Uncovers Jeannine Williamson, a fresh Icelandic itinerary that offers unanticipated activities both on land and at sea. The last thing I want to see while visiting penguins is an rhino, since I’m here to see them. A giant block of granite known as Elephant Rock, a perfectly formed critter with its stem dipping into the sea, stands 200 meters out of the waters in front of me. Heimaey is the largest island in the Vestmannaeyjar archipelago of 15 territories and 30 stone layers off the west coast of Iceland, despite being just over five square kilometers. We boarded a sweet and set sail from Heimaey’s small natural harbor, which is sheltered from the elements by rocky mountains, with our fleet, Holland America Line’s Nieuw Statendam, at anchor in the range. Icelandic bird watching is the emphasize of one of HAL’s fresh timetables, which combines Iceland with some extremely wild and amazing sights in Scotland. Our enthralled guide introduces herself as” B,” telling us that her Norwegian brand is difficult to pronounce and is one of Heimaey’s 4, 300 people ( the population is only about 1,600 more than the number of passengers on our journey send ). B, who is aboard our boat, describes how Iceland’s dangerous volcanoes formed the coast and shares tragic tales of her family’s evacuation of Heimaey’s Eldfell volcano after its top blew up in 1973, a six-month eruption that caused all the islanders to be evacuated. Some of Heimaey’s various residents greet us as we travel the next cliff, making them the largest bird colony in the world. The colorful animals, which are bred and raised in their young, who are known as pufflings, visit their homes from April to the end of the summer. It’s hilarious to watch these cute but awkward birds “running” across the water to lift off and then about crash-land on the verdant cliffs, despite the fact that they are expert divers and swimmers who plunge to depths of up to 60 meters to catch fish. On these excursions, visitors can find a lot of wildlife and natural beauties, but travelers should be aware that Mother Nature controls the waves around below. The commander tells us it’s very rough for the ship’s tenders to safely transport us to the secluded island of Djpivogur, with its little fishing community and Viking history, at breakfast, prompting a shared groan. Our souls are lifted in every way as the leisure team compiles a program of actions, including an unexpected cocktail-making demonstration and the crucial tasting. Another designed sea days are included in the itinerary because there is never a lack of activities. I especially enjoy the journey director’s intelligent talk about the story of Holland America Line, one of the oldest cruise lines in the world, which celebrated its 150th anniversary in 2023. Its competition in the early 1900s saw the arrival of hundreds of French refugees to launch a new life in the US. Because passengers were concerned about becoming queasy, the line put false funnels on its ships so that they believed a warship with more funnels would expedite their travel to New York. Nieuw Statendam, which is the seventh ship in the train’s history to bear the name, is nothing phony. The Grand Dutch Cafe, with its blue and white beijing and beverages like Genever, Advocaat, and French beverages, is one that I like because it reflects its history. Iceland to Scotland crossingAnother stop on our journey is Reykjavik, the money of the country’s most north. It coincides with the evening sun’s display, which can be seen from mid-May through mid-August, so it’s a real innovation to move back to the ship in the evening through streets also lit up in light. It’s no secret that Iceland’s drink prices can be very eye-watering, but a top tip for customers is to take advantage of the glad hours available in many bars and restaurants between 5pm and 7pm. There is more durable natural charm to be found closer to home in Scotland as we sail in. On a trip from Kirkwall in the Orkneys, we travel through old stone circles before arriving on the island the following time, where some travelers take their way to Loch Ness. Nessie hasn’t been seen yet, but we still have plenty to talk about over dinner while taking a cruise that includes both real and imagined habitat. Booking: The 14-night Viking Trails & Celtic Origins journey on Nieuw Statendam, round-trip from Dover, on Holland America Line starts at £1,999. The boat stops in Rotterdam, Lessund, Djpivogur, Akureyri, Safjördur, Reykjavik, Heimaey, Stornoway, and Portree.
Ask the expert:” Iceland continues to be a superstar place for 2025,” asks Karen Farndell, director of sales and marketing for the UK and Ireland, Holland America Line. Brits can travel to this bucket-list destination in less time thanks to its relative closeness and ease of access, and our masterfully planned itineraries immerse visitors in geothermal wonders, lively ports and cities, and glacial vistas. Brokers can draw attention to Iceland’s appeal to visitors looking for adventurous things to do, beautiful natural passes, and enriching cultural experiences. Focuses on adventurous travelers or those who have recently enjoyed expedition-style cruising in Alaska, Scandinavia, or other destinations. Although Nieuw Statendam is one of HAL’s largest ships, it is a mid-sized vehicle that doesn’t feel overly large when compared to boat ships. Customers who prefer typical cruising to be able to enjoy this fashionable ship will enjoy this vessel. Despite that, it is not very stable. The ship offers a variety of overnight life acts spread across three venues, including blues, dance, and rock ‘n’roll, all set to a music style. A complete daily schedule includes everything from art sessions and songs trivia to pickleball and table crawls in between, beginning with early morning exercise classes like tai chi and ending with late-night dance. The menu is extremely varied, whether it’s a sophisticated main dining room, a sizable meal, or a specialty restaurant. The Grand Dutch Cafe, which features signature items like apple pie and edam butter and bacon toasties, is a striking included venue. Advise clients to sit at Tamarind, which is well worthwhile the$ 35 cover fee for the beautiful pan-Asian food. The chic yet casual restaurant is located in a prime location, facing the stern of the fleet, and on hot days, guests can sit in a wonderful alfresco area surrounded by Asian-inspired decoration. Oleg Troino, Oleg Troino, JMP_Traveler, Shutterstock/Kotenko Oleksandr, Shutterstock/Joan Vadell, JMP_Traveler, Shutterstock/Oleg Senkov, and Shutterstock/Kotenko Oleksandr.
