As spring bursts into bloom we sail the North Atlantic from historical Hamburg to our final destination of cutting-edge Reykjavik. Encounter fresh perspectives of lesser visited cruise destinations from Scotland’s Shetland Islands and the friendly Faroes to picturesque ports in unforgettable Iceland. Our Ocean Diamond super-yacht provides a comfy home to rest our heads near glaciers, fjords and undersea mountains.
Highlights
Sail to ports in Germany and England on your way north to Iceland
Explore the Orkney, Shetland, and Faroe Islands and visit ancient villages
Visit Iceland's East Fjords through ports in Seydisfjördur and Husavik
Involves minimal physical effort and is typically associated with leisurely activities. Activities are low-intensity or last less than a few hours each day.
The city of Hamburg looks back on a long trading tradition, which is also reflected in the local architecture. The impressive office houses from the beginning of the 20th century as well as the “Speicherstadt”, the century-old and the world's largest contiguous warehouse complex, recently were appointed UNESCO-World Cultural Heritage Site. From the tower of “St. Michaelis Church” enjoy panoramic city views. The Ocean Diamond awaits you in the harbor where the afternoon voyage sets sail towards the North Sea.
The Tyne seaport in the mouth of River Thyne belongs to South Shields, a popular resort destination and historically interesting city. The surrounds include an archeological excavation where Romans founded Arbeia base in 80 AD. The textile company “Barbour” known for its wax jackets is also located in South Shields.
Kirkwall is the largest town and capital of the Orkney Islands, situated off the coast of mainland Scotland and dominated by the famous St. Magnus Cathedral. This ancient settlement is first mentioned in a saga from 1046. Kirkwall derives its name from Old Norse meaning “Church Bay.” Today Kirkwall hosts a population of 8,500 inhabitants and is one of the most well-preserved villages in Scotland.
Lerwick is the main port of the Shetland Islands and the northernmost town in Scotland. Founded in the 17th century as a fishing port, the town still relies on fishing as a main industry. Lerwick is a bustling, cosmopolitan seaport with services and amenities normally found in much larger places on the British mainland. In the surrounding area we find some of the Shetland's most attractive scenery and an extraordinary concentration of archaeological sites, including Europe's best-preserved broch (a special type of tower architecture) and two remarkable Iron Age villages.
The Faroe Islands are a group of 18 islands in the middle of the North Atlantic, halfway between the Shetland Islands and Iceland. Thorshavn is one of the smallest capitals in the world, with only 15.000 inhabitants. The charming town is a perfect blend of old and new world with tiny houses in a vibrant array of colors.
Slightly north of Vestmanna, the country’s second largest town, are the cliffs of Vestmannabjørgini which are perfect for bird watching. Not far away are impressive grottoes which are accessible by small boats (weather permitting).
The most western island of the Faroe Islands is a wildlife habitat filled with countless puffins and 1200 sheep, but less than 20 citizens. According to local legend the island’s basalt columns are a forest that became fossilized.
To explore Iceland’s East Fjords, the Ocean Diamond will dock in the impossibly picturesque port of Seydisfjördur. This fishing village is nestled between steep mountain slopes and panoramic sea views. Activities to enjoy include seal spotting, horseback riding, kayaking amongst idyllic fjords and guided hikes of the scenic and historical Vestadalur area.
Early morning the ship will set anchor in the community of Husavik, also known as “The Whale Capital of Iceland.” In Skjalfandi Bay you can spot 15 different whale species, as well as dolphins and 30 varieties of bird. Catching a glimpse of these graceful ocean giants in their Arctic habitat is an unforgettable experience.
Today you will reach Iceland’s lovable second city of Akureyri in North Iceland. Get a feel for the town’s Arctic charms with a stroll through the compact city centre and world’s northernmost botanical gardens which host every flower native to Iceland.
The next morning you reach the fjord town of Siglufjördur which was once the centre of the world’s herring industry and is enjoying a recent rebirth in popularity. Learn about the golden herring age at the award-winning Herring Museum located on the vibrant harbor-front. The uninhabited Hedinsfjördur inlet provides a breathtaking backdrop surrounded by majestic mountains of the Tröllaskagi Peninsula. The small island of Grimsey is the only point in Iceland that straddles the Arctic Circle. This northerly latitude allows for spectacular picture taking of summer’s Midnight Sun.
Today‘s destination is Isafjördur, honorary capital of the Westfjords. This secluded peninsula is connected to the mainland by only a narrow strip of land and includes areas where cars have never been. The landscape provides jaw-dropping views of dramatic fjords carved by ancient glaciers, sheer table mountains plunging into the ocean and untouched vegetation. Enjoy the rarity of true silence and the tranquility of nature while sea-fishing or watching thousands of puffins on the tiny island of Vigur, or visiting the massive cascade of Dynjandi waterfall.
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Apologies for the inconvenience. Prices for not yet published. Below per person rate based on previous season. Contact us to confirm upcoming season pricing.
Prices for are estimated based on inflation. Contact us to confirm pricing and availability for your desired departure date.
T - Triple Cabin
204-sq. ft., Deck 4, 2 twin beds and 1 upper bed, private bathroom with shower and bathtub, TV with DVD-player, wardrobe, safe, refrigerator, individual temperature controls, satellite telephone access, hairdryer, and two portholes
P - Outside Cabin with Porthole
204-sq. ft., Deck 3 - Outside cabins in this category feature a double bed or two twin beds and a private bathroom with a shower. They are roomy and feature a TV, wardrobe, refrigerator, individual temperature controls, satellite telephone access and hairdryer. All cabins of this category were redecorated in 2018.
O - Outside Cabin - Obstructed View
204-sq. ft., Deck 5 & 6, Outside cabins in Category O feature a double bed or two twin beds as well as a private bathroom with a shower. Each cabin is equipped with a TV, wardrobe, refrigerator, individual temperature controls, hairdryer and satellite telephone access. The view through the picture window is obstructed by the ship’s lifeboats. All cabins of this category were redecorated in 2017.
D - Outside Cabin
183 - 204-sq. ft., Deck 5 & 6, Outside cabins in Category D with double bed or two twin beds as well as a private bathroom with shower. The cabin also includes a TV, wardrobe and refrigerator. Further amenities include individual temperature controls, hairdryer and satellite telephone access. A picture window provides great unrestricted views of the ocean and landscapes. All cabins of this category were redecorated in 2017 and 2018.
A - Balcony Suite
323-sq. ft., Deck 7, double bed or 2 twin beds, private bathroom with shower and bathtub, sitting area, TV with DVD-player, wardrobe, safe, refrigerator, individual temperature controls, satellite telephone access, hairdryer, and a full-size window. Enjoy the view from floor-to-ceiling windows or a balcony that can be accessed via a sliding door.
Notes
The minimum age requirement is 8 years on the Iceland Circumnavigation cruise and 10 years of age for cruises that combine Greenland and Iceland. The age restrictions are in place to ensure the safety and well being of the child.
Single supplement is 75% of published double-occupancy rate
Please note: only one shore excursion per port of call is bookable in advance. If conditions allow for excursions to be combined, staff will announce this on board. Shore excursions are not included in cruise fare. Please contact us for details.
- Prices include credit card fee
- You will be requested to pay a fee of USD $75 per person for changes to your booking made within 90 days of sailing. Changes in air and other arrangements may be subject to change fees and or increases by the air carrier. The costs normally increase closer to the departure date, for example, as a result of cancellation of additional products such as flights and cancellation fees that apply here.
- This cruise cannot accept guests who will have entered their 24th week of pregnancy by the beginning of, or at any time during the cruise including any and all land arrangements. An expectant mother's application for passage must be accompanied by a medical certificate establishing her due date and fitness to travel.
Initial deposit is 20%, and most travelers will call our office and pay the deposit with a credit card.
Final payment is due 70 days prior to departure by Visa, Mastercard, Discover, or AmEx. All final payments by credit card may be subject to a surcharge and maximum of $20,000 charge
The trip was terrific with great planning on your part. Most of the adventures were not mainstream and somewhat off the beaten path which made it especially enjoyable!! We felt taken care of and you all were readily available to respond to questions and issues. I would highly recommend your company and friends have already expressed interest based on our pictures and excitement.
Friendly people who ask good questions to make sure your trip is what you want
K.Godinez
5 months ago
Our six-day tour in Iceland went smoothly with one exception. We had asked for two rooms each night. Somehow we were booked with one room with three beds. It could not be fixed at the first hotel in Reykjavik because the hotel was fully booked. Once informed of the problem, however, Adventure Life rebooked for two rooms for the remainder of the trip. As an 85-year-old traveler, I appreciated that one could participate at different physical levels at many of the stops. Iceland is a great place to visit but on the expensive side.
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