Highlights of Iceland (Ocean Victory)

Velkomin! Welcome to Iceland. Your adventure begins in Reykjavik – the northernmost capital city in the world, known for its vibrant food scene and Nordic culture. This afternoon, you’ll board your ship – the Ocean Victory. Settle into your cabin, then you’ll have a safety and orientation briefing at 5 pm. Tonight, join your fellow travellers for a welcome dinner on board. Raise a glass as you set sail out of Faxafloi Bay towards the Westfjords.

Arrive in Isafjordur – located in the heart of the Westfjords, this town is surrounded by dramatic basalt mountains and fjords. Once a quiet fishing settlement, it became a trading hub in the 16th century, attracting traders and ships from across the Atlantic. Today, you’ll explore the town’s city centre. See colourful houses, downtown buildings and brush shoulders with the locals. Embrace the fresh, Arctic breeze as you discover the natural beauty of this remote town.

Explore the charming streets of Iceland’s northernmost mainland town, Siglufjordur. This town became the hub of Iceland’s fishing industry after the herring boom of the late 19th to early 20th centuries. You might spend this morning uncovering local history on a visit to the Herring Era Museum or venturing into the fjord for some bird watching. Later today, you’ll sail to Grimsey Island – the only part of Iceland that lies within the Arctic Circle. Join your group for a guided walk to see the island’s rugged beauty, rare seabirds and the Orbis et Globus – a sculpture marking the Arctic Circle. Placed on the island in 2017, this spherical sculpture is shifted every year to account for changes in the Earth’s axial tilt.

Sail into Iceland's longest fjord – Eyjafjordur – to visit the city of Akureyri, AKA the ‘Capital of the North’. Spend today exploring the streets of this small city, passing the cathedral, botanical gardens and geothermally heated swimming pools. Maybe sample some of the fresh local produce – the mountains of the fjord somewhat shelter this land from the harsh Arctic weather, allowing agriculture to flourish here in the rich volcanic soil.

Continue to Husavik – Iceland’s oldest settlement, founded in the late 9th century. This is the best spot for whale-watching in Iceland – at the right time of year, you might be able to see whales breaching on the horizon. In town, there’s the Husavik Whale Museum and the Husavik Museum, which showcases Iceland’s contribution to Arctic and Antarctic exploration. You might also head to the nearby Geosea Geothermal Sea Baths, where you can unwind as you look out over Skjalfandi Bay.

Today, you’ll uncover the scenic town of Djupivogur on Iceland’s southeast coast. Encounter steep fjords and rich birdlife in this harbour town that dates back to the 16th century. You might visit the town’s most well-known public art sculpture – the Eggs of Merry Bay. In a tribute to Djupivogur’s flourishing birdlife, this sculpture involves 34 huge granite eggs that each represent a bird species that nests here. Later, maybe join your group for a walk to the nearby black sand beach for some birdwatching set amid a beautiful landscape.

Start today’s expeditions in Heimaey, the largest of the volcanic Westman Islands. You’ll see the lava fields of Eldfell volcano, which formed during an eruption in 1973 and buried part of the town. Hear the story of the locals who stayed behind to cool the lava using seawater jets to help save their community. Next, if weather permits, you’ll cruise past Surtsey. This UNESCO World Heritage-listed volcanic island was formed between 1963 and 1967 – it’s strictly off limits to the public and is only used for scientific research.