Curator’s statement
In the beginning of August, I was on a seven-night cruise on Windstar and brought my 79-year-old mom. I just wanted to share how amazing this journey was as I had little expectations or understanding of what this might entail. Every day consisted of unique landscapes and wildlife. I felt like a true adventurer as we soared into new lands, islands and fjords each day.
The Fora Difference
Book with Melissa to access exclusive perks and experiences on your trip.
Killer perks
Free upgrades, spa credits and more—we got you
Personalized recs
Customized travel planning for your style
Insider knowledge
Expert advice from people who’ve actually been there
Where to stay
Unlock perks by contacting Melissa to book your trip.
Here is the itinerary:
Rooms on the Star Pride are modern and some have rooms near the windows (which I ended up loving) and a sitting area with a walk-in closet and modern bathrooms with rainfall showers.
The middle of the ship has been lengthened. There is a pool and jacuzzi and outdoor bar and lounge area.
The food was wonderful (three restaurant options and room service 24/7), although we liked Amphora the most with James Beard award-winning dishes presented each night and a hefty wine list. You can order off a changing menu, but there is also a tapas/Spanish-style restaurant and a more steak-centric restaurant.
The staff were welcoming and guests were really smart, interesting and friendly onboard. I was definitely on the younger end of cruisers on board, but there were other mom-daughter guests, girlfriends traveling together and solo travelers as well. I would say the average age might be 60. There were around 290 people aboard, the largest cruise I have been on, but often I felt like I had the ship to myself.
Highlights included exploring unique landscapes that most aren’t able to get to easily, as well as the multitude of excursions offered in each port. We crossed the Arctic Circle several times.
We only had to take one tender to get on land. Swells only seemed to come at night when we headed towards open water in the north, but it wasn’t bad.
There was a professor onboard who gave interesting guest lecture talks that you could also watch on your TV, as well as an info rundown about each port beforehand.
A Eurovision star was one of the most exciting entertainers as she sang and jammed on her electric violin, but most nights we were ready for bed after dinner due to full days of exploring.
Every day was filled with unlimited adventure. Guests could choose daily from five or more paid excursions or explore on their own.
Iceland port highlights:
Searching for puffins on Heimaey Island (Westman Islands) in the south.
Absorbing the remote beauty in Skalanes Nature Reserve and crossing rivers in a big-wheeled truck in Seydisfjordur.
Hiking to Hengifoss Waterfall (third tallest).
Exploring lunar landscapes (steaming mud pots, thermal energy, pseudo craters, volcanic lava landscapes) and Godafoss Waterfall outside Akureyri.
And the adventures continued, witnessing over 30 humpback whales up close on a 12-person rib boat off the Westfjords in Isafjordur.
Slurping down fresh scallops and sea urchin right from the net dragged in back of the boat off Grundarfjordur.
Pro tips:
Pre-and post-excursions are offered. After a red eye from Boston, cruising into the Blue Lagoon (don’t miss the more private Retreat Spa) at 8 AM was a great way to begin and Sky Lagoon a perfect way to experience the lingering sunsets all in one day as the sun sets at 11 PM.
The weather is unpredictable in Iceland. July and August are the best times to go. At the end of August, you can sometimes see the Northern Lights. We were lucky with sunny days every day but one (although we were in winter wear and it was cold). Another Fora advisor went the week before me and had her first port canceled and three excursions canceled due to weather.
Excursions aren’t cheap, so figure you will spend around $1,700 per person in addition to the cruise fare if you plan to do an excursion in each port.
In Reykjavik, don't miss the following:
The Retreat Spa Experience at Blue Lagoon (for a more private experience with private changing room and shower plus 7-step wellness journey) plus drinks and lunch options and the option to enter into the Blue Lagoon. Book in advance the earliest time and head there right from the plane (and your overnight flight).
Sky Lagoon - Book ahead for a few hours before sunset so at 8 - 9 PM you can enjoy the glow from this cliffside heated oasis after a multi-step wellness journey including cold plunge, waterfall soaks, mud mask, sauna with ocean views, steam room, herbal salt scrub and more shower time.
Lava Show - The only live lava show in the world.
Flyover Iceland - This 20-minute moving ride catapults you over the island in a surreal way as the wraparound screen put you in the action like you are on a flight, complete with smells, mist, wind and moving seats.
Viking World Museum - Climb aboard a replica of a 9th century ship.
Hallgrímskirkja - No vist is complete without a visit to this church and national sanctuary with grand pipe organ music. Don't miss climbing to the top for views of the city.
Hlemmur Food Hall
Need to know
This trip report is part of our ongoing series on travel to Iceland. In need of further inspiration? Check out Mollie O'Connor’s guide, Luxury 5-Day Girls' Trip to Iceland.
Travel Advisor
Melissa Curtin
Get in touch with Melissa
Did you like this guide? Reach out to customize and book your own experience. Or, just to chat about travel in general.
You can normally expect a response from Melissa within a business day or so. You’ll also be subscribed to our travel newsletter (you can unsubscribe at any time).