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Circumnavigation of Iceland


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Yes. We went down the Columbia River in the Pacific NW on the Sea Bird, went to Antarctica and just returned from the Galapagos with the Machu Picchu extension. Every trip has been excellent, soooo since Iceland has intrigued me, we used credits from the last trip and booked Iceland :).

 

I think we may turn the 10 day Lindblad cruise into 2 weeks because of how the weekends hit the 10 day period. No use paying for the airfare to get there and not seeing everything that looks interesting.

 

Would you be so kind and report back on how the trip went for you? Also, if you are adding on days I would be interested in the extra places you visited.

Also, I am wondering if any of the landings are wet? We have our boots from Antarctica, but don't see them mentioned on the packing list as being required for Iceland.

 

Happy travels!!!

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You certainly have experienced some of the best Lindblad voyages - the Machu Pichu extension of Galagagos was spectacular - did you do the S. Georgia Antarctic itin?

 

We have scheduled the Iceland pre-cruise extension - only adds one night to the stay.

 

Have you downloaded the Iceland Expedition guide from the website? The packing list stresses boots - so wet landings are anticipated.

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Hi,

 

We didn't do the S Georgia/Antarctica trip. Since we are both working we couldn't be gone that long. Antarctica was AMAZING. We have been to the Falklands on another trip and I loved that as well. I'd love to get to South Georgia...maybe some day.

 

I printed the Expedition Guide off of the website. I just reread it and still don't see mention of knee-high waterproof boots. It does mention hiking boots. At least I have over a year to get the packing list refined :)

 

I would love to hear your observations once you return.

 

Happy Travels!

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Hmmm. Am looking at page 16 in the guide - packing list - in bold print - ONE PAIR OF FULLY WATERPROOF KNEE-HIGH RUBBER BOOTS WITH STURDY, HIGH TRACTION SOLES ARE ESSSENTIAL TO YOUR PARTICIPATION...

 

I hope you are right - boots are a burden!

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We'll be sailing on the July 12 departure - have you done any travelling with Lindblad/NG/

 

We're on the same departure you are! we'll be there early, but we're doing our own pre-departure Golden Circle. We're staying at the same hotel where Lindblad has arranged for the day rooms.

 

Also now wondering about the boots - I don't see why there couldn't be wet landings. . .

Edited by AirHog
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Will look forward to seeing you on Explorer. We assume that there will be wet landings so will bring boots - we use NEOS so there is no excessive bulk involved. We are seniors so will walk carefully!

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  • 2 months later...

The Iceland circumnavigation was fascinating! Iceland was different in countless ways from anywhere that we have been (have visited well over 100 countries). The history, culture,physical setting,language etc. - all very unique. A large number of first timers to Lindblad were on board - probably due to the short duration - attractive to folks still working. As usual, the Lindblad staff was excellant - fist rate photographers and lecturers. However, it is an expedition cruise, not a "cruise" cruise - no casinos, shows,butlers, room service etc.

 

A couple of comments and recomendations:

 

The weather is completely unpredictable - leave the ship each day prepared for some rain - it usually did not last long - quick shift from sunny to wet and back to sunny in 15 minutes. You do have 20 hours of daylight.

 

Re the previous discussion on wet landings and boots - we took our NEOS and never used them. On the single "wet landing" beach, Lindblad used a homemade metal "bridge" which allowed passsengers to step up and over the bow of the zodiac without stepping in the water - ingenious!

 

Definitely recommend that you consider extra time in Reykavik (sp) Get there early or stay later - take the "golden circle" tour. Signing up for the pre-cruise extension will do it.

 

A few brief comments - let me know if you have any questions.

 

Ted

Edited by hrprof
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Hello,

 

Thanks so much for your recommendations and comments on the Iceland trip. We are definitely allowing enough time before and/or after to visit the Golden Circle. I plan to rent a car and see the sights at our own pace rather than book the Lindblad extension. Sometimes we get caught up in taking the "perfect" photo and aren't ready to leave when the rest of the group is.

 

I have enjoyed reading the daily expedition reports from both Iceland trips this year and have printed them off for future reference. It has been enjoyable to read what was seen at each stop.

 

Thank you for the info on the boots. Not taking them will save enormously on packing.

 

I have been looking at 2 day trips from Reykavik to Greenland through Air Iceland. Did you hear any conversations on this topic?

 

Any other thoughts or tips you have would be greatly appreciated.

 

Ten and a half months to go :) Hooray!

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  • 5 months later...

I have two questions for folks who have been to Iceland with Lindblad. We plan to rent a car once we disembark. Can you tell me where the ship docks, so I can figure out where to rent a car? Also, will our Antarctica parkas be overkill for this trip? We are flying to Greenland for three days prior to boarding the Explorer.

 

Thank you :)

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Since you will be picking up a car rental after disembarkation, why not take the transfer provided to the airport - car rentals will certainly be available there.

 

We took a rain jacket and left our Antarctic parkas home!

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Thank you for the thought, but the transfer goes to the airport by way of an all morning outing at the Blue Lagoon and lunch somewhere. We're heading down to Vik and seeing some sights along the way, so would like to rent the car as soon as we get off of the ship.

 

Sounds like the weather isn't as chilly as I thought if you were fine in rain jackets.

 

Thank you for your quick reply!

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Ah yes, you're right. I don't remember much activity at the port - you may have to arrange a taxi to get to the nearest rental site.

 

I should add that a sweatshirt or a fleece found its way under the rain jacket!

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Ohhhh it would be ideal if Lindblad would do a transfer to the airport at the earliest disembarkation time. If not, I was planning to get a taxi to take us to the nearest car rental agency, but without knowing where the port is located (and Lindblad reps on the phone didn't know) I don't know where to begin looking to find the nearest rental location.

 

Thanks for the idea of the early transfer to the airport. I will work with Lindblad when the time gets closer.

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