Iceland Cruise Ports & Cruise Guide
Total 13
- Northeast
- Westfjords
This page is an overview of the 13 cruise ports in Iceland, covering ocean cruises. Cruises start and end at Reykjavík, Seyðisfjörður, Grundarfjörður. 68 cruise ships visit Iceland across 13 ports. See live sailings and availability on the Iceland cruises page.
Iceland offers a dramatic landscape of volcanoes, glaciers, and waterfalls, with a rich Viking heritage and modern culture. For the discerning American traveler seeking authentic experiences without the crowds, Iceland provides a safe, accessible, and unforgettable cruise destination.
Country facts
History
Iceland was settled by Norse and Gaelic people in the 9th century, established the world's oldest parliament (Althing) in 930 AD, and became independent from Denmark in 1944.
The history is often romanticized; the reality includes harsh living conditions, plagues, and colonial exploitation.
Culture
Icelandic identity is rooted in Norse heritage, medieval sagas, and a deep connection to the natural landscape.
Music: Indie-folk and electronic music, with internationally renowned artists like Björk and Sigur Rós.
Signature landscape: Geothermal hot springs, glaciers, volcanoes, and the Northern Lights.
Cuisine
- Skyr (strained yogurt)
- Hákarl (fermented shark)
- Lamb and fish dishes
- Rúgbrauð (dark rye bread baked in geothermal ground)
Architecture & heritage
- Traditional turf houses
- Modernist churches (Hallgrímskirkja)
- Viking archaeological sites
- Historic wooden houses in Akureyri
Tips for American travellers
- Bring layered clothing; weather changes rapidly.
- Respect nature and stay on marked paths.
- Tipping is not customary; service charges are included.
- Credit cards are accepted everywhere, even for small purchases.
- Learn a few Icelandic phrases; locals appreciate the effort.
- Be prepared for limited daylight in winter, but enjoy the midnight sun in summer.
Major cities & destinations
Reykjavik Capital city
Vibrant cultural scene, geothermal pools, and gateway to the Golden Circle.
Major turnaround and port of call; most itineraries start or end here.
Hallgrímskirkja church Harpa Concert Hall Blue Lagoon (nearby) Þingvellir National Park Reykjavik Old HarborAkureyri Northern town
Gateway to north Iceland, surrounded by mountains and fjords, known for its botanical garden and church.
Popular port on circumnavigation itineraries.
Akureyri Church Botanical Garden Goðafoss waterfall Mývatn Lake Húsavík (nearby)Ísafjörður Remote town in Westfjords
Untouched nature, dramatic fjords, and excellent hiking and birdwatching.
Small ship port; often visited by expedition cruises.
Dynjandi waterfall Hornstrandir Nature Reserve Vestfirðir maritime history Bolungarvík coastal villageCruise ports of call
Iceland is a prime cruise destination, with many itineraries circumnavigating the island or crossing from Greenland or Scandinavia. The main ports offer easy access to the country's dramatic landscapes and cultural sites.
- Circumnavigation of Iceland
- Greenland & Iceland
Reykjavik Both
The main gateway, with multiple berths and easy access to the city. Often a turnaround port for transatlantic cruises.
Best for: Exploring the capital, Golden Circle excursions, geothermal pools, and cultural attractions.
Operators: Viking Cruises, Holland America Line, Princess Cruises, Celebrity Cruises
Akureyri Circumnavigation
Located on the Eyjafjörður fjord, this is the cultural capital of the north. Offers a charming town and access to natural wonders.
Best for: Natural wonders, waterfalls, volcanic landscapes, and whale watching.
Operators: Viking Cruises, Holland America Line
Ísafjörður Circumnavigation
A remote port in the Westfjords, accessible only by sea or small planes. Known for its dramatic scenery and unspoiled nature.
Best for: Untouched nature, hiking, birdwatching, and photography.
Operators: Holland America Line, Ponant
Smaller ports like Grundarfjörður, Seyðisfjörður, and Heimaey are also visited by expedition ships, offering access to Snæfellsnes Peninsula and the Eastfjords.
All cruise ports in Iceland
Ships visiting by type: 54 ocean 14 expedition 5 ro-pax ferry
Showing 13 ports in Iceland
River cruises & routes
Iceland has no rivers suitable for river cruising; instead, coastal and expedition cruises are the norm, focusing on the island's dramatic coastline and fjords.
| Route | Length | Countries | Highlights |
|---|---|---|---|
| Coastal Expedition (Westfjords & North Iceland) | 10-14 | Iceland | Westfjords, Snæfellsnes Peninsula, Akureyri, Mývatn, and remote fjords |
Season: May to September (summer season)
Cruise lines visiting Iceland
Major ocean cruise lines include Iceland in transatlantic or North Atlantic itineraries, while expedition lines offer deeper exploration of the rugged coastline.
Holland America Line
Iceland & Greenland
Ships: Nieuw Statendam
Ponant
Expedition cruises around Iceland
Ships: Le Boréal
Smaller expedition lines like National Geographic Lindblad also visit, offering more intimate experiences and access to remote ports.
Planning & advice
Iceland offers a safe, scenic, and culturally rich experience that appeals to older travelers seeking adventure without physical strain. The lack of crowds outside Reykjavik and the ease of exploring from ports make it ideal for milestone travel.
For the American traveller
- Learn a few Icelandic phrases to connect with locals.
- Be prepared for changeable weather; pack layers and rain gear.
- Rent a car if you plan to explore independently after the cruise.
- Book excursions early; popular ones like Golden Circle and Blue Lagoon sell out quickly.
- Tipping is not expected; service charges are included.
- Use credit cards everywhere; cash is rarely needed.
- Be aware of limited daylight in winter, but summer offers the midnight sun.
- Respect nature and stay on marked paths to avoid accidents.
Excursion planning
- Prioritize the Golden Circle and Blue Lagoon if in Reykjavik; combine them into one full-day tour.
- For Akureyri, book the Mývatn and Goðafoss tour for the best highlights.
- For Ísafjörður, hiking is the highlight; book a guided hike to Dynjandi.
- Consider hiring a private guide for a personalized experience, especially if you have mobility concerns.
The verdict
Iceland is a top-tier cruise destination for the discerning traveler, offering unique landscapes and a welcoming culture. With careful planning, it can be a memorable and rewarding journey.
Sources
- CIA World Factbook — Iceland - The World Factbook (accessed 2026-09-09)
- Visit Iceland — Official tourism site (accessed 2026-09-09)
- Lonely Planet — Iceland travel guide (accessed 2026-09-09)
- Cruise Critic — Iceland cruise ports (accessed 2026-09-09)