Experience an unforgettable journey around the island of fire and ice. Iceland is a country of contrasts and the diverse natural landscape provides the possibility for unique experiences like nowhere else on earth. This cruise reveals both natural wonders and the Icelandic way of living. A range of exciting shore excursions brings the unique character of Iceland closer to you. This voyage reveals a diverse array of natural wonders and the Icelandic way of life, and we will also visit Grimsey, just north of the Polar Circle.
Make a complete circumnavigation of Iceland on the Ocean Diamond, the ideal vessel for this cruise being large enough to be very comfortable, but small enough to get into the smaller bays and harbours. Heading clockwise from Reykjavik, we'll cruise to the Snaefellsnes Peninsula, which juts out from Iceland’s west coast, Siglufjördur, once the centre of the Icelandic herring industry, Akureyri and nearby Lake Myvatn, the stunning Seydisfjördur, Höfn and the Vatnajökull glacier and the Westman Islands.
Please note: If you book return flights on your own please choose a connection that does not depart before noon from Keflavik airport on the same day the OCEAN DIAMOND arrives in Reykjavik.
- Admire black-sand beaches, erupting volcanoes, lumbering glaciers and thunderous waterfalls while at the same time swimming in hot springs, betting on when geysers will erupt, and hiking across barren rocky deserts.
- Be introduced to many facets of the island, learn more about the country and its people, wildlife as varied as wild horses and whales, culture and cuisine, stories and legends.
- Most cities and towns are located along the coast and can easily be reached by boat. However, our numerous shore excursions give you the opportunity to explore the interior of Iceland as well.
There are no future departures for this trip at this stage.
Use your leisure time in Reykjavik to discover the unique charm of the world’s northernmost capital. The OCEAN DIAMOND docks in Old Reykjavik Harbor in the heart of the city, a five-minute stroll from the main squares, shopping and dining. The ship departs in the evening.
Stykkisholmur is the starting point of our adventures on the Snaefellnes Peninsula. Often called “Iceland in Miniature” because of its it diverse landscapes, the area is home to bird-rich Breidafjördur Bay and Snaefellsjökull glacier, which sits atop a 700,000-year-old dormant volcano that was featured in the Jules Verne novel Journey to the Center of the Earth.
Today‘s destination is Isafjördur, an idyllic town in the Westfjords region. This secluded peninsula is connected to the Icelandic mainland by only a narrow strip of land and includes many roadless areas where cars have never been. The landscape includes jaw-dropping views of dramatic fjords carved by ancient glaciers, sheer table mountains that plunge into the sea and pristine North Atlantic vegetation.
By morning we reach the fjord town of Siglufjordur, once the hub of the global herring industry and now enjoying a rebirth in popularity. Learn about the golden age of herring at the award-winning Herring Era Museum located on the vibrant harbor-front. In the early afternoon we head to Hrisey, the second largest island of Iceland. With only 153 inhabitants, the island is located in Eyjafjordur, about 22 miles (35 km) north of Akureyri.
In the morning we visit Flatey Island. Its a natural haven for birdlife and home to the arctic tern and puffins, which can be observed at close quarters. In the early afternoon we steam further into the Skjalfandi Bay and visit Husavik.
Husavik is often called the “Whale watching capital” of Iceland, the town’s offshore waters are home to 15 different whale species, as well as dolphins and 30 varieties of birds. Watching these graceful ocean giants in their Arctic habitat is an unforgettable experience.
Iceland’s East Fjords are best explored from the impossibly picturesque port of Seydisfjordur, nestled between the sea and steep mountains. Activities include seal spotting, horseback riding, and visiting the beautiful nature reserve Skalanes.
Today’s port of call is Djupivogur, fishing village in southeast Iceland, starting point for an optional excursion to the amazing glacier lagoon. Huge blocks of ice constantly break off the glacier, Breiðamerkurjökull, and large icebergs float on the lagoon. The lagoon is not very wide but it is up to 250 meters deep which makes it the deepest lake in Iceland.
Located off Iceland’s south coast, the Westman Islands were formed by submarine volcanic eruptions around 10,000 years ago. Surtsey Island emerged from the sea in 1963 and is one the youngest land masses on earth. We go ashore on Heimaey, the only inhabited island, where half-buried houses remain from a violent 1973 eruption. During the shore landing there is time for bird watching and you might even spot whales.
After breakfast we bid farewell to the OCEAN DIAMOND as we sail back into Reykjavik. Explore inland areas like the Golden Circle and its famous Gullfoss waterfall via our Air & Ground package or other post-cruise programs. Or simply hang out in Reykjavik, a perfect city for those who want to refresh their spirit in a place that combines invigorating outdoor activities, great food and world-class entertainment.
All routes and excursions are provisional and subject to change as weather, sea and ice conditions may affect the itinerary.
Ocean Diamond
| Length | 124 metres |
|---|
The 210 passenger vessel was completely refurbished in Norway in 2019 and is perfect for our exploration being large enough to provide stability, speed, spacious cabins and ample public space, yet small enough to manoeuvre in remote areas. The vessel is outfitted with the most current navigational and communications technology as well as with retractable stabilisers for smooth sailing. The vessel is ice strengthened and features 18 Zodiacs for our forays ashore.
Your Cabin/Suite With a maximum of 210 passengers, the Ocean Diamond offers cabins across its five decks. There a range of cabins and suites available and all feature outside views (porthole, window or balcony), full private en-suite bathrooms featuring bathtub and shower, a writing desk, individual temperature control, in-room safe, refrigerator, satellite phone access, hairdryer and flat-screen television and DVD player. Cabins range in size from 17 square metres to 30 square metres.
Your Space The Ocean Diamond features spacious public areas and ample deck space from where you can admire the beautiful passing landscapes. Public areas and facilities include an observation lounge with bar, a fitness centre, pool with bar, sun deck, lecture threatre with state of the art audio visual equipment, library and lounge. The restaurant serves all passengers in one, open seating and cuisine onboard is international. There is also a gift shop, clinic and a spa onboard.
Your Dining The single sitting restaurant is located on the Lower Deck and is both spacious and light. Breakfast and lunch are served buffet style and dinner is served to your table. All meals include a vegetarian option. Afternoon tea also served daily around the afternoon excursions and coffee, tea and water are available complimentary around the clock. Weather permitting, there will be the opportunity to dine outside on occasion.
Life Onboard The atmosphere onboard is focused on exploration and discovery with all the creature comforts you would expect from a vessel of this calibre. The onboard crew offer excellent service and in addition the expedition team will enrich your experience with their knowledge of the region. Through a lecture programme and shore expeditions, they will share their expertise and passion with you. After a day of exploration ashore, you will return to the comfort of a sophisticated ship with a friendly crew and informal atmosphere. A fleet of Zodiacs are used for landings and nature cruises, and during your voyage you will have the opportunity to visit the Captain and Officers on the Bridge to learn more about your journey, further fostering the expeditionary nature of our voyage.
Some Deck Plans may vary from what you see below.
The vessel complies with all MARPOL (Marine Pollution Act)regulations. The vessel has a Garbage Management Plan to deal with garbage accumulated during a voyage. As for human waste, the vessel is equipped with a Sewage Treatment system that processes the waste generated onboard. The treated waste water is discharged at sea or shoreside. If discharged at sea it is done according to strict International standards and Class required protocols that include distance from shore, depth of the water, speed of the vessel and rate of discharge.
Includes
- accommodation in booked cabin category
- all meals included
- coffee, tea and water
- all Zodiac excursions
- Icelandic/English speaking guides
- all presentations from cruise staff and guest speakers
- on-board entertainment program
- Iceland ProCruises Jacket