Vör, Reykjavík Cruise Terminal has been nominated for Europe’s Best Cruise Terminal 2026 at the World Cruise Awards. It is the first nomination for an Icelandic port or cruise terminal.
The nomination marks a notable moment for Reykjavík’s cruise sector, reflecting continued investment in cruise infrastructure and the city’s growing capacity to support complex port calls and turnaround operations with greater consistency and operational precision.
The purpose-built terminal opened in May 2026, replacing Reykjavík’s temporary cruise passenger facilities. Its grand opening marked the beginning of a new operational phase for Reykjavík’s cruise sector, while the development of Vör as a new gateway for cruise travel in Iceland further strengthens the city’s position within the North Atlantic cruise market.
A New Platform for Reykjavík’s Cruise Operations
For cruise operators, the value of a permanent terminal extends well beyond the passenger building itself. This is particularly relevant for turnaround calls, when Reykjavík serves as the starting or finishing point of a cruise rather than a port of call along the itinerary.
Turnaround days involve a high level of coordination. Thousands of passengers may be moving through the terminal alongside luggage, coaches, transfers, shore excursions, crew and service providers. Passenger handling, baggage management and ground transportation therefore depend on close coordination between cruise lines, the port and local operational partners.
A dedicated terminal provides a more structured environment for these activities. It supports clearer passenger flows, closer coordination between partners and a more consistent operating framework for both guests and cruise lines.
Vör represents an important step in Reykjavík’s development as a cruise destination, supporting both traditional port calls and the more complex requirements of turnaround operations.
The terminal is one of fourteen European ports and cruise terminals nominated for the 2026 World Cruise Awards. The shortlist includes established cruise destinations such as Barcelona, Amsterdam, Lisbon, Málaga, Monaco, Oslo, Valletta, Kiel, Portsmouth, Zadar and Civitavecchia.
Strengthening Reykjavík as a Turnaround Destination
The development of Vör also strengthens Reykjavík’s ability to accommodate passengers who begin or end their cruise journeys in the city.
Turnaround passengers experience Iceland differently from transit passengers. They may arrive before embarkation or remain in Iceland after disembarkation, creating opportunities—and planning requirements—for accommodation, transportation, dining and professionally designed pre- and post-cruise programmes.
For cruise lines and travel partners, this creates greater scope to integrate Reykjavík and the wider destination into the cruise journey. Pre- and post-cruise programmes can incorporate the city’s cultural and culinary experiences, while allowing time for guests to explore Reykjavík before or after their voyage.
Atlantik’s guide to Reykjavík, insights into Icelandic cuisine, seasonality and what first-time visitors can expect provide further context for planning these programmes.
The operational considerations remain equally important. Timing, passenger flows, transportation, guest handling and coordination between multiple suppliers all need to work together, particularly when cruise schedules leave little room for disruption.
Stronger turnaround infrastructure therefore has implications beyond the terminal itself. It creates a closer connection between Reykjavík’s cruise activity and the wider tourism ecosystem, from accommodation and transportation to experiences and destination services.
Atlantik at Vör
Atlantik has worked in Iceland’s cruise industry since 1978, providing shore excursions, turnaround services, transportation and ground handling for cruise lines, passengers and crew.
During the cruise season, Atlantik’s cruise team operates directly from Vör, placing the team close to the daily coordination of turnaround services, shore excursions and ground operations.
That proximity is significant in an environment where plans can change quickly and multiple partners need to remain aligned. Port calls depend on precise coordination between cruise lines, port authorities, transportation providers, guides, attractions and other operational partners. Working from the terminal keeps Atlantik’s team close to the operation and supports direct communication with partners throughout the day.
For guests, much of this coordination remains behind the scenes. For cruise partners, it forms part of the operational framework required to deliver a smooth and reliable port or turnaround experience.
A New Chapter for Icelandic Cruise Operations
Vör’s nomination is notable recognition for a terminal in its first year of operation. More broadly, it reflects Reykjavík’s continued development as an international cruise destination and the investment in infrastructure required to support modern cruise operations.
For Atlantik, the nomination has particular relevance. Its cruise team works from Vör throughout the season, supporting cruise line partners across turnaround services, shore excursions and cruise port operations.
From the terminal, the team combines local insight, operational experience and close coordination with partners on the ground—helping translate the requirements of complex cruise operations into a carefully managed experience for passengers and crew.
Voting for Europe’s Best Cruise Terminal 2026 is open until 21 August 2026. The winners of the World Cruise Awards will be announced on 14 October 2026.
