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.
Inclusions
- 8 nights cruise from Reykjavik to Dublin aboard Le Lapérouse (PONANT)
- All onboard meals—breakfast, lunch, dinner, and complimentary 24-hour room service
- Open Bar: a wide selection of drinks (mineral water, soft drinks, wines, beer, champagne, spirits, coffee, tea) is served at your discretion and at any time of the day. Some premium alcoholic drinks presented on the menu are not included in the Open Bar
- Free Wi-Fi internet access 24 hours a day
- Included shore excursions as stated in the itinerary
- Gratuities
- Total Solar Eclipse experience!
- Special Guest Speaker: Astronaut Jean-François Clervoy
August 10, 2026 | Cruise Only |
Deluxe Balcony | $8399 |
Prestige Balcony | $9359 |
Deluxe Suite | $14619 |
Taxes & Fees | $480 |
Rates in USD. Per person based on double occupancy. |
New bookings only. Space and price are limited and subject to availability when booking. Cruise Only prices do not include airfare, transfers or hotel. The cost of airfare varies from other city gateways; please call to inquire. The prices listed are for lead-in categories (oceanview or balcony cabins may be obstructed), but upgrades are available. Promotional offers may be withdrawn at any time. Depending on the promotion, the deposit for the cruise may be non-refundable; however, we also provide a refundable option at a slightly higher price, ensuring flexibility in your booking.
Ready to set sail? Call us now to inquire for more information or other sailing dates. We're here to help you plan your dream cruise.
Highlights
- A unique cruise to seek out the 16th total eclipse of the 21st century.
- The exceptional presence of astronaut Jean-François Clervoy
- Exploring the landscapes of Iceland, the Faroe Islands, and Scotland—remote territories renowned for their dramatic scenery and unique identities, shaped by both Celtic and Viking heritage.
- Make the most of an excursion included* per person per port of call during your cruise thanks to the selection made by our destination experts.
- Scenery: volcanic islands, volcanoes, black sandy beaches, rugged cliffs, waterfalls, heather moors, lowlands.
Probable wildlife: whales, orcas, grey seals, bird colonies (gannets…).
*Pre-bookings open around two months before the start of the cruise; requests are processed on a first-come first-served basis, subject to availability.
The activities mentioned are given as examples, the program of activities will be fine-tuned as the departure of your cruise approaches and will be available on the website.
Our Guest of Honor: Jean-François Clervoy
Jean-François Clervoy flew aboard the space shuttle in 1994 to study the atmosphere, in 1997 to resupply the Russian space station Mir, and in 1999 to rescue the Hubble space telescope.
JFC is Founder and Ambassador of Air Zero G which organizes weightlessness parabolic flights for research and for private customers aboard the airbus A310 Air Zero G.
Languages spoken : french and english
August 10, 2026 – Reykjavík
Embarkation 8/10/2026 from 4:00 PM to 5:00 PM
Departure 8/10/2026 at 6:00 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.
August 11, 2026 – Sailing around Surtsey Island
Arrival 8/11/2026 early morning
Departure 8/11/2026 early morning
A small drop of basalt in the North Atlantic Ocean, Surtsey is a volcanic island formed by a submarine eruption that lasted from 1963 to 1967, off the Westman Islands to the south of Iceland. The island is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. To protect its virgin ecosystem against human presence, it is forbidden to land there. Only a few scientists have access to Surtsey to study the plant and animal colonisation of the island. Mosses, fungi and lichens were followed by vascular plants. Around 300 invertebrate species and 90 bird species have gradually colonised it. While sailing around Surtsey, you will enjoy a unique panorama of this extraordinary island’s contours.
August 11, 2026 – Heimaey, Vestmannaeyjar
Arrival 8/11/2026 late morning
Departure 8/11/2026 late 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.
August 12, 2026 – Sun Eclipse Point 2026
Arrival 8/12/2026 mid afternoon
Departure 8/12/2026 late afternoon
In the Atlantic, facing completely unobstructed skies, the Captain will take you, weather conditions permitting, in search of the best place to observe the 16th total eclipse to occur in the 21st century. On board, admire the horizon plunge suddenly into darkness and enjoy this unique spectacle, during which the Moon will obscure the Sun.
August 13, 2026 – At sea
Arrival 8/13/2026
Departure 8/13/2026
During your journey at sea, make the most of the many services and activities on board. Treat yourself to a moment of relaxation in the spa or stay in shape in the fitness centre. Depending on the season, let yourself be tempted by the swimming pool or a spot of sunbathing. This journey without a port of call will also be an opportunity to enjoy the conferences or shows proposed on board, depending on the activities offered, or to do some shopping in the boutique or to meet the PONANT photographers in their dedicated space. As for lovers of the open sea, they will be able to visit the ship’s upper deck to admire the spectacle of the waves and perhaps be lucky enough to observe marine species. A truly enchanted interlude, combining comfort, rest and entertainment.
August 14, 2026 – Streymoy Island, Faroe Islands
Arrival 8/14/2026 early morning
Departure 8/14/2026 mid afternoon
Streymoy Island is the largest and most populated of the Faroe Islands, with 22,500 inhabitants. Lying between Scotland and Iceland, the 18-island Danish archipelago boasts natural wonders that will fascinate lovers of the great outdoors. Here, the hilly green landscapes stand in contrast with the huge basalt cliffs and the invigorating air shifts with the moods of the ocean. To the north, the small village of Saksun, with its traditional grass-covered rooftops, has 14 inhabitants. In the curve of a magnificent natural amphitheatre, it overlooks a fjord with a lagoon: an idyllic setting in a secluded and peaceful environment. To the west, in Vestmanna, myriad birds nest in the crags along the eroded and vertiginous cliff faces.
August 15, 2026 – Lerwick, Shetland Islands
Arrival 8/15/2026 midday
Departure 8/15/2026 late afternoon
The small and charming capital of the Shetland Islands, with its sea front of old houses and narrow streets, offering travellers its old districts and a warm port atmosphere. Geopark Shetland, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is located to the north. Incredibly well-preserved archaeological sites and ruins prove that the islands’ occupation dates back to the first Neolithic colonies. The Shetland Museum and Archives recounts the Shetlands’ history of heritage and culture: Lerwick’s abundant waters were even fished by the Dutch in the past.
August 16, 2026 – Portree, Isle of Skye
Arrival 8/16/2026 early afternoon
Departure 8/16/2026 evening
Nestling in the crux of a gorgeous bay, Portree reflects the magnificence of the grandiose Isle of Skye as well as being its main town. Apart from the charm of its colourful houses, the town’s outstanding location on the banks of a loch makes it a very pleasant place to be. From its colourful harbour bustling with local craftsmen’s shops, you can take in a stunning view of the surrounding hills. Before trekking through the wilderness and drinking in the natural beauty of the Isle of Skye, check out some of the beautiful images in the Aros Centre.
August 17, 2026 – At sea
Arrival 8/17/2026
Departure 8/17/2026
During your journey at sea, make the most of the many services and activities on board. Treat yourself to a moment of relaxation in the spa or stay in shape in the fitness centre. Depending on the season, let yourself be tempted by the swimming pool or a spot of sunbathing. This journey without a port of call will also be an opportunity to enjoy the conferences or shows proposed on board, depending on the activities offered, or to do some shopping in the boutique or to meet the PONANT photographers in their dedicated space. As for lovers of the open sea, they will be able to visit the ship’s upper deck to admire the spectacle of the waves and perhaps be lucky enough to observe marine species. A truly enchanted interlude, combining comfort, rest and entertainment.
August 18, 2026 – Dublin
Arrival 8/18/2026 early morning
Disembarkation 8/18/2026 at 8:00 AM
The Irish capital stretches along the banks of the Liffey to Dublin bay, on the East coast of Ireland. Discover Ireland’s warm conviviality in the pedestrian district of Temple Bar. Its cobbled streets are brimming with fabulous shops, pubs and arts centers. Next to Trinity College, famous for its 18th century library, you can stroll along Grafton Street: in one of its famous tea shops, try a delicious scone and clotted cream served hot and melt-in-the-mouth with jam. Not far from here, the majestic O’Connell bridge leads you to the avenue with the same name, on which Spire, a luminous contemporary sculpture presides.
Why choose PONANT?
An attentive crew, expertise, fine dining and more. Within a fully 5 star setting, we take you to discover exceptional destinations while offering you a travel experience that is both authentic and high end.
- Travelling the French way
PONANT is an exponent for the French way of life across every sea on the globe. On board, this is translated through exceptional services, a multilingual crew and bringing French know-how to the fore. - Exceptional destinations
From secluded ports to secret seas, from forgotten beaches to remote lands, our experts choose itineraries that take you away from major tourist routes so you can enjoy unique cruises and shorelines that few have seen before. - Ships on a human scale
Thanks to our small capacity ships, we can dock in private ports and offer stopovers in preserved locations. On board, the limited number of passengers means that everybody can enjoy special moments and feel as though they are on a private yacht. - Our commitments
PONANT aims at becoming a world reference in the field of sustainable development in the cruising industry. The environment and ethics are among our main concerns, both in the regions we visit and in our relationships within the company and with our partners.