10 Best Iceland Cruises & Tours 2023-2024

Name: Iceland Tours & Travel
Brand: Adventure Life
Rating: 4.9 (497 reviews)

Reykjavik - Reykjavik
8 Days from $2,029

Explore the best of Iceland on this 8-day tour, covering Reykjavik and the highlights along the famed Ring Road. Visit the Golden Triangle, witness awe-inspiring waterfalls and learn about Iceland's cultural heritage in remote villages.

Best of Iceland

8 Days from $2,464

Explore the best of Iceland on this exciting 8-day tour starting and ending in Reykjavik. Beautiful glaciers reach across the landscape as you visit the Golden Circle and drive the Ring Road. This complete Iceland tour features Iceland's most legendary places and experiences.

A Circumnavigation of Iceland

Reykjavik - Reykjavik
10 Days from $12,280

On this active 10-day Iceland cruise aboard the National Geographic Explorer, you'll circumnavigate Iceland and witness glaciers, geysers, thundering waterfalls, immense cliffs, geothermal springs, boiling mud pots, and lava-scapes of on dinghies, hiking, or kayaking. Visit Reykjavik, Ísafjördur, Lake Mývatn and Húsavík, Siglufjördur and Akureyri.

Traveler photographing the Jokulsarlon Glacier.

A Circumnavigation of Iceland

Reykjavik - Reykjavik
10 Days from $15,540

See glaciers, geysers, thunderous waterfalls, and enormous cliffs as well as geothermal pools, boiling mud, and lava-scapes on this 10-day active Iceland cruise on the National Geographic Resolution. To get a taste of Icelandic culture, visit Reykjavk, Lake Mvatn, Hásavk, Siglufjördur, and Akureyri.

Iceland Trek | Landmannalaugar to þórsmörk

8 Days from $2,290

Trek the Laugavegar Trail from Landmannalaugar to Thorsmork on this 8-day hut-to-hut trekking tour in Iceland. This remarkable landscape has caused this trail to quickly become the most popular multi-day trekking destination in Iceland, and with good reason.

Strútur Trek

7 Days from $2,591

Explore the vastness of Iceland's Highland region and its solitude on this South Iceland trekking tour along the Strútur Trail, the second Volcanic Trails Trek section. Spend six nights camping in mountain huts and marvel at waterfalls, volcanoes, and dip in natural warm baths as you hike your way through a stunning glacier-made landscape.

The Three Peaks Challenge

5 Days from $1,998

Marvel at Iceland's stunning landscape on this 5-day trekking tour. Explore three different peaks while admiring the glacier-carved volcanic landscape.

The Víknaslóðir Trail offers amazing views

East Fjords Trek

7 Days from $1,687

Spend five full days trekking the remote Víknaslóðir Trail along the East Fjords. This East Iceland hiking tour takes you between stunning mountain landscapes and picturesque fjords. Explore abandoned farmlands, historic churches, and colorful mountainsides as you trek through a region that seems almost trapped in time on this East Iceland tour.

East Vatnajökull Trek

7 Days from $1,440

Hike in one of the most remote areas on this 4-day Iceland trekking adventure in East Vatnajökull National Park. Trek the Snæfell to Lónsöræfi trail, light packing most of your supplies from mountain hut to mountain hut. Admire the breathtaking scenery of Vatnajökull Glacier, colorful rhyolite hills, stunning cliffs, and possible wild reindeer sightings!

Discover ancient cultures of the Orkney islands

Legendary Northern Isles: Scotland, Faroes, & Iceland

Bergen - Reykjavík
13 Days from $12,740

All aboard the National Geographic Explorer, this expedition cruise from Bergen, Norway across the Scottish Isles and Iceland to Reykjavik highlights the ancient human cultures that have settled here and the wildlife and landscapes that define the region. Stop in Grimsey, the Orkney Islands, the Faroe Archipelago, Westman Islands and more.

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8 Exceptional Luxury Cruises to Iceland for 2023-2024

Trip Name	From	Days	Next Departure	Summary
Discover Iceland	$2029	8	Mar 25, 2023	Explore the best of Iceland on this 8-day tour, covering Reykjavik and the highlights along the famed Ring Road. Visit the Golden Triangle, witness … 0
Best of Iceland	$2464	8	Mar 25, 2023	Explore the best of Iceland on this exciting 8-day tour starting and ending in Reykjavik. Beautiful glaciers reach across the landscape as you visit … 0
A Circumnavigation of Iceland	$12280	10	Jul 12, 2023	On this active 10-day Iceland cruise aboard the National Geographic Explorer, you'll circumnavigate Iceland and witness glaciers, geysers, thundering … 0
A Circumnavigation of Iceland	$15540	10	Jul 3, 2023	See glaciers, geysers, thunderous waterfalls, and enormous cliffs as well as geothermal pools, boiling mud, and lava-scapes on this 10-day active … 0
Iceland Trek \| Landmannalaugar to þórsmörk	$2290	8	Jun 1, 2023	Trek the Laugavegar Trail from Landmannalaugar to Thorsmork on this 8-day hut-to-hut trekking tour in Iceland. This remarkable landscape has caused … 0
Strútur Trek	$2591	7	Jul 13, 2023	Explore the vastness of Iceland's Highland region and its solitude on this South Iceland trekking tour along the Strútur Trail, the second Volcanic … 0
The Three Peaks Challenge	$1999	5	May 9, 2023	Marvel at Iceland's stunning landscape on this 5-day trekking tour. Explore three different peaks while admiring the glacier-carved volcanic … 0
East Fjords Trek	$1687	7	Jul 8, 2023	Spend five full days trekking the remote Víknaslóðir Trail along the East Fjords. This East Iceland hiking tour takes you between stunning … 0

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Top 8 Iceland Cruise & Tour Deals

Trip Name	Save	From	Days	Next Departure	Summary
South & West Greenland and Disko Bay	Savings	$7595	14	May 25, 2023	Start your 14-day Arctic expedition cruise aboard the Sea Spirit, from Reykjavík, Iceland, and make your way to Kangerlussuaq. Visit Qeqertarsuaq, … 0
Arctic Sights and Northern Lights	Savings	$7595	12	Sep 4, 2023	On this 12-day tour, Sea Spirit takes you to the breathtaking fjords, beaches, and islands of the Arctic, as well as the beautiful dancing waves of … 0
East Greenland: Wild Shores of the High Arctic	Savings	$27030	19	Sep 6, 2023	Board National Geographic Endurance on this 19-day cruise to explore the wild shores of Greenland's high Arctic. Venture into the largest national … 0
Greenland Adventure: Explore by Sea, Land and Air	Savings	$8495	9	Jul 14, 2023	Aboard the Ultramarine, you'll be offered the most extensive array of adventure activities and you'll be able to curate an authentic Greenland active … 0
Crossing the Arctic Circle, Jan Mayen & Svalbard	Savings	$5595	12	Jun 16, 2023	Join the Sea Spirit on a fantastic 12-day sailing expedition to Iceland, Jan Mayen, and Svalbard. Explore some of the Arctic's most magical … 0
Island Hearts of the Arctic	Savings	$6603	14	Aug 13, 2023	Embark on the Vega for a 14-day Iceland and Greenland cruise. The luxurious boutique ship allows passengers to experience the wild and spectacular … 0
Iceland & Greenland: Edge of the Arctic	Savings	$20980	18	Jul 29, 2023	Join this 18-day voyage aboard National Geographic Explorer to follow the routes of explorers, from Iceland’s magnificent Westfjords peninsula, … 0
Legendary Northern Isles: Scotland, Faroes, & Iceland	Savings	$12740	13	Jun 30, 2023	All aboard the National Geographic Explorer, this expedition cruise from Bergen, Norway across the Scottish Isles and Iceland to Reykjavik highlights … 0

Top-Rated Cruise Ships Visiting Iceland

National Geographic Resolution

New in 2021, The National Geographic Resolution is a next-generation 126-passager expedition ship purpose-built for polar exploration in comfort with an extremely smooth ride even on the world's roughest, most demanding seas. National Geographic is legendary for immersive trips focusing on the ecology of the polar regions.

Ultramarine

New in 2021, the Ultramarine is designed with an ice rating of 1A+, PC6, making it one of the most capable polar exploring vessels on the planet. Equipped with two twin-engine helicopters, Ultramarine offers the most robust portfolio of adventure activities in the industry, the most spacious suites in its category, breathtaking public spaces, and more outdoor wildlife viewing spaces than other expedition ships its size.

Le Commandant Charcot

The polar explorer ship Le Commandant Charcot travels to remote regions of the Arctic and Antarctic. This expedition ship is unique because of its revolutionary and environmentally friendly design.

Greg Mortimer

With only 132 passengers on board, Greg Mortimer reimagines arctic expedition cruise for the future. Robust, robust, and designed with guests in mind, this ship represents a major increase in the capability of polar sailing.

National Geographic Endurance

National Geographic Endurance, a purpose-built cruise ship capable of year-round operations in the arctic regions, with the highest ice class rating (PC5 Category A) ever achieved by a cruise ship of its size (126 guests). The sloping X-bow is designed to decrease movement in the roughest of seas and also results in higher fuel efficiency and lower emissions for less environmental impact.

Ocean Endeavour

Updated as recently as 2014, the 200-passenger ice class Ocean Endeavor explores the most remote areas in comfort and style. With several decks and lounges, 20 zodiacs, and even a swimming pool, sauna, and hot tub, this is the perfect ship for Arctic exploration.

L'Austral

The L'Austral, sister ship to the Le Boreal, is the fruit of Italian expertise and French sophistication. A superb mega-yacht with 132 cabins, the L'Austral links tradition and innovation, cruising to worldwide destinations in luxury.

Sea Spirit

Explore polar regions in style and comfort aboard the all-suite Sea Spirit. Providing spacious accommodations for a maximum of 114 passengers, the Sea Spirit also provides the maneuverability and friendly atmosphere of a small ship.

National Geographic Explorer

The National Geographic Explorer is a state-of-the-art luxury expedition ship accommodating 148 guests in 81 outside cabins. It is fully stabilized, for cruising polar passages while providing comfort.

Scenic Eclipse

Scenic Eclipse is the World's First Discovery Yacht and the first ocean cruise ship from the Scenic fleet. Launched in August 2019, Scenic Eclipse sets a new standard in luxury ocean cruising. With elegant lines, perfectly-proportioned suites, and expansive wellness zones, every element of Scenic Eclipse has been considered with your enjoyment and pleasure in mind, creating a special environment that facilitates global adventure in truly 6-star luxury.

MS Seaventure

Seaventure features a 1-A Super ice class rating ? the highest ice class awarded to passenger vessels. This means that she will be able to explore Antarctic coves, bays, and channels that would previously have been forbidden.

MV Janssonius

Janssonius is meeting the latest and highest Lloyd’s Register standards for ice-strengthened cruise ships. Janssonius represents the most flexible, advanced, innovative touring vessel in the polar regions, thoroughly optimized for exploratory voyages that provide you the utmost first-hand contact with the Arctic and Antarctica.

Silver Cloud

The newly refurbished Silver Cloud is the most spacious and comfortable ice class vessel in expedition cruising. Its large suites, destination itineraries, and unparalleled service make her truly special. A limited number of guests, just 200 in polar waters, mean that Silver Cloud has the highest space to guest and crew to guest ratios.

Ortelius

The ice-strengthened vessel Ortelius is an excellent ship for Polar expedition cruises in the Arctic and Antarctica, providing us with possibilities to adventure remote locations such as the Ross Sea in the Antarctic and Franz Josef Land in the Arctic.

Ocean Adventurer

Designed to carry travelers in comfort to the most remote corners of the world, the Ocean Adventurer (Sea Adventurer) is the perfect expedition ship for adventurous people who enjoy the creature comforts offered on board.

Silver Whisper

Enjoy Silver Whisper's relaxing, sophisticated, and genuinely elegant atmosphere. This multi-million dollar refit makes her one of the most technically up to the minute ships at sea. Admire the stunning beauty of Europe & the Caribbean aboard this 382 passenger ship.

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Iceland Cruise Tips & Travel Guide

How to Choose a Cruise to Iceland

Choosing a cruise to Iceland begins with your interests and the activities that are on your list. Other aspects to consider are your travel style, the time of year you want to go, and the amount of time you have budgeted to getaway.

Getting to Iceland: How to get to Iceland?

There are three ways of getting to Iceland, by airplane, by ferry, and by cruise ship. Approximately 20 airlines fly to Iceland’s Keflavik International Airport all year round from main cities in Europe and North America. For visitors driving into the country, the Norröna ferry sails weekly from Denmark via the Faroe Islands. Finally, many cruises from Scandinavia and Greenland include stops in Iceland, giving visitors a chance to explore this wonderful country.

By air: Direct flights to Iceland from Europe are about 4-5 hours. From North America, they are 5-6 hours. From other countries, you will have to transfer in Europe. Most flights arrive to the Keflavik International Airport.

The United States - There are plenty of 1-stop flights from major cities in the US to Reykjavik, Jdokulsarlon, and other major destinations in Iceland. Check out the US’s travel advisory for Iceland.
Canada - There are many 2-stop flights from major Canadian cities to Iceland’s most visited destinations. Check out Canada’s travel advisory for Iceland.
The United Kingdom - Direct flights, 1-stop, and 2-stop flights, leave from major cities such as London, Manchester, and Glasgow to Reykjavik other major destinations in Iceland, Check out the UK’s travel advisory for Iceland.

By ferry: Board the M/S Norröna that sails from Denmark if you happen to be traveling with your own car, bike, motorcycle, or camper.

By sea: Many of our Scandinavia cruises and Greenland cruises include stops in Iceland.

The Blue Lagoon, the Golden Circle Route, the Westman Islands, and the Dettifoss Waterfall are a few of the most popular places to visit in Iceland. Populated areas that draw international visitors each year include Reykjavik, Husavik, the town of Isafjörður, and Siglufjordur.

Best Time to Take an Iceland Cruise

June, July, August, and September are the best months to take a cruise in Iceland. June starts the extended days of summer daylight where whale watching is in full effect, and the lingering clear nights of fall begin in September when spectacular sightings of the Northern Lights often occur.

Iceland Cruise Highlights

Home to the northernmost capital city in the world (Reykjavik), Iceland is the home of legends & landscapes. On an Iceland cruise, you will follow in the ancient footsteps of explorer Leif Erikson, as you discover some of the most isolated and unspoiled natural sites in the world.

Highlights of any Iceland cruise excursion include:

Navigating these fascinating sites aboard luxurious and intimate ships & boats.
Learning about the rich human history from expert guides.
Witnessing the geysers that burst from the ground.
Trekking across the glaciers that shaped Iceland.
Exploring the distinct fjords that can only be found in this part of the world.
Visiting the isolated fishing villages & learning about the villagers' lifestyle.

Iceland Travel Overview

Not to be fooled by its name, Iceland offers its visitors a surprisingly temperate climate and awe-inspiring island environment to explore. The nation also has a rich culture displayed in its innovative art, literature, and music. Experience the incredible Northern Lights, a variety of wildlife, and unique opportunities for adventure all within this small country.

Polar bear balances on the ice in the Arctic

Wildlife Guide to Polar Regions

Which Polar region is home to penguins? Or how about those elusive narwhals? Before your travels, it will be helpful to learn more about the different species that inhabit the Polar regions of the Arctic and Antarctica. You may be surprised to learn the differences!

Best Iceland Cruise Lines for 2023

The Iceland travel experts at Adventure Life choose the top-rated cruise lines highlighting the strengths and weaknesses of each.

How much does a trip to Iceland cost?

Iceland is a remote and isolated destination that offers all modern comforts in almost every corner that you decide to visit, the upside of the country’s high cost of living and the fact that they have to import most of their supplies and fresh produce. Iceland can be considered pricey, however it depends on the type of experience you are looking for.

Prices also vary depending on the time of year you decide to travel. Summer, or peak season from May through August is usually more expensive, as the weather allows for certain activities that cannot be enjoyed in the winter. Winter is less pricey as well as less crowded, which some prefer, and offers opportunities for other activities, such as observing the Northern Lights.

Approximate cost for roundtrip flights at the beginning of the peak season:

Manchester, UK, to Reykjavik, from $390 to $570.
Boston, USA, to Reykjavik, from $350 to $1,550.
Toronto, CAN, to Reykjavik, from $830 to $1,400.

NOTE: Keep in mind flight prices vary from month to month, depending on when you book your flight.

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Iceland Travel & Cruise FAQs

Do I need a visa to travel to Iceland?
A visa is not required for traveling to Iceland from Europe, North America, Australia or New Zealand. If you are traveling from South Africa, you will need a visa in advance. It's always safe to check with your state department about travel requirements several months before departure.

Is tipping customary in Iceland?
No, tipping is not expected or necessary, and service charges are usually included in the bills already.

What is the internet access like in Iceland?
While major cities and towns do have WiFi hotspots and cyber cafes, most of our itineraries that visit Iceland are cruises, which do not usually have (consistern) internet access. Remote destinations away from the cities tend not to have internet.

Can I use my cell phone while in Iceland?
If you enable mobile roaming before leaving home, you should have coverage in most of the big cities and towns of Iceland. On open water during cruises or in the more rural destinations you will not likely have coverage.

Do I need a power adapter/ converter?
Iceland has 220-240 volt electricity and uses Europlug/ Schuko outlets. You will need a plug adapter for Type C & Type E/F sockets and a step-down transformer for 110-120V electronics.

What are the toilets like in Iceland?
Throughout Iceland and on cruise ships you will have modern flushable toilets. You may have to pay a small fee when using public bathrooms.

Approximately what will it cost for:
Beer - $6.00
Snack - $2.00
Simple lunch - $9.00
Dinner - $27.00

Can I drink the water in Iceland?
It is safe to drink the tap water in Iceland unless you are specifically told otherwise.

What is the most common way of paying for things in Iceland?
Iceland's currency is the Krona (ISK). 1USD=113ISK. You will be able to pay for nearly everything, from restaurant bills to taxi fares, with your credit card. It's also easy to find ATMs.

Should I purchase travel insurance for my trip?
We always encourage travelers to purchase insurance. For more information and deals, check out the Once I've Booked page.