I thought of you when I saw this voyage to the edge of the Arctic with PONANT EXPLORATIONS! Connect with your inner explorer on a voyage infused with knowledge from Smithsonian Journeys Experts—including a geologist and archaeologist—and where you’ll experience breathtaking landscapes, incredible wildlife, and a journey like no other. Let’s make your adventure unforgettable—luxury, exploration, and a touch of magic all in one!

For over 35 years, PONANT EXPLORATIONS has been taking adventurers to all seven continents, offering exceptional travel experiences. On select sailings, Smithsonian Journeys Experts host an engaging onboard lecture series that will captivate your curiosity. If you're looking for exploration and cultural immersion, I highly recommend this exclusive itinerary in alliance with Smithsonian Journeys.

Iceland Voyage: Land of Fire and Ice – with Smithsonian Journeys

Reykjavík – Reykjavík

Cruise
7 nights
Jun 1, 2026

Aboard Le Bellot

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Highlights

Discover the most beautiful and rugged landscapes on the Icelandic west coast during this spectacular voyage. 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.

The first port of call on your cruise is Heimaey. This is the only inhabited island in the Westman archipelago. Choose to explore the volcanic island, which is summer home to millions of seabirds.

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.

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 then sails 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.

At 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.

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.

Smithsonian Journeys Experts

Kirt Kempter

Geologist

Kirt Kempter is a Fulbright Fellow and Ph.D. graduate from the University of Texas at Austin. A volcanologist and field geologist, Kirt has conducted extensive field research in Costa Rica, Mexico, and New Mexico, and has worked with the NASA astronaut training program, providing field geologic training to astronaut candidates. His interest in global geologic processes has allowed him to lead field-oriented expeditions to destinations such as Iceland, Australia, New Zealand, South America, Africa, and Antarctica. Kirt has led educational tours for Smithsonian Journeys and National Geographic Expeditions since 1993 and greatly enjoys sharing his passion and knowledge of geology with tour participants. On the side, Kirt particularly enjoys photography, cooking, and tennis.

Alexia Smith

Archaeologist

Alexia Smith, Associate Professor of Anthropology at the University of Connecticut, specializes in archaeology, ancient plant use, and the ways in which people have adapted to climate change across the globe in antiquity. She has worked in Turkey, Syria, Iraq, Armenia, Spain, Austria, the UK, and Malaysia and has travelled extensively throughout the world, including several trips to Iceland where she studied local landforms and cultural histories. Her research focuses on early agriculture, how people adapted to climate change in the past, and the cultural history of food. Alexia has formal academic training in Agriculture and Environmental Sciences, Irrigation Engineering, African Studies, and Anthropology, and received her Ph.D. in Archaeology from Boston University.

Iceland, the PONANT EXPLORATIONS Way

Treating yourself to an Icelandic cruise is about discovering a destination where all nature's charms come together in unison to amaze. Vast glaciers, vertiginous fjords, impressive geysers and thermal resorts with great facilities make up Iceland's unique mosaic of natural features conducive to complete relaxation.

WHY CHOOSE PONANT EXPLORATIONS

An attentive crew, expertise, fine dining and more. PONANT EXPLORATIONS takes you to discover incredible destinations while offering you a travel experience that is both authentic and luxurious. PONANT EXPLORATIONS 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.

This departure is part of a collection of PONANT EXPLORATIONS Voyages in alliance with Smithsonian Journeys, that was specially-tailored for English-speaking travelers who want to engage with the world. In addition to the usual elements of the PONANT EXPLORATIONS experience, this sailing includes transfers to and from the ship, on embarkation and disembarkation days, talks and discussions aboard ship by world-class Smithsonian Journeys 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.

WHAT IS INCLUDED

• Engaging lectures and discussions on board provided by two knowledgeable Smithsonian Journeys Experts, selected for their expertise in history, art, the natural world, or other topics relevant to the destinations
• A voyage specially tailored for English-speaking travelers with one included shore excursion or activity in each port of call
• Transfers from the airport to the ship on embarkation day, and from the ship to the airport on disembarkation day
• A PONANT EXPLORATIONS Travel Director
• All meals and open bar aboard ship
• 24-hour room service
• Complimentary Wi-Fi aboard ship
• Gratuities to shipboard personnel, porters, guides, and drivers

Book Early and Enjoy Included Bonus Savings of up to 30% on all-inclusive fares

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