Ponant [Iceland]
Iceland
Operates luxurious, state-of-the-art expedition ships exploring some of the remotest corners of the world. They offer comprehensive Iceland itineraries all summer, with all-inclusive comfort and top-notch expedition leaders.
Bucket list experience:
Iceland
Credit Shutterstock.com/Gimas
A cruise around Iceland reveals melancholy landscapes of massive U-shaped valleys carved by ancient glaciers, with long ribbons of waterfalls plunging into blue-green fjords.
You’ll see lunar landscapes of spiked rocks, spouting geysers and jauntily coloured fishing villages, tiny against the vast landscapes. Days are spent hiking, whale-watching – especially around Husavik – and venturing inland for unusual excursions, not least a chance to travel deep inside the Langjökull glacier.
There’s colourful folklore everywhere in this stark country, as well as human history dating back 2,000 years. And excitement for Game of Thrones fans, too, with myriad tours of the filming locations on offer, some led by actors who appeared in the series.
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Destination Guide >Plenty of cruise lines visit Iceland but those with bigger ships tend to call at Reykjavik only.
While there’s plenty to see from here on the famous ‘Golden Circle’ route, you’ll have a better appreciation of Iceland’s wildlife, culture and endless vistas if you sail away from the city, up to the Westfjords and Akureyri, and south to the remote Vestmann islands.
This can be achieved by road, of course, but the distances are vast and the Westfjords, in particular, is especially beautiful from the water. One option is to do a cruise and then rent a car to explore deeper, and take in Reykjavik’s lively nightlife.
The French-owned Ponant line operate sleek, all-inclusive expedition ships on comprehensive Iceland itineraries all summer.
Iceland’s cruising season is summer, when the days are long and snow retreats to higher ground. This is peak time for whale-watching and spotting puffins nesting on the high coastal cliffs.
Our writer’s recommended tour operators to book with
Iceland
Operates luxurious, state-of-the-art expedition ships exploring some of the remotest corners of the world. They offer comprehensive Iceland itineraries all summer, with all-inclusive comfort and top-notch expedition leaders.
Basel, Iceland
The world’s largest river cruise company, that now also offers Ocean cruises and Expeditions to more remote destinations. They have multiple itineraries out of Reykjavik, including circumnavigations, on luxury ships designed for cool climates. Over 18s only.
Iceland
Small ship specialist, with 148 to 342 guests per voyage. Their recently-refurbished ‘Star Pride’ circumnavigates Iceland for the whole summer season. Excursions include kayaking, hiking and RIB safaris.
Destination guides including or relevant to this experience
Iceland
From volcanoes and glaciers to black beaches, geothermal pools and the Northern Lights, Iceland is one of the world’s wildest, weirdest destinations. A paradise for adventurous travellers.
Our writer’s recommendations of other bucket list experiences our writer says you must do in this destination, closest first
Reykjavik, Iceland[275.4 miles]
This world-famous (man-made) outdoor geothermal pool of steaming 39°C healing waters, surrounded by black lava fields, is Iceland’s star attraction.
Best for ages: 4+ | £35
Iceland
Venture into these extraordinary tunnel-like caves, formed by cooling underground lava flows, to see dramatic subterranean rock formations. Geothermal Iceland has some of the world’s most accessible to explore.
Best for ages: 8+ | £40 | 2+ hours
Iceland
The world capital of ‘volcanic tourism’, Iceland offers spa-seekers mineral-rich geothermal pools, sourced from underground geological layers and set amid dramatic volcanic scenery.
Best for ages: 8+ | Free
Iceland
Iceland is land of striking volcanic topography, creating some of the most spectacular Northern Lights-lit landscapes. See the lights on cruises, glacier hikes, and 4WD tours – or just soaking in the Blue Lagoon.
Best for ages: 4+ | Free
Round-ups that include this experience
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The UK’s leading cruise expert, Sue Bryant, recommends the best river, sea and ocean cruise destinations from around the world; memorable voyages, and bucket list experiences, from the moment you step aboard.