Experiencing Iceland and Norway had long been on my bucket list. When the opportunity arose to sail on Holland America, I jumped at it! This was also one of the longer cruises I had ever taken. Adding to that, I was scheduled to be in southern Spain right after the cruise, which made packing quite the challenge. That’s why packing for weather became such an important part of my preparation.
Pack for Weather: Layers Are Your Best Friend
Northern Europe’s weather can change in the blink of an eye, even during the summer! Day time temperatures in Iceland and Norway can hover around 51F, with possibilities of rain, wind and even some snow at times. The key to staying comfortable is layering.
Here are my top senior travel tips for the Holland America Iceland Norway cruise 2026 to help keep you comfortable, safe, and budget-friendly.
For more helpful advice and resources, feel free to visit my Travel Tips & Resources page.
Here’s what I recommend packing for a Holland America Iceland & Norway cruise:
- Moisture-wicking base layers. A couple of long sleeved and short sleeved t-shirts that will work as layers and when it’s warmer.
- Lightweight fleece or wool mid-layers.
- Merino wool is perfect, odor-resistant, temperature regulating and wrinkle resistant.
- A reliable waterproof/windproof jacket with a hood
- Quick-dry pants.
- Comfortable, non-slip walking shoes (perfect for wet decks)
- Warm hat and gloves for breezy deck time or scenic cruising
- Sunglasses and sunscreen.
Health Prep: Secure Travel Insurance
The must-have every senior traveler should consider. Travel Insurance is essential for a Iceland Norway cruise. Look for comprehensive coverage that includes pre-existing condition waivers. For best results, purchase your policy within 14-21 days of placing your deposit. Some companies require you to purchase the same day you place your cruise deposit.
Some of the providers that I’ve used are :
Mobility and Special Needs requirements:
If you are traveling with a wheelchair and/or scooter, you will require a special needs cabin.
Book your cabin as early as possible! Cruise ships may only have around 10 or 20 special needs cabins in total and these sell out quickly. These cabins will have wider doors for wheelchair accessibility, roll-in showers with grab bars and other features to make your stay comfortable.
Request Assistance Early! Most cruise lines excel at wheelchair assistance and mobility support on Iceland /Norway ports. Contact their Guest Accessibility Department 45+ days ahead for priority embarkation/disembarkation and accessible excursions.
There are also companies that rent wheelchairs and scooters and they’ll be waiting for you at the embarkation port. I’ve used these companies for some of my clients: Special Needs Group and Scootaround.
Ships have elevators, wide corridors, and 24-hr medical centers, so it is fairly easy to get around the ship.
Tender Ports: What are tender ports? There are ports around the world that are either too small or don’t have enough infrastructure for larger ships to dock safely. In these cases, smaller ships will be brought to the side of the ship while out at sea and the guests will board these smaller ships that will take them to the pier.
At larger ports like Akureyri, the ship docks alongside the pier which is level and flat. It is wheelchair accessible with ramps and flat areas around town.
Larger ships will usually tender at Ísafjörður so accessibility is limited for wheelchairs and scooters.
Once off the ship, the town is flat and if you’ve booked an excursion the buses are waiting for you right at the pier.
The Isle of Skye in Portree, and the Isle of Lewis (Stornoway) are also tender ports. Once ashore, the towns are flat.
Ready to book? Head out to Holland America and get your adventure started!
Budget: Plan for Extras and avoid surprises!
Cruise fares cover meals in the buffet area and main dining, but if you want Specialty Dining- you will have to pay a la carte if you don’t have the Have it All Package.
Entertainment onboard the ship is also included, as is the use of most of the facilities onboard.
Shore excursions can add up because there is so much to see! The cruise lines shore excursions tend to be pricey. Shop and compare with other companies. I’ve used Shore Excursions Group for my clients as well Get Your Guide and Viator.
Budget $500–$1,000 extra per person for shore excursions (e.g., $100–$250 for Godafoss or Blue Lagoon tours). Book early, the good ones sell out fast!
Tips (~$16/day gratuities), and souvenirs.
You can opt for the drink packages for drinks that could also include Wi-Fi and excursion credits.
Bonus Tip: Book Early, 2026 sailings are filling fast, reserve now for the best cabins and bonuses! Use my affiliate link CruiseDirect for potential onboard credits or upgrades!
Transport to and from your cruise ship: Cruise lines offer transport from the airport to the port and from the port to the airport. Most cruise lines do not offer transport to and from hotels, unless these are offered as part of a package.
There are caveats to the transportation offered, you must arrive the same day the cruise leaves. Book transportation early as they will stop offering this service as soon as two weeks before the cruise date. Also, you will be asked for your flight information.
Bonus tip: Check other means of transport if the port is not too far from the airport, sometimes it’s cheaper to just take a taxi or an uber, since the cruise lines transportation tends to be more expensive. I always recommend if you can, arrive a day early. With flights the way they are these days, it’s better to be safe than sorry.
Shore Excursions: To Buy or Not to Buy?
One of my biggest decisions when planning my cruises is whether to buy shore excursions from the cruise lines, or go independent. As a senior on a fixed income, cost is always a consideration, however, there are other things to consider as well.
Pros of Buying Shore Excursions from the Cruise Line
- Guaranteed Return: If the excursion runs late, the ship waits for you—no stress about missing the sailing.
- Senior-Friendly Options: Many lines (Holland America, Viking, Oceania) offer gentle-paced tours with easy access, wheelchair-friendly buses, and minimal walking. Verify before you book.
- Convenience: Everything is pre-arranged—transport, guides, and tickets. Perfect for first-timers or those with mobility needs.
- Group Safety: You’re with other passengers and professional guides.
Cons of Buying Cruise Line Excursions
- Higher Cost: Often 20–50% more expensive than independent options.
- Larger Groups: Less personal experience compared to private tours.
When to Buy Independent Shore Excursions
- Guaranteed return: Well known tour guides like Viator, Get your Guide and Trafalgar work with the cruise lines and are informed of any changes on arrivals and departures.
- Save Money: Book directly with local operators or via Viator/GetYourGuide for better value.
- Smaller Groups: More intimate and flexible pacing.
- Custom Needs: Easier to tailor for seniors (e.g., shorter walks, private drivers).
I’ve used Shore Excursions Group quite often. Very reasonably priced, they have a guarantee return to ship and have smaller groups. They work with the cruise lines, so any change in the ship’s schedule, they are notified and act accordingly. Viator, also another reputable company, provides excursions at resonable prices.
This 14 day cruise around Iceland, Norway and Scotland was one of the most memoral cruises I’ve had. If you’re interested in other Cruise Lines & Cruises, I suggest you check out my page with all the different options you have to make your vacation unforgettable!
You might also like: Ultimate Guide to 14 Day Cruise- Iceland, Norway & Scotland in 2026 – Itinerary, Ports & my travel tips.
More on Holland America’s cruises to Northern Europe : Europe Year-Round: Holland America’s Newest Way to Experience the Old World
If this is your first cruise, you might be wondering which is the Best Cruise Cabins for Senior Travelers: How to Choose the Right Stateroom for a Comfortable Voyage
All my best Travel Tips & Resources can be found here.
Happy Sailing! Evie
About the Author: Evie is the founder of Wander With Evie, a travel blog for seniors focused on helping readers enjoy stress-free cruising and destination travel. I personally cruise and research itineraries across the U.S., Europe and the Caribbean to ensure every guide is practical, realistic and based on real travel experience. It’s a tough job, but someone has to do it.
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