Wild Islands of the North Atlantic

Discover Iceland’s modern capital.

Your North Atlantic expedition cruise starts in Iceland’s capital, Reykjavík, packed with art, culture, and history.

If you have time before boarding MS Maud, stroll along Laugavegur, which is lined with boutiques and galleries, and head to the striking Hallgrimskirkja Church or the fascinating Reykjavík Art Museum.

With so much to explore, we recommend arriving early to join one of our Pre-Programs.

Once you board MS Maud, pick up your expedition jacket, check out your cabin, meet the Expedition Team, and enjoy your first delicious dinner as we set sail towards our first stop, Heimaey.

Whales, puffins, and a dramatic volcanic eruption

Heimaey is the only inhabited island in the Westman Islands, off of Iceland’s southern coast. It has a fascinating history involving runaway slaves, murder, revenge, magic, and Barbary pirates. It still bears the scars of a powerful volcanic eruption in 1973 that nearly destroyed the island.

Visit the SEA LIFE Trust Beluga Whale Sanctuary and Puffin Rescue Centre, and meet some of these iconic animals. Be sure to check out the Eldfell volcano, the ‘Fire Mountain.’ It’s well worth the effort to climb to its summit, which offers incredible views of the town below.

Gateway to spectacular Snæfellsnes

Time has stood still at Stykkishólmur, the small fishing town in Breiðafjörður bay. Here, the colorful houses stand in contrast to the distant mountains.

Nearby, you’ll find Snæfellsnes Peninsula National Park, with the 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, visit Djúpalónssandur’s black-sand beach and the Lóndrangar basalt cliffs. Ride a snowcat to the top of the Snæfellsjökull glacier, or take a guided coastal hike on a glacial cave tour.

A stunning beach, waterfalls, and a towering bird cliff

Patreksfjörður is unforgettably beautiful. Learn about the fishing traditions in Europe’s westernmost village.

Explore the surrounding area on a hike through the fjords or visit Rauðasandur beach to see the seals. You can also join a tour to Dynjandi waterfalls. These are six combined falls that comprise the largest and most spectacular in the Westfjords.

Although we’re outside of nesting season, Látrabjarg is still a must-see for bird enthusiasts. Towering at around 1,400 feet and over 8 miles long, the bird cliff is one of Europe’s largest. It is an important nesting site for puffins, northern gannets, guillemots, and razorbills during the summer.

Exploring Northwest Iceland, expedition-style

One of the best things about expedition cruising is the feeling of freedom. We plan to spend the day in Iceland’s Northwestern Region, but as conditions can vary, there’s no pre-set plan. Rest assured, your Captain and Expedition Team will find the best opportunities for adventure.

We may take you ashore in our small boats (RIBs) for a hike or a beach clean-up. Or maybe we’ll launch our kayaks. If we spot a pod of whales as we’re sailing, we may stop to enjoy the sight. Be ready for anything!

Don’t forget that you can also join onboard lectures, visit the Science Center, get tips from our professional photographer, or soak in a hot tub.

See dramatic moonscapes and waterfalls

Gaze at snowcapped peaks as we cruise along Eyjafjörður, Iceland’s longest fjord. It’s one of the best places in Europe to spot humpback whales, white-beaked dolphins, and harbor porpoises. Look out for orcas, blue whales, and fin whales, too.

Iceland’s ‘Northern Capital’, Akureyri, sits at the base of the fjord. Here, you can enjoy the oasis of a botanical garden and visit top-notch eateries and museums.

Further inland, visit the picturesque Goðafoss waterfall, where turquoise waters pound against black rocks. Keep an eye out for eider ducks and harlequin ducks at Lake Mývatn, one of Iceland’s most active volcanic areas.

Immerse yourself in breathtaking vistas and cross the Arctic Circle.

Grímsey is a remote, windswept, and breathtakingly beautiful island home to a wealth of wildlife. It is also steeped in myth and legend.

Grímsey may be best known for its proximity to the Arctic Circle, which cuts across the island – the only part of Iceland to do so. You’ll have the opportunity to step across that line, hopping over to the Arctic and back.

By 2050, Grímsey will lie outside the Arctic, as the Arctic Circle creeps northwards at a rate of about 48 feet per year.

Waterfalls and wildlife in special Seyðisfjörður

At the end of a deep fjord with picturesque mountains and waterfalls lies the quirky village of Seyðisfjörður. Colorful wooden houses line the streets, while the aptly named Rainbow Road offers a vibrant photo opportunity.

Walk to an unusual sound sculpture, Tvisongur, or take a longer hike in the hills above the town. You can also visit Skalanes, a private nature reserve home to reindeer, Arctic fox, and mink. Here, scan the skies for black-tailed godwits, golden-plovers, and gyrfalcons, Europe’s largest falcon.

Explore wild and rugged Eysturoy island

Tiny Runavik is a flourishing town on the Faroe Island of Eysturoy. Hugging the eastern side of Skálafjørður fjord, it’s been a haven for ships for centuries. The Vikings used to dock here, too.

Join the Expedition Team on a kayaking tour of Skálafjørður. At nine miles long, it–s the longest fjord in the Faroe Islands. You can also head off on one of the many hiking routes. You could follow the easy path through the heather-rich moorland around Lake Toftavatn, known for its birdlife. Hike up the nearby hill for astounding views of the surrounding green peaks. Take the opportunity to stretch your legs before we cruise to Streymoy, the largest of the islands.

A visit to Streymoy in the Faroe Islands 

Tórshavn is located on Streymoy, the largest of the Faroe Islands. Founded by Norsemen in the 10th century, Tórshavn (Thor’s Harbour) is one of Northern Europe’s oldest capitals.

Wander along winding cobblestone alleyways and past colorful, turf-roofed houses. In the local museums, you’ll learn about the city’s origins and the flora, fauna, and geology of the Faroe Islands.

Just over a mile north of the town, Svartafoss waterfall tumbles over mossy rocks. And as you walk along the seafront, look out for the Eider Drake and the distinctive Faroese Starling with its beige-tipped wings.

Experience life in the capital of Scotland’s northernmost inhabited isles.

We’ll dock alongside Lerwick, the capital of the Shetland Islands, to explore this friendly, Victorian-influenced fishing town.

Navigate the narrow lanes on foot to discover little shops selling local whiskies, wool sweaters, and fudge. By the old waterfront, you’ll find the Shetland Museum, which highlights the area’s rich history. Nearby, see Fort Charlotte and the regal Town Hall.

The wider island is home to remarkable Iron Age villages and the Croft House Museum, where you’ll learn about the hard life of the local crofters.

Keep your binoculars handy, as you may spot grey and common seals along Lerwick’s beaches, and local birdlife such as Red-throated Divers, redshanks and curlews.

A scenic stop for bird lovers 

Your last stop in the Shetland Islands is remote Fair Isle, known for its birds and knitwear. 

A magnet for birdwatchers and wildlife photographers, the island is home to 27 bird species. It’s a vital stop for migrating seabirds drawn to the red sandstone cliffs, green fields, and moors.

Join a hike along breathtaking clifftop trails with the Expedition Team. Gain fascinating insights into the life and history of the 65-strong island community at the local museum. You can support Fair Islanders by buying genuine Fair Isle knitwear directly from local makers.

If landing isn’t possible, the scenic cruising is just as spectacular.

Enjoy a relaxing day as we cruise toward Edinburgh.

It’s our final day at sea and your expedition cruise is quickly drawing to a close. Make the most of the onboard facilities today before we arrive back in Edinburgh.

You’ll have time to sit back and swap stories of your adventures so far. Keep your eyes peeled on deck for some wonderful marine life and seabirds – you can even relax in the hot tub while you do it. You can still spend time in the Science Center and with the Expedition Team, who are available to answer your questions.

Discover the many charms of the much-loved city of Edinburgh

Your expedition cruise comes to an end as we arrive in Edinburgh. After London, the Scottish capital is the most visited city in the United Kingdom. You’ll soon see why! With streets steeped in history and a thriving cultural scene, Edinburgh offers the perfect balance between traditional and contemporary.

Make sure you spend enough time in Edinburgh to discover everything this fascinating city has to offer. Explore mysterious winding alleys and elegant terraced rows, and check out some of the many shops, bars and restaurants. Get a great view of the city from majestic Edinburgh Castle, where you can see Scotland’s Crown Jewels and the famed Stone of Destiny.