Sees Jeannine WilliamsonA fresh Icelandic itinerary offers unanticipated journeys 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 island, which consists of 15 territories and 30 stone stacks off Iceland’s west coast, and it has some impressive sights, despite only being five square miles. We flew aboard a tender and set foot in Heimaey’s small natural harbor, which is protected from the elements by steep cliffs, 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 is one of Heimaey’s 4,300 residents ( the population is only about 1,600 more than the number of passengers on our cruise ship ) and introduces herself as” B,” explaining that her Icelandic brand is difficult to pronounce. B, as our boat spins along, explains how Iceland’s dangerous volcanoes formed the mainland and shares heartbreaking tales of her family’s evacuation of Heimaey’s Eldfell volcano after its top blew up in 1973, a six-month eruption that resulted in all the islanders being forced to flee. Some of Heimaey’s various residents greet us as we travel the next rock, making them the largest puffin colony in the world. More than a million of the vibrant animals visit their breeding grounds between April and the end of the summer to raise their young, who are known as pufflings. It’s hilarious to watch these sweet 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 many different wildlife and natural beauties, but travelers should be aware that Mother Nature controls the waves that flow through this area. 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 organized 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 for hundreds of Dutch immigrants to launch a new career in the US began in the early 1900s. Because passengers were concerned about becoming queasy, the line installed false funnels on its ships to speed up their travel to New York. But, Nieuw Statendam, which is the seventh ship in the route’s record to bear the name, is authentic. I enjoy the details that reflect its history, such as the Grand Dutch Cafe, which features blue and white china and beverages like genever, advocaat, and French beers. crossing Iceland to Scotland Reykjavik, the money of the country’s most north, is another stop. 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 the daylight-soaked streets. 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 that is available in many bars and restaurants between 5pm and 7pm. More durable natural beauty can be found 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 animals. Booking.com: Viking Trails & Celtic Origins, a 14-night Viking Paths & Celtic Origins journey on Nieuw Statendam, round-trip from Dover, costs £1,999. Rotterdam, Lessund, Djpivogur, Akureyri, Safjördur, Reykjavik, Heimaey, Stornoway, and Portree are on the journey.
Ask the expert:” Iceland continues to be a superstar place for 2025. Ask Karen Farndell, director of sales and marketing for the UK and Ireland, Holland America Line. Brits can travel to this bucket-list destination with little time because of its relative contact and ease of access, while our expertly crafted itineraries equip guests in glacier vistas, thermal wonders, and lively ports and cities. Brokers may draw attention to Iceland’s appeal to customers who seek adventure, tranquillity, and enriching cultural activities. Focus on brave travelers or those who have recently enjoyed Alaska, Scandinavia, or expedition-style cruising. Although Nieuw Statendam is one of HAL’s largest ships, it is a mid-sized warship that doesn’t feel overly large when compared to cruise ships. Clients who prefer traditional travelling to liquid parks or thrill rides will enjoy this elegant fleet. Despite that, it is not very stable. The deliver offers a variety of overnight life works, including music, dance, and rock ‘n’roll, spread across three venues, all set to a music style. A complete daily schedule includes everything from art sessions and songs trivia to pickleball and club crawls between, beginning with early morning tai chi exercise classes like tai chi and finishing with late-night dance. The menu is likewise varied, whether it’s a sophisticated main dining room, a sizable meal, or a specialty restaurant. The Grand Dutch Cafe, which features convenience foods like pea soup, bacon toasties, and edam butter and ham 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 upscale yet casual restaurant is located directly opposite the ship’s stern, and on hot days, guests can sit in an inviting outdoor region with Asian-inspired decor. Oleg Troino, Oleg Troino, JMP_Traveler, Shutterstock/Kotenko Oleksandr, Shutterstock/Joan Vadell, JMP_Traveler, Shutterstock/Oleg Senkov, and Shutterstock/Kotenko Oleksandr
