If you've ever dreamed of exploring a land where volcanoes meet glaciers, where you might get a glimpse of the Northern Lights dancing across the sky, and where nature's wonders are around every corner, then a cruise to Iceland might just be the perfect family adventure for you!
Iceland's breathtaking landscapes and rich cultural history offer a unique blend of excitement and education, making it an ideal destination for families wanting to create lifelong memories together.
We took an 11-day cruise on the Celebrity Silhouette along with our son and daughter-in-law and it did not disappoint! Come along with us, grab your warmest coat and your sense of adventure, and let's explore the land of fire and ice!
Table of Contents
Why vacation in Iceland?
I've had a travel bucket list since my elementary school days but it's only been in the past 15 years that I really started crossing out my dream destinations.
One that was high on the list was Iceland because the idea of the volcanoes, the geothermal heated lagoons, and the unique culture intrigued me. Plus, I really wanted to see the Northern Lights!
Although I never did get to see the lights ( we went the first part of August) I did see gorgeous scenery, experience fantastic food, and watch glorious sunsets while making lifelong memories.
Travel tip:
Prime time for seeing the northern lights in Iceland is from September to April, although you *could* get lucky in other months. Most cruise lines schedule Iceland cruises from May -August so keep this in mind if the Aurora Borealis is a primary goal.
Things to do and see
Our 11-day cruise adventure began in Rotterdam, Netherlands with a stop in Kirkwall, Orkney Islands before heading to Iceland. We even got certificates for crossing the Arctic Circle!
- Kirkwall, Orkney Islands, Scotland, is a historic town with everything you'd expect, from centuries-old cathedrals to perfect little shops and cafes. We chose to explore the town rather than take an excursion.
- The next stop was Akureyi, Iceland. We were in port here for 2 days and had excursions both days. The first day, we went whale watching, and I was able to get a video of humpback whales. They were literally everywhere! I've been whale watching before in Alaska and in Antarctica but this was by far the best experience I've had. The next day, we hopped on a tour bus and spent 6 hours or so exploring the area. Gorgeous waterfalls, boiling & bubbling mud pools, and incredible volcanic rock formations were awe-inspiring. Lots of chances for the "perfect shot". During that time we were given a lunch of rye bread, ham, local cheese, and slices of a fruit and nut cake.
- From Akureyi we headed to Reykjavik. We had signed up for an excursion to the iconic Blue Lagoon, but since there had been so much volcanic activity in that area, we were switched to the Sky Lagoon. Even so, a beautiful, naturally heated lagoon with a cold plunge pool, steam room, salt scrub, and full bar is available made for a very relaxing couple of hours.
- Our last stop was Lerwick, Shetland Islands, Scotland. There were several excursions available, and we chose to explore Mousa Broch. It's an uninhabited island with ancient ruins and a fascinating history.
Each individual cruise and cruise line will likely have different excursions so this is just a general outline of what we did. You'll want to look at what's offered on the actual cruise you book to see what your family would like to do.
Travel tip:
You'll want to bring your passport and one other form of picture ID like a driver's license. While you won't need your passport for excursions, you'll still want to have your picture ID on you at all times.
What to pack for an Iceland vacation
The average temperatures in Iceland during the summer range from the 50s through the low 70s. I found that wearing layers worked best for me. For excursions, I chose jeans, a tank top, a sweater, and always carried a raincoat.
It can be very windy, and storms can start suddenly, so I always wore my raincoat (bright orange so my husband didn't lose me!) and also kept a pack of disposable rain ponchos in my bag.
Since most of the excursions will include hiking bring along hiking boots or comfy walking shoes.
We found that this was one of our more casual vacations and we only needed dress up clothes for the two fancy dress nights on the ship. It's not required, of course, but since I don't get to dress up much, I like the opportunity to dress up.
Generally, the ship requests smart casual for evening dining. Think nice jeans, khakis, skirts, simple dresses, button-down shirts, sweaters, etc. The rest of the time pretty much anything goes.
Travel tip:
We found that not every place we went to took American Express or Discover but we didn't have any problems with our Visa or Mastercard. Bring either a Mastercard or Visa to ensure you have a card to use.
Don't travel without these...
Here are a few things that made this vacation SO much easier!
As an Amazon Associate, I earn commission from qualifying purchases.
- Disposabe rain ponchos - easy to slip into a backpack or tote and have on hand when needed!
- If you tend to get motion sickness like I do this electronic wristband is invaluable!
- European travel plug is great to have on hand in case your hotel doesn't have an adapter.
So, is an Iceland cruise vacation for you?
The answer is a definite yes if you are looking for something unique and out of the ordinary! It's a wonderful way to make memories and is especially appealing for history buffs and photographers.
There's something for everyone, and it's a trip I will always remember.
Comments
No Comments