Reykjavik, Iceland, Cruise Departure Port Guide

What Cruise Lines Operate from The Port

Major cruise companies run ships from Reykjavik’s port for Nordic and Arctic trips. Viking Cruises, Norwegian Cruise Line and Royal Caribbean International all sail regularly from here.

Viking runs luxury trips around Iceland and Greenland, whilst Norwegian’s routes tend to be more mainstream, going to Norway and the British Isles.

Holland America Line and Princess Cruises run seasonal journeys from Reykjavik between May and September.

You’ll also find smaller companies like Ponant and Hurtigruten using their compact expedition ships, which work brilliantly for Arctic sailing.

These firms organise special routes to Iceland’s coastal villages, with chances to see the Northern Lights and local wildlife.

Most trips last between 7 and 14 days.

Cruise Destinations from The Port

Ships leaving Reykjavik head to some of the most striking places in the far north. You can sail around the North Atlantic, Arctic regions and nearby Nordic countries, with trips lasting between 7 and 21 days.

Popular sailing routes from Reykjavik include:

1. Greenland’s east coast, with its fjords, icebergs and small Inuit communities
2. Norway’s western shores, stopping at Bergen, Tromsø and the magnificent Geirangerfjord
3. The Svalbard islands, home to polar bears and where you can see the midnight sun
4. The Scottish Highlands and distant islands like the Faroes and Shetlands

Most Arctic cruises run in summer when the weather’s best, though you can find some trips in late spring and early autumn.

Why Choose This Port for Your Cruise Departure?

Setting sail from Reykjavik gives you perks that other departure ports simply can’t match.

You’ll begin your trip in one of Europe’s most striking capitals, where you can wander through volcanic landscapes, relax in geothermal pools, and see the midnight sun before you board.

Thanks to where it sits, Reykjavik is brilliant for Arctic and North Atlantic cruises, putting you nearer to Greenland, Norway, and the British Isles.

You’ll cut down on travel time and fuel expenses compared to starting from southern European ports.

The modern terminal has swift boarding procedures and is easy to reach from Keflavik International Airport, just 45 minutes down the road.

Iceland’s high safety standards and skilled maritime teams make for a hassle-free departure, whilst the city’s small size means you can easily fit in some sightseeing on boarding day.

How to get to the port

Getting to Reykjavik’s cruise port is simple from anywhere in the city. The main cruise terminal at Skarfabakki Harbour sits about 3 miles from the city centre and 28 miles from Keflavik International Airport.

1. Taxi: You’ll spot taxis easily at the airport and around the city. A 45-minute journey from the airport typically costs £95.
2. Airport shuttle: The Flybus runs often between Keflavik Airport and BSI bus terminal, where you can catch a local taxi.
3. Public bus: Hop on bus route 16 from the city centre to the port area – it runs every 30 minutes.
4. Hotel transfer: Many cruise lines have direct transport from their partner hotels to the port. You can book this ahead through your cruise company.

Port Parking Options

Limited parking is available at Skarfabakki Harbour’s cruise terminal, with short and long-term spots in the main port car park. The parking area sits right across from the terminal building, with spaces at fair prices.

For longer cruises, you can sort out extended parking through the port authority’s website or by giving them a ring beforehand. If you want to save money, try parking in public car parks in downtown Reykjavik and taking a taxi to the terminal. Keep in mind that the port car park gets quite full during the busy season (June-August), so it’s worth coming early to grab a spot.

Local Transport & Transfers

Getting to and from Skarfabakki Harbour in Reykjavik is straightforward, with journey times between 10-45 minutes depending on where you’re coming from.

Your options for getting to your cruise ship include:

1. Gray Line Airport Express shuttle going straight from Keflavík Airport to the cruise port (book ahead)
2. Local Strætó buses from central Reykjavik to Skarfabakki – catch routes 12 or 16
3. Taxis with set prices from main hotels and the airport to the cruise terminal
4. Private transfers that take you directly from your door to the ship – good for bigger groups or if you’ve got lots of bags

Most cruise companies run their own shuttles from specific meeting points too.

Port Terminal Facilities

Skarfabakki’s cruise terminal comes with the basic bits and bobs you’ll need.

You’ll spot toilets, places to sit, and a little café that sells snacks and coffee. The building has free Wi-Fi and a currency exchange desk, though you might find better rates elsewhere.

There’s a handy tourist info counter where you can pick up maps and leaflets, or ask about things to do in Reykjavik.

If you need somewhere to put your bags before boarding, you’ll find storage spaces available. The check-in area is well-organised, and security queues tend to move swiftly even when it’s busy.

While you won’t find a duty-free shop in the terminal, you can buy duty-free goods at Keflavik Airport or in central Reykjavik before heading to the port.

Things to Do Before Your Cruise in a Day

After dropping your bags at the terminal, you can fit plenty of brilliant things into your day in Reykjavik. The city centre is nice and compact, so you can walk to most places or hop on a quick bus.

1. Head up to Hallgrímskirkja, the biggest church in Iceland. Take the lift to the viewing platform for cracking views across the whole city.
2. Wander around the Old Harbour to try some fantastic fresh seafood and pop into the Maritime Museum.
3. Have a splash in the outdoor heated pool at Laugardalslaug – they’ve got lovely warm hot tubs and steam rooms too.
4. Browse and eat your way along Laugavegur, the main shopping street. You’ll find traditional Icelandic woolly jumpers, local fashion, and proper Icelandic food.

Dining and Shopping

Near the cruise terminal, you’ll come across Reykjavik’s dining and shopping areas – they’re handy and give you a genuine taste of Iceland. The area has traditional restaurants with fresh seafood and local specialities, alongside modern cafes and world cuisine.

If you want proper Icelandic souvenirs, make your way to Laugavegur Street. You’ll find handmade Icelandic jumpers, jewellery made from volcanic rock, and local art. While you’re in the harbour area, try traditional foods like hákarl (fermented shark) or lamb soup. Most shops open around 10 AM and take major credit cards, but it’s worth having some Icelandic króna for smaller bits and bobs.

Accommodation

Need a bed before your cruise sets sail? Reykjavik has places to stay for all sorts of budgets, and many are just a short walk from the cruise terminal.

These spots are close to the port:

1. Icelandair Hotel Reykjavik Marina – Right on the harbour in what used to be an old fishing building.
2. Center Hotels Plaza – Mid-priced and in the middle of town, about 10 minutes from the port.
3. Fosshotel Reykjavik – A fancy 4-star hotel with harbour views and all the extras.
4. Hotel Klettur – A wallet-friendly choice that’s handy for both the port and city sights.

Most hotels run shuttles to the cruise terminal, but you’d better book well ahead – rooms get snapped up quickly when it’s busy sailing season.

Tips for First-Time Cruisers from The Port

Getting ready for your first cruise from Reykjavik? Three things will help: come at least a day before you sail, think about the local weather, and sort your paperwork early.

Book your pre-cruise night’s stay near the Old Harbour – that’s where most ships dock.

Iceland’s weather does what it wants, so bring layers and waterproof clothes, even in summer months. Pop your passport, cruise papers and boarding passes in a waterproof holder.

Get the port’s map on your mobile before you arrive. The cruise terminal sits about 45 minutes from Keflavik International Airport.

Get some Icelandic króna, though most places take cards. If you’re coming by car, show up three hours before sailing time to sort out parking and your luggage.

Customs & Immigration at The Port

Getting through customs and immigration at Reykjavik’s cruise port is quite straightforward.

You’ll want to sort your paperwork before heading to the terminal – the staff there handle departing passengers quickly and efficiently.

What you’ll need:

1. A valid passport (make sure it won’t expire within six months)
2. Your cruise papers – bring printed boarding passes and luggage tags
3. An Iceland customs form (you’ll get this at the terminal)
4. Proper visas if you’re from a country that needs them

The customs area starts working three hours before ships leave.

It’s best to arrive at least two hours before your sailing time.

Immigration staff will look at your documents, put a stamp in your passport, and send you through security before you make your way to the check-in desk.

Local Currency & Payment Options

Money & Payments in Reykjavik

The Icelandic króna (ISK) is what you’ll need in Iceland, but don’t worry too much about carrying cash. Pretty much everywhere in Reykjavik takes cards – from the cruise terminal to shops, restaurants and taxis.

You can spot ATMs near the cruise port and all over the city if you fancy getting some króna for small bits and bobs or tipping. Most places have contactless payment, and they’ll take all the main cards like Visa, Mastercard and American Express.

To dodge those pesky foreign transaction fees, give your bank a ring before you travel, and think about getting a card that doesn’t charge for overseas use.

While you can change money at the airport and in central Reykjavik, you’ll usually get better rates using ATMs.

Emergency Contacts

Keep these important emergency numbers with you while in Reykjavik: 112 is the main emergency number for police, ambulance and fire services.

It’s worth saving these numbers too:

1. Reykjavik Port Authority: +354 525 8900
2. Tourist Information Centre: +354 590 1550
3. Landspitali University Hospital: +354 543 1000
4. Reykjavik Police Station (non-emergency): +354 444 1000

Your cruise ship will give you their emergency contact numbers during your safety talk – keep those with you as well.

If you’re using a mobile, remember to add Iceland’s country code (+354) when saving these numbers.

Good idea to have your embassy’s contact details handy and to let your credit card company know about your travel plans before you go.

Port Terminal Layout

The Skarfabakki Cruise Terminal runs along Reykjavik’s eastern harbour with a straightforward ground-floor setup that’s dead simple to get around.

The main entrance is on the west side, where you’ll see well-marked check-in desks and security areas right in front of you. In the middle of the terminal, you’ll find the passenger lounge, loos, and a little café.

Drop your bags near the entrance, where helpful porters can give you a hand. Digital screens dot the terminal, showing up-to-date sailing times and where ships are docked.

Customs and immigration are at the eastern end, leading straight to the ship boarding gates. If you need help getting about, there’s a special desk by the entrance, and you’ll find wheelchair-friendly ramps and facilities throughout the building.

History of The Port

The Skarfabakki you see today is quite different from its modest start as a tiny fishing dock back in the 1800s.

There’s plenty of seafaring history packed into those 120-plus years, as Reykjavik’s port grew from a basic harbour into Iceland’s main cruise terminal.

Worth noting are these big moments:

1. 1913: The first concrete pier went up, putting Reykjavik on the map as a serious fishing port
2. 1960s: The port grew bigger to handle more international trade
3. 1982: They built the first proper terminal just for cruise ships
4. 2015: Skarfabakki got its current cruise terminal, which can take in the biggest ships around

You can see how the port changed as Iceland became more important for North Atlantic shipping and tourism.

Environmental Initiatives at The Port

Since 2018, Reykjavik’s port has really upped its game on the environmental front.

You can see their green schemes everywhere – they’ve got power points on the shore so cruise ships can plug in instead of running their engines while they’re docked, which means much cleaner air for everyone.

The place is doing brilliantly with waste too – they sort and recycle more than 80% of all their rubbish.

Pop into the terminal and you’ll spot LED lights all over and solar panels providing some of the main building’s power.

The port’s switched to electric vehicles for getting about on the ground, and they’ve put in water stations so people can fill up bottles rather than buying new plastic ones.

They’ve teamed up with local environmental groups who keep an eye on the sea life and water quality, which helps protect the sensitive Arctic ecosystem.

It’s all rather impressive, really.

Cruise Packages and Deals from The Port

Sailing from Reykjavik is kind to both the environment and your bank balance.

You’ll spot good value on cruises heading to Greenland, Norway and other North Atlantic spots, with many cruise companies giving early booking reductions and special deals throughout the year.

Want to save more money on your Reykjavik cruise? Try these handy tips:

1. Travel in May or September when it’s quieter – prices can be 30% cheaper than in summer
2. Keep an eye out for repositioning cruises that begin or finish in Reykjavik – they’re often cheaper
3. Join cruise line mailing lists to get exclusive deals for departures from the port
4. Find package deals that put together your flights to Iceland and cruise costs in one price

Accessibility Information for Disabled Passengers

The Reykjavik port makes it simple for passengers with mobility needs to get around. You’ll spot wheelchair ramps, lifts and accessible toilets all over the terminal building.

You can get free wheelchair help from when you arrive until you board your ship – just let them know at least 48 hours before you come.

If you use a mobility scooter, you can drive straight onto most ships using the accessible walkways. The drop-off area has a flat surface and special parking spaces for disabled passengers.

There’s also textured ground and Braille signs to help visually impaired travellers. If you have particular accessibility needs, ring the port authority’s accessibility team on +354-525-8900 or send an email to accessibility@faxaports.is before you travel to make sure they can help you properly.

Cruise Insurance and Medical Facilities at The Port

Before you sail from Reykjavik, you’ll want solid travel insurance covering cruise-related problems.

Cruise lines won’t let you aboard without showing proper coverage, particularly for medical evacuations and cancelled trips.

At the port, you’ll find a first-aid station next to Terminal 1 that’s open when cruise ships are in.

If you need serious medical help, Landspítali University Hospital is a 10-minute drive from the port.

Your cruise insurance needs to cover these key things:

1. Medical evacuation by air or sea (at least £80,000 coverage)
2. Protection if your trip gets cancelled or cut short
3. Money back for lost or late luggage
4. Medical bills abroad (at least £40,000 coverage)

Keep both digital and paper copies of your insurance paperwork – you’ll have to show them when you arrive at the cruise terminal.

Families: Child-Friendly Services and Activities

The Reykjavik cruise port has lots of handy things to make travelling with children easier and more fun.

Kids can burn off energy in the terminal’s play zone, which has bright climbing frames and fun games to keep them busy. All the family loos come with proper baby-changing tables and smaller toilets for little ones.

When it’s time for a bite, you’ll spot places selling child-friendly food like Icelandic hot dogs and ice cream.

There’s free Wi-Fi across the terminal for teenagers to stay connected, and the waiting areas have tellies showing family programmes.

The staff know exactly what to do if a child gets lost, and they’re brilliant with helping families manage pushchairs.

If you’ve forgotten any baby bits or children’s travel necessities, there’s a small shop where you can grab what you need.

Local Cultural Highlights and Events

From Reykjavik’s cruise port, you can soak up Iceland’s brilliant cultural scene before you sail. The city’s cultural quarter is just a short stroll from the terminal, where you’ll find genuine local traditions and modern arts side by side.

Worth doing before your cruise:

1. Pop into Harpa Concert Hall – catch daily shows and admire its beautiful glass design that shows off Nordic style.
2. Wander through the National Museum of Iceland to learn about the country’s Viking past and see medieval treasures.
3. Take part in a proper Icelandic food walk at the Old Harbor – try local favourites like fermented shark and rye bread.
4. See the bold street art in the Grandi area, where local artists turn buildings into bright works of art.

Best Times of Year to Cruise from The Port

When planning your cruise from Reykjavik, timing really matters. The best months are May to September – you’ll get nicer weather and loads more daylight.

If you fancy seeing the midnight sun, go for June or July when it barely gets dark at all.

Want to spot the northern lights? Book between September and March, but keep in mind the sea gets choppy and days are shorter in winter.

Late August to mid-September is brilliant – the weather’s decent, there aren’t as many tourists about, and you might catch the first northern lights shows of the season.

Prices hit their peak in summer (June-August) when it’s most crowded.

For better value and still-pleasant weather, try May or September – you’ll find fewer tourists and more reasonable rates.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I See the Northern Lights From the Cruise Terminal in Winter?

It’s possible to spot the Northern Lights from the cruise terminal in winter, but you’d have a much better shot if you move away from the city. The bright lights around the port might make it tricky to see them properly.

What Happens if Volcanic Activity Disrupts My Cruise Departure?

If a volcano causes problems with your cruise, your cruise company will let you know about any changes to the schedule, different ports you might visit instead, or if they need to cancel. They usually give you your money back or sort out another sailing date, depending on their rules about disruptions.

Are Thermal Swimsuits Required for Pre-Cruise Blue Lagoon Visits?

No need for a thermal swimsuit at the Blue Lagoon. Normal swimmers or swimming costume will do just fine since the hot water keeps you nice and warm. Just remember to bring along a towel or dressing gown for when you get out.

Can Passengers Fish From the Port While Waiting to Board?

Sorry mate, fishing isn’t allowed right at the cruise port whilst you’re waiting to get on board. The port has safety rules and it’s a busy working area, so they don’t let people fish there. If you fancy going fishing, you’ll need to sort out a proper fishing trip instead.

What’s the Drinking Water Quality at Reykjavik’s Cruise Terminal?

No need to buy bottles – the tap water here is among the best you’ll find anywhere. The volcanic rocks naturally filter it, so you can drink it straight from any tap without a worry. It’s as pure as it gets!