A recent traveler’s experience on a seven-day, small-ship luxury cruise around Iceland highlights an intimate and surprisingly cost-effective way to explore the Nordic island nation. For a price of around $6,500, the journey offered a comprehensive tour of stunning, remote landscapes while bypassing the logistical hurdles and high costs of independent travel.
Key Takeaways From The Voyage
- Intimate Setting: With only around 220 guests, the small ship fosters a social and personal atmosphere distinct from massive cruise liners.
- Cost-Effective Exploration: The all-inclusive nature of the cruise provides a fixed-cost solution to navigating Iceland’s notoriously expensive food, lodging, and transportation.
- Access to Remote Beauty: The itinerary included hard-to-reach destinations like Heimaey Island and quaint fjord towns, offering unique cultural and natural experiences.
- Onboard Comfort: High-quality dining, a spa, and engaging activities meant the time spent sailing was as much a part of the vacation as the port excursions.
The Small Ship Experience
Departing from Reykjavík, the Windstar’s Star Pride ship provided a luxurious base for the week-long adventure. Unlike megaships that can feel overwhelming, the smaller vessel allowed for easy navigation and opportunities to connect with fellow passengers. Onboard amenities included a spa, comfortable lounges for socializing, and nightly entertainment such as trivia and dancing. The quality of the food was a standout feature, with most meals eaten on the ship, which significantly cut down on expenses that would have been incurred dining out in pricey Icelandic restaurants.
A Journey Through Magical Ports
The cruise circumnavigated Iceland, offering continuous views of fjords, waterfalls, and volcanic coastlines. Each stop presented a new facet of the country’s charm.
- Heimaey Island: A remote archipelago home to nesting puffins and a village overlooked by a volcano.
- Seydisfjordur: An artistic town known for its cheerful houses, a blue church, and a famous rainbow-painted sidewalk. Hikes in the nearby Vestdalur Valley revealed stunning waterfalls.
- Other Highlights: The trip also featured excursions to the powerful Goðafoss Waterfall, a tasting of local beer and pickled shark in Ísafjörður, and a relaxing soak in the Mývatn Nature Baths.
The Value Of Cruising In Iceland
For many, Iceland’s ‘sticker shock’ is a real concern. Independent travel can be startlingly expensive, with high costs for rental cars, taxis (rideshare apps do not operate there), and groceries. A short taxi ride in the capital can easily exceed $100.
The cruise, with a base price closer to $5,000 and premium options around $6,500, presented a compelling value. By covering accommodation, transportation between ports, and most meals, it allowed for a stress-free exploration of the entire country for a predictable price. This approach transforms a potentially budget-breaking trip into a manageable and deeply rewarding experience.
Sources
- I Took a Small Luxury Cruise in Iceland; Worth It for $6,500, Business Insider.
- My Small Luxury Cruise Was the Best Way to See Iceland; Great Value, Business Insider.