Day 166 – Reykjavik, Iceland

Yesterday’s cold and wind might have offered us a clue as to what we would experience today when we docked in Reykjavik, Iceland, but I don’t think anyone expected the reality of today’s weather. After an unusually warm May, June brought winter-like conditions to Iceland. Snow, strong winds, and poor visibility prompted weather warnings across the country.

When Tim and I went to The Restaurant for breakfast this morning, which was the first time we had done so, we had a front row seat to the drama that was unfolding. As guests preparing to head home were trying to disembark, they could barely walk in the gale force winds. It was so windy that Viking crew members had to help people down the gangway and across the dock to the covered walkway. Hats were blowing away, as were wheeled suitcases. It was unbelievable and quite dangerous out there!

Conditions on the Dock

At 8:30 am, the port authority suspended all gangway operations due to the extreme weather conditions, and no one was permitted to leave the ship. When we spoke with Hotel General Manager Marcel later in the day, he said that he had never experienced a suspension of gangway operations in his long career.

Conditions Were Terrible, but the Viking Crew Had Secured What Needed to Be Secured

The staff on board had to scramble to manage those who were trying to disembark and get to the airport, as well as the incoming passengers who were expecting to embark this morning. What a nightmare for them, and I was so impressed with how well they handled this unexpected issue.

We have been bragging about the amazing weather and calm seas we’ve had on the World Cruise, so I guess it was time for our luck to change. Oh well, we continue to go with the flow.

Once the gangway operations resumed, some of our fellow passengers continuing to New York decided to brave the weather and go on their excursions. I, however, had no desire to leave the warmth and comfort of the ship. At least one bus on the Golden Circle tour turned around after being buffeted by the winds and returned to the port. All remaining excursions for the day were cancelled.

I was not surprised when we received a letter from Captain Markus advising us of an adjustment to our cruise schedule due to the weather that was forecast in and around Iceland this week. Because conditions were not expected to improve, it was decided to cancel our next two ports, Heimaey and Djupivogur, since they were anchorage calls that would require the use of tender boats. It is never safe to operate tenders in rough seas.

Instead, we will remain in Reykjavik overnight, depart tomorrow evening, and spend the following day at sea. Although it’s disappointing to miss these two ports, I understand and agree that safety is always the primary consideration.

The View from Our Stateroom Taken through the Glass - I Refused to Open the Door!

I was happy to learn that all inbound passengers had arrived safely by the end of the day. I have no more drama to report.