Crystalline Glaciers, Volcanic Landscapes, and Stunning Waterfalls

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 otherworldly landscape. With its remarkable 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 playful puffins at their breeding grounds, 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. Visitors can explore the local Botanical Gardens and art museum whilst sampling crispy battered fish and chips—the perfect way to experience authentic Icelandic hospitality.

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

Iceland’s nickname, “the land of ice and fire,” refers to the incredible 130 volcanoes and 269 glaciers covering the world’s 18th-largest island. While HBO fans will recognise several filming locations from Game of Thrones, there’s much more to discover. From the cascading waterfalls of the Golden Circle to the volcanic black sand beaches of Vik, Iceland offers experiences unlike anywhere else on Earth. For an immersive experience, cruise lines like Celebrity, Viking, Regent Seven Seas, and Lindblad Expeditions offer extraordinary itineraries. If you’re ready to experience this otherworldly destination, reach out to Extraordinary Adventures today.

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 for a comprehensive Celtic and Nordic adventure
  • 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. The beloved puffins visit their breeding grounds from May to mid-August, offering delightful panoramas of these playful, colourful birds.

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. And even if it’s a bit chilly standing on deck, travellers can warm up in Reykjavik’s world-renowned Blue Lagoon.

Why Book with Cruise Help

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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

The peak cruising season runs from May to September, offering milder weather, extended daylight, and optimal wildlife viewing. May to mid-August is ideal for spotting puffins at their breeding grounds. However, if witnessing the Northern Lights is your priority, consider a winter cruise between October and April when the aurora borealis is most visible. Each season offers unique experiences.
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, Holland America, Princess Cruises, and Norwegian Cruise Line. For a more adventurous experience, expedition lines like Hurtigruten and Lindblad 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. Always check current requirements before travelling.
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. Whilst 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 (May–August), 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. Your cruise may also visit puffin colonies on remote islands.
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 7-14 nights. Circumnavigation itineraries that sail around the entire island usually run 10-12 nights. Many cruises combine Iceland with other destinations like Norway, Greenland, or the British Isles for 12-21 night voyages. Your Extraordinary Adventures cruise advisor can help you find the perfect duration for your interests.

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