I've just returned from an unforgettable five days, exploring Iceland aboard the elegant Ponant L'Austral and wanted to bring my adventures to life to hopefully inspire you to book your own bucket-list sailing.Iceland is one of those rare destinations that leaves a lasting impression. From standing between two continents at Thingvellir National Park and watching Strokkur erupt into the sky, to sailing past puffin colonies, spotting orcas and taking in dramatic black sand beaches, every day revealed a completely different side of this extraordinary country. Whether relaxing in geothermal hot springs, admiring the vibrant lupins of Hrísey or discovering the colourful charm of Reykjavik, Iceland exceeded every expectation.
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L'Austral is relaxed luxury at its finest. The colour palette was serene and subtle so as not to detract from the scenery and views as you sailed, which were the true stars of the show. The staterooms were tastefully decorated and equipped with everything you may need, and the service was impeccable; nothing was too much trouble, and every question and interaction with the crew on board was accompanied by a smile.The French influence was present throughout, including the food, and this added to the experience and the unique Ponant style. One of my highlights was the cheese – a different cheese course was served every night, and one evening there was a cheese buffet. All cheeses were sourced by Maison Jean-Yves Bordier, a renowned French fromagerie. The menu options always included different meat, vegetarian and vegan options. The fish options were a highlight for me, with delicious seafood and also regional fish dishes, including an Icelandic fish soup.
No day looked the same; we woke up in a different destination each morning and were greeted by spectacular scenery before heading out on the day's excursion. Our first day kicked off with a Golden Circle Tour, starting at Thingvellir National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage site where you can walk in a rift valley between the North American and Eurasian tectonic plates. We also visited Geysir Geothermal Area, home to an active geyser that erupts boiling water 30 meters into the air every few minutes, and the magnificent, double-tiered Gullfloss waterfall that plummets 32 meters into a rugged canyon.
We embarked on a boat trip circumnavigating Heimaey island, where we saw puffins and the iconic Elephant Rock. To top off an incredible day, we even saw orca whales as we sailed away. The following day, we toured the Snæfellsnes Peninsula and saw the dramatic scenery on the beaches, famously dubbed "Iceland in Miniature" because it packs glaciers, volcanic craters, dramatic coastlines, and black sand beaches across one region.
We spent our fourth day in Hrísey, Iceland's second-largest island, located in the tranquil Eyjafjörður fjord in North Iceland, where we hiked and went bird watching. The sun was shining, which gave a different view of Iceland and made the lavender blue lupins look even more vibrant. The final stop on our adventure was Akureyri, known as the "Capital of the North," and is Iceland's largest town outside the Reykjavik region. We visited the majestic Godafoss or “Waterfall of the Gods” and then enjoyed bathing in the hot springs.
For anyone embarking on a similar itinerary, I'd recommend extending your trip with a stay in Reykjavik and to visit the church Hallgrimskirkja, either before or after your cruise. It's a small and colourful town, full of personality, and the coloured houses with panelling are unmistakably Icelandic.
Overall, Iceland was such a magical place to explore and experiencing it all with Ponant made the journey even more memorable. Their relaxed approach to luxury, exceptional French-inspired cuisine, elegant ships and genuinely attentive crew created the perfect balance of comfort and adventure. Thoughtfully curated excursions, smaller ports of call and impeccable service meant every moment felt effortless, allowing the breathtaking scenery to remain the true star of the voyage while enjoying the unmistakable style that makes a Ponant cruise so special.
