Iceland Cruise Vacations: The Land of Ice and Fire

Welcome to the land of ice and fire – where 130 volcanoes meet 269 glaciers. Iceland cruises offer otherworldly landscapes, the dancing Northern Lights, and the magical midnight sun.

Cruise the Icelandic Fjords

Iceland cruises are the perfect way to explore this extraordinary landscape. With its dramatic rise in tourism, Iceland has emerged as a sought-after cruise destination known for its dynamic volcanic terrain, culinary innovation, and friendly, welcoming locals. Today, virtually every major cruise line offers Iceland cruises, from expedition-style trips through the Arctic Circle to luxurious award-winning packages.

130 Volcanoes

Experience Iceland’s legendary volcanic landscape, from steaming geothermal fields to dramatic lava formations.

269 Glaciers

Sail past crystalline glaciers and towering ice formations that have carved Iceland’s dramatic fjords over millennia.

Incredible Wildlife

Spot colonies of colorful puffins along the cliffs, watch whales breach in the fjords, and discover Arctic wildlife up close.

Northern Lights

Winter cruises offer incomparable views of the aurora borealis dancing across the Arctic sky – truly unforgettable.

Popular Ports of Call

Iceland’s island geography means cruises offer a unique opportunity to explore from all angles. With striking black sand beaches and awe-inspiring landscapes, Iceland beckons you ashore via numerous ports of call.

Reykjavik

Iceland’s capital city embraces a vibrant, diverse community. Reykjavik has become a dynamic global destination with its familiar rainbow streets, world-class restaurants, and surprisingly active nightlife. Don’t miss the chance to warm up in the world-renowned Blue Lagoon, a geothermal spa surrounded by stunning lava fields.

Akureyri

Resting at the base of the Eyjafjörður Fjord in Northern Iceland, Akureyri offers staggering vistas of the fjord cliffs and superb whale watching year-round. The nearby town of Húsavík (pictured) is Iceland’s whale-watching capital. Visitors can explore Akureyri’s Botanical Gardens and art museum while savoring hearty Icelandic lamb stew or fresh-caught seafood soup at a local café.

Our Iceland cruise travel advisors will show you where to begin.

Iceland’s nickname, “the land of ice and fire,” perfectly captures the dramatic contrasts of Europe’s second-largest island. From glacier hikes across ancient ice fields to whale watching in pristine fjords, Iceland delivers an experience unlike anywhere else on Earth. From the cascading waterfalls of the Golden Circle to the volcanic black sand beaches of Vik, this is a destination that rewards every type of traveler. Cruise lines like Celebrity, Viking, Regent Seven Seas, Silversea Expeditions, and Hurtigruten offer extraordinary itineraries tailored to different styles of exploration. If you’re ready to experience this spectacular destination, reach out to Extraordinary Adventures today for a complimentary consultation. Our cruise advisory service costs you nothing – we’re compensated by our cruise line partners, not by you.

Extended Itineraries

For those who prefer to extend their Iceland cruise, several cruise lines offer bundled packages that include other Northern destinations.

  • Scandinavia – Departures from Copenhagen with stops in Norway and the stunning Norwegian fjords
  • British Isles – Combine Iceland with Scotland and Ireland, weaving together Celtic heritage and Nordic wilderness in a single voyage
  • Greenland – Continue to the world’s largest island for glaciers and Inuit culture
  • Arctic Exploration – Expedition cruises continuing to Svalbard for the ultimate Arctic experience

Find your specialty cruise today!

We’ll help find the perfect specialty cruise—whether you’re crossing oceans, transiting canals, or exploring the ends of the Earth.

Our specialty cruise advisors will ensure your voyage is everything you dreamed.

Rarely will any of us make it to these extraordinary places more than once. So, if you’re going to do it at all, you should do it right. Let the experts at Extraordinary Adventures ensure that your voyage to these remote destinations is everything you dreamed it would be.

They don’t call us Extraordinary Adventures for nothing, you know.

Best Time to Visit Iceland

Peak Season (May – September): The summer months offer the most popular cruising conditions with milder weather, extended daylight hours (including the famous midnight sun), and optimal wildlife viewing. Puffins nest along the coastal cliffs from May to mid-August, and whale sightings are frequent throughout the summer months.

Winter Season (October – April): For those who value a more spectacular (if somewhat colder) travel experience, winter cruises provide an incomparable view of the Northern Lights. The aurora borealis dancing across Arctic skies creates memories that last a lifetime. Even if temperatures dip on deck, travelers can warm up in Reykjavik’s famous geothermal spas and hot springs.

Why Book with Extraordinary Adventures

Expert Advisors

Specialty cruise specialists who understand the unique requirements of expedition and world voyages.

Exclusive Perks

Access to special deals, onboard credits, and amenities not available when booking direct.

Personalised Planning

Custom recommendations for ships, itineraries, and cabin selection on complex voyages.

Full Support

Assistance from booking through disembarkation and beyond—we’re with you every step.

Iceland Cruise FAQs

It depends on what you want to experience. Summer means midnight sun and prime wildlife viewing; winter opens the door to the aurora borealis. For a detailed breakdown of what each season offers, see the Best Time to Visit section above.
Pack layers! Iceland’s weather can change quickly. Essentials include waterproof outerwear, warm fleece or wool layers, comfortable walking shoes with good grip, binoculars for wildlife watching, and a quality camera for capturing the stunning landscapes. Don’t forget swimwear for the geothermal pools like the Blue Lagoon, and a warm hat and gloves even in summer.
Virtually every major cruise line now offers Iceland itineraries. Popular options include Celebrity Cruises, Viking Ocean Cruises, Regent Seven Seas, Princess Cruises, and Norwegian Cruise Line. For a more adventurous experience, expedition lines like Hurtigruten and Quark Expeditions offer Arctic Circle voyages. Our advisors will match you with the perfect cruise line.
Yes, U.S. citizens need a valid passport to travel to Iceland. Your passport should be valid for at least six months beyond your planned return date. Iceland is part of the Schengen Area, so no visa is required for U.S. citizens staying less than 90 days. Requirements may change, so always verify the latest entry requirements with the U.S. State Department before traveling.
Yes! Winter cruises (October through April) offer the best opportunities to witness the aurora borealis. The ship’s deck provides an excellent vantage point away from light pollution. Many cruise lines offer Northern Lights alerts to wake passengers when conditions are optimal for viewing. While sightings can never be guaranteed, Iceland is one of the best places on Earth to see them.
Iceland offers incredible wildlife viewing opportunities. Look for Atlantic puffins nesting along sea cliffs during summer, humpback and minke whales, orcas, dolphins, Arctic foxes, and numerous seabird species. The waters around Akureyri and Húsavík are particularly renowned for whale watching year-round. Some itineraries also visit remote islands where seabird colonies thrive.
Popular Iceland shore excursions include the Golden Circle tour (Thingvellir, Geysir, Gullfoss waterfall), Blue Lagoon geothermal spa, whale watching from Akureyri or Reykjavik, glacier hiking, visiting dramatic waterfalls like Skógafoss and Seljalandsfoss, exploring volcanic landscapes, and seeing the famous black sand beaches of Vik. Many cruises also offer Northern Lights tours in winter.
Iceland cruises typically range from 7 to 14 nights. Circumnavigation itineraries that sail around the entire island usually run 10 to 12 nights. Many cruises combine Iceland with other destinations like Norway, Greenland, or the British Isles for voyages ranging from 12 to 21 nights. Your Extraordinary Adventures cruise advisor can help you find the perfect duration for your interests.

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