If you’re looking for an extraordinary cruise experience, sailing from Iceland to Boston on the Celebrity Eclipse should be on your bucket list. As a cruise skeptic who recently completed this incredible journey, I’m excited to share the highlights of this North Atlantic adventure that combines breathtaking scenery, fascinating ports, and the unique experience of crossing an ocean.

I traveled with my friend Caroline and we looked forward to a 12-day cruise without kids or husbands and didn’t want to miss a few days in Iceland as well. We flew into Reykjavik 3 days before our cruise to allow us to get out and see Iceland. Mostly we went from spa to spas, soaking in the warm waters in spectacular settings.

If you want to read moe about that visit, you can read it here.

Setting Sail from Reykjavik

Our cruise began in Reykjavik, Iceland’s vibrant capital. I recommend arriving at least two days early to explore this incredible city and adjust to the time difference. Don’t miss the Golden Circle tour to see the impressive Strokkur geyser and magnificent Gullfoss waterfall before boarding.

The Celebrity Eclipse is a Solstice-class ship that carries around 2,850 passengers, striking the perfect balance between offering plenty of amenities without feeling overcrowded. Embarkation in Reykjavik was surprisingly efficient for a port that doesn’t regularly handle large cruise ships.

Pro Tip: Book a veranda stateroom for this itinerary. You’ll want your private viewing spot for the incredible scenery, especially during sea days and scenic cruising portions.

Exploring Isafjörður: Iceland’s Westfjords Wonder

If you’re not sure of this port stop on your Iceland to Boston cruise, Isafjörður in Iceland’s remote Westfjords should be at the top of your list! Our Celebrity Eclipse sailing included this incredible hidden gem between Reykjavik and Akureyri, and it turned out to be one of the most amazing stops of the entire North Atlantic journey.

SPECTACULAR FJORD SAILING

The approach to Isafjörður itself is worth waking up early for! The ship navigates through the massive Ísafjarðardjúp fjord system with towering mountains on both sides that drop dramatically into the sea. I recommend grabbing coffee and heading to the outer decks as early as possible – we were up by 6 AM and joined many fellow passengers wrapped in blankets to witness the passage.

Here’s what you can expect: The final approach requires the ship to execute an impressive 180-degree turn in a narrow channel – something our captain called one of the trickiest maneuvers in Celebrity’s entire global itinerary. It’s quite a show to watch this massive vessel gracefully pivot with mountains looming on all sides!

WHAT TO DO IN ISAFJÖRÐUR

This charming town of about 2,600 residents sits on a narrow spit of land surrounded by water on three sides and backed by steep mountains. The colorful 19th-century buildings create a perfect postcard scene against the dramatic backdrop.

For active travelers, there are plenty of amazing experiences:

• Dynjandi Waterfall Excursion: Often called the “Crown Jewel of the Westfjords,” this isn’t just one waterfall but seven cascades with a cumulative height of 100 meters. The 90-minute drive to reach it offers incredible fjord views!
• Kayaking the Fjord: Several tour operators offer guided kayaking that lets you experience the fjord from water level.

HIDDEN GEM

What makes Isafjörður special isn’t just the stunning setting but the authentic glimpse it offers into Icelandic life far from the tourist crowds. The small wool shop in town sells genuine hand-knitted lopapeysa (traditional Icelandic sweaters) made by local women – these make fantastic souvenirs that you’ll use! I brought the wrong footwear with me, and I ended up spending 30 minutes chatting with the proprietor of the shop, chatting about being school teachers, and kids. It was one of the highlights of my cruise.

Northern Iceland: Akureyri

Our 2nd port was Akureyri in northern Iceland, located at the head of Iceland’s longest fjord. Despite being just below the Arctic Circle, this charming town has surprisingly lush vegetation and a vibrant cultural scene.

Must-Do Excursion: Take a tour of Lake Mývatn and Godafoss waterfall. The horseshoe-shaped “Waterfall of the Gods” earned its name when Iceland converted to Christianity around 1000 CE, as the local chieftain reportedly threw pagan idols into the falls. Along the way to Godafoss, we stopped to visit a traditional Icelandic home, and we ended the day at Lake Myvatn and the beautiful thermal spa.

 

Scenic Cruising: Prins Christian Sund

One of the absolute highlights of this itinerary is cruising through Prins Christian Sund, a narrow channel that cuts through the southern tip of Greenland. This passage is weather and ice-dependent, so consider it a bonus if conditions allow for it. Plus, the crew told us that it is often too foggy to see much of anything.

We were so very lucky. We had beautiful weather and spent the entire day lounging around the ship looking at spectacular scenery. At one point we lay in bed all bundled up and opened the balcony doors, so we could look out and be comfy.

Be prepared to spend the entire day ogling the scenery as the ship navigates through towering mountains, past hanging glaciers, and between small icebergs. The passage takes about 8 hours from end to end, and the scenery is constantly changing and absolutely jaw-dropping.

Photography Tip: Bring binoculars and extra memory cards for your camera. The play of light on ice and mountains creates magical photo opportunities throughout the day.

Qaqortoq, Greenland: Off the Beaten Path

Our stop in Qaqortoq (pronounced roughly “ka-kor-tok”) was a truly special experience. With only about 3,000 residents, this colorful town requires tendering to shore—a small inconvenience for experiencing one of the most unique ports you’ll ever visit.

Houses painted in bright yellows, blues, and reds climb up rocky hillsides from the harbor. The color coding once served practical purposes: yellow for hospitals, blue for fish factories, red for commercial buildings, and black for police.

While there are many excursions to take at this port, I would recommend, spending the time at port walking around the charming town. We discovered a beautiful clothing boutique, and a grocery store selling beautiful wool yarn for less than $3 a skein, and we even encountered a funeral where the locals sang a song unlike anything I had heard before.

We also went to the local post office to get a historic stamp in our passports.

Artistic Discovery: Look for stone carvings throughout town, part of the “Stone and Man” project initiated in 1993, where Nordic artists created over 40 permanent sculptures directly into rock faces around the community.

Sea Days: Crossing the Atlantic

After Greenland, we had several consecutive sea days before reaching Nova Scotia  This is when Celebrity Eclipse truly shines, offering countless activities to fill your days while the ship gracefully navigates the North Atlantic.

The North Atlantic can show many moods, from mirror-like calm to dramatic swells that remind you of the ocean’s power. These sea days develop their rhythm, allowing you to try new activities, attend enrichment lectures, or simply relax in one of the ship’s many comfortable spaces.

If you have several sea days, I recommend getting the pass to the Persian Gardens, where you can relax on warm loungers and enjoy different saunas. Or do a puzzle in the card room, head up on deck to get some walking in, have tea at teatime or do one of dozens of activities on board.

Ship Highlight: Spend time at the Lawn Club, a half-acre of real grass on the top deck that’s perfect for morning yoga, afternoon lounging, or evening stargazing. The Hot Glass Show, where skilled artisans create intricate glass pieces despite the challenges of working at sea, is also not to be missed.

 

Halifax, Nova Scotia: Maritime Heritage

Halifax offers another fascinating glimpse of maritime Canada, though with a distinctly different flavor from the US. The city feels more traditionally North American in layout but retains strong Scottish influences.

Must-See: Take an excursion to Peggy’s Cove, where perhaps Canada’s most photographed lighthouse stands on smooth granite rocks shaped by millennia of waves. The combination of working fishing boats, colorful buildings, and the stark lighthouse creates a quintessentially Nova Scotian scene.

Maritime History: Visit the Maritime Museum of the Atlantic to see Titanic artifacts, as Halifax was the closest major port to the disaster. The museum also documents the Halifax Explosion of 1917—when two ships collided in the harbor, creating the largest man-made explosion before nuclear weapons.

Final Approach to Boston

Sailing into Boston Harbor offers a unique perspective on this historic city. Unlike arriving by plane or car, approaching by sea connects you to Boston’s maritime roots, entering as travelers have for centuries.

The harbor islands appear first, followed by the distinctive skyline with its mix of historic and modern buildings. Passing Boston Light on Little Brewster Island—the oldest continuously used lighthouse site in the United States—we followed the main shipping channel into the harbor where the Boston Tea Party occurred in 1773.

Post-Cruise Recommendation: After disembarking, walk the Freedom Trail! This 2.5-mile route leads to 16 historically significant sites, from Boston Common to the Bunker Hill Monument. It’s the perfect introduction to the city’s rich history.

What to Pack for a North Atlantic Crossing

 

Proper packing can make or break your experience. Here’s what I found essential, and also the things I wish I brought with me.

Clothing:

• Layers, layers, layers! Temperatures can range from near freezing in Greenland to very hot in Boston.
• A waterproof, windproof outer layer
• Waterproof hiking shoes for excursions
• Warm hat, gloves, and scarf (even in summer)
• Formal attire for the ship’s formal nights
• Slippers for cruise days
• More sweaters than you think ( or plan on buying them.)
• Sweat pants, for cool days on the deck.

Essential Gear:

• Binoculars for wildlife spotting and scenic viewing
• Seasickness remedies (patches, medication, or acupressure bands)
• Sunscreen and sunglasses (reflection off water intensifies sun)
• Camera with extra memory cards
• Portable charger for devices
• Magnetic hooks for additional cabin storage

Final Thoughts

This transatlantic crossing on Celebrity Eclipse delivers experiences you won’t find on typical cruise itineraries. The combination of Iceland’s volcanic landscapes, Greenland’s remote beauty, and Nova Scotia’s maritime heritage—all connected by the powerful experience of crossing the open North Atlantic—creates a journey that’s both luxurious and adventurous.

Celebrity Cruise ships are among my favorite and this sailing made me a fan of cruises.

As Captain Morphis (the ship’s captain) said,

What stays with you most aren’t just the destinations themselves but the in-between moments—watching dolphins race alongside the ship, sharing conversations with fellow travelers at sunset, waking to find nothing but ocean visible in every direction, and feeling simultaneously small in the vastness yet connected to centuries of seafarers who crossed these same waters.

If you’re looking for a cruise experience that goes beyond the ordinary, this Celebrity Cruise from Iceland to Boston journey should be at the top of your list!