7 Incredible Iceland Cruises to Discover the Country's Hidden Gems

Iceland, with its active volcanoes, glacier-capped peaks, rugged shores, and over 100 fjords, is ideally explored by sea, allowing you to experience the 'land of fire and ice' as the Vikings and ancient explorers did centuries ago. Thankfully, cruise lines have embraced Iceland’s enchanting appeal, creating attractive itineraries that enable travelers to visit vibrant, postcard-perfect villages, breathtaking waterfalls, and surreal rock formations. Here’s what you need to know about sailing in Iceland and our top recommendations for cruises.

Destinations for Iceland Cruises

Departing from Reykjavík, most of our selected cruises circle the main island, making a stop at Heimaey island off the southwestern coast to witness the aftermath of the 1973 volcanic eruption, and passing by Surtsey island, which emerged from the ocean in the 1960s and is now a UNESCO World Heritage site.

Notable port stops include Akureyri, a prominent fishing hub and university town, offering access to remarkable inland sights like the legendary Godafoss, known as the 'waterfall of the gods,' and geothermal fields adorned with striking lava formations.

Another delightful stop is Seydisfjordur, an artistic village nestled in the Eastfjords, featuring charming chalet-style wooden houses at the end of an 11-mile fjord—an awe-inspiring vista framed by snow-covered peaks and a cascading waterfall. From the picturesque port of Djupivogur, you can embark on an excursion to the Fjallsarlon ice lagoon, where Zodiac tours will have you navigating around icebergs to view the glacial ice wall up close.

Isafjordur, located in the Westfjords, is celebrated for its vibrant music scene and the nearby Vigur Island, a private bird sanctuary home to eider ducks and puffins. Further west, the fishing village of Grundarfjordur boasts the iconic, photogenic cone-shaped Kirkjufell mountain, and offers access to stunning glacier sights within Snaefellsjokull National Park, where adventurous travelers can explore an underground lava cave.

The Iceland cruise season typically spans from May to September, with the majority of sailings occurring in June, July, and August. While limited spots may still be open for 2023 cruises, the itineraries listed below primarily cater to the spring and summer of 2024.

The Top Iceland Cruises

Viking Cruises’ Icelandic Natural Wonders

Best Value Option
Pricing: 7-night voyages in July and August starting at $4,299

Viking Cruises’ meticulously crafted circumnavigation of Iceland offers a delightful week-long experience, allowing guests to explore pristine shores and charming towns at the fjord's edge. This journey includes breathtaking sights like cascading waterfalls, majestic glaciers, puffin colonies, and otherworldly volcanic landscapes. The adventure begins with an overnight stay in Reykjavík, giving guests ample time to enjoy the city’s vibrant waterfront and art scene or embark on a whale-watching excursion. The 930-passenger Viking Mars, which will operate this itinerary in 2024, features modern Scandinavian design and a fantastic selection of complimentary specialty dining options, including a Norwegian café. One daily shore excursion is included in the fare.

Regent Seven Seas Cruises’ Golden Circle Adventure

Ideal for Families
Pricing: 10-night cruises in July, including a detour to Torshavn in the Faroe Islands, starting at $10,299 per adult; from $1,299 per child under 18

For families looking to indulge in an exquisite sailing experience, the 750-passenger, all-suite, all-inclusive Seven Seas Splendor is one of the most opulent ships in the world, adorned with luxurious marble floors, over 500 crystal chandeliers, an impressive art collection, and lavish suites. But how does it cater to kids? Firstly, they can join two Iceland cruises next year at significantly reduced rates. More importantly, during these voyages, families will have access to the Regent Seven Seas Cruises’ Club Mariner Youth Program for ages 5 to 17, offering a variety of activities such as movie nights, mini-golf tournaments, and dance lessons, all supervised by professional youth counselors.

Explore Iceland with Windstar Cruises

Ideal for cultural experiences
Pricing: 7-night Around Iceland cruise from June to August, starting at $3,799

What we appreciate most about the Windstar Cruises weeklong Iceland circumnavigation itinerary is the 312-passenger, all-suite Star Pride, which allows for full days in port and an overnight stay in Seydisfjordur, known for its vibrant arts scene. You can interact with locals, savor craft beers, taste seafood and traditional Icelandic dishes, enjoy concerts, or fully immerse yourself in Icelandic culture. A great conversation starter is asking locals if they’ve authored a book, since one in ten Icelanders has published one (those long winters breed creativity). Onboard, indulge in gourmet cuisine featuring freshly caught fish (like Arctic char, halibut, cod, and haddock), local cheeses and charcuterie, along with Icelandic beers, schnapps, and vodka, proudly served by the cruise line of the James Beard Foundation.

Lindblad Expeditions’ Wild Iceland Escape

Ideal for a quick getaway
Cost: 4-night cruise starting July 5, 2024, priced from $7,206 per person, with a $500 discount for children

While Lindblad Expeditions is known for its extensive circumnavigation itineraries, this four-night treasure focuses on the western part of Iceland, making it perfect for those who wish to explore the Ring Road. Travelers will navigate to secluded fjords, enjoying hikes and Zodiac excursions that lead to stunning sights like the majestic Dynjandi Waterfall, the tallest waterfall in the Westfjords at 328 feet. Keep an eye out along the coast for nesting terns. A NatGeo-trained photographer onboard will assist you in capturing that perfect moment, whether it's spotting nesting puffins near Heimaey or other scenic stops. The vessel is the 138-passenger, polar-class National Geographic Resolution, offering the unique experience of camping under a glass igloo on deck for breathtaking views.

Silversea’s Reykjavík to Reykjavík

Perfect for luxury travelers
Pricing: 9- and 10-night voyages in July and August, starting at $4,650 per person

For those who appreciate nature and cultural exploration with a touch of elegance—including a suite with a tuxedoed butler serving complimentary champagne and caviar—the 608-passenger Silver Spirit showcases Iceland in lavish style. Adorned with refined Italian decor, it’s a luxurious floating retreat featuring exceptional dining options like a sushi restaurant and a supper club with live jazz. Enjoy scenic ocean views and alfresco dining at the Grill, where you can choose from proteins cooked on lava rocks after a day of exploring the landscape. The itinerary boasts an impressive seven stops in Iceland, along with a visit to Torshavn, the capital of the Faroe Islands, known for its charming grass-roofed buildings in the quaint Old Town and nearby natural wonders, including breathtaking fjord vistas and seabird sightings.

Ponant’s Iceland Mosaic

Ideal for underwater vistas
Cost: 7-night cruises from June to August, starting at $6,920 per person. Note: A Smithsonian Journeys Cruise on June 15 features special lecturers onboard, priced from $7,910 per person

The French line Ponant’s 184-passenger Le Bellot provides a distinctive view of Iceland, featuring an underwater Blue Eye lounge with whale-eye shaped windows, large screens displaying live footage, and hydrophones that capture underwater sounds—all while you unwind on a 'body listening' sofa that vibrates in harmony with the ocean's acoustics, accompanied by a perfectly crafted martini. This small ship also offers itineraries focused on the west, including a stop in the quaint village of Grimseyjarhreppur, the only inhabited area on Grimsey island, Iceland’s northernmost inhabited island, divided by the Arctic Circle. Grimsey is a prime spot for observing nesting puffins and auks.

Hurtigruten’s Circumnavigating Iceland: The Land of Elves, Sagas, and Volcanoes

Perfect for eco-conscious adventurers seeking off-the-beaten-path experiences
Pricing: 8-night sailings in May and June, starting at $4,016 per person (children receive a 50 percent discount)

Norwegian expedition line Hurtigruten’s electric hybrid vessel, the 530-passenger MS Fridtjof Nansen, can operate on sustainable battery power for short durations. During an eight-night circumnavigation of Iceland, the ship visits well-known destinations like Akureyri while also venturing to lesser-known spots, including Grimsey island and the secluded Bakkagerdi in the west, celebrated for its stunning landscapes and folklore about the huldufólk, or 'hidden people.' Birdwatching is exceptional at Latrabjarg, one of Europe’s largest seabird cliffs, home to puffins, northern gannets, guillemots, and razorbills. Knowledgeable excursions by kayak, inflatable RIBs, and on foot are guided by the experienced expedition team.