DESTINATION FOCUS Richard Partridge
investigates one of cruising’s growing niche calls, the surprising country of Iceland
Crash” when the country was recognised for its prosperous and stable economy, as well as its explosive volcanoes. We need no reminder that the volca- noes remain explosive but, after the finan- cial crash of 2008 and with the economy in freefall, Icelanders have had a financial reality check. The tourism industry has helped to provide a safety net with cruise ships bringing in a regular influx of visitors. Indeed, last year’s eruption of Eyjafjal- lajokull increased interest in the island and cruise visits were up again in 2010 with ships visiting Reykjavik, Hafnarfjordur, Grundarfjordur, Isafjordur and Akureyri, the capital of the north. Swan Hellenic capitalised by introducing its ‘Sagas of Ice and Fire’ voyage, complete with lectures from expert vulcanologists and tours to the erupting volcano. Seabourn, P&O, Page & Moy and Saga – among oth- ers – all included stops in Iceland as part of
Land of Ice and Fire F
or those of a religious disposition, “BC” defines the period before Christ; yet, for some Icelanders, the term now also refers to “Before the
itineraries in northern waters. The simple fact is there are a great va- riety of tours and activities and a wonder- fully edgy capital city to browse. The country’s isolation has always been one of the attractions, with a unique and unpolluted culture, well worth investigat- ing even if just for a day or two from a ship or, perhaps, as a stop off on-route to another destination . For visitors disembarking at REYKJAVIK itself, one of the things that strikes you first is this is a small capital city. That it is spacious- ly spread out over a rocky peninsular fails to disguise the fact. You can walk from one side to the other in little more than an hour. It exudes a great sense of openness and space, allowing plenty of legroom for its 200,0000 residents. The architecture is a recipe of Icelandic and Scandinavian design and the many excellent cafes, bars and restaurants often reflect the culture and difference of being here. A good place to start, whether walking
or not, is The Pearl, a Star Trek-like dome on the edge of town that has a viewing
platform and revolving restaurant over- looking the cityscape. An even more birds- eye view can be had from the bell tower of the Hallgrimskirkja church, situated on the highest point in city centre. Feeling hungry? Well, there is some- thing for everyone, with an eclectic selection including pizza joints, Italian res- taurants and even a new Indian establish- ment called Ghandi. However, you are in Iceland and there are plenty of restaurants featuring Icelandic food. So, if you wish to dine on seal, puf-
fin or whale, why not try 3 Frakkar (
www.3frakkar.com) where local speciali- ties abound? If you prefer the best steak in town, visit the Hereford Steakhouse (www.
hereford.is). Do try the traditional dish plokkfiskur, which is a variation on mashed haddock and potato served with rye bread. Other specialities include smoked lamb, fish balls and salted cod steaks.
Summer 2011 I WORLD OF CRUISING
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