Iceland Up Close: Our Honest Experience & Why Small Ship Cruising Stands Out

Iceland Up Close: Our Honest Experience & Why Small Ship Cruising Stands Out

There are many ways to see Iceland. My husband and I recently spent time in this remarkable country, and it’s clear: Iceland isn’t just a place you visit—it’s a place you feel. As travel advisors, we know there are countless options for exploring Iceland by ship. But after seeing a small slice of Iceland for ourselves, we truly believe that a small ship—like those with Windstar—is the most heartfelt way to experience it fully.

Our Own Icelandic Story

Our trip was just the two of us, exploring independently. We based ourselves in Reykjavík, soaking up the city’s colourful streets, creative spirit, and welcoming locals. Reykjavík moves at its own gentle rhythm. Every morning, we’d find a new café for coffee and pastries, always greeted with a smile. We felt a sense of ease here—like we could settle in and let the city reveal itself to us, one conversation at a time.

We also journeyed out on the Golden Circle, where Iceland’s wild heart is right on display. Waterfalls, geysers, and vast open landscapes—all impossibly beautiful, and all inviting us to pause, breathe, and just be present. One afternoon, we escaped to Sky Lagoon. Floating in the warm water with the Atlantic just beyond the edge, we found a kind of quiet peace you don’t easily forget.

Did we see all of Iceland? Not yet. But the days we spent discovering its capital, its natural wonders, and its everyday magic gave us a true taste of what this country is all about: connection, authenticity, and a slower, more meaningful kind of travel.

The Reality: So Many Ways to Explore Iceland

If you’re considering visiting Iceland, you’ll quickly discover there are plenty of ways to do it—including many cruise options. And while a larger ship or a land tour will show you the highlights, we believe the real magic of Iceland is found in the moments in between—the little villages, the unhurried stops, the late-night chats with locals, the quiet you feel out on the water.

This is where small ship cruising stands out. On a line like Windstar, you’re not just one of many—you’re travelling in a close-knit group, slipping into tiny ports and spending meaningful time ashore. You’re free from the crowds and able to explore at your own pace, with the personal touches that make a journey memorable.

Why Would We Choose Windstar for Iceland?

Even though our Iceland trip was land-based, it opened our eyes to how much more there is to discover. Next time, we’d want to see those places you can only reach by water—like remote fjords, the Westman Islands, and colourful fishing villages that big ships simply sail past. Windstar’s small ships make that possible.

Imagine docking in Ísafjörður or Seyðisfjörður and stepping right into the heart of the community. Picture lingering over fresh-baked bread in a local bakery, or watching puffins wheel overhead in a quiet cove. With Windstar, you have time to genuinely connect—with nature, with people, and with yourself.

Our Belief: You Deserve to Feel “Held,” Not Just Sold To

We don’t believe in rushing or in cookie-cutter travel. The best journeys let you slow down, savour real moments, and feel comfortable being yourself. That’s what Iceland gave us—and it’s why, if you’re dreaming of Iceland, we gently encourage you to consider a small ship journey with Windstar.

You can read more about Windstar in our earlier blog here

If you’d like to hear more about our own Iceland experience, or want to talk through the options for exploring this extraordinary place, we’re here. Our aim is to help you find the kind of journey that feels right for you—one where you feel truly “held,” not just sold to.

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Iceland Up Close: Our Honest Experience & Why Small Ship Cruising Stands Out

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