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Choose your departure
Prices and category availability are subject to change without notice.
2 departures
An eight-day expedition cruise circumnavigating Iceland roundtrip from Reykjavík aboard a custom-built expedition ship
- Circumnavigate Iceland's spectacular coastline
- Spot whales, puffins & Arctic wildlife
- Explore volcanoes, glaciers & geothermal wonders
Trip Details
- Departs
- Wed 19 May 2027
- Returns
- Wed 26 May 2027
- Embarks
- Reykjavík
- Ship
- MS Fridjof Nansen
- Operator
- HX Expeditions
- Explore Iceland’s coastline in its entirety and see some of the country’s most captivating sights on this full circumnavigation, starting and ending in Reykjavík.
- Experience the geological wonders of the land of ice and fire, from volcanoes and glaciers to geysers and hot springs.
- Go whale watching in Húsavík, see Atlantic Puffins in Bakkagerði and Heimaey, and sail into the Arctic Circle.
A saga of old and new
In Reykjavík, you'll get a taste of modern Iceland, with its stylish restaurants, boutiques and galleries, as well as its museums detailing Icelandic history and culture through the ages. As you voyage around one of the world’s youngest countries, you’ll see how ancient geology has shaped the lives of those who live here.
Raw natural beauty
Discover Iceland's starkly beautiful, volcanic scenery – with active volcanoes, geysers, glaciers, mountains and waterfalls. The country offers some of the best whale watching in Europe at this time of year. And among the Arctic birdlife, keep an eye out for colonies of Atlantic Puffins.
Itinerary
- 1
Cosmopolitan Reykjavík
Your expedition cruise starts in Reykjavík, a laid-back city of art, culture and history. Stroll along Laugavegur, gaze at the striking Hallgrímskirkja Church, and visit the Reykjavík Art Museum. After being welcomed aboard and collecting your complimentary expedition jacket, settle into your cabin before enjoying your first dinner aboard.D - 2
Charming Grundarfjörður
The majestic Kirkjufell mountain rises just two miles west of the small harbour of Grundarfjörður, a quaint fishing town in Breiðafjörður bay. Nearby lies Snæfellsnes Peninsula National Park, with the striking, ice-capped Snæfellsjökull volcano. Visit Djúpalónssandur's black sand beach and the Saxhóll crater, or take a guided underground tour along a gigantic lava tube.BLD - 3
Picturesque Isafjörður
Flanked by towering mountains on all sides, Ísafjörður is a nearly perfect natural harbour and an excellent gateway to the Westfjords region. Stroll around to see the architecture and shop for local handicrafts. Visit the Westfjords Heritage Museum in one of the oldest 18th-century houses, or take the steep hike up to Naustahvilft - the Troll's Throne - for stunning panoramic views.BLD - 4
Akureyri and Goðafoss
Cruise into Eyjafjörður, Iceland's longest fjord and one of the best places in Europe to spot whales. Visit Akureyri, Iceland's 'Northern Capital', where you can enjoy a botanical garden and local eateries and museums. Witness the picturesque Goðafoss waterfall and explore the volcanic area around Lake Mývatn, one of the few places to see the Mid-Atlantic Ridge up close.BLD - 5
Húsavík and the Arctic Circle
Húsavík is a pleasant small town famous for its whale-watching opportunities, looking out over Skjálfandi Bay where humpback and minke whales, white-beaked dolphins, and harbour porpoises are frequently spotted. Visit Húsavík's Whale Museum or the Eurovision Song Contest Exhibition. Later, sail along the coast of Grimsey Island and cross the Arctic Circle before continuing to the next destination.BLD - 6
Puffins up close
Your Iceland cruise continues to Bakkagerði, a tiny, remote settlement. According to folklore, it is inhabited by local land spirits or elves known as huldufólk, meaning 'hidden people'. Walk through lush, green valleys and gorgeous scenery among colourful rhyolite rocks. In season, the coastal cliffs are home to fulmars, kittiwakes, eiders and puffins, and you may visit the Atlantic Puffin colony on Hafnarhólmi.BLD - 7
Heimaey's explosive past
Heimaey is the only inhabited island in the Westman Islands, found off the south coast of Iceland. It has a fascinating history and bears the scars of a powerful volcanic eruption. Visit Eldheimar museum featuring an excavated home frozen in time, take a hike to seek out puffins at Stórhöfði where around eight million nest every summer, or climb Mount Eldfell for incredible views of the town below.BLD - 8
Reykjavík and beyond
Your Iceland expedition cruise concludes back in Reykjavík. This is a great opportunity to see the places you missed when you first arrived. You can relax with friends in a heittur pottur, or geothermal pool - an important part of Icelandic culture.B
Inclusions & exclusions
What’s included
Food & Beverages
- Daily breakfast, lunch, and dinner. Coffee, tea, soft drinks, wine, beer, and spirits
- Fine dining in restaurant Lindstrøm included for suite guests
- Wine, beer and spirits available at meals and throughout the day and evening (subject to licensing laws, excludes premium drinks)
Onboard Activities
- In-depth lectures and discussions hosted by knowledgeable Expedition Team
- Use of Science Centre, including the library and advanced biological and geological equipment
- Citizen Science Programme allows guests to assist with ongoing scientific research
- Professional onboard photographer gives tips and tricks for the best landscape and wildlife photos
- Informal gatherings with the crew for daily briefings
- Daily briefing with the Expedition Team about the plans for the next day
Landing Activities
- Escorted landings with small expedition boats
- Necessary equipment for activities, such as walking poles, will be provided on board on loan. Your HX travel documents will have a recommended packing list.
- Expedition photographer on hand to assist you
HX Expedition Gear
- Wind and waterproof expedition jacket
- A complimentary Ocean Bottle water bottle to refill on board and take home
Ship Facilities
- Use of sauna, hot tubs, pool, fitness room, lounges and more
Not included
- International flights
- Additional overnight(s) if required due to international flight timings
- Travel insurance
- Luggage handling
- Optional shore excursions with our local partners
- Optional small-group activities with Expedition Team
- Optional treatments in the onboard wellness and spa area (only available on MS Fridtjof Nansen)
Accommodation
MS Fridtjof Nansen is the latest addition to HX Expeditions' fleet of custom-built ships – and the next-generation expedition ship. She will explore some of the most spectacular corners of the globe.
About the ship
The newest addition to the fleet honours the heritage of her namesake – the Norwegian explorer, scientist, humanitarian, and Nobel Peace Prize laureate Fridtjof Nansen. Known for his innovations in Arctic expeditions, Nansen led the first crossing of Greenland on cross-country skis. He is perhaps most famous for his attempt to reach the geographical North Pole during the Fram Expedition (1893-1896).
Interestingly, after Nansen's Fram expedition, the ship was passed on to another great explorer who secretly planned an expedition
Common questions about this voyage
Where does the expedition begin and end?
Reykjavík, Iceland.
What destinations are visited?
Iceland's coastline, fjords, and remote communities.
Is this an expedition cruise?
Yes, with expert-led excursions and activities.
What wildlife might I see?
Whales, puffins, seabirds, and seals.
Are shore landings included?
Yes, weather and sea conditions permitting.
Is Wi-Fi available onboard?
Yes, complimentary Wi-Fi is available.
What should I pack?
Warm, waterproof clothing and sturdy walking shoes.
Who is this cruise suitable for?
Travellers seeking adventure, nature, and wildlife.
Book this cruise
Send us an enquiry and a consultant will be in touch, or call 1300 414 198 for personal help choosing a departure.
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