HIGHLIGHTS
- A
long and comprehensive journey from Norway, passing via Iceland, a land
of contrasts boasting grandiose natural features, and the western coast
of Greenland, bathed by Baffin Bay, before sailing along the mythical
Northwest Passage.
- The
crossing of this legendary and labyrinthine shipping route at the
boundaries of the Far North, in the wake of the legendary explorer
Roald Amundsen.
- Outings
and shore visits in zodiac inflatables with a team of experienced
naturalist guides.
- The
possibility of meeting the Greenlandic and Canadian Inuit people to
share a unique moment in Holman and Gjoa Haven.
- In
the footsteps of the great polar explorers, the discovery of Amundsen's
wintering site in Gjoa Haven, right near the mythical shipwrecks of
John Franklin's HMS Erebus and HMS Terror.
- Disko
Bay, listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, to see the Northern
Hemisphere's largest icebergs.
- Landscapes:
ice pack, myriads of jagged islands, fjords, glaciers, mountain chains,
monumental icebergs as you travel towards Greenland.
- Wildlife:
Arctic foxes, sea birds, belugas, narwhals, bowhead whales, humpback
whales, muskox, walruses and the possibility of seeing polar bears.
DATES / RATES
Rates are listed per person
|
Start Date | End Date | From EUR | From USD |
Rates are listed per person
|
Start Date | End Date | From EUR | From USD |
ITINERARY
AUGUST
27, 2022 - TROMSO
In
the north of the Arctic circle you'll discover Tromsø, a
secluded town located in the county of Troms. Norwegians call it the
"Paris of the north". You'll soon see why when you discover its
extensive neoclassical architectural heritage. A stunning example is
the Arctic cathedral, a major monument whose stylistic purity echoes
the outline of the mountains surrounding the town.
AUGUST
28, 2022 AUGUST 30, 2022 - AT SEA
During
your day at sea, make the most of the many services and activities on
board. Treat yourself to a moment of relaxation in the spa or stay in
shape in the fitness centre. Depending on the season, let yourself be
tempted by the swimming pool or a spot of sunbathing. This day without
a port of call will also be an opportunity to enjoy the conferences or
shows proposed on board, to do some shopping in the boutique or to meet
the PONANT photographers in their dedicated space. As for lovers of the
open sea, they will be able to visit the ship's upper deck to admire
the spectacle of the waves and perhaps be lucky enough to observe
marine species. A truly enchanted interlude, combining comfort, rest
and entertainment.
AUGUST
31, 2022 - HEIMAEY, VESTMANNAEYJAR
This
land seated off the southern coast of Iceland is the largest of the
Vestmann islands, and is the only inhabited island in the archipelago.
The steep Edfell volcanoes and the green prairies of
Herjólfsdalur offer rich contrast of nature. On the
Stórhöfði road, look out over grey sand
beaches and cliffs carved out by the Arctic ocean. From here, you can
also see the bronze landscapes of the mountaintops. You could visit
Eldheimar, an ultra-modern and interactive museum which traces the
volcanic eruption has experienced Heimaey in 1973.
SEPTEMBER
1, 2022 SEPTEMBER 2, 2022 - AT SEA
During
your day at sea, make the most of the many services and activities on
board. Treat yourself to a moment of relaxation in the spa or stay in
shape in the fitness centre. Depending on the season, let yourself be
tempted by the swimming pool or a spot of sunbathing. This day without
a port of call will also be an opportunity to enjoy the conferences or
shows proposed on board, to do some shopping in the boutique or to meet
the PONANT photographers in their dedicated space. As for lovers of the
open sea, they will be able to visit the ship's upper deck to admire
the spectacle of the waves and perhaps be lucky enough to observe
marine species. A truly enchanted interlude, combining comfort, rest
and entertainment.
SEPTEMBER
3, 2022 - PRINS CHRISTIAN SUND
Your
ship glides silently towards the Greenland coast, in a setting
punctuated by pointed peaks and majestic glaciers… You are
on the verge of crossing the Prins Christian Sund, a narrow channel
that stretches out and zigzags over some one hundred kilometres between
Greenland's south-east and south-west. Fall under the spell of the
primitive beauty of these unique landscapes, including rocky cliffs and
waterfalls that are fed by the ice sheet and plunge into the icy
waters. Here, bearded seals love to lie on the floating ice to soak up
the sunshine.
SEPTEMBER
3, 2022 - AUGPILATOK
Augpilatok,
is a small Inuit village of around one hundred inhabitants, whose name
means "sea anemone" in Greenlandic. Located in a mountainous region
inaccessible by road, its picturesque, colourful houses stretch out to
the southern tip of Greenland, on the banks of the spectacular Prince
Christian Sound. Some one hundred kilometres long, the sound connects
the Labrador Sea to the Irminger Sea, meandering through stunning
landscapes such as majestic glaciers, craggy peaks, and rocky cliffs
with waterfalls fed by the ice sheet. This region was uninhabited in
the 19th century. The village was created in the 1920s and the main
activities revolve around hunting, fishing and livestock farming.
SEPTEMBER
4, 2022 - NARSAQ
After
sailing in the Kangerlluarssuk fjord, discover the town of Narsaq. You
will be dazzled by the beauty of the surrounding icebergs - large
masses of ice in different shapes and shifting colours. Dominated by
lush mountains, this small town is typical of Greenland. It is known
for its sheep farming, made possible by the rich, grassy plains to the
town's north. This rather rare activity reflects a past and a technique
inherited from the Vikings. Admire the stunning interplay of colours
between the multicoloured house facades and the glaciers with their
myriad shades of blue, and dive into the Scandinavian history of Narsaq
by visiting the local museum. A unique experience.
SEPTEMBER
5, 2022 - NUUK
When
Erik Le Rouge, the exiled Norse chief, landed on the coast of Nuuk, he
found a fertile and welcoming land dotted with fjords. He settled there
with a group of his former countrymen, and the Norse remained the
principal inhabitants until, over a period of 500 years, their
population declined and gave way to the Inuit. Nuuk is situated at the
mouth of one of the largest networks of fjords in the world, where the
waters never freeze. The town spreads gently out towards the Davis
Strait and enjoys an historic center that is particularly rich in
national heritage. The vivid reds, blues, greens and yellows of the
houses are a lively contrast to the somber waters of Greenland and
serve to lift the spirits of the locals during the Winter months.
SEPTEMBER
6, 2022 - ITILLEQ
Itilleq
is a tiny island lying within the Arctic Circle, 45 km south of
Sisimiut. Home to barely 100 people, they mainly earn a living from
fishing and hunting in their typical Greenlandic village, whose bright
colours evoke those of their traditional clothing. During your visit,
you will maybe have the pleasure of playing a game of football with
them, enjoying a "kaffemik" (a coffee break) or a moment of
contemplation when the gentle light of the midnight sun dapples the
horizon.
SEPTEMBER
7, 2022 - SISIMIUT
During
your cruise, we invite you to discover Sisimiut, founded in 1756 and
the second largest town in Greenland. This small town is typical of
Greenland, boasting bewitching panoramas: here and there, colourful
stilt houses dot the undulating landscape, and the small fishing port
stands as the gateway to an icy realm. As for the town centre, it is
home to a number of historic buildings, a small church and a museum
which retraces the history of the Inuit people, as well as many craft
shops. When your ship drops anchor here, you will set out to meet the
locals in a typically arctic atmosphere.
SEPTEMBER
8, 2022 - DISKO BAY
To
the east of Baffin Bay, discover Disko Bay, scattered with countless
icebergs produced by the Ilulissat Icefjord, a UNESCO World Heritage
Site. From your ship, admire the majestic ballet of these ice giants as
they slowly drift across the dark waters. This site is a natural marvel
of Greenland, and is also renowned as an observation point for the
region's many humpback whales. The encounters with wild fauna and
stunning landscapes in the heart of this spectacular and fragile nature
will be pure moments of wonder for you.
SEPTEMBER
9, 2022 - KULLORSUAQ
Well
beyond the Arctic Circle, in the majestic landscapes of Greenland's
Northwest, you will find the village of Kullorsuaq, the last bastion of
Greenland's traditional hunters. Here is where you will find
Greenland's true character… Vast mineral expanses, sumptuous
mountains, impressive glaciers and, above all, the local population
which still lives off fishing and seal or bear hunting. Hospitality and
respect for nature are essential elements in the daily lives of these
men, who live an austere life. When we drop anchor in this remote part
of the world, set off to discover these friendly people who are also
talented craftsmen, deftly sewing the furs and skins of marine mammals.
This will be a unique and authentic experience.
SEPTEMBER
10, 2022 - SAVISSIVIK
Some
places in this world are so magical that their beauty cannot be
described in words… Savissivik, a small Inuit village with
less than a hundred inhabitants, is one such place. Rightly considered
to be the biggest iceberg graveyard in Greenland, it is a stunning
sight to behold. During your zodiac outing, you will sail between these
icy giants. Once on land, you can hike to a viewpoint from which to
enjoy breathtaking views over these icebergs, which come in an
incredibly diverse range of shapes and colours. Photographers will love
it. Savissivik Bay attracts many bears and is also known for having
been the home of one of the world's biggest meteorites, but the latter
has now been moved to a museum in New York.
SEPTEMBER
11, 2022 - POND INLET, NUNAVUT
On
Baffin Island, located in northern Canada at the mouth of the famous
NorthWest Passage, there is a small Inuit settlement at the very bounds
of infinity. To get there, cross the Arctic Circle, the imaginary line
that separates man from lands of mystery and wonder. It's not so much
the way of life that sets Pond Inlet's inhabitants apart, so much as
the setting. Snow-capped mountains, fjords and glaciers combine in a
dazzling natural environment that fills space and expands time. Some
discoveries change you forever: this is one of them.
SEPTEMBER
12, 2022 - BEECHEY ISLAND, NUNAVUT
Beechey
Island, at the eastern end of Resolute Bay, will call to mind some of
the most important moments of Franklin's expedition. Sir John set off
in 1845 in search of the mythical Northwest Passage and was forced to
take shelter in Erebus Harbour for two long years, while he waited for
the ice floes to recede and allow him a way through. It is a
spectacular location; seeing the three wooden grave markers, bleached
by the sun (indicating the burial places of at least three of Captain
Franklin's men) and visiting the memorial that has been erected in
memory of Franklin and his men can only reinforce the hushed sense of
reverence. If the surrounding wilderness impresses us, the ochre and
yellows of the rocky desert soften the landscape.
SEPTEMBER
13, 2022 - FURY BEACH, NUNAVUT
The
ice floe gradually appears as you approach Somerset Island, in the
heart of the North West Passage. In a Zodiac® dinghy, you will
land on Fury Beach, a place with a rich history where the English
explorer William Edward Parry ran aground in 1825. He left materials
and supplies here in order to help the next expeditions that would pass
by this site. During your hike around the majestic canyon of Fury
Beach, you'll be dazzled by the surprising landscape: the turquoise
green water and sheer cliffs are reminiscent of the Grand Canyon or the
High Atlas in Morocco. If fortune smiles on you, you will perhaps come
across a family of polar bears roaming the enormous ice floes. A
sublime hike; a sense of wonder is guaranteed.
SEPTEMBER
14, 2022 - FORT ROSS, NUNAVUT
Discover
Fort Ross, the last trading post established by the Hudson's Bay
Company. Constructed in 1937, it was used as a fur and whaling trading
post at the same time. Fort Ross, located on a small island at the
entrance to the Bellot Strait, is still home to this former store as
well as the house for the manager and staff. The interior of these two
buildings has been damaged over time and by the presence of polar
bears. After a short walk towards the summits of the island, you will
be able to enjoy a breathtaking panoramic view over the Bellot Strait
and surrounding area.
SEPTEMBER
14, 2022 - BELLOT STRAIT
A
key stage in the North West Passage, the Bellot Strait, crossed by
strong currents, promises you an unforgettable sailing experience. The
entrance to the strait is dominated by the Ross Cairn. The buildings of
Fort Ross also stand not far from here. Separating Somerset Island from
the Boothia Peninsula, this 2-km-wide strait was discovered in 1852 by
Captain William Kennedy of the Royal Navy, and the Frenchman
Joseph-René Bellot, during an expedition in search of Sir
John Franklin. Discover a magnificent décor covered in snow,
fragmented by large ice floes. As you sail between them, your ship will
perhaps be accompanied by a few polar bears.
SEPTEMBER
15, 2022 - GJOA HAVEN, NUNAVUT
Discovered
by the Scottish explorer John Ross in 1830, King William Island was
named in honour of the reigning British King. In September 1903,
Captain Roald Amundsen was the first to drop anchor at Gjoa Haven, the
only inhabited part of the island, where a few Inuit were the only sign
of human life. The Norwegian sailor decided to overwinter here for two
years, to attempt to find the location of the mysterious Magnetic North
Pole. Roald Amundsen interacted with the local Inuit to learn how to
survive in these extreme conditions and freezing temperatures. We
invite you to discover this small hamlet in the Nunavut region, located
just above the Arctic Circle. Do not miss this unique opportunity to
discover these forgotten lands.
SEPTEMBER
16, 2022 - AT SEA
During
your day at sea, make the most of the many services and activities on
board. Treat yourself to a moment of relaxation in the spa or stay in
shape in the fitness centre. Depending on the season, let yourself be
tempted by the swimming pool or a spot of sunbathing. This day without
a port of call will also be an opportunity to enjoy the conferences or
shows proposed on board, to do some shopping in the boutique or to meet
the PONANT photographers in their dedicated space. As for lovers of the
open sea, they will be able to visit the ship's upper deck to admire
the spectacle of the waves and perhaps be lucky enough to observe
marine species. A truly enchanted interlude, combining comfort, rest
and entertainment.
SEPTEMBER
17, 2022 - EDINBURGH ISLAND, NUNAVUT
Fall
under the charm of small and uninhabited Edinburgh Island, in Nunavut.
Blueberries, crowberries, arctic willow, cranberries: vegetation rules
the roost here, with no fewer than 19 types of dwarf shrubs, berries
and flowers identified. In autumn, these species are adorned with
shimmering colours that produce a magnificent picture. The tundra,
dotted with red and yellow touches, competes in its beauty with the
superb ochres of the sandy beaches and the dark tones of the
surrounding cliffs. At the end of a walk towards the heights of the
island, enjoy a superb panorama with a view over lakes, sea and basalt
mountains. An enchanting place, frequented by caribous, peregrine
falcons, reindeer, Arctic foxes and hares.
SEPTEMBER
18, 2022 - HOLMAN (ULUKHAKTOK)
Set
off to meet the inhabitants of Holman for an unforgettable moment in
the midst of a welcoming community. With some 500 inhabitants, this
hamlet located on the west of Victoria Island has learned how best to
adapt to an at-times harsh environment and a difficult climate. As you
visit this village in the Canadian Far North, admire the prints and
other objects created by the very rich local craftsmanship. Traditional
singing and dancing are also part of the daily life of this commune, to
the great delight of fans of Inuit culture. The village of Holman, also
called Ulukhaktok, is one of those places in which you can share an
authentic experience in a remote land.
SEPTEMBER
19, 2022 - SMOKING HILLS
In
the far north of the Northwest Territories, nestling at the junction of
the Amundsen Gulf, the Smoking Hill astonish, intrigue and captivate.
Considered one of the most fascinating and mysterious phenomena on the
planet, this geological paradise, where dozens of kilometres of smoke
columns emanate from impressive cliffs coloured in ochre and crimson,
will take you on a timeless journey. Spotted for the first time by the
British navigator John Franklin during an exploration of the region in
1926, these smoking strata of hydrocarbons result from the chemical
reaction between the oil shales and the lignite deposits, a mix of clay
shale and pyrite that spontaneously ignites on contact with air,
causing this unique natural phenomenon.
SEPTEMBER
20, 2022 - FRANKLIN BAY
This
large bay, 48 km long and 40 km wide, is located in the Northwest
Territories, in Canada. It was given its name in 1826 by the naturalist
John Richardson, in honour of the British polar explorer Sir John
Franklin. Franklin Bay always offers fine occasions to come across
marine mammals. During your cruise here, you will also see the famous
smoke column show at Smoking Hills, which are cliffs made of sulphur
and lignite in beautiful yellow, ochre and brown colours.
SEPTEMBER
21, 2022 - HERSCHEL ISLAND
The
Canadian Arctic Archipelago is composed of a myriad of islands and
reveals landscapes you will only see at this far end of the world. Come
and discover the small canadian island of Herschel, a frozen paradise
located in the Beaufort Sea, within the Ivvavik National Park. During
an expedition in 1826, Sir John Franklin was the first european to lay
eyes on these unique places and their inhabitants, the Inuvialuit, the
nordic cousins of the Inuit. It was during this trip that he named the
island after one of his friends, John Herschel, a brilliant british
astronomer and scientist. Herschel Island is a landmark in the West
Arctic and has since served alternately as a whaling station, a relay
station and a refuge for travellers.
SEPTEMBER
22, 2022 SEPTEMBER 24, 2022 - SAILING IN BEAUFORT SEA
Delimited
by the entrance to the Northwest Passage and the Amundsen Gulf to the
east and by Canada's Yukon and Northwest Territories to the west, the
Beaufort Sea makes up part of the - almost - inaccessible Arctic Ocean.
Due to its extreme weather conditions, it was not explored until 1914,
by the Canadian explorer Vilhjalmur Stefansson. However, it was named
after Francis Beaufort, a British admiral and hydrographer. You will
sail on these remote waters strewn with a mosaic of ice resulting from
sea-ice breakup. Surrounded by this stunning scenery, you may spot a
few belugas and bowhead whales, established in colonies in the region.
SEPTEMBER
24, 2022 - KING ISLAND, ALASKA
Situated
in the Bering Sea, King Island was discovered in 1778. It is named
after James King, a crew member of the expedition led by James Cook.
King Island was inhabited by a group of Inupiat until the mid-20th
century; their now-abandoned village was called Ukivok. This
island with steep cliffs which still bears traces of human passage,
such as the hunting camps established centuries ago by the Inupiat, is
home to several bird species (tufted and horned puffins, black-legged
kittiwakes, and thick-billed murres).
SEPTEMBER
25, 2022 - NOME, ALASKA
Located
along the Bering Strait at the westernmost point of Alaska, Nome offers
the rustic charm of a former gold-mining town, set in the middle of
magnificent wilderness. As you weave in and out of the brightly
coloured houses, you will discover the pioneering legacy that still
marks local traditions. Fishing, reindeer rearing, sledge-racing...
People here live from their manual labour. The surrounding plains
provide stunning vantage points for observing Arctic fauna.
(Click image to view Ship details)
WHAT'S INCLUDED
For
your serenity, PONANT selects flights and organises transfers between
the port and the airport. This package is included in your cruise fare.
Embarkation
Day - Paris/Tromso
- Flight
Paris/Tromso selected by PONANT.
- Approximate
flight duration: 4 h.
- We
highly recommend you arrive in Paris the day before this flight.
- We
suggest you to be at the check-in counter 2 hours before departure.
- Meet
& greet at the airport by our local English-speaking
representative.
- Transfer
to the pier for embarkation.
-
Cruise aboard your cruise ship -
Disembarkation
Day - Nome/Seattle
Disembarkation.
- Meet
and greet at the port by our local English-speaking representative.
- Transfer
to the airport in time for check-in of flight Nome/Seattle selected by
PONANT.
- Flight
Nome/Seattle selected by PONANT.
- Approximate
flight duration: 5 h 00.
- We
highly recommend you stay one night in Seattle after this flight.
This
programme includes:
- Flights
Paris/Tromso and Nome/Seattle selected by PONANT in economy class.
- Transfers
mentioned in the programme.
- English-speaking
assistance.
This
programme does not include:
- Personal
expenses.
- Any
other service not mentioned in the programme.
Please
note:
- Flights
included in the programme are as of today, operated in economy class,
on a European airline.
- Due
to limited local transportation resources, waiting might be generated.
- For
passengers in transit in Paris, we recommend staying one night in Paris
before this flight.
- For
passengers in transit in Seattle, we recommend staying one night in
Seattle after this flight.
- Programme
and flight schedule are subject to change without prior notice.