An Iceland cruise from the UK is one of the most rewarding no-fly holidays you can book. You can step onboard in Southampton, Liverpool or Newcastle and a few days later be standing beside a thundering waterfall, watching steam rise from a geothermal field or sailing past glaciers in the Westfjords. No airport, no luggage limits, and no need to hire a car and drive Iceland’s roads yourself.
This guide covers how an Iceland cruise works, which UK ports and cruise lines to look at, the Icelandic ports you are likely to visit, and when to go for the midnight sun or the Northern Lights.
Can you cruise to Iceland from the UK?
Yes, and it is easier than most people expect. Several cruise lines run round trips to Iceland from UK ports every summer, so you sail out and back without a single flight. The most common departure points are:
- Southampton: the widest choice of ships and dates, including P&O Cruises, Princess, Cunard and Fred. Olsen.
- Liverpool: handy for the North West, Wales and the Midlands, with sailings from lines such as Fred. Olsen and Ambassador.
- Newcastle and Rosyth: great for the North East and Scotland, and noticeably closer to Iceland, so you get there quicker.
- Tilbury, Dover and Portsmouth: used by Ambassador, Saga and others for some of their Iceland and Norway voyages.
Which lines sail where changes from season to season, so it is always worth asking us to check the latest itineraries from your nearest port. Our guide to no-fly cruises from the UK covers every main departure port in more detail.
How long is an Iceland cruise from the UK?
Most round trips are between 12 and 16 nights. From Southampton it usually takes three to four days to reach Iceland, often with a stop on the way in Orkney, Shetland or the Faroe Islands. Sailings from Newcastle, Rosyth or Liverpool cut that journey a little, which can mean more time in port for the same length of holiday.
Shorter fly-cruise options exist too, where you fly to Reykjavik and join a ship circling the island. These suit people short on annual leave, but for most of our customers the no-fly round trip is the appeal.
Which ports does an Iceland cruise visit?
The best Iceland cruise itineraries call at three or four Icelandic ports rather than just Reykjavik, which gives you a feel for the whole island. These are the names you will see most often:
Reykjavik
The capital is the gateway to the Golden Circle: the Thingvellir National Park, where the North American and Eurasian plates pull apart, the Geysir geothermal area and the huge Gullfoss waterfall. The Blue Lagoon is another popular trip, and the city itself is compact, colourful and easy to explore on foot.
Akureyri
Iceland’s northern capital sits at the head of a long fjord. From here you can visit Godafoss, the Waterfall of the Gods, and the volcanic landscape around Lake Myvatn, with its lava formations, pseudo craters and nature baths. Whale watching trips run from Akureyri and nearby Husavik.
Isafjordur
A small fishing town in the remote Westfjords, surrounded by steep mountains. It is the base for trips to Dynjandi, one of the most beautiful waterfalls in the country, and for boat trips to the bird cliffs and abandoned settlements nearby.
Seydisfjordur, Grundarfjordur and the Westman Islands
- Seydisfjordur: a pretty east coast village at the end of a dramatic fjord, often the first Icelandic port on sailings from the UK.
- Grundarfjordur: the port for the Snaefellsnes Peninsula and Kirkjufell, the most photographed mountain in Iceland.
- Heimaey in the Westman Islands: a small island town partly buried by an eruption in 1973, with huge puffin colonies in summer.
Norway and Iceland cruises: combining the two
Many itineraries pair Iceland with the Norwegian fjords, the Faroe Islands or even Greenland. A Norway and Iceland cruise is a brilliant way to see two very different landscapes in one holiday: the deep, green fjords of Norway and the raw volcanic scenery of Iceland. Expect these voyages to run to 14 nights or more. If Norway is high on your list, our Norwegian fjords cruise guide explains the main routes and ports.
When is the best time for an Iceland cruise?
The main Iceland cruise season runs from May to September, and the right month depends on what you want to see.
- June and July for the midnight sun: almost 24 hours of daylight, the warmest weather and puffins nesting on the cliffs.
- May and August for a quieter trip: still long days, a little cooler, and often fewer people at the big sights.
- September and October for the Northern Lights: the nights draw in, and later sailings give you a real chance of seeing the aurora from the deck, weather permitting.
Even in midsummer, Iceland is cool. Daytime temperatures are typically in the low to mid teens, and the weather can change quickly, so pack layers and a proper waterproof. Our guide on what to pack for a cruise has a section on cooler destinations. If seeing the lights is the main goal, take a look at our Norway and Northern Lights cruise guide too.
Is Iceland better by cruise or on land?
Both have their place, but a cruise solves a lot of the headaches of a land trip. Iceland’s sights are spread out and the roads between them can be long and exposed to the weather. On a cruise, you unpack once and wake up in a different corner of the island each morning, with your meals and evenings sorted. You won’t get the freedom of a self-drive trip, but you see far more of the coastline, and many people find it a far more relaxing way to do it.
Tips for your Iceland cruise
- Book popular excursions early. Golden Circle and Lake Myvatn trips sell out, and some ports have limited local operators.
- Consider a balcony. The scenic cruising into the fjords is a big part of the experience.
- Be ready for some sea days. The North Atlantic can be lively at times, so a mid-ship cabin on a lower deck is a good shout if you are prone to seasickness.
- Take a card, not cash. Iceland uses the Icelandic krona, but cards are accepted almost everywhere, even for small purchases.
- Think about your shore days. Our guide to cruise shore excursions explains when to book with the ship and when to go independent.
Iceland cruise FAQs
Can you cruise to Iceland from Southampton?
Yes. P&O Cruises, Princess, Cunard and Fred. Olsen are among the lines that have offered Iceland round trips from Southampton, mainly between May and September. Most last 12 to 16 nights.
How long does it take to sail from the UK to Iceland?
From Southampton it usually takes three to four days, including any stops in Scotland or the Faroe Islands. From Newcastle, Rosyth or Liverpool the journey is a little shorter.
Are Iceland cruises worth it?
For most people, yes. A cruise lets you see several regions of Iceland without long drives, and sailing from the UK means no flights at all. It is especially good value in time and effort if you also want to see Norway or the Faroe Islands.
Can you see the Northern Lights on an Iceland cruise?
You can on later sailings in September and October, when the nights are dark enough. In June and July it never gets fully dark, so the aurora is not visible, but you get the midnight sun instead.
Are Iceland cruises rough?
The North Atlantic can be choppy, particularly early and late in the season. Most crossings are comfortable on a modern ship with stabilisers, and choosing a mid-ship cabin on a lower deck helps if you are worried.
Do I need a visa to visit Iceland on a cruise?
UK passport holders do not currently need a visa for a short visit to Iceland, which is part of the Schengen Area. Entry rules can change, so always check the latest GOV.UK travel advice before you go.
Booking your Iceland cruise with Need That Cruise
An Iceland cruise is a once-in-a-lifetime trip for a lot of people, and the itinerary makes all the difference. Some sailings spend one day in Reykjavik and call it Iceland, while others take you right round the island. Our team will compare every sailing from your nearest UK port, point out which ones give you the most time ashore, and look after everything from parking to excursions. Call us on 01724 808800 or have a look at our Exclusive Deals to see what the team is recommending right now.
