Ireland & Iceland Cruise: Dublin, Akureyri & Reykjavik

Tour Nelsons Dockyard, which was originally built as a way station in the 18th century for warships of the British Royal Navy. This historic district has been restored to its former glory and you can sit upon the old fortifications and observation posts that line the harbor. As you evoke the ports nautical past, close your eyes and you can hear the revelry of sailors coming ashore for leave.

Dublin offers a wealth of historic sites dating back to a 1000-year-old Viking village, and as one might expect of the Irish, there is a tale to be told about every one. St. Patrick’s Cathedral is said to have been erected on the site where the saint himself converted pagans in 450 AD. From Dublin Castle the crown jewels were stolen in 1907; an unsolved mystery left to the fictional Sherlock Holmes to decipher. Some pubs, great sources of stories, are almost as old – you can sample a Guinness and the latest lore at The Brazen head, serving up drink and daydreams for 800 years. Then for a contrast, ride to a stunning view of contemporary Dublin atop a brand new observation wheel.

Belfast in the early 20th century had the largest and most productive shipyard in the world, gaining global renown with the launch of the RMS Titanic. Located on the slipways where she was built is a stunning new museum, opened in time for the 100th anniversary of Titanic’s only voyage and tragic demise. Today the city and riverfront are undergoing a 21st century transformation, but many exuberant Victorian and Edwardian buildings still sport the carved heads of kings and queens. As you explore the city, keep an eye out for “the murals.” These somewhat troubling freelance works appearing on building walls provide insight into the period known simply as “The Troubles."

This remote and little known fragment of Europe is an archipelago of 18 hilly islands, and a self-governing region of Denmark. Towns and villages cluster along the shores of fjords, and brightly painted houses in a rainbow of colors stand out against the deep green of fields and hillsides. It is a fine place to be outdoors and ideal for a hike amidst the superb scenery. Viking settlers are said to have established their parliament here in 825 with Torshavn as the capital, which it has remained ever since. The collection of impressive medieval ruins of Kirkjubour is also of interest, especially the striking Magnus Cathedral.

Runavík is a comparatively urbanised village in Runavík Municipality, Faroe Islands. It lies on the south half of the isle of Eysturoy.

Tucked away on the northern coast of Iceland along the picturesque shores of Skjálfandi Bay is Husavik—a small fishing community that has garnered a well-deserved reputation as one of the best whale-watching destinations in the world. Over 23 different species of whale have been recorded in Icelandic waters, with the most common visitors to Skjálfandi Bay being humpbacks, minke, and blue. Blue whales are especially impressive to behold. Known as the largest animal on Earth, a blue whale’s tongue alone can weigh more than an elephant.

Akureyri is considered a city, in fact Iceland’s second largest, even though its total population is only about 18,000. Set on the shores of one of Iceland’s most spectacular fjords, with a backdrop of countryside earth tones and greens and perennially snow-capped mountains, it is quite a sight to behold. Weather patterns here are a bit of a puzzle - only 60 miles from the Arctic Circle, summer temperatures can soar to the high 60’s. No surprise then that a main attraction is the Botanical Gardens, where over 2000 species of native and non-native plants flourish without benefit of a greenhouse.

On a voyage with Azamara®, guests see a night-and-day difference. And when we take you on a dramatic journey across Ísafjarðardjúp Bay to Ísafjörður, Iceland, you’ll experience a lot more day, thanks to long summer days with nearly 24-hours of sunlight and longer stays in port. Nestled in the northwest region of Iceland, tucked away in the North Atlantic, the towering peaks of this unspoiled wilderness welcome you.

Domain of the Norse thunder god, Thor, and shaped by fire and ice, Iceland’s volcanic landscape is a spectacular collage of lava fields, craters, waterfalls, and imposing mountain ranges. Vast geothermal springs power the spray of geysers, provide residents with the hot water that heats their homes, and fills the warm public pools where locals go to relax and catch up with friends. Visitors are encouraged to join in the fun. Reykjavik itself is a 21st century European city, with fine restaurants, cozy cafes, and intriguing museums and galleries.