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Peregrine Travel Centre

Highlights of Iceland – 8-Day Circumnavigation Cruise

Highlights of Iceland – 8-Day Circumnavigation Cruise

From USD $6,395

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Description

Iceland has entranced visitors for a thousands years, ever since the first intrepid Norse explorers set eyes on this forbidding island. 
This storied land conjours images of burning volcanoes and vast creaking glaciers – however there is so much more to see in this magnificent country. From the small colourful towns circling the coast to the calm cold waters of the fjords, from the freshest local seafood to glorious hikes in nature, from birdwatching to whalewatching, Iceland is a feast for the senses. 
This thrilling voyage begins in Reykjavik, one of Scandinavia’s most hip and exciting cities, before setting out for the stunning fjords and sweeping mountains of Ísafjörður, the capital of the Westfjords. Next, we head on towards the herring town of Siglufjörður, and the tiny island of Grimsey, where intrepid explorers can stand on the Arctic Circle itself! The next stop is Akureyri, Iceland’s second largest settlement, a perfectly formed little city which sits amid lush green hills and miles of wilderness begging to be explored. 
Our final stop on the north coast of Iceland is Húsavík, a former fishing town which in recent years has become Iceland’s undisputed whale-watching capital. Be sure to join your Expedition Team on the outer decks to watch out for these gentle giants! Our expedition then heads to Djúpivogur, a delightful town in the midst of staggering natural beauty on Iceland’s isolated east coast. Soak in one of Iceland’s most historic towns, venture inland to experience some of the island’s natural wonders, or take a stroll on the town’s surreal black sand beach. 
We will then head for the island of Heimaey, home to Iceland’s largest puffing colony, and a town almost destroyed by a volcanic eruption in 1973. The story of how heroic islanders saved their home can be witnessed in the Volcano Museum, before hiking the lavafields and volcano itself! We will pass by the isle of Surtsey, one of the newest islands in the world in the evening, before returning to Reykjavik the following days. 
Exploring Iceland in the early Autumn, we will avoid the summer crowds, visit hard-to-reach communities, and hopefully glimpse the majesty of the northern lights as winter returns to the North.
Experience Iceland with the polar experts. Experience with us! 

Trip Name
Highlights of Iceland - 8-Day Circumnavigation Cruise
Days
8
Overview
Vessel Type: Luxury Expedition Passenger Capacity: 169 (95 cabins) Length: 104.4 m Built: 2022 The Ocean Albatros, sistership to the Ocean Victory, will join the fleet of Albatros Expeditions in November 2022. The Ocean Albatros will be deployed to a large selection of expedition cruise destinations, Antarctica, the Arctic, any various exciting new destinations in between. With a total of 95 comfortable staterooms and suites, all with unobstructed sea view, most with their own balcony, the Ocean Albatros will definitely become one of the most popular expedition cruise vessels in the world. Like it's sistership the Ocean Victory it offers two restaurants, a wellness area, an Albatros Nordic Bar, an open deck dining facility, a modern lecture lounge, and other state-of-the-art amenities.  The vessel will have more than a 50% lower carbon footprint than traditional expedition vessels and be one of the most environmentally friendly, implementing the Green Initiative Program, ensuring both absolute comfort and sustainability for our guests. Unlike the Ocean Victory, the Ocean Albatros will also offer a unique panorama sauna, and a total of 12 dedicated solo travel cabins without a single-supplement. BRIDGE Due to its important role as a control center for all nautical and technical processes, the ship's bridge is a vital, sensitive place. Therefore, the bridge may not be accessible to the public at all times. Conditions permitting, we will be happy to welcome you into the bridge for a visit. Guests must be accompanied by the master or our expedition leader. STATEROOM SERVICE Your stateroom is serviced daily. We provide a turn-down service. We provide meal to room only for serious cases of guest being sick. Our suites will have VIP services. ZODIAC LANDINGS One feature of our expedition cruises includes landings and excursions aboard Ocean Albatros's fleet of 18 inflatable, motorized rubber "Zodiac" boats. The Zodiac brand has earned a well-deserved reputation as the sturdiest and safest small watercraft available. These boats have a low draft and great stability. Zodiacs are constructed for professional use and are outfitted with a top-quality outboard engine, yet their design minimally impacts the environment. The Zodiacs are designed to provide unrestricted access to the world’s last great frontier. Their versatility enables us to make landfall on remote shores, cruise along awe-inspiring coastlines and share breathtakingly close encounters with whales, seals, penguins, seabirds and more. We will come within arm’s reach of icebergs and set foot on land discovered by pioneering explorers just over a century ago. Your safety and comfort are our #1 priority, and your expedition leader will carefully plan for as many Zodiac excursions as possible, dependent upon the local weather and prevailing conditions. In each case, the expedition leader makes the final decision if the landing is possible or not. Safety regulations apply on landings. All guests receive a mandatory instruction of the safety guidelines. Life jackets are mandatory to wear. Please note, we highly recommend the use of waterproof bags in order to protect your personal camera or binoculars, as both hands must be free of everything during boarding. Participation is fairly easy and comfortable for able-bodied guests but can be more challenging for those with physical handicaps. GRATUITIES Following international standards in the service industry, it is customary to leave gratuity for the ship’s crew at the end of the voyage. All gratuities will be divided among the crew. Typically, a recommended amount is approximately 13.5 USD per person per day. Gratuity is, of course, not required and any gratuity payments are voluntary. DRESS CODE The dress code on board is casual. Ties, jackets and evening dresses you may leave at home. It is rather more important to wear the right clothes in order to adapt to the different weather conditions. We recommend comfortable, breathable, waterproof and windproof clothing. Also, you should have a pair of gloves, thermal underwear and sturdy footwear in your luggage. For the captains and farewell cocktail, we recommend a smart casual dress style. INTERNET / PHONE Keep in mind, we will be cruising in a very remote region of the world. Where accessible, internet access is available for an extra charge. Mobile phone reception may be possible in select regions along our route. For further details please contact your mobile phone operator. Prices can be found in the information folder in your state room. Please ensure that your ‘Data Roaming’ function is switched off. RECEPTION The daily office hours of the board reception are from 06:00 until 23:00. ALBATROS OCEAN SHOP The selection of items available for purchase varies by ship, and may include a range of warm and practical clothing, as well as souvenirs, local arts and postcards at reasonable prices. A small selection of soap, toothpaste and other personal effects are also sold. HEALTH / MEDICAL EMERGENCY Each of our vessels has a small medical facility equipped with the necessary equipment and medicine to handle small emergencies. The infirmary is always staffed by a professionally licensed, English-speaking physician and nurse. Should a serious incident occur, the nearest hospital will be contacted. All guests must have personal travel/health insurance. Although we do not have an official requirement regarding personal fitness, you should be able to move on board and ashore without the help of others. Please be aware that the ship does not provide wheelchair accessible state rooms. Due to safety reasons a cruise is only possible for pregnant women until the 24th week of pregnancy. The state of pregnancy must be presented by a medical certificate. PHYSICAL DISABILITIES / WHEELCHAIR ACCESSIBILITY Guests with physical disabilities are recommended to travel with an accompanying person. The processes on board should be handled without external help. The gangway can be – depending on the individual disability – a challenge. The angle of inclination of the gangway varies due to tide and different circumstances in the respective port. Please note that the guest’s participation in shore excursions as well as the (dis-)embarkation by Zodiac can be denied by the expedition leader due to security reasons. The instructions of the expedition leader must be followed. The ship is not suitable for wheelchairs. SEASICKNESS / STABILISATORS The ship is equipped with stabilizers in order to reduce the ship’s roll. However, these expeditions are hosted in remote regions, and it is possible to periodically encounter changing environments and climate patterns, including rough seas and large swells. Seasickness patches (Scopoderm or similar) work solely or in part to help cure nausea for most people. These medicines can cause sleepiness. If you are prone to motion sickness, consult with your doctor prior to departure to help ensure your comfort while travelling. SPECIAL DIETARY REQUESTS All meals on board the vessel is chef-prepared. If you have special dietary requirements (food allergies, intolerances, health conditions or religious preferences), please inform us as early as possible - ideally, no later than 2 weeks before departure. In order to ensure efficient service, please re-confirm your requirements with the crew upon boarding the ship. LAUNDRY If you wish to have some laundry done while aboard the ship, laundry service is available for an additional fee.

Itinerary



Day 1 - Day 1 Reykjavík, Iceland - Embarkation
The rock-like columns of Hallgrímskirkja Church loom over the city of Reykjavík, a hip Scandinavian capital which needs little introduction. With new Nordic cuisine, excellent shopping, fantastic excursions and an easy relaxed vibe, Reykjavik is one of Scandinavia's most welcoming and exciting cities. Situated in the centre of the North Atlantic, Reykjavík is the perfect place to start Arctic adventures! Our purpose-built expedition vessel awaits in the city's bustling harbour, awaiting to welcome our guests. After the madatory safety drill, enjoy dinner and a glass of champagne as we follow the thousand-year-old Norse sea route towards the Westfjords. 
Day 2 - Day 2 Ísafjörður
Perched on the northwestern tip of the country, Ísafjörður is the largest town in the Westfjords. This staggeringly beautiful region comprises a peninsula of rugged layered basalt mountains, indented by deep fjords. Ísafjörður itself sits on a branch of the large Ísafjarðardjúp, the largest fjord in the region. Ísafjörður was a sleepy backwater until the 16th century, when increased trade with Europe, combined with the rich fisheries of the area made it an important hub for international trade. In recent years however, population has declined as the fishing industry has become increasingly automated, however the town's popularity with visitors means it is now growing again. Surrounded by the swanky new buildings downtown, this little town feels surprisingly cosmopolitan and urban, with residents and visitors from all around the world. However, the colourfully painted houses, chilly breezes and sweeping mountains around town remind visitors of the remoteness of Ísafjörður, and the miles of untouched nature waiting to be discovered! 
Day 3 - Day 3 Siglufjörður and Grímsey
In the morning, Ocean Albatros will arrive in the small town of Siglufjörður, the northernmost town on the Icelandic mainland. Like almost every town in Iceland, the harbour is the heart of the town, which grew from a tiny hamlet to a true town in the 1940s and 50s during the herring boom. This little fish has been the mainstay of the town's economy since time immemorial, and made Siglufjörður one of Iceland's largest towns in the 1950s. Siglufjörður is a town that has fully embraced its history and identity - everywhere in town, the herring reigns supreme! The Herring Era Museum, a series of period buildings shows the traditional processing of these fish, which continues to this day. The town occupies one of the most stunning fjords (bearing the same name) in Iceland; up to 18 species of birds can be found in the area, making it a hugely popular spot for visitors driving the ring road of Iceland. Over lunch, we will re-embark Ocean Albatros and reposition from Siglufjörður to Grimsey, a small island off Iceland's northern coast. This tiny emerald island is the only part of Iceland which crosses the Arctic Circle - indeed, it runs directly through the northern half of the island. The spot is marked by a massive concrete sphere "Orbus et Globus", a sculpture which is moved annually to account for tiny changes in Earth's orbit (and therefore in the position of the Arctic Circle). The island is home to only around 70 hardy locals, but also to thousands of seabirds. Watch out for curious puffins peeking out of their burrows, and beware the territorial Arctic terns overhead! The island holds a huge tern population, and workers often have to clear the runway of these elegant yet feisty little birds to allow planes to land. The visit to Grimsey includes a guided walk of the island with local guides. 
Day 4 - Day 4 Akureyri
The jewel of northern Iceland, the city of Akureyri is the country's second city. Akureyri occupies the perfect spot, situated at the head of Eyjafjörður, a long calm fjord, sheltering the town from the worst of the Arctic weather. Rich volcanic soils nourish the surrounding hills and fields, which drip with emerald greenery. Akureyri has less than a tenth of the population of Reykjavik, being home to around 20,000 souls. The city can be reached from the international airport in Reykjavik either via a 40-minute flight, or a 6 hour drive. Nonetheless, Akureyri holds everything you would expect from a much larger city, and locals are justifiably proud of their home. The city has its own cathedral (designed by Guðjón Samúelsson, the creator of Hallgrímskirkja in Reykjavik), a botanical garden (Iceland's first public park) showcasing cold-hardy plants from around the world, a bustling high street lined with traditonal buildings, cosy cafes, restaurants and shops, fascinating museums, and a huge geothermally-heated swimming pool.The length of the Eyjafjörður makes an excellent natural harbour; subsequently the city is situated further inland than most in Iceland, and typically experiences stable weather, with warmer summers and cooler winters than much of the country. The local microclimate and rich soils make this one of the most agriculturally productive regions in the country, and gourmands here are spoiled for choice, from the excellent locally-raised meat and dairy, to the delectable local seafood harvested from the icy waters nearby. 
Day 5 - Day 5 Húsavík
Around the headland from Akureyri lies the town of Húsavík - in many ways a contrast to the neighbouring city of Akureyri. Instead of a deep long fjord, Húsavík sits in a wide open bay, facing the open North Atlantic. While Akureyri is a relatively modern city, Húsavík was the first site ever settled by the Norse in Iceland, when a man called Náttfari established a farm there - probably constructing the first building in Iceland. While Akureyri remains an important hub of fishing and agriculture, Húsavík is a town which has fully embraced tourism. Although the harbour firmly remains the heart of the town's economy, Húsavík has reinvented itself from its fishing roots as Iceland's premier whale-watching destination. Where harpoon-laden whaling ships once moored, today visitors will see a fleet of whale-watching boats, from refurbished sailing vessels to sleek modern watercraft, waiting to take visitors out to see the gentle giants of the deep. Húsavík has several other options for visitors wishing to stay on land. Despite its tiny size, the town holds several museums, including the Húsavík Whale Museum, a must-visit for those who want to learn more about these majestic animals, which is an important part of local conservation research. The Town Museum detailed life in Húsavík in the old days, while The Exploration Museum covers everything from the early Viking explorers to the Apollo astronauts (who trained near Húsavík in the 1960s). For music fans, the newly opened Eurovision Museum details Iceland's outsized role in the beloved song competition. Of course no trip to Iceland would be complete without a soak in a hot spring - take a stroll out of town to the Geosea Spa for a dose of wellness and relaxation with stunning sea views. 
Day 6 - Day 6 Djúpivogur
Sitting on the southeastern coast of Iceland, Djúpivogur is a small port town, and the closest port in the country to the Faroe Islands, Scandinavia and mainland Europe. It is therefore a very popular port of call for vessels exploring the North Atlantic, despite its small size. Like most towns in Iceland, the village is clustered around the harbour, which has been the center of town life since the town’s founding in the late 1500s as a trading post. Off the coast is the small island of Papey, which may have been home to hermit Irish monks even before the Norse settlement of Iceland. Fishing has been the main industry in the town since it’s founding, recently supplanted in importance by tourism.Djúpivogur sits on the Búlandsnes Peninsula, surrounded by fjords on two sides, and backed by rugged mountains including the pyramidal Búlandstindur, which is known throughout the country. The town contains several public artworks such as the Eggs of Merry Bay (Eggin í Gleðivík), 32 stone eggs representing the 32 species of birds which can be seen locally. Just above the harbour is Langabúð, one of the oldest buildings in Iceland – it has variously been used as a warehouse and slaughterhouse, and today houses an excellent café with a small museum. The cakes are excellent.With vast areas of untouched wilderness just beyond the town, Djúpivogur is a popular location for hikers and adventure seekers. While the mountains outside town are challenging, there are several shorter routes closer to town which are more appropriate for casual hikers. The scenery and nature (especially the carpets of early summer flowers) are spectacular. The area is one of the best places in Iceland to birdwatch, with a huge variety of habitats, including cliffs, beaches, lagoons, grasslands and river deltas. Binoculars are essential!
Day 7 - Day 7 Heimaey and Surtsey
Heimaey is the largest island of the Vestmannaeryjar (Westman Islands), a small archipelago which comprises Iceland’s southernmost point. Vestmannaeyjabær is the only town on the islands, situated around the harbour on the northern side of Heimaey. Irish and Scottish hermits may well have inhabited the islands prior to Norse settlement. These men were known as ‘Vestmann’ (‘Men from the West’) by the Norse. Indeed, archaeological evidence indicates human presence on Heimaey around the year 800, before the traditional settling date of Iceland. Volcanic eruptions are never far away in Iceland, and on 23rd Jan 1973, a 1600m fissure opened on Heimaey, spewing lava. Through the night, residents of the island were evacuated (mostly on fishing boats), however ash began to cover the town and lava flowed through the streets. Even more catastrophically, lava began to flow toward the island’s perfect natural harbour (the hub of the islands’ economy and transport). Recognizing the risk, locals began a project to divert the lava by spraying it with cold seawater, which remains the most successful lava diversion ever attempted. The harbour was saved, and the island had grown by around 20%. These events were reported worldwide, and the island saw a boom in tourism after the eruption, which has continued to this day.The island is today home to around 4500 people, but is famed worldwide for its seabird colonies – around eight million puffins can be found on the island in summer, which draws huge numbers of tourists. During spring and summer nights, local children arrange patrols to find chicks confused by the town lights, and release them from clifftops during daylight. The lava flows and the summit of Eldfell (meaning ‘Fire Mountain’ in Icelandic) can all be reached on a pleasant hike from the harbour. The views over the island, of partially-buried buildings from the eruption, and the volcanic vents themselves are all breathtaking. In 1963, a submarine volcanic eruption began around 18km southwest of Heimaey. This eruption resulted in a new island being formed, one of the youngest in the world. Named Surtsey after Surtr, a fire-giant of Norse mythology, the island continues to be a magnet for volcanologists and biologists, who come to study the geology, and the colonization process of new islands by plant and animal species. Cruising past the island is permitted, but the island can only be visited by scientists, as it is not only dangerous, but is a vital scientific case study. 
Day 8 - Day 8 Reykjavik, Iceland - Disembarkation
In the early morning of the eighth day of our voyage, Ocean Albatros will sail into the calm waters of Reykjavik Harbour. After a hearty breakfast, it is time to bid a fond farewell to the Crew and Expedition Team of Ocean Albatros, and descend the gangway back to dry land with memories of the voyage of a lifetime. 
Day 9 - Please note:
Itineraries are subject to change.

Trip Dates

StartEndPrice FromRoom Type
10-09-202517-09-2025USD $6,395Category F Stateroom - Triple Stateroom (Porthole)
10-09-202517-09-2025USD $7,395Category D Stateroom - Albatros Stateroom (Porthole)
10-09-202517-09-2025USD $7,895Category E Stateroom - French Balcony Stateroom
10-09-202517-09-2025USD $8,095Category C Stateroom - Balcony Stateroom
10-09-202517-09-2025USD $9,295Category G Stateroom - Single Stateroom (Porthole)
10-09-202517-09-2025USD $10,595Category B Suite - Balcony Suite
10-09-202517-09-2025USD $13,595Category A Suite - Junior Suite
10-09-202517-09-2025USD $15,295Family Suite - Brynhilde Suite
10-09-202517-09-2025USD $15,295Premium Suite - Freydis Suite

Inclusions

    • Discover Heimaey Island's volcanic past, from its dramatic 1973 eruption to its thriving puffin colonies.
    • Hike through the stunning landscapes of Djúpivogur and Heimaey, perfect for birdwatchers and adventure seekers.
    • Witness the youngest island on Earth, Surtsey, formed by a volcanic eruption and reserved for scientific exploration.

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