Iceland’s cruise ports give you plenty of different experiences around the island. When you get to Reykjavík, your ship will park at either the downtown Old Harbour or the Skarfabakki terminal.
Over in Akureyri, smaller ships pull into Old Harbour while the bigger ones dock at Tangabryggia – both spots are just a short walk into town.
If you’re heading to Husavik, you’ll hop on tender boats that drop you right in the middle of town, which is perfect since it’s one of the best places to spot whales.
Each port is basically your jumping-off point to explore Iceland’s amazing natural sights, and they all offer different amenities and ways to get around during your visit.
Akureyri Cruise Ship Ports Guide
Akureyri welcomes cruise ships at two main spots: smaller ships dock at the Old Harbour (under 10,000 GT), while bigger vessels up to 130 meters long tie up at Tangabryggia. Both docks are just a quick 10-minute stroll from the town’s cute center.
You can hop on free shuttle buses to get around, but honestly, the town center is so walkable you might not need them. When you’re itching to see more of Iceland’s amazing scenery, tours to places like the stunning Goðafoss Waterfall and Lake Mývatn leave right from the docks.
Just a heads-up – pack your weather gear since the port doesn’t offer much protection from Iceland’s famously changeable weather!
Husavik Cruise Ship Ports Guide
Husavik Cruise Ship Ports Guide
Tucked away along the gorgeous Skjálfandi Bay in northern Iceland, Husavik is a cozy little port town with only about 2,000 locals. When your ship arrives, you’ll hop on tender boats that drop you right in the central Bökugarður area.
The port can handle three ships up to 220 meters long and offers the basics you’ll need – ATMs and WiFi throughout town. Make sure to check out the beautiful Husavikurkirkja church built back in 1907.
While you’re in town, don’t miss what Husavik does best – incredible whale watching (a whopping 24 different species swim by from April through October). The Whale Museum is worth popping into, and if you need to unwind, the Geosea Geothermal Sea Baths are amazing. Best part? You can walk to all these spots from where your tender drops you off.
Reykjavik Cruise Ship Ports Guide
Reykjavik is Iceland’s cruise hotspot, while Husavik offers northern charm. Your ship will dock at either the Old Harbour (right downtown) or Skarfabakki terminal (about 3-4km east of the city center), depending on how big your vessel is.
Once you’ve stepped off the gangway, you’ll join the crowds heading to Iceland’s must-see attractions:
- The Golden Circle loop with Þingvellir, the bubbling Geysir, and the spectacular Gullfoss waterfall (roughly 1.5 hours away)
- The Blue Lagoon’s milky blue waters (50 minutes from Skarfabakki)
- Whale watching tours that leave right from Old Harbour
Getting around? Grab a taxi (expect to pay around $25 to downtown), hop on local buses, or catch your cruise line’s shuttle from Skarfabakki.
Iceland Circumnavigation Cruise Guide
Sailing around Iceland gives you a mind-blowing view of this crazy land of fire and ice that you’ll completely miss if you just stick to land tours. Most ships offering the full island loop take 9-12 days, hitting gorgeous spots like Snaefellsnes Peninsula, Isafjordur, and Vestmannaeyjar.
Prices run from $3,135 to $6,395 depending on how fancy you want your boat and room. The real knockout experiences? Spotting whales in Husavík, stepping across the Arctic Circle on Grímsey, and checking out the wild volcanic stuff happening in Vestmannaeyjar.
When you hop off the boat, you’ll get to dig into Iceland’s weird and wonderful geology, soak up the local culture, and spot amazing wildlife. Each stop comes with cool hikes and adventures led by people who really know their stuff.
Frequently Asked Questions
What Is the Best Time of Year for an Iceland Cruise?
Summer in Iceland (June-August) is pretty awesome for cruising! Temps hover around 50°F, and you get those crazy long days where the sun barely sets. It’s peak season for a reason – you’ll be among the lucky folks who get to see Iceland when it’s really showing off.
Are There Medical Facilities Available at Iceland’s Smaller Ports?
Iceland’s smaller ports don’t have much in the way of medical facilities. Usually you’ll just find basic first aid stuff, nothing fancy. If you need real medical help, you’ll probably have to count on your ship’s doctors or get ready for a trip to one of the bigger towns where they have proper hospitals and clinics.
Can I See the Northern Lights During Summer Cruises?
Unfortunately, you can’t catch the Northern Lights on summer cruises. During June, July, and August, Iceland basically turns into the land of the midnight sun with daylight stretching almost 24 hours. Can’t spot those colorful auroras when the sky’s too bright! If you’re set on seeing them, aim for mid-September through early April instead.
What Currency Should I Bring for Iceland Cruise Port Shopping?
Grab some Icelandic Króna (ISK) for your shopping stops in Iceland. While credit cards work almost everywhere, having cash on hand is super helpful at smaller shops and local markets – those are the spots where you’ll really get to experience authentic Icelandic culture anyway.
Are Icelandic Cruise Ports Wheelchair Accessible?
Getting around Iceland’s ports in a wheelchair? It’s a mixed bag. Reykjavik and Akureyri won’t give you much trouble – they’ve got decent ramps and accessible spots. But those smaller ports like Seyðisfjörður? That’s where things get tricky with those bumpy cobblestones and some pretty steep hills to deal with.
