Cruise around Iceland

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.