Exploring Iceland with Ponant

I recently returned from an incredible Icelandic voyage with Ponant. Keep reading to hear all about it!

We flew direct from Manchester to Keflavik and got the Flybus to Reykjavik, very easy and hassle free and much cheaper than a taxi!

We stayed at the Fosshotel Reykjavik which was ideal, very clean and in a great location. We had a walk out in the evening and ate at an amazing little restaurant called Harry’s, which served THE BEST fish and chips I have ever had!

Day One

The breakfast at the hotel in the morning was very nice with a great choice. We then took a taxi to the port which was about 15 mins away in Hafnarfjordur, left our luggage at the check in area at the port and set off to explore the little town.

Hafnarfjordur is very quaint and pretty with quite a few little houses converted into museums offering free entry and telling interesting tales of local history.

We headed back to the port ready to embark L'Austral 4pm, this was very swift with champagne on arrival and our luggage already waiting for us in our suite.

First impressions of our Prestige Stateroom was very nice - beautifully decorated with a fully stocked mini- fridge  and coffee machine. Adequately sized bathroom with separate toilet, quite unique on a cruise ship, can’t decide yet whether I prefer this or not!

Following the mandatory safety briefing and muster drill we headed to the buffet restaurant for a lovely light evening meal with plenty of choice,before retiring for an early night.

Day Two

Arrival in Heimaey, Vestmannaeyjar. We ate in the À la carte restaurant for breakfast where I had the most delicious avocado and eggs on toasted muffin. We spent the morning relaxing then ate lunch in the buffet restaurant before heading off on our circumnavigation of Heimaey tour in the afternoon. 

This was a two hour boat tour and, as the name suggests went right around the circumference of the small Island, we spotted lots of cute little puffins, guillemots and masses of kitty wakes. The landscape is phenomenal with the most dramatic lava rock formations and the tales from the tour guides of life on Iceland are so interesting.

Tonight was the captains gala dinner which was fantastic. A seven course menu which was exquisite, afterwards we retired to the lounge for after dinner drinks and some low key entertainment. At around 11 pm the captain made an announcement during the dancing that orcas were spotted on the starboard side of the ship. Everyone jumped up, left their drinks and headed out on deck to see a pod of around 3 to 4 orcas swimming past, the captain stopped the ship for a few moments so everyone could soak in the amazing sight, it was still broad daylight at this point as we are at the pinnacle of the summer solstice and almost 24 hour daylight in this part of the world. What a great end to a fantastic first full day.

Day Three

Today we did a coach tour of the Snaefellsnes Peninsula, an amazing sightseeing trip with some stunning scenery including the lava fields,waterfalls and glaciers of Iceland. Kirkjufell Mountain which appeared in Game of Thrones is certainly a sight to behold and the nearby picturesque Kirkjufell waterfall is simply beautiful. 

Day Four

Today we were tendered off Grimsey Island in the far North of Iceland. As we were arriving the captain made an announcement that there were humpbacks nearby, he slowed the ship and we headed to the bridge for the most spectacular display of humpbacks frolicking and tail slapping in the ocean. 

We spent the afternoon exploring the island on our own and wandered up the cliffs where there masses of puffin colonies, we managed to get really close without disturbing them in their natural habitat, such an amazing experience. We then continued to the very tip of the island where we entered the Arctic Circle before heading back to L’Austral for a well earned rest before another fabulous meal in Le Coromandel.

Day Five

We arrived in the little town of Akureyri and took a trip to the stunning Godafoss Waterfall before continuing on to the Thermal baths, another fantastic experience and sooo relaxing.

We headed back to our ship and set sail at 4pm along the stunning fjords, the views as we sailed were quite spectacular.

We even had the pleasure of a couple of humpbacks sailing past as we enjoyed dinner this evening, another unforgettable day!

Day Six

We arrived in the beautiful little town of Isafjordur on the north coast of Iceland, another place with amazing scenery all around. We took the included excursion to the botanical gardens and then a visit to the very quaint little town of Flateyri where we were treated to a lovely coffee and a cake at the local cafe followed by a lovely little rendition from a local musician in the nearby church. 

Day Seven

Today was Golden Circle day, this did not disappoint! We started the tour with a coach journey through the amazing lava fields to the tectonic rift at Thingvellir National Park. This is a designated Unesco World Heritage site and also includes the original parliament meeting place. We then proceeded to Gullfoss waterfall which is simply stunning. We had a delicious lunch at the Geysir hotel followed by a walk around the Geysir geothermal area where we were treated to a spectacular display of erupting geysirs, definitely a sight not to be missed.

Day Eight

Sadly our trip has come to an end and it is time to leave. This was, however, a fantastic trip on a beautiful ship with great service on an itinerary that didn’t stop giving from start to end, the added benefit of complimentary excursions that Ponant offer made this an excellent cruise.

You can found out more about Ponant here.