New Year’s Eve in Reykjavík from the water changes everything. This panoramic fireworks cruise sends you out from the Old Harbour and keeps you in view of the illuminated skyline from three decks, right up to midnight. It’s a simple plan: you sail the bay and coast, then you ring in the year watching fireworks where the angles look good.

I especially like the timing and setup. You get a Champagne glass just before midnight, plus onboard Wi‑Fi so you can share your view without burning your battery. The cruise also builds in skyline “targets” along the route, including Harpa Hall and the Old Harbour area.

The main thing to consider is comfort during the fireworks. If you want the best sightlines, you may end up outside in serious Icelandic wind and cold, and indoor space can feel tight during the peak moment.

Key things to know before you go

• Three panoramic decks for better viewing angles as the ship moves
• Champagne just before midnight to mark the big moment
• Onboard Wi‑Fi so you stay connected while you sail
• Clear-sky aurora possibility adds an extra layer of magic
• Route focuses on key Reykjavík landmarks like Harpa and the harbor area

Why This New Year’s Eve Cruise Works for Reykjavík

Reykjavík’s New Year’s vibe is all about timing and light. Shore plans can be a mix of long waits and crowded viewpoints, while a cruise gives you motion, changing perspectives, and a steady “keep-watching” experience.

What makes this one practical is how straightforward it is. The trip runs about 2.5 hours, starting at 10:30 pm, so you’re not giving up your entire night. You’re also not just stuck with one view; the ship sails out along the coast and into Faxaflói Bay, so the skyline angles shift as the city lights slide past your windows and railings.

The other win is that the celebration is built around midnight. A New Year’s Eve countdown that includes a Champagne toast and a fireworks display is easier to enjoy because you don’t have to hunt for the moment yourself. If weather cooperates, you might even catch aurora overhead, which is the kind of “bonus” you can’t plan on but really can hope for.

Price and Time: $149 for a 2.5-Hour Midnight Plan

At $149 per person for roughly 2 hours 30 minutes, the value is mostly about what you’re buying: a front-row perspective from the water without having to manage multiple stops, transport, or schedules.

This is not a long sightseeing cruise where you spend hours just “going places.” It’s a concentrated New Year’s plan. You’re paying for time on the sea with city views, plus the midnight package—Champagne and fireworks—at a set point in the night. That means fewer moving parts for you, which matters on a date where everyone is trying to do the same thing at the same time.

It’s also booked ahead of time, averaging about 37 days in advance. That’s a hint that this option can sell out around the holiday. If Reykjavík is your only New Year’s Eve activity, I’d plan to book sooner rather than later, especially if you want a good sailing.

Boarding Near Sea Trips Reykjavík: How to Get a Good Viewing Angle

Your departure point is Sea Trips Reykjavík, at Ægisgarður 5b, 101 Reykjavík. The cruise ends back at the same meeting spot, so you’re not scrambling for a return plan at midnight when you’re already cold and excited.

The ship has three panoramic decks, and that detail matters. More decks usually means more chances to find a spot that fits your comfort level. If you like standing close to the water and seeing fireworks at railing height, you’ll want to get to a deck early. If you prefer to alternate between inside and outside, decks make that easier.

Here’s the reality check: the fireworks moment is the busiest time, so you’ll likely need to decide how you want to experience it. One review complaint focused on this exact issue: not everyone found enough indoor space to watch comfortably, and outside viewing can mean wind and freezing cold. So I’d treat this as a “dress for the deck” night, even if you plan to spend some time inside.

The Route Near Reykjavík: Old Harbour and Harpa Hall Views

The cruise begins by setting sail from Reykjavík’s Old Harbour. From there, the ship glides through Faxaflói Bay and along the Reykjavík coast. This part is about getting your bearings fast and letting the city’s illuminated shoreline do the work.

The Old Harbour stretch is useful because it’s where Reykjavík’s “core” energy shows up. You’ll see the waterfront lighting and the harbor shapes that make this town feel like a seaside capital rather than just a city. The motion from the water helps too—you’re not staring at a single facade, you’re seeing depth.

Harpa is your next major visual landmark. The route includes Harpa Reykjavík Concert Hall and Conference Centre, recognizable by its distinctive colored glass facade inspired by Iceland’s basalt scenery. Even if you don’t go inside, seeing Harpa from sea level gives it a different scale. Light reflects off the glass in a way that can look dramatic against the night sky.

One practical note: since the itinerary lists these as stops, you should plan on watching from the ship rather than expecting extended time to explore. This is a cruise format—time is focused on getting you positioned for fireworks and midnight.

Faxaflói Bay and the Small-Island Perspective

Faxaflói Bay is a big part of why this cruise feels special. From Reykjavík, you can often see long-distance features like the Akranes peninsula, and on clear nights you might even catch views far out toward Snæfellsjökull at a distance. Even when visibility is limited, the bay gives you open water instead of just a tight harbor corridor.

The route also includes smaller islands such as Engey (the second largest island in the Kollafjörður/Faxa Bay area) and Lundey, which literally translates to Puffin Island. The point of these islands on New Year’s Eve is less about wildlife spotting and more about scenery. Islands create framing—your city lights look different when they’re backed by dark land shapes breaking the horizon.

Then there’s Viðey (Videy Island), the largest island near Reykjavík in Kollafjörður Bay. Islands like this help you feel like you’re in a larger coastal setting, not only around one pier. That wider sense of place is a big reason people enjoy a cruise on a night when everything else feels cramped.

Midnight Fireworks: Champagne Toast, Deck Time, and Aurora Odds

The headline moment is straightforward: when the clock hits midnight, you watch fireworks light up the sky. Right before that, you’ll receive a glass of Champagne. That combination is what turns this from a sightseeing ride into a real New Year’s celebration.

Aurora is the tempting extra. The experience explicitly notes a chance to see the northern lights if skies are clear. That’s not something you can schedule, but a cruise can be a good way to increase your odds. Over water, you often have fewer obstacles blocking your view in the direction you’re sailing, and you’re not stuck behind buildings.

Your best photos and best watching depend on your comfort tolerance. One critical review highlighted that fireworks viewing could mean standing outside in wind and freezing cold, with limited room indoors. So make your plan like this: decide that you’ll spend some time outside for the best angle, and then treat inside as a warm-up zone.

Also, the ship offers onboard Wi‑Fi. That’s handy at midnight, when people usually want to message family, post a quick clip, or check the time without fumbling for phones. Just remember: in cold weather, batteries can drain fast, so keep your phone powered and ready.

What to Wear for Reykjavík Wind (So You Can Actually Enjoy the Fireworks)

If Iceland teaches you one thing, it’s this: cold isn’t only about temperature. It’s wind plus exposure. For this cruise, the most important clothing choice is what you’ll wear if you’re outside on deck during the fireworks.

I’d pack for wind chill, not comfort in a warm room. Think thick layers, a hat that covers your ears, and gloves you can actually keep on without fuss. If you have outerwear that blocks wind, use it. A scarf you can pull up over your face helps more than you’d expect.

Footwear matters too. Deck surfaces can be slick and you might be standing for stretches while waiting for the fireworks timing. Wear shoes you can feel stable in, not flimsy slippers or anything you hate wearing for long periods.

If you want the ideal mix—good view without freezing—plan to rotate. Go outside for the moment, then warm up inside. The catch is that during the busiest minutes, indoor space may feel limited, so don’t wait too long to choose your spot.

Who This Cruise Fits Best (and Who Might Want a Different Plan)

This cruise is a strong match if you want a New Year’s Eve plan that’s time-limited and scenery-heavy. You get Reykjavík’s illuminated waterfront, landmark views near Old Harbour and Harpa, and the bay setting from open water. The set timing around midnight makes it feel like a true holiday event rather than a random evening activity.

It’s also a great pick if you like the idea of a possible aurora sighting. Even if the lights don’t show, the fireworks and city views give you something worth seeing.

Where you need to think twice is if you strongly prefer staying indoors during the main event. The route and the fireworks viewing are best experienced from decks, and at least one unhappy experience pointed out that indoor space may not feel like enough. If you’re sensitive to cold or you want a full indoor viewing zone, you may find the deck conditions a dealbreaker.

Should You Book the New Year’s Eve Reykjavík Cruise?

I’d book this if you want a clean, concentrated New Year’s Eve plan: Reykjavík from the sea, midnight fireworks, and a Champagne toast without complex logistics. The $149 price makes sense when you consider you’re buying a timed celebration plus premium viewpoints from multiple deck levels.

I’d skip (or at least rethink) if you know you’ll hate standing in wind and cold during the fireworks window. On this kind of evening, indoor space can be tight, and deck viewing is likely part of the deal.

If you’re flexible, dress warm, and want the skyline + fireworks combo from open water, this cruise is a solid way to ring in the new year in Reykjavík.

FAQ

What is the duration of the New Year’s Eve Reykjavík Cruise?

The cruise runs for about 2 hours 30 minutes.

What time does the cruise start?

The start time is 10:30 pm.

Where does the cruise depart from?

It starts at Sea Trips Reykjavík, Ægisgarður 5b, 101 Reykjavík, Iceland and returns to the same meeting point.

How much does it cost?

The price is $149.00 per person.

What do you receive around midnight?

You receive a glass of Champagne just before midnight.

Is there Wi-Fi onboard?

Yes. There is onboard Wi‑Fi so you can stay connected while you sail.

Is there a chance to see the northern lights?

There is a chance to see the aurora if the skies are clear.

What landmarks are included in the route?

The route includes views of Old Harbour and Harpa Reykjavík Concert Hall and Conference Centre, along with parts of Faxaflói Bay and islands such as Engey, Lundey, and Viðey.

Is the cruise dependent on weather?

Yes. The experience requires good weather. If it’s canceled due to poor weather, you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund.

How many people is the cruise limited to?

The cruise has a maximum of 125 travelers.