Our guests embarked on MS Fridtjof Nansen in Reykjavík on a mild and sunny May afternoon, with calm water in the harbour and clear views across at the surrounding mountains. As the ship pulled away from the city, the excitement of beginning a full circumnavigation of Iceland started to set in. The itinerary promised a mix of remote coastal towns, steep sea cliffs, volcanic landscapes, and long stretches of open water, with nearly continuous daylight giving the days an unhurried rhythm. Early summer conditions meant green hillsides were beginning to emerge beneath the last patches of snow, making it an ideal time to explore the island by sea.