Thinking of visiting Iceland by cruise? You’re in for something truly special. Whether Reykjavík is just one stop or a highlight of your itinerary, stepping ashore in Iceland feels like entering a land of fire and ice, where waterfalls tumble over mossy cliffs, geysers erupt from the ground, and glaciers meet black sand beaches.
Even if you only have a few hours, our Iceland cruise excursions are designed to turn your stopover into an unforgettable experience.
Which Cruise Lines Stop in Iceland?
Every year, more cruise lines are including Iceland in their Arctic and North Atlantic itineraries. Here are some of the most frequent visitors:
- Royal Caribbean: It often includes Reykjavík, Akureyri, and Ísafjörður on its Arctic and Northern Europe routes.
- Celebrity Cruises: Offers Iceland-focused itineraries that may include overnight stays in Reykjavík.
- Holland America Line: Stops in multiple ports like Reykjavík, Ísafjörður, and Seyðisfjörður during longer voyages to Greenland, the British Isles, or Norway.
- Norwegian Cruise Line (NCL): Features Iceland in Northern Europe and transatlantic repositioning cruises.
- Viking Cruises: Offers luxury small-ship cruises with deep cultural immersion and stops at several Icelandic ports.
- Oceania Cruises: Known for elegant, smaller ships and in-depth regional itineraries with extended port visits.
- Ponant, Silversea, and Seabourn: These luxury expedition lines often include Iceland on Arctic or nature-focused routes, combining it with Greenland and the Faroe Islands.
- MSC Cruises and Cunard: Occasionally include Iceland as part of grand voyages across the Atlantic or Northern Europe.
Port stops can vary from year to year, so it’s always best to check your cruise itinerary or contact the cruise line directly.
Main Cruise Ports in Iceland
Most cruise ships dock at one or more of the following ports:
- Reykjavík: Iceland’s capital and most common cruise stop, offering easy access to the famous Golden Circle, geothermal spas, and the city’s vibrant culture.
- Akureyri: The gateway to the north, close to Lake Mývatn, stunning waterfalls, and volcanic landscapes.
- Ísafjörður: A charming town in the Westfjords, known for dramatic fjords, remote beauty, and cultural heritage.
- Seyðisfjörður: A picturesque village in the Eastfjords with colourful wooden houses and a unique creative atmosphere.
Maximise Your Time Ashore
Cruise travellers often have limited time, but with the right guide, even a short stop becomes memorable. That’s where we come in. At EastWest, we specialise in small group tours designed to fit cruise ship schedules while showcasing the very best of Iceland.
If you have a late departure or an overnight stay, we also offer regular full-day tours from Reykjavík to help you experience even more:
- Golden Circle: Thingvellir, Geysir, Gullfoss, Efsti Dalur, Friðheimar Tomato farm and Kerið.
- South Coast Adventure: Waterfalls, black sand beaches, and lava landscapes.
- Snæfellsnes Highlights: For passengers with a full day in port, this peninsula is like a mini-Iceland.
- Northern Lights Evenings (for overnight stops in Reykjavík in autumn): Hot chocolate, kleinas, and magical skies.
However, our most popular experience for cruise passengers is our Golden Circle from the Port tour, the ideal way to explore Iceland’s top sights without stress.
Why it’s perfect for cruise travelers:
- Worry-Free Booking: If your ship doesn’t dock due to weather or schedule changes, you can cancel the tour at no cost. No questions asked.
- Timely Pick-Up: We meet you right at the port and ensure you’re back well before departure. If your ship arrives late, we adjust the tour departure accordingly so you never miss your experience.
- The Highlights You Don’t Want to Miss: Thingvellir National Park, Geysir, Gullfoss waterfall, and the volcanic crater Kerið.
- Small Group Comfort: Travel in a comfortable minibus with no more than 19 guests and plenty of time at each stop.
Advantages & Quick tips
Visiting Iceland by cruise ship offers a perfect combination of adventure and comfort. Some advantages why you should consider this option include:
- Access to remote places: Many of Iceland’s most striking areas, such as are only accessible by sea. For example: the West Fjords or some volcanic islands.
- Wildlife encounters: Humpback whales, puffins and seals are just some of the species you will be able to spot on a cruise.
- Comfort without logistic problems: No need to worry about driving on complex roads or constantly changing accommodations.
- Guided experience: On board you will have experts in geology, biology and polar exploration. This specialised information will enrich your trip.
It is worth remembering some tips for the cruiser in Iceland:
- Appropriate clothing: In regards to the things to bring to Iceland in your suitcase, check the packing guide in the previous link. Above all, remember to dress layered, waterproof and comfortable thermal clothing suitable for excursions.
- Physical condition: While most of the hikes are accessible, some require more demanding hikes. Check the difficulty level of the scheduled activities.
- Book in advance: Cruises usually have limited spaces and can sell out quickly.
- Photographic equipment: We must not forget a good phone or camera to capture the beauty of the landscapes that await you
We recommend you also take a look at our posts on Traveller safety in Iceland, Best time to visit Iceland and Travel documents for visiting Iceland.
Contact Us
If you’re arriving by cruise and want to make the most of your visit, get in touch with us. We’ll help you choose your best alternative for the day.
We can also arrange private, tailor-made tours for cruise passengers, designed around your schedule and preferences, whether you want to soak in a hot spring, walk on a glacier, or simply enjoy the peaceful Icelandic countryside.
