An Iceland cruise is the perfect way to experience the country’s breathtaking landscapes, dramatic fjords, and untouched wilderness. Whether you’re sailing past towering glaciers, spotting puffins and whales, or soaking in a geothermal hot spring, an Icelandic cruise offers unforgettable adventures at every stop.
With options ranging from luxury expeditions to budget-friendly cruises, you can explore Reykjavík, Akureyri, Ísafjörður, and even the remote Westfjords and Arctic Circle. Whether you’re a nature lover, adventure seeker, or photography enthusiast, Iceland’s raw beauty will leave you in awe.
In this ultimate Iceland cruise guide, we’ll cover:
✅ Best cruise routes & itineraries 🚢
✅ Must-visit ports & shore excursions 🏔️
✅ Wildlife spotting & outdoor adventures 🐳
✅ Packing tips & best time to cruise Iceland 🎒
Get ready to set sail on an epic journey through the land of fire and ice!
1. Best Time for an Iceland Cruise ⏳
Iceland’s cruise season runs from May to September, with the best time depending on what you want to experience.
Best Months to Visit Iceland by Cruise
✔️ May – June 🌸 – Long daylight hours, fewer crowds, milder weather.
✔️ July – August ☀️ – Warmest temperatures (50-60°F), best for puffins & whale watching.
✔️ September 🍂 – Fewer tourists, Northern Lights begin to appear.
💡 Tip: If you want to see the Northern Lights, cruise in September or consider a winter Northern Lights cruise.
2. Best Iceland Cruise Routes & Options 🚢
1. Iceland Circumnavigation Cruise (Full Island Tour) 🌍
📍 Route: Reykjavík → Ísafjörður → Akureyri → Seyðisfjörður → Höfn → Vestmannaeyjar → Reykjavík
✔️ Best for: Seeing all of Iceland’s diverse landscapes.
✔️ Cruise Lines: Hurtigruten, Viking, Ponant, Windstar.
2. Iceland & Norwegian Fjords Cruise 🇮🇸🇳🇴
📍 Route: London or Copenhagen → Bergen (Norway) → Reykjavik → Akureyri → Seyðisfjörður
✔️ Best for: Combining Scandinavia’s fjords with Iceland’s volcanic beauty.
✔️ Cruise Lines: Viking, Holland America, MSC, Celebrity.
3. Iceland & Greenland Expedition 🚢❄️
📍 Route: Reykjavík → Ísafjörður → Greenland (Ilulissat, Nuuk, Qaqortoq) → Reykjavík
✔️ Best for: Arctic scenery, glaciers, Inuit culture.
✔️ Cruise Lines: Hurtigruten, Ponant, Silversea Expeditions.
💡 Tip: Choose a small expedition ship if you want off-the-beaten-path experiences in Iceland.
3. Top Icelandic Ports & Must-See Attractions 🏔️
📍 Reykjavík: The Capital City 🏙️
✔️ Hallgrímskirkja Church – Iconic landmark with a city-view tower.
✔️ Blue Lagoon – Relax in the world-famous geothermal spa.
✔️ Golden Circle Tour – See Thingvellir National Park, Gullfoss Waterfall, and Geysir.
📍 Ísafjörður: Gateway to the Westfjords 🌊
✔️ Dynjandi Waterfall – A majestic 100m cascading waterfall.
✔️ Hornstrandir Nature Reserve – A remote hiking paradise.
✔️ Vigur Island – A seabird sanctuary with puffins & Arctic terns.
📍 Akureyri: The Capital of the North ❄️
✔️ Goðafoss (Waterfall of the Gods) – A spectacular horseshoe-shaped waterfall.
✔️ Lake Mývatn – Volcanic landscapes, hot springs, lava fields, and craters.
✔️ Húsavík Whale Watching – The best place in Iceland to see humpback & blue whales.
📍 Seyðisfjörður: A Charming Fjord Town 🌈
✔️ Colorful Wooden Houses – One of the prettiest towns in Iceland.
✔️ Skaftafell Glacier Hike – Walk on an actual glacier!
✔️ Rainbow Street & Blue Church – A picture-perfect postcard view.
📍 Vestmannaeyjar (Westman Islands) 🐧
✔️ Eldfell Volcano Hike – See lava fields from a 1973 eruption.
✔️ Puffin Watching – One of Iceland’s best places to see puffins (May-August).
✔️ Sea Caves & Boat Tours – Explore hidden caves & cliffs by Zodiac boat.
💡 Tip: Book shore excursions early—small-group tours fill up fast!
4. Best Shore Excursions in Iceland 🚀
✔️ Whale Watching (Húsavík or Reykjavík) – Spot humpbacks, orcas & blue whales.
✔️ Golden Circle Tour (from Reykjavík) – See Thingvellir, Gullfoss & Geysir.
✔️ Glacier Hiking (Skaftafell) – Walk on Europe’s largest glacier.
✔️ Puffin Safari (Vestmannaeyjar or Ísafjörður) – Get up close with thousands of puffins.
✔️ Snowmobiling on Langjökull Glacier – Race across Iceland’s second-largest glacier.
✔️ Blue Lagoon or Myvatn Nature Baths – Relax in geothermal hot springs.
💡 Tip: Book local tour operators for better prices than cruise-line excursions.
5. Wildlife to Spot on an Iceland Cruise 🐋🦆
✔️ Whales – Humpback, orca, blue whales (best seen in Húsavík).
✔️ Puffins – Found on puffin cliffs & islands (May-August).
✔️ Arctic Foxes – Spot them in the Westfjords.
✔️ Seals & Dolphins – Common near Reykjavík & Akureyri.
✔️ Reindeer – Found in East Iceland (Seyðisfjörður area).
💡 Tip: Bring binoculars & a zoom camera for the best wildlife viewing.
6. What to Pack for an Iceland Cruise 🎒
✔️ Waterproof jacket & pants – Iceland’s weather changes quickly!
✔️ Warm layers (fleece, thermals, gloves, hat) – Even summer can be cold.
✔️ Sturdy waterproof hiking boots – Many excursions involve walking on rough terrain.
✔️ Swimsuit – For geothermal hot springs & the Blue Lagoon.
✔️ Camera & binoculars – For whale watching & puffin spotting.
💡 Tip: Even in summer, temperatures are chilly (45-60°F / 7-15°C)—pack warm clothes!
FAQs
1. What is the best month for an Iceland cruise?
🚢 July & August offer the best weather & wildlife sightings.
2. Can you see the Northern Lights on an Iceland cruise?
🌌 Yes, but only in September & winter cruises.
3. Are Iceland cruises expensive?
💰 Yes, but booking early & choosing local excursions can save money.
4. What’s the best cruise line for Iceland?
🏆 Hurtigruten & Viking for adventure, Ponant & Silversea for luxury.
5. What wildlife can I see on an Iceland cruise?
🐋 Whales, puffins, Arctic foxes, seals & reindeer.
6. Is seasickness a problem on Iceland cruises?
🌊 North Atlantic waters can be rough—bring motion sickness meds!
7. Can I visit the Blue Lagoon on a cruise?
🛁 Yes! It’s near Reykjavík, perfect for a shore excursion.
8. What currency is used in Iceland?
💰 Icelandic Krona (ISK), but credit cards are widely accepted.
9. Do Iceland cruises stop in Greenland?
❄️ Some expedition cruises include Greenland in their itinerary.
10. Are Iceland cruises kid-friendly?
👨👩👧👦 Yes, but best for kids 8+ due to cold weather & active excursions.