Small Ship ICELAND CRUISES

Simultaneously young and old, hot and cold, Iceland is a mass of contradictions. Nestled near the Arctic Circle yet warmed by the Gulf Stream, its ports never freeze, yet glaciers drape majestically over volcanos, valleys, fjords, and shorelines. And water – liquid water – is everywhere, falling, bubbling, steaming, spouting, and fueling the country’s 100% renewable energy grid. Come name one of the many unnamed waterfalls that thunder off cliffs. (Perhaps Thorskeggfoss, Thor’s Beard?) Join the nation’s passionate ice cream lovers for a licorice-and-chocolate cone. And be inspired by a nation of avid readers who believe you really can have it all.

Windstar Knows the Way to Iceland

Remote villages, pristine waterways, tiny islands covered in eider ducks, Arctic terns, and other seabirds. These are just a few reasons why Iceland is best seen on a Windstar ship. We take you places most cruise ships can’t go: to narrow fjords, islands where puffins outnumber people, and deep into an interior filled with waterfalls, geysers, ice caverns, volcanoes, and alfhol (elf houses). And while most cruises take you to just one or two ports in Iceland, on Windstar you can visit half a dozen, as well as spectacular Pingvellir National Park.

Circumnavigate Iceland

Windstar’s Around Iceland cruise sets off on a complete circumnavigation of one of the most diverse and dramatic island nations on earth. You’ll set foot in tiny villages dating back to the 8th century, you’ll hear the sagas of the original Viking settlers, and you’ll marvel at the natural wonders that each port offers. All while on the lookout for humpback whales and Atlantic puffins. Once ashore you’ll have the chance to meet the Icelandic horse, hike to waterfalls, soak in thermal baths, take a culinary adventure, see black sand beaches, hike on the Berserkjahraun lava field, and watch wildlife.

Icelandic Horses

Viking settlers brought this breed of horse to the island between 860 and 935 CE. It was the most important possession. They used them for transportation, to plow fields and to transport wares. No other horses are allowed on the island, and if an Icelandic horse leaves the island, it cannot return. It’s a unique breed and Icelanders are especially proud of it. The Icelandic horse is generally 56 inches tall, broad at the withers with muscular legs. It’s considered the purest breed of horse in the world.

Into the Belly of Langjokull Glacier

For a different perspective, go deep inside a glacier for a view from the inside out. On the Comprehensive Iceland Cruise Tour, an included excursion takes you deep into a tunnel under the ice. Langjokull Glacier is 31 miles long, up to 12 miles wide and 1,903 feet deep at its thickest area. At its highest point it rises about 4,757 feet above sea level. The Into the Glacier tour takes you on a journey across the glacier in 8 x 8 specially modified monster trucks to the tunnel entrance. A guided tour takes you deep inside the glacier. The tunnel is lit up to illuminate the ice formations and ice sculptures.

Things To Know About the Blue Lagoon

Are you curious about the Blue Lagoon? Perhaps you’ve seen photos of bathers relaxing in the lagoon’s milky turquoise waters, or maybe you’ve listened to a friend describe its rejuvenating effects. There are multiple reasons the Blue Lagoon is Iceland’s most popular attraction, drawing thousands of visitors a year — including celebrities. As you’ll learn, it’s more than just a beautiful place to take a dip.

Featured Port: SEYDISFJORDUR, ICELAND

Wind your way up the 11 mile-long Seydisfjord, a narrow, beautiful waterway surrounded by high mountains. At the head of the fjord is Seydisfjordur, a small, scenic town where cascading waterfalls seem to be everywhere. During our overnight stay you’ll have time to enjoy this beautiful part of the country and its unusual claims to fame, including a lake with a mythical “Ness” and Iceland’s largest national forest. Bird watchers won’t want to miss Skalanes Nature Reserve with its more than 45 bird species. Trekkers can make their way to spectacular Hengifoss Waterfall. Or simply stroll the quaint town of 700 with its colorful Norwegian kit-houses shipped in at the turn of the century.

Shore Excursion Must Do: Snowmobile & Helicopter Glacier Adventure

This exclusive tour contains the ultimate adventure, a combination of helicopter flightseeing and snowmobiling on Iceland’s 4th largest glacier, Mýrdalsjökull. You will depart from the main island of Vestmannaeyjar and fly over the islands of the archipelago before heading to the mainland. Among other wonders of Iceland’s nature you will see Eyjafjallajökull glacier. You might also catch a glimpse of Mountain Hekla, which is one of Iceland’s most active volcanoes. Mýrdalsjökullwill be your destination, and next up is to push the throttle of a snowmobile and ride the glacier. With Eyjafjallajökull glacier from the west and the breathtaking view over the South coast and its black beach, the ride offers a fun, scenic, and comfortable challenge you won’t forget.