We took a small, luxurious cruise in Iceland. It’s worth $6,500

I took a 7-day small, luxurious cruise for $6,500, and it was worth every penny. This Windstar cruise was smaller and more intimate than the sailing I did on my megaship. I did a lot of hikes.

For a long time I thought the cruise wasn’t for me. I had thousands of passengers and was only at the Megaship, which always felt a bit touristy.

But when I took my first little luxurious cruise, I changed my mind.

I booked a 7 night voyage around Iceland with Windstars Star Pride Ship $6,500.

This is why I fell in love with this style of cruise and Iceland.

It was smaller than the megaship, but this boat was still amazing.

I loved everything about Windstar’s Star Pride ship, from my big, comfortable bed to the stunning spa.

The cruise size (approximately 220 guests) was perfect for me. It was small enough to learn the names of fellow passengers, but large enough that I wasn’t stuck with people unless I wanted to be.

There was also a lot to do.

I ate cookies, drank coffee and played cards with new friends in the Compass Rose Lounge. Plus, the nightly line dancing, trivia and entertainment always felt like enough stimulation.

I loved being able to choose to eat dinner alone or with strangers if I was social. As a special treat, I ordered room service (chocolate cake and prosecco) in the middle of the night for my birthday.

Just like I loved the ship, it was really Iceland that portrayed me

All Icelandic ports were magical.

Related Stories

On the right island of Haimai, we drifted off our boat to explore Haimai Island overlooking the village. I hiked and wandered the city, eating some amazing caramel ice cream along with salted black licorice.

Even if it was my first time there, the welcoming environment made me feel like a local.

But when we docked into the artistic small town of Sadivjordur, I really fell in love with Iceland. In the town centre along the famous rainbow trail were cheerful Scandinavian prefabricated homes, cute cafes and blue churches.

In town, two Icelandic musicians served acoustic concerts, and I was acclaiming the Best Daleur Valley. It was dotted with small flowers and stunning waterfalls.

The rest of the cruise was packed with even more wonderful experiences. Hike to Goðafoss waterfalls, beer and taste beer and pickles at the local pub in the afternoon soaking in the hot springs of the refined natural baths.

I didn’t want to finish the week and I’m already ready to go back

By the end of the week, the boat’s dinner, which began as a sturdy problem, was becoming a fluid and loose stuffed animal. People showed off their new Icelandic wool sweaters as they walked from table to table to chat with each other.

On our last night on the ship, our group pretended to be themselves for a great goodbye when the volcano erupted just outside Reykjavik. I was able to make it in the distance.

A small number of people wondered if this would affect their ability to disembark the next day, so I realized that they wanted it.

I wasn’t ready to leave. The small boat felt valuable to me in a way that no other cruises had ever had.

We went to the port and I went home safely. But I already know that I will book another small, luxurious cruise in the future.