An Iceland cruise typically costs $1,800–$8,000+ per person depending on the cruise line, ship type, and cabin category — with expedition-style voyages running $4,000–$15,000+ per person for a 10–14 night itinerary.
Photo: Royal Caribbean International
Iceland is not a budget destination, and the cruises that sail there know it. Whether you're chasing the Northern Lights from a porthole or hiking a glacier on a shore excursion, expect to pay a serious premium over a standard Caribbean sailing — and that's before you've ordered a single Icelandic beer.
How Much Does an Iceland Cruise Cost? The Real Numbers
Most Iceland cruises run 7 to 14 nights, departing from Reykjavik, Copenhagen, Amsterdam, or Southampton. The price range is wide because the product is wildly different — a mainstream cruise line sailing a port-heavy itinerary is a completely different experience from a small-ship expedition voyage into remote fjords.
| Cruise Type | Ship Size | Duration | Price Per Person (Interior/Lowest) | All-In Estimate Per Person |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Budget (Mainstream: MSC, Costa) | Large (2,000+ passengers) | 7–10 nights | $899–$1,500 | $1,800–$3,000 |
| Mid-Range (Celebrity, Holland America, Princess) | Mid-large (1,000–2,500 passengers) | 10–14 nights | $1,800–$3,500 | $3,500–$6,500 |
| Premium (Viking Ocean, Silversea, Azamara) | Small (200–900 passengers) | 10–14 nights | $3,500–$6,000 | $6,000–$10,000 |
| Expedition (Hurtigruten, Quark, Ponant) | Small/Expedition (100–500 passengers) | 10–16 nights | $5,000–$12,000 | $8,000–$18,000 |
The all-in estimate assumes: flights to/from embarkation port, port taxes and fees, one or two shore excursions per port, gratuities, and modest onboard spending. It does not include the Deluxe Beverage Package, specialty dining, or spa treatments — those will add $75–$150/person/day easily.
Photo: Royal Caribbean International
Key Factors That Drive Iceland Cruise Costs
1. Ship Size and Line Type Mainstream large ships (think Celebrity Apex or Holland America's Koningsdam) offer Iceland sailings as part of broader European itineraries. They're more affordable but spend limited time in each port. Small-ship expedition lines go where big ships can't — think Westfjords, Snæfellsnes Peninsula, or remote sea cliffs — and price accordingly.
2. Season and Departure Window Iceland cruises run primarily from May through September. Peak season (June–August) commands the highest prices — expect to pay 20–40% more than shoulder season (May or September). September also offers the best odds of seeing the Northern Lights while still having reasonable weather.
3. Itinerary Depth A cruise that only calls at Reykjavik and Akureyri is fundamentally different from one that circles the entire island or combines Iceland with Greenland, the Faroe Islands, or Svalbard. Circumnavigation and combo itineraries push prices significantly higher — $6,000–$15,000+ per person is typical for a full Iceland circle voyage.
4. Shore Excursions — Iceland's Biggest Hidden Cost This is where Iceland cruises get expensive fast. Glacier hikes, whale watching, Golden Circle tours, and Northern Lights chases are not cheap.
| Shore Excursion | Average Cost Per Person |
|---|---|
| Golden Circle Day Tour (from Reykjavik) | $80–$150 |
| Glacier Hike (Vatnajökull or similar) | $120–$200 |
| Whale Watching | $75–$120 |
| Northern Lights Boat Tour | $90–$150 |
| ATV or Snowmobile Adventure | $150–$300 |
| Puffin Colony + Sea Cliffs Zodiac | $100–$180 |
Budget $300–$600 per person for shore excursions on a typical 10-night Iceland sailing if you want to actually see the island properly. If you book ship-sponsored excursions, add 25–40% over independent operators.
5. Gratuities Most mainstream and premium lines charge $16–$20/person/day in auto-gratuities. On a 12-night sailing, that's $192–$240 per person — not nothing.
6. Flights to Europe Flying to Reykjavik, Copenhagen, Amsterdam, or Southampton from North America adds $600–$1,800 per person depending on origin, timing, and class. Icelandair occasionally runs good transatlantic deals direct to Reykjavik — worth checking if your itinerary starts or ends there.
Photo: Carnival Cruise Line
Practical Tips to Save Money on an Iceland Cruise
Book 9–12 Months Out (or Last Minute — But Risky) Iceland itineraries fill up, especially expedition voyages. Early booking discounts of 10–20% off brochure rates are common on Viking, Hurtigruten, and Celebrity. Last-minute deals exist but inventory is thin — Iceland is not the Caribbean where ships sail half-empty.
Travel in May or September Shoulder season prices are noticeably lower, crowds are smaller, and September gives you a genuine shot at the Northern Lights. The weather is colder but Iceland is cold anyway — dress in layers and save $500–$1,500 per cabin.
Book Shore Excursions Independently For Iceland specifically, this can save you 30–40% per excursion. Reykjavik Excursions, Arctic Adventures, and Gray Line Iceland all offer the same Golden Circle tours and glacier hikes for significantly less than ship-sponsored equivalents. Just be back at the dock on time — the ship waits for no one.
Choose a Repositioning Cruise Some lines reposition ships from the Mediterranean to Northern Europe in spring, passing Iceland or the British Isles along the way. These repositioning sailings can be priced 30–50% lower per night than purpose-built Iceland itineraries. Holland America and Celebrity run a few each year.
Skip the Beverage Package (Sometimes) If you're docked in Iceland all day on excursions, you're not drinking on the ship. Run the math — if you're in port 7 out of 12 days, a beverage package at $85–$100/person/day may not break even. Buy drinks individually on sea days instead.
Consider All-Inclusive Lines for Iceland Viking Ocean and Azamara include shore excursions, gratuities, and beverages in the fare. On a destination-intensive sailing like Iceland, this can actually represent solid value compared to a seemingly cheaper mainstream line where you pay for everything à la carte.
Best Cruise Lines for Iceland — Which Is Right for You?
| Cruise Line | Style | Starting Price (Per Person) | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|
| Celebrity Cruises | Premium, large ship | $1,800 | First-timers who want comfort + Iceland ports |
| Holland America | Classic, mid-size | $1,600 | Mature travelers, solid value |
| Viking Ocean | Upscale, all-inclusive | $4,500 | Value-seekers who want no surprises |
| Hurtigruten | Expedition, small ship | $4,000 | Adventurers, nature-focused travelers |
| Ponant | Luxury expedition | $7,000 | Luxury travelers wanting remote access |
| Quark Expeditions | Full expedition | $6,500 | Hardcore expedition travelers |
| Silversea | Ultra-luxury | $8,000 | Luxury + expedition blend |
Celebrity and Holland America are the best entry points if you want Iceland without going full expedition. Viking wins on all-inclusive value for a premium experience. Hurtigruten is the go-to if you want genuine expedition flavor without the ultra-luxury price tag of Ponant or Silversea.
Iceland is one of the most spectacular cruise destinations on the planet, and yes, it costs what it costs. Budget a realistic $3,500–$7,000 per person all-in for a solid 10–12 night sailing on a premium or expedition line, and you'll come home with memories that justify every dollar. Try to cut too many corners and you'll spend two weeks on a big ship barely glimpsing the island.
Before you book, run your full Iceland cruise budget through CruiseMutiny — the tool breaks down cabin categories, add-on costs, and total trip expenses so you know exactly what you're signing up for before you hand over your credit card.