With more than 17 years of experience, the Iceland ProTravel Group has grown into a leading specialist for soft adventure in Iceland and Greenland. Cruises with Iceland ProCruises are personal, professional, and authentic, with shore excursions that blend warm Icelandic and Greenlandic hospitality with the region’s rich Viking heritage and indigenous Inuit and European cultures. No matter which itinerary you choose — a circumnavigation around Iceland or the historic Viking route across the Denmark Strait to Greenland — the experienced and knowledgeable Expedition Team helps you experience breathtaking nature and local way of life.
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FAQs
PRACTICAL INFORMATION
Banks
Most are open Monday to Friday 9.15 a.m.–4 p.m. A few key banks stay open later and open again on Saturdays.
Climate
Although the warm Gulf Stream has a positive effect on the climate, visitors must you have to be ready for all kinds of weather. In summer, temperatures vary around 12°- 15°C/ 53-59° F, although they may rise to 20°C / 68° F. Rain showers are always possible, even if they do not last long. Temperatures in winter are over around +/- 5°C /23-41° F; even though it can be very windy, it i’s not as cold as generally assumed.
Clothing
For excursions take lightweight woolens, windproof and waterproof clothing, and stout shoes. Bring a swimsuit for bathing in hot pools. Casual wear is the rule, but the locals do dress up for the smartest restaurants and social functions.
Country
The inhabited coast regions form the smallest part of the island. 11 % of Iceland’s surface is covered by glaciers while 60 % of the whole country is dominated by uninhabited highlands or deserts. These desolate regions can only be crossed by 4-wheel-drive during summer. The volcanic island offers lots of space for its inhabitants. Approx. 320.000 inhabitants live on 103.000 km². Approx. two-thirds of Iceland’s population lives in the capital Reykjavik, located in the southwest. The peninsula Reykjanes is home to the international airport Keflavik, about 45 km from the capital.
Credit Cards
Well-known international credit cards are accepted in hotels, restaurants, and shops. Some businesses require a PIN for paying by credit card.
Crime
In Iceland’s non-violent society there are no threats to visitors.
Currency
The local currency is the Icelandic Krone (“krona” or ISK). The homepage of the Icelandic National Bank (www.cb.is) posts information about currency exchange rates. All major credit cards — like Master Card, Visa, JCB, Diners, and American Express — are widely accepted. Important: Most shops, restaurants, and especially gas stations also request the PIN number of the credit card to complete the payment. ATMs for cash withdrawals are available in cities, larger towns, and airports.
Electricity
Iceland is plugged into 220 volts AC, 50 Hz. However, the plug ?ttings themselves may be incompatible with your appliances, so take an adaptor.
Language
The official language is Icelandic, a Nordic language that has changed little from the days of the Vikings. English and Danish are also very widely spoken.
Most are open Monday to Friday 9 a.m.–4.30 p.m. Reykjavik’s main post of?ce opens from 10 a.m.- 6 p.m. and on Saturdays in summer 10 a.m.–2 p.m.
Time
Icelandic clocks are set to GMT (Greenwich Mean Time).
Tipping
In hotels and restaurants, a service charge and tax are included in the bill; a tip is not expected.
Toilets
In Iceland, toilets are marked Kvenmenn (ladies) and Karlmenn (men).
Visa
US and Canadian citizens carrying a valid passport do not need visas when visiting Iceland, Germany, France, Great Britain, Ireland, or Greenland as a tourist for 90 days or less. Travelers to these countries must be in possession of a passport, valid at least for three months beyond their intended stay. In addition to that, nationals of many countries are required to obtain a visa prior to entering the countries named above.
Water Onboard the Ship
All water from taps and water stations aboard is chlorinated. The water in the water stations is also extra filtered. Sometimes the water from the water taps or in bathrooms may have a brownish color. This is quite common on ships and is due to oxygen in water touching the iron piping. If you let the water flow for few seconds the water will be clear. The tap water on board is not safe to drink but you can use it for brushing your teeth. But there are three different water stations around the ship where you can re-fill your water bottles. One is in the Club Lounge deck 4, one in the Main Lounge deck 5, and one in the Observation Lounge deck 7.
Alcohol
Bringing alcohol aboard is generally not allowed. The only exception is a small “corkage fee” charged to passengers who want to enjoy a special bottle of wine with a meal. A large variety of alcoholic and non-alcoholic drinks are served on board in the restaurant and bar.
Cabin Features
All cabins are equipped with a shower/toilet, television, closet, refrigerator, hairdryer, and access to a satellite phone. Cabins are cleaned daily and there is a turn-down service. In case of illness, food and drinks can be served in the cabin during dining hours.
Changes to Cruise Itinerary & Shore Excursions
Due to local weather, sea and ice conditions, all of our cruise itineraries and shore excursions are subject to change. The implementation of our shore excursions also depends on reaching the minimum/maximum number of participants for each activity. Iceland ProCruises reserves the right to change the itinerary and trip content without prior notice.
Children
Children must be 8 years or older (10 years or older on Greenland trips). Discounts of 25% on cruises and shore excursions are offered to children up to age 12 staying in their parents’ cabin. Please note that we do not offer child-care services or children’s play areas onboard. Riding our Zodiacs requires a certain level of body control. Due to safety reasons, the captain reserves the right to refuse a landing with children.
Cruise Card
At embarkation, you will receive a personal Cruise Card which you should always have with you. This card is used on board as a combination payment instrument (except in the onboard shop) and identity card. Shore excursions, alcoholic beverages, spa services, etc. will be paid with your cruise card. At the end of the voyage you can settle your account by credit card (we accept Visa, MasterCard, and American Express) or you can pay with cash (US$).
Dress Code
The dress code on board is casual. Leave your ties, jackets, and evening dresses at home. For days at sea and ashore we recommend comfortable, breathable, waterproof, and windproof clothing, plus gloves, thermal underwear, and sturdy footwear. For the captain’s and Farewell cocktail parties, we recommend a smart casual dress style.
Gratuities
Tipping is a way of showing your appreciation for a service received on board from the hotel staff or Expedition Team. The amount of the gratuity is totally at your discretion. During the voyage, we hand out a flyer about the handling of tips. For your convenience, we can charge the suggested gratuity to your onboard account. If you would like to cancel or make adjustments to the gratuity posted on your account, you can do so by visiting the reception desk. Gratuities are divided amongst the hotel crew and Expedition Team.
Health/Medical Emergency
Although we do not have an official requirement regarding personal fitness, you should be able to move on board and ashore without the help of others. At all times there is an English-speaking doctor on board. The ship is equipped with a small clinic and medications to treat certain emergencies.
Insurance
Repatriation costs in case of illness can be extremely high. Therefore, we strongly recommend purchasing travel/health insurance prior to your voyage, specifically policies that cover repatriation costs to your home country. This insurance is mandatory for our trips to Greenland. Information on all-inclusive insurance packages — including travel cancellation, curtailment, baggage and medical — can be found on the websites of various providers.
Internet/Phone
Iceland ProCruises offers free WiFi in the public areas of Club Lounge, Observation Lounge, and Library during Iceland Cruises. There is no free Wifi in those areas during Greenland Cruises. For an extra charge, we offer internet access in your cabin. Mobile-phone reception should be possible in most regions along our route. For further details please contact your mobile phone operator. A telephone deposit for external phone calls as well as an internet deposit for your laptop or tablet can be purchased at the reception. Please ensure that your ‘Data Roaming’ feature is switched off.
Language Onboard
English is the official language on board. Therefore, all members of our expedition team and the reception staff speak English (as well as German). Onboard announcements are made in English and German. The daily program as well as the dining room menu are also bilingual (English and German). If you require translation, our multi-lingual expedition team is always at your disposal.
Laundry
Professional laundry service is available for an additional charge.
Passport/Visa
Each passenger is responsible for ensuring that he/she meets the applicable passport and visa requirements for the duration of the trip. The passport is the only valid proof of identity for all trips with the OCEAN DIAMOND and SEA VENTURE. An ID card is not sufficient. The passport must be valid for at least 6 months after your trip ends. Please note that each participant is responsible for obtaining all necessary documents. Costs incurred due to insufficient travel documents must be paid by the passenger.
Physical Disabilities & Accessibility
Guests with physical disabilities are recommended to travel with an accompanying person. The particular processes on board should be handled without external help. The gangway can be – depending on the individual disability – a challenge. The angle of inclination of the gangway varies due to tide and different circumstances in the respective port. Please note that the guest’s participation inshore excursions, as well as the (dis-)embarkation by zodiac, can be denied by the master or Cruise Leader due to security reasons. The instructions of the master must be followed. The ship is not suitable for wheelchairs. A medical certificate must be submitted on request by Iceland ProCruises.
Restaurant/Dining
Breakfast, lunch, and dinner are included in your cruise price. Breakfast and lunch are buffet-style; dinner is a la carte. Coffee, tea, and water are free during the entire voyage; other drinks can be purchased in the restaurant or bar. If you’re not on board at lunchtime, we prepare a lunch box for you to take ashore. In the afternoon we offer tea and coffee in the lounge on Deck 4, which is also the venue for our late-night snack.
Safety
The ship complies with all safety requirements and is certified for travel in Arctic waters. Before departure, all passengers receive instructions in onboard safety procedures and operations including the location of lifejackets in your cabin. Familiarize yourself with the ship’s evacuation plan. Special safety procedures apply to trips in the Zodiacs.
Smoking
For safety reasons and to protect the health of our guests and employees, smoking is permitted only in the designated smoking area on the outside deck. Do not throw your cigarette butts overboard but use the ashtray. Smoking is strictly prohibited in all cabins, on balconies, and in all other locations on the ship.
Special Requests
Please inform us about any special dietary needs (e.g. vegetarian or gluten-free, diabetic food) at least two weeks before departure. In order to ensure efficient service, please re-confirm your requirements with the crew after boarding the ship.
Vaccinations
Ask your local health authorities about recommended vaccinations.
Voltage
All cabins are equipped with 220-volt outlets (Europlug socket).
Water
All water from onboard taps and water stations is chlorinated. The water in the water stations is also extra filtered. Sometimes the water from the water taps or in bathrooms may have a brownish color. This is quite common on ships and is due to oxygen in the water touching the iron piping. If you let the water flow for few seconds, it will be clear. The tap water on board is not safe to drink, but you can use it for brushing your teeth. There are three different water stations around the ship where you can refill your water bottles: The Club Lounge on Deck 4, the Main Lounge on Deck 5, and the Observation Lounge on Deck 7.
Zodiac Landings
Many of our landings and excursions are carried out with motorized “Zodiac” brand rubber boats. These boats feature a low draught and great stability. Life vests are mandatory when riding in the Zodiacs. Landings generally depend on local circumstances. In each case, the master makes the final decision if the landing is possible or not. Particular safety regulations apply on landings. All guests receive mandatory instruction in the security guidelines.
Please note, Zodiac excursions are weather-dependent.
Everything was amazing! The planning with Adventure Life went smoothly. The actual trip was fantastic! One of the best trips I have experienced. The cruise staff members were knowledgeable and attentive. I will be writing more about this on the blog!
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