Marks a New Era for Cruise and MICE Business in Iceland
The grand opening of VÖR, Reykjavik’s new cruise terminal, took place at the Port of Reykjavik on Friday, May 29th. The opening ceremony served as the closing event of the Cruise Europe Conference 2026 and represents the first purpose-built cruise terminal in Iceland. The conference brought together leaders from the international cruise industry which focuses on Iceland. At the same time, it showed Iceland’s growing role as a North Atlantic destination.
After a welcoming speech from Port Director Gunnar Tryggvason and the Mayor of Reykjavik, Heiða Björg Hilmisdóttir, a ribbon was cut to formally open the new building. Guests included representatives from Reykjavik City and members of the Icelandic Parliament and Reykjavik City Council. Cruise Europe delegates, cruise industry partners, and Team Atlantik also attended.
A New Standard for Cruise Operations in Reykjavik
The opening of VÖR is a major milestone for Port of Reykjavík and Icelandic cruise market. The new terminal creates a better experience for cruise guests, cruise lines, ground operators, and local partners.
The facility has modern passenger areas, improved restrooms and guest information services. It also has workspaces for guides and cruise staff. These spaces include meeting rooms, and baggage handling areas as well as immigration facilities. Along with that, new Atlantik office facilities for operation on the pier are in the terminal. The terminal handles large-scale turnaround operations and can hold up to 3,000 passengers. This provides a world-class arrival and departure experience.
Before, turnaround operations in Reykjavik were handled through temporary buildings and work areas. They met their basic purpose but did not offer enough comfort for modern cruise guests. VÖR changes that completely.
The new terminal improves passenger flow, security procedures and immigration processing. In addition, it improves luggage handling and overall logistics. Most importantly, guests enjoy a better experience from the time they arrive in Iceland until they embark on their cruise or return home.
As VÖR is now open, Reykjavik strengthens its position as one of the best turnaround ports in the North Atlantic cruise market. It provides cruise lines with infrastructure that meets the highest international standards.
VÖR Creates Exciting New Opportunities for MICE Events in Iceland
It is clear that VÖR will play an important role in cruise operations during the summer season. However, the building will also serve as one of the most exciting new event venues in Iceland. Outside the cruise season, VÖR will be available for MICE business. Especially during Iceland’s busiest months for international meetings and incentive groups
For Atlantik, this is particularly significant. VÖR not only serves cruise operations and shore excursions. It also offers a new large-scale venue for meetings, incentives, conferences and events (MICE) in Reykjavik.
VÖR’s opening is an important addition to Iceland’s MICE infrastructure. It may be the biggest development since Harpa opened in 2011 and The Reykjavik EDITION opened in 2022. Harpa is Iceland’s leading concert hall and conference centre. The Reykjavik EDITION is Reykjavik’s first five-star luxury hotel.
With views across Faxaflói Bay and towards the island of Viðey, VÖR creates a special Icelandic setting for international events. The island of Viðey is one of Reykjavik’s most iconic landmarks. It has played a large role in Iceland’s history for more than a thousand years.
Over the years, Atlantik has held large-scale incentive programs, conferences, and special events for groups of up to 3,000 guests. Harpa has long been the main venue for major events in Reykjavik with few alternative venues capable of hosting large gatherings. However, VÖR changes that landscape.
The venue creates new opportunities for various occasions. From incentive group events and corporate gatherings to gala dinners. Also, for product launches, conferences, and large-scale receptions. Now, international conference organizers can combine sessions at Harpa with events at VÖR. These can include evening events, networking functions, and exclusive dinners. This creates a more dynamic and flexible event experience in Reykjavik.
The facility can host events ranging from several hundred to 2,000 guests.
Looking Ahead
The opening of VÖR represents much more than a new building. It is an investment in Iceland’s future. VÖR is set to become a leading venue for cruise tourism, incentive travel, conferences, and international events.
Atlantik is proud to be part of this exciting new chapter. We look forward to welcoming visitors to VÖR for many years to come.
Planning a cruise operation, conference, or incentive event? We look forward to welcoming you to VÖR.
