Craving adventure beyond the ordinary? Iceland cruises offer a world unlike any other, where geothermal wonders meet glacial giants and vibrant cultures thrive amidst breathtaking landscapes. Immerse yourself in the spirit of exploration that beckoned Vikings across the icy seas, and discover a land sculpted by fire and ice.
This is just a glimpse of what awaits you on an cruise to Iceland. Read on to learn more about the unforgettable experiences that Iceland has to offer.
Our team of Arctic experts can help you plan the perfect Iceland cruise, tailored to your interests, schedule and budget. Whether you’re seeking an intimate small ship or a larger expedition vessel, we have a variety of options to choose from. We are Icelandic cruise experts with over 20 years experience.
ON THIS PAGE – Cruises to Iceland:
Small Ship Cruises to Iceland
Why Cruise Iceland?
Types of Itineraries
Iceland Cruise Ships
Iceland Ports
Cruising Beyond Ports
Best Time to Take an Iceland Cruise
Getting to Your Cruise
Cruise to Iceland from the US
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Iceland Small Ship Cruises
Small ship cruises, sometimes called Iceland expedition cruises offer an intimate and immersive experience in Iceland. Small ship carry a maximum of 200 passengers and allow for more personalized exploration. Unlike larger cruise ships, these vessels can navigate to remote and secluded areas, providing access to hidden gems that are often off-limits to mainstream tourism.
Discover charming Icelandic towns, explore pristine national parks, and embark on wildlife expeditions in search of whales, puffins, and other fascinating creatures. With expert naturalist guides at your side, you’ll have the opportunity to step off the ship and actively explore Iceland’s breathtaking landscapes up close. Learn more about expedition cruising to learn if its right for you.
Unleash Your Inner Explorer in Iceland
Craving an adventure off the beaten path? Iceland is your answer. This island nation marries stunning landscapes, rich history, and thrilling activities, making it a haven for nature enthusiasts and active travelers alike. Expedition cruises visit popular ports such as Reykjavik and Akuryri combined with fully guided off vessel explorations like hiking, kayaking and small craft excursions right from the ship. What can you expect on cruises from Iceland?
Nature’s Playground: – Small ships explore up close, where big ships can’t. Visit deep fjords and immense cliffs home to bird rookeries and marine mammal hallouts.
- Geothermal Wonders: Soak in rejuvenating hot springs and witness the raw power of volcanic activity.
- Glacial Giants: Explore towering glaciers up close on guided hikes or small craft excursions.
- Wildlife Haven: Spot majestic whales, playful puffins, and other mythical Arctic creatures with the help of expert naturalist guides.
Active Adventures – Hike, kayak and explore by small craft right from the ship in the company of experienced expedition leaders.
- Horseback Riding: Saddle up and explore Iceland’s rugged terrain on a thrilling horseback riding adventure.
- Whale Watching: Embark on a thrilling expedition to witness these magnificent creatures in their natural habitat.
- Aurora Borealis: Chase the elusive Northern Lights and be mesmerized by their ethereal glow. Find northern lights cruises.
A Viking Legacy: Step into the footsteps of legendary explorers like Leif Erikson. Iceland’s rich Viking heritage and history of seafaring make it the perfect destination for those seeking an authentic cruising experience.
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Types of Iceland Cruise Itineraries
Iceland expedition cruises come in three styles. Learn more below or consult with one of our travel experts to find your perfect cruise.
Iceland Circumnavigation cruises
The most comprehensive exploration is a complete cruise around Iceland, also known as a circumnavigation of Iceland. Iceland circumnavigation cruises are 11-12 days and offer an in-depth and up-close exploration with plenty of time for unexpected wildlife, off vessel activities and port stops. Circumnavigation itineraries are the most popular cruises around Iceland.
Short Iceland Cruises
Shorter itineraries are available ranging from 6-8 days. These cruises typically explore the Western half of Iceland. These shorter itineraries appeal to travelers on a budget with limited time. Shorter itineraries can be combined with an Iceland land tour. As our experts about pre and post packages or custom travel arrangements.
Iceland Combined with Greenland or Svalbard
Some Arctic cruises visit Iceland as part of a larger itinerary. These expansive cruises may include Greenland, Spitsbergen or all three, and range from 10-18 days or more. You can even disembark in Iceland from a greater North Pole expedition. Arctic cruises are as diverse as the region and there are small ship cruises for every style and budget.
Iceland Cruise Ships
Expedition cruise ships visiting Iceland are purpose built to explore polar regions in safety and comfort. They feature ice-strengthened hulls, sophisticated navigational equipment and small craft to transport guests ashore in remote locations exploring away from the ship.
Being on an Iceland expedition does not mean you have to sacrifice comfort. Iceland luxury ships offer large suites, some with balconies, gourmet cuisine and five-star service to satisfy the most sophisticated tastes. View the full fleet of Arctic ships.
Icelandic Cruise Ship Ports & Places
On Iceland small ship cruises, you will explore the main cruise ship ports of Reykjavik and Akureyri. But you will also venture farther, experiencing authentic Nordic culture in smaller towns and remote villages. Below are many of the popular ports:
Reykjavik
Reykjavik is Iceland’s largest city and home to about 60% of the entire population. The city is a cultural hub with concerts, art galleries and museums. Icelandic cuisine with European flair and exceptional nightlife are found in trendy restaurants and bars. Highlights include the 210-foot tower at Hallgrimskirkja Cathedral, Whales of Iceland Museum and learning about Nordic culture at the National Museum. Many travelers will include an extra day or two in Reykjavik before or after their cruise.
Akureyri
Akureyri is Iceland’s second largest city and known as the “Capital of the North.” Popular attractions include the church and botanical gardens, horseback riding, whale watching and the Laufas turf houses.
Flatey Island
Flatey Island is a tiny hamlet and historic trading post in Northwestern Iceland. Home to a tiny seasonal population it is regarded by some as one of the best islands in the world to visit.
Husavik
Husavik is the oldest settlement in Iceland, home to the wooden church Húsavíkurkirkja, built in 1907. It’s also known as the whale capital of Iceland with up to 23 species found in nearby waters.
Isafjörður
Isafjörður, meaning fjord of ice, is a historic fishing town in the northwest known for dramatic glacier-carved surroundings, an astonishing wealth of nesting birdlife and the oldest house in Iceland, built in 1734.
Grundarfjördur
Grundarfjördur is a picturesque town in West Iceland situated in the fjord of Breiðafjörður. Photographers from around the world come to capture nearby Mt. Kirkjufell. The town is a microcosm of Iceland with rich nature, spectacular waterfalls, great hiking, abundant birds, whales and marine life.
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Cruising Iceland Beyond Ports
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 while cruising around Iceland.
Westman Islands
The Westman Islands, including Heimaey Island, are located off the south coast of Iceland. Formed by undersea volcanoes, they are among the world’s youngest archipelagos. The newest island was formed by an eruption in 1963.
Latracjarg
Latracjarg is the westernmost point in Iceland with dramatic cliffs that are home to millions of birds including puffins, northern gannets, guillemots and razorbills.
Grimsey Island
Grimsey Island, known as a gem of the Arctic, straddles the Arctic Circle and is the northernmost inhabited island in Iceland. The island and surrounding waters are home to 60 bird species including puffins and arctic terns. Whales, seals, dolphins and other marine life are frequently viewed on Iceland cruises to Grimsey Island.
Blue Lagoon
The Blue Lagoon is a geothermal pool with striking milky blue water and has become one of Iceland’s top attractions. The water is a perfect bathing temperature of 102 degrees Fahrenheit year round.
Vatnajökull Icecap
The Vatnajökull Icecap, located near Djúpivogur, is the largest ice field in Iceland and boasts over 30 outlet glaciers. The region is a wonderland of mountains, valleys, glaciers, rivers and waterfalls.
Best Time to Take an Iceland Cruise
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 (learn more about Iceland northern lights cruises). Hiking and wildlife are most active in mid-summer: June through August. Most Icelandic cruises operate during the summer months of June through August.
Get to Your Iceland Cruise
Most small ship cruises to Iceland begin in Reykjavik, the world’s northernmost capital city. Reykjavik also serves as an embarkation point for Arctic cruises exploring beyond Iceland to Greenland, Svalbard and the Arctic Circle. Some cruises begin in other Arctic ports, then proceed to Iceland as part of a larger itinerary.
Because Iceland is an island nation, the best way to get to your cruise is to fly. Virtually all flights arrive at Keflavík International Airport, about 31 miles from Reykjavik. Flights from the U.S. and Canada are 5-6 hours while flights from Europe are 3-4 hours, making cruises from Iceland quite accessible. Most Iceland cruise packages will include the airport transfers to/from the airport.
Iceland Cruises from USA
You will find a handful of big ships advertising cruises that go to Iceland from the United States. However keep in mind that it will take 3-5 days at sea to cruise to Iceland from the USA. And remember that large cruise ships are restricted to a few select ports that can handle large numbers of tourists. These ships will cruise at night and visit port during the day, missing important explorations of nature and wildlife. No off vessel activities are offered aboard big ships.
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Best Iceland Cruises 2025 & 2026
Start your cruise search below, using the date and price filters to narrow down your search. Cruises in Iceland book early so plan at least nine months in advance for the best selection of itinerary, ship and cabin. There are more Icelandic cruise options than ever. Let our experts help you find the best Iceland cruise at the lowest price. Contact us for a personalized recommendation and a free quote.
