Reykjavik, Iceland - Day Two

 Sunday, September 15, 2024

Today, our last day in Iceland, we have two events scheduled. I had mentioned that we moved our whale watching to today (due to Monday's weather forecast). Friends we have met on board are going to join us as well.

Additionally, we heard about this event called, Fly Over Iceland (no, not in a plane) - it's like an IMAX / Disney excursion. We were able to book this for the morning, prior to the whales.

After breakfast, we engaged a taxi driver to take us to the Fly Over Iceland place - about 15 minutes from the ship. Very unfriendly taxi driver - had no idea what we were talking about so I had to enter it into his GPS so he knew where to go. Odd. Cost us $33.15.

Anyway, great decision on our part. We arrived early but they had a gift shop and small café. And we met this young lady at the gift shop:

When it was our turn to Fly Over Iceland (they call you like your flight is departing) - we headed upstairs first to have our picture taken in front of a green screen - the sale of pictures would come at the end. We then headed into the first room where we enjoyed a welcome film, followed by a second room learning about Iceland, its volcanoes and glaciers and wild landscape. Then off to the main event. You sit on benches, put on your seat belt and when it starts, your feet hang free. Of course it feels like you are flying, but it's the screen that is moving. But that doesn't stop you from lifting up your legs so as not to touch a mountain top or get them wet in the water. Occasionally you would get a spray of water from the waterfalls and feel the wind in your face. 

It was a great experience. I highly recommend it to anyone visiting Reykjavik.

After getting a bite to eat, we engaged another taxi to take us to the whale watching event. This driver was grumpier than the first one. Also had a little difficulty understanding where I wanted to go. And it was only about 8 minutes away - same cost $33.15 - yikes!

Our friends arrived and we headed to the boat, along with about 200 of our closest friends (NOT) - geez - these people were pushy and annoying. 

We were told it would be quite rough and that sea sickness drugs were available at the bar - turns out no one took them up on that offer, even though they should have. 

We were able to done full suits to keep us warm and dry on the deck. We headed out. Long story short....not a whale to be seen - but we did get to see people hanging over the rail throwing up or throwing up in the inside cabin. 

And then the one possible sighting, that was on our side of the ship, was ruined as people rushed to our side, pushing us and others out of the way - speaking unknown languages. I think we had been spoiled on our trip as all the Viking guests are courteous and friendly and, oh well.... time to go home.

And then on the way back, most of the people who were sick, just slept in their seats or with their heads on the tables in the inside cabin. The sea did calm down and it did warm up.

This time, when we got off the boat, we were able to walk back to the spot where the ship shuttle would pick us up and take us back to the ship - FREE!

We finished packing and then met our friends for drinks and dinner. Bruce and Janie are from Memphis; Pal, Janie's sister, is from Alexandria - so who knows, we may be able to meet up at some point when we're visiting Kate in Arlington. Such nice people and fun to be around - always had great stories!

Left to right: Betsy, Ed, Pal, Janie, and Bruce

We fly home in the morning,

Betsy