The Icelandic ports of Reykjavik and Keflavik have joined Cruise Europe.
Situated in the middle of the North Atlantic, Iceland is claimed to be a natural destination for the cruise industry.
Over the past few years, Reykjavik has become a destination for expedition ships and turnarounds, as well as an overnight stopover for conventional cruise ships.
Iceland’s network of scheduled flights to the US and Europe enhances its competitive situation, Cruise Europe said.
Summer brings 24 hours of daylight, while winter ushers in the Northern Lights, but there are many other natural treasures that Iceland has to offer.
The Port of Reykjavik and Port of Akranes come under the umbrella of Faxafloahafnir, which is the only port in Iceland that has valid ISO 14001 Environmental Management System and ISO 45001 Occupational Health and Safety Management System, according to Erna Kristjansdottir at Associated Iceland Ports/Faxafloahafnir.
Last year, there were only seven calls in Reyjavik, due to the pandemic but in 2019, 190 calls and 188,630 passengers were registered.
At Reykjavik, there are two port areas – Gamla Hofnin/Old Harbour, which is 300 m from the town centre and has two berths: Midbakki, which is 205 m long and has a depth of 8.5 m and Faxagardur, 134 m/7.5 m. There is a 95 sq m terminal facility at the latter. There are also anchoring and tendering options but these are rarely used.
The second area is at Sundahofn which is 6 km from town. Here there are three berths: Skarfabakki, 650 m long/12 m depth; Vatnagardabakki, 285 m/8 m; and Korngardur, 184 m/8 m.
There are terminals at two berths in Skarfbakki. At Korngadur there is a 60 sq m terminal facility.
The first LNG fuelled ship is due to arrive this summer. “Risk assessments will be available and we will work in co-operation with relevant cruise lines,” Kristjansdottir said.
Security inspections are mandatory before going onto a ship. ISPS check-in security is performed and a security desk is located at each of the terminals. All of the gangways in use are Lloyd’s Register certified. Waste can be put into containers, which can be ordered by ship agents when needed.
As for the pandemic, Kristjansdottir explained that COVID regulations within Iceland are registered at covid.is, where useful information relating to the epidemic in Iceland can be found.
Travellers can download a tracking app on their phones, which helps to analyse individuals’ travel and trace them alongside others when an infection or suspicion of infection occurs. The same COVID rules and guidelines apply for cruise passengers and airline passengers.
A ship’s Master must send a declaration through SafeSea. net when announcing a cruise ship arrival and customs clearance. The Icelandic Coast Guard will also ask the Master to give a health declaration for passengers on board each ship, which needs to be filled out before arrival.
Suspected illness or someone with symptoms who has not yet been tested needed to be identified early.
