family cruise to iceland

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Norway & Iceland Cruises

Lands of fire and ice.

Immerse yourself in true beauty on a Norway and Iceland cruise with Princess®. Sail past mountains, fjords and forest-lined valleys. Discover artifacts and architecture of medieval times. Or learn about legends from locals, whose stories have been passed down from generations before them. Between the rugged terrains and the Viking history, these lands echo the promise of adventure.

Featured Norway & Iceland Cruise Ports

Discover some of the world-renowned destinations that await you on an Norway & Iceland cruise with Princess.

• Grundarfjordur

Known to be the most pleasant town in Iceland, Akureyri is teeming with tranquility and beauty. On an Iceland cruise, take a dip in the Myvatn nature baths, known for their restorative powers. Or stroll through the Botanical Gardens, where you can admire over 2,000 species of flora from around the world. Experience the best of both fire and ice when you visit Akureyri with Princess.

Encounter beauty, history and culture when you visit Bergen on your Norway cruise. Marvel at the grandeur of Hardangerfjord, the third largest fjord in the world, on a scenic day tour. Or step into a medieval assembly room at the Schøtstuene Museum, and walk down Bryggen Wharf — a UNESCO World Heritage Site that preserves wooden buildings from the days of the Hanseatic League.

On a cruise to Iceland, unveil Grundarfjordur’s heroic past. Climb the "Holy Mountain," which once housed a temple dedicated to Thor. Tour the 4,000-year old lava fields of Berserkergata, and live through the stories of Iceland’s sagas — tales of migration, war, religion and mythology. Or spend the day birdwatching in the fishing village of Arnarstapi, where gulls, fulmars and kittiwakes reside.

Reykjavik is the gateway to natural wonders. On an Iceland cruise, warm up with a dip in the city’s Blue Lagoon, and cool down on a glacier walk across jagged ice formations. Ride across the countryside by horseback, soar over volcanic craters during a helicopter ride or snorkel through the waters of Thingvellir National Park. See the beauty of Iceland’s capital for yourself when you sail with Princess.

Stavanger is a true icon of Norway. As the nation’s capital of cuisine, learn how to smoke and can sardines, and then taste them yourself. Attend a musical performance in the chapel of Utstein Kloster, a 12th-century abbey that was once home to Augustine monks. Or visit Old Stavanger during your Norway cruise, and enjoy an architectural tour through Europe’s largest collection of wooden buildings.

As one of the best places to see the Northern Lights, Tromsø is teeming with wonders from the skies above to the fjords below. On a Norway cruise, learn about the city’s history of Arctic hunting at the Polar Museum. Visit the Husky Wilderness Camp to meet championship dogs and hear about their racing careers. Or ride a cable car to the peak of Mt. Storsteinen for sweeping views of the city.

Why Cruise Norway & Iceland

The majestic beauty and natural phenomena of Northern Europe offers an adventure like no other.

Natural splendors

Natural splendors abound in Norway and Iceland. In Grundarfjördur, marvel at the seascapes, fjords and tidal currents within Breidafjordur Bay. Rejuvenate in the mineral-rich waters of the Blue Lagoon in Reykjavik. Or fly over Godafoss Waterfall, the ‘Waterfall of the Gods,’ during a flightseeing tour in Akureyri. Come face-to-face with Mother Nature’s crown jewels — only on an Norway and Iceland cruise with Princess.

The search for phenomena

Travel to Alta, the "City of the Northern Lights," for a chance to see the sky painted lime green. Cruise to Iceland in June and bask in 24 hours of daylight during the summer solstice. Or visit Honningsvag for a glimpse of the Midnight Sun during your evening departure. While we can’t guarantee you’ll see these natural phenomena, we can promise that the journey is just as exciting as the wonders themselves.

Norway & Iceland excursions

Our award-winning Norway and Iceland cruise shore excursions bring you to natural wonders, wildlife and landmarks. Relax in Reykjavik’s Blue Lagoon while gazing at snowy landscapes. Get up close to Akureyri’s 35-foot waterfall that tumbles into the Skjálfandafljót River below. Or travel to the Bjarnarhöfn Shark Farm in Grundarfjordur to learn how to make hákarl, a 400-year old Icelandic delicacy.

More ashore

Enjoy even more marvels and mysteries with More Ashore late-night departures and overnight stays. On a Norway cruise to Alta, search for the Aurora Borealis at midnight with a cup of hot chocolate in hand. Attend a summer concert at Tromsø’s Arctic Cathedral to welcome the return of the Midnight Sun. Or enjoy a 9-hour journey through Reykjavik’s landscapes on itineraries that depart later in the evening.

Norway & Iceland Cruise Onboard Experience

Curated comfort, world-class entertainment and international flavors await you.

Experience Norway and Iceland without ever stepping off the ship. Our onboard activities bring the diverse cultures of these regions directly to you. Sing, dance, feast and celebrate in a way that only Norway, Iceland and Princess know how.

Accomodations

Your home away from home

Your stateroom is where you rest and recharge between adventures. That’s why every room is equipped with the expertly designed Princess Luxury Bed, 100% Jacquard-woven cotton linens and our SLEEP program created by a board-certified sleep expert. From interior cabins to full suites, unwind in any of our staterooms, and enjoy peace of mind with the option of connected rooms for families of four or more traveling together.

Flavors that inspire

From savory Norwegian meatloaf to sweet Icelandic celebration cake, Northern Europe is bursting with flavor. Head ashore to enjoy Icelandic skyr with porridge for breakfast, and savor a Norwegian seafood dinner. Or embark on an all-encompassing culinary tour right on board with our Chef’s Table Lumiere. On a Norway and Iceland cruise with Princess, appease your appetite with one-of-a-kind dining on every itinerary.

Entertainment

Find your joy

Embark on adventures by day, and indulge in entertainment by night. Watch Movies Under the Stars® at our 300-square-foot outdoor theater. Attend original productions from Broadway legend Stephen Schwartz, composer of  Wicked . Or learn traditional moves, like Flamenco or Irish stepdance, and listen to popular music from the destinations on your itinerary. On a European cruise with Princess, the choice is yours.

Reset, recharge, relax

Your European cruise should be every bit as refreshing as it is inspiring. Unwind in the Sanctuary, a retreat just for adults, and relish in tranquility. Or book an appointment at the Lotus Spa®, named "Best Spa on a Cruise Ship" by Spafinder Wellness 365™. Enjoy relaxing treatments — like facials, hot stone massages and detoxifying wraps — that will leave you recharged for upcoming adventures.

Vegas hits the seas

Experience the thrill of cards, dice, roulette and blackjack at the casino onboard our European cruises. Learn from experts — like our staff or perhaps other guests nearby — and put your skills to the test. More casual players can pull up a seat at the slot machines for the same adrenaline at their own speed. For an afternoon full of games, join fellow travelers for Bingo, or compete in scheduled group tournaments.

Celebrations and Romance

Love blooms on the Love Boat

It's difficult to imagine something more romantic than sailing through the alluring cities and charming countryside of Europe. While on board your European cruise, we cater to your sentimental side with private dining on your balcony — like breakfast for two or a sunset dinner — honeymoon packages, flowers and chocolates delivered to your room and couples-only massages in the Sanctuary.

Ships sailing norway & Iceland cruises

Our Princess fleet includes ships that range from small to large. From a balcony stateroom, marvel at breathtaking shorelines passing by before enjoying international cuisine in one of our many eateries during your Norway and Iceland cruise.

European Cruise Articles

Read about storied attractions, charming history, diverse cultures and preparation advice for cruising Europe.

Explore Europe

Learn all about our exciting options to visit Europe from cruises to in-depth cruisetour vacations. 

The top ten things to do in Norway

Planning a holiday to Norway? Discover the best museums, restaurants, cafés, attractions and experiences in the Scandinavian country.

Must-do summertime activities in Scandinavia

Discover the best summer holiday activities in Scandinavia, including wild swimming in Stockholm and rooftop drinking in Oslo.

Five reasons to cruise from Southampton

Looking for a cruise vacation from Southampton? Set sail to Canada, the Mediterranean, Scandinavia, Florida and around the British Isles with Princess Cruises.

How to see Stockholm from a unique perspective

Ice bars, rooftop tours, meatballs and more – use our handy city guide to get a fresh view of Sweden’s brilliant capital.

Six places to see the Northern Lights in Norway

Hoping to see the Northern Lights in Norway? Discover the best places to try to catch a glimpse of Mother Nature's exceptional light show

Travel, Airfare, & Hotels: Let Princess Get You There

Princess EZair® Flights

Stress-free airfare

Remove the hassle from air travel and give yourself the gift of flexibility, time, and a thicker wallet with Princess EZair flights. We negotiate lower rates with the airlines, allow you to modify your flight up to 45 days prior with no penalty, and protect you if your flight is late or canceled.

EZair flight quotes are available on our cruise search result details pages.

Airplane to Ship Transfer

We get you where you need to go

Let Princess pick you up from the airport and take you directly to your ship or hotel when you arrive, even if you didn't book your airfare through us. A uniformed Princess representative meets you at the airport after you've retrieved your luggage and transports you directly to your ship or hotel without you having to worry about the logistics of navigating a new city.

Cruise Plus Hotel Packages

Stay longer and relax

Extend your cruise vacation, and simplify your travel plans with a hotel stay at the beginning or end of your cruise. With a Cruise Plus Hotel Package, a Princess representative meets you at the airport and pier, transporting you to and from your hotel. The package includes the cost of your hotel stay, transportation, luggage handling, and the representative’s services.

Need help planning?

Princess Cruise Vacation Planners are a dedicated resource to help you every step of the way through the planning process of your cruise vacation. The best part is, their services are completely FREE!

Cruise deals & promotions

Find our top sales, deals, partnerships and promotions for our destinations all in one place. We run promotions throughout the year and sometimes run sweepstakes where you can win prizes!

#PrincessCruises Europe Connections

See Europe through our guests’ eyes.

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Iceland Cruises

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Experience the majesty of Iceland with more sailings in and out of Reykjavík than any other cruise line

You’ll quickly fall in love with the majestic landscapes and old-world charm of Iceland. And with the most sailings in and out of Reykjavik of any cruise line, Norwegian’s Iceland Cruise options are plentiful. The country's colourful capital may be hard to pronounce (it's RAKE + YUH + VIK), but its history, culture and natural beauty make it impossible to forget. Visit nearby sites like The Blue Lagoon, the flower-filled lava fields of Thingvellir National Park, and the magnificent Gullfoss waterfall (aka The Golden Waterfall). Sail to Iceland's remote Westfjord region offering everything from hiking to watersports, then continue to Akureyri - the centre of Icelandic folk culture. Along the way, you’ll see fjords and flowers in every direction. Discover greater Northern Europe on your cruise with stops to cities like Amsterdam, Brussels, London, or Paris, and visits to lush sceneries like Norway and Scotland.

About ICELAND CRUISES

Discover The Golden Circle

As one of Norwegian's top Shore Excursions, The Golden Circle is a must-see day trip only 30 miles from Reykjavik. The Circle consists of three sites starting with Thingvellir national park - a UNESCO World Heritage Site in the mountains. This park is a lava plain filled with wildflowers. The second stop is the spectacular Geysir Geothermal Area – populated by hot springs and other geothermal phenomena. And the final site is the famous Gullfoss waterfall, or The ‘Golden Waterfall’. The Golden Circle is also called The Golden Ring and the journey there is referred to as “Ring Road.”

Discover the Westfjords & Isafjordur

From remote fishing villages to outdoor activities to cascading mountains, Iceland’s Westfjords are one of a kind. Isafjordur , the home of the largest fjord, offers cultural heritage and colourful valleys. Drive through the breathtaking West Fjord mountains, populated by quant farms and villages. Stop in the old shark-fishing town of Flateyri.  Don’t miss Skrudur, Iceland’s oldest botanical garden. And embrace the great outdoors – the region is renowned for its excellent hiking, kayaking and birdwatching. Culture, history, maritime life and breathtaking landscapes make this area an unforgettable experience.

Remarkable Port Cities On Cruises to Iceland

Cruises to Reykjavik

Cruises to Isafjordur

Cruises to Akureyri

Cruises to Seydisfjordur

Delightful shore excursions on iceland cruises.

Discover More of Iceland with a Shore Excursion

We know the destinations you'll be visiting and what there is to see, do and experience. We offer a variety of pre-planned excursions to choose from to give you the most relaxing but engaging holiday experience possible. Explore the Golden Circle in Reykjavik or enjoy whale watching in Akureyri when you book a shore excursion with Norwegian.

Uncover Hidden Gems On A Cruise to Iceland

Blue Lagoon, Reykjavik

The Blue Lagoon owes its existence to the nearby geothermal power plant. The water of the Lagoon is 98° F warm, mineral-rich and reputed for its healing properties. This natural and very popular health spa is now a major attraction in the region, one of the most visited places on the island.

Akureyri, Iceland

Nestled along the shores of one of the most breathtaking fjords in Iceland, Akureyri is the nation's second largest urban area and a centre of Icelandic folk culture. Whale watching and waterfalls are just the beginning of the natural wonders available to explore in this charming Icelandic port.

Cruise to Iceland FROM SIX DEPARTURE PORTS

London (Southampton)

Explore Our ICELAND CRUISE ITINERARIES

Family Cruises

Cruise ships are an ideal setting for a family vacation. Large ships are designed with kids-only facilities, counselors, planned activities and babysitting. Most cruise lines welcome children to travel on their ships, though infants and pregnant women are subject to some restrictions ( click here to read more).

On cruise lines with full youth programs, parents can plan their vacation knowing they will be able to relax and enjoy themselves while their children are being well taken care of, making new friends, and having fun. On cruise lines with no youth programs or dedicated youth facilities, kids should not expect to find playmates onboard and parents should plan to entertain their kids for the duration of the cruise.

7 Amazing Iceland Cruises for Seeing the Remote Wonders of the Country

What better way to see this nordic island nation than to sail all the way—or partly—around it. these captivating iceland cruises will bring you to areas that are difficult (or impossible) to reach by land..

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See Iceland from the vantage point of its dramatic shorelines.

Photo by Ursula Drake/Unsplash

With its active volcanoes, glacier-topped mountains, rugged coastline, and more than 100 fjords, Iceland is best explored by sea, experiencing the “land of fire and ice” in the same way that the Vikings and other explorers did hundreds of years ago. Fortunately, cruise lines have caught on to Iceland’s seafaring allure and have developed enticing itineraries that allow travelers to see and experience colorful, picture-postcard villages, powerful waterfalls, and otherworldly rock formations. Here’s what to know about cruises that sail Iceland and our top picks for Iceland cruises.

Where Iceland cruises sail

Cruising from Reykjavík , most of our choices circumnavigate the main island, with a stop on Heimaey island off Iceland’s southwest coast to see the effects of the 1973 volcanic eruption, sailing past Surtsey island, which rose out of the sea in the 1960s and is a UNESCO World Heritage site.

Popular port calls include Akureyri, a major fishing port and university town, with access to inland attractions such as the legendary Godafoss, known as the “waterfall of the gods,” and steaming geothermal fields with impressive lava formations.

Another fun port is Seydisfjordur, an artsy village in the Eastfjords, with pretty chalet-style wooden homes at the end of an 11-mile fjord—a breathtaking scene backed by snow-packed peaks and a waterfall. From the quaint port of Djupivogur, you can do an excursion to the Fjallsarlon ice lagoon, where Zodiac tours will have you dodging icebergs to see the face of a glacial ice wall.

Isafjordur, in the Westfjords, is known for its music scene and the nearby attraction of Vigur Island, a privately owned bird sanctuary inhabited by eider ducks and puffins. Also in the west, the fishing village of Grundarfjordur has an impressive and much-photographed cone-shaped mountain, Kirkjufell, and affords access to glacier sights in Snaefellsjokull National Park, where adventurous travelers can hike an underground lava cave.

The Iceland cruise season runs roughly from May to September, with most sailings in June, July, and August. While there may be some limited space still available on 2023 cruises, the cruises listed below are predominantly for the 2024 spring/summer season.

The best Iceland cruises

What better way to view the passing Icelandic scenery than from the main pool deck on a Viking ocean ship?

Photo by Eric Laignel/Viking

Viking Cruises’ Iceland’s Natural Beauty

Best for value Price: 7-night sailings in July and August from $4,299

Viking Cruises’ well-planned circumnavigation of Iceland is a perfect one-week sampling that bring passengers to pristine shores and friendly towns and villages at the head of fjords and offers access to such attractions as cascading waterfalls, glaciers, puffin colonies, and moonlike volcanic landscapes. Passengers start with an overnight in Reykjavík, which allows quality time to visit the surprisingly hip city’s waterfront and art museums or head off on a whale-watching tour. The 930-passenger Viking Mars , which will sail this itinerary in 2024, is, like all the similar ships in the Viking Ocean fleet, an absolute delight, done up in modern Scandinavian decor and with an impressive assortment of complimentary specialty dining venues, including a Norwegian café. One shore excursion each day is included in the fare.

Everyone in the family will delight in the port town of Grundarfjordur with its famous Kirkjufell Mountain and adjacent waterfalls.

Frugal Flyer/Unsplash

Regent Seven Seas Cruises’ Golden Circle Expedition

Best for families Price: 10-night cruises in July, including a side trip to Torshavn in the Faroe Islands, from $10,299 per adult; from $1,299 per child under age 18

If you are traveling with kids and willing to spring for a truly luxurious sailing, the 750-passenger all-suite, all-inclusive Seven Seas Splendor , one of the world’s most high-end ships, is done up with yards of marble floors, more than 500 crystal chandeliers, an expensive art collection, and fancy top suites. So how does this fit in with kids? For one, they can come onboard two Iceland cruises next year at highly reduced fares. And perhaps more importantly, during those cruises, families will have access to the Regent Seven Seas Cruises’ Club Mariner Youth Program for ages 5 to 17, with a range of activities such as movie nights, mini-putt tournaments, and dance lessons, overseen by professional youth counselors.

Spend a little more time in the village of Seydisfjordur, Iceland, on a Windstar sailing.

Andrew Mayovskyy/Shutterstock

Around Iceland with Windstar Cruises

Best for cultural immersion Price: 7-night Around Iceland cruise, June through August, from $3,799

What we love best about the Windstar Cruises weeklong Iceland circumnavigation itinerary is that the 312-passenger, all-suite Star Pride spends full days in the ports and an overnight in Seydisfjordur, with its lively arts scene. You get to hang out with locals, enjoy a craft beer, sample seafood and other Icelandic cuisine, hear a concert, or otherwise immerse yourself in Icelandic culture. A good conversation starter is to ask locals if they have written a book, since a fun fact is that one in 10 people in Iceland have published a book (those Icelandic winters are long). Onboard the ship, enjoy impressive cuisine such as fresh fish bought locally (including Arctic char, halibut, cod, and haddock), local cheeses and charcuterie, and Icelandic beers, schnapps, and vodka on the official cruise line of the James Beard Foundation.

Take a sailing expedition with the National Geographic Resolution team of experts.

Courtesy of Lindblad Expeditions

Lindblad Expeditions’ Wild Iceland Escape

Best short cruise Price: 4-night cruise embarking July 5, 2024, from $7,206 per person, $500 discount for kids

While Lindblad Expeditions does impressively in-depth circumnavigation itineraries, the soft-adventure line also offers this four-night gem , focusing on western Iceland and perfect for those who also want to drive the Ring Road. Passengers sail to remote fjords, complete with hikes and Zodiac rides that will bring you to scenes such as the spectacular Dynjandi Waterfall, the largest waterfall in the Westfjords at 328 feet tall. Keep your eyes open along the coastline for nesting terns. A NatGeo-trained photographer onboard will help you get the perfect shot to prove you saw nesting puffins off Heimaey and elsewhere en route. The ship is the 138-passenger, polar-class National Geographic Resolution —with the fun option of catching views while camping in the lush bed of a glass igloo on deck.

Do Iceland in luxury by booking a veranda suite on Silversea’s Silver Spirit .

Andrea Cappello/Silversea

Silversea’s Reykjavík to Reykjavík

Best for luxury Price: 9- and 10-night sailings in July and August, fares from $4,650 per person

For travelers who like their nature and cultural exploration with a distinctive touch of class—including staying in a suite with a tuxedo-clad butler bringing you complimentary champagne and caviar, the 608-passenger Silver Spirit presents Iceland in high style. Done up in elegant Italian decor, it’s a floating oasis of good taste, including with top-class specialty dining experiences such as a sushi restaurant and a supper club with live jazz. Enjoy sea views and dine alfresco at the Grill, where you have your choice of protein cooked on lava rocks, after spending a day viewing lava rocks. The itinerary does an impressive seven stops in Iceland, plus a sail over to Torshavn, the Faroe Islands’ capital city, with its colorful grass-roofed buildings in the quaint Old Town and nature-filled sights nearby, including stunning fjord views and seabirds.

Ponant’s Iceland Mosaic

Best for underwater views Price: 7-night cruises, June to August, from $6,920 per person. Note: June 15 is a Smithsonian Journeys Cruise with special lecturers onboard, from $7,910 per person

French line Ponant’s 184-passenger Le Bellot offers a unique perspective on Iceland , with an underwater Blue Eye lounge equipped with whale-eye shaped portals, large screens showing live images, and hydrophones capturing underwater sounds—all viewable as you relax in a “body listening” sofa, which vibrates in sync with the maritime acoustics and sip a perfectly made martini. Another bonus of this small ship is that the western-focused itineraries include a stop in the tiny village of Grimseyjarhreppur, the one inhabited place on Grimsey island, Iceland’s northernmost inhabited island, bisected by the Arctic Circle. Grimsey is a key destination in Iceland for spotting nesting puffins as well as auks.

Sail with Hurtigruten for a chance to have upclose encounters with adorable puffins.

Photo by Nicholas Kampouris/Unsplash

Hurtigruten’s Circumnavigating Iceland: The Land of Elves, Sagas, and Volcanoes

Best for eco-friendly, off-the-beaten-path exploration Price: 8-night sailings in May and June, from $4,016 per person (with a 50 percent discount for kids)

Norwegian expedition line Hurtigruten’s electric hybrid, 530-passenger MS Fridtjof Nansen can run on sustainable battery power for short periods of time. On an eight-night Iceland circumnavigation, the ship stops in popular places such as Akureyri but also goes deeper, stopping on Grimsey island as well as in remote Bakkagerdi in the west, known for its natural beauty and, according to folklore, as the land of the huldufólk, meaning “hidden people.” Bird-spotting opportunities include Latrabjarg, one of Europe’s biggest seabird cliffs, populated by puffins, northern gannets, guillemots, and razorbills. Excursions by kayaks, inflatable RIBs, and on foot are led by the knowledgeable expedition team.

Iceland Cruises

Book early for 2025 /2026 sailings to Iceland and save up to 40% with the HX Price Promise*.

Reasons to explore Iceland with us

An Iceland expedition offers steaming volcanic landscapes, vast glaciers, gushing waterfalls, and bubbling hot springs. Visit Iceland and experience incredible sights and discover birds in Iceland and rest of the wildlife including whales.

Book early for 2025/2026 and save

Explore Iceland in 2025 /2026 on our small, well-equipped, hybrid expedition ships, where safety and sustainability come first. Sail in style and comfort so you’re relaxed, rested, and ready for adventure.

PLUS with our Price Promise, if you find the same cabin available for a lower price after you've booked, let us know and we'll give you back the difference.

Activities in Iceland

While cruising Iceland, you can take part in optional activities that will bring your expedition to life. The long summer days are the best time to go walking, hiking, and kayaking as part of our Iceland excursions.

Your Expedition Team will guide hikes and landings. They’ll also share fascinating insights in lectures on the geology, nature, and history of Iceland.

Wildlife in Iceland

The summer months are immense for wildlife along Iceland’s coast. Go whale watching for humpbacks, minke and blue whales. Spot for Arctic birds including Atlantic Puffins and see seals as you sail.

Land of Ice and Fire

Stunning otherworldly landscapes of steaming geysers and black sand beaches await you in Iceland. Hike on glaciers, through lava fields, to waterfalls and hot springs.

Cruises to Iceland

Ring of Fire & Ice | Circumnavigation of Iceland in Summer

Departure Dates

Jul 8, 24, Aug 6, 24

Price from $8,840

The Land of Elves, Sagas & Volcanoes | Circumnavigating Iceland: Itinerary 2

Departure date

Price from $11,788

Iceland Circular Saga—Hamburg to Reykjavík via Windswept Isles of the North

Price from $10,412

MS Fridtjof Nansen

Save up to 40% on 2024-2025 Expeditions!

Explore the Extraordinary! Through June 30, save up to 40% on must-see destinations

Active adventure

You’ll visit the best places along Iceland’s coastline on guided town walks, hikes in nature, wildlife watching, or on kayaking trips in glorious fjords.

Iceland’s stunning landscapes are a magnet for adventure enthusiasts, nature lovers and those looking for experiences off the beaten track. You’ll explore Iceland on your expedition cruise with us on a host of included and optional activities.

Stykkishólmur - Top of the Diamond

Join us on a spectacular snowcat tour to the top of Snæfellsjökull, the famous ice-capped volcano.

Discover Iceland’s South Coast (Post)

Explore the black sand beaches, mountains, and waterfalls along the south coast of Iceland.

* Please note that these are optional activities; an additional cost may apply.

Whales and Arctic birds

We’ll take you to some of the best destinations in Europe for whale watching. Iceland is also home to some of the world’s largest bird populations in the summer months, including Atlantic Puffins, Arctic terns and skuas.

Iceland's wildlife

Iceland’s incredible scenery may steal the limelight, but marine mammals and bird life also thrive here among the volcanoes and glaciers. Around 23 whale species frequent these waters, including humpbacks, minke, white-beaked dolphins, harbour porpoises and even the occasional blue whale. Look out too for harbour and grey seals, and thousands of birds.

Nordic folklore

Icelandic folk tales are full of mysticism and supernatural creatures. Learn about Viking sagas and their enduring impact on modern Icelandic society.

Iceland Expedition Team

When cruising Iceland, get more out of your travels with lectures and talks from your Expedition Team as you visit Iceland’s most popular and important sights. Immerse yourself in Iceland’s jaw-dropping scenery actively and safely on activities and adventures, guided by your Expedition Team.

Expedition Ships to Iceland

Our smaller ice-class expedition ships are your stylish and comfortable havens at sea. Travel safely and sustainably as you explore Iceland on these expedition ships.

Purpose-built as an expedition cruise ship, MS Fram is an exceptional base camp for explorers.On board, comfort is a top priority, so after a day of exploration you can relax in a hot tub ,dine in your choice of two restaurants or at the outdoor BBQ and catch up with your fellow guests with a cocktail in hand as you watch the scenery glide past in the Explorer Lounge & Bar. In the Science Centre, at the heart of the ship, you’ll discover more about the places you sail to and listen to talks by the Expedition Team.  With key expedition features and technology, MS Fram is primed to bring you on a journey of discovery to our planet’s most alluring and unspoiled regions. 

The newest addition to our fleet will honor the heritage of her namesake – the Norwegian explorer, scientist, humanitarian and Nobel Peace Prize laureate Fridtjof Nansen. Known for his innovations in Arctic expeditions, Nansen led the first crossing of Greenland on cross-country skis. He is perhaps most famous for his attempt to reach the geographical North Pole during the Fram Expedition (1893-1896). Interestingly, after Nansen's Fram expedition, the ship was passed on to another great explorer who secretly planned an expedition to the South Pole - Roald Amundsen.

MS Maud, previously MS Midnatsol, is named after one of the most famous polar vessels of all time, Roald Amundsen's 'Maud' from 1917. The original 'Maud' got her name from the first Queen of modern-day Norway. She also had her namesake in Hurtigruten Expedition’s 1925 flagship, DS Dronning Maud ('DS Queen Maud'). Today, MS Maud is equipped with advanced technology that makes her exceptionally well-suited for expedition cruises in Norway and the British Isles.

MS Spitsbergen

MS Spitsbergen is named after the crown jewel of Arctic Norway – the Svalbard archipelago and its biggest island, Spitsbergen. Hurtigruten has a long history of travelling to Spitsbergen, beginning in 1896 with the 'Sports Route'.

Sustainable adventures

Single-use plastics are banned on board our ships and we continually work to be more sustainable. We also support stronger community engagement, so you’ll have the chance to help on local initiatives, giving you a deeper cultural understanding of the places you visit.

Stories from Iceland

Travel Guide to Iceland

If your list for wanted vacation experiences involves volcanoes and lava fields, hot springs, geysers, glaciers and waterfalls, there is really just one place on earth you can to go. Welcome to Iceland.

What to See in Thingvellir National Park

Thingvellir National Park is located just 28 miles northeast of Reykjavik along Iceland’s popular Golden Circle route.

Myths and Legends of Iceland

Iceland is a country of striking and sometimes supernatural beauty - which is matched by its rich and extensive folklore. Here's what you need to know about the Icelandic superstitions.

Iceland’s long summer days, mineral-rich waters and fertile coastal cliffs attract a wonderful mix of sea mammals and birdlife, all waiting to be encountered.

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In 2025, we’re visiting Iceland more than ever, and for the first time we have 7 night, round-trip itineraries from Reykjavik aboard the stunning Celebrity Silhouette® giving you even more opportunities to explore this bucket-list destination. Plus, we’re adding a new port of call there as well, the quaint village of Djupivogur. This coastal gem has Viking origins, and a visit here is like stepping back in time. These sailings visit five captivating places in Iceland to give you an in-depth exploration of one of the most interesting places on the planet.

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We also offer sailings that go to Iceland, along with visits to other exciting places, including Halifax and Sydney, Nova Scotia; St. John’s Newfoundland; Prince Christian Sound, Qaqortoq and Nanortalik, Greenland. These incredible sailings give you a taste of so many different cultures and natural wonders that will give you a whole new perspective of the world. 

No matter which sailing you choose, this corner of the world has so much to do and discover. Hike to roaring waterfalls, and soak in geothermal hot springs. Walk in the footsteps of the Norse in Greenland and the Vikings in Iceland and unravel their fascinating history. Visit ice-carved fjords and otherworldly volcanic landscapes in the Land of the Midnight Sun. These once-in-a-lifetime journeys are a must-do for any world traveler looking to get off the beaten path for an unforgettable adventure. 

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• Family Cruises

Best Cruise Line for Iceland with a Child? DCL is out.

By disneygirl10 , April 14, 2016 in Family Cruises

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disneygirl10

So, I've been impatiently and anxiously awaiting DCL's summer Norwegian Fjords/Iceland itineraries.

The day is finally here!!! Am I booked? Nope.

For me and my 6 year old the price for a standard balcony room was $13,216.62. No thanks, Disney.

Now I am looking elsewhere..that's where you come in ..

Can someone recommend a cruise line with enough family activities for my son and I? It's just me and him so we won't utilize a kid's club often.

I like MSC's Germany/Iceland itinerary..although it looks to be close to sold out in categories that I'm interested in. Anyone have experiences,faves, ideas?

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ALL mainstream cruiselines will have family activities...plenty on EVERY cruise line. For your itinerary, the PORTS are the thing...the ship is merely transportation. The "luxury" lines don't offer much for kids. But RCI, HAL, Carnival, Celebrity, NCL and Princess will have plenty for both of you.

Agree, I don't need flow riders etc. We would have 3 sea days though. I can bring a few games, but would like other options provided by the ship as well.

What year are you looking at? I can't believe Disney is just now releasing these for this summer...And what time/month? Go to http://www.cruisetimetables.com and choose Reykjavik as you Port of Call. Then the month you want to sail. It will tell you who is calling there, and their itineraries.

That said, I'm not sure there is a lot in Iceland that a 6 y/o would appreciate. Unless he is into plate tectonics, volcanoes, Nordic culture, landscape...I think he would be bored. (I have been twice). EM

What year are you looking at? I can't believe Disney is just now releasing these for this summer...And what time/month? Go to http://www.cruisetimetables.com and choose Reykjavik as you Port of Call. Then the month you want to sail. It will tell you who is calling there, and their itineraries.   That said, I'm not sure there is a lot in Iceland that a 6 y/o would appreciate. Unless he is into plate tectonics, volcanoes, Nordic culture, landscape...I think he would be bored. (I have been twice). EM

Sorry..should have specified- 2017 summer prices/itneraries. Been waiting for months.

I think he would love Iceland! His 1st request was Antartica..second Iceland.. Third- Alaska.

I'm considering MSC because they have the dates that work best for us (August). I don't really know anything about them. Wondering if they have kid appropriate shows? And anything else outside of a kid's club that would interest him.

Please bear in mind that I haven't been Iceland, but I did want to note that your son's third choice of Alaska is a great itinerary for kids. There are a ton of kid friendly cruise lines in Alaska over the summer. Princess has a great kids club for Alaska (in previous years a naturalist went onboard to help the kids learn about Alaskan wildlife, but I'd post in the Princess or Alaska board to see if that is still the case). There are a lot of kid friendly excursions, including a helicopter to a dogsled camp on top of a mountain. Alaska is pretty expensive though so you'd want to price out the excursions and the cruise before booking. Both HAL and Princess have Panamax ships that do the one way northbound or southbound route, and these ships can get closer to the glaciers because they are narrower than other cruise ships.

We are taking our 6 yo on the Norwegian Fjords itinerary on NCL in 2017. We had looked at the dates that included Iceland, but decided that we couldn't make the length of the trip work for us, so we scaled back to a shorter cruise length. We have a minisuite on the NCL Jade for way less than what DCL would have charged us for an inside room on a similar voyage.

Last summer we did a 14-night Norway cruise (all the way up to Longyearbyen) on MSC with 7 sea days. Our daughter was 7 at the time; it was our third MSC cruise. It was a fantastic trip and our daughter had a great time. The sea days generally alternated with port days, which was nice. On sea days, she would typically go to the kids' club for a few hours, either for the morning or the afternoon session, and we would spend the other part of the day doing something together...using the pool, playing games, etc. She enjoyed the kids' club but I'm sure it's not like Disney's. She was usually one of 10-20 kids, very diverse in nationality and language, but the counselors seemed to do a pretty good job of keeping kids engaged. I don't remember there being many organized family activities, however. We had early seating for dinner, and afterward we usually went to the show as a family. Again not like Disney, but certainly family-friendly...not a lot of dialogue due to the international mix of passengers, but singing, dancing, and several acrobatic-type shows which my daughter enjoyed. I'd be happy to try to answer any specific questions if you have them.

I think Iceland would be a great trip for a child who enjoys nature. I was looking at Norway + Iceland for our cruise last summer, but the all-Norway itinerary fit our schedule best.

Happy cruising!

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Northern Europe Cruises

Our Northern Europe cruises mix seldom-explored locales with famed ports and overnights in alluring cities, such as Copenhagen, Reykjavík, and more. Glide through Norway’s fjords, explore Iceland’s lava fields or tour England’s storied castles on a British Isles cruise. Choose between convenient roundtrip voyages and longer expeditions and experience all that Northern Europe has to offer.

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Explore Northern Europe's Charming Destinations

Towering waterfalls, sprawling lava fields, tranquil hot springs—incredible landscapes await in Iceland.

No visit to Norway is complete without exploring its breathtaking fjords and charismatic cities.

British Isles

Amble seaside hamlets and medieval castles across the rolling emerald landscapes of Ireland, Scotland, and England.

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Peruse our convenient Europe departure ports. Whether you’re interested in a 7-day cruise or a long voyage, your dream port is where the adventure begins.

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Eidfjord, Norway

In the shadow of snowy peaks and near stunning blue-green fjords, Eidfjord is considered by many to be one of the most beautiful villages in Norway. 

Glasgow, Scotland

Stay in town and see Victorian architecture or head to Loch Lomond, Scotland’s largest freshwater lake.

Oslo, Norway

In this charming capital, see design mastery at the Oslo Opera House, dine al fresco along the Aker Brygge boardwalk, or tour the Norwegian Folk Museum.

Flam, Norway

Gaze at frozen-in-time churches and verdant, sheep-dotted fields. Take a spectacular train trip from the fjords to soaring peaks.

Dublin, Ireland

Walk the streets of celebrated writers, enjoy a pint or three at Temple Bar, see Trinity College’s iconic library.

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Featured northern europe cruises shore excursions.

From cooking classes to architecture tours and thrilling outdoor adventures, our shore excursions are the easiest way to explore the Old Continent.

Bathing In The Blue Lagoon

Aakrafjord & Langfoss Waterfall

Iceland on Horseback

Northern europe cruise travel tips.

Find out what to experience on your Europe cruise. Read insider tips and recommendations for things to see and do in beloved European destinations.

Best Time To Visit Iceland

While Iceland is incredible any time of year, the best time to visit depends on what you want to experience.

A Nordic Adventure

Learn about the best ways to experience the spectacular beauty of Flam, Norway and the Aurlandsfjord.

Best Fjords in Norway

Discover our top 5 picks for the best fjords in Norway—and what makes each one unique.

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Vacation with the family.

Trying to plan the ultimate family vacation? Royal Caribbean offers thrills for everyone onboard

Pulling off the perfect family vacation isn’t always easy, especially when you’re trying to cater to different ages and preferences. Fortunately, Royal Caribbean is known for delivering great family getaways designed to wow guests across multiple generations. Every ship in the Royal Caribbean fleet is packed with palate-pleasing dining options, incredible entertainment, and unforgettable activities for all ages included in your cruise fare — not to mention itineraries that take you to some of the world’s most adventure-filled shores. The best part? All the planning has been taking care of for you, so you can focus on bonding with your loved ones while doing as much or as little as you like. 

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Your next family getaway is a click away — where will you wander next?

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Family-friendly vacation destinations are always on the itinerary when you sail with Royal Caribbean®. From thrill-topping island hopping to exploring the Last Frontier, max memories like never before onboard the best family cruise ships in the world.

cococay getaway

Kick family bonding up a notch at Perfect Day at CocoCay in The Bahamas — voted Best Private Island Experience by Travel Weekly readers. Turn up the thrills, like conquering Daredevil’s Peak®, the tallest waterslide in the Caribbean. Or unplug and chill along Oasis Lagoon®, the largest freshwater pool in the Caribbean.

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Sun-kissed shores are yours to explore. Build epic castles on the pink sand beaches of Barbados . Splash into the turquoise waters of Curaçao. Or wander through legendary forts in Puerto Rico . No one does kid-friendly cruises better than Royal Caribbean® — the cruise line voted Best Overall for 21 years running by Travel Weekly readers.

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WILDEST WEEK EVER

Discover the magic of Alaska, where snowcapped mountains, towering forests and misty fjords dare you to deny their majesty. Spot bears hunting for salmon in Tongass National Forest. Listen to the thunderous roar of Hubbard Glacier . And cross once-in-a-lifetime experiences off your list together — on one unforgettable journey.

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Nothing fuels bolder bonding like an epic adventure with your squad. Set out from L.A. on the family vacation you’ve been waiting for onboard the best cruises for kids. From whale-watching in Ensenada to post-card pretty shores in Puerto Vallarta and lounging on Cabo’s world-famous beaches — make memories that last a lifetime.

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Cruise Planner is the place to get the most out of your adventure. Securing reservations and purchasing packages before you sail lets you score the best savings available anywhere. Add peace of mind to the mix — and you’re ready for big adventure. 

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From record breaking rides — like the tallest slide at sea — to dining that offers a taste of every culture and shows that will leave you in awe, being onboard a Royal Caribbean ship makes the journey as bold as the destinations you’ll visit.

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Each ship offers endless ways for families to fill their sea days. Think epic experiences like a plunge down the tallest slide at sea, Ultimate Abyss℠, and glow-in-the-dark laser tag battles that are bound to boost your adrenaline. Sun-soaked pool parties and hang ten sessions on the FlowRider®* surf simulator. A round of Mini Golf with a side of sea views and a rushing zip line ride ten stories above deck — and that’s barely scratching the surface.

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DIAL UP YOUR DINNER

With so many delicious dining options onboard, everyone in your family will find something to satisfy their cravings in between adventures. From the endless selection of complimentary flavors at Windjammer Café and family-friendly feasting with My Family Time Dining at the Main Dining Room, to specialty restaurants that take you from the Far East to Italy to Wonderland, there’s something to please every taste onboard.

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Every night is an opportunity for the whole family to enjoy some of the best entertainment at sea. Dazzling original productions and fan favorites straight from Broadway, deck-defying high dives and aerial stunts at the AquaTheater, and the coolest moves you’ve ever seen on ice at the skating rink — you’ll quickly discover that on these ships, every performance is a show-stopper.

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Finding your crew’s just-right stay-place is easy, with spacious rooms designed with families in mind. Choose from rooms with endless ocean views or suites with wrap-around balconies. And if you’re craving next-level luxury, the first-ever Ultimate Family Townhouse on  Icon of the Seas℠ maxes the memories with three tiers of unbelievable amenities and direct access to the Surfside℠ neighborhood from your private patio.

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ENDLESS WAYS TO DO DATE NIGHT RIGHT

Who says a family vacation has to be all about the kids? While the young ones are off exploring onboard or having a blast at the award-winning Adventure Ocean youth program, reconnect with your partner over dinner at one of the fleet’s world class specialty restaurants, catch a Broadway spectacular in the Main Theater, or get down on the dance floor to the sounds of a DJ or a talented live band.

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Craving a little grownup time? Both Adventure Ocean and the Royal Babies & Tots programs provide care and educational activities for kids in different age groups. Adventure Ocean also offers a Late Night Party Zone group sitting for children ages 3-11 between the hours of 10 p.m. and 2 a.m., so you can enjoy a stress-free adults-only night out on deck.

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PENCIL IN A PARENTS’ NIGHT OUT

While the kids are at play, indulge in the ultimate date night with your partner in adventure. Kick things off with a dinner to remember, followed by a glass of your favorite wine at Vintages or a singalong session at Schooner Bar. Then keep the party going long into the night at a live stand-up comedy show before you take a whirl on the dancefloor at Club Twenty.

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WHAT TO KNOW BEFORE YOU GO Don’t sweat the details — they’re all taken care of so you can focus on making lifelong family memories.

Family vacations should be stress-free, and Royal Caribbean makes it easy to fuel your wanderlust without worry. You can book unforgettable  shore excursions , onboard activities and shows online before you board, making the planning process a breeze. Once you’re on deck, you’ll enjoy award winning service by dedicated staff members that strive to meet every request, whether you’re traveling with special needs or just looking for ways to celebrate a special occasion onboard.

You can even get started customizing every aspect of your vacation from the moment you book. Browse and save big on onshore experiences, beverage and specialty dining packages, spa treatments and more when you reserve in advance online through  Cruise Planner . That way, you can go straight to enjoying your vacation as soon as you come aboard the ship.

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Many of the attractions onboard require closed-toed shoes and socks, so pack accordingly.

Even if you’re on a summer sailing to the tropics, pack a sweater if you plan to use the ice skating rink.

Luggage might not arrive in your stateroom until later. Pack a swimsuit in your carry-on so you can dive into adventure early.

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Fill every minute with everything you love, anytime you want. Indulge in gourmet globetrotting, applaud show-stopping entertainment, and take on fleet favorites like rock climbing and the FlowRider®* surf simulator, plus so much more!

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The 8 top alaska cruise lines of 2024.

Discover the best lines and itineraries for your type of travel style.

The Top Alaska Cruise Lines

Courtesy of Royal Caribbean International

A cruise vacation to Alaska is a profound adventure. The spectacular natural beauty, rugged wilderness, massive glaciers and endless opportunities for wildlife viewing make a trip to the 49th state a once-in-a-lifetime experience for many travelers. As an added bonus, cruise ships can reach remote parts of the state, including Glacier Bay National Park & Preserve: one of the most significant (and picturesque) marine and wildlife sanctuaries in the world.

With the ever-growing popularity of the destination and an extended cruising season (some lines now travel to Alaska between April and October), more ships are heading north to the shores of The Great Land. With these expanded itineraries, there's more than ever to think about when booking your Alaska cruise.

To assist in your decision-making process, U.S. News listed the top cruise lines to consider across five categories, including the best options for families , luxury-seekers and adventurers. U.S. News consulted data provided by Cruiseline.com and the results of our 2024 Best Cruise Lines rankings to help develop this list of the top cruise lines sailing to Alaska.

• Best Overall: Holland America Line; Princess Cruises
• Best for Families: Norwegian Cruise Line; Royal Caribbean International

Best for Couples: Celebrity Cruises

• Best Luxury: Regent Seven Seas Cruises; Silversea Cruises

Best Small-Ship Expedition Line: UnCruise Adventures

Find your perfect cruise

Best Overall: Holland America Line and Princess Cruises

Holland america line.

Courtesy of Holland America Line

Alaska cruise ships: Eurodam , Koningsdam , Nieuw Amsterdam , Noordam , Westerdam , Zaandam Departure cities (cruises and cruisetours): Anchorage , Fairbanks and Whittier, Alaska; Seattle; Vancouver, British Columbia Starting from: $379 per person for seven-night Alaska Inside Passage cruise on May 1, 2024, or Sept. 22, 2024. Round-trip from Vancouver.

Holland America Line has been cruising Alaska's pristine glacial waters for more than 75 years – longer than any other cruise line. On top of that, the line features more voyages to Glacier Bay National Park & Preserve than its competitors. Seven-night round-trip sailings depart from either Seattle or Vancouver, while cruisetours – Holland America Line 's sea- and land-based packages – leave from several cities and extend each trip to nine to 18 days.

If this will be your first visit to Alaska, consider booking the comprehensive 14-day Yukon + Denali cruisetour. This Alaska adventure includes a voyage aboard Koningsdam, plus a three-night stay at Holland America's exclusive lodge in Denali National Park, where you'll have the opportunity to see Alaska's big five: moose, caribou, grizzly bears, Dall sheep and wolves – and book bucket list activities like flightseeing over Denali. If it's a picture-perfect day, your pilot might even be able to land on the tallest mountain in North America, also known as "The Great One." Other excursions include meeting dog mushers from the Iditarod, landing on the Yanert Glacier, heli-hiking or embarking on a covered wagon adventure on the Alaska tundra. The Yukon Territory portion of this trip is exclusive to Holland America; while there, visit the mining town of Dawson City and learn about Northern Canada's Klondike Gold Rush of August 1896.

Another highlight of sailing Alaska with Holland America is the Alaska Up Close program, which immerses guests in an array of expert-led lectures and excursions on board and shore. When it comes to dining , Holland America is the only cruise line to achieve the Responsible Fisheries Management (RFM) certification, which means cruisers will enjoy certified sustainable wild Alaska seafood on board (think: Alaskan king crab legs and fresh salmon). You may also have access to culinary excursions in partnership with Food & Wine magazine, as well as special offerings like Alaska salmon bakes.

Cruisers should also consider one of the Holland America's new itineraries for 2024: the 28-night Alaska Arctic Circle Solstice voyage aboard Westerdam, round-trip from Seattle. This sailing, which departs on June 9, 2024, features highlights like crossing the Arctic Circle; celebrating the summer solstice in Nome, Alaska; and watching Kodiak bears – the largest bears in the world – on Kodiak Island.

Insider tip: Sample Holland America Line's famous Dutch pea soup while glacier viewing on the outside decks. The crew passes around mugs of the warm soup in this Holland America tradition that gives a nod to the line's heritage – and keeps guests warm on chilly summer days in Alaska.

Princess Cruises

Courtesy of Princess Cruises

Alaska cruise ships: Grand Princess , Sapphire Princess , Royal Princess , Ruby Princess , Majestic Princess , Discovery Princess , Crown Princess Departure cities (cruises and cruisetours): Seattle; Anchorage, Alaska; Vancouver, British Columbia; San Francisco ; Fairbanks, Alaska Starting from: $398 per person for seven-night cruise from Anchorage (Whittier, Alaska) to Vancouver on May 18, 2024

Princess Cruises has a long history in Alaska, boasting more than 50 years of sailing to the Great Land. Cruise itineraries last between seven and 14 nights, and many visit the Inside Passage. Princess Cruises also owns and operates five wilderness lodges for guests of its cruisetours, plus exclusive "Direct to the Wilderness" rail service to those properties. The line's wide selection of cruisetours includes independent adventures and off-the-beaten-path destinations, like Wrangell-St. Elias National Park & Preserve, the largest national park in the U.S. For travelers seeking the highest level of service and the most time on land, the Connoisseur cruisetour is a good option, including up to 10 nights ashore following the seven-day Voyage of the Glaciers cruise. The Connoisseur trip is hosted by a tour director and includes select sightseeing outings and most meals in the fare.

Princess' special programming, North to Alaska, offers guests unique insights into the history and culture of the region with visits from local Alaskans, photography sessions, demonstrations on lumberjacking and excursions like Cook My Catch, where guests will go fishing (with a guide), then bring their fish back for chefs to prepare for dinner at one of the designated Princess lodges.

There are two new Princess cruisetours to consider for 2024. The 15-night National Parks Tour includes a seven-day cruise, visits to five national parks, scenic rail travel and a total of eight evenings across four Princess wilderness lodges. Meanwhile, the Katmai National Park Tour is a nine-day adventure that takes guests to the famed Brooks Falls in Katmai National Park & Preserve to see bears feasting on wild salmon in Alaska's wilderness.

Insider tip: While visiting Denali National Park, be sure to check out the Princess Treehouse at the Mt. McKinley Princess Wilderness Lodge. Built by Pete Nelson of Animal Planet's "Treehouse Masters," the treehouse offers a different perspective of Denali and features "Sappy Hour" and other fun activities.  

Best for Families: Norwegian Cruise Line and Royal Caribbean International

Norwegian cruise line.

Courtesy of Norwegian Cruise Line

Alaska cruise ships: Norwegian Encore , Norwegian Bliss , Norwegian Jewel , Norwegian Sun , Norwegian Spirit Departure cities (cruises and cruisetours): Seattle ; Vancouver, British Columbia; Seward, Alaska Starting from: $349 per person for seven-night sailing between Seward and Vancouver (itineraries visit Hubbard Glacier and Skagway, or Glacier Bay, Skagway and Juneau). Available on Norwegian Jewel in April, May and June 2024.

Norwegian Cruise Line has one of the longest seasons in Alaska, extending from April through October. The line operates two of its larger ships in Alaska: Norwegian Bliss and Norwegian Encore. These ships feature a plethora of onboard activities to keep kids and adults entertained, like racetracks, laser tag, mini-golf, complimentary kids and teen clubs, video arcades, themed parties, live performances and more. Families will also enjoy entertainment by Nickelodeon, character breakfasts, salmon bakes and sessions with a park ranger who comes on board to narrate the Glacier Bay passage. You'll find many spacious room options on board perfectly suited to larger families – especially in The Haven, the line's exclusive ship-within-a-ship concept. In addition, Norwegian Cruise Line offers select cruise deals where third and fourth guests sail free .

There are two new Alaska shore excursions for 2024: the Mendenhall Glacier Canoe Paddle & Trek and the Fly-In Norris Glacier Hike and Packraft. The first outing takes place in Juneau , where you'll paddle a 12-person canoe across Mendenhall Lake to reach the towering glacier. Prepare to be surrounded by the spectacular setting of Tongass National Park, a 400-foot waterfall and an Arctic tern nesting ground. The second excursion, also in Juneau, takes participants on a flight into the Alaska wilderness via floatplane; you'll then paddle across a pristine glacial lake and hike the surface of Norris Glacier. Unforgettable sights along the way include densely forested mountains; the mouth of the Taku Inlet, a waterway that offers access to Juneau Icefield; and plenty of wildlife, including sea lions and bald eagles.

Also new for 2024 is the option to take the Denali Talkeetna Explorer tour after your cruise. (This cruisetour previously only took place prior to the voyage.) The 13-day sea and land package, Denali Talkeetna Explorer – Northbound Cruisetour, is available on three dates in 2024 in combination with a Norwegian Jewel sailing. The package includes a seven-night cruise; a total of six nights in Fairbanks, Denali and Talkeetna; a stop at the Trans-Alaska Oil Pipeline; a riverboat cruise in Fairbanks; a visit to an Iditarod dog musher's kennel; a deluxe glass-domed Alaska Railroad journey between Fairbanks and Denali; and more. You'll also have free time to book optional shore excursions like whitewater rafting, park tours, helicopter flightseeing and other outdoor adventures.

Insider tip: If you're sailing on Norwegian Bliss or Norwegian Encore, be sure to grab a front-row seat in the Observation Lounge when sailing in Glacier Bay Park & Preserve. This expansive space on Deck 15 at the bow of the ship offers breathtaking panoramic views from the comfort of inside the ship. 

Royal Caribbean International

Alaska cruise ships: Radiance of the Seas , Quantum of the Seas , Brilliance of the Seas , Ovation of the Seas Departure cities (cruises and cruisetours): Seward, Alaska; Vancouver, British Columbia; Seattle Starting from: $439 per person for seven-night cruise on Radiance of the Seas, Seward to Vancouver on May 24, 2024

Royal Caribbean International offers seven-night cruise-only Alaska options (some featuring the Inside Passage) and extended cruisetours (lasting nine to 13 days) with land portions before or after the voyage. Cruisetours may visit Denali National Park & Preserve, among other highlights. The line also offers select "kids sail free" itineraries, which will appeal to families.

If you want nonstop entertainment while on board, choose one of Royal Caribbean International 's two larger Quantum Class vessels: Quantum of the Seas or Ovation of the Seas. Both megaships accommodate approximately 4,900 passengers. If you prefer a smaller ship, consider booking one of the Radiance Class vessels, which hold a maximum of around 2,500 guests.

Quantum Class ships have multiple outdoor attractions that provide panoramic views of the scenery. For example, the surf simulator, FlowRider, affords views of magnificent snow-capped mountains and glaciers all around the ship. If you're adept at rock climbing, this is another chance for optimal scenic viewing – at 40 feet above the deck. Additional entertainment includes free-fall skydiving at RipCord by iFly, outdoor movie nights, live performances and musical entertainment, bumper cars, an escape room, a sports court and indoor pools for those cool Alaska summer days.

Insider tip: For more awe-inspiring vistas, take a ride on North Star. Exclusive to Royal Caribbean (on Quantum and Ovation of the Seas), the glass-enclosed capsule rises 300 feet above sea level while suspended over the ocean.

Read: The Most Affordable Alaska Cruises

Celebrity Cruises

Courtesy of Celebrity Cruises

Alaska cruise ships: Celebrity Summit , Celebrity Edge , Celebrity Solstice Departure cities (cruises and cruisetours): Seward, Alaska; Vancouver, British Columbia; Seattle Starting from: $397 per person for seven-night voyage on Celebrity Summit, Seward to Vancouver on May 17, 2024

Adventure-seeking couples will have many options to choose from during Celebrity Cruises ' 2024 Alaska season. The line's six- and seven-night cruise-only itineraries include up-close views of the Dawes Glacier in the Endicott Arm Fjord and the Hubbard Glacier, the world's longest tidewater glacier at 76 miles long. For an in-depth exploration of Alaska's interior, Celebrity's cruisetours extend the trip to a maximum of 13 nights and feature small-town destinations like Talkeetna, Alaska – the quirky village that inspired the 1990s television show "Northern Exposure." There are also themed tours centered on wildlife viewing and national parks, as well as culinary tours highlighting the flavors of Alaska.

Couples will also find plenty of adult-focused activities and entertainment on board, no matter which vessel they choose. Each ship offers a spa, multiple bars and lounges, and an excellent selection of complimentary and specialty restaurants. Celebrity's three Alaska-bound ships carry between 2,158 guests (Celebrity Summit) and 2,908 passengers (Celebrity Edge). Celebrity Edge, the newest of the ships, offers immersive entertainment and especially beautiful public spaces – like Grand Plaza, a three-story venue at the heart of the vessel.

For extra privacy during your couples' vacation, consider splurging on a suite or villa in The Retreat. This all-inclusive space features luxurious accommodations; a private lounge; a sundeck (unavailable on Celebrity Solstice); and a private restaurant, Luminae at The Retreat. The swanky culinary venue serves dishes curated by renowned French chef Daniel Boulud. In addition, you'll have a team of attendants, butlers and concierges to indulge every whim.

Insider tip: Book your Alaska cruise on Celebrity Edge. The outward-facing design of the ship and expansive outdoor spaces, including the Magic Carpet, offer guests excellent viewing opportunities of Alaska's vast landscapes, calving glaciers and wildlife, including humpback whales in the Inside Passage and around Juneau and Sitka.

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Best Luxury: Regent Seven Seas Cruises and Silversea Cruises

Regent seven seas cruises.

Alaska cruise ships: Seven Seas Explorer Departure cities: Vancouver, British Columbia; Seward, Alaska Starting from: $4,699 per person (all-inclusive) for seven-night cruise, Vancouver to Seward on May 1, 2024

Regent's Seven Seas Explorer will spend the 2024 season in Alaska, with the first sailing embarking from Vancouver, British Columbia, on May 1, 2024. The line offers 20 seven-night voyages and two 14-night sailings between May and September. The 746-passenger ship provides an in-depth exploration of Alaska's wilderness, thanks to the vessel's smaller size and all-balcony suites. Regent Seven Seas Cruises ' all-inclusive fares include free unlimited shore excursions (though select tours come with a fee); complimentary fine wines and spirits; dining at specialty restaurants; 24-hour room service; unlimited Wi-Fi access; prepaid gratuities; free valet laundry service; and more. Depending on the suite category, guests may also receive a pre- and post-cruise hotel stay with their voyage.

Complimentary shore excursions are available in a number of Alaska ports. In Ketchikan, sign up for the Tongass Rainforest Expedition, the Great Alaska Lumberjack Show or the Alaskan Lodge Adventure & Seafest. (Note: Some excursions in Ketchikan, such as the Alaska Fishing & Wilderness Dining option, come with an additional fee.) In Juneau, guests can take the complimentary hiking adventure through the Mendenhall Glacier National Recreation Area, home to black bears, mountain goats and other wildlife. Cruisers can also dine on wild Alaska salmon grilled over a fire at the Gold Creek Salmon Bake.

Insider tip: Take advantage of the complimentary shore excursions during your cruise. These are tours you'd normally have to pay for on a ship that's not all-inclusive – and that can add up quickly.

Silversea Cruises

Courtesy of Silversea Cruises

Alaska cruise ships: Silver Nova , Silver Muse , Silver Shadow Departure cities: Seward, Alaska; Vancouver, British Columbia Starting from: $3,450 per person for seven-night cruise, Vancouver to Seward on Silver Muse on Aug. 1, 2024

Debuted in August 2023, Silversea's latest addition, Silver Nova, is the newest luxury vessel sailing Alaska for the 2024 season. Silver Nova features an asymmetrical design and advanced technologies that make it Silversea Cruises ' most environmentally friendly vessel yet. With just 728 guests, spacious suites (some affording 270-degree views) and outdoor spaces showcasing The Great Land's pristine wilderness, Silver Nova is an excellent luxury option for an Alaska adventure. Silversea offers seven-night itineraries on its three Alaska ships, plus longer voyages on Silver Muse and Silver Shadow.

Silversea's all-inclusive fares include pre- and post-cruise hotel stays; complimentary nonalcoholic and alcoholic beverages; in-room minibars; gourmet dining; all gratuities; at least one excursion per port; butler service in every suite; and other upscale amenities. Complimentary Alaska excursions include a scenic railway tour aboard the White Pass and Yukon Railway in Skagway, the Sea Otter & Wildlife Quest in Sitka Sound and more. You can also visit the Iditarod dogs' summer camp in Juneau. For an additional cost, Silversea offers more exclusive experiences, like a helicopter ride to Mendenhall Glacier followed by a dogsledding adventure with a team of Alaskan huskies in Juneau, or a remote fly-fishing trip in Sitka.

Insider tip: Spend some time on Deck 10; you'll enjoy unobstructed views of the spectacular scenery from the comfort of the heated pool, thanks to the asymmetrical design of the pool deck.

UnCruise Adventures

Alaska cruise ships: Wilderness Discoverer, Wilderness Legacy, Safari Endeavor, Safari Explorer, Safari Quest Departure cities: Ketchikan, Juneau, Whittier, Dutch Harbor and Sitka, Alaska; Seattle Starting from: $3,600 per person for seven-night cruise, Juneau to Ketchikan (or reverse itinerary) on Wilderness Discoverer; various dates between April and September 2024

UnCruise's expedition-style small ships call on ports and remote areas in Alaska that larger ships can't access, taking guests to locales that the line coins, "UnAlaska." The five ships operating in The Great Land accommodate between 22 passengers (Safari Quest) and 86 guests (Wilderness Legacy), and there are seven-, 12- and 14-night itineraries to choose from. You can also book optional land tours, including a Denali & Talkeetna Wilderness Rail Adventure. Expedition teams take guests on kayaking, skiffing, paddleboarding, bushwhacking, waterfall walks and hiking excursions close to the glaciers and visit secluded areas and waterway passages known for optimal wildlife viewing.

Cruise fares include group transfers to and from the ship; all meals; premium wine, beer and liquor; all nonalcoholic beverages; daily activities; wellness amenities; onboard heritage and expedition guides; and access to guest experts. You'll need to disconnect from your devices in remote areas, as there is no Wi-Fi access on UnCruise vessels.

For a once-in-a-lifetime trip, book the 14-night Alaska's Fjords & Glaciers Bay Adventure Cruise on Wilderness Discoverer, a 76-passenger ship. This voyage includes birding in the South Marble Islands, where you'll see puffins, cormorants, oystercatchers and other bird species. You can also search for brown bears in Corner Bay, bushwhack in old-growth forests, visit the town of Haines to sample local brews and spirits, and more.

UnCruise has introduced a few new cruises for 2024 with a renewed focus on The Great Land. One of these is the Kids in Nature, Wild Woolly & Wow with Glacier Bay cruise. The seven-night, family-focused voyage departs round-trip from Juneau aboard Wilderness Legacy and is available on three dates between June and July. One highlight of the voyage is exploring off-the-grid in Glacier Bay National Park & Preserve's "Outback."

A second new option is the seven-night Prince William Sound Explorer with Cordova cruise. This adventure visits dozens of glaciers; the small fishing village of Cordova; the Harriman and College glacial fjords; the islands of Knight and Montague; and multiple places where you can see orcas, humpback whales, sea otters, seals, sea lions, puffins and other wildlife. The itinerary is offered round-trip from Whittier, Alaska, on Safari Explorer throughout the summer.

Insider tip: Depending on your itinerary, you may be able to hop in a skiff directly off the ship to watch bears along the shore hunt for salmon just 100 feet away. This is an Alaska experience you can only have when sailing on a small ship.

Read: The Top Cruises on Small Ships

Why Trust U.S. News Travel

Gwen Pratesi has been an avid cruiser since her early 20s. She has sailed on nearly every type of cruise ship built, including the newest megaships, traditional masted sailing ships, river ships in Europe and a small luxury expedition vessel in Antarctica. She has cruised to Alaska and visited The Great Land in the summer, fall and winter, and journeyed to remote areas by bush plane above the Arctic Circle. Pratesi covers the travel and culinary industries for major publications, including U.S. News & World Report.

You might also be interested in:

• Alaska Cruise Packing List
• The Top Things to Do in Alaska
• The Top Northern Lights Alaska Cruises
• The Top Antarctica Cruises
• The Best Cruise Insurance Plans

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The 5 best destinations you can visit on a Viking cruise ship

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Fast-growing Viking has one of the most diverse arrays of itineraries of any cruise line.

Not only does the California-based company offer ocean cruises in almost every corner of the world, it also offers river cruises on many of the world’s major rivers.

That’s notably different from most cruise lines. Typically, cruise lines operate either ocean cruises or river cruises but not both. That gives them a smaller range of itineraries.

For more cruise guides, tips and news, sign up for TPG’s cruise newsletter .

Viking has a particularly large footprint when it comes to European river itineraries, with a wide range of sailings on nearly every European river of any note, from the Douro in Portugal to (until recently) the Volga in Russia.

The company also operates river trips on the Nile in Egypt and the Mekong in Southeast Asia, and it just began river trips on the Mississippi River .

There are 80 river ships in Viking’s fleet — an astounding number. None of its main competitors among river lines catering to North Americans, which include Avalon Waterways, Uniworld and AmaWaterways , have anywhere near that number of vessels.

Related: First look at Viking’s stylish new Nile River ship

Among ocean cruise destinations, Viking has a major presence in Scandinavia and Northern Europe, which it considers its home turf. (The company was founded by a Norwegian family.) However, you’ll find Viking’s nine traditional ocean ships everywhere from North America to Asia and Australia.

Last year, the line began cruising to Antarctica with its first expedition ship — a type of vessel built specifically for travel to remote, hard-to-reach places. Viking now has two such vessels.

Among the line’s voyages, there’s everything from eight-day cruises in the Mediterranean to 138-day around-the-world voyages.

Overwhelmed with choices? Here are the five best Viking cruise destinations where the line can truly offer you a memorable vacation.

Scandinavia and Northern Europe

Some of Viking’s most interesting itineraries are around Scandinavia and the Baltic Sea, with many beginning or ending in Norway — the homeland of the company’s founder and chairman, Torstein Hagen.

As Hagen once told me, Scandinavia and the Baltic Sea are what the company considers “Viking country” — a region where it wants to dominate.

During summers, in particular, Viking devotes an unusually large number of its ships to itineraries around Scandinavia, the Baltic Sea and other Northern Europe destinations such as Iceland. Many, notably, use the relatively small but famously scenic Norwegian city of Bergen (population 286,000) as a gateway, something no other line is doing. That allows for unusual variations on the typical Baltic Sea or Norwegian fjords cruise.

The line’s most popular route in the region, “Viking Homelands,” is a two-week-long, one-way trip between Bergen and Stockholm that combines several days of exploring the fjord region of Norway’s west coast with more-typical Baltic cruise destinations such as St. Petersburg, Russia, and Helsinki.

Related: The ultimate guide to Viking ships and itineraries

Note that, in the wake of Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, Viking has pulled the St. Petersburg stop, as well as stops in Finland and Estonia from the Viking Homelands itinerary; the trips instead feature extra stops in Norway and Denmark. It’s unlikely St. Petersburg will return to the itinerary until the war in Ukraine is resolved.

Viking also offers a 14-night itinerary that includes several stops in the northernmost part of the country above the Arctic Circle. Dubbed “Into the Midnight Sun,” the one-way route between Bergen and London is unique because it combines calls in far-north Honningsvag and Tromso, Norway, with visits to Scotland’s remote Shetland Islands and the Orkney Islands. Though part of the United Kingdom, these archipelagos have ties to Norwegian and Viking history.

Itineraries that will take you from Bergen to Iceland or even as far away as France, Portugal and Spain also are available.

Viking’s Scandinavia and Northern Europe trips range widely in length from just seven nights to a whopping 28 nights.

Among the longest sailings that Viking offers that include calls in Northern Europe are one-way, 28-night voyages between Bergen and New York City. The trips include stops in Norway, Iceland, Greenland and Canada.

In Northern Europe, Viking ships mostly sail out of Bergen, Amsterdam, Stockholm, Copenhagen and London as well as Reykjavik.

The Mediterranean

Viking has grown into a major player in Mediterranean sailings, with more than 30 distinct itineraries that include stops in the region.

The trips include voyages focused specifically on the Western Mediterranean or Eastern Mediterranean and some that include stops across both areas.

Typical of the latter is the line’s 14-night “Mediterranean Antiquities” routing, a one-way trip between Athens and Barcelona that stops in Greece, Turkey, Italy, Monaco, France and Spain.

More-focused Mediterranean itineraries include the line’s nine-night “Empires of the Mediterranean” voyages between Venice and Athens, which mostly concentrate on stops along the eastern side of the Adriatic Sea in Slovenia, Croatia and Montenegro.

In the Mediterranean, the line’s main hubs are Barcelona; Civitavecchia (the port for Rome) and Venice, Italy; Piraeus (the port for Athens), Greece; and Istanbul.

Related: The complete guide to Viking cabins and suites  

Europe riverways

Viking is, quite simply, the giant of river cruising in Europe — at least among lines that cater to English speakers. The company operates around 70 river ships on a broad swath of the continent’s rivers — far more than any other river line catering to North Americans.

In all, the line accounts for about half of all river cruises taken by North Americans in the region. The next biggest player in Europe river cruises for North Americans, AmaWaterways, is less than half the size.

Among the rivers in Europe where Viking has a major presence are the Rhine, Main and Danube in Central Europe; the Seine, Rhone, Dordogne, Garonne and Gironde in France; the Douro in Portugal; and the Moselle and Elbe in Germany. Until recently, Viking also offered cruises on the Dnieper River in Ukraine. The voyages have been suspended since Russia invaded the country in early 2022.

On nearly all of the rivers, the line offers multiple itineraries with lengths ranging from seven nights to as many as 22 nights.

Among 10 different itineraries on the Rhine River alone, offerings range from a seven-night “Rhine Getaway” from Amsterdam to Basel, Switzerland, to a 22-night “European Sojourn” from Amsterdam to Bucharest, Romania. The latter adds travel on the Main and Danube rivers to days on the Rhine.

Viking offers some of the most intimate and elegant cruises on the Nile, with three ships including the recently unveiled, 82-passenger Viking Osiris — one of our favorite vessels on the river.

All three of Viking’s Nile ships operate the same seven-night Nile cruise itinerary that Viking pairs with a four-night stay at a hotel in Cairo (three nights before the cruise and one night after) to create an 11-night “Pharaohs and Pyramids” tour of Egypt.

Related: The ultimate guide to Viking’s loyalty program

The cruise portion of the tour includes visits to the historic temples of Luxor, Karnak, Esna, Dendera and Abu Simbel as well as a visit to the iconic Valley of the Kings. The stay in Cairo brings a visit to the pyramids of Giza, the Egyptian Museum and other sites.

Viking Osiris is the first of four sister ships that Viking plans to launch on the Nile by 2025 as it doubles its footprint in Egypt. The vessels offer a clean-lined, Scandinavian-influenced design that mimics the look of Viking’s Europe-based vessels.

Notably, the ship features an entire deck of sprawling suites that rival anything else found on the Nile for luxury and comfort. Each comes with two full-size rooms — a large living room with a residential feel and an adjacent bedroom with a walk-in closet and bathroom. Each suite also has an outdoor balcony with seating for two — something you don’t always see on Nile ships.

Viking is a newcomer to cruises to Antarctica, but the destination is a big growth area for the line. Viking recently added two new, 378-passenger expedition cruise vessels specifically built to travel to the White Continent.

Dubbed Viking Octantis, the first of these vessels began sailings to Antarctica in February 2022. The second ship in the series, Viking Polaris, has just joined its sister in Antarctica this year. Together, the two ships are already making waves in the market for Antarctica cruises, in part because they have several new and unusual features.

Most notable is The Hangar, an enclosed marina that allows passengers to transfer to two of each ship’s exploratory vessels while still in the protected interior of the ship. A first for an expedition ship, it’s something that is significantly improving the experience for passengers heading out on Antarctica exploration.

Related: The 3 types of Viking ships, explained

In another first for polar expedition cruise vessels, every cabin on both Viking Octantis and Viking Polaris has floor-to-ceiling glass walls that slide partially open from the top to create a balcony-like feel.

Viking offers several Antarctic itineraries, with the typical trip starting with a night at a hotel in Buenos Aires, Argentina, before a flight to Ushuaia, Argentina, to board one of the two expedition ships for an 11-night cruise to Antarctica and back. A longer version of the trip features 13 nights on board one of the ships and extra days in Antarctica.

Viking also offers Antarctica sailings that combine a visit to the White Continent with stops in the Falkland Islands, Uruguay and Brazil.

Viking Octantis, notably, also operated Viking’s first sailings around the Great Lakes this year. In 2023, both Viking Octantis and Viking Polaris will spend their summers in the Great Lakes.

Planning a cruise? Start with these stories:

• The 5 most desirable cabin locations on any cruise ship
• The 8 worst cabin locations on any cruise ship
• A quick guide to the most popular cruise lines
• 21 tips and tricks that will make your cruise go smoothly
• 15 ways cruisers waste money
• 15 best cruise ships for people who never want to grow up
• What to pack for your first cruise

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And when you do spend on dining, you should use a credit card that will maximize your rewards and potentially even score special discounts. Thanks to temporary card bonuses and changes due to coronavirus, you may even be able to score a meal at your favorite restaurant for free. 

These are the best credit cards for dining out, taking out, and ordering in to maximize every meal purchase.

Editorial Disclaimer: Opinions expressed here are the author’s alone, not those of any bank, credit card issuer, airlines or hotel chain, and have not been reviewed, approved or otherwise endorsed by any of these entities.