Reykjavík

Discover Iceland’s modern capital.Your expedition cruise starts in Reykjavík – a laid-back city of art, culture and history. It’s well worth spending some time getting to know this delightful capital.Stroll past the boutiques and outdoor shops along Laugavegur, gaze in awe at the striking... Discover Iceland’s modern capital.Your expedition cruise starts in Reykjavík – a laid-back city of art, culture and history. It’s well worth spending some time getting to know this delightful capital.Stroll past the boutiques and outdoor shops along Laugavegur, gaze in awe at the striking HallgrímskirkjaChurch, and drop by the fascinating Reykjavík Art Museum.Your expedition ship awaits you in Reykjavík Harbour. After being welcomed aboard and collecting your complimentary expedition jacket, it’s time to settle into your cabin before enjoying your first dinner on board.If you have time, we recommend booking a Pre-Program with us to discover some of Iceland’s natural highlights before your cruise begins. Read More

Heimaey Island

Discover the town that defied a volcanoHeimaey is the only inhabited island in the Westman Islands, off Iceland’s southern coast. It has a fascinating history and still bears the scars of the powerful volcanic eruption that nearly destroyed the island.Visit Eldheimar, a museum that feature... Discover the town that defied a volcanoHeimaey is the only inhabited island in the Westman Islands, off Iceland’s southern coast. It has a fascinating history and still bears the scars of the powerful volcanic eruption that nearly destroyed the island.Visit Eldheimar, a museum that features an excavated home frozen in time, and learn more about the eruption and its aftermath. Don’t pass up the chance to climb Mount Eldfell to the volcano’s summit, where you’ll have incredible views of the town below. Read More

Grundarfjørdur

Gateway to spectacular SnæfellsnesThe majestic Kirkjufell mountain, one of the best-known landmarks of Iceland, rises just two miles west of the small harbor of Grundarfjörður, a quaint fishing town in Breiðafjörður bay.Nearby lies Snæfellsnes Peninsula National Park, with the striking, ic... Gateway to spectacular SnæfellsnesThe majestic Kirkjufell mountain, one of the best-known landmarks of Iceland, rises just two miles west of the small harbor of Grundarfjörður, a quaint fishing town in Breiðafjörður bay.Nearby lies Snæfellsnes Peninsula National Park, with the striking, ice-capped Snæfellsjökull volcano at the peninsula’s western tip. Its wide array of landscapes has earned it the nickname ‘Little Iceland’.At the national park, you can visit Djúpalónssandur’s black sand beach and the Saxhóll crater, or take a guided underground tour along a gigantic lava tube. Read More

Isafjørdur

Explore Westfjords’ beautiful harborside townFlanked by towering mountains on all sides, Ísafjörður is a nearly perfect natural harbor and an excellent gateway to the Westfjords region. Stroll around to see the architecture, shop for local handicrafts, and see some of the oldest houses in... Explore Westfjords’ beautiful harborside townFlanked by towering mountains on all sides, Ísafjörður is a nearly perfect natural harbor and an excellent gateway to the Westfjords region. Stroll around to see the architecture, shop for local handicrafts, and see some of the oldest houses in Iceland.One of these historic 18th-century buildings is home to Westfjords Heritage Museum, where you can learn about the maritime past of this fascinating port. Or if you prefer something more energetic, you could take the steep hike up to Naustahvilft – the Troll’s Throne. You’ll be rewarded for your efforts with a stunning panoramic view at the top. Read More

Djupavik

Explore a ghostly factory and hike in magical surroundingsThere is an eerie charm about the remote village of Djúpavík, at the edge of the Westfjords. A vast abandoned herring factory contrasts with a stunning rural setting. A guided tour of the old herring factory should not be missed. In... Explore a ghostly factory and hike in magical surroundingsThere is an eerie charm about the remote village of Djúpavík, at the edge of the Westfjords. A vast abandoned herring factory contrasts with a stunning rural setting. A guided tour of the old herring factory should not be missed. Inside its cavernous interior, huge machines rust away quietly, and the workers’ everyday objects sit forgotten on their desks.Explore these magical surroundings on foot and take a short and invigorating hike to the waterfall just above the old factory. Looking down to the shore, you may spot the old, rusting ship from a previous era. This truly is a place of contrasts. Read More

Akureyri

See dramatic moonscapes and waterfallsGaze at snowcapped peaks as we cruise into Eyjafjörður, Iceland’s longest fjord. Together with neighboring Skjálfandi bay, it’s one of the best places in Europe to spot whales.Iceland’s so-called ‘Northern Capital’, Akureyri, sits at the base of the fj... See dramatic moonscapes and waterfallsGaze at snowcapped peaks as we cruise into Eyjafjörður, Iceland’s longest fjord. Together with neighboring Skjálfandi bay, it’s one of the best places in Europe to spot whales.Iceland’s so-called ‘Northern Capital’, Akureyri, sits at the base of the fjord. Here, you can enjoy a botanical garden oasis and visit local eateries and museums.A little further on, witness the picturesque Goðafoss waterfall, where turquoise waters pound against black rocks. You’ll witness geology come to life around Lake Mývatn, an active volcanic area and one of the few places to see the Mid-Atlantic Ridge up close. Read More

Husavik

Cross the Arctic Circle and go whale watchingHúsavík is a pleasant small town famous for its whale watching opportunities, and we’ll be stopping here in the morning. The town looks out over Skjálfandi bay, which enjoys visits from humpback and minke whales, white-beaked dolphins, harbor po... Cross the Arctic Circle and go whale watchingHúsavík is a pleasant small town famous for its whale watching opportunities, and we’ll be stopping here in the morning. The town looks out over Skjálfandi bay, which enjoys visits from humpback and minke whales, white-beaked dolphins, harbor porpoises and occasionally blue whales. If you’re lucky, you might see one or more of these giants at sea, and you can learn more about them at the Húsavík Whale Museum.Húsavík is also regarded as the gateway to many of the highlights of the north, including Jökulsárgljúfur National Park, the waterfall of Dettifoss and the horseshoe-shaped valley of Ásbyrgi, which according to Icelandic myth was made by Odin’s eight-legged horse. Later, we’ll sail along the coast of Grímsey island without landing, crossing the Arctic Circle as we do so, before continuing to our next destination. Read More

Bakkagerði

Explore a place beloved by puffins and elvesYour Iceland expedition cruise continues to Bakkagerði, a tiny, remote settlement. According to folklore, Bakkagerði is inhabited by a large population of local land spirits or elves, known as huldufólk, meaning ‘hidden people’. Walk around town... Explore a place beloved by puffins and elvesYour Iceland expedition cruise continues to Bakkagerði, a tiny, remote settlement. According to folklore, Bakkagerði is inhabited by a large population of local land spirits or elves, known as huldufólk, meaning ‘hidden people’. Walk around town to explore this magical place.This popular hiking area features lush valleys and gorgeous scenery among colorful rhyolite rocks. In season, the coastal cliffs are home to fulmars, kittiwakes, eiders and puffins. Read More

At Sea

At Sea

Lerwick, Shetland Islands

Discover Scotland’s most northerly inhabited islesToday we’ll dock alongside Lerwick, the capital of the Shetland Islands. Set in stunning scenery, we’ll spend the day exploring this friendly, Victorian-influenced fishing town.Navigate the narrow lanes on foot to discover little shops sell... Discover Scotland’s most northerly inhabited islesToday we’ll dock alongside Lerwick, the capital of the Shetland Islands. Set in stunning scenery, we’ll spend the day exploring this friendly, Victorian-influenced fishing town.Navigate the narrow lanes on foot to discover little shops selling local whiskies, woolen sweaters, and fudge. By the old waterfront, you’ll find the Shetland Museum, charting the area’s rich history. Nearby, see Fort Charlotte and the regal Town Hall.The wider island is home to remarkable Iron Age villages and the Shetland Crofthouse Museum, where you can learn about the hard life of the local crofters. Read More

North Haven, Fair Isle

A scenic stop for bird loversYour cruise continues to the remote Fair Isle, known for its birds and knitwear.The island is home to 27 bird species and is a dream for birders and wildlife photographers. It's a vital stop for migrating seabirds, drawn to the red sandstone cliffs, green field... A scenic stop for bird loversYour cruise continues to the remote Fair Isle, known for its birds and knitwear.The island is home to 27 bird species and is a dream for birders and wildlife photographers. It's a vital stop for migrating seabirds, drawn to the red sandstone cliffs, green fields, and moors.We’ll attempt to land for the Expedition Team to lead you on a clifftop hike to a lighthouse sitting in a spectacular location. Gain fascinating insights into the life and history of the 65-strong island community at the local museum. You can support Fair Islanders by buying genuine Fair Isle knitwear direct from local makers.If landing isn’t possible, the scenic cruising is just as spectacular. Read More

Kirkwall, Orkney Islands

Learn about Kirkwall’s Norse heritageToday, we cruise to the Orkney Islands’ largest town. Explore Kirkwall, the vibrant, Viking-influenced capital of the Orkneys, which is compact enough to cover on foot.Visit the regal St. Magnus Cathedral, made from distinctive local red sandstone, and... Learn about Kirkwall’s Norse heritageToday, we cruise to the Orkney Islands’ largest town. Explore Kirkwall, the vibrant, Viking-influenced capital of the Orkneys, which is compact enough to cover on foot.Visit the regal St. Magnus Cathedral, made from distinctive local red sandstone, and the adjacent Earl’s Palace to see the stone ruins of this once-grand Renaissance building. The Neolithic settlement of Scara Brae is also only a bus ride away.Whisky aficionados will enjoy Kirkwall’s Highland Park and Scapa distilleries’ sublime single malts. If you feel like something different, Orkney Distillery produces gin made from local Orcadian botanicals. Read More

At Sea

Hamburg

End your cruise in Germany’s second cityYour expedition cruise comes to an end in Hamburg, the second-largest city in Germany, which has one of the greenest urban areas in Europe.There’s a lot to see and do in Hamburg. If you have time, you’ll find many attractions in the Altstadt district... End your cruise in Germany’s second cityYour expedition cruise comes to an end in Hamburg, the second-largest city in Germany, which has one of the greenest urban areas in Europe.There’s a lot to see and do in Hamburg. If you have time, you’ll find many attractions in the Altstadt district, including the St. Nikolai Memorial and the historic street of Deichstraße.Hamburg is home to UNESCO World Heritage Sites, including Chilehaus, and the world’s largest historic warehouse district in Speicherstadt. Art lovers should head to Kunsthalle, the nation’s foremost art museum. Read More