Wild Islands of the North Atlantic | Reykjavík to Hamburg (2024)

Day five is all about freedom and adventure as we spend the day in Iceland's Northwestern Region. The day's activities will depend on the conditions, but possibilities include going ashore for a hike or a beach clean-up, launching our kayaks, or stopping to watch a pod of whales. Onboard, you can join lectures, visit the Science Center, get photography tips, or relax in a hot tub.

Today, we visit Grímsey, a remote and breathtakingly beautiful island known for its wealth of wildlife and its proximity to the Arctic Circle. You'll have the opportunity to step across the Arctic Circle, hopping over to the Arctic and back. By 2050, Grímsey will lie outside the Arctic, as the Arctic Circle creeps northwards at a rate of about 48 feet per year.

Today, we visit Runavik, a flourishing town on the Faroe Island of Eysturoy. Join the Expedition Team on a kayaking tour of Skálafjörður, the longest fjord in the Faroe Islands, or head off on one of the many hiking routes around Lake Toftavatn. In the afternoon, we cruise to Streymoy, the largest of the islands.

On day ten, we visit Tórshavn, the capital of the Faroe Islands. Explore the city's winding cobblestone alleyways, past colorful, turf-roofed houses, and learn about the city's origins and the flora, fauna, and geology of the Faroe Islands in the local museums. Don't miss the Svartafoss waterfall, just over a mile north of the town.

Today, we dock alongside Lerwick, the capital of the Shetland Islands. Explore this friendly, Victorian-influenced fishing town, visit the Shetland Museum, Fort Charlotte, and the regal Town Hall. The wider island is home to remarkable Iron Age villages and the Croft House Museum, where you'll learn about the hard life of the local crofters.

Our last stop in the Shetland Islands is remote Fair Isle, known for its birds and knitwear. The island is home to 27 bird species and is a vital stop for migrating seabirds. Join a hike along breathtaking clifftop trails with the Expedition Team, visit the local museum, and support Fair Islanders by buying genuine Fair Isle knitwear directly from local makers.

As we sail to Edinburgh, enjoy an idyllic day at sea. Admire the views from MS Maud's expansive Observation Deck, visit the Science Center for insight into the destinations ahead, or take advantage of the gym and hot tubs. The comfortable Explorer Lounge & Bar is a great place to read or just watch the world glide by.

Spend the day exploring Edinburgh, the most visited city in the United Kingdom after London. Wander through the city's mysterious winding alleys and elegant terraced rows, and check out the many shops, bars, and restaurants. Don't miss the majestic Edinburgh Castle, where you can see Scotland's Crown Jewels and the famed Stone of Destiny.

It's our final day at sea as your expedition cruise draws to a close. Make the most of the onboard facilities today before we arrive in Hamburg. You'll have time to sit back and swap stories of your adventures so far. Keep your eyes peeled on deck for some wonderful marine life and seabirds – you can even relax in the hot tub while you do it.