Akureyri, Iceland - Norway, Fjords & Baltic Cruises

Admire the stunning views as you fly over the Arctic Circle to Grimsey – Iceland’s northernmost inhabited island. Covering an area of only two square miles, the island is small enough to easily be explored on foot. This remote and beautiful island with its local church built from driftwood, is steeped in folklore and legend.

The island's sheer cliffs are home to huge colonies of sea birds and in summer, the intrepid islanders abseil down the cliff faces to collect the eggs that are considered a local delicacy. The present settlement is located on the southern and western parts of Grimsey - most of it around the little harbour, which has been improved during the last few years thanks to the transportation of large rocks from the mainland.

In 1793, the island was almost abandoned when a disease killed all but six of the male population. The remaining six went on a mission to the mainland in order to fetch ‘back-up’. However, on the return journey the boat was lost at sea and all were drowned, leaving the clergyman as the only male on the island!

An interesting and informative guided walk around the island will reveal the highlights of this fascinating community before boarding your plane back to Akureyri. Certificates are awarded for crossing the Arctic Circle.


This excursion will operate by minibus, plane and on foot. The flight to Grimsey takes approximately 30 minutes each way. The guided walk is over grass, rough terrain and puffin burrows so extreme care must be taken to avoid tripping. Approximately one hour will be spent on the island.

Embark on a drive through the colourful streets to the Akureyri Botanical Gardens. Breathe in the fresh Icelandic air as you stroll through the lovely gardens which contain examples of every plant species indigenous to Iceland and an extensive collection of high-latitude and high-altitude plants from around the world.

Located in the oldest part of town, you’ll find the charming Akureyri Museum. The Museum houses exhibitions detailing the history and culture of the area throughout the centuries as well as interesting displays featuring collections of art and historical items such as artefacts, photographs, farming tools and re-creations of early Icelandic homes.

From here, drive out to the small charming Santa's House, a year round Christmas store that offers all kinds of festive items. In Iceland there are 13 Santa Clauses and children traditionally put a shoe in the window for the 13 nights before Christmas so each Santa can leave a small gift.

Returning to town, you’ll pass the fishing boats in the busy harbour as you head towards the heart of the Akureyri. Take a stroll down Listagil Street, where artisans have their workshops and galleries, before stopping at the modern Akureyri Church which perches on a hill overlooking the town.


This excursion will operate by coach. The terrain at the Gardens consists of gravel or mud pathways. The Botanical Gardens’ collection of flora and fauna is dependent on the weather conditions experienced throughout the year.

Admire the views over the harbour, town and fjord as you walk along the Strandgata into the thriving town of Akureyri. Take a leisurely stroll down the colourful Artist’s Alley before visiting the towering Akureyri Church.

Akureyri Church, consecrated in 1940, is one of the town’s proud symbols and enjoys a prominent position on the edge of the hill overlooking the town. The Church houses many interesting artefacts including a stained glass window, part of a set in England’s Coventry Cathedral, which was brought to Akureyri for safe keeping during World War 2.

After seeing the Church, you’ll explore the old mid town area with an expert local guide, who will share stories of the town’s local history and culture. As you wander past the old town houses you’ll notice their distinctive architecture which is a result of Akureyri’s past life as a trading post for Danish merchants.

At the Museum of Akureyri, you’ll be able to absorb a little more of the local history through the interesting exhibitions and picture gallery.

Finally, your walk will take you along the picturesque coastal path before returning to the church.


This excursion will operate on foot. There is approximately three hours of walking over a combination of flat, paved, gravel and uneven surfaces. There are 95 steps to reach Akureyri Church. The tour will end at the bottom of the church steps and from here you can choose to either stay in the town or walk the 300 yards back to the ship.

Embark on a journey across the fjord, along the slopes of Vadlaheidi Mountain, through the Fnjoskadalur Valley and Vaglaskogur Forest - one of Iceland's rare woodlands which are part of an extensive soil and vegetation reclamation project to historic Godafoss.

Stop off at Goðafoss, a breathtaking 30 foot waterfall, to photograph its impressive cascading falls before continuing on to visit Laufás Folk Museum.

The Laufás Folk Museum, a 19th century farmhouse built in the traditional Icelandic style of stone and turf, provides a glimpse back into ancient times. Once a manor farm and vicarage, the turf farmhouse dates back to 1866, and contains many interesting household and agricultural implements used by the gentry at around that time.

On the scenic return journey, there will be a stop at the Botanical Gardens, to admire its 2,000 species of local and foreign flowers, before taking a leisurely drive around the old town and main sights of Akureyri.


This excursion will operate by coach and on foot. There are a few steps and some uneven ground at the Folk Museum. The Botanical Gardens’ collection of flora and fauna is dependent on the weather conditions experienced throughout the year. At Goðafoss there is an uneven, lava surface and no handrails; therefore passengers are advised to exercise caution. Comfortable, flat and enclosed footwear is recommended.

Visit the impressive waterfall of Goðafoss, which carries a huge volume of water from the Skjálfandafljót River. This beautiful crescent of cascading water gained its name at the time of Iceland’s conversion to Christianity. In 1000 AD, at the meeting of the Althing, the Icelanders voted to adopt Christianity. The wooden idols of the Norse mythology were thrown into the falls in a symbolic gesture that swept away the old religion. Thus, Goðafoss literally means the ‘Waterfall of the Gods’.

From Goðafoss, continue to the Lake Myvatn area stopping by the unique craters at Skutustadir. Frequent lava flows have left Iceland’s 4th largest lake, Lake Mývatn very irregular in shape.

Marvel at the Dimmubørgir lava labyrinth, an incredible panorama of rugged crags and peculiar lava formations in shapes such as columns and arches. The last stop is at the gurgling purple and yellow sulphur cauldrons at the high temperature thermal field of Namaskard.

Refreshments will be served during the tour.


This excursion will operate by coach and on foot. There is a total of 1½ hours’ walking over some gravel and rough ground. The level of walking undertaken is at the discretion of each guest and most sights can be viewed from the coach. At Goðafoss there is an uneven, lava surface and no handrails; therefore guests are advised to exercise caution. Comfortable, flat and enclosed footwear is recommended.

A scenic drive through varied and striking Icelandic scenery will take you past Lake Mývatn, renowned for its exceptionally rich fauna of water birds, especially ducks, to Mývatn Nature Baths.

Mývatn Nature Baths offer a completely natural and relaxing outdoor experience. Admire the adjacent scenery as you take a luxurious dip amidst clouds of steam in a pool of geothermal water, maintained at a constant temperature of 37-40°C. The Baths contain a unique blend of minerals, silicates and geothermal micro organisms which are beneficial to the skin. Relax and unwind as the warm, soothing water lifts your spirits and creates a sense of wellbeing. The facilities at the Baths also include 3 natural steam baths, a caféteria, changing rooms and showers.

After your soothing visit, you’ll stop off to admire the beautiful Goðafoss waterfall. The splendid views and surrounding landscape will make your rejuvenation experience complete.


ACTIVITY EXCURSIONS
You and all those in your party should be aware that, in undertaking activity excursions, you will be involved in a degree of physical exertion and/or activity such as hiking, biking, snorkelling, kayaking, diving etc. By booking the excursion you confirm that you and all those in your party are in good physical and mental condition, with no history of conditions such as seizures, dizziness, fainting, heart condition, respiratory problems or back/neck problems (by way of example only). You should also ensure that no one in your party is taking medicine that carries a warning about impairment of physical or mental abilities. If you are pregnant this type of excursion may not be appropriate for you. It is your responsibility to ensure that you are fit and well enough to take part in the activities booked and you are reminded to take care for your own safety. Because of the risks associated with activity excursions, you may be asked by the excursion provider to sign a document which may affect or limit the excursion provider’s liability. Comfortable flat walking shoes are recommended.

BEACH/WATER RELATED EXCURSIONS
For any excursion involving water, guests are reminded to exercise particular care. Alcohol and eating a full meal should be avoided before swimming. If buoyancy aids are provided for an activity they must be worn at all times. You should bear in mind that the sea is unpredictable. Lifeguards are unlikely to be present and there may not be a flag system to indicate whether or not it is safe to go in the water. In addition, beach activities may not be supervised or accompanied and so you should take care to satisfy yourself as to the safety of the beach and/or the sea at the time of your excursion. Please exercise caution when entering the sea as the seabed and aquatic environment is capable of springing surprises and we have not inspected the beach or seabed for its safety. Children must be supervised by you at all times near water. All activities on the beach, water and in the sea are undertaken at your own risk. You’ll need to take swimwear, a towel, sunscreen and flat shoes that can be worn in the water.

LIABILITY
Cunard will arrange for the excursions to be performed by the relevant excursion provider. Cunard does not provide or supply the excursion services. Cunard will exercise reasonable care and skill in the selection of the excursion provider, but will not in any circumstances have a greater liability than the excursion supplier and Cunard shall not be responsible for the negligent acts/omissions of the excursion supplier. Please note that in relation to all excursions Cunard is not responsible or liable for any loss, damage, or injury sustained by you unless such loss, damage or injury arises out of a breach of legal duty of Cunard.

TRAVEL INSURANCE
Before booking any activity excursions it is essential that you ensure your travel insurance extends to cover the specified activity. It is your responsibility to obtain adequate insurance.

This excursion will operate by coach and on foot. The journey to Mývatn Lake is approximately 1½ hours. At Goðafoss there is an uneven, lava surface and no handrails; therefore guests are advised to exercise caution. Comfortable, flat and enclosed footwear is recommended. Please remember to take swimwear and a towel.

Over half of the worlds 36 species of whales are found in Icelandic waters, so the whale watching opportunities are excellent.

From Husavik harbour, an exciting boat trip will take you out to the whales natural habitat. Enjoy refreshments of hot chocolate and a local pastry as your expert captain negotiates his way to the best places to spot whales. The atmosphere will be filled with anticipation as you get ready to see some of these magnificent creatures.

Returning to shore, a delicious seafood luncheon will be served at a local restaurant before visiting the award-winning Husavik Whale Centre. The centre provides a fascinating insight into the habitat of the whales around Iceland.

On the way back to the port, you’ll stop off at the stunning Goðafoss, historically known as ‘the Waterfall of the Gods’, to capture these splendid falls and its tumbling waters.


This excursion will operate by coach, boat and on foot. The drive to Husavik takes approximately 1½ hours. The boats are oak wood fishing style boats with limited seating inside. There are inclined gangways and a few steps to negotiate. The deck of the boat can get wet with sea spray, so please take care when moving around as it may be slippery. If you are prone to seasickness please take the necessary precautions. At Goðafoss there is an uneven, lava surface and no handrails; therefore passengers are advised to exercise caution. Comfortable, flat and enclosed footwear is recommended. Whale sightings cannot be guaranteed, however the success rate for seeing them is very high.

Heading out of the city, your leisurely drive will take you past typical Icelandic scenery to the River Skjálfandafljót, site of the beautiful Goðafoss waterfall. From the western bank of the river, you’ll have a lovely view of this powerful cascade, which carries a great volume of water over a 30 foot drop. The ‘Falls of the Gods’ earned their name when the chieftain, Thorgeir, threw his old pagan gods into the Falls at the time of Iceland’s conversion to Christianity.

Your journey will take you past some dramatic and scenic landscape before returning to Akureyri for a visit to the Akureyri Botanical Gardens. Enjoy a relaxing stroll around the many species of pretty local and foreign flowers before rejoining your coach for a drive around the main sights of the city. You’ll see the many contrasts in the town’s interesting and varied architecture due to the influence of its Danish trade past.


This excursion will operate by coach. The amount of walking on this tour is at guests’ own discretion. The terrain at the gardens consists of gravel or mud pathways and there are benches at various intervals to allow for resting. The collection of flora and fauna in the gardens is dependent on the weather conditions experienced throughout the year. At Goðafoss there is an uneven, lava surface and no handrails; therefore guests are advised to exercise caution. Comfortable, flat and enclosed footwear is recommended.