Cold air, warm toast, fireworks on the water. This New Year’s Eve cruise turns Reykjavik’s midnight moment into a front-row sea view from Faxaflói Bay, with winter-ready coveralls and a champagne glass for the midnight toast. It’s also one of the easiest ways to see the city’s lights and landmarks from the water without doing anything complicated in the dark.

What I like is the mix of cozy and scenic: you can stay in the indoor saloon when the wind bites, then step onto the open deck when the fireworks are about to pop. I also appreciate the sense of timing built into the experience, since you’re back in downtown Reykjavík soon after midnight to keep celebrating on land.

One possible drawback: the boat experience can feel tight. The cruise is short (about 90 minutes), and some people felt it stayed in the same area for a good chunk of the ride, so if you’re expecting nonstop cruising around the bay, plan for more of a stationary viewpoint than a full-on moving tour.

Key things to know before you go

• Faxaflói Bay fireworks views from the water, aimed at the best perspective over the city
• Coveralls included, so you’re not gambling on whether you packed the right warmth
• Champagne at midnight plus an onboard toast moment
• Indoor saloon + outdoor deck, letting you choose warm or windy
• Onboard bar and audio commentary (sound can be patchy if the connection is unstable)
• Up to 198 travelers, so crowding is possible on a smaller vessel

Why Faxaflói Bay views matter on New Year’s Eve

Reykjavik on New Year’s Eve is all about one thing: midnight. This cruise is designed around that exact moment, pulling you out from the harbor area so you can watch the fireworks against the dark sky with the city lights below. From the bay, the show reads differently than it does from land. The light bounces off the water, and the whole scene feels more cinematic.

You’re also close enough that you can still enjoy the city after. The timing isn’t built around spending hours at sea. Instead, it gives you a focused fireworks window, then gets you back so you can step into the post-midnight atmosphere downtown.

Meeting near Geirsgata 11 at 11:00 pm

The meeting point is Special Tours Iceland at Geirsgata 11, 101 Reykjavík, and you start at 11:00 pm. That late start matters. Reykjavik is already shifting into holiday night mode, and the streets near the harbor are part of the experience—even if you mostly want to get yourself to the boat quickly.

This is also a practical pick if you’re using public transport. The location is described as near public transportation, so you’re not stuck needing a car in icy conditions right before midnight.

Getting warm: coveralls, indoor saloon, and deck time

Cold weather is the main character on this cruise, and the good news is you don’t have to wing it. Coveralls are included, which is a big value on Iceland’s windy winter nights. Even if you already packed a serious winter jacket, extra wind protection helps when you’re standing outside waiting for the sky to do its thing.

You can choose where to spend your time:

• The indoor saloon keeps you out of the worst of the elements.
• The open deck is where you’ll likely end up for the best sightlines when the fireworks start.

If you’re the type who hates choosing, try this rhythm: sit inside until it’s clearly building, then move out when the sky is about to go bright. You’ll stay comfortable without missing the key parts.

The 90-minute rhythm: fireworks first, cruising second

The whole experience runs about 1 hour 30 minutes. That’s long enough to get to a good viewing position and enjoy the countdown mood, but short enough that you’re not dealing with a long stretch of waiting.

Here’s what to consider if you’re imagining a constantly moving tour: some people found the boat stayed in the same spot for most of the time, with only a small movement near the end. That doesn’t ruin the view, but it changes the vibe. If your goal is pure viewing, stationary can actually be fine—less rocking, easier to find a consistent angle. If your goal is motion and variety (like seeing multiple fireworks perspectives), you might feel you wanted more sailing.

Midnight champagne toast and the onboard vibe

The highlight moment is built in: you receive a glass of champagne on board to toast at midnight. That’s not just a drink inclusion—it’s a structured way to share the exact second with the group, which matters on New Year’s Eve. It turns the countdown into a social ritual instead of just standing there quietly hoping you timed it right.

After midnight, you’re in downtown Reykjavík again, which is a smart design choice. You get your major fireworks moment from the water, then you’re close enough to keep the party going on land without trying to find transport late at night.

Drinks, the bar, and audio commentary you may need to adjust for

This cruise includes a bar on board where you can buy drinks. Food and drinks are not included unless specified (so don’t plan on a full meal). In practice, that means the champagne toast is your included beverage moment, and anything beyond that is on you.

There’s also audio commentary during the experience. One thing to know: the commentary can be hard to hear if the audio connection is unstable. Since the system is described as being dependent on connectivity from the attendant, you may want to assume there could be moments when the narration drops out or goes unclear. The good part is that the fireworks don’t need a soundtrack. Still, if you’re counting on commentary for extra context, keep expectations flexible.

Boat size and crowding: the most important practical watch-out

With a maximum of 198 travelers, this can be a busy night. One review concern was that the boat felt small and packed to capacity, which can affect comfort—especially on a winter deck where you’re likely to rotate between indoor warmth and outside viewing.

So think about your personal tolerance:

• If you’re okay with close quarters, this is likely to feel exciting and communal.
• If you dislike tight spaces, plan to spend more time inside and view fireworks from whatever spot you can comfortably reach.

Also note that some people felt the bar setup was limited. So if you’re hoping for a smooth, quick service line all night, don’t assume it’ll be effortless during peak demand.

Price and value: what $183.84 buys you on Iceland’s busiest night

At $183.84 per person, this isn’t a budget add-on. But New Year’s Eve pricing in Reykjavik reflects demand, and this tour includes several things that would otherwise cost you time or money: the coveralls, a champagne glass for midnight, and guided organization with a professional guide.

What you’re paying for is mostly the viewing experience and the comfort support:

• Viewing from the bay (a better angle than many land viewpoints)
• Winter gear provided (coveralls reduce the risk of underpacking)
• A timed New Year’s moment (the midnight toast is handled for you)

What you’re paying extra for:

• Food isn’t included
• Drinks beyond the champagne are at the onboard bar
• There’s no hotel pickup, so you’ll want to get yourself to the meeting point

If you compare it to buying random drinks and trying to line up the perfect fireworks spot on land, this starts to look like paying for reduced hassle plus a higher-effort perspective. If you’re mostly trying to catch fireworks and you’re highly price-sensitive, there may be cheaper ways to watch. But if you want the comfort layer and the midnight ritual, this is a solid way to make the evening feel complete.

Who should book this cruise, and who should think twice

This experience suits you best if:

• You want a simple plan for fireworks with minimal decision-making
• You value having warm gear (coveralls) ready for you
• You like the idea of celebrating midnight on water, then continuing in town right after
• You’d enjoy a mix of indoor comfort and outdoor deck views

You might think twice if:

• You expected a continuously moving boat with lots of repositioning
• You’re uncomfortable with crowding on a smaller vessel
• Clear audio commentary is a must for you (since the narration can be hit-or-miss)

Should you book the New Year’s Eve Fireworks Cruise?

If your top goal is a comfortable, timed fireworks experience with a midnight toast and a bay view, this is an easy yes. The included coveralls and champagne make it feel designed for the occasion, and the schedule is set up so you’re not stuck at sea for hours.

Just go in with the right expectations: this is about seeing fireworks from the water, not about big sightseeing motion. If you want drama, warmth, and a clear midnight ritual, book it. If you’re picky about space or you assumed the boat would be cruising nonstop, look closely at your priorities before you pay.