Cruise Overview
Iceland cruise - Elemental Iceland – Circular Saga from Reykjavík
Iceland cruise – Elemental Iceland – Circular Saga from Reykjavík
A saga of old and new
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. As you cruise around the world’s youngest country, you’ll see how geology has shaped the lives of those who live here.
Raw natural beauty
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.
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Practical information you need to know
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Itinerary
We'll help you plan where to go, when to visit and how long to stay
Cosmopolitan Reykjavík
Day 1
Cosmopolitan Reykjavík
Discover Iceland’s modern capital.
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.
Take a stroll along Laugavegur with its boutiques and outdoor shops, or gaze in awe at the striking Hallgrímskirkja
Church, and drop by the fascinating Reykjavík Art Museum.
Your expedition ship awaits you in Reykjavík Harbour. After being welcomed aboard and collecting your complimentary expedition jacket, it’s time to settle into your cabin before enjoying your first dinner on board.
If you have the time, we recommend booking a Pre-Program with us and discovering some of Iceland’s natural highlights before your cruise begins.
Charming Grundarfjörður
Day 2
Charming Grundarfjörður
Gateway to spectacular Snæfellsnes
The majestic Kirkjufell mountain, one of the best-known landmarks of Iceland, rises just two miles west of the small harbor of Grundarfjörður, a quaint fishing town in Breiðafjörður bay.
Nearby lies Snæfellsnes Peninsula National Park, with the striking, ice-capped Snæfellsjökull volcano at the peninsula’s western tip. Its wide array of landscapes has earned it the nickname ‘Little Iceland’.
At the national park, you can visit Djúpalónssandur’s black sand beach and the Saxhóll crater. Or why not ride a snowcat to the top of the Snæfellsjökull glacier or take a guided underground tour along a gigantic lava tube?
Picturesque Isafjörður
Day 3
Picturesque Isafjörður
Explore Westfjords’ beautiful harborside town
Flanked by towering mountains on all sides, Ísafjörður is a nearly perfect natural harbor and an excellent gateway to the Westfjords region. Stroll around to see the architecture, shop for local handicrafts, and see some of the oldest houses in Iceland.
One of these historic 18th-century buildings is home to Westfjords Heritage Museum, where you can learn about the maritime past of this fascinating port. Or if you prefer something more energetic, you could take the steep hike up to Naustahvilft – the Troll’s Throne. You’ll be rewarded for your efforts with a stunning panoramic view at the top.
Akureyri and Goðafoss
Day 4
Akureyri and Goðafoss
See dramatic moonscapes and waterfalls
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.
Iceland’s so-called ‘Northern Capital’, Akureyri, sits at the base of the fjord. Here, you can enjoy a botanical garden oasis and visit local eateries and museums.
A little further on, witness the picturesque Goðafoss waterfall, where turquoise waters pound against black rocks. You’ll witness geology come to life around Lake Mývatn, an active volcanic area and one of the few places to see the Mid-Atlantic Ridge up close.
Húsavík and the Arctic Circle
Day 5
Húsavík and the Arctic Circle
Cross the Arctic Circle and go whale watching
Húsavík is a pleasant small town famous for its whale-watching opportunities, and we’ll be stopping here in the morning. 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.
Húsavík is also regarded as the gateway to many of the highlights of the north, including Jökulsárgljúfur National Park, the waterfall of Dettifoss and the horseshoe-shaped valley of Ásbyrgi, which according to the Icelandic myths, was made by the eight-legged horse of Odin. Later, we will sail along the coast of Grímsey island without landing, cross the Arctic Circle, and continue on to our next destination.
Puffins up close
Day 6
Puffins up close
Explore a place beloved by puffins and elves
Your Iceland cruise continues to the tiny, remote settlement of Bakkagerði. According to folklore, Bakkagerði is inhabited by a large population of local land spirits or elves, known as huldufólk, meaning ‘hidden people’. Walk around town to explore this magical place.
This popular hiking area features lush valleys and gorgeous scenery among colorful rhyolite rocks. In season, the coastal cliffs are home to fulmars, kittiwakes, eiders and puffins. We may also visit the Atlantic puffin colony on Hafnarhólmi, a true gem for nature lovers and wildlife photographers.
Heimaey’s explosive past
Day 7
Heimaey’s explosive past
Discover the town that defied a volcano
Heimaey is the only inhabited island in the Westman Islands, off Iceland’s southern coast. It has a fascinating history and still bears the scars of the powerful volcanic eruption that nearly destroyed the island.
Visit Eldheimar, a museum that features an excavated home frozen in time, and learn more about the eruption and its aftermath. You could also take a hike to find puffins at Stórhöfði, where nearly eight million of them nest every summer. Don’t pass up the chance to climb Mount Eldfell to the volcano’s summit, where you’ll have incredible views of the town below.
Reykjavík and beyond
Day 8
Reykjavík and beyond
Enjoy Reykjavík at your own pace
Your Iceland expedition cruise concludes back in Reykjavík. This is a great chance to see the places you missed when you arrived.
Relaxing with friends in a heittur pottur, or geothermal pool – literally a ‘hot pot’ – is part of Icelandic culture. Before you leave, visit Iceland’s most famous place to do so: the Blue Lagoon. This is one of the true natural wonders of the world. Experience the blend of silica, algae, and minerals in its geothermal waters.
If you want to discover more of Iceland, you can also join our Post-Program before you head home.
What's included
Expedition Cruise
- A stay in a cabin of your choice
- Daily breakfast, lunch, and dinner
- Wine, beer and spirits available at meals and throughout the day and evening (subject to licensing laws; excludes premium drinks)
- All day coffee, tea, and soft drinks
- Meals and takeout available throughout the day during Fredheim restaurant opening hours
- Fine dining in restaurant Lindstrøm included for suite guests
- A complimentary water bottle to refill on board and take home
- A polar expedition jacket, a backpack, or another piece of HX gear
- Professional photos from your trip taken by our onboard photographer
- Complimentary Wi-Fi. Please note that streaming is not supported.
- Use of sauna, hot tubs, pool, fitness room, lounges and more
- Gratuities included. Fantastic service is standard at HX (though if you’d like to leave something extra, it’s always appreciated).
- Range of included activities
Onboard Activities
- In-depth lectures and discussions hosted by experts on the Expedition Team
- Full access to the ship’s Science Center
- The Citizen Science Program allows guests to assist with ongoing scientific research
- An onboard professional photographer will give tips and tricks for taking the best landscape and wildlife photos
- Informal gatherings with the crew for daily briefings
Landing Activities
- Escorted landings with small expedition boats
- Loan of boots, trekking poles and all equipment for activities
- Expedition photographers on hand to assist you
Notes
- All planned activities are subject to weather and ice conditions
- Excursions and activities are subject to change
- Please make sure you meet all entry and boarding requirements
- Depending on your flight times, an additional overnight stay might be needed (not included)
What's not included
International flights
Additional overnight stay(s) may be required due to international flight schedules
Travel protection
Baggage handling
Optional shore excursions with our local partners
Optional small-group activities with our Expedition Team
Optional treatments in the onboard wellness and spa area (only available on MS Fridtjof Nansen)
Special offers
Expedition exclusive cost savings and rare opportunities.
* Certain offers may not be combinable, up to two savings opportunities except where noted otherwise
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