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Cruises to Iceland
Cruises to Iceland 2024/2025
Cruise to Iceland in 2025 aboard Spirit of Discovery to explore this inspirational land of fire and ice. Discover the island's unique wildlife and landscapes, like nowhere else on earth. Cruise to Iceland from the UK to explore its diverse scenery and rich culture, and experience it's striking fjords.
Plus, you can look forward to thrilling whale-watching experiences with marine charity ORCA, who will be on board throughout to share their knowledge and expertise of the wonders within the Arctic Circle.
Things to see in Iceland
Discover the destinations you could visit on your Icelandic cruise...
Reykjavík
During a Reykjavík cruise, discover Iceland’s oldest permanent settlement and capital, complete with its friendly small-town atmosphere. Also known as ‘Smoky Bay’, Reykjavík was named after the area’s numerous hot springs by its Viking founder, Ingólfur Arnason, in AD 874. The city’s historic heart is full of boutiques, museums and art galleries. Excavations have revealed many Viking artefacts in this area around the city-centre Lake Tjörnin – known locally as 'The Pond'.
Ísafjörður
Uncover the natural beauty and history of the remote Westfjords region, where the small town of Ísafjörður nestles on an arm of the fjord of the same name. Ísafjörður thrived as a trading hub from the 16th to 19th centuries due to its large harbour. Wooden 18th-century merchant houses still stand along the harbourfront, including the oldest in Iceland, which now houses a folk museum. Another historic home is now the Maritime Museum, which further attests to Ísafjörður’s close ties to the sea.
Akureyri
Set on Iceland’s longest fjord, Eyjafjordur, the self-titled ‘Capital of the North’ was settled by Vikings in the 9th century. Although just 100 miles south of the Arctic Circle, it is warmed by the Gulf Stream, lending it a relatively moderate climate. This is evident in the Botanic Gardens and the two-month-long annual Arts and Culture Festival’s outdoor summer events. From Akureyri, the splendour of Godafoss Waterfall is within easy reach.
Cruising around Iceland
The island’s unparalleled natural beauty is characterised by glistening waterfalls such as Godafoss Falls near Akureyri, bubbling geysers, and volcanic peaks mirrored in pristine fjords, is possibly the most obvious reason to cruise to Iceland.
But it’s definitely not the only reason, Iceland’s rich cultural heritage and ties to the ancient Vikings can be uncovered in its tiny coastal towns, traditional fishing villages and capital city Reykjavik, which offers a gateway to the natural wonders of the Golden Circle and the mineral-rich waters of the Blue Lagoon.
Iceland cruises venture here for the wildlife too… go in search of humpback whales from Akureyri, discover an array of birdlife on the island of Vigur from Isafjördur or head to Puffin Island, a nesting site for seabirds and home to a colony of seals.
And then there’s the natural phenomena that entice many travels to this part of the world. Cruise to Iceland in the summer months and you will see a landscape bathed in the light of the midnight sun. As the year wears on, the Northern Lights illuminate the dark night skies.
Puffins in Iceland
Just a short boat trip from the small fishing town of Grundafjordur is the island of Melrakkaey, home to large seabird colonies.
The island’s main stars are the puffins, which are best seen from May to August, bobbing on the waves and nesting on the steep cliffs. If you’re lucky, you may catch a glimpse of their young, known as ‘pufflings’.
You can also spot kittiwakes, guillemots, glaucous gulls, shags, cormorants and eider ducks – the origin of eider down. Be sure to bring your binoculars!
In addition to Melrakkaey’s bird life, join conservationists from ORCA on deck to look out for marine mammals, including minke whales, humpback whales, orcas and white-beaked dolphins.
Packing list for Iceland
Contrary to what you may think, temperatures can reach up to 25°C, so if you’re cruising to Iceland in the summer months we recommend packing plenty of layers that you can easily add or remove.
On the other hand, winter can see daytime temperatures fall below zero, so be sure to pack fleeces and jumpers. Whatever the time of year, Iceland’s maritime climate can bring sudden rain showers so it’s always best to bring a waterproof coat, as well as a pair of reliable walking shoes.
Northern Lights in Iceland
If you’re lucky, you may be able to spot the mystical Northern Lights on your cruise. The best time to spot the Northern Lights in Iceland is between April and September, when the nights are longer and darker. In the evening, we recommend taking a warm drink on deck or on to your private balcony, then spend some time looking up! You can also join us in Norway to search for the Northern Lights.
