With over 24 hours in Reykjavik, Iceland during our recent Celebrity Eclipse cruise, the Princess was determined to do and see as much as possible. Naturally, a trip to the Blue Lagoon Geothermal Spa was on our list as it is one of the most visited attractions in the entire country. If you are considering an excursion to this natural wonder, we show you how to visit Blue Lagoon in Iceland on a Cruise.

How to Visit Blue Lagoon in Iceland on a Cruise

What is the Blue Lagoon?

The Blue Lagoon is a series of geothermal pools that were created in the 1970’s. While the lava landscape itself is natural, the water actually comes from the runoff of a nearby power plant. The creation of the pools occurs as part of the process of creating electricity and renews itself every 48 hours. Don’t worry, it is perfectly safe to soak in this geothermal spa. The water contains no added chemicals, just naturally occurring materials that can do wonders for your skin. The milky coloration of the water is a combination of algae, silica, and minerals that are thought to have medicinal powers.

How Hot is the Water in the Blue Lagoon?

The water is heated by natural geothermal processes occurring underground. While temperatures underground can reach 300 degrees Fahrenheit, the average temperature in the pools is approximately 102 degrees Fahrenheit. For most people, the warm water will feel soothing and relaxing. As a reference point, most whirlpool hot tubs are kept at a temperature between 100 to 104 degrees.

Who Can Visit the Blue Lagoon?

Families with children two years or older are welcome at the Blue Lagoon. Children under the age of 13 are allowed in free of charge along with an accompanying adult admission. Each member of a party over the age of 13 will be required to have a ticket to gain admission to the spa. Even those who can’t swim are welcomed at the Blue Lagoon. The deepest portion of the water is about 4.5 feet and there are lifeguards on duty at all times.

How Much is the Admission to the Spa?

There are two different packages from which you can choose when visiting the Blue Lagoon. Most tours and cruise line excursions come with the Comfort Package (between $62-$89 USD) which includes a locker, a towel, mud mask, one drink, and entrance to the facilities. You can upgrade to the Premium Package ($89-$116 USD) which includes a bathrobe and slippers, an algae mask, and some perks at the onsite restaurant in addition to the offerings of the Comfort Package. In-water massages are also available for an additional cost.

If you want to splurge, you can purchase one of the limited Retreat Spa packages. This exclusive package gives you private access to a reserved area of the Blue Lagoon. This also comes with access to the Retreat Spa, additional skin care products, a private changing room, and other benefits. This upgraded package is not cheap, costing between $500 to $650 a person.

How Do I Get Tickets to the Blue Lagoon?

You will need to reserve tickets for Blue Lagoon in advance. If you purchase a cruise excursion, the ticket will most likely be included in your package. If you plan to go there on your own, you will want to buy tickets online. Ticket prices fluctuate depending on the day of the week and the time you plan to visit, with peak times and weekends having the highest prices.

When booking your ticket, you are requested to select an arrival time. The Blue Lagoon website clearly states “If you don’t arrive at the pre-booked date and time, Blue Lagoon cannot guarantee availability.”

How Do I Get to the Blue Lagoon?

The ride from the cruise terminal (Skarfabakki Harbour) is about 51 Kilometers away which has a travel time of about 45 minutes. Most cruise lines offer an excursion to this popular attraction which includes round-trip transportation and a ticket for the Comfort Package.

The Blue Lagoon website also offers transportation from several locations in the city, including the cruise terminal, for $50 a person. When working out the total costs, there is not much savings based on which mode of transportation you choose. The one benefit of booking directly with Blue Lagoon is the ability to pick a preferred departure time from the cruise port, whereas cruise excursions will usually leave at only one set time.

One word of caution is don’t miss the bus. While there are taxis in the area, they will cost you. The trip back to the cruise port will probably run you between $125-$150+ USD.

What Else Do I Need to Know Before Visiting Blue Lagoon?

When visiting the Blue Lagoon, you will be given a wrist band that will serve as your “wallet” while in the spa. This wrist band will also be used to access a locker in the changing facilities. Yes, you do need to shower before entering the water; however, even though Icelanders are accustomed to changing and showering in public, you will have access to private showers and changing stalls if desired.

You should also remember to remove jewelry as the minerals could discolor the metals. Women will also want to tie their hair up or apply plenty of conditioner before entering the lagoon. Cameras and phones are permitted, but a waterproof option is definitely recommended. We used our iPhone with a Lifeproof case to ensure no water damage.

Should I Visit the Blue Lagoon in Iceland on Cruise?

Yes, the trip to the Blue Lagoon was a fun and memorable excursion that we both enjoyed. Given our time in port, we were able to see some of the Downtown area during the day prior to visiting the Blue Lagoon and visited the Golden Circle on our second day in the city. Having a relaxing evening with a drink in hand (yes, there is even a swim up bar) in a thermal hot spring is something you don’t get to do every day!

Our four hour tour was just enough time as it gave us about 2 hours at the Blue Lagoon. This equated to about 90 minutes in the water. If you’d prefer to spend more time in the geothermal spa or exploring the grounds, you should plan the trip accordingly.

Comments

Have you visited the Blue Lagoon in Iceland on a cruise? What is your favorite activity to do in Reykjavik? Drop us an anchor below to share your reviews of this natural wonder.