Cruising to Greenland & Iceland: August 2023 Adventure
In early August 2023, our family—myself, my wife, my mom, my son, and his fiancée (now wife)—set out on a 2-week cruise to Iceland and Greenland. This was not just a vacation; it was a crash course in planning, adaptability, and making the most of limited time in extreme environments.
NYC: The Unexpected Start
We flew from Seattle to Newark, arriving early to spend a single, jam-packed day in New York City before boarding our cruise. Let me tell you—navigating NYC traffic is a survival skill all on its own. Car horns, cutoffs, and chaos made Seattle and LA traffic feel like a Sunday drive.
Even with my wife in a walking boot (she’d sprained her ankle mowing her parents’ yard two months prior—don’t ask), we powered through Central Park, rode a horse-drawn carriage, visited the John Lennon memorial, and tackled a subway ride for “the best pizza in New York.” Spoiler: the pizza was fine, but the experience was unforgettable.
The next morning, we toured the Statue of Liberty and the Twin Towers Memorial. My Marine son sprinted up the narrow stairwell to the top of the statue while the rest of us navigated at a more measured pace. Lessons here? Know your limits, pace yourself, and still find ways to participate.
Boarding the Cruise
From Cape Liberty, New Jersey, our ship was a smaller vessel in the fleet—perfect for accessing the remote ports we planned to visit. The crew was fantastic, the rooms comfortable, and the first day at sea instantly relaxing.
Halifax & Prince Edward Island
Halifax was a whirlwind. We rented a car and drove to Prince Edward Island for a tight 6.5-hour round trip. It was a reminder that good planning—and a willingness to move fast—makes even tight schedules manageable. Ice cream stops along the way? Non-negotiable.
St. John’s, Newfoundland
Newfoundland was a dream. Our guide, Dave from Jelly Bean Tours, took us to Signal Hill and the Yellowbelly Brewery, balancing history, humor, and hospitality like a pro. Politeness here was a two-way street: I had my first “Newfy standoff,” a moment of mutual courtesy at a mini-mart. Small interactions can make a big impression.
Greenland: Qaqortoq & the Icebergs
Greenland was otherworldly. Qaqortoq’s small-town charm reminded us to stay alert and respect local customs, even in seemingly quiet places. The next day, cruising through Prince Christian Sund, we saw glaciers and icebergs up close. The captain even did two 360-degree turns just for the passengers—an exercise in patience and awe. Witnessing natural forces in person reminds you of how small and adaptable humans must be.
Iceland: Akureyri, Isafjordur, & Reykjavik
Finally, Iceland. Akureyri was stunning. Goðafoss waterfall, Húsavík, Hringsbjarg cliffs, and Black Sand Beach made us fall in love with the country. Isafjordur offered more waterfalls and breathtaking scenery—we discovered why Iceland is on every adventurer’s bucket list.
Reykjavik marked the post-cruise adventure: the Golden Circle, Secret Lagoon, horseback riding near volcano Hekla, and the Bridge Between Continents. Even with tight schedules and unpredictable terrain, planning and flexibility made the trip flow smoothly.
Lessons Learned
Adaptability is key: Walking boots, tight schedules, and rental car challenges tested our flexibility.
Pace yourself: Not every challenge requires sprinting; some moments are about observing and appreciating.
Plan, but allow for spontaneity: Ice cream stops, side trips, and local interactions added richness to the experience.
Respect local environments and cultures: Small gestures and awareness go a long way.
Enjoy the journey: Whether at sea or exploring volcanic landscapes, take time to savor the view.
Iceland and Greenland were unforgettable—full of natural wonders, rich culture, and personal lessons in planning and perseverance. Next time, we’ll return with Icelandair and maybe a bit more time to explore.
Have you been to Iceland or Greenland? What did you learn about adaptability and resilience during your travels?
Navigating NYC traffic with a sprained ankle, keeping up with a Marine, and chasing waterfalls across Greenland and Iceland—our 2-week cruise was anything but ordinary. From icebergs and glaciers to tiny towns with big personalities, every day tested our planning and adaptability.
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