Engaging and Insightful Experience in Iceland

Le Bellot Cruise Review to Europe - Northern Europe

caragol

Contributor Level: Purser

Cruises: 4-6 cruises

Review: 1

Helpful Votes: 12

Overall rating:

4.9 out of 5

Verified Review

7 Night Iceland Voyage: Land Of Fire & Ice With Smithsonian Journeys (Reykjavik Roundtrip)

Sail date: June 15, 2024

Ship: Le Bellot

Cabin type: Suite

Cabin number: 504

Traveled as: Couple

Reviewed: 4 months ago

Review summary

This cruise excels at service and attention to the passengers, given there is about a 1:1 ratio of crew to passengers. After a day of hiking and exploration it was wonderful to return to the comfort and pampering we received onboard. The ship is very stable and the safety measures and medical facilities well appointed. The food was delectable and focused more on quality than quantity. Not the cruise for huge all you can eat buffets, but lovely, well composed dishes with plated dinners. We also enjoyed the afternoon caviar tasting paired with vodka or champagne and the Iberian pasta negra ham tasting paired with Jerez. The Smithsonian experts added another level of insights and opportunities to learn about the Icelandic people and culture and the interesting relationship between the geology of Iceland and astrophysics and space exploration. We also met many pleasant and intelligent passengers in the many excursions and social gatherings.

Embarkation

5 out of 5

Quick and well-organized

Ship experiences

Food and Dining

5 out of 5

Excellent service, no waiting and no reservations required

Onboard Activities

5 out of 5

The Smithsonian lectures were top-notch as well as the opportunity to dine with the experts. The tour of the bridge was very thorough and informative. We especially enjoyed the afternoon teas and caviar tasting

Entertainment

4 out of 5

The dancers were excellent and we thoroughly enjoyed karaoke night and dancing after dinner

Service and Staff

5 out of 5

Excellent, very attentive and friendly, very prompt

Ship Quality

5 out of 5

Nice, modern, clean design. Our stateroom was comfortable, spacious and included plenty of storage space

Cabin / Stateroom

5 out of 5

Our stateroom was very comfortable, clean and well-designed. The spacious wardrobe, walk-in closet was very much appreciated

Ship tip

If you do not speak French, select a cruise sponsored by Smithsonian, Tauk or other-organization catering to English-speaking passengers.

Thumbs up

Ports of call

Reykjavik, Iceland

5 out of 5

We did our own walking tour as the city is relatively small and easy to explore. We loved the public art, excellent restaurants and bakeries, museums and harbor

Thumbs Up 0

Surtsey Island, Iceland

4 out of 5

We just viewed from the ship as no visitors are allowed except research scientists.

Thumbs Up 0

Heimaey, Westman Islands, Iceland

5 out of 5

Grundarfjordur, Iceland

5 out of 5

Definitely not to be missed

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Grimsey Island, Iceland

5 out of 5

Explored on my own with some direction and maps from the cruise staff. Wonderful opportunity to see beautiful basalt cliffs and puffins up close in their natural environment. Also opportunity to see the Arctic tern and cross the Arctic Circle

Thumbs Up 0

Akureyri, Iceland

5 out of 5

Yes, the excursion to Lake Myvatn, mud pots and Dimmuborgir lava formations is extraordinary. At times so otherworldly ! Can be very cold.

Thumbs Up 0

Isafjordur, Iceland

5 out of 5

Beautiful fjords. Excursion was worthwhile

Thumbs Up 0