14-Day ~ Iceland Faroe and Shetland Knitting Cruise (Jul 2027)

14-Day Iceland Faroe and Shetland Knitting Cruise with Jennifer Daley
July 3 - July 17, 2027

Join us on an unforgettable 14-day adventure exploring Iceland, the Faroe Islands, and the Shetland Islands aboard Holland America's Zuiderdam.This unique cruise combines Holland America Line's exceptional service with inspiring knitting workshops, dramatic volcanic landscapes, and the rich textile heritage of the North Atlantic's most legendary fiber islands.

We invite you to pack up your needles and join us on a spectacular voyage through the North Atlantic aboard Holland America's Zuiderdam. This 14-day cruise takes you from Amsterdam through Scotland's Orkney Islands, around the dramatic coastline of Iceland, to the remote Faroe Islands, and finally to the Shetland Islands, the very birthplace of Fair Isle knitting.

Experience the raw power of Icelandic waterfalls, the mystical beauty of the Westfjords, and the geothermal wonders of Reykjavik. Stand in awe of volcanic landscapes on the Westman Islands and discover the windswept charm of the Faroe Islands. Conclude your journey in Lerwick, Shetland, where centuries of knitting tradition come alive in every shop and museum. For a more immersive experience, participants can opt to extend their stay in Amsterdam.

Shop for authentic Icelandic Lopi yarn in Reykjavik at the legendary Handknitting Association of Iceland, discover Faroese yarn from local producers, and explore the world-famous yarn shops of Lerwick including Jamieson's of Shetland. Each port offers unique fiber shopping opportunities found nowhere else on earth.

Onboard, participants will enjoy knitting classes, social gatherings, and being pampered by Holland America's attentive staff. In port, shop for unique souvenirs and take excursions highlighting textile arts, culture, and history. Explore exotic places daily and return to familiar comforts, where you'll have time to rejuvenate before your next adventure.

Jennifer Daley's onboard classes span the textile traditions of Iceland, the Faroe Islands, and the Shetland Islands. Topics include color theory in stranded colorwork, Icelandic lopi wool knitting, Faroese lace shawl traditions, and Shetland lace knitting techniques. Each class also explores the textile history of its region. Jennifer lived and worked in Fair Isle and the Shetland Islands, bringing unparalleled personal experience to these topics.

This cruise is perfect for knitters of all skill levels who want to learn new techniques, connect with fellow fiber enthusiasts, and explore the rich textile heritage of the North Atlantic while traveling in style and comfort.

14-Day Iceland Faroe and Shetland Knitting Cruise Highlights

Craft Cruises selects itineraries offering various activities to help bring each port to life. Whether you explore on your own or on an escorted tour, these enriching encounters ensure everyone goes home with memories that last a lifetime.

• Depart from Amsterdam, the charming Dutch capital known for its picturesque canals, world-class museums, and exceptional yarn shops including Stephen & Penelope.


• In Kirkwall, Orkney Islands, explore Viking heritage and browse the Judith Glue Shop for locally designed knitwear and Orkney-inspired crafts. Visit St. Magnus Cathedral and experience the rich Norse history of this island archipelago.


• Djupivogur is a charming Icelandic fishing village surrounded by dramatic mountain scenery and pristine nature. Here, visitors can wander the harbor area and take in the stunning views of the Berufjordur fjord and pyramid-shaped Bulandstindur mountain.


• In Akureyri, Iceland's northern capital, visit excellent shops carrying Icelandic Lopi yarn and handknit sweaters. Explore the Akureyri Botanical Garden, one of the world's most northerly botanical gardens, and stroll through this charming town nestled at the head of Iceland's longest fjord.


• Isafjordur in the Westfjords is one of Iceland's most remote and beautiful regions, where traditional Icelandic knitting patterns have been preserved for generations. Explore the dramatic fjord setting, visit the Westfjords Heritage Museum, and experience the raw beauty of this isolated corner of Iceland.


• In Grundarfjordur, experience the stunning Snaefellsnes Peninsula with the iconic Kirkjufell mountain, one of Iceland's most photographed landmarks. This area, often called "Iceland in Miniature," offers volcanic craters, lava fields, and dramatic coastal scenery.


• While in Reykjavik, visit the Handknitting Association of Iceland (Handprjonasambandid) for the most comprehensive selection of Lopi yarn and traditional Icelandic sweaters anywhere in the world. Explore the colorful streets, visit Hallgrimskirkja church, and immerse yourself in Iceland's vibrant creative culture.


• Heimaey in the Westman Islands is a volcanic island with dramatic landscapes and rich birdlife, including puffin colonies. Learn about the remarkable 1973 eruption that nearly buried the town and see how the island has rebuilt around its volcanic heritage.


• In the Faroe Islands, discover distinctive knitting traditions and local yarn from Navia. Explore the unique Faroese lace shawl tradition, visit colorful grass-roofed villages, and take in the breathtaking cliff scenery of these remote North Atlantic islands.


• Lerwick, in the Shetland Islands, is the world capital of Fair Isle knitting! Shop for yarn at Jamieson's of Shetland and Shetland Wool Brokers, Jamieson & Smith, where you will learn about the knitters, farmers, and designers who transform Shetland's wool into high-quality yarn, knitwear, and blankets.


• Visit the Shetland Museum to learn about the cultural heritage of the Shetland Islands, including their unique history, traditions, and way of life. The museum also offers breathtaking views of the surrounding harbor and islands.


• See demonstrations of traditional spinning and knitting given by the Shetland Guild of Spinners, Weavers, Knitters, and Dyers at the Böd of Gremista and Shetland Textile Museum.