Isafjordur, Iceland Sets Daily Cruise Ship Passenger Limits

The Municipal Council of Ísafjörður has implemented a daily cap on the number of cruise ship passengers due to local infrastructure constraints.

As the third-largest cruise port in Iceland, following Akureyri and Reykjavik, Ísafjörður sees substantial tourist traffic during the cruise season, which runs from April to September.

This year, 195 cruise ships are expected to dock in Ísafjörður, bringing an estimated 255,000 visitors. However, the new policy will restrict the number of passengers allowed ashore each day to 5,000.

Additionally, the town has decided to end the practice of cruise ships sounding their horns upon arrival and departure at this northwestern Icelandic port.

Among the ships visiting Ísafjörður this year are both small expedition vessels and large cruise liners. The Norwegian Prima, which was christened in Reykjavik, is set to make 14 stops in Ísafjörður over the summer. The Norwegian Star will make ten visits, while the Viking Mars and Windstar Cruises' Star Pride are each scheduled for nine stops.