The town of Akureyri on the shore of Eyjafjordur, with snowcapped mountains across the fjord.
Featured Cruises to Akureyri, Iceland
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Cruises to Akureyri, Iceland
Akureyri is the largest town in Iceland outside the Reykjavik area, home to about 20,000 people at the inland end of Eyjafjordur, a long fjord on the north coast. Norse settlers farmed here from the 9th century, and the town received its charter in 1786. Known as the "Capital of North Iceland," it lies less than 100 km (62 miles) from the Arctic Circle, yet its sheltered, ice-free harbor and mild local climate let a botanical garden flourish outdoors. For cruise passengers it is the gateway to the north's best-known sights: the waterfall Godafoss, the lava fields and craters of Lake Myvatn, and whale watching on the fjord.
Do cruise ships dock in Akureyri? Yes. Visit Akureyri, the town's official tourism office, says most ships dock very close to the town center or about a 10-minute walk away. How do you get around? The center is small enough to explore on foot, and local buses within town are free. The tourist information office is in the Hof cultural center by the harbor, where whale watching trips and many bus tours also start.
Cruises to Akureyri are part of Iceland, Northern Europe and transatlantic itineraries, and ships call during the summer months. Princess calls most often, followed by Viking Ocean, Holland America, Windstar and Norwegian, with Celebrity, Oceania and Explora Journeys also visiting.
The biggest sights lie outside town, and the tourism office warns that taxis, rental cars and tours can be hard to find on busy cruise days, so book a Godafoss or Myvatn trip before you arrive.
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Destinations for Cruises to Akureyri, Iceland
The following cruise destinations can be visited on a cruise that includes Akureyri, Iceland. Select a destination to view the upcoming cruises that are available:
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Pricing listed above is per person, based on double occupancy in the least expensive accommodations available, is subject to change, and may not reflect the most recent pricing (as pricing gets updated throughout the day). Prices include Required Cruise Fees & Expenses, as well as Government Taxes & Fees. Prices may not reflect discounts and special promotions that you may qualify for. Go to the Category selection step of the online booking process to view the live pricing and latest offers.
Cruise Lines with Cruises to Akureyri, Iceland
The following cruise lines offer cruises sailing to Akureyri, Iceland. Select a cruise line to view the upcoming cruises that visit Akureyri, Iceland:
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Luxury Cruise Lines
When the finest cruise vacation is your top priority, this is the place to start.
On a luxury cruise line, guests experience highly personalized service, a more intimate (and usually formal) onboard experience, gourmet cuisine, well-appointed accommodations, and fantastic amenities. Many of these brands have smaller ships, allowing them to reach ports of call that the larger ships can't, which results in unique itineraries.
All of these brands feature a version of all-inclusive pricing, and some of them have ships with all-suite accommodations. Although these cruise lines are usually more expensive than the rest, they also provide their guests with so much more, resulting in a fantastic value when considering all that's included.
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Specialty Cruise Lines
These cruise lines offer a truly unique vacation experience, with a wide range of possible amenities and itineraries. Some are expedition cruise lines, others have sailing yachts or are coastal ships.
On these types of cruise lines, there's usually a focus on a specific destination or theme. Itineraries are usually very destination intensive, aided by the fact that they're able to reach many ports of call that larger ships can't.
Expedition cruise lines are a great fit for adventure-seeking travelers, featuring exciting destinations like the Galapagos Islands, Antarctica, and the Norwegian coast. During the cruise, there will usually be plenty of interesting lectures given by experts on the destination being visited. Often, shore excursions are included in the cost of the cruise. In fact, some of these cruise lines have all-inclusive pricing. There's a definite focus on the ship's surrounding scenery, as well as opportunities to view wildlife in their natural habitat. Small, but comfortable, ships are commonplace here, with anywhere from basic to very luxurious public spaces, cuisine, and accommodations (depending on the cruise line and ship).
Sailing Yachts, sail-assisted motor ships, offer a really unique vacation experience. Accommodations and cuisine on these intimate vessels can be anywhere from good to fantastic, depending on the cruise line. Destinations offered by these cruise lines may include the Caribbean, Europe, Panama Canal, Tahiti, and Costa Rica.
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Deluxe Cruise Lines
These cruise lines fit (quality and, usually, price-wise) somewhere in between Premium and Luxury cruise lines.
A country club casual atmosphere can be expected on these lines, as can be elegant accommodations and gourmet cuisine. These cruise lines are a great option for adults looking for a upscale, yet laid back, vacation.
Unique itineraries are often available on these cruise lines, as their small-to-mid-sized ships can visit ports of call that large ones can't get to.
The pricing on Azamara Club Cruises includes select beverages and pre-paid gratuities, while the pricing of Viking Ocean Cruises includes shore excursions and select beverages.
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Premium Cruise Lines
These cruise lines enhance what mainstream cruise lines typically offer, by providing their guests with higher quality service and cuisine, along with more spacious public spaces and accommodations.
Depending on the cruise line, the ships in this class range in size from small to very large.
These cruise lines appeal to a more discerning traveler, and are typically more expensive than mainstream cruise lines, but more affordable than the luxury lines.
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River Cruise Lines
Becoming more and more popular, a river cruise is an immerse and destination-focused vacation experience, on a small and luxurious vessel.
River cruises sail through the inland waterways of some of the world's most interesting vacation destinations (i.e. Europe, Asia, the Middle East, and North America), and provide their guests with a greater opportunity to spend time visiting more unique ports of call than a traditional cruise typically would.
Because the destination is the star of a river cruise, (typically guided) shore excursions are included at no additional charge by many River cruise lines. There are usually many interesting lectures given during the cruise, by experts on the history and culture of the region being visited.
Among the famous rivers that one may take a river cruise on are the Rhine, Mississippi, Seine, Danube, Mekong, Nile, Yangtze, Amazon and Douro.
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Mainstream Cruise Lines
Value is a key feature of these popular cruise lines, as they offer lots of activities, entertainment and dining options, along with a variety of stateroom types. Some of the cruise lines in this category have ships with unique innovations like water slides, rock-climbing walls, ice-skating rinks, surfing simulators, bowling alleys, and boardwalks.
Their ships are usually anywhere from mid-sized to very large "mega" ships, accommodating thousands of guests. These ships give the feel of being in a large resort.
Mainstream cruise lines are a great option for just about everyone (including multi-generation families, and first-time cruisers), and typically have great youth programs.
During the cruise, entertainment may include Broadway productions, Vegas-style shows, comedians, and music. Some of these lines have select formal nights during the cruise. Specialty restaurants are becoming more and more common (some which have a cover charge for this type enhanced dining experience). Buffets are usually available throughout the day, besides room service, and the main dining room(s).
Atlas Ocean Voyages is a "luxe-adventure" cruise line with intimate yachts, offering bucket-list trips to the world's most sought-after and remote destinations inaccessible to larger ships. Aboard its well-constructed vessels designed to deliver the ideal excursion experience while optimizing fuel efficiency, guests can explore Iceland and Greenland, the Arctic and Norwegian Fjords, and Antarctica or focus on cultural expeditions to Northern Europe, the Mediterranean, the British Isles, and South America. The company's "Always Included" promise means you won't pay on board for dining, specialty drinks, Wi-Fi, gratuities, and much more!
Azamara is a deluxe cruising experience that's geared towards discerning travelers yearning to travel, in luxury, to exotic and rare vacation destinations. On an Azamara cruise, you'll experience extremely high levels of service, gourmet cuisine, and fantastic accommodations. With a country club casual dress code and open dining format, this premium product is a fabulous choice for many travelers. Special amenities that all guests booked on an Azamara cruise benefit from include pre-paid gratuities, bottled water, soft drinks, specialty coffees, and teas. Select standard spirits, international beers, and wines are also included (available in the bars during regular opening hours, and not through room service). Guests who are booked in a suite get complimentary specialty dining, free internet, complimentary access to the Thalassotherapy pool and spa deck, and much more!
Until you personally experience the five-star service for which Celebrity Cruises is acclaimed, you won't know what it means to be treated not simply as a passenger, but as an honored guest. Fabulous service, great food, and entertaining shows are all available onboard each Celebrity cruise ship. AquaClass accommodations, balcony staterooms with special spa amenities and access, are available on most Celebrity ships. The line also offers a state-of-the-art Spa with first-at-sea fitness programs aboard all vessels. Consistently rated as one of the best cruise lines in the world, you simply can't go wrong with Celebrity Cruises.
Costa Cruises enjoys the reputation of being Europe’s number one cruise line. This Italian company has a large fleet that sails Caribbean, Mediterranean, Northern Europe, South America, Asia, Indian Ocean, Middle East, Baltic and Russia, and Transatlantic itineraries. Spa accommodations are available on several of the newer Costa ships, and there are a wide range of things to do as you Cruise Italian Style with them.
Crystal, previously known as Crystal Cruises, is one of the world's leaders in ultra-luxury cruising. Their all-inclusive fleet includes two renovated ocean-going ships, Crystal Serenity and Crystal Symphony. Extraordinary service, abundant space, gourmet cuisine (comparable to the finest restaurants on land), and excellent itineraries are some highlights of an unforgettable Crystal cruise. Combining the included amenities (fine wine, premium spirits, gratuities, and much more) with their exceptional accommodations and service, Crystal is a fantastic value in the luxury cruising market.
Cunard's glorious ocean liners are floating palaces of art deco splendor and Edwardian excess, surrounding guests with every comfort and luxury. They are the quintessence of luxury travel. With Cunard, the journey may be even more magnificent than the destination. There are currently four vessels in the Cunard fleet: Queen Anne, Queen Elizabeth, Queen Victoria, and their flagship, Queen Mary 2. Regardless of which one you choose, you're going to be on a luxurious vessel with fabulous food, entertainment & service.
Part of the MSC Group, Explora Journeys offers the ultimate all-inclusive luxury cruise experience, from architecture and design to technology and features. They are wellness-focused, offering a fantastic variety of experiences in each destination (both onboard and ashore). Explora Journeys offers a variety of beautiful voyages in destinations such as the Mediterranean, Caribbean, Africa & Indian Ocean, Canada & New England, and more.
Award-winning Holland America Line has been among the leaders in cruising for over 140 years. This premium cruise line has a fleet of modern yet classic ships that combine to offer over 500 cruises a year, sailing in all seven continents! While on a Holland America cruise, guests can count on world-class entertainment, a variety of onboard activities to choose from, remarkable service, tastefully appointed accommodations, and fantastic dining. Select ships have special venues such as Lincoln Center Stage, B.B. King's Blues Club, as well as gourmet restaurants like the Pinnacle Grill and Tamarind (a Pan-Asian venue that has been praised by Condé Nast Traveler as having cuisine "that rivals the top restaurants on land."). Other onboard venues include several bars and lounges (serving masterfully crafted cocktails), the Greenhouse Spa & Salon, a fitness center, swimming pools, and a casino that offers a variety of games. The Culinary Arts Center, presented by Food & Wine® magazine offers cooking demon
Part of Hurtigruten Group, Hurtigruten Expeditions (also known as HX) offers expedition-style cruises to some of the most remote destinations in the world. Their small ships take guests up close to the wildlife and landscapes of those areas, including Antarctica, Greenland, Spitsbergen, and the Arctic. An expert Expedition Team provides wonderful onboard enrichment lectures, and a variety of unique, exciting shore excursions (such as dog sledding, kayaking, and snow mobile safaris) are available during each Hurtigruten Expeditions cruise,
MSC Cruises is the world's third-largest cruise line with a strong and growing presence in North America and is committed to achieving net zero greenhouse gas emissions by 2050. With 23 ships and over 250 destinations to choose from, guests can enjoy beautifully designed ships with a diverse guest mix. MSC Cruises sails year-round from Miami, Orlando (Port Canaveral), New York City, and Galveston starting November 2025. Many itineraries include late-night and overnight stays at Ocean Cay MSC Marine Reserve, the only private island marine reserve in The Bahamas. For guests wanting privacy and luxury, most U.S. ships offer the MSC Yacht Club, an exclusive sanctuary at the top of the ship only accessible by key card. MSC Cruises is a great vacation choice for families, with many activities and expansive kids' clubs for kids of all ages. In April 2025, MSC Cruises' newest flagship, MSC World America, will sail from Miami to the Caribbean. Beauty and discovery await with MSC Cruises.
Norwegian Cruise Line (NCL) is proud to present Freestyle Cruising aboard one of the youngest fleets of cruise ships in the world. Enjoy open-seating dining, where you can dine whenever and with whomever you wish. Don't want to pack formal wear on your vacation? With the resort casual evening attire, you don't have to! All of the Norwegian ships feature a variety of specialty restaurants and entertainment venues. An NCL cruise is perfect for guests of all ages and includes complimentary youth programs. Their award-winning entertainment options include Broadway-style production shows, world-class acrobats, and much more. The Haven by Norwegian™, available on select ships, is an exclusive enclave for suite guests staying in NCL's most luxurious accommodations. Some Norwegian cruise ships have Studio accommodations designed and priced for solo travelers. NCL is the only major cruise line to offer year-round Hawaii cruises.
Formed in 2002 by luxury cruise industry veterans Joe Watters and Frank Del Rio, Oceania Cruises is one of the the world’s leading deluxe cruise lines. The finest cuisine at sea, award-winning itineraries and outstanding value define Oceania Cruises’ five-star product and have positioned the company as the cruise line of choice for travelers seeking a truly refined and casually elegant travel experience.
Experience a different and magical way of cruising. Ponant prides themselves in providing modest-sized yachts that will transport you where most larger ships cannot reach. Included on board are restaurants that prepare the finest in French-inspired cuisine, as well as a well-trained and discreet staff whose goal is to provide you with the best service possible. For those who enjoy the luxurious life, some of their ships have butler service (for guests staying in select suites). All this and so much more is offered, along with all the privacy you could ask for. Come experience cruising "A la Française", the tasteful style of this company.
Princess Cruises has taken cruising to a whole new level, with spacious and accommodating ships packed with amenities. You'll always find the freedom to chart your own course. The Princess fleet includes a variety ships, from mid-sized to large feature-filled vessels, and features a wonderful Personal Choice Dining® program where you can choose between Traditional (assigned) and Anytime (open) dining setups to enjoy their great service and cuisine.
The six small to mid-size ships in Regent Seven Seas' award-winning six-star fleet include the intimate all-suite Seven Seas Navigator, the all-suite, all-balcony sister ships Mariner and Voyager, the all-suite, all-balcony Explorer and Splendor, and the recently introduced Grandeur. Regardless of which ship you choose, you're going to be on a luxurious vessel that's staffed with an ultra-attentive staff and a gourmet all-inclusive setup, in which gratuities, as well as select wines and spirits, are included.
What type of traveler is Royal Caribbean right for? All types! Royal Caribbean is popular with families, seniors, couples, honeymooners, singles, and large groups (regardless of travel experience). Why? Because there's something for everyone on a Royal Caribbean cruise. The line has one of the largest fleets in the world, consisting of some of the most beautiful and modern ships in the cruising industry. Their ships are destinations within themselves! Possibilities aboard a Royal Caribbean cruise ship include Broadway-style shows, casinos that will make you think you're in Las Vegas, a variety of dining venues, great programs for children, as well as (depending on the ship), innovations like surfing simulators, sky-diving simulators, rock-climbing walls, ice-skating rinks, and much more.
Scenic Luxury Cruises & Tours is a 5-star luxury cruise line, providing all-inclusive river and ocean journeys through Europe, Asia, Australia, and more. Scenic Luxury provides award-winning service and exceeds expectations of comfort and luxury with a small ship experience. Scenic Luxury Cruises & Tours has a diverse selection of dining and beverage options, as well as a selection of shore excursions for when you want to explore land. Wine, beer and soft drinks are included aboard their Space-Ships. Bottled water is provided in your room, and is replenished daily. Their onboard cuisine uses local, fresh ingredients, further immersing you into the destination being explored. WiFi and tipping is included, which are both otherwise significant expenses that you won't have to consider during your vacation.
Silversea's all-inclusive ultra-luxury vacations appeal to discriminating travelers accustomed to plush accommodations and attentive, individualized service. Distinguished by its award-winning, all-suite ships and impeccable service, Silversea's all-inclusive fares include round-trip airfare (from select gateways), a pre-cruise deluxe hotel stay, all beverages including select wines and spirits, gratuities, transfers, and a special shoreside event, The Silversea Experience, on select sailings.
One of the world's leaders in premium land tours also offers fantastic river cruises in Europe, as well as small ship cruises. Their luxurious Tauck River Cruising fleet sails in some of the most famous rivers in the world, such as the Rhine, Rhone, Danube and Seine. Tauck Cruises' small ship fleet provides expedition and cultural journey cruises worldwide. Every one of their river cruises is all-inclusive, providing guests with a great value, pairing fantastically with their intimate, club-like onboard atmosphere and the uncommon access they get their guests via exclusive cultural experiences on their included excursions ashore.
Designed to combine the luxury lifestyle of The Ritz-Carlton® and the untethered freedom of a yachting vacation, The Ritz-Carlton Yacht Collection offers all-inclusive voyages onboard custom-built yachts. Their cruises range from 3 to 13 nights and more, offering many overnight calls and uniquely curated experiences ashore at distinguished destinations. As with The Ritz-Carlton® on land, each yacht features personalized service, elevated dining, and luxury amenities. All of this is delivered in an intimate setting, with a heightened level of care and attention.
Viking Ocean Cruises is the sister company of world-renowned Viking River Cruises. This line launched with one vessel, Viking Star, in 2015, and now consists of 11 vessels, with 2 more sister ships to follow in 2025-2026. Itineraries include 8- to 32-day adventures all over Europe and the Mediterranean all year round and exclusive voyages to China and Japan in the fall plus World Cruises that can last 121 to 138 days. All staterooms on Viking ocean ships have a veranda, so you can enjoy the sights and smells of the open ocean at all times. With a concentration on ports with rich heritages and plenty of local experts to learn from, Viking Ocean Cruises cater to those yearning to learn as they vacation. There's a great value here, with meals, guided shore excursions, free Wi-Fi, complimentary beverages, hotel accommodations during city portions of your itinerary (if you purchase a cruise tour), as well as lectures and various live performances all being included in the p
Windstar was created with the vision to offer an alternative to the typical cruise or resort vacation. The Windstar passenger sees the world with luxurious accommodations, a casual yet elegant atmosphere, and exquisite service and cuisine. Well known for cruising off the beaten path and pampering without pretense, they sail to exotic locales and hidden harbors that larger ships can't access. Windstar Cruises operates three sailing yachts and three power yachts throughout Europe, the Caribbean, and the Americas.
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Things to do in Akureyri, Iceland
A waterfall tied to Iceland's conversion to Christianity, volcanic lakeshores and whales in the fjord, with a compact town at the pier. Here are the best things to do in Akureyri on a cruise day:
♦ Godafoss
About 45 minutes from Akureyri on the Ring Road, the river Skjalfandafljot drops about 40 feet (12 m) along a curving edge nearly 100 feet (30 m) wide. Its name means "waterfall of the gods," and a popular legend says a chieftain threw his pagan idols into it after Iceland adopted Christianity around the year 1000. Bus tours from Hof take about two and a half hours.
♦ Lake Myvatn
East of Godafoss, this shallow lake was created by a lava eruption about 2,300 years ago and is ringed by lava pillars and pseudocraters. Fifteen species of duck breed here, the most of any site in Europe, and the lake and its river are protected as a nature reserve. It makes a long day trip that can take in Godafoss on the way.
♦ Whale Watching on Eyjafjordur
Whale watching boats leave from the harbor by Hof, right in town, and head out onto the fjord. It is the easiest way to get out on the water without a long bus ride, and it pairs well with time in town afterward.
♦ Akureyrarkirkja
Designed by Gudjon Samuelsson, the architect of Reykjavik's Hallgrimskirkja, and completed in 1940, this Lutheran church in the town center is Akureyri's best-known landmark. Inside are a 3,200-pipe organ and stained glass windows, one of which shows the Godafoss legend.
♦ Akureyri Botanical Garden
Founded by local women in 1910 as Iceland's first public park, Lystigardurinn is one of the northernmost botanical gardens in the world. It grows about 7,000 plant species from arctic, temperate and alpine regions without a greenhouse, has a cafe in summer and is free to enter, an easy and peaceful walk from the center.
♦ Forest Lagoon
About a five-minute drive from the town center, the Forest Lagoon has two geothermal pools set among birch and pine trees across the fjord from town. It runs a free shuttle for guests who have booked tickets, which makes it a relaxed half day for passengers who want to stay close to the ship.
Average Monthly Weather for Akureyri, Iceland
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The information above is provided for informational purposes only. Monthly statistics are based on the most recent instance of that month. Weather is subject to change and cannot be guaranteed. The data is provided by a third-party and we accept no liability regarding its accuracy.
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