Total Solar Eclipse from Iceland to Ireland
TICKET TITLE
Ticket Title
The is an offer
8 nights
Le Lapérouse
10 Aug '26Cruise overview
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.
At each port of call on your trip, each guest will be able to choose one included excursion from the selection offered by PONANT. During this cruise, admire the panoramas provided by the Eldfell volcano from Heimaey, explore the wild landscapes of the Faroe Islands during a hike, or discover the treasures of the Shetland Islands from Lerwick. The range of experiences on offer promises a great time with lots of variety (for the full list of excursions, click on the Itinerary tab).
On the edge of the Arctic, Iceland offers up a simultaneously romantic and wild face. From Reykjavik, the world’s northernmost capital, your ship will sail towards Heimaey. This is the only inhabited island in the Westman archipelago. An exceptional place composed of volcanoes and almost-desert landscapes, it is also a refuge for many colonies of birds, including gannets.
Along these mysterious shores, in the sudden darkness, the captain will take you, weather conditions permitting*, in search of the best place to observe the total solar eclipse, the 16th of the 21st century. You will be captivated by the unique spectacle, during which the Moon will obscure the Sun.
You will then set a course for the Faroe Islands, Denmark’s northernmost autonomous territory. In this isolated archipelago, you will immerse yourself in a wild and spectacular natural environment. In Tórshavn, you will enjoy sailing around cliffs home to bird colonies. Here, the Viking legends and the Nordic cosmogony are never far away.
You will also discover Lerwick, the main port in the Shetland Islands. Nearby is the Jarlshof prehistoric and Norse settlement, where Neolithic people first settled more than 4,000 years ago – it is one of the most spectacular excavated sites in the British Isles.
In Portree, discover the Isle of Skye, a stronghold of Gaelic culture, and its stunning landscapes before heading to Dublin, disembarkation port. The Irish capital is known for its friendly atmosphere and authentic charm.
*As we cannot control the weather conditions, we cannot guarantee the observation of this total solar eclipse. Nevertheless, the Captain will have room for manoeuvre and will be able to sail towards the most suitable places on the eclipse’s trajectory
Itinerary
Reykjavík
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.
Read More
Heimaey Island
Solar Eclipse
At sea
Streymnes, Streymoy
Lerwick, Shetland Islands
Portree, Isle of Skye
At sea
Dublin
Deluxe Stateroom
Services provided
- 24h room service
- Butler service and priority boarding : Owner’s suite, Grand de Luxe Suite, Privilege Suites, Prestige Suite Deck 6
- Inclusive Internet access Wifi (availability dependent on navigation and latitude)
- Individually-controlled air conditioning
- Dressing room with shelves and closet
- Dressing table and hairdryer
- Selection of Hermès top-of-the-line bath products
- Minibar included
- 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
In addition to the common services provided to all our suites and staterooms:
- One king-size bed (180 x 200 cm) or two single beds (90 x 200 cm)
- A bathroom with shower
- A private 4 m² balcony with two armchairs
- A glazed panoramic swing door and rectangular window
Amenities
- King or Twin Configuration
- Lounge Area
- Vanity Area
- Shower
- Toiletries Provided
- Room Service Available
- Free Mini Bar
- TV
- Free Wi-Fi
- Media/Entertainment Station
- Safe
- Hair Dryer
- Pillow Menu Available
- Telephone
- Desk
Ship features
Le Lapérouse combines expedition readiness with graceful design, offering an immersive experience both onboard and ashore.
- Hybrid-propulsion system for efficient, quiet cruising
- Blue Eye underwater lounge with panoramic viewing windows
- Fleet of Zodiacs for daily landings and exploration
- Heated infinity pool and sun deck
- Two restaurants serving refined French and international cuisine
- Spa and fitness facilities by Sothys
- Theatre for lectures and live entertainment
- Open-air marina for water sports and kayaking
- All-inclusive dining, premium drinks and Wi-Fi
- Experienced expedition team and naturalists onboard
