EXPEDITION CRUISE

Expedition to the edge of the Ice Sheet

All departures of this trip

CRUISE ID # PONANTAU300727

Reykjavík TO Kangerlussuaq Havn

Expedition to the edge of the Ice Sheet
Expedition to the edge of the Ice Sheet
Expedition to the edge of the Ice Sheet
Expedition to the edge of the Ice Sheet
Expedition to the edge of the Ice Sheet
Expedition to the edge of the Ice Sheet
Expedition to the edge of the Ice Sheet
Expedition to the edge of the Ice Sheet
Expedition to the edge of the Ice Sheet
Expedition to the edge of the Ice Sheet
No Single Supplement
Set sail on an unforgettable odyssey, where the Nordic ice whispers the legends of the Vikings. From the shores of Iceland to the untamed lands of Greenland, fall under the spell of silent fjords, jagged mountains and blue-tinged icebergs. Each port of call will reveal striking and wild natural beauty: villages nestled against rock, tundra scattered with Viking ruins, and a horizon dotted with cetaceans and seabirds.

. . Sailing along Prins Christian Sound, where waterfalls and cliffs are illuminated by crystal-clear light, and in Disko Bay, home to the largest icebergs in the Northern Hemisphere, will leave you awestruck.

This is a timeless adventure to the far reaches of the world. We are privileged guests in these remote lands where we are at the mercy of weather, ice, tidal and current conditions. Landings on certain sites and the observation of certain wildlife cannot be guaranteed.

They vary from day to day, making each PONANT cruise a unique experience. The Captain and the Expedition Leader will make every effort to ensure that your experience is as rich as possible, while complying with the safety rules and instructions imposed by the AECO
TRIP STARTS ON
July 30, 2027
SHIP SAILS ON
July 30, 2027
HOTEL NIGHTS
Pre-Cruise: 0, Post-Cruise: 0
SHIP
L'Austral
TRIP ENDS ON
August 12, 2027
STOPS
16 Stops, 2 Countries
CRUISE NIGHTS
13
OPERATOR
PONANT EXPLORATIONS
FROM: 

$16,970

WITH SPECIAL SAVINGS APPLIED

FARES SHOWN ARE PER GUEST

Suites & Fares

No Single Supplement

CHOOSE START DATE 

: July 30, 2027

 
STEP 1: CHOOSE YOUR PREFERRED DEAL
Cruise Fare
View Suites

Itinerary

16 Ports
2 Countries

Sprawling Reykjavík, the nation's nerve center and government seat, is home to half the island's population. On a bay overlooked by proud Mt. Esja (pronounced eh-shyuh), with its ever-changing hues, Reykjavík presents a colorful sight, its concrete houses painted in light colors and topped by vibrant red, blue, and green roofs. In contrast to the almost treeless countryside, Reykjavík has many tall, native birches, rowans, and willows, as well as imported aspen, pines, and spruces.Reykjavík's name comes from the Icelandic words for smoke, reykur, and bay, vík. In AD 874, Norseman Ingólfur Arnarson saw Iceland rising out of the misty sea and came ashore at a bay eerily shrouded with plumes of steam from nearby hot springs. Today most of the houses in Reykjavík are heated by near-boiling water from the hot springs. Natural heating avoids air pollution; there's no smoke around. You may notice, however, that the hot water brings a slight sulfur smell to the bathroom.Prices are easily on a par with other major European cities. A practical option is to purchase a Reykjavík City Card at the Tourist Information Center or at the Reykjavík Youth Hostel. This card permits unlimited bus usage and admission to any of the city's seven pools, the Family Park and Zoo, and city museums. The cards are valid for one (ISK 3,300), two (ISK 4,400), or three days (ISK 4,900), and they pay for themselves after three or four uses a day. Even lacking the City Card, paying admission (ISK 500, or ISK 250 for seniors and people with disabilities) to one of the city art museums (Hafnarhús, Kjarvalsstaðir, or Ásmundarsafn) gets you free same-day admission to the other two.

Sprawling Reykjavík, the nation's nerve center and government seat, is home to half the island's population. On a bay overlooked by proud Mt. Esja (pronounced eh-shyuh), with its ever-changing hues, Reykjavík presents a colorful sight, its concrete houses painted in light colors and topped by vibrant red, blue, and green roofs. In contrast to the almost treeless countryside, Reykjavík has many tall, native birches, rowans, and willows, as well as imported aspen, pines, and spruces.Reykjavík's name comes from the Icelandic words for smoke, reykur, and bay, vík. In AD 874, Norseman Ingólfur Arnarson saw Iceland rising out of the misty sea and came ashore at a bay eerily shrouded with plumes of steam from nearby hot springs. Today most of the houses in Reykjavík are heated by near-boiling water from the hot springs. Natural heating avoids air pollution; there's no smoke around. You may notice, however, that the hot water brings a slight sulfur smell to the bathroom.Prices are easily on a par with other major European cities. A practical option is to purchase a Reykjavík City Card at the Tourist Information Center or at the Reykjavík Youth Hostel. This card permits unlimited bus usage and admission to any of the city's seven pools, the Family Park and Zoo, and city museums. The cards are valid for one (ISK 3,300), two (ISK 4,400), or three days (ISK 4,900), and they pay for themselves after three or four uses a day. Even lacking the City Card, paying admission (ISK 500, or ISK 250 for seniors and people with disabilities) to one of the city art museums (Hafnarhús, Kjarvalsstaðir, or Ásmundarsafn) gets you free same-day admission to the other two.

Day
Three
Arrival
August 01, 2027
Port
Day at Sea

Discover the east coast of Greenland, where the alpine mountains merge closely with the sea, and the fjords are adorned with high snow-capped peaks and drifting icebergs. Follow in the wake of Captain Jean-Baptiste Charcot’s famous ship, the Pourquoi Pas?, which set off with its crew to discover Ammassalik. The name of this island is a reference to the capelin, a small silver coloured fish, whose presence announces to inhabitants the return of spring. This small island offers a spectacular and wild setting where the Inuit people chose to live. Set off to meet the inhabitants of this remote region, with deep-rooted traditions, and discover the Inuit culture.

Day
Four
Arrival
August 02, 2027
Port
Sermilik, Greenland

Located on Greenland’s relatively rarely visited rugged east coast, Skoldungen Fjord has enchanting scenery with towering mountains tipped with snow, ice-scraped valley sides and sculptured icebergs in shades of white and blue. At the top of the fjord one can easily see the retreating state of the Thrym Glacier. The U-shaped fjord offers spectacular scenery and as an extra perk, it is not uncommon to see whales in the fjord.

The transit through the Sound is one of this voyage’s highlights. Connecting the Labrador Sea with the Irminger Seat, Prince Christian Sound or “Prins Christian Sund” in Danish is named after Prince (later King) Christian VII (1749-1808). 100 km (60 miles ), long and at times just 500 m (1500 ft) wide, this majestic and spectacular fiord throws you back into a Viking era – flanked by soaring snow-topped mountains, rock-strewn cliffs and rolling hills, it is as if time has stood still and one easily forgets that this is the 21st century. As you marvel at the sheer size of the mountains that surround you, with the Arctic waters lapping deceptively at the hull, revel in the silence enveloping you. Icebergs float serenely by, carrying with them the ages of time. Be sure to wear warm clothing as this is one spectacle that you do not want to miss.

Northeast of Qaqortoq and at the end of a fjord, Hvalsey is one of the best examples of South Greenland’s many scattered ruins from the Norse period. Today the area is used for sheep-grazing, but until the 15th century the settlement at Hvalsey, and specifically Hvalsey’s church, played an important part. Christianity had spread its influence throughout Europe and eventually had reached remote Greenland, where it established itself in the country in 1000 AD. Hvalsey Church was built in the 14th century and is the best preserved of the churches in Greenland from that period. Apart from the church walls, historical ruins from the time of the Norse are just a few meters away.

Day
Seven
Arrival
August 05, 2027
Port
Igaliku, Greenland
Day
Eight
Arrival
August 06, 2027
Port
Ikka Fjord

Nuuk, meaning “the cape”, was Greenland’s first town (1728). Started as a fort and later mission and trading post some 240 kilometers south of the Arctic Circle, it is the current capital. Almost 30% of Greenland’s population lives in the town. Not only does Nuuk have great natural beauty in its vicinity, but there are Inuit ruins, Hans Egede’s home, the parliament, and the Church of our Saviour as well. The Greenlandic National Museum has an outstanding collection of Greenlandic traditional dresses, as well as the famous Qilakitsoq mummies. The Katuaq Cultural Center’s building was inspired by the undulating Northern Lights and can house 10% of Nuuk’s inhabitants.

Located just north of the Arctic Circle, Sisimiut is the northernmost town in Greenland where the port remains free of ice in the winter. Yet it is also the southernmost town where there is enough snow and ice to drive a dogsled in winter and spring. In Sisimiut, travelling by sled has been the primary means of winter transportation for centuries. In fact, the area has been inhabited for approximately 4,500 years. Modern Sisimiut is the largest business center in the north of Greenland, and is one of the fastest growing Greenlandic cities. Commercial fishing is the lead economy in the town‘s thriving industrial base.

Day
Eleven
Arrival
August 09, 2027
Port
Eqi Glacier, Greenland
Day
Twelve
Arrival
August 10, 2027
Port
Disko Bay, Greenland
Day
Thirteen
Arrival
August 11, 2027
Port
Nooralak

The name Kangerlussuaq means "Big Fjord" in the local Kalaallisut language. The settlement of about 500 people is located in western Greenland on flat land at the head of a fjord with the same name. Kangerlussuaq is the site of Greenland's largest commercial airport and most of the economy here is dependent on the air transportation hub and tourism. The rugged lands around the settlement support terrestrial Arctic fauna including muskoxen, caribou, and Gyrfalcons.

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About the Ship

Name

L'Austral

Operator

PONANT EXPLORATIONS

L’Austral have access to isolated locations or ports reserved for small units. They are faithful to the PONANT EXPLORATIONS DNA: exploring the world with a constantly renewed curiosity.

Ship Facts
cabin count
132
capacity
264
crew count
145
deck count
5
currency
EUR onboard
gross tonnage
10944
language
fr+en
launch year
2011
length
142m
speed
14kts
wheelchair count
3
width
18m

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DINING

Gastronomy
An essential component of French culture, gastronomy naturally holds a special place on board.

Le Coromandel
At the back of deck 2, you will find a 370 m² gourmet restaurant offering French and international cuisine. It can accommodate all guests in a single service for breakfast, lunch and dinner.

Le Rodrigues

In a relaxed atmosphere, a 235 m² grill restaurant located on deck 6 welcomes you for breakfast, buffet lunches and themed dinners.

Room Service

Whether you want to fully enjoy your cabin for breakfast, savor a peaceful snack in the middle of the day, or have your meal in complete privacy, room service is at your disposal. Treat yourself to a moment of indulgence and enjoy a diverse menu available at any time of day and night.

Entertainment

The common areas onboard L’Austral

Our ship L’Austral has many spaces designed and fitted out with the need to provide privacy for all passengers in mind. Cosy and refined in feel and atmosphere, these lively spaces provide moments of relaxation and conviviality to suit every taste.

Good times together

The common areas on board have been designed in great detail to make every moment something special. While the private nature of each of these spaces has been preserved, they have also been laid out to let you enjoy some wonderful times together with other passengers and team members throughout the day.

Lounges and bars

The cosy and refined atmosphere of the lounges and bars are perfect for relaxing, socialising or simply enjoying the moment – whatever your mood.

The Observatory Lounge

Library, internet space, bar, occasional live entertainment, terrace: enjoy a 180° panorama of the horizon from the observatory lounge.

Swimming Pool

With its water blending into the surrounding landscapes, the pool is perfect for relaxing in the sun.

Theatre

Comfortably seated, you can attend conferences given by the guests and teams of naturalists, as well as enjoy a variety of shows, concerts and performances by professional dancers and musicians.

When the night comes alive

Concerts, dance performances, or film screenings: every night on board is a promise of wonder and sharing of emotions.

The Outdoor Bar

Enjoy a drink in our outdoor lounge area with 50 seats and a view of the sea and the pool bridge.

The Main Lounge

Tea room, bar, live music, dance floor, terrace: the main lounge is an essential meeting place throughout your journey.

Boutique

An extension of the journey and the ship, la Boutique offers an exclusive shopping experience with a wide range of technical and casual ready-to-wear and equipment, with or without PONANT personalization. It also features unique souvenirs to extend the journey back home, as well as jewelry, accessories and luxury items. Opening hours follow the voyage schedule, including days at sea, and all purchases on board are tax-free.

Excursion Reception and Office

On board the sister ships (Le Boreal, L'Austral, Le Soléal and Le Lyrial) and PONANT EXPLORERS, the reception desk and the excursion desk are arranged side by side to facilitate all your requests.

Reception: our receptionists can accommodate you 24 hours a day on all our ships (from 7 a.m. to 11 p.m. on Le Ponant) to answer all your needs, such as room service, etc.

The excursion office: the excursion team is available at all t....

PONANT Studio

A photography and videography team escort you throughout your trip. These professionals capture the most beautiful moments of your cruise, which you can share with family and friends upon your return. Meet them on DECK 5 (DECK 6 on the PONANT Explorers ships) at the photo/video area, where you can also order souvenir pictures and videos.

Health And Fitness

Take care of yourself, simply.

A conference that awakens your mind, a spa treatment that soothes your body, or a fitness session that revives your energy? On board, time seems to stand still for a moment of self-care.

The Spa

In partnership with SOTHYS™ and Davines®, the spa offers a wide range of treatments, massages, hairdressing services, as well as a sauna and a fitness room perfect for self-care and well-being.

The Gym

The fitness room offers a wide range of exercises suitable for all levels to train facing magnificent views.

The Hairdressing Salon

Provided in partnership with KÉRASTASE®, L’ORÉAL PROFESSIONNEL® or DAVINES®, our hairdressing salons offer a complete range of top quality treatments designed to strengthen, nourish and reinvigorate hair's shine and brilliance. Our stylists are available to serve all your styling, highlighting, colouring, cutting and tailored hair advice needs.

Enrichment

Let yourself be guided by our onboard or local experts to explore unsuspected treasures, whether they are on land or at sea. Every moment reveals a part of the beauty that surrounds you.

Explorations

Because your desires for escape are many, we offer a range of explorations, each promising unique experiences. Timeless, Discoveries, or Expeditions: each collection offers a distinct and tailored approach, allowing you to experience your chosen destination as closely as possible.

Timeless

Preserved and authentic towns and villages, iconic or more secluded sites… Discover the cultural and gastronomic riches of your destinati....

Kayaking

Get as up close to the natural environment as possible with an excursion aboard a two-person sea kayak, during one 1h30 session.

Guided by a state-registered polar navigation specialist, you'll discover and explore breathtakingly scenic polar landscapes and scenery.

All the necessary equipment will be provided for you on board.

Polar plunge

Let yourself be seduced by the unrivalled sensations of being surrounded by cold water. When weather and environmental conditions permit, enjoy an invigorating cold-water immersion in a swimsuit directly from the ship’s marina. An intense and stimulating experience, perfect for seeking thrills and enjoying the energizing sensation that follows the body’s warming up after the swim.

Experts by your side

Captains, expedition leaders, experienced naturalist guides, lecturers, wildlife photographers, personalities from the world of art, science, culture and gastronomy... Experts share their passions with you on board or on land.

Captains

Your captain is responsible for ensuring the smooth running of your journey on board. An expert in navigating polar or tropical waters, their announcements punctuate your day. And when wildlif....

UNIQUE FEATURES

A more responsible exploration

Our commitments

Modern ships, cutting-edge technologies, strict landing protocols, environmental impact studies, crew training, guest awareness: we are committed every day to better respect marine and terrestrial ecosystems.

Reduced emissions

Less than 60% of fine particles thanks to 100% LS MGO propulsion with 0.05% sulphur content, the continuous use of catalytic con....

USEFUL TO KNOW
Laundry

Your staterllm attendant is at your disposal to provide a laundry service. It takes 24 to 48 hours to wash and iron your clothes. Only an ironing service can be provided on the same day. Dry cleaning is not possible, so we kindly ask you to only give us clothes that can be washed with water.

** These services are chargeable and billed directly to your cabin account. 

Smoking Policy

Ships are non-smoking, even on accommodation balconies. Smoking is only allowed in designated outdoor areas of the ship.

Power Adapters

Electrical plug adapters are provided on board, they are available at the reception.

European Standard Sockets

The 220 volt 50 hertz alternating current is distributed by sockets meeting European standards. Onboard power is 200 volt AC (European standard) and 110 volt AC (North American standard). For safety reasons, hair irons and clothes irons cannot be used in staterooms. Please note that on Le Ponant, 110 volt AC is only....

Age Restrictions

Children under one (1 year old / 12 months) are not permitted on PONANT EXPLORATIONS cruises.

On Classic cruises, children are permitted from one (1 year old), with a maximum of five children aged one to six (1 to 6 years old) on board each voyage.

Children aged four years and older are welcome at the Kids’ Club when the service is offered on board.

In all cases and at all times, both on board or on land, children and young m....

Languages

The languages spoken on board are French and English. The signage is in French and English. On some cruises, crew members also speak other languages.

Telephone

To reach a correspondent around the world, a satellite communication system is available to you. The cost of communications is charged directly to your account (pricing depends on the navigation zone). Calls from your correspondents can be transferred directly to your accommodation or to any common area on the ships. You can also send and receive faxes. Contacting reception.

Wi-Fi

You have free Wi-Fi internet access on board all ships (cabins and common areas). On the Sisterships (L'Austral, Le Lyrial, The Boréal, Le Soléal), one or more computers are available to you in the leisure areas. Thanks to the Starlink network provided by Marlink, PONANT EXPLORATIONS GROUP guarantees you quality Wi-Fi access, regardless of the location and navigation conditions.

Medical Facilities

There is a doctor on board available to the passengers on all our ships:

  • The schedules of consultation are listed each day in the log book (emergency consultation 24/7).
  • The Sisterships, PONANT Explorers and Le Commandant Charcot also have a hospital for any small surgery.
  • During the excursions, the passengers are accompanied by a doctor or a nurse.
  • There is a fee for consultations on board . The price....
Packing Tips

Technical Accessories

We recommend that you bring a ski mask, sunglasses, walking sticks, a waterproof backpack, binoculars, a technical watch, a mosquito net for the face (in the Arctic), and a waterproof pouch. These accessories are also available for purchase at the onboard shop.

Dress Code

Dress Code

We recommend wearing casual and elegant outfits, cocktail attire for gala evenings, and white or black and white attire for the Officers' evening. Shorts and bermudas are not allowed in the evening at gourmet restaurants.

Expedition Cruise

For an expedition cruise, pack practical clothing and comfortable shoes. During your polar cruises, a polar parka in your size will be provided and boots in your si....

Sustainable Development

Sustainable development is enshrined in the company's statutes and is at the heart of the PONANT EXPLORATIONS GROUP project. Founded over 30 years ago by committed sailors, the company was born out of a desire to share the passion for the oceans and the treasures of the Earth. This responsibility commits us to engage in a respectful dialogue with the environment and the populations encountered, and to invest in various areas related to the pre....

Special Diets

If you follow a specific diet (vegetarian, diabetic, low calorie, gluten-free, allergy...), it is essential to specify it when making your reservation. You will then receive adapted menus throughout your cruise.

Guests with reduced mobility

Only the Sisterships, the PONANT Explorers, Paul Gauguin and Le Commandant Charcot have been designed to accommodate passengers with reduced mobility.

  • Staterooms specially designed on board the Sisterships, decks 3 (307), 4 (407) and 5 (509) 3 c for two people aged 18. in a wheelchair, with a double bed (180 x 200) cm) or two single beds (90 x 200 shower and toilet in the bathroom as well as a balcony of 4  2 (only for cabins....
Solo Travellers

Every season, we offer a wide range of cruises with 'no single supplement': you thus benefit from a double stateroom to yourself, at no extra cost. The onboard atmosphere is conducive to meeting and interacting with other guests, and the crew ensures your well-being and integration on board. Discover the cruises by consulting the single page offered.

Included on Every Cruise

A complete offer (excluding Spirit of PONANT and La Désirade¹)

SERVICES INCLUDED ON ALL OUR CRUISES

  • Full board from arrival to departure day
  • High-end gastronomy in all restaurants
  • All drinks in restaurants, bars and minibars. All drinks are included² (selection of champagnes, wines and spirits, beers, cocktails, water, soft drinks, hot drinks)
  • 24-hour room service
  • Butler service for certa....
Butler Service

Attentive and discreet, your butler offers you a fully personalized service.

The butler service is reserved for passengers traveling in one of the suites located on deck 6 aboard the Sisterships, as well as in all suites of the Shipowner, Deluxe Suites, Privilege Suites, and Prestige Suites located on deck 6 aboard the PONANT EXPLORERS.

The PONANT app

Our app accompanies you in your preparations and during your stay on board. Find the services offered and the information that facilitates your journey.

Are you soon boarding with us?

Thanks to its app, PONANT accompanies you in your travel preparations, and then during your stay on board. Find our services and information that will make your cruise even easier.

Prepare your cruise with peace of mind

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