Iceland and the Cosmos – Solar Eclipse

En route from U.S.

Arrive in Keflavík, Iceland | Reykjavík – Embarkation

Upon arriving to Keflavík Airport a 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

Today’s highlight is an excursion to the Arnarfjörður fjord to see the magnificent Dynjandi waterfall—whose name translates to thunderous. Surrounded by craggy cliffs, lush green moss and basalt rock formations this majestic setting is a perfect backdrop for photographers and nature lovers. At the waterfall take advantage of free time to explore and capture pictures of the remarkable landscape.

Return to the ship for lunch and a leisurely afternoon cruise to Greenland.

This evening enjoy live entertainment in the stylish main lounge.

ITTOQQORTOORMIIT, GREENLAND

Step ashore for an authentic and personal glimpse into Greenlandic life rarely accessible to travelers. This isolated community is home to just a few hundred resilient residents who live in colorful houses nestled between vast fjords and dramatic tundra.

Begin with a visit to the town’s small but fascinating museum featuring artifacts that trace the area’s unique history and traditions. Next watch various craft demonstrations followed by a tasting of local delicacies, which may include dried fish, musk ox or other Arctic fare. Before returning to the ship, gather at a local’s home for a kaffemik—a welcoming opportunity to share coffee, cakes and conversation with your gracious hosts, experiencing firsthand the hospitality and communal spirit that define life in this remote Arctic enclave.

Late afternoon enjoy a relaxing cruise towards Stykkishólmur. 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.)

Snæfellsnes Peninsula

Following lunch disembark for an 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.

Akranes | Optional Excursions | Reykjavík

After a morning at leisure and lunch on board, choose to join one of the following included excursions. Each features a photography stop at two of Iceland’s most picturesque waterfalls—Hraunfossar and Barnafoss.

Option 1: Grábrók Volcanic Crater
Explore Grábrók, a large crater in a volcanic fissure. Walk an easy trail to the top for spectacular views over the mossy lava fields. Grábrók is the largest of three craters in the same fissure, formed approximately 3,400 years ago. Continue to Glanni Waterfall, a small, multi-layered cascade whose name means “brightness” or “that which shines.” NOTE: This excursion requires good physical fitness.

Option 2: Viking Trails
Retrace Icelandic Viking footsteps during a visit to the ancient Saga trails. Follow the paths of the Borgarfjörður district where many of the famous events from the 13th-century Icelandic Egils Saga took place. First visit the award-winning Settlement Center in Borgarnes to view a multimedia exhibition that illustrates the story of Iceland’s Viking settlement. Continue to Reykholt, where Snorri Sturluson—Iceland’s most celebrated writer, law speaker and historian—lived until his death in 1241. Conclude at the Deildartunguhver hot spring, the most powerful in Europe.

Option 3: Krauma Baths
Rest and rejuvenate among Krauma’s five hot baths, cold plunge, infrared sauna, steam room and relaxation room. Fed by the Deildartunguhver hot spring, 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. NOTE: This excursion is limited to 35 guests.

Return to the ship to begin cruising 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.