Time to Book Your 2020 Iceland Cruise
August 30, 2019 - 5 minutes read
Iceland ProCruises kicks off the 2020 summer season in the North Atlantic with a classic “Iceland Circumnavigation” cruise that’s scheduled to depart May 11th from Reykjavik.
Experience an unforgettable voyage around Iceland aboard the MV Ocean Diamond while discovering a mystical land steeped in Viking traditions and volcanic landscapes rarely seen anywhere else on earth.
The journey reveals a diverse array of natural wonders and the Icelandic way of life. A range of exciting shore excursions offers countless ways to interact with the island’s culture, nature, history and people.
As a bonus, spring offers include guaranteed cabins and no single supplements on selected cruises.
10 days/9 nights Iceland Circumnavigation
Itinerary:
Iceland ProCruises’ optional Air & Ground package provides a convenient arrival in the Icelandic metropolis. Use your leisure time in Reykjavik to discover the unique charm of the world’s northernmost capital. Book a pre-program or explore the sights of south and west Iceland on a self-drive road trip. The Ocean Diamond docks at 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.
Often called “Iceland in Miniature” because of its diverse landscapes, the town of Stykkisholmur on the Snaefellnes Peninsula is home to bird-rich Breidafjordur Bay and Snaefellsjokull glacier, which sits atop a 700,000-year-old dormant volcano featured in the Jules Verne novel Journey to the Center of the Earth.
The idyllic town of Isafjordur includes jaw-dropping views of fjords carved by ancient glaciers, sheer table mountains that plunge into the sea, and pristine North Atlantic vegetation.
Early morning arrival in the fjord town of Siglufjordur, where passengers visit the Herring Era Museum and learn about the history and rebirth of the global herring industry. If weather conditions allow, the ship will call on Hrísey, Iceland’s second largest island. With only 153 inhabitants, the island is located in Eyjafjörður. Later, Ocean Diamond sets sail for Akureyri, Iceland’s second largest city.
Heading inland from Akureyri, passengers visit the Lake Myvatn region, where the schizophrenic landscape looks as if “heaven and hell” have clashed. One side of the lake features rugged volcanic remnants, while the other side is blessed with lush vegetation and varied bird life.
An early morning arrival in Skjalfandi Bay, home to 15 different whale species as well as dolphins and 30 types of bird.
Iceland’s East Fjords are best explored from the impossibly picturesque port of Seydisfjordur, nestled between the sea and steep mountains. Activities include seal spotting, horseback riding, and visiting the beautiful Skalanes nature reserve.
A stop at the fishing village of Djupivogur allows for the exploration of Vatnajökull Glacier via optional excursions that include a four-wheel-drive Jeep tour or a boat trip across Jökulsarlon Glacier lagoon.
Day 9 Vestmannaeyjar (Westman Islands)
Located off Iceland’s south coast, the Westman Islands were formed by submarine volcanic eruptions around 10,000 years ago. Surtsey Island emerged from the sea in 1963 and is one the youngest land masses on Earth. There’s a shore excursion on Heimaey, the only inhabited island, where half-buried houses remain from a violent 1973 eruption. During the shore landing there’s time for bird watching and you might even spot whales.
After breakfast, everyone bids farewell to the Ocean Diamond. But there’s plenty more of Iceland to see. Explore inland areas like the Golden Circle and its famous Gullfoss waterfall via a Air & Ground package or discover the sights of south and west Iceland on a self-drive road trip. Or 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 arrive back in Reykjavik.
Included in the price:
- Accommodation in booked cabin category
- All meals (breakfast, lunch and dinner)
- Coffee, tea and water
- All Zodiac tours (weather dependent)
- Icelandic/English speaking guides
- All guest speakers and cruise staff presentations
- Onboard entertainment program
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