Total Solar Eclipse from Iceland to Ireland

ITINERARY

Sprawling Reykjavík, the nation's nerve center and government seat, is home to half the island's population. On a bay overlooked by proud Mt. Esja (pronounced eh-shyuh), with its ever-changing hues, Reykjavík presents a colorful sight, its concrete houses painted in light colors and topped by vibrant red, blue, and green roofs. In contrast to the almost treeless countryside, Reykjavík has many tall, native birches, rowans, and willows, as well as imported aspen, pines, and spruces.Reykjavík's name comes from the Icelandic words for smoke, reykur, and bay, vík. In AD 874, Norseman Ingólfur Arnarson saw Iceland rising out of the misty sea and came ashore at a bay eerily shrouded with plumes of steam from nearby hot springs. Today most of the houses in Reykjavík are heated by near-boiling water from the hot springs. Natural heating avoids air pollution; there's no smoke around. You may notice, however, that the hot water brings a slight sulfur smell to the bathroom.Prices are easily on a par with other major European cities. A practical option is to purchase a Reykjavík City Card at the Tourist Information Center or at the Reykjavík Youth Hostel. This card permits unlimited bus usage and admission to any of the city's seven pools, the Family Park and Zoo, and city museums. The cards are valid for one (ISK 3,300), two (ISK 4,400), or three days (ISK 4,900), and they pay for themselves after three or four uses a day. Even lacking the City Card, paying admission (ISK 500, or ISK 250 for seniors and people with disabilities) to one of the city art museums (Hafnarhús, Kjarvalsstaðir, or Ásmundarsafn) gets you free same-day admission to the other two.

The name Vestmannaeyjar refers to both a town and an archipelago off the south coast of Iceland. The largest Vestmannaeyjar island is called Heimaey. It is the only inhabited island in the group and is home to over 4000 people. The eruption of the Eldfell Volcano put Vestmannaeyjar into the international lime light in 1973. The volcano’s eruption destroyed many buildings and forced an evacuation of the residents to mainland Iceland. The lava flow was stopped in its tracks by the application of billions of liters of cold sea water. Since the eruption, life on the small island outpost has returned to the natural ebb and flow of a small coastal fishing community on the edge of the chilly and wild North Atlantic.

It’s hard to imagine, as you stroll Heimaey’s idyllic streets of white wooden houses, that this island was literally torn apart by a spectacular volcanic eruption, just over 40 years ago. The fact that you can visit incredible Heimaey at all is something of a miracle – because the oozing lava of the Eldfell volcano threatened to seal the harbour off completely. Fortunately, its advance was halted by gallons of seawater, pumped onto it by the plucky islanders, who saved their fishing industry in the process. Iceland's famous for its scenery, and the huge castles of volcanic rock that rise out of the sea's waves here are some of the country's most dramatic.

Explore Ship

Founded by Dutch fishermen in the 17th century, Lerwick today is a busy town and administrative center. Handsome stone buildings—known as lodberries—line the harbor; they provided loading bays for goods, some of them illegal. The town's twisting flagstone lanes and harbor once heaved with activity, and Lerwick is still an active port today. This is also where most visitors to Shetland dock, spilling out of cruise ships, allowing passengers to walk around the town.

In bustling Kirkwall, the main town on Orkney, there's plenty to see in the narrow, winding streets extending from the harbor. The cathedral and some museums are highlights.

Explore Ship

Dublin is making a comeback. The decade-long "Celtic Tiger" boom era was quickly followed by the Great Recession, but The Recovery has finally taken a precarious hold. For visitors, this newer and wiser Dublin has become one of western Europe's most popular and delightful urban destinations. Whether or not you're out to enjoy the old or new Dublin, you'll find it a colossally entertaining city, all the more astonishing considering its intimate size.It is ironic and telling that James Joyce chose Dublin as the setting for his famous Ulysses, Dubliners, and A Portrait of the Artist as a Young Man because it was a "center of paralysis" where nothing much ever changed. Which only proves that even the greats get it wrong sometimes. Indeed, if Joyce were to return to his once-genteel hometown today—disappointed with the city's provincial outlook, he left it in 1902 at the age of 20—and take a quasi-Homeric odyssey through the city (as he so famously does in Ulysses), would he even recognize Dublin as his "Dear Dirty Dumpling, foostherfather of fingalls and dotthergills"?For instance, what would he make of Temple Bar—the city's erstwhile down-at-the-heels neighborhood, now crammed with cafés and trendy hotels and suffused with a nonstop, international-party atmosphere? Or the simple sophistication of the open-air restaurants of the tiny Italian Quarter (named Quartier Bloom after his own creation), complete with sultry tango lessons? Or of the hot–cool Irishness, where every aspect of Celtic culture results in sold-out theaters, from Once, the cult indie movie and Broadway hit, to Riverdance, the old Irish mass-jig recast as a Las Vegas extravaganza? Plus, the resurrected Joyce might be stirred by the songs of Hozier, fired up by the sultry acting of Michael Fassbender, and moved by the award-winning novels of Colum McCann. As for Ireland's capital, it's packed with elegant shops and hotels, theaters, galleries, coffeehouses, and a stunning variety of new, creative little restaurants can be found on almost every street in Dublin, transforming the provincial city that suffocated Joyce into a place almost as cosmopolitan as the Paris to which he fled. And the locals are a hell of a lot more fun! Now that the economy has finally turned a corner, Dublin citizens can cast a cool eye over the last 20 crazy years. Some argue that the boomtown transformation of their heretofore-tranquil city has permanently affected its spirit and character. These skeptics (skepticism long being a favorite pastime in the capital city) await the outcome of "Dublin: The Sequel," and their greatest fear is the possibility that the tattered old lady on the Liffey has become a little less unique, a little more like everywhere else.Oh ye of little faith: the rare ole gem that is Dublin is far from buried. The fundamentals—the Georgian elegance of Merrion Square, the Norman drama of Christ Church Cathedral, the foamy pint at an atmospheric pub—are still on hand to gratify. Most of all, there are the locals themselves: the nod and grin when you catch their eye on the street, the eagerness to hear half your life story before they tell you all of theirs, and their paradoxically dark but warm sense of humor. It's expected that 2016 will be an extra-special year in the capital, as centenary celebrations of the fateful 1916 Easter Rising will dominate much of the cultural calendar.

Day 1

Reykjavík

10 Aug 2026

Reykjavík

Westman Islands

11 Aug 2026

Westman Islands

Heimaey Island

11 Aug 2026

Heimaey Island

2021 Total Eclipse observation

12 Aug 2026

2021 Total Eclipse observation

Day 4

At Sea

13 Aug 2026

At Sea

Day 5

Streymnes, Streymoy

14 Aug 2026

Streymnes, Streymoy

Day 6

Lerwick, Shetland Islands

15 Aug 2026

Lerwick, Shetland Islands

Kirkwall, Orkney Islands

16 Aug 2026

Kirkwall, Orkney Islands

In bustling Kirkwall, the main town on Orkney, there's plenty to see in the narrow, winding streets extending from the harbor. The cathedral and some museums are highlights.

At Sea

17 Aug 2026

At Sea

Day 9

Dublin

18 Aug 2026

Dublin

This holiday is generally suitable for persons with reduced mobility. For customers with reduced mobility or any medical condition that may require special assistance or arrangements to be made, please notify your Cruise Concierge at the time of your enquiry, so that we can provide specific information as to the suitability of the holiday, as well as make suitable arrangements with the Holiday Provider on your behalf.

Explore Le Lapérouse

Le Nautilus

At the back of deck 4, you will find a gourmet restaurant complete with wine cellar, offering French and international cuisine. It can accommodate all guests in a single service for breakfast, lunch and dinner. Enjoy a menu crafted by the Ducasse Conseil teams at the gourmet restaurant. At Nautilus as well as Céleste, the freedom of a generous buffet blends with the elegance of table service: your chef offers you a selection of expertly prepared hot dishes, accompanied by carefully chosen fine wines by your sommelier.

Grill Restaurant- Le Nemo

In a relaxed atmosphere, the grill restaurant located on deck 3 welcomes you for breakfast and buffet lunches as well as themed dinners.

Room Service

Whether you want to fully enjoy your cabin for breakfast, savor a peaceful snack in the middle of the day, or have your meal in complete privacy, room service is at your disposal. Treat yourself to a moment of indulgence and enjoy a diverse menu available at any time of day and night.

Excursions

There are many ways to see the world. But to truly discover it? Unexplored shores, authentic encounters, iconic wildlife... Our experts imagine the most beautiful travel stories for you.

Unforgettable moments

Holding your breath to better perceive that of a distant whale, stepping foot on Antarctica for the first time, watching through binoculars the passage of a polar bear in the Arctic, marvelling at the splendour of the Mediterranean architectural heritage... Moments of pure emotion as time seems to suspended.

Unique exchanges

Share the art of living, wisdom and hospitality of communities with strong ancestral traditions. Exchanges about their philosophy in connection with the environment are an endless source of teachings.

Explore further

Navigating close to the almost inaccessible coasts of Greenland, exploring the confidential shores of Oceania, reaching the most remote seas of Antarctica, taking new paths in the Mediterranean or Northern Europe: our experts are constantly seeking new travel experiences to offer you.

Experts by your side

Captains, expedition leaders, experienced naturalist guides, lecturers, wildlife photographers, personalities from the world of art, science, culture and gastronomy... Experts share their passions with you on board or on land.

Captains

Your captain is responsible for ensuring the smooth running of your journey on board. An expert in navigating polar or tropical waters, their announcements punctuate your day. And when wildlife appears on the horizon, do not hesitate to accept their invitation to join the outer decks for magnificent observations. Gala dinners are also unmissable opportunities to meet your captain and share with them your passion for travel.

Expedition leaders

Alongside the captain, the expedition leader conducts your exploration. They supervise the team of naturalist guides, ensure the safety of the proposed experiences, and adjust the highlights of your journey according to the navigation conditions, to reveal all the riches of these fascinating ecosystems.

Photo ambassadors

During some trips, having renowned photographers on board offers you the unique opportunity to participate in workshops, and conferences, and receive personalised advice to enhance your images.

Activity guides

Scuba diving, snorkelling, kayaking, polar hiking on foot or snowshoes, cross-country skiing, dog sledding... Whether it's for an introduction or to deepen your practice, experience immersive activities led by certified guides, ambassadors of local cultures and communities.

Guests and partners

Dancers, musicians, writers, journalists, researchers, adventurers... Experts and prestigious partners share their passion, whether it is artistic or scientific.

Speakers

Art historians, journalists, ethnologists, naturalists... Every journey is a unique opportunity to learn more about the regions visited.

The Hydraulic Platform

Deck 2
Much easier onboard access than on any other cruise ship
Easier disembarking and embarking by Zodiac when participating in expeditions
Swimming and bathing in the sea and various nautical sports, such as kayaking and paddle-boarding

The Observatory Lounge

Library, internet space, bar, occasional live entertainment, terrace: enjoy a 180° panorama of the horizon from the observatory lounge.

Swimming Pool

With its water blending into the surrounding landscapes, the pool is perfect for relaxing in the sun. From the marina platform, embark on your sea excursions or water activities in complete tranquility.

The Main Lounge Room

Tea room, bar, live music, dance floor, terrace: the main lounge is an essential meeting place throughout your journey.

The Theatre

Comfortably seated, you can attend conferences given by the guests and teams of naturalists, as well as the various shows, concerts, and performances organised by professional dancers and musicians.

Music and dance

Opera, jazz, piano recitals, concerts or ballets at sea or on land: musical cruises and dance cruises offer privileged experiences, in small groups, alongside prestigious partners, such as Radio Classique or the Paris National Opera and talented artists of international renown.

Art and literature

Share high-quality moments and attend conferences by curators from national and international museums, women and men from the world of culture, renowned writers, actors and philosophers. They discuss their passion during conferences or private visits. Experience the opportunity to open up to new perspectives.

The Blue Eye

Located below the waterline of the ship, the Blue Eye is an innovative underwater lounge. Its design, inspired by the beauty of cetaceans, pays tribute to oceanographic environments.

Boutique

An extension of the journey and the ship, la Boutique offers an exclusive shopping experience with a wide range of technical and casual ready-to-wear and equipment, with or without PONANT personalization. It also features unique souvenirs to extend the journey back home, as well as jewelry, accessories and luxury items. Opening hours follow the voyage schedule, including days at sea, and all purchases on board are tax-free.

PONANT Studio

A photography and videography team escort you throughout your trip. These professionals capture the most beautiful moments of your cruise, which you can share with family and friends upon your return. Meet them on DECK 5 (DECK 6 on the PONANT Explorers ships) at the photo/video area, where you can also order souvenir pictures and videos.

Excursion Reception and Office

If you have not made a pre-booking before your cruise, you can book your excursions on board during one of the daily opening times of the excursion desk (timetables available in your daily program). It is only possible to pre-book one excursion per port day. If you would like to book a second excursion on the same day, please contact the excursion desk to check availability.

Open Bar

From the moment of boarding, unlimited drinks are included at any time of the day. A drink with friends at the bar, a refreshment upon returning from an excursion, or quietly on the balcony of your cabin: enjoy a wide selection of beverages (mineral water, soft drinks, cruise wines, beer, champagne, spirits, coffee, tea).

The offer does not include premium alcoholic beverages listed on the bar menu.

The Spa

Onboard our ships, in the heart of an intimate and privileged environment with the ocean as your backdrop, discover a new way to enjoy the Spa experience.

In association with SOTHYS™ Paris, we are offering you a selection of expert face and body treatments. The “savoir-faire” and expertise of our hair professional partner DAVINES® will be able to satisfy all your expectations.

The Gym

The fitness room offers a wide range of exercises suitable for all levels to train facing magnificent views.

The Hairdressing Salon

Each product has been crafted using the most advanced cosmetic technologies and natural ingredients. Developed and packaged while minimising the environmental impact, Davines® products are inspired by the Sustainable Beauty ideal, an inseparable unit between Beauty and Being. During your cruise, treat your hair to a unique beauty experience. Our expert stylist will do an in-depth analysis of your hair and recommend the most appropriate treatment.

The Kids Explorers Club

During your cruise, PONANT EXPLORATIONS offers a program of activities dedicated to children, from 4 to 13 years old on our entire fleet.

A team of experienced facilitators on board offers daily manual activities, educational workshops, board games, introductory meditation sessions, and much more, as well as content specific to each itinerary and the number of participants.

Kid Explorers have the opportunity to extend this experience on land with the possibility of enjoying a tailor-made excursion, swimming outings, walks and scavenger hunts.

This program of activities will be offered to children every day. (The exact times will be communicated to you by the activity leaders.)

To best meet your needs, the schedule is adapted to your cruise itinerary. For more information, please contact the entertainment team beforehand.

The program of entertainment and activities is communicated daily in the logbook.

A welcome kit with gifts is offered to each child on board.

Le Lapérouse Cabins & Suites

Upper Decks Balcony Stateroom

Details

In addition to the common services provided to all our suites and staterooms:
A private 43 ft² balcony with two armchairs
Depending on the stateroom, either a sliding panoramic window or a glass door
One king-size bed (180 x 190 cm) or two single beds (90 x 190 cm)
A chaise lounge
A bathroom with shower

Included in all staterooms

Minibar
Bose Bluetooth speaker
Nespresso coffee maker and boiler
110V American / 220V European
Direct line telephone
Flat screen TV, international channels and videos on demand
Diptyque Paris top-of-the-line bath products
Individually-controlled air conditioning
Dressing room with shelves and closet
Dressing table and hairdryer
2 ADA stateroom
Electronic safe
Inclusive Wifi internet

Lower Decks Balcony Stateroom

Details

In addition to the common services provided to all our suites and staterooms:

A private 43 ft² balcony with two armchairs
Depending on the stateroom, either a sliding panoramic window or a glass door
One king-size bed (180 x 190 cm) or two single beds (90 x 190 cm)
A chaise lounge
A bathroom with shower

Included in all staterooms

Minibar
Bose Bluetooth speaker
Nespresso coffee maker and boiler
110V American / 220V European
Direct line telephone
Flat screen TV, international channels and videos on demand
Diptyque Paris top-of-the-line bath products
Individually-controlled air conditioning
Dressing room with shelves and closet
Dressing table and hairdryer
2 ADA stateroom
Electronic safe
Inclusive Wifi internet

Owner's Suite

Details

In addition to the common services provided to all our suites and staterooms:

A private 430 ft² terrace with hot tub and lounge area with 2 deck chairs, sofa, and armchair
Two sliding panoramic windows
A bathroom with shower, spa bathtub, and smart mirror
Butler service
A one-hour treatment per person (for 2 people) in the wellness area, including body and facial treatments
A private return transfer
Priority boarding (depending on port of embarkation)
Champagne and fruit on arrival
A fruit basket every day
A living room with a convertible sofa into a double bed, armchair, and TV
One bedroom with king-size bed (180 x 190 cm) or two single beds (90 x 190 cm)
Included premium pass: access to a selection of premium spirits at the bar

Included in all staterooms

Minibar
Bose Bluetooth speaker
Nespresso coffee maker and boiler
110V American / 220V European
Direct line telephone
Flat screen TV, international channels and videos on demand
Diptyque Paris top-of-the-line bath products
Individually-controlled air conditioning
Dressing room with shelves and closet
Dressing table and hairdryer
2 ADA stateroom
Electronic safe
Inclusive Wifi internet

Prestige Suite

Details

In addition to the common services provided to all our suites and staterooms:

A private 86 ft² balcony with four armchairs
Two sliding panoramic windows
Champagne and fruit on arrival (Suite Prestige deck 6)
Priority boarding (Suite Prestige deck 6)
Butler service (Suite Prestige deck 6)
A fruit basket every day (Suite Prestige deck 6)
One bedroom with king-size bed (180 x 190 cm) or two single beds (90 x 190 cm)
A living room with a convertible sofa into a king-size or two single beds, armchair, TV, and a courtesy sliding door
Two bathrooms with showers

Included in all staterooms

Minibar
Bose Bluetooth speaker
Nespresso coffee maker and boiler
110V American / 220V European
Direct line telephone
Flat screen TV, international channels and videos on demand
Diptyque Paris top-of-the-line bath products
Individually-controlled air conditioning
Dressing room with shelves and closet
Dressing table and hairdryer
2 ADA stateroom
Electronic safe
Inclusive Wifi internet

Privilege Suite

Details

In addition to the common services provided to all our suites and staterooms:

Priority boarding (depending on port of embarkation)
Champagne and fruit basket upon arrival
Butler service
A fruit basket every day
One king-size bed (180 x 200 cm) or two single beds (90 x 200 cm)
A lounge area with chaise longue and armchair
A bathroom with shower
A private 8 m² balcony with two armchairs
A panoramic sliding bay window

Included in all staterooms

Minibar
Bose Bluetooth speaker
Nespresso coffee maker and boiler
110V American / 220V European
Direct line telephone
Flat screen TV, international channels and videos on demand
Diptyque Paris top-of-the-line bath products
Individually-controlled air conditioning
Dressing room with shelves and closet
Dressing table and hairdryer
2 ADA stateroom
Electronic safe
Inclusive Wifi internet

Deluxe Suite

Details

In addition to the common services provided to all our suites and staterooms:

On Decks 3, 4, and 6, a private 6m² balcony with two armchairs; on Deck 5, a private 43 ft² balcony with two armchairs
On Deck 3, a panoramic glass door and porthole; on Decks 4, 5, and 6, a sliding panoramic window
One king-size bed (180 x 190 cm) or two single beds (90 x 190 cm)
An armchair and sofa
A bathroom with shower
Champagne and fruit on arrival for suites on Decks 5 and 6

Included in all staterooms

Minibar
Bose Bluetooth speaker
Nespresso coffee maker and boiler
110V American / 220V European
Direct line telephone
Flat screen TV, international channels and videos on demand
Diptyque Paris top-of-the-line bath products
Individually-controlled air conditioning
Dressing room with shelves and closet
Dressing table and hairdryer
2 ADA stateroom
Electronic safe
Inclusive Wifi internet

Grand Suite

Details

In addition to the common services provided to all our suites and staterooms:

A private 344 ft² terrace with two deck chairs and a dining table for four people
Two sliding panoramic windows
A bathroom with shower and spa bathtub
Butler service
Priority boarding (depending on port of embarkation)
Champagne and fruit on arrival
A fruit basket every day
One bedroom with king-size bed (180 x 190 cm) or two single beds (90 x 190 cm)
A living room with a convertible sofa into a double or single bed, armchair, and TV

Included in all staterooms