Deluxe Stateroom Deck 3
25% Ponant Bonus
19 m²
2
Iceland Voyage: Land of Fire and Ice – with Smithsonian Journeys
Reykjavík - Reykjavík
Dates:
21/7/2025
to
28/7/2025
Other available dates
days
nights on board
Shore excursion or activity in each port of call + transfers included
In alliance with Smithsonian Journeys.
This cruise is part of a collection of PONANT voyages that are specially-tailored for English-speaking travelers who want to engage with the world. In addition to the usual elements of the PONANT experience, the listed price for these voyages includes transfers to and from the ship, talks and discussions aboard ship by world class experts, and a shore excursion or activity in each port of call that encourages guests to embrace the sights, sounds, tastes, and smells of the local environment and culture.
Discover the most beautiful and rugged landscapes on the Icelandic west coast during this spectacular 8-day voyage.
On the edge of the Arctic, between vast glaciers, vertiginous fjords, volcanoes, and boiling geysers, Iceland offers a kaleidoscope of wild landscapes.
You will board Le Bellot just outside Reykjavík, the world’s northernmost capital city. With its houses with colorful roofs and its lake that is home to countless ducks, the city offers a picture-perfect setting.
At your first port of call, Isafjördur, explore Iceland’s seafaring history at the Maritime Museum and enjoy a performance of traditional Icelandic folk songs performed by a group of local singers. Or visit the abandoned village of Hesteyri, a 19th-centurty whaling community located along some of the most rugged landscape in the country.
Your ship will then reach Grímsey, a small, hard-to-reach island where, in certain places, the volcanic rock forms magnificent basalt columns. Sea birds such as guillemots and puffins reign here.
Le Bellot sails next for Akureyri, where an excursion to the otherworldly Lake Myvatn area offers the opportunity to explore the geothermal field of Namaskard to see mudpots, steam vents, sulfur deposits, boiling springs, and fumeroles. Also see the spectacular Godafoss, the “Waterfall of the Gods.” Alternatively, choose to relax in the thermal baths at Húsavík.
You will then discover the bay of Grundarfjördur, from where you may choose to explore the villages along the Snæfellsjökull glacier-capped volcano or embark on a whale watching excursion in search of orcas and humpback, minke, sperm, and pilot whales.
Call next on Heimaey, the only inhabited island in the Westman archipelago. Choose to explore the volcanic island, which is summer home to millions of seabirds.
End on the outskirts of Reykjavík, where you’ll have the opportunity to travel the Golden Circle, consisting of three spectacular sights: Thingvellir National Park, Gullfoss Waterfall, and the Geysir Geothermal Area. Another option offers a second opportunity to go whale watching in search of humpback, minke, and sei whales.
The encounters with the wildlife described above illustrate possible experiences only and cannot be guaranteed.
Ref : RRDW45US - EE210725
Your itinerary
A voyage specially-tailored for English-speaking travelers including discussions with experts, transfers before and after your cruise, and an included excursion or activity in each port of call. Engaging...
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Included in your cruise
To make sure things run smoothly, PONANT has included certain elements before and after your cruise as part of the price.
Shore Excursions, Overlands & Pre/Post Programmes
To complete your voyage, PONANT can organise a range of shore excursions, pre & post cruise activities and packages, plus transfers.
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*Price is per person, based on double occupancy, based on availability, and subject to change at any time. The category of stateroom to which this price applies may no longer be available.
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Services provided
- 24-hour room service
- Inclusive Wifi internet access (availability dependent on navigation and latitude)
- Individually-controlled air conditioning
- Dressing room with shelves and closet
- Dressing table and hairdryer
- Selection of Clarins top-of-the-line bath products
- Minibar
- Nespresso coffee maker and boiler
- Electronic safe
- Direct line telephone
- Bose Bluetooth speaker
- Flat screen TV, international channels (availability dependent on navigation) and videos on demand
- 110V American (two flat pins)/220V European (round sockets with two round pins)
- Two ADA staterooms
Select your stateroom category
Ideal clothes for life on board:
During the days spent on board, you are advised to wear comfortable clothes or casual outfits. The entire ship is air-conditioned, so a light sweater, a light jacket or a shawl may be necessary. When moving about in the public areas of the ship and the decks, light but comfortable shoes are recommended.
Informal evening:
In the evening, you are advised to wear smart-casual attire, especially when dining in our restaurants where wearing shorts and tee-shirts is not allowed.
For women:
- Simple dress
- Skirt or trousers
- Blouse
- Polo
For men:
- Pleated trousers or chinos
- Sports jacket
- Shirt
- Polo
Officer’s evening:
For all cruises longer than 8 nights, an Officer’s Evening with a white dress code may be organized. Therefore, we encourage you to bring a stylish white outfit for the occasion (otherwise black and white).
Gala evening:
During the cruise, two gala evenings will be organised on board. Thus, we recommend that you bring one or two formal outfits.
For women:
- Cocktail attire
- Evening dress (if you wish to)
For men:
- Dark suit
- Tie recommended, possibly bow tie (if you wish to)
SHOP:
A small shop is available on board offering a wide range of outfits, jewellery, leather goods and many accessories.
A laundry service (washing/ironing) is available on board, but unfortunately there are no dry cleaning services. For safety reasons, your cabin is not equipped with an iron.
ACCESSORIES:
- Polarized sunglasses
- Swimsuit (for the Spa on board)
- Gym wear (fitness)
- Battery charger and memory cards for your camera
- Mobile phone charger
- Hat/cap
HEALTH CARE:
- Sunscreen and after-sun lotion
- Medications and prescriptions
OUTFITS ON BOARD:
- Casual outfits for the day
- Smarter outfits for dinners
- Elegant outfits for Gala evenings
- White or black and white outfit
PRECAUTIONS:
In your hand luggage, remember to bring any medicines that you need, and possibly a small spare bag of toiletries (in case of delay in the delivery of your baggage by the airline). Remember to always have your travel documents with you in case you need them: hotel vouchers, cruise vouchers, return flight tickets... Never leave them in your hold luggage.
All our cabins have a safe. We recommend not to go ashore with valuable jewellery.
PONANT activities
Smithsonian Journeys
Smithsonian Journeys is the travel program of the Smithsonian Institution, the world’s largest museum, education and research complex, consisting of 21 museums, the National Zoological Park, education centers, research facilities, cultural centers, and libraries. Drawing on Smithsonian's resources dating back 175 years, these sailings will feature notable experts and experiences that embrace local cultures and dive deeper into a destination’s history, cuisine, language, environment, and wildlife. For more than 50 years, Smithsonian Journeys has been rooted in and focused on cultural immersion and discovery – with a goal of inspiring guests to become global citizens through travel.
Subject to withdrawal in case of force majeure
Highlights
- A voyage specially-tailored for English-speaking travelers including discussions with experts, transfers before and after your cruise, and an included excursion or activity in each port of call.
- Engaging discussions onboard with two Smithsonian Journeys Experts, including geologist and author Allen Glazner and Elisabeth Ward, an expert in Scandinavian literature.
- Landscapes: Vast glaciers, breathtaking fjords, volcanic rock, basalt pillars, jagged cliffs, hot springs, and geysers.
- Wildlife: Atlantic puffins, northern gannets, Arctic terns, minke whales, humpback whales, orcas, and Icelandic horses.
- The geothermal landscapes of Lake Myvatn and Geysir Geothermal Area.
- Two opportunities to go whale watching.
- A Golden Circle excursion featuring three of the most emblematic sites in Iceland.
Ports of Call & Excursions
21 July 2025 - Reykjavík
Embarkation 21/7/2025 From 4:00 pm to 5:00 pm
Departure 21/7/2025 at 7:30 pm
Iceland’s capital stretches along the edge of a vast bay in the west of the country. Perlan, the “Pearl of Reykjavík”, a museum located on ’Oskjuhlið hill, offers a panoramic view of the lush, green landscapes. A little further, one can easily spot the signpost showing the way to the evangelical Hallgrímskirkja church, and to the historical centre where one can stroll along the Skólavördustígur and the Laugavegur, two lively streets with charming small shops. For some relaxation just outside of the city, visitors have the opportunity to visit the Reykjanes peninsula and its famous thermal lagoons of the Blue Lagoon.
22 July 2025 - Isafjördur
Arrival 22/7/2025 midday
Departure 22/7/2025 evening
Your ship will take you to the heart of the fjords of North-West Iceland, a wild land of lost valleys and steep cliffs, where man struggles to survive. In this very isolated region we find the Isafjörður fjord, undoubtedly one of the most beautiful in the country, mainly for its relief, forged by many very ancient basaltic flows. The town of Isafjörður, which nestles at the back of its fjord, between imposing mountains, is a delightful little town that lives exclusively from fishing. The capital of the Western fjords, its old wooden houses bear witness to its past as a major fishing port.
23 July 2025 - Grímsey
Arrival 23/7/2025 mid morning
Departure 23/7/2025 evening
Grímsey is the northernmost island of Iceland surging from the Arctic ocean, with the Arctic circle running through the island. Its contrasted contours are surprising. From Grímseyjarhreppur, the island’s only town located on the west coast, then heading due south, you can take in the beauty of the hillsides, lushly carpeted with moss and grass. On the rest of the coastline, imposing basalt cliffs inhabited by sea birds stand proud.
24 July 2025 - Akureyri
Arrival 24/7/2025 early morning
Departure 24/7/2025 mid afternoon
The elegant city of Akureyri is located very close to the Arctic circle, tucked away in the Eyjafjörður fjord. It displays a stunning palette of colours: blue waters in the harbour, bronze mountain ash on the squares and brightly-coloured houses in the historical centre. As you walk along the cobbled streets, you will come across rows of terraces with wooden furniture. A vast stairway cut into the hillside leads up to the emblematic feature of the town, namely the Akureyrarkirkja church. The very beautiful botanical garden made possible by a microclimate offers the opportunity to discover the Icelandic flora as well as plants from all over the world.
25 July 2025 - Grundarfjördur
Arrival 25/7/2025 early afternoon
Departure 25/7/2025 evening
This secret boreal hideaway is located at the foot of the Kirkjufell, on Snaefellsnes peninsula. Arriving by boat means you will get a closer view of the lava-stone rock standing like a sentinel at the entrance to the bay; Grundarfjörður lies sheltered behind this cone-shaped rock. A stone’s throw from the jetty, crystal clear waters, tundra and beaches give onto the cerulean waters of Breiðafjörður. Scattered with its emerald-coloured lawns, this town, with its buildings that merge into the surrounding countryside, will most certainly win your favour.
26 July 2025 - Heimaey, Vestmannaeyjar
Arrival 26/7/2025 midday
Departure 26/7/2025 early evening
This land seated off the southern coast of Iceland is the largest of the Vestmann islands, and is the only inhabited island in the archipelago. The steep Edfell volcanoes and the green prairies of Herjólfsdalur offer rich contrast of nature. On the Stórhöfði road, look out over grey sand beaches and cliffs carved out by the Arctic ocean. From here, you can also see the bronze landscapes of the mountaintops. You could visit Eldheimar, an ultra-modern and interactive museum which traces the volcanic eruption has experienced Heimaey in 1973.
27 July 2025 28 July 2025 - Reykjavík
Arrival 27/7/2025 early morning
Disembarkation 28/7/2025 at 8:00 am
Iceland’s capital stretches along the edge of a vast bay in the west of the country. Perlan, the “Pearl of Reykjavík”, a museum located on ’Oskjuhlið hill, offers a panoramic view of the lush, green landscapes. A little further, one can easily spot the signpost showing the way to the evangelical Hallgrímskirkja church, and to the historical centre where one can stroll along the Skólavördustígur and the Laugavegur, two lively streets with charming small shops. For some relaxation just outside of the city, visitors have the opportunity to visit the Reykjanes peninsula and its famous thermal lagoons of the Blue Lagoon.
Le Bellot
Like the other ships in the PONANT EXPLORERS series, Le Bellot has been designed to provide absolute comfort for its passengers, even at the heart of the world's most remote and isolated regions.
Racy lines, state-of-the-art equipment, a refined design, a softly muted and at the same time convivial ambiance together with a deliberately restricted number of cabins all contribute to the modernity of Le Bellot, a unique ship in the world of cruising.
Decks
Shore excursion or activity in each port of call + transfers included
PONANT has organized the following included program for you, which starts the day of embarkation.
Included Features:
- A program of onboard enrichment provided by two Smithsonian Journeys Experts, including geologist and author Allen Glazner and Elisabeth Ward, an expert in Scandinavian literature
- Transfers and luggage handling from the airport in Reykjavík to the ship on the day of embarkation
- Comprehensive 7-night cruise aboard the deluxe Le Bellot, with all the amenities for which PONANT ships are famous
- One included shore excursion or activity in each port of call (see “Itinerary” for more information and choice of excursions, if applicable)
- Gratuities for ship crew and for guides and drivers on excursions
- Transfer from the ship to the airport in Reykjavík at the end of the cruise on the morning of disembarkation
Not included:
- Independent meals and beverages ashore
- Personal expenses (such as laundry, telephone, etc.)
Notes:
- This voyage is offered on a space available basis
- Program is subject to change without notice
Special Guest Speaker
On our departures in alliance with Smithsonian Journeys, we are joined by two Smithsonian Journeys Experts who will provide an insightful English-language lecture series that enhances your experience with valuable context and new perspectives. From enriching talks to casual conversations on board, their in-depth knowledge will bring you deeper into the history, culture, and natural world of your destination.
Shore excursions, Pre/Post & Overlands
ICELAND'S SOUTH (3 NIGHTS)
This program is designed to provide an introduction to the glaciers, waterfalls, ice-caps, and geothermal fields of southern Iceland. It encompasses the beauty and drama of the landscapes of the southern Ring Road, including a visit to Reynisfjara Black Sand Beach, and it provides access to Iceland's famed "Golden Circle" of Gullfoss, Geysir, and Thingvellir. It is a splendid beginning to your experience of Iceland and the perfect complement to your cruise along the western and northern stretches of the island.
Day 1 – South Iceland
Arrive at Keflavik International Airport early in the morning, where you will be met and transferred to a nearby restaurant for a hearty Icelandic breakfast before traveling to the Hellisheiðarvirkjun Geothermal Plant in the town of Hengill. The 8th-largest geothermal power plant in the world, Hellisheiðarvirkjun, in combination with other geothermal plants around the country, supplies 30% of all electricity and 90% of all space heating on the island. During your visit, you will see the plant in operation, learn about converting geothermal energy to electricity, and also get a good introduction to Iceland's unique geology. After a lunch in a village on the coast, continue inland to the Landhótel, your home for the next two nights. The balance of the afternoon is at leisure until you gather with fellow travelers for dinner.
Day 2 – Iceland's South Shore
Today is devoted to a panoramic drive of exploration through the breathtaking scenery of Iceland's southern coast. After breakfast, board your coach for a 90-minute drive on Iceland's Ring Road, past mountains (some of which are active volcanos), lakes, and ice caps, to the small seafront village of Vik. Here you will encounter Reynisfjara Black Sand Beach, a volcanic beach acclaimed by readers of National Geographic as one of the Top Ten non-tropical beaches in the world because of its wilderness surroundings and mesmerizing geological features. Admire the rugged landscape and seascape as you stroll past the massive basalt columns lining the beach and gaze out at the dramatic sea stacks rising from the ocean.
A short drive inland from the beach brings you to Sólheimajökull glacier, an easily accessible outflow from the great Myrdalsjokull ice cap. Time and weather permitting, you will be able to walk right up to the glacier's edge. Continue to nearby Skógafoss waterfall, one of Iceland's largest, plunging some 200 feet into the pool below. Because of the amount of spray, it can be counted on to produce rainbows every day the sun shines. A typical Icelandic soup is served for lunch at a nearby restaurant before you begin the return drive to your hotel. Along the way, make a final stop at the spectacular Seljalandsfoss waterfall, where water plunges over the edge of a cliff, leaving space behind for the adventurous to walk beneath the falls. The balance of the afternoon is at leisure. Dinner is in the hotel.
Day 3 – Golden Circle | Reykjavik
Today, you explore three of Iceland's most famous attractions—Gullfoss, Geysir, and Thingvellir—collectively known as the "Golden Circle." After check out, drive north from the hotel along the banks of the Hvítá River to Gullfoss, the ‘’Golden Waterfall.’’ Recognized throughout the country as the premier example of Iceland’s many waterfalls, it is where the river drops 96 feet in two cascades, creating a truly beautiful spectacle. From Gullfoss, a 15-minute drive brings you to Geysir, where you will encounter a remarkable collection of hissing hot springs, bubbling mud puts and geysers. "Strokkur," the most active geyser, spouts water and steam every few minutes. Amid these fascinating geothermal phenomena, enjoy a lunch of soup, salad, and salmon.
After lunch, travel to Thingvellir National Park, which ranks at the top of Iceland's most visited places and has been a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 2004. Occupying a vast lava plain of green moss and wild flowers, Thingvellir has been revered by Icelanders since the year 930, when the oldest legislative body in history, the Althing, first convened here. During your visit, take special note of the Law Speaker's rock and of the remains of the turf shelters that were once used as dwellings during the two-week assemblies of the Althing at the height of summer every other year. Overnight is at the Parliament Hotel in downtown Reykjavík. Dinner is on your own.
Day 4 – Reykjavik | Embark
On this final day of your pre-cruise adventure, begin with a visit to Árbær Open Air Museum. Located in the east end of Reykjavik, the museum is a collection of old houses from around the country that have been preserved in order to recreate what life was like in Iceland at the turn of the 20th century. After lunch, enjoy a relaxing visit to Sky Lagoon, where you are invited to indulge in the "Skjól Ritual," a 7-step wellness experience incorporating Icelandic traditions of bathing, involving a combination of soaking in geothermal pools, sauna, scrubbing, and plunging into cold water. Fully refreshed, transfer to the pier to embark your ship and set sail in the evening.
Your hotels:
The four-star Landhótel is nestled amid the stunning natural landscapes of South Iceland. Rooms include a comfortable sitting area, free WiFi and satellite television, robes and slippers. The hotel's amenities include a restaurant, a fitness center, 2 saunas, and a spa. It is the ideal base for exploring South Iceland.
The Parliament Hotel in downtown Reykjavík is part of Hilton's Curio Collection of hotels. It is next door to the Icelandic Parliament; Reykjavik Cathedral and the Harpa concert hall are within a five-minute walk. There is an on-site restaurant, fitness center, and spa. Rooms feature all of the amenities you would expect in from a four-star luxury property.
Your program includes:
- 2 nights at the Landhotel
- 1 night at the Parliament Hotel Reykjavik
- Transfer and luggage handling from the airport to the hotel on the scheduled program arrival day
- Transfer and luggage handling from the hotel to the ship on embarkation day
- Breakfast and lunch all four days
- Dinner on days 1 and 2
- Sightseeing and programming as noted in the itinerary
- Local English-speaking guide
- Gratuities for the drivers and local guides
Your program does not include:
- Transfer from the airport to the hotel on any day other than the scheduled program arrival day
- Personal expenses and other services and meals not mentioned as included in the program
Please note:
- It is imperative that your flight arrival details are communicated at least 90 days prior to the beginning of your cruise in order to secure your transfer from the airport to the hotel.
- Early check-in and/or late check-out are available depending on availability and at a supplement. An additional night is possible, upon request and depending on hotel availability. Please, contact reservations or your travel agent for further details.
- This program includes plenty of walking on uneven and unpaved surfaces and is not for those with limited mobility.
- The official currency is the Icelandic Krona. Credit cards are widely accepted in hotels, shops, and restaurants.
- This pre-cruise program is offered as a package. There will be no refunds for unused accommodations, meals, or excursions.
- Program is offered on a space available basis.
- Program is subject to change without notice.
Hotel contact information:
Landhotel
851 Hella
Iceland
Phone: +354 558 0550
Parliament Hotel
Thorvaldsenstraeti 2-6
Reykjavik 101
Iceland
Phone: +354 513 3000
Total : AU$4,180
Price is per person, based on double occupancy, based on availability.