Iceland is a popular tourist destination among both Europeans and people from around the world. It's one of the most northerly islands on the planet. This little island inhabits 365.000 people and has an amazing nature to explore. So an Iceland Cruise gives you a totally different perspective.
The country is known as “The Land of Fire and Ice” thanks to its unique mix of geological extremes. It has some of the most active volcanoes in the world and many of Europe’s largest glaciers and waterfalls.
There aren’t many places left in the world where you can see puffins. But you’ll struggle to miss them on your Iceland holiday. Be sure to grab the many puffin-themed souvenirs sold just about everywhere.
But perhaps the thing that attracts the most people to Iceland every year are the Northern Lights. These majestic ribbons of light dance across the winter skies in Iceland. There really is no comparison to them anywhere else in the world.
While there are plenty of ways to see Iceland, such as flying to Reykjavik and taking tours to the various sights or renting a car and getting around the country on your own.
Taking an Iceland cruise to and around the country offers a completely different experience. That will give you a trip you’ll never forget. In fact, The Telegraph newspaper described it as “the world’s most dramatic cruise destination”.
Many Iceland Cruise Options
There are many different options for taking a cruise to and around Iceland, each offering different lengths and itineraries.
It is possible to take a cruise to Iceland from various destinations around Europe. Places including Liverpool, Edinburgh, Dover, Rotterdam, Amsterdam, and Grainger.
Not only that, but you also have the opportunity to combine multiple breathtaking destinations in one. Combined tours of the picturesque Norwegian Fjords and Iceland will give you the wonders that both countries have to offer.
Alternatively, a cruise that combines Reykjavik and Greenland is an option. That will give you a contrasts of city life and beautiful remote villages and settlements.
If you are really adventurous, you can combine your trip to Iceland with a cruise into the arctic. Cruise ships will take passengers to Longyearbyen, a settlement in the Norwegian administered part of an Arctic archipelago.
But if it’s only Iceland Cruise that is on the menu. Then take a multi-day cruise circumnavigating the country is the way to go. You’ll explore the country’s picturesque nature and wildlife while also getting to immerse yourself in the hustle and bustle of the country’s capital. A great Iceland Holiday experience.
Benefits of a Cruise in Iceland
While having a car to drive around the country is a great way to see things at your own pace. But if you’re driving you miss lots of your surroundings since you’re concentrating on the roads. In contrast, a cruise will give you the opportunity to relax and unwind as you gently sail along the coast. Giving you a totally different perspective of the country’s beauty.
Cruise passengers can also enjoy an incredibly wide selection of entertainment. From outdoor pools on the deck to cinema screens, live music, saunas, and gyms.
There’s no need to take books with you to read during your downtime. Most ships come with their own library, with a broad selection of fiction and non-fiction titles to choose from.
Cruises also provide their guests with a plethora of dining options. Giving you freshly prepared meals from a range of different cuisines throughout the day. Combining dinner with the sun setting over the coast of Iceland is an experience like no other.
You can also fit more into your trip too as the ship will keep moving while you sleep, meaning you’ll wake up every day at your destination. That way, you can dedicate more of your day to exploring the magic of Iceland Cruise.
What You Can See Cruising Iceland Coast line
Being on the water means you’ll get the opportunity to see more of Iceland’s nature. Whales are regularly seen off the coast of the country, so you will likely see these giant sea mammals splashing about in the water as you sail along.
The best spot to see whales is off the coast of Húsavík. Located in a bay off the northern coast of the country. While you’re here, you’ll also spot some traditional wooden Icelandic houses and even churches. That can be seen towering over the rest of the buildings by the docs.
One of the first things you’ll see is Elliðaey Island, a beautiful island off the south coast of the country, and Eyjafjallajökull Volcano, a 6,566-foot active volcano. It was actually this very volcano that erupted in 2010 that caused huge amounts of disruption to air travel for several weeks afterwards.
You’ll also see Elephant Rock, a natural formation that is said to have first appeared in the 1970s after the Eldfell Volcano erupted on Heimaey Island. The lava has cooled in such a way that it looks like an elephant dipping its trunk into the water. The only way to view this is from the water, making a cruise the perfect option to catch a glimpse.
Reykjavik Sightseeing
Being on a cruise doesn’t mean you have to miss out on enjoying the sites and sounds of the Icelandic capital. Most cruises will stop for at least one day in the city, giving passengers plenty of time to explore its many wonders.
From the Althing, the oldest parliament in the world to the Nautholsvik Geothermal Beach, a sandy beach and geothermal lagoon; the city will keep you busy the whole time your ship is docked there.
So the next time you’re considering a trip to Iceland, why not see it from a cruise. You’ll get to look at the country from a whole different angle while enjoying top-class facilities onboard your ship.