Iceland’s stunning landscape and natural beauty add a sense of adventure for any traveler.
CRUISING ICELAND WITH THE SILVER SPIRIT
ADVENTURES IN THE LAND OF FIRE & ICE
As part of Silversea's Charters & Incentives team invitation, I was privileged to attend a special seminar at sea in August aboard Silversea's Silver Spirit. The seminar aimed to showcase the potential of luxury cruise charters for corporate incentive programs and was attended by several prestigious incentive houses based in the United States.
ALL-INCLUSIVE CLASSIC ELEGANCE
The Silver Spirit offers an intimate and luxurious experience with a classic appeal. Accommodating up to 608 guests, the ship provides ample space for everyone. The Silver Spirit underwent a full refurbishment and extension in 2018. Silversea is a market leader in luxury cruise travel, operating a fleet of 12 ships.
One of the great advantages of traveling on a luxury cruise ship like the Silver Spirit is the all-inclusivity: meals, drinks, entertainment, butler services, and more are all included. While on board, you can simply “sit back and relax.”
ICELAND: WHERE GLACIERS MEET VOLCANIC TERRAIN
Iceland, known as the land of fire and ice, offers some of the most dramatic landscapes in the world. From towering glaciers and geothermal hot springs to volcanic fields, Iceland captures the adventurous spirit of every traveler.
On a cruise to Iceland, you can experience glacier hikes, whale watching, and explore the natural beauty of Iceland’s fjords and much more.
Reykjavik, the world’s northernmost capital, blends modern architecture like the Harpa Concert Hall with a rich Viking heritage. Home to about 130,000 residents, Reykjavik offers a vibrant mix of colorful homes, charming cafes, and an interesting food scene. The city is well-connected through Keflavik International Airport, making it a convenient starting point for travelers from North America and Europe.
ONBOARD THE SILVER SPIRIT
Aboard the Silver Spirit, guests can enjoy a variety of dining venues, each offering high-quality cuisine. From the Italian flavors of La Terrazza, which operates as a buffet during lunch and transforms into an elegant Italian restaurant at dinner, to the Asian fusion dishes at Seishin, offering sushi and a unique twist on Asian flavors, there is something for every palate. For a more intimate experience, La Dame offers fine French dining, while Spaccanapoli serves casual poolside pizzas. Atlantide is a refined international restaurant, and Indochine brings the bold flavors of Asia to the table with dishes inspired by Vietnamese, Thai, and Indian cuisine. The Art Café is perfect for light bites, coffee, and pastries throughout the day.
The Grill, located poolside, offers an interactive dining experience where you can grill your own seafood or steak on heated lava stones. At night, The Grill transforms into an outdoor steakhouse where you can enjoy al fresco dining under the stars, even in colder weather, thanks to the provided heaters and blankets.
Additionally, Silver Note combines gourmet tapas with live jazz performances, offering an intimate dining and entertainment experience. Complimentary in-room dining is also available 24 hours a day, allowing guests to enjoy meals in the comfort of their suite.
The ship’s entertainment includes live performances at the Venetian Lounge and live music in Dolce Vita and the Panorama Lounge. For fitness enthusiasts, the well-equipped fitness center is ideal, while the top deck boasts a jogging track with stunning ocean views. For relaxation, the Zagara Spa provides a serene retreat with a thermal suite, steam rooms, and a variety of treatments.
EXPLORING ICELAND BY SEA
The Silver Spirit’s 9-day itinerary in Iceland was ideal for discovering the country’s natural beauty.
The planned route included six ports of call in Iceland, with an additional stop in Tórshavn in the Faroe Islands. Unfortunately, due to a storm in the area, the ship had to skip Siglufjörður and Tórshavn. However, we had a bonus overnight stay in Akureyri, providing more time to explore the town and its surrounding beauty.
Silversea also offers a range of inclusive shore excursions at each port, enabling guests to experience Iceland's natural wonders and explore its charming coastal villages.
LAYER UP FOR THE UNPREDICTABLE ICELANDIC WEATHER
Iceland is known for its unpredictable weather, even during the summer months. During the trip, temperatures dropped as low as 4°C (39°F), with strong winds and rain. We weren’t that lucky with the weather during the cruise.
It is essential to pack warm layers, including gloves and a beanie, to stay warm when needed while traveling in Iceland. If you plan to explore Iceland’s rugged terrains, proper hiking shoes and technical water and wind-resistant gear are a must.
Packing wisely will ensure you’re ready for Iceland’s breathtaking yet unpredictable weather.
ADVENTUROUS DESTINATION
MY THOUGHTS ON A CRUISE IN ICELAND AS AN EVENT VENUE
Iceland’s stunning landscape and natural beauty add a sense of adventure for any traveler. The combination of comfortable and all-inclusive onboard accommodations on a ship like the Silver Spirit creates an ideal setting for memorable experiences that will leave a lasting impact on your attendees.
While Iceland may not be the best destination for pool parties or those seeking tropical weather, it excels for adventure-focused events.
Iceland’s immersive landscapes—with activities like glacier hikes, volcanic tours, and whale watching—offer excellent team-building opportunities.
For marketing or branding events, chartering a cruise ship in Iceland could be a fantastic idea, especially for outdoor brands (e.g., technical clothing, adventure lifestyle, and similar industries).
A potential downside for event planners is that cruise itineraries in Iceland tend to be longer, usually 7+ nights, making it difficult to find shorter itineraries of 2-3 nights.
A CRUISE IN ICELAND: SPECIAL MEMORIES FOR EVERYONE
For independent vacation travelers and private groups of family and friends looking to explore Iceland in a comfortable and relaxed manner, a cruise in Iceland is an increasingly popular choice.
Iceland is a safe and friendly country with good connections to major airports in Europe. It’s worth considering adding one or two extra days in Reykjavik to experience the capital and nearby attractions such as the famous Blue Lagoon natural hot spring.
Iceland can also be an amazing experience for families with children, as the country offers a wide range of interactive activities for all ages, including nature explorations, whale watching, and geothermal baths and many more activities that everyone can enjoy.
As mentioned, even in summer, Icelandic weather can be unpredictable. While you might enjoy gorgeous, sunny days, you could also encounter stormy conditions and moderate to rough seas while sailing.
Be aware that Iceland is generally not cheap, but the visit will certainly be worth it! Whether it's the once-in-a-lifetime scenery or the unique cultural experiences, Iceland leaves a lasting impression
