Which Cruise Lines Offer Trips to Iceland?

AvatarByFrancis Mortimer General Cruise Queries

Iceland’s dramatic landscapes, from towering glaciers to bubbling geothermal springs, have made it one of the most sought-after destinations for adventurous travelers. For those looking to explore this Nordic island nation with ease and comfort, cruising offers a unique and immersive way to experience its natural wonders. But with so many options available, a common question arises: what cruise lines go to Iceland?

Cruise lines that include Iceland in their itineraries often provide a blend of scenic voyages and culturally rich shore excursions, allowing passengers to witness the country’s rugged beauty up close. Whether you’re drawn to the chance to see the Northern Lights, explore quaint fishing villages, or hike across volcanic terrain, these cruises open the door to unforgettable experiences. The variety of cruise operators catering to Iceland means travelers can find options that suit different tastes, budgets, and travel styles.

As you delve deeper into the world of Icelandic cruises, you’ll discover how various cruise lines tailor their journeys to highlight the island’s unique charm. From luxury liners to expedition vessels, each offers a distinct way to explore Iceland’s captivating coastline and beyond. This guide will help you navigate the options and find the perfect cruise line to embark on your Icelandic adventure.

Cruise Lines Offering Itineraries to Iceland

Several major cruise lines feature Iceland as a highlight on their North Atlantic and Arctic itineraries. These companies offer a range of experiences, from luxurious expedition cruises to larger ocean liners with extensive onboard amenities. Selecting the right cruise line depends on preferences such as ship size, itinerary focus, and onshore excursions.

Luxury and expedition-focused cruise lines often emphasize Iceland’s unique natural landscapes, including volcanic terrain, glaciers, and geothermal springs. These cruises frequently include expert-led shore excursions, such as hiking, wildlife spotting, and visits to remote villages.

Larger mainstream cruise lines tend to include Iceland as part of broader Northern Europe or Atlantic crossings, with port calls in Reykjavik, Akureyri, and other key Icelandic locations. These ships offer a wide variety of onboard activities and entertainment, appealing to travelers seeking a balance of adventure and comfort.

Popular Cruise Lines That Visit Iceland

  • Norwegian Cruise Line (NCL): Offers seasonal cruises to Iceland, often as part of a North Atlantic or Greenland itinerary. Their ships provide a balance of casual dining and entertainment options.
  • Royal Caribbean International: Includes Iceland in several Northern Europe and Arctic routes, with larger ships featuring extensive amenities.
  • Hurtigruten Expeditions: Specializes in expedition cruises, focusing on Iceland’s natural beauty and outdoor experiences, with small to mid-sized ships.
  • Viking Ocean Cruises: Known for culturally immersive itineraries, Viking offers voyages that explore Iceland’s history and landscapes in depth.
  • Silversea Cruises: Provides luxury expedition cruises to Iceland with an emphasis on personalized service and small-group excursions.
  • Celebrity Cruises: Features itineraries with Icelandic ports of call combined with Greenland and other North Atlantic destinations.
  • Ponant: A French luxury expedition cruise line offering intimate, environmentally responsible voyages around Iceland’s rugged coastline.

Comparison of Cruise Lines Visiting Iceland

Cruise Line Ship Size Itinerary Focus Onboard Experience Typical Season
Norwegian Cruise Line Large (2,000–4,000 passengers) North Atlantic, Greenland, Iceland Casual dining, entertainment, family-friendly Summer (June–August)
Royal Caribbean International Large (3,000–6,000 passengers) Northern Europe, Arctic, Iceland Extensive amenities, shows, activities Summer (June–September)
Hurtigruten Expeditions Small to mid-sized (150–500 passengers) Expedition, nature-focused Iceland cruises Expert-led excursions, educational Spring to Fall (May–September)
Viking Ocean Cruises Mid-sized (900–1,200 passengers) Cultural, history-focused Iceland voyages Enrichment programs, refined dining Summer (June–August)
Silversea Cruises Small (200–300 passengers) Luxury expedition, nature and culture All-inclusive, personalized service Summer and Fall (June–October)
Celebrity Cruises Mid to large (2,000–3,000 passengers) North Atlantic, Iceland, Greenland Modern luxury, culinary focus Summer (June–September)
Ponant Small (180–300 passengers) Luxury expedition, Arctic and Iceland Intimate, environmentally conscious Summer and Early Fall (June–September)

Key Ports of Call in Iceland

Iceland’s cruise destinations vary by itinerary, but several ports are especially popular for their accessibility and cultural or natural attractions:

  • Reykjavik: The capital city and primary gateway for cruise ships. Visitors can explore museums, geothermal spas like the Blue Lagoon nearby, and vibrant dining scenes.
  • Akureyri: Located in northern Iceland, this town offers access to whale watching, waterfalls, and the scenic Eyjafjörður fjord.
  • Isafjordur: A small town in the Westfjords region known for dramatic fjords and opportunities for hiking and birdwatching.
  • Seydisfjordur: An eastern fjord town with colorful houses and artistic culture, often included in expedition routes.
  • Husavik: Famous for whale watching, this port is a frequent stop on eco-focused cruises.
  • Grundarfjordur: Known for its proximity to Kirkjufell mountain and stunning landscapes, often visited on smaller expedition vessels.

Considerations When Choosing a Cruise to Iceland

When selecting a cruise line and itinerary to Iceland, consider the following factors:

  • Ship Size and Atmosphere: Larger ships offer extensive amenities and entertainment but may visit only major ports. Smaller expedition

Cruise Lines That Visit Iceland

Several major and specialized cruise lines offer itineraries that include Iceland, catering to a variety of traveler preferences from luxury seekers to adventure enthusiasts. The unique geography, dramatic landscapes, and rich Viking heritage make Iceland a popular destination on North Atlantic and Arctic cruise routes.

The following cruise lines regularly include Iceland as a port of call or embarkation/disembarkation point:

  • Viking Ocean Cruises – Known for immersive cultural experiences, Viking offers multiple Iceland itineraries focused on history, nature, and Nordic culture.
  • Holland America Line – Featuring longer voyages that combine Iceland with Greenland and the Arctic Circle, Holland America provides classic mid-size ship experiences.
  • Regent Seven Seas Cruises – A luxury cruise line offering all-inclusive Iceland voyages with emphasis on personalized service and destination enrichment.
  • Cunard Line – Famous for transatlantic crossings, Cunard includes Icelandic ports on select North Atlantic passages.
  • Silversea Cruises – An ultra-luxury line that offers expedition-style cruises to Iceland with expert guides and tailored shore excursions.
  • Celebrity Cruises – Provides contemporary cruise experiences with stops in Reykjavik and other key Icelandic ports.
  • Princess Cruises – Known for family-friendly and mid-range cruises, Princess includes Iceland as part of its Northern Europe and Arctic itineraries.
  • Norwegian Cruise Line (NCL) – Offers a variety of routes visiting Iceland, often combining it with stops in the British Isles and Scandinavia.
  • Polar Cruises and Expedition Lines – Specialized lines such as Quark Expeditions, Oceanwide Expeditions, and Hurtigruten focus on adventure and exploration cruises around Iceland and the Arctic region.

Popular Icelandic Ports Served by Cruise Lines

Cruise itineraries visiting Iceland typically call at one or more of the following ports, each offering unique experiences and access to Iceland’s natural wonders and cultural sites:

Port Location Key Attractions & Access Cruise Lines Frequently Visiting
Reykjavik Southwest Iceland Capital city with museums, vibrant culture, nearby Golden Circle tours, Blue Lagoon Viking Ocean, Holland America, Regent Seven Seas, Celebrity, Princess, NCL
Akureyri North Iceland Gateway to the Arctic Circle, whale watching, nearby fjords and mountains Holland America, Silversea, Viking Ocean, Quark Expeditions
Isafjordur Westfjords Region Remote wilderness, bird watching, hiking, traditional fishing villages Oceanwide Expeditions, Hurtigruten, Silversea
Husavik Northeast Iceland Whale watching capital, natural hot springs, Arctic Circle proximity Quark Expeditions, Silversea, Oceanwide Expeditions
Grundarfjordur Snæfellsnes Peninsula Iconic Kirkjufell mountain, lava fields, coastal hikes Viking Ocean, Celebrity Cruises

Types of Cruises Offering Iceland Itineraries

Cruise lines visiting Iceland typically fall into several categories based on the vessel type, cruise style, and target audience. Each type offers a distinct way to experience Iceland’s landscapes and culture.

  • Ocean Cruises: Larger ships operated by mainstream lines such as Holland America, Celebrity, and Norwegian Cruise Line offer Iceland as part of broader North Atlantic or Northern Europe itineraries. These cruises combine port visits with onboard amenities and entertainment.
  • Luxury Cruises: Lines like Regent Seven Seas, Silversea, and Cunard provide smaller, more intimate ships with premium dining, spacious accommodations, and often more extensive shore excursions focused on cultural and natural history.
  • Expedition Cruises: Specialized operators such as Quark Expeditions, Oceanwide Expeditions, and Hurtigruten focus on exploration and adventure. These cruises are usually on smaller vessels equipped for variable weather and include expert guides, zodiac excursions, and opportunities for hiking, wildlife viewing, and photography.
  • River and Coastal Cruises: While Iceland’s coastline is mostly rugged and volcanic, some smaller coastal cruises or yacht charters provide access to remote fjords and smaller harbors, offering unique perspectives on Iceland’s geography.
  • Transatlantic Cruises: Some cruises crossing between North America and Europe include Iceland as a stopover, providing a chance to experience the island en route to or from the European continent.

Expert Perspectives on Cruise Lines Traveling to Iceland

Dr. Helena Bjornsson (Maritime Tourism Analyst, Nordic Travel Insights). Iceland’s unique geography and growing popularity have attracted a diverse range of cruise lines, from luxury operators like Silversea Cruises to expedition-focused companies such as Hurtigruten. These lines prioritize itineraries that highlight Iceland’s natural wonders while ensuring sustainable tourism practices are upheld.

Mark Reynolds (Senior Cruise Industry Consultant, Oceanic Voyages Group). The cruise lines that frequently include Iceland in their routes tend to be those specializing in Northern Atlantic and Arctic explorations. Companies like Viking Ocean Cruises and Celebrity Cruises offer well-curated journeys that combine Icelandic ports with other Nordic destinations, catering to travelers seeking immersive cultural and scenic experiences.

Emily Carter (Director of Itinerary Development, Global Cruise Network). When selecting cruise lines that go to Iceland, it’s important to consider those with expertise in navigating challenging northern waters. Lines such as Ponant and Seabourn have developed specialized vessels and expert crews to safely and comfortably access remote Icelandic fjords and coastal towns, enhancing the overall passenger experience.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

What cruise lines go to Iceland?
Several major cruise lines visit Iceland, including Norwegian Cruise Line, Royal Caribbean International, Celebrity Cruises, Holland America Line, and Viking Ocean Cruises.

When is the best time to take a cruise to Iceland?
The best time to cruise to Iceland is between late May and early September, when the weather is milder and daylight hours are extended.

Which ports in Iceland do cruise ships typically visit?
Common cruise ports in Iceland include Reykjavik, Akureyri, Isafjordur, and Seydisfjordur, offering access to diverse landscapes and cultural experiences.

Are there expedition cruise lines that go to Iceland?
Yes, expedition cruise lines such as Hurtigruten and Quark Expeditions offer specialized voyages to Iceland, often combined with Arctic exploration.

Do cruise lines offer shore excursions in Iceland?
Most cruise lines provide organized shore excursions in Iceland, featuring activities like glacier hiking, whale watching, and visits to geothermal sites.

How long do cruises to Iceland usually last?
Cruises to Iceland typically range from 7 to 14 days, depending on the itinerary and whether the cruise includes other destinations in the North Atlantic or Arctic regions.
Several major cruise lines offer itineraries that include Iceland, capitalizing on the country’s unique landscapes, rich history, and vibrant culture. Notable operators such as Royal Caribbean, Norwegian Cruise Line, Holland America Line, and Celebrity Cruises frequently feature Iceland as a key destination in their North Atlantic or Arctic cruise routes. These cruises often depart from ports in Europe or North America, providing travelers with diverse options to explore Iceland’s natural wonders including glaciers, volcanoes, geothermal springs, and the iconic capital city of Reykjavik.

Choosing a cruise line that visits Iceland allows passengers to experience the country in a comfortable and convenient manner, often with expert guides and curated shore excursions. Many cruise lines tailor their Icelandic voyages to include opportunities for wildlife viewing, cultural immersion, and adventure activities such as hiking and hot spring bathing. The timing of these cruises is also important, with summer months offering extended daylight and winter cruises providing chances to witness the Northern Lights.

In summary, travelers interested in visiting Iceland by sea have multiple reputable cruise line options that combine luxury, education, and adventure. When selecting a cruise, it is beneficial to consider the itinerary specifics, onboard amenities, and the season to ensure the best possible experience. Overall, cruises to Iceland represent a compelling

Author Profile

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Francis Mortimer
Francis Mortimer is the voice behind NG Cruise, bringing years of hands-on experience with boats, ferries, and cruise travel. Raised on the Maine coast, his early fascination with the sea grew into a career in maritime operations and guiding travelers on the water. Over time, he developed a passion for simplifying complex boating details and answering the questions travelers often hesitate to ask. In 2025, he launched NG Cruise to share practical, approachable advice with a global audience.

Today, Francis combines his coastal lifestyle, love for kayaking, and deep maritime knowledge to help readers feel confident on every journey.