Swan Hellenic has taken advantage of the recent eruption of Eyjfjallajkull in Iceland. The ’Sagas of Ice and Fire’ Swan Hellenic cruise takes in the sights of Iceland and includes informative talks about volcanology, why Iceland exists and how volcanoes work. And what’s more, the cruise ship leaves from Dover, so you don’t have to worry about volcanic ash disrupting your holiday!

When Eyjafjallajkull erupted in April this year, causing widespread disruption to European airspace, the event sparked an interest in volcanology. The Swan Hellenic cruise is great for anyone who wants to learn more about the inner workings of volcanoes.

Join Dr Cattermole, a former lecturer in volcanology, as he takes you on a journey through the inner workings of volcanoes. He was also a principal investigator for NASA’s Planetary Geology and Physics Programme.

Though Iceland’s Eyjafjallajkull volcano has been less active lately, passengers still might catch a glimpse of a steam cloud whilst on the Swan Hellenic cruise, and a visit to Lake Myvatn will show you the effect that lava has had on the landscape.

The cruise stops off in the capital, Reykjavik, where you can take a trip to the Gullfoss waterfall, geysers and Thingvellir National Park. The cruise also takes in the island of Heimaey, which is home to a healthy colony of puffins.

The Sagas of Ice and Fire Swan Hellenic cruise is 16 days in length. The cruise ship stops in eight locations - Kirkwall, Lerwick, Reykjavik, Grundarfjordur, Isafjordur, Akureyri, Torshavn and Leith before returning to Dover.

Iceland can be cold, so make sure you take warm clothing if you decide to travel there. Between May and the beginning of August, there are nearly 24 hours of daylight. If taking a Swan Hellenic cruise, make sure your travel insurance provides cover for cruises. Goodtogoinsurance.com offers a range of travel insurance policies to travellers with or without pre existing medical conditions.