Iceland ProCruises
Fodor’s Expert Review
Iceland ProCruises Ltd. Is based in Switzerland but co-owned and operated by a native Icelander and a woman from Luxembourg. Its operations are strictly limited to the Nordic region of Iceland and Greenland in the Norwegian Sea. The cruise line has been in operation since 2014 and staffs a partially Icelandic crew, which gives it a local edge. The 164-passenger Seaventure was refurbished in 2019 and joined the fleet in 2022. It’s a vessel equipped to handle these icy and unpredictable waters with the highest ice class rating you can have for a passenger ship and replaced the Ocean Diamond in 2023. Cruisers seem to love the intimate size and authentic experience offered with Iceland ProCruises.
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What to Expect on Board
There is one main restaurant onboard, where all passengers dine.
A chef prepares all meals, including an a la carte dinner service each evening. Breakfast and lunch are served as a buffet. All meals are included in the cruise fare. Up to 80% of produce is purchased from regional traders in Iceland, including sustainable seafood, so expect to try some local delicacies.
Filtered water, coffee, and tea are included, while other drinks are available to be purchased at the restaurant or bar. A box lunch is prepared for any shore landings that take place during lunchtime. Afternoon coffee and tea and late-night snacks are all served daily in the lounge on Deck 5.
This is a vacation for the “thinking traveler,” therefore diversions mainly revolve around the destination and what there is to learn about the flora, fauna, and indigenous peoples there.
Guest lecturers are welcomed onboard each sailing to speak on a variety of topics that pertain to each itinerary. A library promises cozy seating with plenty of volumes about Iceland, Greenland, and beyond. Evenings typically wrap up early, but that’s usually fine because everyone is tired from a day exploring ashore.
There is a small gym onboard, as well as a pool and a sauna.
Keep in mind that Zodiac landings and excursions ashore will also require a certain level of fitness, so an Iceland Pro cruise is a relatively active vacation.
Key cruising tips
Your shipmates
Iceland Pro Cruises is operated on a bilingual basis, with both English and German spoken by crew. Therefore, expect fellow passengers to primarily be a mix of North Americans, Brits, Australians, Germans, as well as other European nations. The ship is not suited for wheelchairs, and guests with physical disabilities will find embarkation and any shore excursions to be taxing. Therefore, most fellow passengers are in good physical condition.
Dress code
As with most expedition-style sailings, the dress should be comfortable and practical. By day, breathable fabrics in layers is recommended. Windproof and waterproof jackets and footwear are vital as the weather in both countries visited can change frequently. Dresses and ties are not required, but “smart casual” dress is recommended for the captain’s welcome and farewell cocktail parties.
Junior Cruisers
The minimum age to sail onboard this cruise line in Iceland is 8 years old; in Greenland, it’s 10. Children up to 12 years old receive a 25 percent discount when staying in their parent’s cabin.
There are no play areas or childcare services available onboard. The captain reserves the right to refuse a Zodiac landing with a child if he or she deems they are unfit, so be sure your little cruiser is fully up to the task before taking on such an adventure.
Service
At full capacity, there is nearly one crew member for every 2.7 passengers. The expedition team will be your guides throughout the journey, spotting whales off the deck of the ship or safely transporting you to and from shore before providing a scenic hike with commentary. Getting to know the expedition team onboard will enhance the experience for your party.
tipping
A suggested gratuity is automatically charged to each onboard account, but it can be changed at the guest’s discretion by visiting the Guest Services desk onboard, if one feels that service has not been up to par. Tips are divided among the hotel staff and expedition team.
Past Passengers
There is no loyalty program in place for Iceland ProCruises.