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Iceland – Small-Ship Exploration

  • Details

Details

This cruise provides a complete circumnavigation of the wild and spectacular island of Iceland, staying on board a comfortable ship with all of your needs taken care of.

This is not a cruise where you will be herded around with thousands of others; the MS Ocean Diamond is designed as an expedition vessel and sleeps a maximum of 224 guests meaning that you see Iceland at its remote and untouched best.

Your ports of call have been determined by experts to ensure that those on board get to experience the variety of landscapes and experiences which Iceland offers. At each point, there are some exceptional shore excursions to choose from (see the ‘personalise’ section for details) which mean that you can fully tailor your holiday. There are leisurely trips focused on wildlife, heritage and nature alongside more active excursions to get you up close to the wilderness of this remote island.

During your nine nights on board the MS Ocean Diamond, you will be treated to exceptional service and a great deal of comfort. The experienced crew and expedition team will be on hand throughout as you cruise the coastline. Ocean Diamond was designed for the Arctic and has a strengthened hull for travelling in these icy climes. The ship’s smaller size means that she can dock at ports which elude larger vessels and this means that her passengers get to see a great deal more of Iceland’s coastline.

There is no compromise on comfort as there are well-equipped and comfortable cabins for guests to relax in and the ship’s many facilities include a restaurant where all of your meals are served with panoramic views, a lounge bar area and a very popular Arctic library.

The Iceland cruise departs from and returns to Reykjavik, the most northerly capital in the world. You will have time to explore the city before and after your trip.

The ports of call are outlined below:

  • Stykkishólmur – Gateway to the Snaefellsnes Peninsula and the spectacular national park
  • Isafjördur – The largest town in the West Fjords, situated on a spectacular peninsula
  • Siglufjörður – A fishing village with a rich and varied history
  • Akureyri – The capital of the north and a delightful city from which to explore the Myvatn area
  • Husavik– Iceland’s whale watching capital
  • Seydisfjördur – Explore the East Fjords in a variety of unforgettable ways
  • Djupivogur – a brilliant starting point for exploring the world famous Vatnajökull Glacier and the famous Glacier Lagoon
  • Vestmannaeyjar – The Westman Islands are a volcanic archipelago off the south coast of Iceland

Iceland has more natural wonders than we can list here – waterfalls, glaciers, volcanoes and beaches to name just a few. This voyage is a wonderful way to appreciate the breathtaking beauty and many highlights of the island.

Please note: the itineraries and excursions are subject to change due to weather, sea and ice conditions and may be changed without prior notice

Useful Links

View the trip on our website here

Trip Notes

Booking Terms and Conditions

Itinerary

[KEF] Keflavik Intl. Airport, Iceland To Hotel Skuggi
Airport Transfer
Duration
00:00
Hotel Skuggi - Check In
Address : Reykjavik, Capital Region, Iceland

Hotel Skuggi To MS Ocean Diamond
Transfer
Duration
00:00
Hotel Skuggi - Stay
Address : Reykjavik, Capital Region, Iceland
MS Ocean Diamond - Stay
Address : Reykjavik, Capital Region, Iceland

MS Ocean Diamond - Stay
Address : Reykjavik, Capital Region, Iceland

MS Ocean Diamond - Stay
Address : Reykjavik, Capital Region, Iceland

MS Ocean Diamond - Stay
Address : Reykjavik, Capital Region, Iceland

MS Ocean Diamond - Stay
Address : Reykjavik, Capital Region, Iceland

MS Ocean Diamond - Stay
Address : Reykjavik, Capital Region, Iceland

MS Ocean Diamond - Stay
Address : Reykjavik, Capital Region, Iceland

MS Ocean Diamond - Stay
Address : Reykjavik, Capital Region, Iceland

MS Ocean Diamond - Stay
Address : Reykjavik, Capital Region, Iceland

MS Ocean Diamond To Hotel Skuggi
Transfer
Duration
00:00
MS Ocean Diamond - Stay
Address : Reykjavik, Capital Region, Iceland
Hotel Skuggi - Stay
Address : Reykjavik, Capital Region, Iceland

Hotel Skuggi To [KEF] Keflavik Intl. Airport, Iceland
Airport Transfer
Duration
00:00
Hotel Skuggi - Check Out
Address : Reykjavik, Capital Region, Iceland

What's included?

  • Return airport transfers and return harbour transfers
  • Accommodation as listed
  • 2 breakfasts in Reykjavik; 9 breakfasts, 8 lunches, 9 dinners
  • Juice, water, tea and coffee are included
  • Wind jacket
  • Onboard entertainment programme including talks on Icelandic culture, history and wildlife throughout
  • Zodiac excursions (weather dependent)
  • Use of gym facilities on board the ship
  • Fully qualified wilderness guides and instructors during activities

Excluded

  • Flights are not included in the holiday price so that the best available fares and most appropriate schedules can be found for you at the time of booking

Accommodation

Hotel Skuggi
     
 

This hotel is located in Reykjavik’s city centre, close to Laugavegur (which is the main shopping street), and an array of restaurants and bars. ‘Skuggi’ is the Icelandic word for ‘shade’, and the hotel has a fitting interior design of cool greys and calming white. The Skuggi Hotel has 100 rooms, designed with inspiration from the sublime black-and-white nature photography of Icelander Ragnar Axelsson.

Hotel facilities

  • Pick up a drink from the hotel’s stylish on-site bar
  • Free Wi-Fi means you can keep friends and family up to date
  • Wake up to a spread of hot and cold options at the breakfast buffet
MS Ocean Diamond
     
 

MS Ocean Diamond is a wonderful and modern vessel that has been specially equipped for Arctic voyages with ice-strengthened hull and stabilisers that help to reduce roll. She is an ideal expedition vessel but that does not mean that there is any need to compromise on comfort as the facilities on board are excellent. The experienced and expert crew works with the expedition team to ensure that guests have the best possible experience whilst on board.

She is compact and carries a maximum of 224 passengers, meaning that she can explore further than larger ships. This means that her passengers can take in highlights which may elude larger vessels.

Her average cruising speed is around 15.5 knots and she is the first ever polar passenger ship to be carbon neutral, with all emissions offset.

On board facilities

The ship has some fantastic facilities that make it both welcoming and comfortable.

  • All meals as listed are included in your stay and they are prepared by the ship’s team of chefs. You are sure to experience a wealth of delicious specialities during your voyage. The restaurant offers panoramic views of your surroundings. Breakfast and lunch are a buffet and your evening meal will be à la carte. The dress code is casual and so you can leave your black tie at home and simply come equipped for the variable weather
  • Coffee, tea, water, apple and orange juice are included throughout and the lounge on deck 4 serves a late evening snack
  • The various deck and observation areas provide ideal viewpoints from which passengers can enjoy the surrounding scenery
  • The on board shop is a great place to pick up some souvenirs
  • Passengers can browse the books and DVDs in the well-stocked Polar library, sit back in the panorama salon or take advantage of the wellness programmes that are offered, such as yoga classes, massage therapy and aromatherapy treatments
  • There will be a range of talks held in the auditorium by local experts on the heritage and wildlife of the regions you are visiting and the ship’s Zodiac boats are on hand (when conditions are favourable) to give guests the chance to explore further afield
  • Wi-Fi is available on board for an extra charge

Cabin Type P

These cabins are 19m² and contain double/twin beds, en-suite shower room, TV with DVD, safe, wardrobe, refrigerator, individual temperature control, satellite telephone access, hairdryer and two portholes. Please note that some views can be restricted by lifeboats, etc on deck.

Cabin Type O

These cabins are 19m² and contain double/twin beds, en-suite shower room, TV with DVD, safe, wardrobe, refrigerator, individual temperature control, satellite telephone access, hairdryer and picture window. Please note that the view will be restricted by lifeboats or similar.

Cabin Type D

These cabins are between 17-19m² and contain double/twin beds, en-suite shower room, TV with DVD, safe, wardrobe, refrigerator, individual temperature control, satellite telephone access, hairdryer and picture window.

Cabin Type A

These cabins are 30m² and contain a double bed, en-suite bathroom with bath and shower, sitting area, TV with DVD, wardrobe, safe, refrigerator, individual temperature control, satellite telephone access, hairdryer, full-size window with sliding glass door and a balcony.

Cabin Type B

The suites are spacious at 37m² and feature either two twins or a double bed as well as an additional two twin beds, two private bathrooms with shower or bathtub, sitting area, TV with DVD-player, wardrobe, safe, refrigerator, individual temperature controls, satellite telephone access, hairdryer and picture window.

Cabin Type T

These cabins are 19m² and contain two twin beds and one upper bed. They are en-suite with shower room, TV with DVD, safe, wardrobe, refrigerator, individual temperature control, satellite telephone access, hairdryer and two portholes. Please note that the view may be obstructed.

Tour Map

Additional Info

Price is based on 2 persons travelling

Tour terms, click here  

Booking conditions click here

Key Facts

Holiday Type All
Max Group Size NA
Brochure Code TUR648
Price from
On Request
12 days

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