Prior to our cruise, we connected with fellow passengers on our ship through social media platforms. You can join private groups on Cruise Critic or even on Facebook, comprised of passengers on the same cruise.
With an overnight stay in Reykjavik and unconventional hours in port, our social media passenger group organized and found a tour company offering small 14-passenger buses to explore Iceland. With enough participants, we were able to reserve three buses! We spent all three days with the same group and driver.
It’s enjoyable to exchange notes about the ship, packing tips, countdown to embarkation, and even plan excursions, meet-and-greets, or slot pulls.
On the first day in Reykjavik, we journeyed to the South Coast to witness stunning waterfalls, encounter Icelandic horses, and marvel at the breathtaking Reynisfjara black sand beach.
The second day took us to the famous Golden Circle, where we beheld majestic mountains, witnessed geysers in action, and were mesmerized by the incredible and picturesque Gullfoss waterfall.
As we sailed towards Akureyri in northern Iceland on day three, our driver traveled to meet us! The snowy landscape was simply stunning!
We learned about lava bread, which is actually baked in the ground, and even donned plastic shoe covers to explore the bubbling mud pools. Driving through this remote area made us feel like we were in another world.