PONANT, world leader in luxury expeditions, is set to resume cruising, featuring inaugural voyages for the recently launched Le Bellot.
During July and August 2020, the company is proposing a series of all-new expedition cruises circumnavigating Iceland, each starting and concluding in Reykjavik. These seven voyages will showcase the brand-new EXPLORER Class luxury expedition ship, Le Bellot – the fifth in a series of six new ships that will make up the complete PONANT EXPLORER fleet.
The 180-guest Le Bellot will explore the coast and shoreline of this land of ice and fire during 7-night itineraries revealing the dramatic glaciers, fjords, waterfalls and volcanoes of this mythic Nordic island nation.
Highlights of this Icelandic itinerary include Vatnajökull National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and crossing the Arctic Circle to observe whales, orcas, seals and Atlantic puffins that make up some of the wildlife in this remote region.
As always with PONANT’s expeditions, a team of naturalist guides will be on board to share their knowledge of the fauna and flora of the regions visited. Also included in the programme: Zodiac outings, hikes, visits of volcanic beaches, rugged cliffs, glaciers, icebergs and natural warm water springs.
Being a small ship (only 92 staterooms and suites, all with a balcony or a private terrace) Le Bellot represents a new generation of ecologically responsible cruise ships featuring sophisticated technology, respect for the environment and refined design. Like the other ships in the PONANT EXPLORER series, it too is fitted with an exclusive world first: “Blue Eye”. This multi-sensory underwater lounge enables guests to comfortably observe and experience the surrounding subaquatic world while enjoying a relaxed environment onboard. A PONANT innovation inspired by Jules Verne.
Depart from Reykjavik to sail around Iceland, an island country of contrasts. As exampled by the peninsula of Snæfellsjökull National Park and its rugged coastline overlooked by the magnificent Snæfell volcano, or the majestic fjords of the north-west of the island. During hikes, the Hornstrandir Nature Reserve will unveil its sublime landscapes, from sandy beaches and turquoise waters to vertiginous cliffs and natural warm water pools. The magic will continue in the north of the country, as you cross the Arctic Circle. Here you may witness the unforgettable dance of whales, orcas, seals and Atlantic puffins. To the south, in the heart of Iceland’s largest ice cap, observe the calving glaciers of Vatnajökull National Park. These give birth to blueish icebergs that the currents carry away to run aground on the black volcanic beaches. Itineraries may be modified depending on port authorisations and applicable governmental regulations.
.jpg){kind=tracking}