Celestial Iceland: Natural Wonders and the Eclipse

En route from U.S.

Arrive in Keflavík, Iceland | Reykjavík – Embarkation

Upon arriving to Keflavík Airport an Orbridge representative will be waiting to assist with your transfer to the hospitality room in Reykjavík.

En route to the vessel, enjoy a panoramic tour of the city driving past a variety of notable landmarks including Harpa concert hall and the iconic Hallgrímskirkja church.

As embarkation begins take time to settle into your stateroom and become acquainted with the state-of-the-art SH Vega—your home away from home during this thrilling expedition. Elegant, well-appointed staterooms and beautifully designed public spaces offer inviting options to relax, socialize and enjoy the journey.

This evening gather with fellow travel companions for a special welcome reception and captain’s gala dinner to celebrate the adventures to come.

Ísafjörður

Awake to remarkable scenery and crisp Nordic air. Gather for breakfast then disembark for Ísafjörður, a charming town nestled in the Westfjords with dramatic landscapes and a tranquil atmosphere.

Visit the Ósvör Maritime Museum for a unique glimpse into the harsh and challenging lives of Icelandic fishermen in the 19th century. The museum’s centerpiece is a reconstructed 19th-century fishing station complete with a traditional turf-roofed fisherman’s hut. Stepping inside the hut find yourself transported back in time to a world where Icelandic fishermen braved the cold North Atlantic waters in open rowboats. Explore Ósvör’s extensive collection of fishing tools, gear and equipment that were essential to the daily lives of fishermen in the Westfjords. See old fishing nets, hand-carved wooden oars, harpoons and traditional clothing made of sheepskin and wool, plus various navigational tools that illustrate the evolution of maritime technology in Iceland over generations.

Continue to the peaceful village of Bíldudalur. This small community, known for its diverse avian wildlife, was once a bustling fishing and trading hub. The town is also a gateway to our next destination—Dynjandi waterfall, whose name translates to thunderous. Surrounded by rugged cliffs, lush green moss and basalt rock formations this majestic setting is a perfect backdrop for photographers and nature lovers. A short hike brings you to the base of the waterfall. Along the way encounter several smaller waterfalls that are part of the main water system, together forming a cumulative height of approximately 328 feet.

After lunch visit the Ísafjörður Museum, also known as the Westfjords Heritage Museum, a captivating cultural and historical center housed in a meticulously preserved 18th-century building that was once a storehouse for the Danish trading company. Gain a fascinating glimpse into the maritime heritage and daily life of the Westfjords throughout history.

This evening enjoy live entertainment in the stylish main lounge.

Flatey

After breakfast board a tender destined for Flatey for a self-guided walk to see the island’s bird colonies. Approaching the rugged coastline the sounds of crashing waves and distinct calls of seabirds fill the air. Prepare for close encounters (at a respectable distance) with countless puffins and Arctic terns.

Puffins, with their distinctive black and white plumage and colorful beaks, are one of Iceland’s most iconic birds. The sight of hundreds of puffins perched on the cliffs or waddling around is nothing short of magical. These adorably charming birds are curious and relatively tolerant of humans, allowing for fantastic photo opportunities.

Arctic terns are renowned for their incredible migratory journeys. Unlike puffins, terns prefer flat, open areas for nesting. These birds travel thousands of miles from their wintering grounds in Antarctica to breed in Iceland, making them the ultimate globetrotters of the avian world.

Following a delicious lunch on the ship there will be an option to return to Flatey to capture final photos. Alternatively remain on board to soak in the fresh sea air from comfortable loungers on the sun deck or take a dip in the heated pool.

Late afternoon enjoy a relaxing cruise towards Grundarfjörður. Perhaps sit in on a presentation discussing the science and significance of solar eclipses, learning about the phases of the eclipse and what to expect during tomorrow’s event.

Eclipse Day | Sailing the Path of Totality

As the ship is positioned strategically along the path of totality for unobstructed views of the sky, anticipation builds for today’s celestial event. The captain and crew will provide updates on the eclipse’s progress, and solar viewing glasses will be distributed.

As the moon fully covers the sun, the sky darkens and temperatures drop. The sun’s corona, a stunning halo of light, creates an ethereal and otherworldly spectacle. Embrace this moment, and experience the profound sense of wonder and connection to the cosmos.

Afterward reflect on your experience with fellow travel companions.

(NOTE: Eclipse viewing is entirely weather-dependent.)

Stykkishólmur | Snæfellsnes Peninsula

This morning visit Stykkishólmur, a picturesque town on the Snæfellsnes Peninsula renowned for its stunning views and bountiful waters. Embark on an exciting boat ride through pristine Breidafjordur Bay where you’ll partake in an unforgettable Icelandic sushi tasting experience. Savor the freshest flavors as you sample an array of scallops, sea urchins and other freshly caught shellfish straight from the sea—truly an unparalleled culinary adventure.

Return to the ship for lunch then depart for an afternoon excursion to the Snæfellsnes Peninsula, whose iconic Snæfellsjökull Glacier provided inspiration for Jules Verne’s Journey to the Center of the Earth. Explore lava fields and visit the black sand beaches of Djúpalónssandur. The peninsula also features unique geological formations including the striking basalt columns at the fishing village, Arnarstapi.

Tonight prepare for another gourmet dinner featuring fresh, locally sourced ingredients.

Borgarnes | Deildartunguhver | Reykjavík

Today’s highlight features a visit to the Krauma Geothermal Baths with time to relax and rejuvenate amongst its five hot baths, cold plunge, infrared sauna, steam room and relaxation room. Fed by the Deildartunguhver hot spring, the most powerful in Europe, Krauma offers an unforgettable thermal bathing experience. Boiling water from the hot spring is carefully mixed with ice-cold water from the nearby Ok Glacier creating the perfect temperature for soaking.

Return to the ship for lunch and enjoy the afternoon sailing toward Reykjavik.

Tonight gather for a lively farewell reception followed by a convivial gala dinner to commemorate this epic journey.

Reykjavík – Disembarkation | Keflavík | Depart for U.S.

After breakfast guests departing during the suggested times will take a complimentary transfer to the airport for flights home.