My recent adventure with Windstar Cruises in Iceland was wonderful. My 13-year-old son, Carter, and I spent our days sailing around the land of fire and ice, exploring its wild landscapes, and immersing ourselves in its rich culture—all while enjoying the comfort of an intimate yacht that felt more like a retreat than a typical cruise ship. I’m excited to share our journey with you.

Why Windstar? A Unique Cruise Experience

Windstar Cruises offers something different from your typical cruise line. While many cruise ships are large and packed with thousands of passengers, Windstar’s fleet consists of small, yacht-like vessels that carry no more than 342 guests. This means no crowds, no long lines, and no competition for deck chairs—although, in Iceland’s cooler climate, those chairs weren’t in high demand! Instead, what I found was a relaxed, intimate atmosphere where the crew knew my name, and fellow travelers quickly became friends.

What really sets Windstar apart is its commitment to providing immersive, authentic travel experiences. Windstar doesn’t just take you to a destination—they help you connect with it. On our Iceland cruise, this meant more than just scenic views. We stepped ashore to explore volcanic landscapes, quaint fishing villages, and vibrant Icelandic culture in a way that felt deeply personal.

This focus on authenticity truly resonates with me. I believe travel should be about more than just checking off destinations; it should be about making connections with the places you visit and creating memories that last a lifetime.

A Comprehensive Journey Through Iceland

Our 7-day journey began and ended in Reykjavík, Iceland’s vibrant capital. During the cruise, we circled the island, visiting some of its most iconic and remote locations. The itinerary was a perfect blend of natural beauty and cultural immersion.

• Reykjavík: The city is a delightful mix of modernity and tradition, with its colorful houses, thriving arts scene, and geothermal pools. Carter and I visited the Blue Lagoon immediately after arrival—one of the natural wonders of the world. The warm, ~100-degree water was incredibly relaxing. Back in town, we discovered BakaBaka, where we enjoyed hot chocolate and croissants so much that we returned the next day.
• Heimaey Island: This is the largest of the Westman Islands, located off Iceland’s southern coast. Known for its dramatic volcanic landscapes and vibrant birdlife, including puffin colonies, Heimaey was a highlight. We hiked past waterfalls and puffin nests and explored a museum dedicated to the 1973 eruption of Eldfell, which reshaped the town and created new land. This made it a fascinating destination for both nature lovers and history buffs.
• Seydisfjordur: The approach to Seydisfjordur by sea was breathtaking, with our ship sailing through a narrow, deep fjord flanked by steep mountains. The town, surrounded by lush green hills and cascading waterfalls, is perfect for nature lovers. We admired the colorful, well-preserved wooden buildings from the 19th century and had the chance to attend a concert at the iconic Blue Church. Although Carter and I opted out, I later regretted it when other guests shared how fun and engaging it was (and only an hour long!)
• Akureyri and Lake Mývatn: In the north, we visited Akureyri, Iceland’s second-largest city, and the stunning Lake Mývatn area. We went river rafting, fully geared up in wetsuits, gloves, and booties. Carter joined others in jumping from a (not too high) cliff, and we both enjoyed hot chocolate made by scooping hot water directly from a bubbling thermal pot and stirring in hot cocoa mix.
• Grundarfjordur: Our last stop was on the northern coast of the Snaefellsnes Peninsula, home to Kirkjufell—one of Iceland’s most iconic and photographed mountains, shaped like a church. Carter and I ventured out to Vatnshellir, a lava tube cave formed by a volcanic eruption. The cave was suitably dark, spooky, chilly, and drippy—a quick 45-minute experience before we zipped back to the warm ship for an afternoon snack.

Onboard Luxury with a Personal Touch

Life aboard a Windstar yacht is upscale, yet relaxed. The ship’s design is sleek and modern, with plenty of spaces to unwind and enjoy the passing scenery. Dining was a particular highlight, with menus inspired by the regions we visited and ingredients sourced locally whenever possible.

Who Should Sail with Windstar?

Windstar Cruises is perfect for travelers who value authenticity, intimacy, and a deeper connection with the destinations they visit. It’s ideal for couples, solo travelers, or anyone looking to experience the world in a way that’s both luxurious and meaningful. While kids over 8 are welcome, there is no specific programming for children, and there aren’t many other kids onboard.

Ready to Sail?

Windstar offers amazing itineraries to Iceland, Tahiti, the Mediterranean, Costa Rica, Canada, New England, and more. If you have any questions, feel free to reach out, and let’s see if Windstar is the right choice for your next vacation!