6 Best Iceland Cruises 2025-2026

Name: Iceland Tours & Travel
Brand: Adventure Life
Rating: 4.8 (407 reviews)

8 Top Iceland Tours for 2025-2026

Discover Iceland

Iceland Small Group Tour
8 Days from $2,636

Explore the best of Iceland on this 8-day tour, covering Reykjavik and the highlights along the famed Ring Road. Visit a shimmering glacier, spouting geysers, incredible volcanoes, and stunning waterfalls, and go whale watching in the north.

Best of Iceland

Iceland Small Group Tour
8 Days from $2,860

Explore the best of Iceland on this exciting 8-day tour starting and ending in Reykjavik. As you visit the Golden Circle and drive the Ring Road, beautiful glaciers reach across the landscape. This complete Iceland tour features Iceland's most legendary places and experiences.

Spectacular Southern Highlands Trek

5 Days from $2,478

Join this 5-day trek from Landmannalaugar's geothermal hot spots to Þórsmörk Valley. Traverse vibrant landscapes, indulge in cozy mountain huts, and culminate with a celebratory BBQ in Þórsmörk, featured among National Geographic's top 20 treks.

A group with a guide hiking on a sandy mountain on Fimmvorduhals

Thorsmork: The Hikers Paradise

4 Days from $1,449

Join this 4-day hiking trip through the glacier valley of Þórsmörk and up to the Fimmvörðuháls pass. This trek is considered one of the world's best, taking you through volcanic landscapes and lush green moss.

Golden Circle and Northern Lights Tour

Iceland Small Group Tour
8 Days from $2,862

On this fantastic 8-day road trip along the Ring Road, explore the dramatic landscapes of Iceland's "Golden Circle." Experience the Aurora Borealis, commonly considered one of the most magnificent natural phenomena in the world.

Natural Iceland Adventure

Iceland Small Group Tour
5 Days from $1,476

Experience the best of West and East Iceland on this exciting 5-day winter tour. Explore the rugged beauty of the Snaefellsnes Peninsula, tour the famed Golden Circle and witness stunning waterfalls. Get off the beaten path and begin to understand the natural beauty of this Arctic island.

Iceland Trek | Landmannalaugar to þórsmörk

8 Days from $2,786

Trek the Laugavegar Trail from Landmannalaugar to Thorsmork on this 8-day hut-to-hut trekking tour in Iceland. This remarkable landscape has caused this trail to quickly become the most popular multi-day trekking destination in Iceland, and with good reason.

South Iceland Encounter

Iceland Small Group Tour
2 Days from $678

Strap on your hiking boots and join this 2-day adventure, immersing in the marvels of Icelandic landscapes. Discover the South Coast's iconic waterfalls and black sand beaches and be among the first to explore Europe's largest ice cap inside a blue ice cave. Cap it all off with opportunities to witness the enchanting Northern Lights!

All Iceland Luxury Trips

8 Exceptional Luxury Cruises to Iceland for 2025-2026

Trip Name	From	Days	Next Departure	Summary
A Circumnavigation of Iceland	$18400	10	Jul 9, 2025	See glaciers, geysers, thunderous waterfalls, and enormous cliffs as well as geothermal pools, boiling mud, and lava-scapes on this 10-day active … 0
Northeast Greenland's Unexplored Sea Ice	$26030	15	May 24, 2025	This 15-day cruise offers a unique opportunity to explore Greenland's northeast coast, one of the most remote regions in the Far North. Take the time … 0
Wild Iceland Escape	$4834	6	Aug 12, 2025	On this 6-day Wild Iceland escape, embark in Reykjavík. Discover the beauty if Iceland’s geology - glaciers, geysers, thundering waterfalls, … 0
Iceland: Circumnavigating the Land of Fire & Ice	$13995	11	May 28, 2026	Embark on an 11-day cruise from Reykjavik aboard the Greg Mortimer. Explore Iceland's glaciers, volcanoes, and Westfjords. Visit Grimsey Island, … 0
Fire and Ice: An 8-Day Sail Around Iceland	$8946	8	May 27, 2025	Experience the breathtaking landscapes of Iceland on an 8-day cruise aboard National Geographic Explorer. This adventure offers wildlife encounters, … 0
Jewels of the Arctic	$22295	15	Jul 10, 2026	Join a 15-day expedition cruise aboard the Greg Mortimer from Reykjavik to Oslo. Explore Svalbard's endless daylight, meet polar bears and sea ice … 0
Iceland's Wild West Coast to East Greenland	$18412	12	Jul 27, 2025	National Geographic Endurance hosts this 12-day expedition cruise to discover the wild west coast of Iceland with its towering bird cliffs, meadows … 0
Historic Trails & Wilderness: Scotland, Faroes & Iceland	$14795	13	May 17, 2026	Embark on a 13-day cruise from Aberdeen to Reykjavik aboard the Greg Mortimer. Explore Aberdeen's landmarks, birdwatch in Fair Isle, discover … 0

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Top 8 Iceland Cruise & Tour Deals

Trip Name	Save	From	Days	Next Departure	Summary
Arctic Sights and Northern Lights	Savings	$8395	11	Sep 7, 2026	Join the Sea Spirit on this incredible 11-day cruise on Arctic Sights and Northern Lights and experience the amazing connection between culture and … 0
Jewels of the Arctic	Savings	$19695	15	Jul 12, 2025	Join a 15-day expedition cruise aboard the Greg Mortimer from Oslo to Reykjavik. Explore Svalbard's endless daylight, meet polar bears and sea ice … 0
Northern Lights Explorer	Custom Label	$21595	18	Sep 2, 2026	Embark on an 18-day cruise from Tromso to Reykjavik aboard the Sylvia Earle, exploring remote islands and villages along Norway, Iceland, and … 0
Jewels of the Arctic	Custom Label	$22295	15	Jul 9, 2026	Experience the beauty of Svalbard and East Greenland on this 15-day adventure cruise aboard the Sylvia Earle. See polar bears, walruses, and … 0
West Greenland Ice Odyssey: Glaciers and Icebergs	Custom Label	$10190	10	Aug 10, 2025	Embark on a 10-day expedition cruise from Reykjavik, Iceland aboard the Ultramarine. Visit towns like Sisimiut and Ilulissat, each rich in culture. … 0
Ultimate Arctic Voyage: From Svalbard to Jan Mayen to Iceland	Custom Label	$10795	13	Jul 7, 2025	Embark on a 13-day expedition cruise from Helsinki to Reykjavik aboard the Ultramarine, visiting Spitsbergen and Jan Mayen. Encounter diverse … 0
Wild Fjords of South Greenland: Land of the Vikings	Custom Label	$10095	13	Jul 19, 2025	Embark on a 13-day expedition cruise from Reykjavik to Toronto aboard the Ultramarine. Explore Greenland's southeast coast, visit local communities … 0
South Greenland Adventure: The Majestic Alpine Arctic	Custom Label	$13295	13	Jul 29, 2025	Join a 13-day roundtrip expedition cruise to Reykjavik on the Ultramarine. Explore South Greenland's stunning alpine peaks and remote ridges through … 0

Top-Rated Cruise Ships Visiting Iceland

National Geographic Resolution

New in 2021, The National Geographic Resolution is a next-generation 126-passager expedition ship purpose-built for polar exploration in comfort with an extremely smooth ride even on the world's roughest, most demanding seas. National Geographic is legendary for immersive trips focusing on the ecology of the polar regions.

Ultramarine

New in 2021, the Ultramarine is designed with an ice rating of 1A+, PC6, making it one of the most capable polar exploring vessels on the planet. Equipped with two twin-engine helicopters, Ultramarine offers the most robust portfolio of adventure activities in the industry, the most spacious suites in its category, breathtaking public spaces, and more outdoor wildlife viewing spaces than other expedition ships its size.

Le Commandant Charcot

The polar explorer ship Le Commandant Charcot travels to remote regions of the Arctic and Antarctic. This expedition ship is unique because of its revolutionary and environmentally friendly design.

Greg Mortimer

With only 132 passengers on board, Greg Mortimer reimagines arctic expedition cruise for the future. Robust, robust, and designed with guests in mind, this ship represents a major increase in the capability of polar sailing.

National Geographic Endurance

Embark on an exhilarating adventure aboard the National Geographic Endurance, a marvel of maritime engineering designed specifically for year-round expeditions into the heart of the Arctic's icy embrace. With an impressive PC5 Category A ice class rating, the highest ever achieved by a cruise ship accommodating just 126 guests, this vessel promises unparalleled access to some of the planet's most remote and pristine environments. The ship's revolutionary sloping X-bow cuts through the choppiest of seas with remarkable grace, significantly reducing onboard movement and ensuring a smoother, more comfortable voyage. This innovative design not only enhances the journey but also boosts fuel efficiency and reduces emissions, underscoring a commitment to preserving the delicate ecosystems it explores. Experience the thrill of navigating through towering icebergs and witness the untouched splendor of the Arctic, all while enjoying the intimate, luxurious setting of the National Geographic Endurance. This is more than a cruise; it's a gateway to epic landscapes and an intimate encounter with the wild, where every moment is charged with the potential for discovery and awe.

Ocean Endeavour

Updated as recently as 2014, the 200-passenger ice class Ocean Endeavor explores the most remote areas in comfort and style. With several decks and lounges, 20 zodiacs, and even a swimming pool, sauna, and hot tub, this is the perfect ship for Arctic exploration.

L'Austral

The L'Austral, sister ship to the Le Boreal, is the fruit of Italian expertise and French sophistication. A superb mega-yacht with 132 cabins, the L'Austral links tradition and innovation, cruising to worldwide destinations in luxury.

Sea Spirit

Explore polar regions in style and comfort aboard the all-suite Sea Spirit. Providing spacious accommodations for a maximum of 114 passengers, the Sea Spirit also provides the maneuverability and friendly atmosphere of a small ship.

National Geographic Explorer

The National Geographic Explorer is a state-of-the-art luxury expedition ship accommodating 148 guests in 81 outside cabins. It is fully stabilized, for cruising polar passages while providing comfort.

Scenic Eclipse

Scenic Eclipse is the World's First Discovery Yacht and the first ocean cruise ship from the Scenic fleet. Launched in August 2019, Scenic Eclipse sets a new standard in luxury ocean cruising. With elegant lines, perfectly-proportioned suites, and expansive wellness zones, every element of Scenic Eclipse has been considered with your enjoyment and pleasure in mind, creating a special environment that facilitates global adventure in truly 6-star luxury.

MS Seaventure

Seaventure features a 1-A Super ice class rating — the highest ice class awarded to passenger vessels. This means that she will be able to explore Antarctic coves, bays, and channels that would previously have been forbidden.

Silver Cloud

The newly refurbished Silver Cloud is the most spacious and comfortable ice class vessel in expedition cruising. Its large suites, destination itineraries, and unparalleled service make her truly special. A limited number of guests, just 200 in polar waters, mean that Silver Cloud has the highest space to guest and crew to guest ratios.

Ortelius

The ice-strengthened vessel Ortelius is an excellent ship for Polar expedition cruises in the Arctic and Antarctica, providing us with possibilities to adventure remote locations such as the Ross Sea in the Antarctic and Franz Josef Land in the Arctic.

Silver Whisper

Enjoy Silver Whisper's relaxing, sophisticated, and genuinely elegant atmosphere. This multi-million dollar refit makes her one of the most technically up to the minute ships at sea. Admire the stunning beauty of Europe & the Caribbean aboard this 382 passenger ship.

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Godafoss, One of the most famous waterfalls in Iceland.

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Best Time to Take an Iceland Cruise

June, July, August, and September are the best months to take a cruise in Iceland. June starts the extended days of summer daylight where whale watching is in full effect, and the lingering clear nights of fall begin in September when spectacular sightings of the Northern Lights often occur.

Getting to Iceland: How to get to Iceland?

There are three ways of getting to Iceland, by airplane, by ferry, and by cruise ship. Approximately 20 airlines fly to Iceland’s Keflavik International Airport all year round from main cities in Europe and North America. For visitors driving into the country, the Norröna ferry sails weekly from Denmark via the Faroe Islands. Finally, many cruises from Scandinavia and Greenland include stops in Iceland, giving visitors a chance to explore this wonderful country.

By air: Direct flights to Iceland from Europe are about 4-5 hours. From North America, they are 5-6 hours. From other countries, you will have to transfer in Europe. Most flights arrive to the Keflavik International Airport.

The United States - There are plenty of 1-stop flights from major cities in the US to Reykjavik, Jdokulsarlon, and other major destinations in Iceland. Check out the US’s travel advisory for Iceland.
Canada - There are many 2-stop flights from major Canadian cities to Iceland’s most visited destinations. Check out Canada’s travel advisory for Iceland.
The United Kingdom - Direct flights, 1-stop, and 2-stop flights, leave from major cities such as London, Manchester, and Glasgow to Reykjavik other major destinations in Iceland, Check out the UK’s travel advisory for Iceland.

By ferry: Board the M/S Norröna that sails from Denmark if you happen to be traveling with your own car, bike, motorcycle, or camper.

By sea: Many of our Scandinavia cruises and Greenland cruises include stops in Iceland.

How to Choose a Cruise to Iceland

Choosing a cruise to Iceland begins with your interests and the activities that are on your list. Other aspects to consider are your travel style, the time of year you want to go, and the amount of time you have budgeted to getaway.

The Most Popular Places to Visit in Iceland

The Blue Lagoon, the Golden Circle Route, the Westman Islands, and the Dettifoss Waterfall are a few of the most popular places to visit in Iceland. Populated areas that draw international visitors each year include Reykjavik, Husavik, the town of Isafjörður, and Siglufjordur.

Iceland Cruise Highlights

Home to the northernmost capital city in the world (Reykjavik), Iceland is the home of legends & landscapes. On an Iceland cruise, you will follow in the ancient footsteps of explorer Leif Erikson, as you discover some of the most isolated and unspoiled natural sites in the world.

Highlights of any Iceland cruise excursion include:

Navigating these fascinating sites aboard luxurious and intimate ships & boats.
Learning about the rich human history from expert guides.
Witnessing the geysers that burst from the ground.
Trekking across the glaciers that shaped Iceland.
Exploring the distinct fjords that can only be found in this part of the world.
Visiting the isolated fishing villages & learning about the villagers' lifestyle.

How much does a trip to Iceland cost?

Iceland is a remote and isolated destination that offers all modern comforts in almost every corner that you decide to visit, the upside of the country’s high cost of living and the fact that they have to import most of their supplies and fresh produce. Iceland can be considered pricey, however it depends on the type of experience you are looking for.

Prices also vary depending on the time of year you decide to travel. Summer, or peak season from May through August is usually more expensive, as the weather allows for certain activities that cannot be enjoyed in the winter. Winter is less pricey as well as less crowded, which some prefer, and offers opportunities for other activities, such as observing the Northern Lights.

Approximate cost for roundtrip flights at the beginning of the peak season:

Manchester, UK, to Reykjavik, from $390 to $570.
Boston, USA, to Reykjavik, from $350 to $1,550.
Toronto, CAN, to Reykjavik, from $830 to $1,400.

NOTE: Keep in mind flight prices vary from month to month, depending on when you book your flight.

14 Extraordinary Hikes and Treks in Iceland - Unforgettable Outdoor Adventures

Embark on 14 extraordinary hikes and treks in Iceland for an unforgettable adventure.

Polar bear balances on the ice in the Arctic

Wildlife Guide to Polar Regions

Which Polar region is home to penguins? Or how about those elusive narwhals? Before your travels, it will be helpful to learn more about the different species that inhabit the Polar regions of the Arctic and Antarctica. You may be surprised to learn the differences!

Top Places to Visit in Iceland by Land

Reykjavik: The northernmost capital of a sovereign state in the world, offers a blend of modernity and Icelandic charm. Explore its vibrant cultural scene, iconic landmarks like Hallgrímskirkja, and the lively streets filled with cafes and boutiques.
The Blue Lagoon: Nestled in a lava field, the Blue Lagoon is a geothermal spa known for its milky blue waters. Relax in the warm, mineral-rich pools while surrounded by stunning volcanic landscapes.
Tingvellir National Park: Thingvellir is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and a geological wonder where the North American and Eurasian tectonic plates meet. Explore the Almannagjá gorge and witness the historic Alþing assembly site.
Geysir: Geysir is home to the Great Geysir, after which all geysers are named. Experience the thrill of watching Strokkur, a nearby geyser, erupting with scalding water up to 30 meters high.
Gullfoss: Also known as the "Golden Falls," Gullfoss is a powerful two-tiered waterfall on the Hvítá River. Admire the sheer force and beauty of the cascading water as it plunges into a rugged canyon.
Vik: Vik boasts stunning black sand beaches, dramatic basalt columns, and the iconic Reynisdrangar sea stacks. Explore the otherworldly landscapes and enjoy panoramic views of the North Atlantic.
Jökulsárlón: This breathtaking glacial lagoon is filled with floating icebergs. Take a boat tour among the ice formations or witness the Northern Lights shimmering over the glacial expanse during winter.
Akureyri: Iceland's second-largest city is a charming town surrounded by mountains. Visit the botanical gardens, explore the Akureyrarkirkja church, and enjoy the laid-back atmosphere.
Landmannalaugar: This remote and geologically fascinating area is known for its colorful rhyolite mountains. It's a paradise for hikers and offers natural hot springs for a relaxing soak.
Skaftafell National Park: Part of Vatnajökull National Park, Skaftafell is a haven for glacier enthusiasts. Hike to Svartifoss waterfall, surrounded by hexagonal basalt columns, and witness the awe-inspiring Vatnajökull Glacier.

Iceland Travel Overview

Not to be fooled by its name, Iceland offers its visitors a surprisingly temperate climate and awe-inspiring island environment to explore. The nation also has a rich culture displayed in its innovative art, literature, and music. Experience the incredible Northern Lights, a variety of wildlife, and unique opportunities for adventure all within this small country.

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The Iceland travel experts at Adventure Life choose the top-rated cruise lines highlighting the strengths and weaknesses of each.

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Iceland Travel & Cruise FAQs

Do I need a visa to travel to Iceland?
A visa is not required for traveling to Iceland from Europe, North America, Australia or New Zealand. If you are traveling from South Africa, you will need a visa in advance. It's always safe to check with your state department about travel requirements several months before departure.

Is tipping customary in Iceland?
No, tipping is not expected or necessary, and service charges are usually included in the bills already.

What is the internet access like in Iceland?
While major cities and towns do have WiFi hotspots and cyber cafes, most of our itineraries that visit Iceland are cruises, which do not usually have consistent internet access. Remote destinations away from the cities tend not to have internet.

Can I use my cell phone while in Iceland?
If you enable mobile roaming before leaving home, you should have coverage in most of the big cities and towns of Iceland. On open water during cruises or in the more rural destinations you will not likely have coverage.

Do I need a power adapter/ converter?
Iceland has 220-240 volt electricity and uses Europlug/ Schuko outlets. You will need a plug adapter for Type C & Type E/F sockets and a step-down transformer for 110-120V electronics.

What are the toilets like in Iceland?
Throughout Iceland and on cruise ships you will have modern flushable toilets. You may have to pay a small fee when using public bathrooms.

Approximately what will it cost for:
Beer - $6.00
Snack - $2.00
Simple lunch - $9.00
Dinner - $27.00

Can I drink the water in Iceland?
It is safe to drink the tap water in Iceland unless you are specifically told otherwise.

What is the most common way of paying for things in Iceland?
Iceland's currency is the Krona (ISK). 1USD=113ISK. You will be able to pay for nearly everything, from restaurant bills to taxi fares, with your credit card. It's also easy to find ATMs.

Should I purchase travel insurance for my trip?
We always encourage travelers to purchase insurance. For more information and deals, check out the Once I've Booked page.

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