed aboard the ship regret that choice.
Youll be whisked off in a small group on a minibus. First, you will bear witness to one of the most majestic sights in the country, Goðafoss waterfall, an impressive 12 metre tall waterfall which is the most powerful waterfall in all of Europe. Next, you will stop at Skútustaðagígar pseudo craters, a curious geological phenomenon which your guide will be able to tell you all about.
Another attraction youll be able to see on your minibus tour is Dimmuborgir, also known as the Black Fortress, it is an area with rather dramatic looking lava formations and a great place to stretch your legs if you stop there.
Other notable stops in the Mývatn area are Grjótagjá Cave, which fans of Game of Thrones might be able to recognize and the Námaskarð geothermal area, where youll see hot springs.
What To Pack For Cruise To Iceland
Weather in Iceland is diverse, so you should prepare to expect the unexpected. Whether youâre deciding what to wear on a cruise to Iceland in June, July, August, or September, itâs best to be prepared for all eventualities. Below is a list of what to bring on a cruise to Iceland, regardless of the time of year youâre travelling.
- Fleece jacket
- Comfortable and sturdy walking shoes
- Gloves
- Swimwear
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Highlights Of An Iceland Cruise
An Iceland small ship cruise will visit areas beyond the reach of roads, hotels and large cruise ships. Expect to actively delve into remote wilderness locations, getting off the boat to explore up close on hikes and in small craft. Experience authentic culture and history in small isolated towns. The following are some locations you may visit on an Iceland cruise.
Iceland Travel & Cruise Faqs
Do I need a visa to travel to Iceland?Is tipping customary in Iceland?What is the internet access like in Iceland?Can I use my cell phone while in Iceland?Do I need a power adapter/ converter?What are the toilets like in Iceland?Approximately what will it cost for:Can I drink the water in Iceland?What is the most common way of paying for things in Iceland?Should I purchase travel insurance for my trip?Once I’ve Booked
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Westfjords Super Jeep Tour
Another excellent choice for a stop in Ísafjörður is this Svalvogar Circle Tour. The Westfjords region has some of the most unique and beautiful sights in all of Iceland and your local guide will drive you to the best spots to see and photograph the natural beauty.
From the comfort of a Super Jeep you’ll marvel at mountain ranges as you drive along the coastline, weaving in and out of fjords. Among the spectacular sights you’ll see is Kaldbakur, the region’s tallest mountain. This tour is not specially made for cruise ship passengers, so make sure to double-check that you have enought time to return on board.
Ways To Explore In Iceland
Iceland can be a jumping-off place for a longer trip or serve as a one-stop destination, serving up natural features that include glaciers, hot springs, geysers, active volcanoes, portentous peaks and vast lava deserts over an expansive landscape.
Visitors can circumnavigate the island nation on a cruise ship or embark on their own self-drive adventure. It’s easy to get around the country on one’s own or enjoy any number of small-group and larger group itineraries.
The hub of activity in Iceland is in its capital city, Reykjavik, which is home to a buzzing cultural scene where art museums, music venues, galleries and eateries can all be enjoyed by visitors.
Visitors usually fly into Keflavik International Airport , the country’s main hub for flights, located approximately 30 miles from Reykjavik. Those who are planning a trip can save some money traveling to one of the most expensive countries in the world by saving on airfare with new airline, Play. Icelandair is the main carrier, however, and is integral in connecting guests to Europe should travelers want to follow up the fun they had in Iceland in places such as Rome or Paris.
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The Best Small Ship Cruises To Iceland
Iceland’s burgeoning popularity has led to an increase in thenumber of cruise ships visiting this fascinating island, astravellers are drawn north by the promise of otherworldlylandscapes, remarkable wildlife and a unique Nordic culture.
But most cruises to Iceland barely scratch the surface thebigger ships only stop off here for a day or two en route to otherdestinations, limited to the main ports of Reykjavik and Akureyri.While both of these cities have much to offer, the only way totruly immerse yourself in Iceland and get off the beaten track isby visiting on a small ship cruise. Smaller vessels are able totake you to sleepy fishing ports, remote fjords and tiny islandswhere tourists are thin on the ground, especially on the moreexpedition-style voyages where small Zodiac boats will take you upclose to the amazing wildlife and hard-to-reach geologicalfeatures.
Iceland’s weather is notoriously unpredictable, even in summer,so you won’t find any cruise ships here during the winter months.That means that you’re unlikely to see the Northern Lights on acruise to Iceland for that,you’re better off looking at Hurtigruten‘s winter voyages to northern Norway. Thecruising season in Iceland runs from May to September, whichcoincides with the best time to see whales and puffins, and you’llalso enjoy the Midnight Sun during June and July. It’s important tonote that Iceland cruises often get booked up well in advance, soit pays to plan ahead.