Kazakhstan and Iceland have emerged as favored destinations among Chinese tourists, while Thailand continues to struggle with perceptions of safety, according to Dragon Trail International’s latest Chinese consumer sentiment research.
31.03.2024 - 10:27 / forbes.com
Unlike more traditional cruise destinations, Iceland presents a rugged, untamed beauty. Known for its raw and varied landscapes, Iceland offers a seemingly endless list of natural wonders, from the steaming geothermal vents and spouting geysers to the dramatic glaciers and thunderous waterfalls.
The island's rich Viking heritage and folklore add layers of intrigue to its already captivating landscapes.
This unique terrain, coupled with the opportunity—depending on the season—to enjoy the midnight sun or mystical northern lights, makes Iceland a prime destination for nature lovers, adventure seekers, and those fascinated by the interplay of culture and the natural world.
Cruising around Iceland not only allows travelers to experience the volcanic landscapes from a unique vantage point but also offers convenient transport between the main ports and highlights of Iceland, all from the comfort of a modern cruise ship.
The cruise industry has recognized Iceland's appeal, offering an increasing variety of itineraries that cater to different interests and time frames, including extensive circumnavigations of the island.
According to Cruise Iceland, cruise ships registered almost one million passenger visits in 2023, marking an 80% increase from 2019.
The accessibility of remote fjords, wildlife encounters including puffins and whales, and the chance to experience the midnight sun in summer or witness the mystical northern lights in winter, are among the highlights of these voyages.
Something to bear in mind is the additional cost required for excursions, whether you book through the cruise line or choose independent options.
Unlike a Norwegian fjords cruise, which you can enjoy without leaving the ship, Iceland cruises require additional transport to reach the most iconic sites. They are also a wise idea if you want to make the most of wildlife-watching opportunities.
The most popular Icelandic cruise port is Reykjavik, followed by Akureyri in the north of the country, Isafjordur in the westfjords region, and Seydisfjordur on the east coast.
An itinerary that includes all four of these ports—Reykjavik, Akureyri, Isafjordur, and Seydisfjordur—offers guests a comprehensive appreciation of Iceland’s varied landscapes.
If you don’t mind flying, Reykjavik is the starting point for many of the more in-depth circumnavigations of Iceland.
Such cruises contain fewer sea days and may call at smaller ports, offering a more intimate experience of Iceland, while also allowing guests to spend a few days exploring the Icelandic capital before or after the cruise.
This 7-day Iceland Intensive itinerary from Celebrity Cruises begins and ends in Reykjavik and includes port calls in Reykjavik, Seydisfjordur, Djúpivogur, and
Kazakhstan and Iceland have emerged as favored destinations among Chinese tourists, while Thailand continues to struggle with perceptions of safety, according to Dragon Trail International’s latest Chinese consumer sentiment research.
Choosing your cruise ship cabin or stateroom is an essential part of planning a dream cruise vacation. The right accommodation can enhance your cruise experience, providing you with a comfortable retreat after a day of adventure, but some choices may turn out to be an expensive mistake.
Mainland Europe’s first total solar eclipse since 1999 is just 850 days away. Where will you be? As excitement dies down from the “Great American Eclipse,” eclipse chasers are turning their attention to Wednesday, August 12, 2026, when a 183-190-mile-wide moon shadow moves across remote Siberia, Greenland, Iceland and Spain.
The totality of an eclipse is never long enough. My first total solar eclipse experience in 2017 made for the shortest two minutes of my life: the sun transforming into a blazing diamond ring, the beautiful delirium of darkness, that perfect circle in the sky. Before I knew it, the eclipse was over—and my friends and I were plotting how we could catch our next.
It'll be two decades before the next total solar eclipse hits the US.
There’s a clear trend in cruise ship design that “bigger is better”, with ships like Royal Caribbean’s Icon of the Seas setting new passenger records and redefining the idea of a cruise vacation.
With additional reporting by Sarah Allard
For big adventures this year, consider expedition cruising to discover engaging and enlivening destinations across the globe. Wilderness Travel has a curated line-up for 2024—2025, which includes tours to the world’s last frontier—Antarctica; journeys to the far north in the Arctic; exclusive once-a-year odyssey cruises to multiple locales around the planet like the coast of West Africa, northern Europe, and Asia; and dynamic river cruises on the planet’s most well-loved rivers—the Danube, Mekong, Amazon, Magdalena, and Rhine. Keep reading to plan out your next voyage.
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Nestled between the peaks of seven mountains and the frigid waters of the North Sea, Bergen is a historic Norwegian city that rightly sits high on the wish list of visitors to Norway.
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