Discovers Jeannine WilliamsonA fresh Icelandic itinerary 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 Iceland’s west coast, and it’s definitely big on places despite being just over five square miles. Our send, Holland America Line’s Nieuw Statendam, is at anchor in Heimaey’s small natural harbor, which is protected from the elements by steep mountains. Icelandic bird watching is the spotlight of one of HAL’s fresh timetables, which combines some equally wild and amazing sights from Scotland with Iceland. Our enthralled guide is one of Heimaey’s 4,300 people ( 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, who is aboard our boat, describes how Iceland’s dangerous volcanoes formed the mainland 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. Members of the largest gull colony in the world greet us as we head down the subsequent mountain. The colorful animals, which are bred and raised in their fresh, 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 many different wildlife and natural beauties, but travelers should be aware that Mother Nature controls the waves that flow through this area. The skipper tells us it’s very rough for the ship’s tenders to carry us safely to the secluded island of Djpivogur, with its tiny fishing community and Viking history, one morning, and there is a social groan at breakfast. 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 individuals were concerned about becoming dizzy, the column installed false channels on its ships so that they believed a vehicle with more funnels did transport them to New York more quickly. 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, making it a real innovation to move back to the ship in the evening through daylight-soaked roads. It’s no secret that Iceland’s drink prices can be very eye-watering, but a top tip for consumers 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 starting in Kirkwall in the Orkneys, we travel to ancient rock lines before departing for the island where some travelers travel 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 Roads & 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. Ask 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 equip visitors in geothermal wonders, vibrant ports and cities, and glacial vistas. Agents can draw attention to Iceland’s charm to customers who seek adventure, tranquillity, and enriching cultural experiences. Focus on adventurous travelers or those who have recently enjoyed Alaska, Scandinavia, or expedition-style cruising. Although Nieuw Statendam is one of the largest in HAL’s ships, it is a mid-sized vehicle that doesn’t feel overcrowded. Clients who prefer traditional travelling to liquid parks or thrill rides will enjoy this elegant fleet. Having said that, it’s 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 bar 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 is served in the sophisticated main dining room, a sizable meal, or a speciality restaurant. The Grand Dutch Cafe, a striking included place, honors the train’s history with convenience foods like pea soup, bacon toasties and edam cheese toasties, and apple cake. 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 ship, and on warm days, guests can dine in a lovely alfresco area surrounded by Asian-inspired decor. Oleg Troino, Oleg Troino, JMP_Traveler, Shutterstock/Kotenko Oleksandr, Shutterstock/Joan Vadell, JMP_Traveler, Shutterstock/Oleg Senkov, and Shutterstock/Kotenko Oleksandr
