A cruise to Iceland from the US is one of the most dramatic, awe-inspiring, and genuinely other-worldly holiday experiences available to any traveller. Iceland is a country that looks like it was assembled from four different planets — active volcanoes and obsidian lava fields in the south, Europe's largest glacier in the east, soaring Westfjords waterfalls in the northwest, and a capital city of colourful houses, world-class restaurants, and geothermal spas that glows under either the midnight sun or the aurora borealis depending on the season. Arriving by cruise ship — sailing into Reykjavik's harbour with the Hallgrímskirkja church spire visible on the skyline above — is one of the great arrival moments in all of travel.

How to Cruise to Iceland from the US

Most US travellers cruise to Iceland via a transatlantic sailing — departing from New York, Boston, or another East Coast port and crossing the North Atlantic to Iceland before continuing into Northern Europe. Arrive in Iceland via a transatlantic getaway, and cruise straight to Iceland where the cities of Akureyri and Reykjavik come alive — stroll around the city streets, go hiking in the surrounding mountains, sample the regional cuisine, and relax in one of many hot volcanic spas. Alternatively, many US travellers fly into Reykjavik and join an Iceland circumnavigation cruise — sailing around the entire island over 10 to 14 nights before disembarking back in Reykjavik or continuing to Norway, Scotland, or the Faroe Islands. 

June and July are the most popular months to cruise between the USA and Iceland, with departures available from several of the world's leading cruise lines. GetMyCruise compares all available Iceland cruise options for US travellers — transatlantic sailings and fly-to-Reykjavik itineraries — across every cruise line in real time. Global Journeys

Cruise Lines Sailing to Iceland

Holland America Line — Iceland Specialists

Holland America's ships are nimble enough to navigate Iceland's fjords and straits with ease, yet spacious enough to offer a wealth of dining, entertainment, and enrichment options. See Europe's largest glacier, keep watch for puffins on a wildlife cruise, visit the ruins of a Viking meeting place, or marvel at active geysers as they hiss, bubble, and spout. Holland America also offers a Baltic and Scandinavian brunch featuring marinated salmon, gravlax, and North Sea cod — a culinary nod to the destination that sets their Iceland sailings apart. 

Viking Ocean Cruises — Immersive Iceland Circumnavigation

Viking's Iceland itineraries prioritise destination immersion above all else — with onboard Resident Historians delivering pre-port lectures on Viking history, Icelandic geology, and Norse mythology. Experience both of Iceland's UNESCO-listed national parks, with their glacial lakes, sculpted ice caves, ancient canyons, powerful waterfalls, and historic structures. Viking's mid-size ships (930 passengers) can access smaller Icelandic ports unavailable to larger vessels. 

Celebrity Cruises — Premium Iceland Sailings

Set sail on Celebrity Iceland cruises lasting 7 to 13 nights — depending on the itinerary you'll also visit Ireland, Scotland, or Greenland, departing from Southampton, Rotterdam, or Reykjavik itself. Celebrity's Edge-class ships deliver premium cuisine, the Magic Carpet outdoor deck cantilevered over the ocean, and The Retreat suite neighbourhood — the most luxurious mainstream Iceland cruise experience available. 

Royal Caribbean — Transatlantic to Iceland

Royal Caribbean offers Iceland as part of transatlantic itineraries departing the US — visiting Reykjavik and Akureyri alongside European ports. With a population of only 123,300 people, Reykjavik is home to colourful houses, a bustling arts scene, and centuries of history — and the world-famous Blue Lagoon, a geothermal spa built on a lava field and heated with geothermal energy. 

Seabourn & Luxury Lines — Small-Ship Iceland Immersion

Travel to Iceland on a Seabourn luxury cruise and experience Reykjavík's ice caves via 4x4s, crystal blue waters to snorkel, and the Golden Circle — Iceland's most popular route. In Ísafjörður and Húsavík, magnificent nature is on display at Dynjandi Waterfall, Húsavík Geo Baths, and Lake Myvatn. Ponant, Regent Seven Seas, and Silversea also offer ultra-luxury Iceland sailings with all-inclusive fares, butler service, and fully curated shore excursion programmes.