This Iceland cruise review comes from my time aboard the A Circumnavigation of Iceland Cruise aboard 138-guest National Geographic Endurance. Read on to learn about the highlights from my trip, along with added insight from our other experts and travelers who’ve been to Iceland or aboard National Geographic fleet firsthand.
Overall standout – Efficiency
What sets Iceland cruises apart – Mix of remote wilderness & port town visits
Best day – Grimsey Island
Look out for – Limited wildlife sightings
If I booked again – I’d do more full-day tours
Don’t miss – A night in the igloo & the chef’s tasting menu
More Iceland cruise reviews – Read ratings from travelers
ABOUT THE EXPERT:
ARIELLE LIGHTCAP
- AdventureSmith Specialist since 2016
- This trip was her second Arctic expedition & third polar
- Firsthand experience aboard 6 different small ships & counting, ranging from 16 to 138 guests
Overall Standout – Efficiency
In 10 days we went all the way around the country, which wouldn’t be possible (at least not in a meaningful way) in a camper van. We also had access to places that are not connected to the mainland by road. Some of our stops were exclusive to our ship and required working with the landowner to visit.
What Sets Iceland Cruises Apart
Unlike the Svalbard cruise I took a few years ago, which was more remote, Iceland cruises offer a mix of wilderness and port town visits. I liked this combination because you can experience how people live in some very remote communities. It’s not a “traditional way of living” type of experience, but you can see how everyday people are living. The general feeling I got was that locals have a deep appreciation of nature and enjoy the isolation and independence of small town living.
Best Day – Grimsey Island
Our day at Grimsey Island was my favorite experience of the voyage. Getting here on your own would require a three-hour ferry from the mainland, so having the ship as our basecamp allowed for easy access to this special place. The island is located within the Arctic Circle, is rich in bird life and has a high presence of marine life, specifically whales.
Look Out For – Limited Wildlife Sightings
Other than birds, wildlife sightings are limited in Iceland compared to other Arctic cruises. We had some great whale viewing a couple of times during the cruise, but you are unlikely to see terrestrial wild animals like arctic foxes or arctic hares. Sheep and horses may be seen, but these are domestic animals.
If I Booked Again
If I booked again, I would take advantage of the full day tours offered on this trip. There are enough opportunities to walk around the port towns, so I wish I would have taken the chance to go farther from the seaside and into the interior for a different vantage point. For example, the full-day trip to Lake Mývatn and Goðafoss seemed to be a highlight for those who chose this excursion.
I chose to pack light and just bring my iPhone on this trip, but I would definitely bring a real camera if I went again.
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Don’t Miss These Ship Perks
If you’re aboard National Geographic Endurance like me, don’t miss:
- Spending a night in one of the igloos. After a dip in the hot tub and session in the sauna, it was nice to settle into my private igloo and watch the sky and the sea through the glass dome. In the morning, the crew brought me a cup of tea before I left to return to my cabin.
- The chef’s tasting menu dining experience. This was an unexpected treat that I really enjoyed. All guests get an invitation to the tasting dinner on various nights during the cruise. The C. Green’s Table has about 20 seats where you get to mingle with other passengers and have a curated/themed meal.
Find even more insights on AdventureSmith’s ship review of National Geographic Resolution & Endurance as we’ve now had two experts aboard these twin sister ships.
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