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Discover a remarkable island where volcanoes, glaciers, waterfalls, fjords and geothermal landscapes exist side by side.
A PONANT Iceland cruise offers a different way to experience this extraordinary destination. Instead of simply travelling between major tourist attractions, a small luxury expedition ship can take you along Iceland's dramatic coastline, to remote islands and into communities surrounded by spectacular scenery.
From Reykjavík and the colourful streets of the capital to volcanic Heimaey, the Snæfellsnes Peninsula, Seyðisfjörður and bird-rich coastal landscapes, Iceland offers an exceptional combination of nature, culture and adventure.
Depending on your itinerary and season, you may also search for whales, see puffins and other seabirds, experience the Midnight Sun or combine Iceland with Scotland, the Faroe Islands, Greenland or Svalbard.
At a Glance
| Category | What to Expect |
|---|---|
| Destination | Iceland and the North Atlantic |
| Signature Experience | Volcanoes, glaciers, waterfalls, fjords and geothermal landscapes |
| Wildlife | Puffins, seabirds, whales, dolphins and other marine life depending on season and itinerary |
| Culture | Reykjavík, fishing communities, traditional settlements and Icelandic heritage |
| Scenery | Volcanic coastlines, glaciers, fjords, mountains, waterfalls and islands |
| Activities | Wildlife watching, photography, hiking, cultural exploration and Zodiac excursions on selected expeditions |
| Best For | Nature lovers, photographers, wildlife enthusiasts, couples, active travellers and first-time expedition guests |
| Cruise Style | Luxury small-ship and expedition cruising |
1. Experience the Land of Fire and Ice
Iceland's nickname is well deserved.
Glaciers and volcanic landscapes sit within the same extraordinary environment, while geothermal activity creates hot springs, steaming ground and dramatic volcanic features.
Few destinations offer such a striking combination of geological forces.
2. Explore Iceland's Dramatic Coastline
Iceland's coastline reveals a constantly changing landscape of cliffs, fjords, islands, beaches and mountains.
A small expedition ship allows you to experience the country from the water while accessing coastal destinations that can feel very different from Iceland's better-known inland attractions.
3. Search for Whales and Puffins
Iceland is a rewarding destination for wildlife enthusiasts.
Depending on the itinerary and season, you may have opportunities to look for humpback whales, minke whales, orcas, dolphins and other marine life.
Birdwatching is another highlight, particularly around islands and dramatic sea cliffs where seabirds gather during the breeding season.
Wildlife sightings are never guaranteed, but the opportunity to observe animals in their natural environment adds an exciting expedition element to an Iceland cruise.
4. Discover Volcanoes, Waterfalls and Geothermal Landscapes
From ancient volcanic formations to powerful waterfalls and steaming geothermal areas, Iceland's natural attractions are remarkably diverse.
You can move from a peaceful fjord to a volcanic landscape or a spectacular waterfall within the same voyage.
5. Combine Adventure with Luxury
Iceland can be adventurous without requiring you to sacrifice comfort.
A PONANT voyage combines the intimacy of small-ship cruising with elegant accommodation, fine dining and a more personal onboard atmosphere.
You can spend the day exploring Iceland's landscapes and return to a comfortable ship in the evening.
Reykjavík
Iceland's capital is often the starting or finishing point for PONANT voyages.
Take time to explore its colourful architecture, cafés, museums and cultural attractions before or after your cruise.
Reykjavík also provides a convenient gateway to Iceland's extraordinary natural landscapes.
Heimaey
Located in the Westman Islands, Heimaey combines volcanic scenery with remarkable birdlife.
The island is particularly appealing to wildlife enthusiasts, with seabird colonies and opportunities to explore its volcanic landscape.
PONANT highlights Heimaey as a birdwatching destination where visitors may encounter large numbers of puffins and other seabirds.
Snæfellsnes Peninsula
The Snæfellsnes Peninsula offers a striking combination of volcanoes, coastlines, villages and mountain scenery.
The snow-capped Snæfellsjökull volcano is one of the region's defining landmarks and has inspired artists, writers and travellers for generations.
Seyðisfjörður
Surrounded by steep mountains and waterfalls, Seyðisfjörður provides a beautiful introduction to Iceland's eastern fjords.
The town combines colourful buildings and local character with dramatic scenery, making it particularly appealing for photographers and travellers interested in Icelandic culture.
Grímsey
This small island north of Iceland provides another opportunity to experience the country's rugged northern coastline.
Depending on the itinerary, visitors can explore its volcanic landscape and look for seabirds including puffins and guillemots.
💡 BlueSun Insight
Iceland is an excellent choice if you want nature, scenery and culture in one destination.
It can suit travellers who want spectacular landscapes without committing to a full polar expedition, as well as experienced expedition travellers looking for a different perspective on the North Atlantic.
If your priority is polar wildlife and remote Arctic wilderness, Greenland or Svalbard may be a better fit.
If your priority is classic Nordic fjords and cultural ports, consider Northern Europe and Scandinavia.
If you want a combination of volcanic landscapes, wildlife and northern adventure, Iceland is particularly compelling.
A PONANT Iceland cruise could be ideal if you want:
- Dramatic natural scenery
- A combination of nature and culture
- Volcanic landscapes
- Glaciers and waterfalls
- Wildlife encounters
- A luxury small-ship experience
- Photography opportunities
- An accessible introduction to expedition cruising
- The possibility of combining Iceland with other North Atlantic destinations
It may be less suitable if your main goal is an intense High Arctic expedition focused primarily on polar wildlife.
Iceland is particularly well suited to small-ship cruising because its appeal lies in the relationship between the coastline, the landscape and the communities scattered around the island.
PONANT's current Iceland itineraries include voyages between Reykjavík and other northern European destinations as well as dedicated Iceland voyages.
A PONANT Iceland cruise combines the freedom of small-ship travel with an elegant onboard experience.
The smaller scale allows itineraries to focus on destinations where the journey between ports is part of the experience.
Depending on the voyage, expedition-style activities and excursions can complement cultural visits, scenic exploration and wildlife watching.
Current PONANT Iceland itineraries include voyages aboard ships such as Le Bellot, Le Boréal and Le Lyrial, with routes ranging from dedicated Iceland cruises to longer journeys connecting Iceland with Scotland, the Faroe Islands and Svalbard.
Iceland is famous for its volcanoes, glaciers, waterfalls, fjords, geothermal landscapes, rugged coastlines and unique wildlife.
Yes. Iceland's dramatic coastline, islands, fjords and remote communities make it particularly well suited to small-ship cruising.
Depending on the itinerary and season, you may encounter puffins, seabirds, whales, dolphins and other marine life.
Wildlife sightings cannot be guaranteed.
Puffins can be seen around Iceland's coastal islands and cliffs during the appropriate season. Heimaey is one of the destinations highlighted by PONANT for birdwatching.
Icelandic waters are home to several whale species, including humpback, minke, sperm and orca populations. Sightings depend on location, season and conditions.
It is possible on voyages operating during darker months, but Aurora sightings cannot be guaranteed. Cloud cover and solar activity affect visibility.
Current PONANT Iceland itineraries include ships such as Le Bellot, Le Boréal and Le Lyrial. Ships and itineraries change, so check the current departure before booking.
Absolutely. Iceland can provide an excellent introduction to small-ship expedition cruising because it combines adventure and remote scenery with established communities and cultural experiences.
Compare the complete itinerary, cabin category, ship, inclusions, current PONANT Bonus and total travel costs rather than looking only at the advertised cruise fare.
call 1300 799 758 to speak with a BlueSun PONANT cruise specialist.
Choosing the right Iceland cruise is about more than finding a departure date.
You need to consider the itinerary, season, ship, cabin, included experiences and the other destinations that may form part of the voyage.
BlueSun Travel can help you choose the right destination, itinerary, ship and level of expedition for your first experience.
Tell us what you would like to discover, and we will help you find the right expedition.
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