Fireworks look different from the sea. This 2 hour New Year’s Eve cruise takes you from Reykjavik’s Old Harbour out toward Faxaflói Bay for a front-row view of the city’s famous countdown display. I especially like that you get a glass of champagne right before midnight, so the moment feels shared and not just watched through cold wind.

I also like the flexibility of where to stand or sit. You can choose the cozy indoor saloon or head out to the open-air deck, while the crew provides warm overalls to take the edge off Iceland winter weather. One thing to consider, though, is space. One booking mentioned there was not much room inside, so if you hate crowds, plan to spend more time on deck.

After the show, the boat returns and drops you near the city center so you can keep the New Year going in Reykjavik without a long transfer. The whole thing runs from 11 pm departure until about 30 minutes after midnight.

Key things I’d watch for

• A sea-level view of Reykjavik’s fireworks from out over Faxaflói Bay
• Champagne toast right before midnight as the big moment happens
• Indoor saloon plus open-air deck for different comfort levels
• Warm overalls provided so cold weather feels manageable
• Non-alcoholic Prosecco has been offered on at least some sailings, ask onboard
• Drop-off in central Reykjavik after midnight for easy night plans

Why Reykjavik fireworks look better from Faxaflói Bay

Reykjavik’s New Year fireworks are famous for a reason. From land, you see the show as something happening in front of you. Out at sea, you get a cleaner angle and more of the city lights come into view around the fireworks. That change in perspective is the whole point of this cruise.

The sailing route matters, too. You head out from Reykjavik’s Old Harbour and cruise into the area of Faxaflói Bay. That gives you distance from the shoreline, which tends to make fireworks easier to follow, with the glow of Reykjavik acting like a background rather than just a crowd wall.

I also like the way the bay setting turns the night into something more than a timed event. You’re watching lights reflect on the water while the city is still lit up behind everything. If your idea of a good New Year is part celebration, part viewing, this format fits.

The 11 pm departure: what the cruise schedule feels like

Here’s the rhythm you’ll follow. You leave Reykjavik’s Old Harbour at 11:00 pm aboard a comfortable vessel. Then you cruise out into Faxaflói Bay as the sky and the city build toward midnight.

The big moment is tightly timed. You receive a complimentary glass of champagne right before midnight, and then you celebrate the New Year together from the sea. Practically, this means you should plan to be ready near the area where your group can gather for the toast. If you wait until the last minute, you can miss prime sightlines.

The total duration is listed as 2 hours. That includes the sail out, the fireworks viewing, and the return. The boat comes back to land around 30 minutes after midnight, and then you’re dropped off in the heart of Reykjavik so you can keep exploring or head to your next plan quickly.

What’s included, and why it matters on New Year’s Eve

The included items are simple, but they matter on one of the coldest nights on Iceland’s calendar.

You get:

• A glass of champagne (complimentary, right before midnight)
• A guided boat tour with a live English speaking guide
• Warm overalls
• A bar on board

Champagne is a classic New Year touch, but I like it here because it’s timed with the moment. It’s not a random drink halfway through. It’s tied to the countdown, so it feels like part of the event.

Warm overalls are underrated. Even if you are dressed for winter, standing outside on a windy deck can drain your energy fast. Having warm overalls on hand helps you stay comfortable enough to watch the entire show instead of cutting your viewing short.

And the bar on board is useful if you want to keep the celebration going after the toast. The listing confirms a bar exists, and one review noted a non-alcoholic Prosecco option, which is a great sign for anyone who wants a festive drink without alcohol. If that’s important to you, it’s worth asking staff when you board.

Finding your spot: indoor saloon vs open-air deck

This cruise gives you two main viewing modes: the indoor saloon and the open-air deck. That’s a big deal because New Year nights can feel dramatically different depending on wind and your personal tolerance for cold.

If you want comfort, stay in the indoor saloon. The listing calls it cozy, and it’s ideal if you’re more interested in the fireworks without battling weather. The drawback is space. One verified booking complained there wasn’t enough room indoors. That tells you something practical: if you show up late to the best window, you might end up squeezed.

If you want the best atmosphere, go to the open-air deck. You’ll feel closer to the ocean air, and you’ll likely get a more direct view when fireworks pop overhead. If you do this, use the warm overalls right away and consider wearing gloves, since hands get cold faster than you expect.

My practical advice: plan to switch between the two. Spend the early part of the cruise getting situated inside if you’re chilly, then head out for the countdown. The show is the main event, so you want to be outside and ready when the sky lights up.

Wildlife on the bay: a whale sighting can happen

Fireworks are the reason you’re here, but sometimes the sea adds a bonus. One review mentioned seeing a whale during the cruise.

That is not something you should count on every night. Still, it’s a smart reminder to look around. If you spot movement beyond the fireworks reflections, take a moment to scan the water. On a cold night, it’s easy to lock your eyes on the sky and forget the horizon.

This is another reason the deck can be worth it, even if it’s colder. If something appears on the water, being outside gives you a better chance to notice it.

Price and value: is $182 worth it?

At $182 per person for a roughly 2 hour outing, this is not a budget activity. But it is priced for New Year’s Eve demand, and it includes the things that usually make fireworks viewing expensive or stressful.

What you’re paying for, in real terms:

• Access to a boat during peak fireworks time, not just a random viewing window
• A guided experience, not self-navigation
• A champagne toast timed to midnight
• Warm overalls provided
• A sea-based viewpoint that land viewing often can’t match

Here’s how I’d think about value. If you try to watch Reykjavik’s fireworks from land, you still need to solve all the hard parts: getting into position early, staying outside in wind, and hoping you get an angle that works. This cruise bundles those problems into one ticket.

The main value tradeoff is space and comfort. If you really hate enclosed crowding, the indoor saloon situation might annoy you. The fix is easy: plan to be on deck for key moments. If you do that, the price can feel more justified because you’re using the best feature, the sea view.

Logistics that affect your night (and what to do)

New Year’s Eve is chaos in every city. This cruise does you a favor by keeping things simple and timed.

The meeting point is clear: Special Tours Ticket Office at Reykjavik’s Old Harbour, 101 Reykjavik. That’s where you’ll check in before boarding. Old Harbour is where most of the action clusters, so you’re not trying to route across town in winter darkness right before midnight.

Also note that transfers are not included. That matters because the most common mistake is assuming your tour ticket covers transport. You’ll want to plan how you get to the Old Harbour on your own. If you’re staying in central Reykjavik, this is usually manageable, but still, plan it.

Finally, the drop-off is in the heart of the city after the tour. That’s a practical perk. You’re not stuck on the outskirts, and you can jump right back into your own New Year plans.

Who this cruise is best for

This cruise fits best if you want:

• The classic Reykjavik New Year moment, but from a sea viewpoint
• A timed champagne toast right before midnight
• Comfort supports like warm overalls
• A night plan that ends near the city center, not far away

It’s also a great choice for couples and small friend groups who want a shared highlight without spending hours hunting for the perfect land viewing spot.

If you’re traveling with very young kids or anyone who struggles with cold weather, the warm overalls help, but you still should expect winter deck time and crowds. And if you hate confined indoor spaces, be ready to spend most of your viewing on the open-air deck.

Should you book this Reykjavik New Year’s Eve fireworks cruise?

I’d book it if fireworks are your priority and you want a viewpoint that actually changes the experience. The combination of sea-level views, a champagne toast at midnight, and warm overalls makes this feel like more than a simple boat ride.

Skip or reconsider if you know you get uncomfortable in tight indoor areas, because at least one sailing had limited room inside. In that case, you can still make it work by treating the deck as your main spot, but you should go in with that expectation.

If you want a smooth New Year night that ends with you back in central Reykjavik, this cruise does that well. You get the show, you get a festive moment, and then you’re free to continue exploring on your own terms.

FAQ

What time does the cruise leave Reykjavik?

The boat departs Reykjavik’s Old Harbour at 11:00 pm.

When does the cruise return to land?

You return around 30 minutes after midnight.

How long is the New Year’s Eve fireworks cruise?

The duration is listed as 2 hours.

Where do I meet for the tour?

Meet at the Special Tours Ticket Office at Reykjavik’s Old Harbour, 101 Reykjavik.

What is included in the ticket price?

Your ticket includes a guided boat tour, a glass of champagne, warm overalls, and a bar on board.

Are drinks available beyond the champagne toast?

There is a bar on board, so you can get additional drinks during the cruise.

Do I need transfers arranged by the tour?

No. Transfers are not included.

Is there an English-speaking guide?

Yes. The live tour guide speaks English.