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Iceland Expedition Cruises
Known as the land of fire and ice, Iceland offers awe-inspiring landscapes everywhere you look - active volcanic landscapes and black sand beaches, snow-covered mountains, rushing waterfalls, and bubbling natural hot springs.
For American travelers, an expedition cruise to Iceland is the ideal introduction to the culture, landscapes, and history that make this small island nation so special.
Why go on a cruise to Iceland?
Your Iceland cruise will also have plenty of opportunities to learn about the Norse and Viking history of the island, along with contemporary Icelandic culture. Sample the local cuisine or browse traditional textile and Icelandic woven clothing to bring home as gifts. Reykjavík is a designated UNESCO City of Literature and offers museums, galleries, and bookshops where you can dive into the country’s rich history in arts and humanities.
The convenience of your expedition ship is also the perfect way to see the constantly changing landscapes of Iceland. Start with a few nights enjoying the cuisine and history of Reykjavik before boarding your cruise, each day offering incredible opportunities to see the country and its icy coastline.
You might visit the Westfjords, offering cascading waterfalls, dramatic cliffs, and vast puffin colonies, the dramatic black sand Diamond Beach, or Gullfoss, one of Iceland’s most iconic waterfalls.
Plan your Iceland expedition cruise with Chimu Adventures
The team of Destination Specialists at Chimu Adventures can help you find the perfect Iceland cruise from North America for your schedule, interests, and budget. We can also arrange everything else you’ll need for your trip, such as your international flights from the US or Canada, travel insurance, and any hotel stays before or after your cruise in Reykjavik or elsewhere in Europe.
Known as the land of fire and ice, Iceland offers awe-inspiring landscapes everywhere you look - active volcanic landscapes and black sand beaches, snow-covered mountains, rushing waterfalls, and bubbling natural hot springs.
For American travelers, an expedition cruise to Iceland is the ideal introduction to the culture, landscapes, and history that make this small island nation so special.
Why go on a cruise to Iceland?
Your Iceland cruise will also have plenty of opportunities to learn about the Norse and Viking history of the island, along with contemporary Icelandic culture. Sample the local cuisine or browse traditional textile and Icelandic woven clothing to bring home as gifts. Reykjavík is a designated UNESCO City of Literature and offers museums, galleries, and bookshops where you can dive into the country’s rich history in arts and humanities.
The convenience of your expedition ship is also the perfect way to see the constantly changing landscapes of Iceland. Start with a few nights enjoying the cuisine and history of Reykjavik before boarding your cruise, each day offering incredible opportunities to see the country and its icy coastline.
You might visit the Westfjords, offering cascading waterfalls, dramatic cliffs, and vast puffin colonies, the dramatic black sand Diamond Beach, or Gullfoss, one of Iceland’s most iconic waterfalls.
Plan your Iceland expedition cruise with Chimu Adventures
The team of Destination Specialists at Chimu Adventures can help you find the perfect Iceland cruise from North America for your schedule, interests, and budget. We can also arrange everything else you’ll need for your trip, such as your international flights from the US or Canada, travel insurance, and any hotel stays before or after your cruise in Reykjavik or elsewhere in Europe.
WHY TRAVEL WITH CHIMU ADVENTURES
We are true Polar specialists with over 20 years of experience. Almost every Chimu team member has traveled to either Antarctica or the Arctic and knows expedition cruising inside and out.
We have inspected and continue to thoroughly research each individual vessel we work with, selecting only small ships with strong environmental, safety, and ethical credentials.
We know all things Polar by heart and will work with you to determine which ship and itinerary is best suited. Travellers visit the Polar regions for different reasons, including wildlife, photography, snowshoeing, and kayaking, so we'll find the perfect expedition for your interests.
From your initial enquiry until your trip ends, you'll be assigned a personal Destination Specialist who will offer a full service to your travel needs: we can book flights, insurance, and any additional travel to complete your journey.
Iceland TOURS
Iceland REVIEWS
All Chimu Adventures' clients are given the opportunity to review their trip once they return home. These reviews are administered by a third party and as such are unfiltered by Chimu Adventures.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
The standard Iceland cruise itinerary is around 8-10 days and will circumnavigate the island. However, longer cruises of 2-3 weeks may combine time in Iceland with other destinations, such as Greenland or Norway.
The Iceland cruise season is within summer, around June-September. The warmer weather is ideal for cruising as you can enjoy calmer seas, active wildlife, and long daylight hours.
Expedition companies offering ships of fewer than 200 passengers are ideal for visiting Iceland. Smaller ships offer more opportunities to get off your vessel and onto land, with expert-led excursions around Iceland. Our sister company, Polar Latitudes Expeditions (PLX), specialises in Icelandic expeditions on their ships, including the Ocean Victory and Ocean Albatros.
Most Iceland expedition cruises depart from the capital city of Reykjavik. However, some multi-country cruises may depart from other Northern European ports, such as Copenhagen or Oslo.
Yes, many operators offer luxury cruises to Iceland, featuring amenities like spas, butler service, and fine dining. If you’re seeking a luxury ship for your Arctic cruise to Iceland, the team at Chimu Adventures can help you find the perfect ship and itinerary.
Generally, expedition cruising suits travelers with moderate health and fitness. Expedition cruises use zodiacs to maneuver off the ship and onto land, so you’ll need to be able to get on and off each day. However, the expedition team will always be there to assist. If you have questions about fitness levels and Iceland cruises, feel free to reach out, and our experienced team is here to help.
The Northern Lights are often a possibility on Iceland expeditions. However, in peak summer months, like late June and July, the sun almost never sets. The best chances of seeing the Northern Lights in Iceland would be in spring or early autumn. Visibility is always impacted by the weather, but if the forecast predicts a good chance of seeing the Northern Lights, your expedition team will let you know!
Yes, children are welcome on many Arctic cruises to Iceland, but some operators may set a minimum age of 8 or 12 years.