Is a Holland America Iceland Cruise Worth It?

Last summer, my mother and I were invited on a Holland America cruise to Alaska and wondered if we’d like it. Were we even cruise people?

Fast forward to this summer, and we’ve just stepped off our second Holland America cruise, this time, to Iceland, and for a second time yes, it was worth it. Maybe I am a cruise person after all.

Handing zero logistics, cooking, cleaning, and not having to pack up and move or even be awake for the transit is nice, especially with kids.

It was an adventure filled with breathtaking landscapes, wonderful excursions, and exceptional onboard experiences. Here’s a rundown of my journey and why I highly recommend this cruise for anyone looking to explore the beauty of Iceland and beyond:

The Itinerary: Faroe Islands, East Fjords, Akureyri, Ísafjörður, and Reykjavik

Faroe Islands

Our journey began with a unique twist as we diverted to the Faroe Islands from our departure point in Copenhagen due to weather conditions, a deviation from the usual stop at the Shetland Islands. It turned out to be a delightful surprise, with the Faroes offering rugged cliffs, quaint villages, and a glimpse into a lesser-explored corner of the North Atlantic.

It’s been on my bucket list for quite some time, and I opted to do the Vestmanna Seacliffs coastal cruise excursion which gave me a whimsical look at sheep grazing on impossibly steep cliff sides over the water, waterfalls, layered green sea cliffs, and puffins among other sea birds.

East Fjords Iceland

Next, we sailed through the enchanting East Fjords of Iceland, where jagged mountains meet serene fjords, creating a landscape straight out of a fairy tale. The views from the ship were simply stunning, giving me a perspective I hadn’t experienced during my previous visit by land when we drove the ring road.

We opted to visit a glacier lagoon and see Icelandic ponies, but to me the real star was the landscape and the nice drive out to these stops in such a beautiful, rural part of the country.

Akureyri, Iceland

In Akureyri, known as the capital of North Iceland, we explored bubbling hot spring fields and even ventured inland to witness the beauty of Godafoss, the “Waterfall of the Gods,” which never fails to impress with its sheer power and beauty.

Ísafjörðurm West Fjords Iceland

One of the highlights was Ísafjörður in the remote West Fjords, where we took an unforgettable tour to Vigur Bird Island.

Puffins, with their comical charm, stole the show as we explored this tiny haven of birdlife. It was a photographer’s dream come true!

I also loved how pristine this part of the world is. There’s very little development and it’s mostly just nature unfolding, with glacier capped mountains and humpback whales and seals in the distance, all of which I saw within a few minutes of each other.

Reykjavik, Iceland

Our journey concluded in Reykjavik, where we rented a car to explore the Southern Waterfalls along with a couple of stops on the Golden Circle. We also partially walked the Fimmvorduhals trail behind Skogafoss, which I hiked in the reverse all the way from the highlands Laugavegur trail with one of my BMTM Adventures groups a few years prior.

However I have never seen Iceland in bloom before, and that was a treat on this trip. The wildflowers were just stunning! This truly must be one of the best places in the world to travel in June.

Having previously driven the Ring Road, this cruise provided a unique perspective as we sailed past remote towns and coastal vistas that are often missed on land-based trips.

Onboard Experience with Holland America

We wanted to sail with Holland America after a fabulous Alaska experience due to the cleanliness, amenities, good food, and most of all, the service. The ship itself, Neiu Statendam, was a haven of comfort and luxury. The entertainment options were diverse and impressive, with live blues, rock and roll, classical performances, and soothing piano music filling the evenings.

Let’s talk about the food—oh, the food! Varied and delicious, each meal was a nod to our surroundings. From fresh seafood to perfectly cooked steaks and delectable desserts, dining onboard was an experience in itself.

Included Food

The main dining was fantastic, as were the other included meals like the Lido, which is a bunch of pop up style restaurants all throughout a deck of the ship with different kinds of food, Dive In burgers, and New York Deli and pizza. We also loved the Dutch Cafe, where we had drinks from their barista and the apple pie.

Pinnacle Grill

This appeared to be the most popular restaurant. It offered surf and turf. If they have the lemongrass soup appetizer when you sail, definitely get it! 

It is also open for lunch, unlike the other paid restaurant upgrades. I thought this was a steal, considering we got a nice steak and appetizers and dessert for only $15 each!

Rudi’s Sel de Mer

This is the highest-end restaurant onboard, with the smallest capacity — and also, of course, my favorite. 

It’s a tranquil seafood restaurant, and the halibut and steak special were both excellent. They also had lobster, crab, and other seafood delicacies available. I loved the apple crumble as well!

Tamarind 

This Asian-flavors-inspired restaurant was my second favorite, with satay, curries, a nice tom kha gai, and orange duck. They were also very understanding and accommodating of our nut and soy allergies. Definitely get the yuzu cheesecake for dessert!

Canaletto

The Italian restaurant with seating near the windows offers sharing-style Italian dishes. It’s a must-do if you’re looking for higher-end pasta, meatballs, seafood dishes, and desserts.

Ship + Service

What really stood out were the little details that made a big difference. The ship was impeccably clean at all times, and despite the size, it never felt crowded. We appreciated the peace and quiet, especially at night—no noisy neighbors to disturb a well-deserved rest.

The staff onboard were exceptional, particularly with our son. Their warmth and attentiveness added a personal touch to the journey, making us feel truly welcome and cared for. We had remembered this fondly from Alaska and wanted a repeat of that amazing service, which we got.

The room was more spacious than I expected on a cruise, and would feel even roomier if one didn’t have a crib taking up a good chunk of the desk area. There’s A LOT of storage, so it’s easy to stay organized and not have the room feel cluttered. It was cleaned twice a day, with a room steward and assistant assigned specifically to you. They were pretty much always around and available to help with anything that we needed.

This was also our first time experiencing some of the music and entertainment on board, since last time we had a younger baby and an earlier bed time. I loved the live bands and variety of musical options at any given time.

There were also all the amenities you’d hope for – a sizeable gym, spa (with sauna), two pools (one indoor) and five hot tubs, a track that provided amazing views, and medical facilities. It is truly a city on the sea – one I appreciate has greatly reduced plastic use (there are no plastic bags, bottles, or to-go containers on board).

How to Book

Holland America is offering various routes and variations on this particular itinerary all the time. It’s easy to add on and make it a longer journey, or to explore other itineraries that include more of Norway or even Greenland. Booking with a Virtuoso agent can help you find the best room for you on the ship most suited to your desires, with onboard credits.

Conclusion: A Cruise for All Ages

While Holland America caters to an older crowd, the relaxed atmosphere suited us perfectly. It allowed us to unwind, soak in the stunning vistas, and create memories that will last a lifetime. If you’re considering a cruise to Iceland and beyond, I can’t recommend this experience enough. It’s a perfect blend of exploration, comfort, and exceptional hospitality—a journey that will leave you enchanted and eager for more.

*Holland America hosted my mother and I on this cruise. All thoughts on the amazing excursions and experience are my own.