Iceland

For an expedition cruise, visiting Iceland between May and September is best. From around April, it will no longer get dark at night, so for those who want to experience the energising effects of the midnight sun, early summer is a great time to go. If you decide to go later in the year, there is a chance of seeing northern lights from September onwards.

Getting to Iceland couldn’t be easier. There seem to be more and more direct flight routes to Iceland each year leaving from Europe and North America. Landing in Keflavik is just an easy ride into Reykjavik, with buses departing outside the airport every twenty minutes. Suppose you choose your flight as an integrated part of your expedition. In that case, you’ll likely be met at the airport with other passengers from your flight with a private transfer to be taken directly to your hotel, but do check with your chosen operator.

Although Iceland is not exactly known for its reliable weather, spring and summer in Iceland can deliver every possible weather condition. I’ve experienced everything from t-shirt weather to snow storms in April and September. Be prepared for everything. 

Infrastructure in Iceland has had to grow rapidly to keep up with the increase in visitor numbers over the last few years. The environment is fragile, vegetation is slow to grow back after being trampled by visitors, and small communities are sensitive to the seasonal increase in population numbers. The country is, however, investing in initiatives that help it overcome these problems and protect the unique sites that people come here to see. By travelling with an AECO (Association of Arctic Expedition Cruise Operators) member operator, you can proactively participate in encouraging sustainable and respectful tourism in Iceland. AECO works with the local communities visited by ships and creates guidelines to help visitors get the most out of their time in port.

Hopefully, this guide has helped to inform you about your upcoming adventures. As an expedition leader and guide, I relish the chance to return to Iceland each year. 

It depends on what level of comfort and service you are looking for onboard the ship, but I recommend people to go for a smaller vessel (sub 130 passengers) if possible. However, navigating around Iceland might not matter as most ships tend to go to roughly the same places, given that Iceland has some natural highlights that tour operators don't want to miss out on. In addition, unlike more remote polar trips, most destinations in Iceland are accessed from the ship docking at a pier rather than anchoring. This could mean you can experience exciting places based on the ship's size or capabilities. 

A caveat is that some expedition companies are more adventurous than others. It could likely be that the expedition leader will still push to go to some of Iceland's wilder and more remote parts in addition to the greatest hits. Through your research of different companies, you will get a feel for the values and objectives that each supports. 

Iceland is a good option for travellers with reduced mobility due to the number of landings straight onto a pier rather than relying on zodiac operations. But again, check directly with the expedition cruise operator (rather than through an agency). They will know which landing sites have been pre-booked and should be able to tell you how many excursions will be accessible.

Given the amount of infrastructure in Iceland and the sheer volume of natural phenomena that make this place unique, there will likely be days when there are different excursions to choose from on your expedition cruise. Unless the itineraries lead somewhere remote, the cruise company usually works with local tour operators to coordinate logistics and excursions. This is a fantastic way of enhancing your time onboard and seeing more of the country than you would while staying on the coastline. 

Do take advantage of these excursions. Many of Iceland's iconic wonders—the remarkable features that give the name—the land of ice and fire—are found inland.

The activities could include hikes to waterfalls, lava fields, and historic sights, visits to museums and fishing villages, local food tastings, a good amount of walking, and often time on buses.

As for activity options onboard, many operators offer either a full kayaking programme or kayak experiences (single-day paddles). Just keep in mind that you will usually have to decide between kayaking or the land-based excursion on any given day.