Depart from Reykavik

Discover Iceland's modern capital 

Your North Atlantic expedition cruise starts in Iceland's art, culture and history-packed capital, Reykjavík.  

If you have time before boarding MS Maud, stroll along Laugavegur with its boutiques and galleries, head to the striking Hallgrimskirkja cathedral or the fascinating Reykjavík Art Museum.  

With so much to explore, you may want to come early and join one of our Pre-Programmes. 

On board MS Maud, pick up your expedition jacket, check out your cabin, meet the Expedition Team, and enjoy your first delicious dinner as we set sail towards our first stop, Heimaey.

Heimaey's explosive past

Whales, puffins and a dramatic volcanic eruption

Heimaey is the only inhabited island in the Westman Islands, found off the south coast of Iceland.  It has a fascinating history involving runaway slaves, murder, revenge, magic, and Barbary pirates, and it still bears the scars of a powerful volcanic eruption in 1973 that nearly destroyed the island.  

Visit the SEA LIFE Trust Beluga Whale Sanctuary and Puffin Rescue Centre, and meet some of these iconic animals. And be sure to check out the volcano, Eldfell, the ‘Fire Mountain’. It's well worth the effort to climb to its summit, offering incredible views of the town below

Snæfellsnes peninsula 

Gateway to spectacular Snæfellsnes  

It's as though time has stood still at Stykkishólmur, the small fishing town in Breiðafjörður bay, where colourful houses stand out in contrast to distant mountains.   

Nearby, you’ll find Snæfellsnes Peninsula National Park, with the striking, ice-capped Snæfellsjökull volcano at the peninsula’s western tip. It’s nicknamed 'Little Iceland' for its array of landscapes.  

At the national park you can visit Djúpalónssandur's black sand beach and the Lóndrangar basalt cliffs. Or why not ride a snowcat to the top of the Snæfellsjökull glacier or take a guided coastal hike with a glacial cave tour.

Beautiful Patreksfjörður 

A stunning beach, waterfalls and a towering bird cliff 

Patreksfjörður is unforgettably beautiful. Here, you’ll learn all about the fishing traditions in Europe's most westerly village.  

Explore the surrounding area on a hike through the fjords or visit Rauðasandur beach and see seals. You can also join a tour to Dynjandi waterfalls – six falls combined that together make the largest and most spectacular in the Westfjords. 

Although we’re outside of the nesting season, Látrabjarg is still a must-see for bird enthusiasts. Towering at around 1,400 feet and over eight miles long, the bird cliff is one of Europe’s largest, and it’s an important nesting site for puffins, Northern Gannets, guillemots and razorbills during summer.

The Northwestern Region

Exploring Northwest Iceland, expedition-style  

One of the best things about expedition cruising is the feeling of freedom. We plan to spend the day in Iceland’s Northwestern Region, but as conditions can vary, there's no preset plan. Rest assured, your Captain and Expedition Team will find the best opportunities for adventure.   

We may take you ashore in our small expedition boats for a hike or a beach clean-up. Or perhaps we’ll launch our kayaks. If we spot a pod of whales as we sail, we may stop to enjoy the sight. Be ready for anything!  

Don’t forget, you can also join onboard lectures, visit the Science Center, get tips from our professional photographer, or soak in a hot tub.!

Akureyri and Goðafoss 

See dramatic moonscapes and waterfalls  

Gaze at snowcapped peaks as we cruise along Eyjafjörður, Iceland's longest fjord. It's one of the best places in Europe to spot humpback whales, white-beaked dolphins and harbour porpoises. Look out for orcas, blue and fin whales here, too.   

Iceland’s 'Northern Capital’, Akureyri, sits at the fjord head. Here, you can enjoy the oasis of a botanical garden, and visit top-notch eateries and museums.   

Farther afield you can visit iconic Goðafoss waterfall, where turquoise waters pound against black rocks. You can also keep an eye out for Eider and Harlequin Ducks at Lake Mývatn, one of Iceland's more active volcanic areas.

Windswept Grímsey

Be immersed in breathtaking vistas and cross the Arctic Circle  

A remote, windswept and breathtakingly beautiful island, Grímsey is home to a wealth of wildlife, including Atlantic Puffins in summer, and is steeped in myth and legend. 

Grímsey is probably best known for its proximity to the Arctic Circle, which cuts across the island – the only part of Iceland where it does so. You’ll have the opportunity to step across that line, hopping over to the Arctic and back!  

By 2050, Grímsey will lie outside the Arctic as the Arctic Circle creeps northwards at a rate of about 48 ft. a year.

Seyðisfjörður's Rainbow 

Waterfalls and wildlife in special Seyðisfjörður  

At the end of a deep fjord with picturesque mountains and waterfalls lies the quirky village of Seyðisfjörður. Colourful wooden houses line the streets, while the aptly-named Rainbow Road offers a vibrant photo opportunity.   

Walk to an unusual sound sculpture, Tvisongur, or take a longer hike in the hills above the town. You can also visit Skalanes, a private nature reserve home to reindeer, Arctic fox and mink. Here, scan the skies for Black-tailed Godwits, Golden-Plovers and Gyrfalcons, Europe’s largest falcon.

Remote Runavik

Explore wild and rugged Eysturoy island  

Tiny Runavik is a flourishing town on the Faroe Island of Eysturoy. Hugging the eastern side of Skálafjørður fjord, it’s been a haven for ships for many centuries. The Vikings used to dock here too.  

Join the Expedition Team on a kayaking tour of Skálafjørður – at nine miles long, it’s the longest fjord in the Faroe Islands – or head off on one of the many hiking routes. You could follow the relatively easy path through the heather-rich moorland around Lake Toftavatn, known for its birdlife. Hike up the nearby hill for astounding views of the surrounding green peaks. Take the opportunity to stretch your legs before we cruise to Streymoy, the largest of the islands.

10th-century Tórshavn

A visit to Streymoy in the Faroe Islands  

Tórshavn is located on Streymoy, the largest of the Faroe Islands. Founded by Norsemen in the 10th century, Tórshavn – Thor’s Harbour – is one of Northern Europe’s oldest capitals.    

Wander along winding cobbled alleyways and past colourful, turf-roofed houses. In the local museums, you’ll learn about the city’s origins and the flora, fauna and geology of the Faroe Islands.  

Just over a mile north of the town, Svartafoss waterfall tumbles over mossy rocks. And as you walk along the seafront, look out for the Eider Drake and the distinctive Faroese Starling with its beige-tipped wings.

The capital of the Shetland Islands

Experience life in the capital of Scotland's most northerly inhabited isles  

We'll dock alongside Lerwick, the capital of the Shetland Islands, to explore this friendly, Victorian-influenced fishing town.  

Navigate the narrow lanes on foot to discover little shops selling local whiskies, woollen sweaters and fudge. By the old waterfront, you’ll find the Shetland Museum, exploring the area's rich history. Nearby, see Fort Charlotte and the regal Town Hall.  

The wider island is home to remarkable Iron Age villages and the Croft House Museum, where you'll learn about the hard life of the local crofters.  

Keep your binoculars handy as you may spot grey and common seals along Lerwick's beaches, and local birdlife such as Red-throated Divers, redshanks and curlews.

Far-flung Fair Isle

A scenic stop for bird lovers  

Your last stop in the Shetland Islands is remote Fair Isle, known for its birds and knitwear.  

A magnet for birdwatchers and wildlife photographers, the island is home to 27 bird species. It's a vital stop for migrating seabirds, drawn to the red sandstone cliffs, green fields and moors.  

Why not join a hike along breathtaking clifftop trails with the Expedition Team. Gain fascinating insights into the life and history of the 65-strong island community at the local museum. You can support Fair Islanders by buying genuine Fair Isle knitwear direct from local makers.  

If landing isn’t possible, the scenic cruising is just as spectacular.

A relaxing day at sea

Enjoy a relaxing day as we cruise towards Edinburgh

It’s our final day at sea and your expedition cruise with us is fast drawing to a close. Make the most of the onboard facilities today before we arrive into Edinburgh. 

You’ll have time to sit back and swap stories of your adventures so far. Keep your eyes peeled while on deck for some wonderful marine life and seabirds – you can even relax in the hot tub up there at the same time. You can still spend time in the Science Center and with the Expedition Team who are available to answer all your questions.

Scotland's crowning jewel

Discover the many charms of the much-loved city of Edinburgh 

Your expedition cruise comes to an end as we arrive in Edinburgh. After London, the Scottish capital is the most visited city in the United Kingdom, and you’ll soon see why. With streets steeped in history and a thriving cultural scene, Edinburgh offers the perfect balance between the traditional and contemporary.    

If you have time, don’t hesitate to dedicate to Edinburgh the time this fascinating city deserves. Explore mysterious winding alleys and elegant terraced rows, and check out some of the many shops, bars and restaurants. Get a great view of the city from majestic Edinburgh Castle, where you can see Scotland’s Crown Jewels and the famed Stone of Destiny.