Fire, Ice, And The Arctic Circle: Personal Review Of Iceland With Lindblad Expeditions - National Geographic Cruises Near Me, Deals & Cruise Travel Agents Near Me

Iceland is a land of paradoxes. It is a place where magma churns beneath glaciers, where waterfalls thunder into quiet fjords, and where the sun refuses to set during the endless days of summer. To see Iceland is one thing; to truly experience its raw, geological power and vibrant culture is another entirely.

At Vincent Vacations, we believe that how you travel matters just as much as where you go. That is why we are spotlighting one of the most immersive, educational, and breathtaking journeys available to the modern explorer: The Lindblad Expeditions-National Geographic "Circumnavigate Iceland" Cruise.

This 10-day expedition is more than a vacation; it is a masterclass in discovery. By circling the entire island, you unlock access to remote coastlines, isolated bird cliffs, and tiny fishing villages that land-based travelers simply cannot reach. Below, we detail exactly why this itinerary is the gold standard for Arctic exploration and why booking with Vincent Vacations ensures you get the most out of this once-in-a-lifetime trip.

Why Circumnavigate? The Expedition Advantage

Most visitors to Iceland stick to the "Golden Circle" near Reykjavík or drive the Ring Road. While beautiful, these routes are often crowded and limit you to the view from a car window. A circumnavigation by sea flips the script.

Aboard a Lindblad-National Geographic expedition ship, your hotel travels with you. You unpack once and wake up in a new, often inaccessible fjord every morning. There are no long bus rides—only the salt spray of the North Atlantic and the anticipation of what lies ahead.

This itinerary allows you to:

• Cross the Arctic Circle: Sail to Grímsey Island and officially step into the Arctic.

• Access the Inaccessible: Visit Flatey Island and the Westfjords, regions that remain untouched by mass tourism.

• Follow the Wildlife: From the world’s largest puffin colonies to the whale-rich waters of Húsavík, the ship’s flexibility allows the captain to stop for wildlife, ensuring you never miss a breach or a bird cliff.

The Lindblad-National Geographic Difference

When you book a Lindblad expedition, you aren’t just booking a cruise; you are joining a legacy of exploration. The partnership between Lindblad Expeditions and National Geographic is legendary for a reason. It combines the logistical mastery of Lindblad’s nautical team with the storytelling and scientific pedigree of National Geographic.

The Expedition Team

On this voyage, you are not merely a passenger; you are an explorer. The ship is staffed with a diverse team of experts—naturalists, geologists, ornithologists, and historians—who don’t just give lectures; they join you at dinner, guide your hikes, and point out the nuances of the landscape from the bridge.

Photography First

Every departure features a National Geographic Certified Photo Instructor. Whether you are shooting with a professional DSLR or an iPhone, these instructors are there to help you capture the image of a lifetime. They offer workshops on composition and lighting, ensuring you return home not just with memories, but with art.

Science at Sea

This is travel with a purpose. Lindblad ships are equipped for citizen science. You might find yourself helping a naturalist track whale migrations or studying plankton samples under a microscope in the ship’s science hub. For families, the National Geographic Global Explorers program turns the ship into a classroom for kids and teens, engaging them with field notebooks, scavenger hunts, and zodiac driving lessons.

Detailed Itinerary: A 10-Day Saga of Fire and Ice

This comprehensive 10-day journey is a loop that begins and ends in Reykjavík, ensuring easy air travel logistics while covering the entire perimeter of the island.

Day 1: Arrive in Reykjavík

Your journey begins in the world’s northernmost capital. Reykjavík is a city of colorful rooftops, avant-garde architecture like the Harpa Concert Hall, and a vibrant culinary scene. After transferring from Keflavík International Airport, you’ll have time to explore the city’s charm before embarking on your expedition ship. As you set sail, the adventure truly begins. The captain will chart a course for the wilder, western coast, leaving the city lights behind for the midnight sun.

Day 2: The Wild Westfjords

The Westfjords are a finger-like peninsula protruding from Iceland’s northwest corner, a region so rugged that the Ring Road bypasses it entirely. This is old Iceland. We will explore the majestic Ísafjarðardjúp fjord system.

• The Highlight: Hike to the thunderous Dynjandi Waterfall, a bridal-veil cascade that dominates the landscape.

• The Wildlife: We may visit Vigur Island, a private sanctuary known for its sustainable eiderdown harvesting. Here, thousands of puffins, black guillemots, and Arctic terns nest in the tall grasses.

Day 3: Siglufjörður and the Herring Era

As we round the horn to the north, we dock in Siglufjörður, a town that was once the center of the global herring industry. It is a picturesque village nestled in a dramatic fjord.

• Culture: Visit the award-winning Herring Era Museum, which vividly recreates the boom times of the early 20th century.

• Activity: Hike up the valley for panoramic views or simply wander the charming streets, soaking in the peace of this isolated community.

Day 4: Akureyri & Lake Mývatn

We dock in Akureyri, the "Capital of the North." From here, we head inland to one of the most geologically active regions on earth: Lake Mývatn.

• Fire & Earth: Witness the boiling mud pots of Hverarönd, walk through the Dimmuborgir lava fortress, and stand before Goðafoss, the "Waterfall of the Gods," where chieftain Thorgeir threw his pagan idols into the falls in the year 1000 AD.

• Relaxation: Some itineraries may offer a chance to soak in the geothermal waters of the Mývatn Nature Baths, a quieter, more authentic alternative to the Blue Lagoon.

Day 5: Húsavík and the Whales

Húsavík is often called the whale-watching capital of Europe. The nutrient-rich waters of Skjálfandi Bay attract Humpback, Minke, and Blue whales.

• The Experience: We will take to the Zodiacs or local boats to get closer to these gentle giants. The sight of a humpback whale fluke breaking the surface against a backdrop of snow-capped mountains is a memory that will stay with you forever.

• The Museum: Visit the Húsavík Whale Museum to understand the biology and conservation of these incredible creatures.

Day 6: Grímsey Island & The Arctic Circle

Today, we push north. Far north. Grímsey Island lies 25 miles off the coast and is the only part of Iceland bisected by the Arctic Circle.

• The Milestone: You will have the opportunity to cross the circle on foot, a bucket-list achievement for any traveler.

• The Birds: The cliffs here are packed with seabirds. The sheer volume of noise and life is overwhelming in the best possible way. This is a prime spot for photographers to practice capturing birds in flight.

Day 7: The East Fjords

The East Fjords are geologically the oldest part of Iceland. The landscapes here are defined by narrow fjords, jagged peaks, and sparkling minerals.

• Djúpivogur: We may stop in this tiny trading post, the gateway to the Vatnajökull ice cap.

• Adventure: Options here often include a hike to a black sand beach, a 4x4 tour into the highlands, or a boat ride among the floating ice sculptures of the Jökulsárlón Glacier Lagoon (weather and time permitting). Seeing seals resting on blue icebergs is a quintessential Icelandic moment.

Day 8: The Westman Islands (Vestmannaeyjar)

We sail along the south coast to the Westman Islands, an archipelago formed by underwater volcanoes.

• Heimaey: We dock at Heimaey, famous for the 1973 eruption of Eldfell. The volcano erupted unexpectedly, burying 400 homes in ash and lava. Today, you can hike up the still-warm volcano and see "Pompeii of the North," where excavations have revealed houses frozen in time.

• Surtsey: We will cruise past Surtsey, the world’s newest island, formed in a 1963 eruption. It is a UNESCO World Heritage site and a pristine natural laboratory, strictly off-limits to humans but visible from our decks.

Day 9: Reykjavík & The Blue Lagoon

We complete our circle and return to Reykjavík.

• The Grand Finale: End your trip with a soak in the world-famous Blue Lagoon. Lindblad often arranges a premium entrance, allowing you to relax in the milky-blue, silica-rich waters before a farewell dinner to celebrate the completion of your circumnavigation.

Day 10: Disembarkation

After breakfast, you will disembark and transfer to the airport, or perhaps extend your stay in Iceland with a custom extension planned by Vincent Vacations.

Life Onboard: Your Basecamp for Adventure

The ships used for this itinerary—typically the National Geographic Explorer or the newer National Geographic Endurance—are purpose-built for polar waters. They are not floating malls; they are sophisticated expedition vessels.

• The Vibe: The atmosphere is casual ("expedition casual"). Leave the tuxedo at home. Life onboard centers around the Lounge, where you gather for "Recap" every evening. This is a beloved Lindblad tradition where naturalists discuss what you saw that day and prepare you for tomorrow over cocktails and appetizers.

• Dining: Meals are inspired by the regions you visit, featuring fresh, local Icelandic ingredients like Arctic char, lamb, and skyr. The dining is sustainable, partnering with local providers to reduce food miles.

• Wellness: After a cold zodiac cruise, nothing beats the ship’s sauna, fitness center, or a massage in the wellness center. The Endurance even features twin infinity hot tubs on the aft deck—perfect for watching the wake and spotting seabirds.

Why Book with Vincent Vacations?

You might be wondering, "Why shouldn't I just book directly online?" The answer lies in value, expertise, and advocacy.

As a proud affiliate of the Signature Travel Network, Vincent Vacations offers you benefits and protections that you simply cannot get on your own.

1. Exclusive Signature Amenities

Because of our relationship with Lindblad Expeditions through Signature, our clients often receive exclusive perks. While offers change based on the specific departure date, these often include:

• Shipboard Credits: Extra spending money to use toward spa treatments, premium alcohol, or exclusive souvenirs in the ship's Global Gallery.

• Hosted Sailings: On select dates, a dedicated host accompanies the group, and you are invited to a private cocktail reception exclusive to Signature network guests.

2. We Know the Ships & The Suites

Expedition ships have unique layouts. Some cabins have portholes, others have balconies; some are closer to the mudroom (convenient for getting to Zodiacs), while others are higher up for better views. We help you select the exact cabin that fits your preferences and budget, ensuring you don't end up with an obstructed view.

3. Handling the Logistics

An expedition cruise requires careful planning. Flights to Reykjavík, transfers, pre-cruise hotels, and travel insurance are all critical components.

• Insurance is Vital: For expedition travel, proper medical evacuation insurance is non-negotiable. We ensure you have the right coverage so you are protected against the unexpected.

• Pre- and Post-Cruise: Want to spend two extra days exploring the highlands in a Super Jeep? Or perhaps a food tour in Reykjavík? We build a seamless itinerary around your cruise.

4. No Extra Cost to You

Booking with Vincent Vacations costs the same as booking direct—but you get the added value of our advocacy, our Signature perks, and our planning services for free. We are paid by the cruise line, not by you.

5. Your Advocate

In the rare event that flights are delayed or issues arise, you have a personal advocate in your corner. You are not just a confirmation number in a call center queue; you are a valued client of Vincent Vacations.

Ready to Explore the Land of Fire and Ice?

The Arctic is calling. The puffins are nesting, the whales are breaching, and the waterfalls are roaring.

This Lindblad-National Geographic itinerary is one of the most sought-after tickets in the expedition world, and cabins sell out months—sometimes years—in advance. Don't let the ship sail without you.