Iceland Cruise Guide: Ports, Wildlife & Arctic Adventures

Iceland is the land of fire and ice — a place where glaciers grind against active volcanoes, geysers erupt on schedule, and hot springs steam in the shadow of snow-capped peaks. It's a landscape unlike anywhere else in Europe, and cruising is the ideal way to experience it.

A cruise lets you wake up in a different fjord every morning without packing and unpacking. You'll sail past waterfalls cascading directly into the sea, spot whales from the deck, and step ashore at remote ports that are difficult and expensive to reach by land. The ship becomes your floating hotel through some of the most dramatic scenery on the planet.

Most Iceland cruises from the UK depart Southampton and combine Iceland with Norway — giving you two incredible destinations in one trip. Expect 12–16 nights of jaw-dropping scenery, extraordinary wildlife, and the kind of natural wonders that make you put down your phone and just stare.

Iceland's cruise ports are scattered around the island's dramatic coastline. Each offers a completely different experience — from the cosmopolitan buzz of Reykjavik to the raw, untouched wilderness of the Westfjords.

Most itineraries visit two or three Icelandic ports alongside Norwegian fjord stops. The ship's arrival into each port is often a highlight in itself — narrow fjords, towering cliffs and cascading waterfalls make for unforgettable sail-ins.

The vast majority of Iceland cruises from the UK combine Iceland with the Norwegian Fjords in a single voyage. This makes geographic sense — the ship sails north through Norway, crosses to Iceland, and returns via Scotland or the Faroe Islands.

These combination itineraries typically last 12–16 nights and depart from Southampton. You get the best of both worlds: the intimate fjords of Norway and the volcanic drama of Iceland, all without flying.

Both P&O Cruises and Cunard operate these routes from Southampton, making them popular with UK cruisers who prefer to sail from home rather than fly to a departure port.

Real-time pricing data from P&O Cruises and Cunard sailings to Iceland and Norwegian Fjords. Prices update as we track fare changes across all available sailings.

Iceland cruises tend to be longer (12–16 nights) so total fares are higher than a 7-night Med cruise, but the per-night value is often comparable. These are extended voyages through some of the most spectacular scenery on the planet.

Iceland's excursions are some of the most spectacular in cruising. From walking on glaciers to soaking in geothermal pools, each port offers once-in-a-lifetime experiences. Budget £100–250 per person for ship-organised tours, or explore independently for less.

Unlike many Mediterranean ports, Iceland's highlights are often outside the towns — the Golden Circle is 45 minutes from Reykjavik, Godafoss is 30 minutes from Akureyri. Ship excursions or hire cars are usually necessary, and pre-booking is strongly recommended.

Since most Iceland cruises also visit Norway, you may be wondering which destination appeals more — or whether the combo voyage is right for you. Here's how they compare side by side.

Both are extraordinary, but they offer very different experiences. Norway is green, lush and village-studded; Iceland is volcanic, raw and almost otherworldly. The combination itinerary gives you both — and the contrast between them is part of the magic.