Iceland Expedition — FAQs

What type of clothing should I pack for Iceland?

Iceland's weather is famously mercurial - sunshine, rain, and wind can arrive in the same hour, so layering is your greatest ally. We recommend packing a moisture-wicking base layer, a warm mid-layer such as a fleece or down gilet, and a waterproof outer shell for both your upper and lower body. Temperatures can feel significantly colder when you're out on deck or stepping ashore, so err on the side of warmth.

Will I receive an expedition jacket onboard?

Yes - your HX expedition jacket is waiting for you onboard the ship. You won't receive it at a pre-voyage hotel; it's presented to you once you've embarked. Our current jackets are a striking dark navy blue, so if you're a returning HX traveller with a red or yellow jacket from a previous expedition, you'll have the choice of taking the new one or using your existing one - entirely up to you. The jackets make an excellent windproof outer layer but don't contain insulated padding, so layering underneath is essential in cooler conditions.

Do the jackets come in women's sizes?

Our expedition jackets are unisex in fit. We suggest sizing up if you'd like room for a thicker mid-layer underneath. If the size you're allocated doesn't feel quite right, you can swap it onboard until you find the fit that works best for you - our Expedition Team will be happy to help.

Do I need waterproof trousers?

Yes, we highly recommend packing waterproof trousers. You'll be transferring between ship and shore via small boats, where sea spray and occasional splashes are part of the adventure. Waterproof over-trousers will keep you comfortable and dry on those transfers and during landings. They don't need to be heavy-duty polar gear - a lightweight, packable pair works perfectly.

What footwear should I pack?

We recommend sturdy, waterproof walking boots with good ankle support. Iceland's terrain ranges from grassy coastal paths and volcanic lava fields to black sand beaches and uneven harbour-side tracks - solid footwear will serve you well across all of them. Unlike our polar expeditions, Iceland does not typically involve wet landings (where you step directly into shallow water), so rubber Wellington-style boots are not automatically issued. That said, rubber boots are available to borrow onboard on request if you feel you need them.

Are walking poles available to use?

Yes - walking poles are provided before each landing for guests who would like them. You're also welcome to bring your own if you prefer.

Will I need a waterproof bag?

We recommend bringing a small waterproof bag of around 20 litres for Zodiac transfers and shore landings - this will keep cameras, binoculars, extra layers, and personal items protected from sea spray. A sturdy dry bag or an orange-style waterproof rucksack liner works well.

Should I bring binoculars?

Absolutely. A pair of binoculars will transform your experience - from scanning sea cliffs for nesting puffins and gannets to spotting humpback whales surfacing off the bow. A compact 8x42 or 10x42 pair strikes the ideal balance between power and portability. A spotting scope can be worth bringing if you're a keen birder, though binoculars will cover most wildlife-watching moments beautifully.

Can I bring a drone?

Drones are not permitted onboard our ships. This policy protects both the wildlife we visit and the safety of fellow guests and crew.

Is there a packing list available?

Yes - a full packing list is included with your pre-departure Expedition Itinerary, which you'll typically receive around 40-30 days before your voyage.

What activities are included in my Iceland expedition?

Your voyage includes a rich programme of immersive activities led by our onboard Expedition Team - specialists in everything from marine biology and geology to Nordic history and photography. Expect guided nature landings in remote fjords, Zodiac cruises along dramatic sea-cliff coastlines, hikes through lava fields and wildflower meadows, onboard science activities, and expert lectures each evening that bring the landscapes you've explored during the day vividly to life.

Are there optional excursions available to pre-book?

Yes - a selection of optional excursions is available to pre-book before your voyage, and additional options may be offered onboard depending on conditions and availability. You can browse the full catalogue here. To book, please login in to your Manage My Booking account.

How many optional excursions should I book per day?

We advise booking no more than one optional excursion per port of call, in addition to your included activities. On certain days, included and optional excursions may overlap in timing - our Expedition Team will give you precise scheduling information once onboard.

Do I need to pre-book included excursions?

No, you'll have the opportunity to sign up onboard once you've settled in and met the Expedition Team.

How do I register for kayaking?

Kayaking is registered and booked onboard once you've embarked. Our Expedition Team will brief you on conditions and availability early in the voyage - spots tend to fill quickly, so we'd encourage you to sign up as soon as it opens.

How much time is spent sailing between ports?

The itinerary is thoughtfully designed so that most of the sailing between ports takes place overnight - you arrive at each new destination in the morning and depart in the evening, meaning your days are filled with exploration rather than transit. There may be occasional exceptions depending on your specific itinerary.

Will there be landings on remote islands like Grímsey?

Landings at specific locations such as Grímsey - Iceland's only inhabited island straddling the Arctic Circle - depend on your voyage itinerary and prevailing conditions. Our Expedition Team makes every effort to deliver all planned landings, and any changes are always communicated clearly with full context. Grímsey, should you cross it, rewards with dramatic birdlife and the quiet thrill of stepping across the Arctic Circle itself.

What time does the ship depart on the first day?

Our planned departure time from Reykjavík is 20:00. The ship departs from Miðbakki Cruise Terminal, 101 Reykjavík. Your exact embarkation time (when you board the ship) will be confirmed in your travel documents approximately 30 days before departure - typically embarkation runs in the early-to-mid afternoon before the evening sailing.

Do I need a visa to travel to Iceland?

Iceland is a member of the Schengen Area, so citizens of EU and EEA countries, the UK, the US, Canada, and Australia do not require a visa for short stays. We always recommend travelling on a full passport rather than a national ID card where possible. For the most up-to-date entry requirements for your nationality, please check your government's official travel advisory website before departure — for Canadian guests, travel.gc.ca is an excellent starting point.

Is a hotel included on the night before the voyage?

A pre-voyage hotel night in Reykjavík is not included in the standard sailing package by default, but it can be added as an optional extra. If you'd like to arrive a day early and explore Iceland's vibrant capital - stroll the rainbow-coloured rooftops of the old harbour, warm up in a geothermal pool, or discover the city's world-class food scene - please contact our Guest Experience team to arrange this.

If I book a pre-voyage programme, will I be transferred to the ship?

Yes - if you've booked a pre-voyage programme with HX (such as a Reykjavík pre-tour extension), a transfer from your hotel to the ship on the day of embarkation is included as part of that package.

How do I arrange an airport transfer?

Airport transfer arrangements depend on the specific package you've booked. Please contact our team directly or email us for personalised details - we'll make sure you know exactly where to go and when.

Will I receive a pre-departure email and travel documents?

Yes - your full Expedition Itinerary, including embarkation details, packing list, and pre-departure information, is typically sent around 30 days before your voyage. If you've not received it with two weeks to go, please contact our team directly and we'll ensure you have everything you need. This is sent to subject to certain criteria - you’ve paid your balance and completed your Ship Manifest Information Form (SMIF).

What is the Wi-Fi like onboard?

Wi-Fi is available onboard, though connection speeds and reliability can vary depending on the ship's location and satellite coverage - particularly in more remote areas of Iceland's coastline and fjords. Bandwidth-intensive activities such as uploading or downloading large files to cloud services may be limited.

What is the food like onboard?

Our ships feature restaurant-quality dining that celebrates the flavours of the destinations we explore. Expect fresh, carefully prepared meals with Nordic influences, a broad selection to suit different tastes, and attentive service from our onboard hospitality team. Dietary requirements - from vegetarian and vegan to gluten-free and allergen-specific needs - are handled with care; please notify us at the time of booking so we can ensure everything is in place before you board.

Is a lanyard provided for my cabin key card?

Yes - a lanyard for your cabin key card is provided once you're onboard. It's worth keeping it around your neck when you're out on deck or on a landing.

Are there exercise facilities onboard?

Our ships include a fitness area for guests who like to keep active between landings. There's also no shortage of natural exercise.

Is there a ship's library?

Yes - our onboard library carries a curated selection of books on Icelandic history, Norse mythology, natural history, and literature that you're welcome to borrow throughout the voyage. If you'd like to do some reading before you depart, we'd recommend picking up The Sagas of the Icelanders - one of the most immersive introductions to Iceland's extraordinary storytelling tradition.

Is travel insurance required?

Comprehensive travel insurance is strongly recommended for all HX expedition guests. Given the remote nature of our itineraries, insurance should cover medical evacuation, trip cancellation, and personal liability. Please ensure your policy is in place and the details are registered with us before you travel.

What medical facilities are available onboard?

Our ships carry experienced medical staff and are equipped with onboard medical facilities to handle a range of health situations. For specific medical queries - particularly regarding existing conditions or required medications - please contact our Guest Experience team ahead of departure so we can ensure we're fully prepared to support you.

How can I connect with other guests before the voyage?

We warmly encourage you to join HX Insiders on Facebook - a community of expedition travellers where you can find fellow guests booked on Iceland sailings, share anticipation, swap packing tips, and arrive onboard already feeling part of the crew. Stories from past voyages, wildlife sightings, and photography shared there will only deepen your excitement for what's ahead.

What is the onboard social atmosphere like?

Expedition voyages attract curious, adventurous people from all walks of life - from solo travellers and couples to families and groups of friends. The shared experience of standing on the bow as a humpback breaches, or gathering in the lounge after a long day of exploration, creates a warmth and camaraderie that guests consistently tell us is one of the most unexpected and treasured parts of the journey. Stories like these are common: "I came alone and left with friends I'll keep for life."

What evening entertainment is available?

Each evening, our Expedition Team delivers expert talks and presentations drawing on the day's experiences - whether that's a deep dive into Icelandic geology, a guide to the Norse sagas, or a naturalist's exploration of the birdlife you've encountered. These sessions are genuinely illuminating, not just informative. Beyond the lectures, there's the lounge, the bar, fellow travellers to swap stories with.

What wildlife can I expect to see in Iceland?

Iceland is one of Europe's great wildlife destinations, and your expedition puts you right in the heart of it. Humpback whales and minke whales are frequently spotted off the north coast, and dedicated whale-watching excursions in Húsavík - Iceland's whale-watching capital - offer the chance to encounter these animals up close. Puffins nest in their thousands on sea cliffs and grassy slopes throughout the summer months (typically May to August), and spotting them in their slightly comical, paint-billed glory is an absolute delight. White-tailed eagles, Arctic terns, gannets, razorbills, and fulmars are regular companions. On land, keep your eyes open for Arctic foxes - Iceland's only native land mammal - as well as the wild-roaming Icelandic horses that have galloped these lava fields for over a thousand years.

What is the weather like in Iceland?

Iceland earns its reputation for unpredictability - conditions can shift from sunshine to squalls within an hour, even in summer. Average temperatures along the coast in the expedition season range from around 5–13°C, though wind chill can make it feel considerably colder, particularly on deck or during exposed landings. Layering is essential. Rain is possible at any time of year, which is precisely why waterproof outer layers are non-negotiable.

When is the best time to see the Northern Lights?

The aurora borealis is one of Iceland's most magnetic draws - and in good conditions, that curtain of green-and-violet light rippling across a star-filled sky is truly humbling. To have the best chance of witnessing it, you'll need darkness: the aurora season runs approximately from mid-September through to late March, when Iceland experiences enough night sky to allow sightings. Guests travelling in May or June will be sailing under Iceland's legendary midnight sun instead - 24-hour daylight that casts the landscape in an extraordinary golden glow and offers unparalleled photography conditions, but does mean the aurora is not visible.

Are there insects to worry about in Iceland?

Good news - Iceland is notably free of the biting midges that plague visitors to Scotland and Scandinavia. There are no mosquitoes and no significant insect nuisances. The summer months bring some small flies in certain inland areas, but nothing that should concern you on a coastal expedition. Pack your repellent if you're planning any inland self-guided exploration, but on the whole, this is one less thing to worry about.