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April 23, 2024

Embark on a voyage around one of the most captivating islands worldwide with Scenic Cruises. Iceland, with its eccentricity and stark differences, is famed for its volcanic allure, untouched landscapes, and legendary narratives. Dive into the unique Icelandic heritage and breath-taking panoramas, sailing on your own ultra-luxurious yacht, witnessing lava expanses, thermal springs, awe-inspiring waterfalls, and glaciers.

Experience Iceland from all perspectives during an 11-day journey circling this extraordinary island. Navigate majestic shorelines aboard zodiacs, kayaks, helicopters, or our specialized submarine. Engage with the Discovery Team and native specialists on inclusive outings to witness roaring waterfalls, seabird habitats, and ancient Viking communities. Brace yourself for the enchantment of glaciers and volcanoes, black sandy shores, and towering cliffs as you voyage in 6-star ultra-luxury beneath the midnight sun.

Every aspect of your comprehensive voyage has been meticulously planned to craft an utterly worry-free adventure, leaving you with cherished memories that will endure forever. Accommodating up to 228 guests, our voyage boasts a dedicated Discovery Team comprising up to 8 specialists. Delve into enlightening lectures and educational sessions led by onboard experts. Enjoy entertainment at our cutting-edge theatre. Embark on scenic Discovery excursions and shore expeditions. Participate in our inclusive program featuring kayaking and stand-up paddleboarding. Experience exclusive Scenic Enrich activities and tailor your journey with personalized Scenic Freechoice options.

The adventure will begin in Reykjavík, the northernmost city on Earth, where you’ll receive a warm welcome at the airport before being escorted to your opulent 6-star Discovery Yacht. If your schedule permits, consider arriving a day ahead to explore Reykjavík’s museums, unique church, and vibrant street art scene. Upon boarding, you’ll be greeted with genuine hospitality by Scenic Eclipse’s top-notch crew, and you can toast to the journey ahead with a glass of champagne on the Observation Deck as you glide along Iceland’s dramatic coastline.

The second stop will be Flatley Island, a small, flat, and car-free island, on foot. Immerse yourself in its serene ambiance as you stroll past charming, meticulously maintained homes dating back over a century. As evening descends, cruise along Europe’s largest bird cliff, the majestic Latrabjarg Cliffs. Thanks to the midnight sun, you can easily observe the cliffs after dinner, where up to 40% of the world’s cliff-dwelling bird populations, including razorbills, reside. Utilize the Swarovski telescopes on the Observation Deck to admire the young birds in their nests. The onboard Discovery Team, who will accompany you, sharing knowledge and their enthusiasm for this fascinating region, is always ready to provide information on all optional excursions, including helicopter tours, underwater explorations, scenic activities of free choice, and other discovery excursions for the days ahead.

The third day will have a stopover in the village of Patreksfjörður, home to around 650 residents, where you’ll discover the largest town in the southern Westfjords. Witness local fishermen bringing in the day’s fresh catch in a town that once led Iceland’s fishing industry, then explore its charming shops and cosy coffee houses. As we depart, revel in the changing fjord scenery. Weather permitting, we’ll venture to the crown jewel of the Westfjords, the magnificent Dynjandi waterfall, accompanied by knowledgeable guides for an onshore excursion. Alternatively, you can opt to remain aboard and admire these stunning falls from the luxurious comfort of the observation deck as Scenic Eclipse navigates nearby. Utilizing GPS Dynamic Positioning, Scenic Eclipse, the World’s First Discovery Yacht, maintains its position without anchoring, safeguarding this delicate ecosystem.

Then it will be time for a stop in Vigur Island, the second largest island in Ísafjörður Bay, is home to only one family who reside on the island year-round. Gain insight into their way of life as farmers, sustaining themselves by harvesting eiderdown and eggs as their primary source of income. Explore Iceland’s sole surviving windmill, under the ownership of the National Museum of Iceland. Observe puffins, black guillemots, and eider birds nesting on the island, and seize the opportunity to send a postcard from Europe’s smallest post office.

The fifth stop of the itinerary will be Sauðárkrókur. Located on the southwestern shore of Skagafjörður Fjord, Sauðárkrókur was officially settled in 1871, but its roots extend far back into ancient times as depicted in the Grettis Saga. Explore the rich Nordic myths and legends of Sauðárkrókur in its well-preserved old town, where museums, interactive exhibitions, local artisans, and restaurants await your discovery.

The following day, there will be a stopover in Akureyri, known as Iceland’s “capital of the North,” is the country’s second-largest settlement outside of Reykjavik, yet with only around 20,000 residents, it retains a warm and welcoming atmosphere. This photogenic town is nestled amidst green hills at the foot of a volcanic mountain range, boasting colourful homes that add to its charm. Discover the striking Akureyri Church and take a leisurely stroll through one of the world’s most northerly botanic gardens. Embrace adventure by kayaking or stand-up paddleboarding in one of Iceland’s longest fjords or opt for a bird’s-eye view of the stunning landscape with a helicopter ride^, courtesy of our quiet and comfortable Airbus H130-T2 helicopters. Equipped with wrap-around windscreens, wide windows, and Bose® noise-cancelling headphones, these helicopters offer an unparalleled aerial experience. Weather permitting, you can explore beneath the surface in the state-of-the-art Scenic Neptune submarine.

The seventh day of the itinerary presents the unique opportunity to step across the official Arctic Circle on Grimsey Island, situated approximately 40km off Iceland’s north coast. This small island is home to a village of around 100 residents nestled by the harbour and is a haven for bird enthusiasts, boasting cliffs teeming with approximately a million seabirds. Utilize the Swarovski telescopes in the Observation Lounge to observe puffins, razorbills, black guillemots, and other cliff-dwelling birds up close. The next day, it will be possible join the Captain on the bridge as we navigate through the expansive Vopnafjörður fjord towards the village bearing the same name. Vopnafjörður, translating to “bay of weapons,” was sculpted by a colossal glacier during the last Ice Age before being settled by Vikings in the late 9th century. Today, you may have the chance to partake in a hiking expedition or a Zodiac cruise guided by expert naturalists. Alternatively, immerse yourself in in-depth lectures about the fjord’s geology and history in the state-of-the-art theatre aboard your ultra-luxurious yacht. As evening falls, the ship will sail into Seyðisfjörður, a town nestled at the innermost corner of the fjord bearing the same name, where it will anchor for an overnight stay.

Renowned as the cultural, historical, and hospitable heart of East Iceland, Seyðisfjörður enchants visitors with its vibrant ambiance. The town boasts charming 19th-century timber houses, nestled along the lagoon’s edge, creating a picturesque scene. Seyðisfjörður is also a thriving hub for the arts, with a lively art scene that adds to its allure. Keep an eye out for wandering reindeer, as well as seals and porpoises frolicking along the shoreline.
Seyðisfjörður offers yet another exceptional opportunity to indulge in outdoor activities, such as kayaking, stand-up paddleboarding, or embarking on a breath-taking helicopter ride or submarine exploration, accommodating up to six guests.

As we near the end of the itinerary, the ship will make a stop in Heimaey. In 1973, the volcano Eldfell, translating to “Hill of Fire,” erupted on Heimaey Island, spewing lava for 157 days and necessitating the temporary evacuation of the island’s inhabitants. Delve into the island’s fascinating history with an excursion guided by local experts.
The Westman Islands are renowned as prime locations in Iceland for observing orcas and beluga whales. Keep an eye out for these majestic creatures during a Zodiac tour or through the Swarovski telescopes on the Observation Deck and Lounge. Next, set sail around the World Heritage-listed site of Surtsey, an extraordinary volcanic island formed by an underwater eruption in the 1960s.

This unforgettable journey will conclude in Reykjavík where you can enjoy one last breakfast on board before disembarking and reliving the enchanting memories of Iceland and the Arctic.

Don’t miss more updates, news and reviews about Scenic Cruises on Cruising Journal.

Ronan Ryan

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