Reykjavik
Iceland
This is a very common “gap” to fill. Flights from Reykjavik (KEF) to the US typically depart in the late afternoon (3:30 PM – 5:00 PM).
Since you disembark around 8:00 AM – 9:00 AM, you have a “dead zone” of about 4–6 hours where you have luggage but no hotel room.
Here are the three best ways to handle this specific day without dragging your suitcases around.
Option 1: The “Blue Lagoon” Transfer (Most Seamless)
This is the classic way to end a cruise because it turns the airport transfer into an activity and solves the luggage problem.
The Plan: Book a transfer bus (e.g., Destination Blue Lagoon or official cruise excursion) that picks you up at the ship, takes you to the lagoon, and then to the airport.
Luggage: You leave your large suitcases on the bus or in the paid luggage storage facility at the Blue Lagoon entrance (approx. $5/bag).
The Experience: You soak in the milky blue water for 2–3 hours, have a nice lunch at the Lava Restaurant (wear your robe to lunch!), and then hop on the next shuttle to the airport (20 mins away).
Timing:
9:00 AM: Depart Ship.
10:00 AM – 1:00 PM: Blue Lagoon Soak & Lunch.
1:30 PM: Shuttle to Airport for a 4:30 PM flight.
Option 2: City Morning + The “FlyBus” (For Culture)
If you prefer to stay in Reykjavik to see the church or museum you missed.
The Problem: You need to get rid of your bags immediately.
The Fix: Take a taxi from the ship to the BSI Bus Terminal.
The Plan:
Drop Bags: Store luggage in the lockers at BSI Terminal (cost is ~$15).
Walk: It is a 10-minute walk from BSI to Hallgrímskirkja (the big church).
Lunch: Walk down the hill to the Old Harbour. Have a final fresh fish lunch at Seabaron (famous lobster soup) or a hot dog at Bæjarins Beztu.
Depart: Walk or taxi back to BSI Terminal and catch the FlyBus to the airport (departing every 35–40 mins). The ride takes 45 minutes.
Option 3: The “Hidden Gem” Near the Airport (Viking World)
If you want to just get close to the airport immediately to avoid stress, but aren’t ready to sit at the gate.
The Plan: Take a taxi or transfer straight toward the airport (Keflavik area), but stop at Viking World (Víkingaheimar).
Why: It is a museum located 5 minutes from the airport terminal. It houses the Íslendingur, a perfect replica of a Viking ship that actually sailed to America in 2000.
Luggage: They are used to travelers and usually allow you to keep bags at the reception while you tour.
Bonus: They have a breakfast/lunch cafe with a view of the ocean. You can sit there, relax, look at the ship, and then take a 5-minute cab to the terminal when you are ready.
Crucial Flight Advice
Keflavik Airport (KEF) is chaotic.
It is a small airport handling a massive number of transatlantic flights all leaving at the same time.
Arrive early: Aim to be at the airport 3 hours before departure. The check-in and security lines can be very long.
Food: Eat before you go through security if possible. The food options airside are expensive and crowded.
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