Total Solar Eclipse from Iceland to Ireland

From Reykjavik to Dublin, set off on a 9-cruise aboard Le Lapérouse to explore the magnificent landscapes of Iceland, the Faroe Islands and Scotland all the way to the Irish coastlines. In this wild world, facing completely unobstructed skies, you will seek out a rare phenomenon: the total solar eclipse, off the coast of Heimaey, on 12 August 2026, and discover its secrets thanks to the exceptional presence of the astronaut Jean-François Clervoy.

At each port of call on your trip, each guest will be able to choose one included excursion from the selection offered by PONANT. During this cruise, admire the panoramas provided by the Eldfell volcano from Heimaey, explore the wild landscapes of the Faroe Islands during a hike, or discover the treasures of the Shetland Islands from Lerwick. The range of experiences on offer promises a great time with lots of variety (for the full list of excursions, click on the Itinerary tab).

On the edge of the Arctic, Iceland offers up a simultaneously romantic and wild face.  From Reykjavik, the world’s northernmost capital, your ship will sail towards Heimaey. This is the only inhabited island in the Westman archipelago. An exceptional place composed of volcanoes and almost-desert landscapes, it is also a refuge for many colonies of birds, including gannets.

Along these mysterious shores, in the sudden darkness, the captain will take you, weather conditions permitting*, in search of the best place to observe the total solar eclipse, the 16th of the 21st century. You will be captivated by the unique spectacle, during which the Moon will obscure the Sun.

You will then set a course for the Faroe Islands, Denmark’s northernmost autonomous territory. In Streymoy, you will enjoy sailing around cliffs home to bird colonies. Here, the Viking legends and the Nordic cosmogony are never far away.

You will also discover Lerwick, the main port in the Shetland Islands. Nearby is the Jarlshof prehistoric and Norse settlement, where Neolithic people first settled more than 4,000 years ago – it is one of the most spectacular excavated sites in the British Isles.

Le Lapérouse will sail towards Kirkwall, capital of the Orkney Islands, where numerous seabirds, such as gannets and European shags, have taken up residence, before heading to Dublin, disembarkation port. The Irish capital is known for its friendly atmosphere and authentic charm.

*As we cannot control the weather conditions, we cannot guarantee the observation of this total solar eclipse. Nevertheless, the Captain will have room for manoeuvre and will be able to sail towards the most suitable places on the eclipse’s trajectory