Iceland - Northern or Southern ports ?

[robertmartha]

Looking at an Iceland sailing for next year. Since I am still only to take a week of vacation (without having a complete breakdown) would love to hear from those who have done one / other / or both itinerary's / ports and your experiences - thoughts. Very concerned about the midges...which seem to prevalent in the northern ports in the summer - even into the first week of September. Even with face netting - not sure that we want to deal with them 😂quite honestly. From what I have been reading / researching, ports are very different.

 

Thanks all

[Covepointcruiser]

With face netting the midges are not a problem.   The netting keeps them out of your face.

[CatalinaUK]

When I cruised around Iceland, I enjoyed the Northern ports more, though it may depend upon your interests. I really liked the northwest part of Iceland. The nature was beautiful and I like the slow pace of life.

[cruisr]

I liked the ports you visit while starting in the Northeast and heading south clockwise.

Came from Scotland over to the NE of Iceland and proceeded to REK with IIRC 5 stops  before docking.  Did the west coast from REK this summer and whilst nice not as scenic for me.

[robertmartha]

cruiser - can you elaborate on your experiences? The sailings I am looking at would either leave from REK and do 3 upper west coast ports OR leave from Dover and do 3 NE ports (clockwise) ending in REK.

 

thanks

Bob

[mnocket]

If you're open to other cruise lines, you might take a look at Windstar.  I recently completed their final 7-day circumnavigation of Iceland for the season (Sept 2-9).  There were no midges at that time of year.  We did a b2b that then continued on to Greenland, Nova Scotia & Montreal (no midges there either).  On the first 3 nights of that segment we got to experience the Northern Lights. It's right on the cusp of the season, but there's always the chance that you might get to see them on the final circumnavigation cruise. Just something to consider.

Edited November 16, 2023 by mnocket

[robertmartha]

thanks Mnocket

Never a guarantee one year to the next but actually looking at a sept sailing (first week) next year - was hoping at that time the midges would be fewer. Home was the weather ?

 

Bob