Iceland - reykjavik and akureyri

[hotlady29]

Hello to everyone out there.

Do any of you seasoned cruisers have any information on what would be the best sights / attractions to see in either of these two ports.

We are travelling to Reykjavik on 3rd/4th September - arrival 14.00 and departure 13.00 - not good times for doing trips.

Akureyri we are there on 5th September from 8.30 am to 16.00

 

Many thanks

Elaine

[sddsddean]

No, the timings aren't brilliant! Go to your roll call...perhaps someone is organising tours already.

We did the Golden Circle tour on the first day with

http://www.gatewaytoiceland.is/ . I think we ended up with 4 minibuses in the end, though there was some variation in drivers! We got back to the ship about 8.30pm (up to the buffet for dinner!), but some who were driven by a 'very keen' student type didn't get back until 10pm!

Some went to the Blue Lagoon second day, but we went for a walk.

 

In Akureyi it threw it down with rain until about 2pm when there was a mass exodus from the ship! Went up to the church and to the botanical gardens. Many did a waterfalls and volcanoes tour (I think), but many also got soaked! Can't do anything about the weather!

 

Simon

[Nitemare]

Simon's suggestions are spot on. Sunset is well after 8PM, so you can certainly do a Golden Circle or Blue Lagoon visit in Reykjavik, and from Akureyri you can do a whale watch or a trip to Myvatn or do Dettifoss and the other waterfalls in that region.

[moviefan2010]

I thought the Myvatn area tour was even better than the Grand Circle but both were great.

 

 

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[Shore_rat]

It is very easy to hire a car in both ports and many hire companies allow you to collect right beside the ship. We cruised to Iceland last year with similar timings. We used Europcar who have offices at each port (some operators have offsite offices).

 

In Reykjavik on disembarking we collected the car from the tourist office on the quayside and were on our way within 20 mins. A self drive of the Golden Circle is relatively easy and you can avoid the coaches if you are clever. The car hire company provide maps and its easy to get around.

 

next morning, we drove to the Blue Lagoon arriving at opening time (10.00 i think) returning for lunch. its worth pre -booking as it was busy at opening time,

 

the 2 days are covered in a 24 hr car hire and the car can easily be parked at the port.

 

In Akureyri we again hired a car and collected it from the tourist office just outside the port entrance. Myvaten is an easy drive with lots to see and do. Don't miss Krafla. Again it is possible to beat the busses and have a peaceful visit to most of the sites.

 

 

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[diane.in.ny]

Renting a car and driving in Iceland is very easy. You've got some good advice here.

[Iluvcruising2]

Is the blue lagoon worth it? Or should we do the Myvatn nature baths instead?

[Nitemare]

Is the blue lagoon worth it? Or should we do the Myvatn nature baths instead?

 

If you're just looking for the relaxation of a huge hot tub with healing waters, then you should do Myvatn, as it's a less expensive option providing the same experience. We felt it was also a more natural experience, as Blue Lagoon is much more a "constructed" facility.

 

If you're looking for a more inclusive (spa treatments, restaurants gift shop) visit, then you'd prefer the Blue Lagoon.