Iceland Circumnavigation Cruise

Our optional Air & Ground package provides a convenient arrival. Use your leisure time in Reykjavik to discover the unique charm of the world’s northernmost capital and book one ouf our pre-programs. Or explore the sights of south and west Iceland on a self-drive road trip (prices upon request). The OCEAN DIAMOND docks in Old Reykjavik Harbor in the heart of the city, a five-minute stroll from the main squares, shopping and dining. The ship departs in the evening.

Today we explote the Snaefellsnes Peninsula, which juts out from Iceland’s west coast. Like a long arm with a clenched fist at its tip, the peninsula is in many ways a microcosm of the whole island. The glacier is one of the most famous sites in Iceland primarily because it featured in the novel Journey to the Centre of the Earth by Jules Verne in which the entrance to the mysterious interior of our planet is located on Snaefellsjökull.

Today's destination is the idyllic town of Isafjördur, capital of the Westfjords region. This secluded peninsula is connected to the rest of Iceland by only a narrow strip of land. Even by Icelandic standards, the area can be described as unusually isolated. The landscape includes jaw-dropping views of dramatic fjords carved by ancient glaciers, sheer table mountains that plunge into the sea and pristine North Atlantic vegetation.

By morning we reach the fjord town of Siglufjordur, once the hub of the global herring industry and now enjoying a rebirth in popularity. Learn about the golden age of herring at the award-winning Herring Era Museum located on the vibrant harbor-front. In the early afternoon we head to Grimsey. Grimsey is about 40 km to the north from Iceland, right on the Arctic Circle. Here you can see many species of birds, including puffins, Guillemots and various species of gulls. 

In the morning we visit Flatey Island. Its a natural haven for birdlife and home to the arctic tern and puffins, which can be observed at close quarters. In the early afternoon we steam further into the Skjalfandi Bay and visit Husavik.

Husavik is often called the “Whale watching capital” of Iceland, the town’s offshore waters are home to 15 different whale species, as well as dolphins and 30 varieties of birds. Watching these graceful ocean giants in their Arctic habitat is an unforgettable experience.

For our exploration of the Eastfjords, the ship docks in the port of Seydisfjördur. Characteristic of the region are the picturesque fishing villages, steep slopes and panoramic sea views. Activities include seal spotting, horseback riding, and visiting the beautiful nature reserve Skalanes.

The fishing village of Djupivogur is today’s starting point to explore Vatnajokull Glacier (optional). Go on a four wheel-drive Jeep tour (optional) or take a boat trip in the Jokulsarlon glacier Lagoon (optional). Icebergs of all shapes and sizes are floating in the water - an unforgettable adventure.

Located about five miles off the coast of southern Iceland, the island group Vestmannaeyjar were formed by submarine volcanic eruptions around 10,000 years ago. The youngest of the islands only emerged from the sea in 1963. We go ashore in the harbor of Heimaey, the only inhabited island of the group. Residents here live with the constant threat of another violent eruption. In 1973, the entire population had to be evacuated after Helgafell volcano suddenly exploded. In many places in Heimaey one still sees the houses half buried by lava and ash.

After breakfast we bid farewell to the OCEAN DIAMOND as we sail back into Reykjavik. Explore inland areas like the Golden Circle and its famous Gullfoss waterfall via our Air & Ground package or explore the sights of south and west Iceland on a self-drive road trip (prices upon request). You can also simply hang out in Reykjavik, a perfect city for those who want to refresh their spirit in a place that combines invigorating outdoor activities, great food and world-class entertainment.

Please note: If you book return flights on your own please choose a connection that does not depart before noon from Keflavik airport on the same day the OCEAN DIAMOND arrives in Reykjavik.