Good to know

Iceland

Accommodation
Normal check-in time is between 14.00-16.00 and check-out is before 11.00, unless otherwise stated on the travel document. If you have booked a package in Iceland, you will also receive vouchers. You will receive the vouchers, when you have paid the full amount. 

Alcohol
Wine, spirits and beer (over 2,25%) are not sold in common stores, but only in Vínbúðin stores, who have national monopoly on alcohol. The legal drinking age is 20 years.

Banks
Banks are usually open weekdays 09.15-16.00. 

Climate
Thanks to the Gulf Stream, Iceland enjoys a cool temperate ocean climate: cool in summer and fairly mild in winter. However, the weather is very changeable and tourists should be prepared for the unexpected. In the wintertime you can expect to see the northern lights. 

Credit cards
All regular international credit cards are usually accepted. However, it is always a good idea to bring cash as well.

Crossing rivers in the highlands
In most of the highland routes, you must cross rivers without bridges. Most of them are easy to cross, however some of them might be deep and difficult to cross. Every year many drivers – Icelandic as well as foreigners – get in trouble when crossing. Be aware of the circumstances and do not take any risks. If in doubt, wait for someone else to come along. When crossing a river keep in mind that you cross it with the current and not against it. Be aware that the brake’s functions might be reduced after the crossing.

Currency
Iceland has their own currency: Icelandic Kronur. 

Distance
Distance Hirtshals – Seyðisfjörður 860 nautical miles. Distance Tórshavn – Seyðisfjörður 286 nautical miles (1 mile = 1852 meters).

The distance between Seyðisfjörður and Reykjavík is around 700 km and takes about 7-8 hours to drive.

Driving in the highlands
The highland routes are only open 2-3 months every summer. Even in the midsummer, they can be difficult to drive. The most important thing is that you have a 4WD car. You must stick to the marked routes, because of your own safety and for the safety of the vulnerable nature. 

There are no shops or tank stations, so remember to bring everything with you, that you might need. You will need maps, food, warm and wind resistant clothes, plenty of fuel, rope and a shovel. Please note that there might not be a phone connection in the inner parts of the country. Be aware of other drivers and provide help, if needed. 

It is advisable to seek information about your route before starting your journey into the highlands. Please find information on road conditions here vegagerdin.is. In most tank stations, you can get maps that show which areas in the highlands are closed/opened in the season.  

Electricity
220 volt. The common electric outlet in Europe with two pins, however there might be some American outlets. Please bring along an adapter, if you are uncertain. 

In case of emergency
Emergency services:112
Emergency medical service: +354 5432000
Police: +354 444-1000
Emergency dentist: +354 575-0505

Information
Information about Iceland can be found on visiticeland.com 

Passport/VISA
Iceland joined the Schengen states on March 25, 2001, an agreement of 26 states to abolish checks at their common borders on the movement of persons and facilitate the transport and movement of goods at those borders.

The validity of the passport or recognized ID card must be at least three months beyond the proposed stay, except for citizens of EEA/EFTA countries. Those documents only need to be valid beyond the stay in Iceland.

For information on passport and visa requirements, visit the website utl.is. 

Post office
You can find a post office in all the larger towns and in some villages. They are usually open Monday to Friday 08.30 – 16.30.

Road maps
It is possible to buy road maps in the reception on board or in tourist information centres in Iceland.

Shops
Shops are usually open Monday to Thursday from 10.00-19.00, Friday 10.00-19.30, Saturday 10.00-18.00 and Sunday 12.00-18.00. Tank stations and supermarkets are usually open until 22.00-23.00.

Smoking
Smoking is prohibited in all indoor public areas. 

Telephones
Iceland has good roaming coverage for most major European providers. Please note that there might not be any connection in the highlands and unhabituated areas. You can buy GSM cards at any tank station around the country. 

Time zone
Greenwich Mean Time (GMT) throughout the year. Unlike most countries in Europe, Summer (Daylight-Saving) Time is not observed in Iceland.

Transportation
There are several ways of getting around in Iceland. You can go by air, bus, ferry or you can rent a car. Please see more on transportation here. 

Voucher
If you have booked a package in Iceland, you will also receive vouchers. You will receive the vouchers, when you have paid the full amount.

Winter tires
Winter tires are compulsory in Iceland in the winter season. 

MS Norröna

Arrival and departure times
Please see arrival and departure times here smyril-line.com.

Baby carriage
You may bring your baby carriage on board, however for safety reasons the baby carriage must not be left in the corridors, but must be kept inside the cabin.

Baby cot
You can pre-book a baby cot before departure or rent it on board. We charge 150 DKK/€ 20 for the rental of the baby cot. The price includes bed linen.

Car deck
The car deck will often be crammed with regular cars, trucks, campers and so on, so be aware that there will be limited space between the vehicles. Please remember the hand brake. For safety reasons the car deck is closed during the journey. 

Check-in
All passengers may stay in the car when boarding and going ashore.

The crew strives for an efficient loading/unloading of the car deck, however please expect waiting time when checking in, driving onboard and going ashore. In the high season, there can be up to 800 cars with MS Norröna and therefore the waiting time can be up to one hour. 

Check in Hirtshals: Fjord Line, Container kajen 4, DK-9850 Hirtshals, Denmark.
Check in Tórshavn: Eystarabryggja 2, FO-100 Tórshavn, Faroe Islands.
Check in Seyðisfjörður: Fjarðargata 8, IS-710 Seyðisfjörður, Iceland. 
Check in times can be found here.  

Check-out
Passengers are kindly asked to leave the cabins approximately 2 hours before arrival. The check-out times may vary and will be announced onboard. 

Cleaning onboard
Service is only provided for those, who are on the North Atlantic Cruise. Sunday and Thursday normal service (Change of towels, if needed), emptying of the garbage, bathroom cleaning, bed will be made and the cabin will be vacuumed, if possible. On Tuesday when in Iceland you will get full service (cabin will be made as new). 

Passengers, who are not on the North Atlantic Cruise, will not get any service, however if you need anything you are welcome to contact the reception onboard. 

Currency and payment on board
Currency onboard is DKK. However, you can also pay with EUR, USD and ISK notes (not coins) and in this regard, the ship’s exchange rate of the day is the valid one. When making a payment, you will always receive the change in DKK.

All major credit cards are accepted onboard. Sometimes the internet connection is unreliable and it is best, if you bring an extra card and some cash with you. 

It is not possible to exchange or withdraw money on board.

Drinking water onboard
The tab water onboard MS Norröna has been cleaned and is drinkable.

Electric cars
Due to the safety on board, it is important that you inform Smyril Line, if you travel with an electric car, when booking your trip.

Electricity
230 volt. The common electric outlet in Europe with two pins. Please bring along an adapter, if you are uncertain. Charging of batteries in electric cars, caravans, auto campers etc. is not allowed onboard MS Norröna. Gas cylinders must be off while onboard. There are two outlets in the cabins, however none by the bed. 

Elevator
There are two elevators in the front of the ship and two in the back. All decks can be accessed with the elevator, except deck 1, where the swimming pool and fitness room are located. If you have mobility issues, please state that when booking, so we can try to give you a cabin near the elevator.

Food and beverages
You are welcome to bring your own food and beverages, however you may not bring your own food to the restaurants/bars and other public areas, where it is stated. 

Please see what you are allowed to import to the Faroe Islands, Iceland and Denmark:

Import Faroe Islands
Import Iceland
Import Denmark  

Frozen goods and luggage
Passengers can carry up to 50 kg of frozen goods per booking or up to 1/2 m3 and luggage up to 50 kg without any extra charge. For further information regarding the delivery of the frozen goods, please contact the check-in staff. Frozen goods must be labeled with the name and address of the owner. However, it is not allowed to bring frozen goods to Iceland. This service is free of charge and Smyril Line takes no responsibility for damaged goods. 

Please note: Transportation of commercial goods has to go through Smyril Line Cargo (tel. +298 309600 or cargo@cargo.fo)

Hospital
MS Norröna is equipped with a hospital. The hospital can supply some medical medicine as required by the authorities. The Chief Officer is the medical officer on board and is able to assist with first aid. The Chief Officer is in direct contact with the main hospital in Tórshavn, if professional advice is needed. If necessary a doctor can be transported to the ship by helicopter or the passenger can be picked up and transported to the nearest hospital. It is possible to get doctor assistance by helicopter in all areas when Norröna is sailing.

Internet and telephone connection
It is possible to purchase internet access onboard in the reception. Please see prices etc here. 

When sailing with MS Norröna you call via satellite phone. This means that if you call or receive calls the price is much higher than your usual price. 

Liquid gas on board MS Norröna
It is allowed to bring max 20 liters of extra liquid gas on board MS Norröna. The tanks need to be of steel and need to be approved for the purpose. Upon arrival in Iceland: Clients should contact the customs in Iceland upon arrival in order to pay tax of the extra gas. 

Lost and found
If you have lost or forgotten an item onboard please contact the reception onboard MS Norröna. You are welcome to call them on +298 344900 or send an email to reception@norrona.fo. If you would like your forgotten belongings to be sent to your address you will have to pay yourself and state how you would like to pay, when contacting the reception. Belongings forgotten onboard will usually be kept for about 2 months. 

Luggage
Up to approx. 200 kg. personal belonging is allowed. The car deck is closed during the journey; therefore, please bring the luggage that you will need with you to your cabin. If the luggage contains commercial goods, please contact our cargo department. 

Luggage lockers
Passengers have the opportunity to put their luggage in the lockers on deck 2 or 7. The lockers are in two sizes: The large locker is 88 cm (D), 60 cm (H) and 40 cm (W) and the smaller one is 78 cm (D), 40 cm (H) and 30 cm (W). The cost for using the lockers is DKK 10 for the small one and DKK 20 for the bigger one. It costs every time the box is opened.

Pets
Transport of pets is against supplementary charge and according to special regulations as agreed with SML. When you book a cage, you will get a number – 1 to 4 if it is a small cage or 5 – 6 if it is a larger cage. When you come on board, you need to pick up two keys at the reception. A deposit of 200 DKK is required, which will be refunded, when you deliver the keys. The size of the cage is as follows: The large cages are 80 cm (W) x 115 cm (H) x 130 cm (D) and the smaller cages are 80 cm (W) x 55 cm (H) x 130 cm (D). 
Pets are not allowed in the cabins onboard. Any violation of this rule will result in a fine of 405 EUR for cleaning. To Iceland: Pets cannot be brought to Iceland. To the Faroe Islands: Please check with local authorities regarding regulations for import of pets to the Faroe Islands: hfs.fo. 

Pregnancy
Pregnant passengers can sail with Norröna until week 35 in the pregnancy. This is always at your own risk. In the week 31-35 in the pregnancy there has to be a medical report. Norröna does not have any doctor onboard.

Propane-gas on board MS Norröna
Only gas that already is in the built in tank of the vehicle is allowed. Extra gas tanks are only allowed to bring on board, if they are empty. Due to safety reasons clients are obliged to inform the check in staff that propane gas is in the vehicle. 

Seasickness
Anti seasick pills can be purchased at the Reception, if needed.

Ship’s time
Ship's time is Faroese time. Time in the Faroe Islands is measured using Greenwich Mean Time (GMT) during the winter months and GMT + 1 hour during the summer.

Smoking
Smoking is only allowed in the smoking area Hjallurin on deck 9. This restriction applies to both passengers and crew. It is not allowed to smoke in the cabins. Any violation of these rules will result in a fine of 203 EUR.

Special needs
Norröna is equipped with 6 cabins especially facilitating disabled travelers. The cabins are very spacious and are located on deck 5 and 6. The walkway, room and toilet is designed for wheelchair users.

When ordering tickets, information must be provided concerning passengers with reduced physical or mental abilities who would necessitate assistance in following safety instructions. 

Passengers with special needs are kindly asked to meet at check-in no later than 2 1/2 hour prior to departure. Please inform us at check-in about your particular needs, and we will try to help you best (eg. let you park your car near the on-board elevator, help you to and from the disability cabin, etc.). While we do our best, you can expect waiting time in connection with departure and arrival.

Passengers in wheelchairs usually do not have any problems getting around, even on the open deck.

Supervision of children
There is no supervision of the children onboard. Parents are at all times responsible for their children, also in the swimming pool and fitness area. Children under the age of 15 are not allowed in the swimming pool and fitness area without their parents. 

Tax Free refunds
When you travel home from Iceland you need to drop the Tax Free receipts in a mailbox for the purpose at the terminal in Seyðisfjörður. Your receipts will be stamped by the Icelandic customs autority and sent to the respective Tax Free company, which will refund the money to your payment card. The refund period is +3 months.

When you travel home from the Faroe Islands you need to have your receipts stamped by the Faroese customs autority. The customs authority is at the terminal in Tórshavn 1 hour before departure to stamp receipts. The Tax Free receipts can then be refunded in DKK only at the reception on board.