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Iceland ProCruises offers an expedition cruise that circumnavigates Iceland. Here are the things you can experience if you book an expedition cruise around Iceland.
When I hear about an expedition cruise, my ears perk up. Iceland ProCruises offers a cruise that circumnavigates Iceland. Having only been to Reykjavik and Seydisfiordur in the past, I felt compelled to discover other destinations only accessible by smaller ships. Here are a few things I discovered while circumnavigating Iceland onboard Iceland ProCruises.
What is an Expedition Cruise?
Expedition cruises usually attract a crowd that skews older. Don’t let the word “expedition” frighten you if you are considering such a cruise. Yes, being in great physical shape enhances the experience, but passengers are not required to partake in all activities. In fact, on my cruise, several guests navigated the ship and ports with walkers.
A detailed account of this singular journey would require hundreds of pages, so I have touched upon some of my most memorable experiences. Stykkisholmur, the first port of call, contrasted greatly with Reykjavik. I felt an immediate immersion into the Icelandic lifestyle and landscape.
Stykkisholmur is the First Port of Call While Circumnavigating Iceland
What an impressive spot overlooking the sea, glaciers, and complete with a tall church steeple! The quiet town of Stykkisholmur drew me onto its streets to explore; naturally, I sought out the modernistic church. It was simple to head towards the steeple and navigate the hilly streets. Finally, I reached my landmark and climbed up a narrow path to reach this church and an expansive view of the sea and the surrounding area, including a glacier far in the distance.
Modern church at Stykkisholmur. Photo by Theresa Russell
What a great introduction to Iceland beyond Reykjavik.
Birds in Iceland
The lure of puffins and other sea birds led me to one of several zodiacs that would take small groups of us out to an island replete with flittering puffins. A bird too big for its wings, this adept fishing bird performs much better in the water than in the air. We drifted in our zodiacs as close as possible to nearby cliffs to enjoy the antics of the puffins.
Puffins inhabit many parts of Iceland. Photo by Theresa Russell.
Another bird that intrigued me because of its record for long-distance flying is the Arctic tern. These energetic birds fly between the northern and southern extremes of the globe. This might be the true snowbird as terns migrate those great distances to follow the sun.
Water is Important in Iceland
The suffix of place names reveals its geography, so like many of our destinations, we were again in a fjord when we reached Isafjordur. This day offered thrills and chills—driving through long one-way tunnels, climbing a 7-tiered waterfall, and crossing over a mountain pass. Already quite high, this one-way gravel road skirted sheer cliffs with no room for allowing oncoming traffic to pass. This quicker shortcut decreased travel time but increased the flow of adrenaline.
My favorite part of this day involved climbing the waterfall trail to enjoy the falls of all sizes that comprise the group located near the large Dynjandi Falls. Flies were everywhere at the falls, reminding me I should have packed bug spray. Fortunately, bugs never bothered me again for the remainder of the cruise.
Dynjandi Falls dominates the scene. Photo by Theresa Russell
With a limited time to get closer to the water, I planned an efficient route for seeing these waterfalls at my pace. The path became increasingly more challenging as I advanced to higher levels. The ground became more eroded, so I retreated to the lower levels realizing that getting back down would be more treacherous than climbing farther.
Always disappointed that I now have physical limits, I reluctantly came to my senses and realized that injury is never a desired outcome. During the last few minutes I had while waiting for the rest of the group, I enjoyed—or more like avoided—the attacks of nesting Arctic terns.
After returning to the port, I spotted a craft brewery in which to celebrate an almost perfect day.
Craft brewery in Isafjordur. Photo by Theresa Russell
Bathing in Iceland
Water plays an important part in Icelandic society. Even the smallest towns have a public pool. In a few small towns, I took advantage of the pool, which included hot and warm pools. The rate is inexpensive for all and especially for seniors. On my first visit, I didn’t realize that I had committed a serious faux pas, but I heard about it when I went to a larger commercial pool complete with a bar for in-pool drinking.
Bathers strip and thoroughly shower pre- and post-plunge. Familiar with the custom, several local bathers instructed us newbies on the non-optional rituals they so uninhibitedly engaged in. The uninitiated followed the quickest rendition ever of their lead. When in Rome…
GeoSea thermal pools in Husavik. Photo by Theresa Russell
See Whales While Circumnavigating Iceland
With near-endless light, a fast and windy Rib boat ride from shore provided late-night whale watching in the cold air. If there is one place to join a whale-watching tour, it is Husavik, Iceland. Never before have I seen so many successful whale sightings. My fingers and toes froze, but my quest for just one more sighting never waned. This display far exceeded any I have seen on previous whale-watching adventures. Besides these Grey whales, we also saw Belugas.
Whale watching in Husavik. Photo by Theresa Russell
Ice in Iceland
The minuscule port of Djupivogur sent us to the Vatnajokull National Park, which contains the largest glacier in Europe. The weather during the 2.5-hour drive deteriorated along the way, but I was prepared to see this park no matter how cold or wet the weather.
When we finally reached the Jökulsárlón glacier lagoon, it was windy, cold, and hazy, preventing us from seeing the glacier in the distance. But that sure didn’t stop us from heading first to the black sands of Diamond Beach to watch ice floes pass by on the way to the Atlantic Ocean. Seals frolicked in the rapid waters swimming along with the miniature icebergs.
Moving across the road, we found our amphibious vehicle and crammed in like sardines to start our exploration of the icebergs in the lagoon. What an unforgettable sight this was. Massive white sculptures waiting to be identified; a fish, a dog, my imagination named particular masses that would turn, spin or calf and morph into another shape.
Jokulsarlon glacier lagoon icebergs. Photo by Theresa Russell
Fire in Iceland
Like many others, I headed to the top deck to watch the ship navigate the most scenic harbor we had visited. With cliffs on each side, the sinuous waterway led to the center of pleasant Vestmannannaeyjar.
Arriving in Vestmannaeyjar, Iceland. Photo by Theresa Russell
The Sea Life Trust Beluga Whale Sanctuary is near the pier and worth visiting for those interested in this smaller whale. Sea Life Trust not only protects Belugas but also researches puffins.
The most significant thing about this charming town is that a volcanic eruption in 1973 destroyed many residences. Fortunately, on that day, plenty of fishing boats were available to evacuate residents from this remote island. Eldheimar shares the story of that fateful day through multimedia displays.
Vestmannaeyjar, Iceland volcano eruption. Photo by Theresa Russell
Within the museum is a partial cross-section of a house buried in ash; its contents are frozen in time just as they were left on that fateful day. The residents remain on this special island, knowing another similar volcanic event is imminent.
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Iceland continues to grow in popularity as a vacation destination for North Americans. It also ranks as one of the most expensive. Cruising opened up more of Iceland, and many touring options were available to me. After a day of exploration, there’s nothing better than leaving the driving, cooking, cleaning, and other chores to the experts. I can’t wait to return for a visit to Iceland for another circumnavigation by ship.
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