Caribbean Princess 16 Day Transatlantic Cruise Review
Day 8 Reykjavik, Iceland Arrival: 7:00AM Departure: 6:00PM
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Day 8 Reykjavik, Iceland Arrival: 7:00AM Departure: 6:00PM
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Arrival: We arrived in Reykjavik, the most northerly capital city in the world, at about 6:45am. The temperature was 49 degrees and it had been raining. However, the rest of the day was cloudy although later in the afternoon before we were due back at the ship, it started drizzling again.
History: Reykjavik was founded by Ingolfur Arnarson, an early Norse adventurer, around 874. He was considered to be Iceland’s first permanent settler. Reykjavik was chartered in 1786 as a trading town although it didn’t experience much growth until 1904 when it was named the capital of Iceland. Today Reykjavik is a national center of commerce and considered one of the cleanest, greenest and safest cities in the world.
History: Reykjavik was founded by Ingolfur Arnarson, an early Norse adventurer, around 874. He was considered to be Iceland’s first permanent settler. Reykjavik was chartered in 1786 as a trading town although it didn’t experience much growth until 1904 when it was named the capital of Iceland. Today Reykjavik is a national center of commerce and considered one of the cleanest, greenest and safest cities in the world.
Welcome to the last port in Iceland
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Skyline of Reykjavik from the ship
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Area around the ship
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Area around the ship
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Videy Island - nature park with hiking trails - reached by ferry - church is one of the oldest in Iceland - peace tower dedicated to John Lennon
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Path along shoreline that takes you to town
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Places of Interest: There is so much spectacular scenery to offer the visitor – geysers, volcanoes, glaciers, wildlife and waterfalls, just to name a few. Also of interest to visitors are the geothermal power plant and “the Pearl”, an architectural masterpiece which stores Reykjavik’s water. Many of these can be experienced by taking the “Golden Circle” tour. An Icelandic horse show and a Viking museum are other possibilities for adventure while in the Reykjavik area.
Going Ashore on Your Own: There are many other ways to experience Reykjavik such as shopping or trying different cuisines in the historic restaurants in the downtown area. Taxis and a shuttle bus (fare charged) are available as you leave the ship. If you enjoy walking, the town center is about 2.5 miles from the pier area. A walking/jogging path along the shoreline leads to town. Just off the path is the area where you can catch the ferry to Videy Island which is a nature park with hiking trails. Also along the path is a small art museum which displays some of its sculptures in front of the building. As you get closer to town you get a great view of the skyline of Reykjavik. The main landmark in the skyline is the Hallgrimskirkja Church which has a huge pipe organ and an elevator that can take you to the top of the tower for an impressive view of the city. Construction began on the church in 1945 but was not completed until 1986.
Going Ashore on Your Own: There are many other ways to experience Reykjavik such as shopping or trying different cuisines in the historic restaurants in the downtown area. Taxis and a shuttle bus (fare charged) are available as you leave the ship. If you enjoy walking, the town center is about 2.5 miles from the pier area. A walking/jogging path along the shoreline leads to town. Just off the path is the area where you can catch the ferry to Videy Island which is a nature park with hiking trails. Also along the path is a small art museum which displays some of its sculptures in front of the building. As you get closer to town you get a great view of the skyline of Reykjavik. The main landmark in the skyline is the Hallgrimskirkja Church which has a huge pipe organ and an elevator that can take you to the top of the tower for an impressive view of the city. Construction began on the church in 1945 but was not completed until 1986.
Path along shoreline that takes you to town
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Path along shoreline that takes you to town
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Path along shoreline that takes you to town
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Path along shoreline that takes you to town
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Sculptures in front of art museum on the shoreline path
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Sculptures in front of art museum on the shoreline path
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Reykjavik town center
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Hallgrimskirkja (Lutheran Parish Church)
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On the walk back to the ship - rain was coming
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Leaving Iceland to begin North Atlantic passage to Canada
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Evening Activities: During dinner, the ship departed Iceland and began the North Atlantic passage to Canada. Showtime in the Princess Theater was a comedy impressionist who kept the audience laughing at his imitation of singers, presidents and famous movie stars. After the show, we were anxious to see if the Northern Lights would appear again since this was the night for the greatest possibility of viewing the lights. Unfortunately, shortly after the time that the lights might start appearing, the sky clouded over and it started raining. So glad we were able to see some lights the night before!
Dinner's chocolate...
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or sugar-free desserts. Both delicious.
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Time Change: Once again we were reminded to set our clocks back one hour. So glad for these reminders. Without them we would be up too early for breakfast and the next day’s activities!
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