Do you dream of visiting Iceland and seeing the beautiful fjords, rushing waterfalls, and enchanting ice caverns? I recently took a cruise around Iceland with Windstar Cruises, and the experience was truly “180 degrees from ordinary!” It was like no other cruise I’ve ever taken – I felt so pampered and had the time of my life exploring this beautiful country, both on the ship and off of it.
I’ll tell you all about where I went, what I did, and what you can expect when you go on an adventure with Windstar Cruises, like amazing food, excursions, and an incredible crew! Keep reading to learn all about my 7 day Iceland cruise experience.
This site is part of an affiliate sales network and receives compensation for sending traffic to partner sites. This compensation may impact how and where links appear on this site. This site does not include all financial companies or all available financial offers. See below for full disclosures.
Windstar Cruises: A Better Way to Travel
Windstar is my favorite cruise line because they have smaller ships that can go into the smaller ports the big ships can’t, and their excursions are so unique and individual. It isn’t like other cruise lines where you’re sharing space on the ship and excursion tours with thousands of other guests. I love that they typically have less than 300 guests on their ships, so everyone feels pampered and well cared for (their staff-to-guest ratio is 1:1.5)!
They don’t just take you to the major touristy spots. Because of their ship sizes, they’re able to go to smaller, more local spots so you can have truly authentic experiences. This approach extends to their onboard experiences and excursions, too, with a focus on local, immersive activities that really help you understand each destination. Their small size also means they’re able to dock directly at the smaller ports rather than take a tender boat in. This is so important because bad weather can prevent tender boats from going, which means you miss out on the port of call and excursions.
Windstar is also the official cruise line of the James Beard Foundation, so the food is absolutely incredible. I was very impressed with the food on my trip, and think it’s some of the best in the world. I was also so impressed with the crew and staff members on board. You could really tell that they are one big family, and the personal touches they add are the best!
Want to earn free travel and hotel stays? Click below to find out more about one of my favorite credit cards!
All About the Around Iceland Cruise
There are five different Windstar cruise options that travel to and around Iceland, and I took the Around Iceland cruise. It lasted seven days on the ship Star Pride, traveling from Reykjavik all around the island and ending back in Reykjavik. This was such a unique experience because Windstar is one of the few cruise lines that circumvent the entire island! This is just one of the reasons why Windstar has the best Iceland cruise on the market.
With this cruise, you’ll get the chance to soak up some self-care at the Blue Lagoon, sample Viking food, ride Icelandic horses, view gorgeous waterfalls, go whale watching, learn about Iceland’s history and culture, and so much more.
We traveled from Reykjavik to Surtsey Island, Heimaey Island, Seydisfjordur, Akureyri, Isafjordur, Grundarfjordur, and back to Reykjavik. I’ll tell you a little about the ship and the onboard experience before sharing what you can do at each of these stops!
The Ship: Star Pride
The Star Pride has a passenger capacity of 312 guests, and every single one gets pampered throughout their experience with excellent service and attention. Onboard, you’ll find a rooftop pool and hot tub deck, beauty salon, spa, steam room, fitness area, lounge, and at least six different dining areas.
The ship was refurbished, extended, and relaunched in 2022 to elevate the level of comfort and service they can provide. It has a welcoming, laid-back luxury feel, from the public spaces to the individual suites. And I do mean suites – not cabins! All the suites are a minimum of 277 square feet and have newly refurbished bathrooms, better layouts, luxurious Egyptian cotton sheets, and stunning ocean views.
The Food
As I mentioned, this is the official cruise line of the James Beard Foundation, so the food was absolutely excellent. In addition to the buffets and the Amphora restaurant for elegant evening meals, there is the outdoor steak restaurant called Candles and the Spanish tapas restaurant called Cuadro 44. The Spanish restaurant only seats 36 people, so you can expect an even more intimate experience there. Candles and Cuadro 44 are reservation-only, so plan ahead for those.
Veranda serves breakfast and lunch buffets each day, as well as full-service or alfresco meals. The Star Grill is their outdoor afternoon grilling spot for more casual dining, including a spectacular barbecue meal. If you need a quick snack for an afternoon pick-me-up, head over to The Yacht Club. If you’d rather dine in the privacy and comfort of your room, there is 24/7 room service available, too.
They’ve really thought of everything!
The Guest Experience
I cannot say enough good things about the guest experience on Windstar Cruises! The Star Pride staff took care of our every need; I felt completely pampered and looked after throughout the trip. The entire team knew my name, and each day, we received a special treat in our room, from local candy bars to Icelandic Schnapps. It really made for a one-of-a-kind experience.
There’s so much to do on board, as well, from lounging by the pool (when there’s good weather) or lounging in the yacht club with board games to enjoying a spa day or attending educational lectures. You can even take food market tours with the Chef, experience a cooking demonstration, or learn about ship navigation with the Captain on the Bridge. Enjoy cultural performances from locals who come on board or have some fun watching the crew perform in a talent show.
Catch some live music in the lounge, go dancing, participate in trivia, do some yoga on the deck, or go duty-free, tax-free shopping in the Boutique. There’s something here for everyone! This is just one part of what makes your experience live up to Windstar’s motto, “180 degrees from ordinary.”
The Weather
There’s something really important about taking a cruise around Iceland that I need to point out: the weather. It can be unpredictable, and depending on the time of year you go, there may not be a lot of sunshine. This is either because it’s winter when Iceland doesn’t have a lot of daylight due to the position of the sun or because they’re just having overcast and rainy weather.
I went in the summertime, and the weather was honestly pretty bad while I was there. It was overcast almost the whole time with little sunshine, and the swells got really big sometimes when we were on the ship.
However, because Windstar Cruises is so amazing, this really didn’t affect my trip too much! As I mentioned, the smaller ship size allowed us to still get to port even when the waves and weather were bad. Plus, the Windstar team does everything possible to make sure you still have a good time, even when you can’t make it off the ship. They’re really amazing, so don’t let the prospect of bad weather keep you from going on this adventure!
The Itinerary & Excursions
Reykjavik
As I said, the Around Iceland cruise starts and ends in Reykjavik, where you can choose to add excursions before or after your cruise (I’ll talk more about those later). Reykjavik is the capital of Iceland and is full of historical and cultural sights, unique architecture, and a vibrant art scene. I highly recommend extending your trip either before or after the cruise to enjoy more activities around Reykjavik.
Surtsey Island
While we didn’t stop here, we did circle Surtsey Island, a UNESCO World Heritage Site that rose up from underwater volcanic eruptions in the 1960s. It’s uninhabited by humans and is a fantastic study on how plant and animal life begin to appear on new land. You can catch views of the island from the public decks of the ship or from your own suite’s balcony.
Planning an upcoming trip to Iceland and not sure what to pack? I’ve created the ultimate packing guide so you know just what to bring on your trip! You’ll be well-prepared for Iceland’s weather and activities. Click the button to download your guide!
Heimaey
Our first stop on the cruise was the Westman Island called Heimaey. It’s not a common place to visit when touring around Iceland, but I think it’s a can’t-miss island! The best excursion is to do the tour of the island where you can see where the volcano erupted in 1973 – it’s a modern-day Pompeii.
This is also one of the best places in Iceland to see puffins (they’re so cute!), so be sure to do the full island tour or the “Pompeii of the North” excursion if that’s of interest to you. You can also explore Heimaey by ATV, take a walking tour of Skansinn and the lava field, or venture into some really cool caves in the area.
Seydisfjordur
Our next stop was Seydisfjordur, home to a huge variety of wildlife and waterfalls. Windstar Cruises organized a unique experience here, just for us, with local musicians singing in the famous “Blue Church.” Part of a walking tour of the town, it was a private concert for one hour where we learned about Icelandic culture and heard Icelandic music. Beautiful!
I recommend a strenuous excursion here to go hiking and see the waterfall called Hengifoss. You can also take a guided tour of Skalanes Nature Reserve, pass by waterfalls on your way to the abandoned town of Vestdalseyri, or drive over the Fjardarheidi mountain pass to see East Iceland and Lagarfljot, Iceland’s third largest lake.
Akureyri
The next stop was Akureyri, a fisheries center very close to the Arctic Circle. This is a great town to shop in and to go whale watching by RIB boat, which allows you to safely get closer to the wildlife. However, the best excursion to take here with Windstar is to go see the Godafoss Waterfall and the large lake and hot springs, Myvatn Nature Bath. Soak up the warm waters and minerals from Iceland’s natural geothermal power.
Akureyri is also the only day where you can ride the Icelandic horses on this cruise. Y’all know I love horses, so I would definitely recommend doing this excursion if you love horses! If you prefer a more leisurely tour of the town and Godafoss, there’s an excursion for that, too. Want an exhilarating view from above? Take the Diamond Circle Air Tour for a scenic flight over the gorgeous landscape of this area (weather permitting)!
You can also take a drive along the coastline to see waterfalls, wildlife, farmlands, sulfur deposits, and more. Or go on a thrilling river rafting adventure through the West Glacial River Canyon. Akureyri has so many sights to see; it can be hard to choose an excursion here, but you’re sure to have a fantastic time no matter what you do.
Travel with No Roaming Fees
Use your phone data while you travel without racking up a high phone bill. Click the link to learn more and get a 5% discount on your purchase!
Isafjurdur
Next up was Isafjurdur, a small town that has become a big alternative music center. We took a private tour around the different fjords and to the famous waterfall called Dynjandi. This waterfall was spectacular—it didn’t even look real! It’s the fifth tallest waterfall in all of Iceland, and it looked like it was built for a Disney movie. This was a fantastic five-hour excursion to see the area, and it was a relatively easy 30-minute walk up to the waterfall itself. I recommend this excursion!
Alternatively, you can take an Icelandic super jeep to the Osvor Maritime Museum and up to the peak of Bolafjall Mountain. You’ll get to enjoy breathtaking, panoramic views over the bay before heading down to the beach. Take a walk along the shore if you like, and watch the waves roll in from the Arctic Ocean.
Grundarfjordur
Our last stop on this amazing cruise was Grundarfjordur, close to Snæfellsjokull National Park. I think the most interesting excursion is to take the boat where you get to eat “Viking sushi.” The captain takes you out and shows you the fjord and surrounding area in his boat. Then, he casts a net, and whatever he brings up, you eat right there on the boat. It’s a very unique excursion and a lot of fun! Make sure to bring your motion sickness medicine for this one if you get motion sickness easily.
Ever wanted to go inside a glacier? Take the excursion here to Snæfellsjökull Glacier to see unique lava formations and learn about the caves from your guide. You can also explore the Snæfellsnes peninsula, where you’ll visit Hellnar, take a walk through lava fields, and hike into Rauðfellsgjá Canyon. If that’s too much hiking for you, there’s a more moderate excursion that takes you through the Berserkjahraun Lava Field without visiting the canyon.
Finally, we made our way back to Reykjavik for the end of the cruise.
Optional Add-Ons
Extra Reykjavik Excursions
At the beginning and the end of the Iceland cruise, you can do extra excursions around Reykjavik, depending on your cruise schedule. The first option is a drive through Reykjavik and Hafnarfjörður, along Kleifarvatn Lake, and the geothermal fields in Krýsuvík. You’ll then drive on to the fishing village of Grindavík before traveling to the gorgeous and famous Blue Lagoon. This place is so amazing and relaxing – I highly recommend a visit here!
The other excursion option takes you all around Reykjavik, past sights like outdoor geothermal swimming pools, the Árbær open-air museum, Ellidaá River, and the President’s residence. Visit Perlan, the natural history museum, for panoramic views of Reykjavik, and stop by Hallgrímskirkja, the church with gorgeous, unique architecture. Finally, stop at the Viking World Museum to try some Icelandic meat soup!
Are you loving The Abundant Traveler® content? Please support it!
If you’re loving what you’re seeing and learning, please consider supporting with a donation so I can continue providing this free for travelers like you. It could be as little as a cup of coffee or an Aperol spritz. I appreciate your support!
Airport & Hotel Transfers
Windstar Cruises can also organize transfers to the airport or to your hotel accommodations before or after the cruise. We had to wait quite a while for a taxi, so using Windstar‘s private shuttles is likely a better option. The transfers will be included in one of the Reykjavik excursions I just mentioned above.
Depending on which Reykjavik excursion is available at the start or end of your trip, you’ll either get a transfer to the Windstar’s chosen hotel or the airport. If you’re staying in different accommodations, you’ll need to pay for that transportation on your own. I recommend talking to your Windstar booking agent about the transfer options for your travel schedule.
Food & Beverage Packages
Your cruise package includes breakfast, lunch, and dinner with select beverages at all the ship’s restaurants. You can choose to upgrade to an all-inclusive package with unlimited beer, wine, and cocktails, plus gratuities and even Wi-Fi!
If you know that you’ll be enjoying at least a few drinks each night or will need internet access throughout your trip, you might want to consider upgrading to the all-inclusive package.
Are You Ready to Embark on the Best Iceland Cruise?
Are you ready to book your Around Iceland cruise? It’s such a beautiful country with breathtaking landscapes, unique features like glaciers, lava caves, towering waterfalls, and plenty of wildlife! If you’ve ever thought about visiting Iceland, I highly recommend you do so with Windstar Cruises on one of their Icelandic adventures.
Want to read this post or watch the video later? Save it on Pinterest!
Looking for more travel inspiration and resources for your next big adventure? Check out my favorite travel products and some of my other posts below!
User-Generated Content (UGC) Disclosure: The responses below are not provided or commissioned by the bank advertiser. Responses have not been reviewed, approved, or otherwise endorsed by the bank advertiser. It is not the bank advertiser’s responsibility to ensure all posts and/or questions are answered.
Disclaimer: Some of the links on this page are affiliate links, which means that, at no extra cost to you, The Abundant Traveler may earn a small commission. Using these links is a huge way to support me, and these will help keep the blog running and free for everyone to enjoy.
All my reviews and opinions are based on my own experience, which may not be the same for everyone. If you choose to use them, then thank you for your support.
Advertiser Disclosure: The Abundant Traveler is part of an affiliate sales network and receives compensation for sending traffic to partner sites, such as DailyDrop.com. This compensation may impact how and where links appear on this site. This site does not include all financial companies or all available financial offers. Terms apply to American Express benefits and offers. Enrollment may be required for select American Express benefits and offers. Visit americanexpress.com to learn more.
The content on this page is accurate as of the posting date; however, some of the offers mentioned may have expired.
Editorial Disclaimer: Opinions expressed here are author’s alone, not those of any bank, credit card issuer, hotel, airline, or other entity. This content has not been reviewed, approved, or otherwise endorsed by any of the entities included within the post.
