Iceland: Reykjavik and Akureyri
Iceland’s mosaic landscapes
Interested in this voyage?
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from/to Reykjavik around Iceland
Aboard L'Austral this seven-night voyage circles much of Iceland's coastline. From Reykjavík you sail to the Westman Islands, on to the Snæfellsnes peninsula and across the Arctic Circle at Grímsey into the fjord-laced north and the Westfjords. The marina platform and Zodiacs open up secluded coves, while French cuisine and the premium all-inclusive concept shape life on board.
Route highlights
- Reykjavík: North-Atlantic capital with the Harpa concert hall and Hallgrímskirkja.
- Heimaey: Main island of the Westman group with the Eldfell volcano and puffin colonies.
- Grundarfjörður: Snæfellsnes harbour facing the iconic Kirkjufell.
- Grímsey: Small island straddling the Arctic Circle.
- Akureyri: Northern capital on the Eyjafjörður, gateway to Goðafoss and Mývatn.
- Ísafjörður: Set in the rugged Westfjords, one of Iceland's most dramatic settings.
Early booking advantage: Voyages in 2027 fill quickly - premium cabins are often reserved 18-24 months in advance. An early booking enquiry is non-binding and secures your preferred cabin category.
The Route
Reykjavik
7 nights
Ísafjörður
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Reykjavík · Embarkation
The world's northernmost capital is the starting point for Iceland's wonders: geysers, volcanoes, glaciers and northern lights. The creative, compact city with the striking Hallgrímskirkja offers excellent cuisine and a surprisingly lively cultural scene.
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Kreuzen in den Westmännerinseln
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Heimaey, Westmännerinseln
Heimaey is the only inhabited island of the Westman Islands off Iceland's south coast. The volcanic eruption of 1973 buried parts of the town and enlarged the island by 2 km²; millions of puffins now breed on the cliffs.
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Grundarfjördur
On Iceland's western Snæfellsnes Peninsula lies Grundarfjörður at the foot of the famous Kirkjufell mountain. The 463-metre pyramid-shaped volcanic remnant with the nearby Kirkjufellsfoss waterfall is considered Iceland's most photographed subject and was made world-famous by the TV series Game of Thrones.
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Grímsey
Grimsey is a small Icelandic island north of the mainland and the only part of Iceland touching the Arctic Circle. Steep bird cliffs with puffins and a tiny fishing village make up its appeal.
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Akureyri
Akureyri is the largest town in northern Iceland with about 19,000 inhabitants, set at the head of the long Eyjafjordur. Despite the proximity to the Arctic Circle, birch woods and a botanical garden give the town a surprisingly mild atmosphere.
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Isafjördur
In Iceland's remote Westfjords lies Ísafjörður as the region's largest town with just under 3,000 inhabitants on a narrow sand peninsula. The harbour is surrounded by 700-metre table mountains and is the starting point for the wild Hornstrandir nature reserve, where no permanent residents remain but Arctic foxes thrive.
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Reykjavík · Disembarkation
Climate & best time to sail
| Month | Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Air °C | 4 | 4 | 6 | 9 | 13 | 16 | 17 | 17 | 14 | 11 | 7 | 5 |
| Sea °C | 7 | 6 | 6 | 7 | 10 | 13 | 15 | 16 | 14 | 12 | 9 | 8 |
| Rain mm | 190 | 150 | 170 | 110 | 106 | 132 | 148 | 190 | 283 | 271 | 259 | 235 |
Long-term monthly normals · Reference: Norwegian coast / Scotland (Bergen)
Destination
L'Austral
L'Austral belongs to Ponant's Odyssée class: 264 guests, ice-reinforced hull, French cuisine with wine at dinner. Large enough for comfort on the open sea, small enough for fjords, pack ice boundaries and islands without a harbour.
In northern Europe, L'Austral sails through Norwegian fjords and along the Scottish coast - natural encounters with the comfort of a French hotel.
The Ship
Cabins
Deck plan · L'Austral
Cabin prices
Prices per person in double cabin (suites: based on double occupancy), all-inclusive. Subject to availability.
| Category | Price p.P. | Status | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Superior Aussenkabine | € 6.740 | Available | Enquire |
| Deluxe Balkonkabine | € 7.290 | Available | Enquire |
| Prestige Kabine Deck 4 - CHANDERNAGOR | € 8.050 | Available | Enquire |
| Prestige Kabine Deck 5 - BENGALE | € 8.450 | Available | Enquire |
| Prestige Kabine Deck 6 - MAHE | € 8.910 | Available | Enquire |
| Deluxe Suite - MAHE | € 12.310 | On request | Enquire |
| Prestige Suite Deck 5 | € 16.560 | Available | Enquire |
| Prestige Suite Deck 6 | € 17.410 | Available | Enquire |
| Owner's Suite - MAHE | € 24.810 | Available | Enquire |
Prices as of: 14.08.2026
Standard inclusions of the ship voyage
On board
- Full board in gourmet and À-la-carte restaurants
- Afternoon tea and pastries
- Open bar: water, soft drinks, wines, champagne, spirits, beers, coffee and tea
- Minibar in cabin, regularly refilled
- 24-hour cabin service
- All gratuities for crew and service staff
- Complimentary WiFi onboard (standard usage)
- Butler service (in higher suite categories on select ships)
- Zodiac excursions with experienced guides (on Expedition voyages)
- Expert lectures by scientists, marine biologists and historians
- Water sports equipment: kayaks, stand-up paddling, snorkelling gear (subject to weather and region)
Not included
- Flights
- Travel to/from ship (transfers, pre- or post-programmes)
- Some special shore excursions
- Spa treatments
Frequently asked questions
How do I book this voyage?
Send us a non-binding enquiry via the form on this page. Our team replies personally within 24 hours with availability, cabin options and a tailored offer. No enquiry fee, no upfront payment.
What is included in the price?
The base price per person (twin cabin) includes the cabin in your chosen category, full board, all port fees and the onboard programme. Flights and transfers are quoted separately. 7 nights from EUR 6.100 p.p. With Ponant, selected wines and beverages at meals are included.
How many guests sail on the L'Austral?
A maximum of 264 guests - extraordinarily intimate compared to standard cruise ships. The high crew-to-guest ratio ensures personal attention throughout the voyage.
Can the itinerary change?
Yes - all itineraries are subject to weather, port availability and the captain's decisions. This is part of the charm of small-ship cruising: flexibility allows for unexpected discoveries.
Are there specials for early bookers or solo travellers?
Yes. Early bookers receive discounts for timely booking. Solo travellers often benefit from a reduced or waived single supplement. Simply mention your preferences in the enquiry.
Is my booking protected?
Yes. As a German tour operator, ivent-sailing provides a travel protection certificate (Reisesicherungsschein) under German law. Your payment is fully insured.
What about flights and transfers?
We arrange flights and transfers on request as part of your personal offer. This allows us to find the best connections for your specific departure date and home airport.
Are there shore excursions?
Yes. All cruise lines offer shore excursions - from guided cultural tours to nature experiences. The concepts vary by fleet. We are happy to provide details on available excursions for your chosen voyage.
What water sports and activities are available?
Depending on the ship and route: snorkelling, kayaking, stand-up paddling, diving, and Zodiac landings (on expedition voyages). Many ships have a marina platform for direct access to the water. We will be happy to tell you exactly what is available on your voyage.
When is the best time to sail this voyage?
The best time to sail this route is May to September.
Non-binding enquiry
Your enquiry reaches a person familiar with this voyage and ship.