Hamburg

Your adventure to Iceland beginsYour expedition cruise sets sail from Hamburg—a city full of history, art and culture. There's plenty to see and do here, so take some time to explore before boarding your expedition ship.  You'll discover many of the city's attractions in the old town,... Your adventure to Iceland beginsYour expedition cruise sets sail from Hamburg—a city full of history, art and culture. There's plenty to see and do here, so take some time to explore before boarding your expedition ship.  You'll discover many of the city's attractions in the old town, or Altstadt, including St. Nikolai Memorial and the historic street of Deichstraße. Be sure to check out the interesting history of two UNESCO World Heritage Sites: Chilehaus and the world’s largest warehouse complex. Once aboard, you'll collect your complimentary expedition jacket, meet your Expedition Team, explore the onboard comforts of your ship and settle into your cabin as we set sail. Read More

At Sea

Lysefjord

Today, we’ll sail down Lysefjord, which is 25 miles long. Enjoy a day of remarkable landscapes from the observation decks, taking in the sublime scenery of the long and narrow fjord among striking vertical cliffs.  From the fjord we can take a peek from below at the world-famous Pulpi... Today, we’ll sail down Lysefjord, which is 25 miles long. Enjoy a day of remarkable landscapes from the observation decks, taking in the sublime scenery of the long and narrow fjord among striking vertical cliffs.  From the fjord we can take a peek from below at the world-famous Pulpit Rock (Preikestolen) and look out for the equally renowned Kjæragbolten, a giant boulder that seems precariously wedged into a mountain crevasse. If you're feeling adventurous, join our Expedition Team for small expedition boat cruising or kayaking and see the immense fjord from a new perspective. Read More

Lerwick, Shetland Islands

Discover the deep Norse roots of Scotland's Shetland Islands We cruise northwest to the Shetland Islands. Lerwick, the capital, is a friendly, Victorian-influenced fishing town set in beautiful scenery. Navigate the narrow lanes on foot to discover little shops selling local whiskies,... Discover the deep Norse roots of Scotland's Shetland Islands We cruise northwest to the Shetland Islands. Lerwick, the capital, is a friendly, Victorian-influenced fishing town set in beautiful scenery. Navigate the narrow lanes on foot to discover little shops selling local whiskies, woollen sweaters and fudge. By the old waterfront, you’ll find the Shetland Museum, showcasing Pictish carvings and Shetland lace shawls. Nearby you can see Fort Charlotte and the regal-looking town hall. Keep your binoculars handy to scan for grey and common seals along Lerwick's beaches, as well as local birdlife such as red-throated divers, redshanks and curlews. Read More

Thorshavn

A visit to Streymoy in the Faroe IslandsTórshavn is located on Streymoy, the largest of the Faroe Islands. Founded by Norsemen in the 10th century, Tórshavn (Thor’s Harbor) is one of Northern Europe’s oldest capitals. Wander through the cobblestone alleyways and delight in the colorfu... A visit to Streymoy in the Faroe IslandsTórshavn is located on Streymoy, the largest of the Faroe Islands. Founded by Norsemen in the 10th century, Tórshavn (Thor’s Harbor) is one of Northern Europe’s oldest capitals. Wander through the cobblestone alleyways and delight in the colorful, turf-roofed houses found here. In the local museums, you can learn about the city’s origins and the flora, fauna and geology of the Faroe Islands.  About half a mile outside of town, the Svartafoss waterfall tumbles over mossy rocks. And as you walk along the seafront, look out for eider ducks and the distinctive Faroese starling with its beige-tipped wings. Read More

Seydisfjørdur

Waterfalls and wildlife in special SeyðisfjörðurAt the end of a deep fjord with picturesque mountains and waterfalls lies the quirky village of Seyðisfjörður. Colorful wooden houses line the streets, while the aptly-named Rainbow Road offers a vibrant photo opportunity.  Walk to an un... Waterfalls and wildlife in special SeyðisfjörðurAt the end of a deep fjord with picturesque mountains and waterfalls lies the quirky village of Seyðisfjörður. Colorful wooden houses line the streets, while the aptly-named Rainbow Road offers a vibrant photo opportunity.  Walk to an unusual sound sculpture, Tvisongur, or take a longer hike in the hills above the town. Or you can choose to join a visit to Skalanes, a private nature reserve home to reindeer, Arctic fox and mink. Here, scan the skies for Black-tailed Godwits, Golden-Plovers and Gyrfalcons, Europe’s largest falcon.   Read More

Grímsey Island

Cross the Arctic Circle and see Atlantic puffins A remote, windswept island of breathtaking beauty, Grímsey is rich in wildlife and steeped in myth and legend. Weather permitting, we'll land to visit the Atlantic Puffin colonies.   As Grímsey is the only part of Iceland crossed by the... Cross the Arctic Circle and see Atlantic puffins A remote, windswept island of breathtaking beauty, Grímsey is rich in wildlife and steeped in myth and legend. Weather permitting, we'll land to visit the Atlantic Puffin colonies.   As Grímsey is the only part of Iceland crossed by the Arctic Circle, you’ll also have the chance to step across the imaginary line of latitude, hopping between the Arctic and back! By 2050, Grímsey will lie outside the Arctic as the Arctic Circle creeps northwards at a rate of about 48 ft a year. Read More

Akureyri

See dramatic moonscapes and waterfallsGaze at snow-capped peaks as we sail Eyjafjörður, Iceland's longest fjord. It's one of the best places in Europe to spot humpback whales, white-beaked dolphins and harbor porpoises. Look out for orcas, blue and fin whales as well.  “The Capital of... See dramatic moonscapes and waterfallsGaze at snow-capped peaks as we sail Eyjafjörður, Iceland's longest fjord. It's one of the best places in Europe to spot humpback whales, white-beaked dolphins and harbor porpoises. Look out for orcas, blue and fin whales as well.  “The Capital of North Iceland,” Akureyri, sits at the base of the fjord. Enjoy the peaceful oasis of the botanical gardens in addition to a selection of top-notch eateries and museums.  Farther afield you can visit iconic Goðafoss waterfall, where turquoise waters pound against black rocks. You can also seek out eider and harlequin ducks at Lake Mývatn, one of Iceland's more active volcanic areas. Read More

At Sea

Vigur Island

A stunning beach, waterfalls and superb birdwatchingIn Patreksfjörður  you’ll learn all about the fishing traditions in Europe's westernmost village. From here, it’s convenient to travel to some of the stunning landscapes and diverse wildlife that make this remote corner of Iceland tr... A stunning beach, waterfalls and superb birdwatchingIn Patreksfjörður  you’ll learn all about the fishing traditions in Europe's westernmost village. From here, it’s convenient to travel to some of the stunning landscapes and diverse wildlife that make this remote corner of Iceland truly unique.  Explore the surrounding area on a hike through the fjords, or visit Rauðasandur beach and see seals. You can also join a tour to Dynjandi waterfalls—six falls combined that together make the largest and most spectacular in the Westfjords. Birdwatchers shouldn’t miss a visit to Látrabjarg, where puffins, northern gannets, guillemots and razorbills cling to Europe’s largest bird cliff. ching Read More

Grundarfjørdur

Gateway to spectacular SnæfellsnesIt’s as though time has stood still at Stykkishólmur, the small fishing town in Breiðafjörður bay, where colorful houses stand out in contrast to distant mountains.  Nearby, you’ll find Snæfellsnes Peninsula National Park, with the striking, ice-cappe... Gateway to spectacular SnæfellsnesIt’s as though time has stood still at Stykkishólmur, the small fishing town in Breiðafjörður bay, where colorful houses stand out in contrast to distant mountains.  Nearby, you’ll find Snæfellsnes Peninsula National Park, with the striking, ice-capped Snæfellsjökull volcano at the peninsula’s western tip. It’s nicknamed “Little Iceland” for its array of volcanic landscapes. At the national park you can visit Djúpalónssandur's black sand beach and the Lóndrangar basalt cliffs. You can also ride a snowcat to the top of the Snæfellsjökull glacier, or take a guided coastal hike with a glacial cave tour. Read More

Heimaey Island

Discover the town that defied a volcanoHeimaey is the only inhabited island in the Westman Islands, which are found off the south coast of Iceland.It has a fascinating history and still bears the scars of the powerful volcanic eruption that nearly destroyed the island.  Visit Eldheima... Discover the town that defied a volcanoHeimaey is the only inhabited island in the Westman Islands, which are found off the south coast of Iceland.It has a fascinating history and still bears the scars of the powerful volcanic eruption that nearly destroyed the island.  Visit Eldheimar, a museum that features an excavated home frozen in time, and learn more about the eruption and its aftermath. You could also  take a hike to see puffins at Stórhöfði, where around eight million of them nest every summer. Don’t pass up the chance to climb Mount Eldfell to the volcano’s summit, where you’ll have incredible views of the town below. Read More

Reykjavík

Enjoy Reykjavík at your leisure As your Iceland expedition cruise reaches its conclusion, you still have one last terrific destination to explore: Iceland's art-, culture- and history-packed capital, Reykjavík. Stroll along the city’s main street Laugavegur with its boutiques and gall... Enjoy Reykjavík at your leisure As your Iceland expedition cruise reaches its conclusion, you still have one last terrific destination to explore: Iceland's art-, culture- and history-packed capital, Reykjavík. Stroll along the city’s main street Laugavegur with its boutiques and galleries, admire the striking Hallgrímskirkja church and peruse Reykjavík Art Museum. You can even seek out a heittur pottur, or geothermal pool – literally a 'hot pot' – an important part of Icelandic culture.  Read More