When travelers dream of the most dramatic landscapes on Earth—towering glaciers, volcanic coasts, steaming geothermal pools, and endless summer daylight—they often imagine the Arctic and Iceland. Royal Caribbean offers a select number of itineraries that explore these icy frontiers, creating some of the most breathtaking and adventurous cruises available today.
Using the power of AIDA (Attention, Interest, Desire, Action) and a touch of FOMO, this comprehensive guide reveals which Royal Caribbean itineraries cover the Arctic or Iceland, what ports you’ll see, and why these voyages sell out faster than almost any other cold-climate route.
The Arctic and Iceland stand apart from typical cruise routes. Instead of palm trees or sunny beaches, you’re met with landscapes shaped by fire and ice—deep fjords, black-sand beaches, volcanic cliffs, and ice-carved coastlines. Few travelers ever experience these areas, and Royal Caribbean allows you to explore them in comfort and style.
These itineraries instantly capture attention because they offer an escape into untouched nature, stunning wildlife, and dramatic geography you can’t find anywhere else.
Grows Because These Cruises Are Extremely Limited
Royal Caribbean operates Arctic and Iceland cruises only during specific months, usually late spring through summer and early fall. This short season adds excitement and exclusivity. Many travelers consider Iceland and the Arctic “last frontier” destinations, and the limited window creates natural curiosity and a sense of urgency.
With each sailing offering a different mix of fjords, glaciers, Icelandic ports, or Arctic Circle crossings, many guests start researching early just to secure a place.
Builds as You Discover the Ports and Experiences
Travelers crave adventure—and these routes deliver. From Reykjavik’s geothermal lagoons to Norway’s fjords and the Arctic’s endless daylight, every port feels like it belongs on a postcard. Royal Caribbean enhances the journey with immersive excursions, including waterfalls, ice tunnels, puffin colonies, whale watching, lava fields, and glacier hikes.
These itineraries combine rugged landscapes with comfortable days at sea, making them especially appealing to photographers, nature lovers, culture seekers, and explorers.
These cruises are among the first to reach full capacity each year. Their unique nature, limited dates, and bucket-list ports create significant FOMO for travelers who delay booking.
If you’ve ever dreamed of Iceland, Norway’s fjords, or crossing into the Arctic Circle, these are the cruises you don’t want to miss.
Royal Caribbean does not operate deep Arctic expeditions like small-ship lines, but it does offer exceptional Northern Europe itineraries that reach Iceland, the Arctic Circle, and remote Norwegian fjords.
Below are the most common and popular options.
1. Iceland Intensive Cruises (Roundtrip or One-Way)
These cruises typically operate roundtrip from:
Southampton (UK)
Amsterdam
Copenhagen
And include multiple ports in Iceland.
What Makes These Routes Special
These itineraries may include:
The capital city, rich in culture and geothermal wonders.
The gateway to waterfalls, volcanic landscapes, and Icelandic horses.
A charming fjord town surrounded by mountains.
You can explore Iceland’s top 3 ports in one journey
Many itineraries stay overnight in Reykjavík
Perfect for first-time Iceland travelers
Only offered during limited summer months
The limited season creates high demand and strong FOMO, especially as these Iceland-focused itineraries often appear in Royal Caribbean’s most booked Northern Europe sailings.
Some Royal Caribbean sailings cross the Arctic Circle, making them bucket-list level adventures.
These cruises often depart from:
Copenhagen
Southampton
Amsterdam
Known as the “Gateway to the Arctic.”
Home to one of the northernmost points in Europe.
Famous for dramatic peaks and Nordic beauty.
Among Norway’s most iconic fjords.
Crossing the Arctic Circle is a rare travel milestone
You experience midnight sun during summer
Itineraries feature towering cliffs and glacier-carved fjords
These are among Royal Caribbean’s most unforgettable sailings—guests often describe them as “life-changing.”
These itineraries blend several destinations in one sailing, allowing travelers to experience:
Iceland
Norway fjords
Northern Scotland
Ireland or England
Icelandic natural wonders.
Classic Norwegian fjords.
Scottish history, castles, and rugged landscapes.
You get a perfect combination of:
Culture
History
Natural beauty
Dramatic coastline
These sailings appeal to travelers who want maximum variety without booking multiple vacations.
Though not offered every year, Royal Caribbean occasionally includes Greenland in special Northern Europe sailings.
Colorful homes and icy landscapes.
A remote Arctic village surrounded by dramatic peaks.
Iceland’s volcanic marvels.
Greenland is one of the world’s least visited destinations
These itineraries are extremely rare
Perfect for travelers wanting a truly remote adventure
When these routes appear, they sell out quickly due to their limited availability.
Blue Lagoon
Golden Circle
Geysers, waterfalls, hot springs
Midnight sun in summer
Godafoss Waterfall
Lake Myvatn
Volcanic landscapes
Whale watching
Coastal cliffs
Hiking trails
Icelandic heritage
Arctic wildlife
Sami culture
Fjord tours
Northernmost point of Europe
Dramatic clifftop views
Iconic landscapes
Fishing villages
Mountain peaks
Seven Sisters Waterfall
UNESCO fjord scenery
Each port provides unbelievable photo opportunities and unique experiences that travelers remember forever.
Unmatched Scenery
Towering fjords, volcanic fields, and icy landscapes create dreamlike views.
Wildlife Encounters
Expect whales, puffins, seals, reindeer, and arctic birds.
Cultural Discovery
Viking history, Nordic traditions, Icelandic sagas, and maritime heritage.
Long Summer Days
Midnight sun creates unforgettable evenings at sea.
Comfortable Travel
You explore remote regions while enjoying:
entertainment
fine dining
spas
warm staterooms
panoramic observation decks
Perfect For:
Not ideal for:
Travelers seeking hot-weather vacations
Those wanting short itineraries
1. Book 10–12 months early
These routes disappear fast.
2. Choose a balcony
Panoramic views are worth every penny.
3. Pack layers
Iceland and the Arctic can be chilly even in summer.
4. Pick scenic excursions early
Waterfalls, fjords, and Icelandic attractions fill up quickly.
5. Sail during peak summer
Best weather and longest daylight hours.
Royal Caribbean’s Arctic and Iceland itineraries offer rare, breathtaking, and unforgettable experiences. With limited seasonal availability and ports you can’t find anywhere else in the world, these cruises are ideal for travelers seeking extraordinary journeys. If visiting the Arctic Circle or Iceland is on your bucket list, booking early is essential—because these sailings sell out nearly every year.
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