From big-ship lines to small expedition vessels, many cruise lines sail to Iceland each summer. Here is who goes, which ports they visit, when to cruise and how to plan your time ashore.
Early on a June morning, a ship glides into a fjord so narrow that the mountains seem close enough to touch. Waterfalls spill down the slopes, a tiny town sits at the water's edge, and by breakfast you are walking ashore in a place most travelers never reach. That is the appeal of an Iceland cruise: you wake up somewhere new every day, from the capital to remote fishing villages, without packing a bag.
What cruise lines go to Iceland?
Many major cruise lines sail to Iceland, mostly between May and September. Mainstream lines that often include Iceland in their itineraries include Norwegian Cruise Line, Princess Cruises, Royal Caribbean, Celebrity Cruises, Holland America Line and MSC Cruises. Premium and luxury lines such as Viking, Oceania, Silversea, Seabourn, Windstar and Cunard also call there, and expedition lines such as Ponant, HX (Hurtigruten Expeditions), Lindblad Expeditions and Adventure Canada offer small-ship voyages around the island. Itineraries change every year, so always check the current schedule for your sailing.
Is a cruise a good way to see Iceland?
A cruise is a convenient way to see several parts of Iceland in one trip, especially the remote north, east and Westfjords, which take days to reach by road. You unpack once, travel overnight and wake up in a new port. It also suits travelers who prefer not to drive in unfamiliar conditions.
The trade-off is time. Most port calls last six to ten hours, so you see only the highlights near each port, and inland areas such as the Highlands are out of reach. Big ships also spend more time at sea and visit fewer ports than small ships. If you want to hike, explore the interior or see the northern lights, a land-based trip in a different season may suit you better. Many travelers combine the two, adding a few days in Reykjavík before or after the cruise.
Types of Iceland cruises
Iceland cruises fall into a few broad categories, and the right one depends on your budget, how much time you have and how close you want to get to the landscape.
Northern Europe and British Isles cruises
The most common way to cruise to Iceland is on a Northern Europe or British Isles itinerary that includes one or more Icelandic ports. These sailings often start in Southampton, Dover, Amsterdam, Hamburg or Copenhagen and combine Iceland with Norway, the Faroe Islands, Scotland or Ireland. They usually last 10 to 16 nights.
Transatlantic cruises
Some repositioning voyages between Europe and North America stop in Iceland, often alongside Greenland and Canada. These sailings tend to run in spring and late summer, when ships move between their European and North American seasons. They are a good option for travelers in the United States and Canada who want to start or end their trip close to home.
Cruises to Iceland from the United States
There are cruises to Iceland from the United States, though they are less common than European departures. Some lines run voyages from New York, Boston or Fort Lauderdale to Europe that stop in Iceland, Greenland and Canada along the way, usually as repositioning cruises in spring or late summer. Other travelers fly to Reykjavík and join a round-trip circumnavigation, or fly to Europe and board a Northern Europe cruise that includes Iceland.
Iceland circumnavigation cruises
Circumnavigation cruises sail all the way around Iceland, usually starting and ending in Reykjavík. They visit several ports in one trip, including smaller towns that big ships rarely reach. Many are run by expedition and small-ship lines, which can enter narrow fjords and land passengers by Zodiac in remote places.
Expedition cruises
Expedition cruises use small ships, often with fewer than 200 passengers, and focus on nature, wildlife and remote landings. They may combine Iceland with Greenland, Svalbard or the Faroe Islands. Expect onboard lectures, hiking and Zodiac trips, and a higher price than mainstream cruises.
Cruise lines that sail to Iceland
Here is an overview of the main cruise lines that regularly include Iceland, grouped by style. Check each line's current itineraries, as routes and frequency change from year to year.
Mainstream cruise lines
Norwegian Cruise Line, with Northern Europe and Iceland sailings from the UK and Europe
Princess Cruises, with British Isles and Iceland itineraries in summer
Royal Caribbean, with Northern Europe cruises that include Iceland on some sailings
Celebrity Cruises, with Iceland and Northern Europe voyages
Holland America Line, with longer voyages to Iceland, Greenland and Norway
MSC Cruises, with Northern Europe cruises that call at Icelandic ports
P&O Cruises, Ambassador Cruise Line and Fred. Olsen, popular with travelers from the UK
Premium and luxury cruise lines
Viking, with ocean voyages that include Iceland and Scandinavia
Oceania Cruises, with longer Northern Europe itineraries
Silversea, Seabourn and Regent Seven Seas, with luxury voyages to Iceland and the Arctic
Windstar and Azamara, with smaller ships that visit more Icelandic ports
Cunard, with Northern Europe sailings and occasional transatlantic stops in Iceland
Expedition cruise lines
Ponant, with small luxury expedition ships and Iceland circumnavigations
HX (Hurtigruten Expeditions), with expedition voyages around Iceland and to Greenland
Lindblad Expeditions, in partnership with National Geographic
Adventure Canada, with small-ship Iceland circumnavigations
Aurora Expeditions, Scenic and other small-ship operators
Which cruise line is best for Iceland?
The best cruise line depends on what you want from the trip. Mainstream lines are the most affordable and offer plenty of onboard entertainment, but they visit fewer ports and spend more time at sea. Small-ship and expedition lines cost more, but they reach remote fjords and smaller towns and focus on time ashore.
As a general guide:
Choose a mainstream line if you want value, big-ship amenities and a few highlights such as Reykjavík and Akureyri
Choose a premium or luxury line if you want more port time, smaller ships and a more relaxed atmosphere
Choose an expedition line if you want remote landings, wildlife and a full circumnavigation of the island
Iceland cruise ports
Iceland has more than 20 ports that welcome cruise ships, and Cruise Iceland, the association of Icelandic cruise ports, lists them all. Most itineraries focus on a handful of them. The main ports are spread around the coast, so each one offers a different side of the country.
Reykjavík
Reykjavík is Iceland's main cruise port and the start or end point of many voyages. Large ships dock at Skarfabakki, a few kilometers from the city center, while smaller ships may tie up at the Old Harbour, within walking distance of downtown. Associated Icelandic Ports, known locally as Faxaflóahafnir, runs the city's harbors.
From Reykjavík, the most popular excursion is the Golden Circle, which covers Þingvellir National Park, the Geysir geothermal area and Gullfoss waterfall. A Golden Circle express tour from the Reykjavík pier is timed around ship schedules, so you can see all three sights and be back on board in time.
Akureyri
Akureyri, in North Iceland, is one of the busiest cruise ports in the country. Ships dock close to the town center, so you can walk to the church, botanical garden and pedestrian street. Nearby sights include Goðafoss waterfall and the volcanic landscapes around Lake Mývatn.
A full day in Akureyri is enough to reach the north's highlights. A Goðafoss and Mývatn day from the Akureyri pier covers the waterfall, lava formations and geothermal areas in one trip.
Ísafjörður
Ísafjörður is the largest town in the Westfjords, set on a narrow spit of land surrounded by steep mountains. Smaller ships can dock at the quay, while medium and large ships usually anchor in the fjord and tender passengers ashore.
The town is the gateway to Dynjandi, one of Iceland's most impressive waterfalls, and to the island of Vigur, home to puffins and eider ducks in summer. A Vigur Island puffin excursion takes you by boat to see the birds up close.
For scenery, a Dynjandi and Westfjords scenic tour shows off the region's fjords and mountain passes.
Grundarfjörður
Grundarfjörður sits on the Snæfellsnes peninsula, in the west of Iceland, beside Kirkjufell, the arrow-shaped mountain that appears on countless postcards. Smaller and mid-sized ships often dock at the pier, while larger ships may anchor and tender.
The peninsula packs lava fields, black sand beaches and sea cliffs into a small area, and the Snæfellsjökull glacier dominates the western tip. An excursion to Kirkjufell and Snæfellsjökull National Park covers the main sights in a single port day.
Seyðisfjörður
Seyðisfjörður is a colorful village at the end of a long fjord in East Iceland. Its rainbow-painted street, blue church and artsy atmosphere make it a favorite with cruise passengers. Ships dock right by the village, which is also the arrival point for the ferry from Denmark and the Faroe Islands.
The village is small enough to explore on foot, and a Seyðisfjörður heritage walk brings its history and wooden houses to life. Further afield, excursions head inland to the Hengifoss waterfall and the reindeer country of East Iceland.
Other Icelandic cruise ports
Smaller ships and expedition cruises also visit other ports, including:
Heimaey, in the Westman Islands, known for its puffin colonies and the 1973 volcanic eruption
Húsavík, in North Iceland, famous for whale watching
Djúpivogur, a quiet village in East Iceland
Siglufjörður, a former herring boomtown in the north
Hafnarfjörður, just south of Reykjavík
Grímsey, a small island on the Arctic Circle
Which Iceland ports are tender ports?
At some Icelandic ports, ships anchor offshore and carry passengers to land in small boats called tenders. The size of your ship usually decides if you tender or dock. Smaller ships can often dock directly, while larger ships may need to anchor.
Ports where larger ships often tender include:
Ísafjörður, where medium and large ships usually anchor in the fjord
Grundarfjörður, where larger ships may anchor in the bay
Djúpivogur, where bigger ships anchor offshore
Heimaey, where large ships usually anchor outside the harbor
Tendering can add time to your day, as passengers go ashore in groups. If you have a booked excursion, you will usually get priority, but allow extra time and follow the ship's instructions. Rough seas can occasionally force a ship to skip a tender port, so be prepared for itinerary changes.
When is the best time to cruise to Iceland?
The Iceland cruise season runs from about May to September, with some sailings in late April and early October. The best time depends on what you want to see.
June and July bring the longest days, with almost 24 hours of daylight, and the warmest weather
May to August is puffin season, with the birds nesting on cliffs and islands around the coast
June to August is the peak season for whale watching, especially in the north
May and September are quieter and often cheaper, with fewer ships in port
The northern lights are usually not visible on summer cruises, because the nights are too bright. Late September and early October sailings offer a small chance, but the aurora is never guaranteed.
How much does a cruise to Iceland cost?
Prices vary widely by cruise line, ship, cabin and season. Mainstream sailings that include Iceland as part of a longer Northern Europe itinerary are the most affordable, while small-ship expedition cruises cost much more.
As a rough guide:
Mainstream cruises that include Iceland often start from around $1,500 to $3,000 per person for 10 to 14 nights
Premium and luxury voyages typically cost several thousand dollars more
Small-ship expedition circumnavigations often cost $8,000 to $20,000 or more per person
Remember to budget for shore excursions, drinks, gratuities and flights to the departure port. Since 2025, Iceland has also charged an infrastructure fee on international cruise passengers for each day the ship spends in Icelandic waters. The fee was reduced to ISK 1,600 per passenger per day for 2026, and some lines add it to your onboard account.
The fee led some cruise lines to cut back on Icelandic port calls, and Iceland Monitor reported sharp drops in arrivals at some smaller ports. If visiting a particular town matters to you, check that it is still on your ship's itinerary before you book.
Do you need a visa for an Iceland cruise?
Iceland is part of the Schengen Area. Citizens of the United States, Canada, the United Kingdom, Australia and many other countries do not need a visa for short visits of up to 90 days within any 180-day period. Travelers from countries that need a Schengen visa must apply for one before the trip.
If your cruise starts or ends in Reykjavík, you will pass through passport control at Keflavík Airport, where non-EU travelers are now registered in the European Entry/Exit System. Check the passport and visa rules for every country on your itinerary, and confirm the requirements with your cruise line before you travel.
What to do in Iceland's cruise ports
With limited time ashore, it helps to plan ahead. Here are the most popular choices in each main port:
In Reykjavík, the Golden Circle, the Blue Lagoon, whale watching or a walk around downtown
In Akureyri, Goðafoss and Lake Mývatn, whale watching on Eyjafjörður or a stroll through the botanical garden
In Ísafjörður, a boat trip to Vigur Island, Dynjandi waterfall or a walk around the historic town
In Grundarfjörður, Kirkjufell, the Snæfellsjökull National Park and the coastal villages of Arnarstapi and Hellnar
In Seyðisfjörður, a heritage walk through the village, Hengifoss waterfall or the reindeer country of East Iceland
Our page of shore excursions in Iceland's ports collects tours built around ship schedules, so you can make the most of each stop.
Tips for an Iceland cruise
A few practical tips:
Pack layers and waterproof clothing, as the weather can change quickly, even in summer
Bring comfortable, waterproof shoes for walking on uneven ground and wet paths
Book popular shore excursions early, especially in small ports where tours are limited
Choose tours timed to your ship's schedule, so you are not at risk of missing the departure
Carry a credit card, as cards are accepted almost everywhere and cash is rarely needed
Keep binoculars handy for spotting whales, puffins and seabirds from the deck
Sailing into fjords early in the morning is one of the highlights of an Iceland cruise, so set an alarm and head out on deck when the ship approaches port.
Frequently asked questions
Which cruise lines go to Iceland?
Norwegian, Princess, Royal Caribbean, Celebrity, Holland America and MSC are among the mainstream lines that sail to Iceland. Viking, Oceania, Silversea, Seabourn, Windstar and Cunard offer premium and luxury voyages, and Ponant, HX, Lindblad and Adventure Canada run expedition cruises.
What are the main cruise ports in Iceland?
The main cruise ports are Reykjavík, Akureyri, Ísafjörður, Grundarfjörður and Seyðisfjörður. Smaller ships also visit Heimaey, Húsavík, Djúpivogur and other towns.
When is the best time to cruise to Iceland?
June to August is the best time, with long days, warmer weather, puffins and whale watching. May and September are quieter and often cheaper.
How much is a cruise to Iceland?
Mainstream cruises that include Iceland often start from around $1,500 to $3,000 per person. Expedition cruises around the island can cost $8,000 to $20,000 or more.
Do you need a visa for an Iceland cruise?
US, Canadian, UK and Australian citizens do not need a visa for short visits. Iceland is in the Schengen Area, so travelers who need a Schengen visa must apply in advance.
Is a cruise a good way to see Iceland?
Yes, if you want to see several regions without driving. A cruise reaches the north, east and Westfjords easily, but port calls are short, so you see only the highlights near each port.
Can you see the northern lights on an Iceland cruise?
Rarely. Most Iceland cruises sail in summer, when the nights are too bright for the aurora. Late September and early October sailings offer a small chance on clear, dark nights.
What can you do in Ísafjörður off a cruise ship?
Popular options include a boat trip to Vigur Island to see puffins, a scenic tour to Dynjandi waterfall and a walk around the town's historic center and maritime museum.
