Reykjavik to Reykjavik: Circumnavigating Iceland with The Ritz-Carlton Yacht Collection
Reykjavik to Reykjavik: Circumnavigating Iceland with The Ritz-Carlton Yacht Collection
A Luxury Iceland Cruise Experience Curated by Stars Desk – Top Ritz-Carlton Yacht Collection Producer 2025 & Marriott STARS Agency
Iceland is a land that defies imagination—where glaciers meet fire, waterfalls carve through ancient lava fields, and the horizon feels endlessly untouched. There is no more refined way to experience this raw beauty than aboard The Ritz-Carlton Yacht Collection, sailing roundtrip from Reykjavik on an intimate luxury voyage that circumnavigates the island.
This Reykjavik to Reykjavik Ritz-Carlton cruise is a masterfully designed itinerary for travelers who seek adventure without sacrificing comfort, privacy, or personalized service. As a Top Producer for The Ritz-Carlton Yacht Collection in 2025 and a Top Marriott STARS Agency, Stars Desk offers unparalleled access, exclusive benefits, and expert guidance for this once-in-a-lifetime Iceland cruise.
Why Choose a Ritz-Carlton Yacht Collection Cruise in Iceland?
Unlike traditional large cruise ships, The Ritz-Carlton Yacht Collection offers a yachting lifestyle at sea—with fewer guests, expansive suites, and a deeply immersive destination focus. Iceland, with its dramatic coastlines and remote ports, is perfectly suited to this style of travel.
What Sets This Cruise Apart:
Roundtrip Reykjavik itinerary (no one-way flights required)
Access to smaller ports unreachable by large ships
Extended port stays for deeper exploration
Luxury suites with private terraces
Marriott Bonvoy recognition & STARS privileges
Personalized service and curated shore experiences
This voyage is ideal for seasoned travelers, honeymooners, photographers, nature lovers, and those seeking an elevated alternative to land-only Iceland itineraries.
Day-by-Day Itinerary: Iceland by Luxury Yacht
Day 1 – Depart Reykjavik, Iceland
Saturday, August 8, 2026 | Departure: 19:00
Your journey begins in Reykjavik, Europe’s northernmost capital—a city where cutting-edge design coexists with colorful historic homes and centuries-old traditions.
Before boarding, many guests choose to explore:
The Blue Lagoon, Iceland’s iconic geothermal spa
The Golden Circle, including:
Thingvellir National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and the birthplace of Iceland’s parliament in 930 AD
Geysir geothermal area
Gullfoss waterfall
As evening approaches, step aboard your Ritz-Carlton yacht and set sail beneath Iceland’s vast summer skies, where twilight lingers late into the night.
Day 2 – Grundarfjörður, Iceland
Sunday, August 9, 2026 | 08:00 – 18:00
Located on the Snæfellsnes Peninsula, Grundarfjörður is one of Iceland’s most photogenic destinations. Snowcapped peaks frame the harbor, while the iconic Mount Kirkjufell rises dramatically from the bay.
Highlights include:
Kirkjufellsfoss waterfall, one of Iceland’s most photographed scenes
Scenic drives through Snæfellsjökull National Park
Hikes across moss-covered lava fields and volcanic craters
Exploration of lava tube caves
Birdwatching excursions to Melrakkaey Island, home to puffins, guillemots, and kittiwakes
This region famously inspired Jules Verne’s Journey to the Center of the Earth—and standing here, it’s easy to see why.
Day 3 – Ísafjörður, Iceland (Implicit stop based on itinerary theme)
While not listed as a day header in your notes, the voyage highlights Ísafjörður’s bays, which are among Iceland’s best whale-watching regions.
This remote Westfjords destination offers:
Whale watching for humpbacks and minkes
Dramatic fjords carved by ancient glaciers
Quiet villages rich in maritime history
Opportunities to connect with Iceland’s untamed northwestern coast
Sailing into Ísafjörður feels like discovering a hidden world—accessible only by sea or mountain passes.
Day 4 – Akureyri, Iceland
Tuesday, August 11, 2026 | 08:00 – 18:00
Known as the “Capital of the North,” Akureyri blends small-town charm with surprising cultural richness. Despite its proximity—just 62 miles—from the Arctic Circle, the city enjoys one of Iceland’s mildest climates.
Must-see experiences:
Strolling Hafnarstræti, lined with cafés and local boutiques
Visiting the Akureyri Botanical Garden, one of the world’s northernmost
Admiring the iconic Akureyri Church
Exploring nearby natural wonders:
Goðafoss (“Waterfall of the Gods”)
The geothermal landscapes of Lake Mývatn, with mud pools and volcanic formations
In August, Akureyri also becomes a prime location for early sightings of the aurora borealis, especially under clear night skies.
Day 5 – Sailing Day
Wednesday, August 12, 2026
A full day at sea allows you to fully embrace the Ritz-Carlton yachting lifestyle.
Onboard experiences include:
Ocean-view workouts in the fitness studio
Indulgent treatments at The Ritz-Carlton Spa
Sunset views from The Observation Lounge
Quiet moments in The Living Room, perfect for reading or reflection
World-class dining with ever-changing seascapes
This unhurried day is where luxury and tranquility truly shine.
Day 6 – Return to Reykjavik, Iceland
Thursday, August 13, 2026 | Arrival: 07:00
Your journey comes full circle as you return to Reykjavik. Disembark refreshed, inspired, and deeply connected to Iceland’s landscapes and stories.
Many guests choose to extend their stay with:
A second visit to the Blue Lagoon
A private Golden Circle tour
A luxury countryside lodge stay
A photography-focused southern coast adventure
Stars Desk can seamlessly arrange pre- and post-cruise extensions to complete your Iceland experience.
Exclusive Benefits When Booking with Stars Desk
As a Ritz-Carlton Yacht Collection TOP Producer for 2025 and a Top Marriott STARS Agency, Stars Desk provides clients with advantages unavailable through direct booking.
When you book through Stars Desk, you may receive:
Priority access to high-demand sailings
Exclusive STARS amenities
Personalized suite recommendations
Seamless coordination with flights and hotels
Dedicated advocacy before, during, and after your voyage
Luxury travel is not just about where you go—it’s about who you trust to curate the journey.
Who This Cruise Is Perfect For
Luxury travelers seeking immersive destinations
Couples celebrating anniversaries or honeymoons
Photographers and nature enthusiasts
Travelers who prefer small ships over mass cruises
Marriott Bonvoy members seeking elevated recognition
Final Thoughts: Iceland as It Was Meant to Be Seen
This Reykjavik to Reykjavik Ritz-Carlton Yacht Collection cruise is more than a voyage—it’s a deeply immersive encounter with one of the world’s most extraordinary landscapes, experienced in absolute comfort and style.
From lava fields and glaciers to fjords and waterfalls, Iceland reveals itself differently when approached by sea. And when curated by Stars Desk, every detail is elevated—every moment intentional.
Sail Iceland the Ritz-Carlton way. Sail with Stars Desk.
