iceland ashore and excursions

[auntieS]

1.  Have so far only cruised in US/Canada where usually cannot go ashore for about an hour after ship docks, awaiting official clearance.  Reading forums and independent tour operators websites, seems we can go ashore sooner after ship docks in European ports?  (Preliminary research for summer 2020 cruise, but not absolutely committed, so don't want to start roll call yet.)  Specifically, Iceland tour operators catering to cruise ships say to meet tour 30-60 minutes "after ship arrival"--is that plenty enough time to get off ship?  (General answer for European and Asian ports also appreciated, since I hope to go on more non-US cruises in the future!)

2.  Have only taken ship excursions so far, but have overnight in Reykjavik so feel it is good opportunity to test using independent tour operator (I am totally type A about getting back to ship on time.)  Ship arrives 12 noon, so looking at tour operators who adjust tour times to ship schedules.  Cruising in June, so even if tour doesn't start til 1 pm or so, there should be plenty of daylight to complete 6 hour Golden Circle tour, yes?

3.  How far in advance is suggested to start/join roll call to get group together for independent tours?  Better to get entire (mini-van full) group of passengers, then book tour; or ok to sign up online on tour website independently (for "available slots")?

[Turtles06]

Welcome to Cruise Critic!

 

We were in Iceland last summer, and you will find that many private tours there (especially the popular ones like the Golden Circle) are operated a bit differently than they are in other places, in that the tour operators have small buses (16-19 seaters) and sell seats on the bus rather than requiring someone to put together an entire group of strangers from a Roll Call. They are also much better about having individuals from a Roll Call book with them directly and pay them directly, which again eliminates a great deal of responsibility from someone on the Roll Call trying to get a group together.  This doesn't mean you can't or shouldn't post on your Roll Call that you are booking X tour with Y company, and if others are interested...etc.   We filled a number of mini-buses this way from our Roll Call, especially in Reykjavik.

 

As for tour times, the private companies will know when you should be able to disembark.  As for having time to do the Golden Circle tour on the afternoon of your arrival, you should email tour operators and ask them if they will run the tour at a time to accommodate your ship's schedule.  Do a search here in this forum, and you'll find a number of companies that have been recommended.  We used GeoIceland last summer, and they were terrific.

 

https://geoiceland.com/cruise-ship-excursions/

 

Good luck and enjoy your cruise!

Edited July 7, 2019 by Turtles06

[Nitemare]

Good advice from Turtle.

 

Please read back a couple of pages, there are some lengthy threads with so much advice about Iceland touring you will find useful.

[sunlover757]

I used Hidden Iceland for two tours from Reykjavik this year. They were excellent and would another great independent tour company option for Roll Call tours. Have a fantastic time on your cruise!  

[feathersandnananose]

We did a Golden Circle tour that started at 2 pm and lasted almost 8 hours.  In mid-June.  It was still light out at the end, at 9:30 - 10 pm.