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Simply put, an Akureyri cruise is a great way to experience Iceland off-the-beaten path. Akureyri is a major cruise port and one of Iceland's oldest towns, located approx 240 km (150 mi) northeast of the country's capital city Reykjavik. Akureyri features picturesque historic houses below snowcapped peaks, several museums and botanical gardens.
Coordinating with Different Departments on the Ship
Known as the capital of the North, the Icelandic city of Akureyri offers a port call in a majestic setting and (for the lucky few) the possibility of glimpsing the Northern Lights. The small city is nestled at the base of Iceland’s longest fjord, Eyjafjörður; a spectacular stretch of water that spans nearly 40 miles. First settled by Norse Vikings in the 9th century, today Akureyri is the perfect launchpad from which to explore Northern Iceland’s greatest treasures. Piercing blue fjords, bubbling mud pools, snow-kissed mountains and tumbling waterfalls all form part of the spellbinding cocktail that is Akureyri’s scenery. While the usually mild climate makes for pleasant exploring on long midsummer days. Set out on an exciting journey to the charming town of Húsavík, located 76 km/47 miles (a 1-hour drive) northeast of Akureyri cruise port.
For cruise passengers
Bundle up in cozy layers to beat the changing temperatures and stay stylish on your seafaring sojourn. When it comes to cruise travel essentials, packing hacks can make a world of difference. By investing in these comfortable shoes, you’ll be able to enjoy every step of your cruise without any discomfort.
Akureyri – Iceland
Their enthusiasm is contagious, and you can’t help but be captivated by their wealth of knowledge. By joining one of these guided tours, you not only get to see whales up close but also gain a deeper appreciation for these magnificent creatures. As I mentioned earlier, Akureyri is a fantastic place to spot various species of whales. But what makes the experience even more enriching is the opportunity to learn from knowledgeable guides.
MSC Cruises opens summer 2024 itineraries for booking
Sailing in and out of this beautiful fjord is something you don’t want to miss and I hope your ship can provide some scenic cruising commentary about what you will be seeing on the way. First of all, to get into Akureyri your cruise ship will have to cross the Arctic Circle for about an hour before going south again and entering the fjord. However being above the Arctic circle, even if it is just for an hour, might just be a thing to tick off the bucket list. In the fjord you can expect to see lots of bird life (bring binoculars) and cattle farms along the line. Be on the lookout for them, however a sighting of a minkey, blue of humpback whales is rare in this fjord. Researching different cruise lines will help you identify those that cater to solo travelers seeking romance or casual encounters.
The terminal is an easy, 10-minute walk from downtown Akureyri, and buses, taxis and tours are able to pick up passengers right outside the dock. Located on Iceland's longest fjord, Eyjafjordur, Akureyri has been settled since Vikings arrived in the 9th century and has long been dominant in fishing, thanks to an ice-free port. Although cruise ships only visit during the summer, the town has a healthy winter tourism scene, with several ski resorts close by.
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Iceland's Longest Fjord - nasa.gov
Iceland's Longest Fjord.
Posted: Fri, 01 May 2020 07:00:00 GMT [source]
If you want to visit a lagoon, please go to an official facility. Cruise destination Akureyri can facilitate two cruise ships at the same time. Cruise ships dock at the commercial port close to the city center. About 100 ships make Akureyri their port of call in a year so the town is very much used to facilitating the big amount of visitors and their needs. At the Akureyri cruise dock you will find a small souvenir shop and a free wi-fi point.
MSC Group Expands Shore Power Plan for Sustainable Cruising
Sailing into Akureyri evokes the feeling of an explorer entering unchartered terrain. Though technically a city, Akureyri is smaller than most towns, with several museums, as well as the beautiful Akureyrarkirkja church among the highlights to explore. Golf fans, however, may be tempted to stray to Akureyri’s Golf Club Jaðarsvöllur. Founded in 1935, the 18-hole course is said to be the most northerly in the world. Established in 1912, the gardens spread across 3.6 hectares and showcase a diverse collection of plants, both native and international species. However as you walk to the city there is a tourist information point in the building at the exit of the port that you will automatically come across on your way out.
They have lovely information ready for you so make sure to make a stop here if you are planning to go independently. Similar to the Golden Circle in Reykjavik, there are several local tour companies as well as cruise line sponsored excursions that visit these major sites. Most tours will visit Godafoss waterfall, the Skutustadir pseudo-craters, Dimmuborgir, Namaskard (or Hverir), and some will also include stops at the Myvatn Nature Baths and the Dettifoss waterfall. Though technically not a museum, the Christmas House is located about 10 minutes from the town center and is also worthy of a visit. Inside the gingerbread-style house, you’ll find a store devoted to all things Christmas as well as Christmas decorations from around the world.
Make sure you wear layers and bring a raincoat; Iceland's weather is notoriously fickle even though Akureyri generally has warmer temperatures than other parts of the island. The fans of Game of Thrones should know that Mývatn served as a filming location for scenes beyond the Wall. While it may not be as extensive as the old towns in some European cities, Akureyri’s Old Town is a delightful place to explore and a charming testament to Iceland’s rich history. On your stroll through the city, you’ll discover the town’s unique architecture, with colorful buildings adorned with intricate details and traditional Icelandic designs. If your ship is going to Akureyri you will most likely go to Ísafjörður as well. However please know that you will most likely pay by card with a creditcard.
Port of Akureyri challenges visiting crew to friendly fixtures as football fever grips Iceland - Seatrade Cruise News
Port of Akureyri challenges visiting crew to friendly fixtures as football fever grips Iceland.
Posted: Tue, 28 Jun 2016 07:00:00 GMT [source]
Port Akureyri cruise ship schedule shows timetable calendars of all arrival and departure dates by month. The port's schedule lists all ships (in links) with cruises going to or leaving from Akureyri, Iceland, Lake Myvatn. To see the full itineraries (ports of call dates and arrival / departure times) and their lowest rates – just follow the corresponding ship-link. The Skutustadir pseudo-craters were formed from explosions as boiling lava flowed over the cool wetlands near Lake Mytvan.
Now let’s explore how to take advantage of adult-only areas onboard the ship without compromising comfort or privacy. Feeling confident and approachable on your cruise is essential for making lasting connections with others onboard. One way to boost self-esteem is by dressing in a way that makes you feel good about yourself. When you’re comfortable and confident in your appearance, it shows through your body language. Stand tall, make eye contact, and smile genuinely to make yourself more approachable.
As I watched the whales gracefully glide through the water, I couldn’t help but marvel at the beauty of the marine life surrounding me. After exploring Godafoss, continue your journey and soak in the soothing waters of the Myvatn Nature Baths. Take a stroll through Akureyri’s town center and immerse yourself in its charming atmosphere. The town center is a delightful place for exploration, with its vibrant streets lined with colorful buildings and unique shops. With an overwhelming world of choices, we understand you may need some personal assistance to plan your perfect vacation.
Given the size, you will probably not need to spend any more than an hour at this attraction, unless of course you just want to chill out while people watching and enjoying nature. The Laufas Museum, located about 25 minutes outside of Akureyri, are actually turf homes that were built in 1865 and depict how the people of Laufas lived in ancient times. These homes were actually larger than most though as farmhands were needed to tend this “wealthy” farm.
Namaskard (or Hverir) is a geothermal field filled with bubbling mud pots, sulfur deposits, fumeroles, and hot springs. Oh, and you won’t be able to miss the strong sulfuric smell either. Rich in minerals, including sulfur, the water is said to have positive effects on respiratory diseases and skin conditions. When comparing the two geothermal springs, Myvatn is less touristy than Blue Lagoon, but is also much smaller. Myvatn is also cheaper, but be sure to bring your own towel as the price only includes admission unlike Blue Lagoon that offers packages.
