Cruises – Icelandic Adventures
Wonderful Alternative Ports of Call for Sea Adventures
When most people think of a typical cruise holiday, they tend to imagine tropical beach-oriented Caribbean cruises. But for folks who have been there and done that or want something truly exotic, why not experience one of the most unique places on the planet: Iceland. Despite the name, this island nation in the North Atlantic is not just some frigid wasteland. In fact, only about 10% of Iceland is covered in ice. The other 90% is spectacular scenery, singular cuisine, progressive modernity, rich culture, and dramatic geological activity. Cruise deals to Iceland offer you the chance to experience for yourself a destination deserving of its rapidly growing popularity. The majority of towns and cities are located on the coast, which makes Iceland ideal for cruises. Iceland is considered one of the most progressive and modern nations in the world. Despite Iceland’s geographic isolation, its cities and towns boast thriving arts and music communities, cuisine from around the world, and the country is known for its civic freedoms and rich cultural heritage. But the natural wonders are what most travellers come to see (and they shouldn’t anticipate being disappointed). Iceland, if nothing else, is geologically active making it a “hot spot” for active volcanoes, geysers, and a multitude of geothermal hot springs. You may think that a trip through the sunny Mediterranean with MSC Cruises is the only way to warm up this winter, but cruise deals to the land of “fire and ice” offer the chance to experience heat in a whole new way.
Looking up the MSC Fantasia
“The drinks were reasonably priced for a cruise ship. On the whole we were very impressed with the Cruise and found it good value for the money that we paid!! We look back on this holiday with nothing but ‘happy memories’. Thank you.” -Willmot, Streetly, Sutton Coldfield on 19th Jun 2009 (Island Cruises)
Enjoying the Delights of a Sea Holiday
As remote as the island nation of Iceland is, there are a multitude of cruise deals that offer this amazing country as a destination. Ecotourism is on the rise and Iceland offers unparalleled nature and wildlife and has done a fantastic job of promoting itself in a responsible manner. Most of the big players in the cruise industry are responding to the increased interest in the spectacular natural wonders that make Iceland cruises so appealing. Iceland itineraries tend to include routes that allow for optimum glacier and fjord viewing while travelling around this country’s rugged and scenic coastline. And if the allure of crystal blue glaciers and sea ice is what calls you to the northern realm, consider deals that include mysterious Greenland on their itineraries. Interestingly, 80% of Greenland’s landmass is covered in ice, while only 10% of Iceland’s landmass is covered in ice. P&O Cruises offers a great Iceland itinerary that visits Greenland and Norway to round out your North Atlantic ice and dramatic northern fjord experience. Another and increasingly popular option for visiting Iceland is to take advantage of the many transatlantic cruises that include Iceland as a stop along the way. Despite its tropical sounding name, Royal Caribbean Cruises has an excellent two-week westbound transatlantic itinerary that includes stops in France, Ireland, Iceland, Canada, and the USA. Other multi-destination options that stop in Iceland include Cunard Cruises, which offers luxury itineraries that include Norway and the Baltic region.
Dining area in the Royal Suite
“We have never been on a cruise before so we literally started at the top! we were amazed at the luxury, the wonderful food and the choice of restaurants, the waiting staff could not have been more helpful and the stewards surpassed our expectations.” – Harper, Northampton on 19th Jun 2009 (Cunard Cruises)
Icelandic Ports
Nearly all cruises to Iceland includes a stop in the capital city of Reykjavik. Reykjavik is the northernmost nation capitol in the world. It is a very safe and clean city and its small size is ideal for pedestrian exploration of its art shops, restaurants, pubs, and nightlife. Be sure to take a break from your city tour to sample some of Iceland’s smoked lamb dishes. Immediately surrounding the city are the natural wonders that make Iceland such a singular experience. Cruise deals will offer more shore excursions into the surrounding wilds than you’ll have time for. Another popular Icelandic port is the town of Akureyri. Akureyri is located at the head of 60km long fjord and is home to the world’s most northernmost golf course and botanical gardens. Fred Olsen Cruises makes frequent stops in this port and offers some great shore activities. Myvatn Nature Baths is a natural geothermal spa experience where you can bask in the therapeutic steam and hot water pools as you soak up the mountainous scenery. And if your ambition is to cross the Arctic Circle, you can take a short flight to the island of Grimsey so you can add that cruises notch to your belt. For those interested in Iceland’s maritime history, Isafjordur is a highly recommended stop. Not too many cruise deals include this port in its itinerary but Princess Cruises is one line that stops here. Isafjordur is located deep within a gorgeous fjord with a maritime museum that pays tribute to the main commerce here which is fishing.
Stern of Oriana
“I have just read some of the reviews and I felt compelled to write a review, the food in the restaurant was fantastic (although I do agree with one review that the veg was repetitive) the staff on this ship were first class, the entertainment was the best at sea.” – Chilton, Cheltenham on 19th Jun 2009 (Royal Caribbean Cruises)
On shore must-do activities
While the coastal scenery is one of the biggest draws for Icelandic cruises, there are a few shore-based activities you simply can’t miss. With its thriving arts communities, the shopping is great in Iceland. One highlight is Icelandic sheep wool. Their wool is some of the finest in the world and garments made from it are durable, soft, and extremely warm. Cruise deals to Iceland just aren’t complete without exploring Iceland’s world-famous landscapes from the back of one of their world-famous horses. Iceland prides itself in the purity of its extremely gentle and resilient horses. Due to ancient laws that have prohibited the importation of any horses to the country, the Icelandic horse has remained the genetically pure original horse of the Vikings. Celebrity Cruises offers a “can’t miss” shore excursion that takes you through lava fields of the Mt. Helgafell volcano on the back of a stout and friendly Viking steed. Even if you’re not saddle sore, after your horseback adventure take things down a notch with one of the most incredible spa experiences you can have on cruise deals. The Blue Lagoon Spa in Reykjavik is a genuinely healing experience for your body and mind. Water heated below the earth’s surface bubbles up into a gorgeous lava wall surrounded aqua blue lagoon. The water is bathwater hot and filled with minerals that are renowned for their healing properties. Most cruise lines, including NCL Cruises, offer shore excursions to this beautiful and therapeutic site, as it is one of the most popular places to visit on cruises to Iceland.
Pool deck at night
“Hi My name is |michael L Grant, My wife and I wanted to celebrate our Ruby Wedding in style, and boy we did just that. The holiday was booked two year in advance and it was two nights black tie first and second week.” -Grant, Huyton on 18th Jun 2009 (P&O Cruises)
