Polar Expedition 
Free solo supplement 
Superior Stateroom Deck 3
30% Ponant Bonus
21 m²
3
Emblematic Alaska
Sitka, Alaska - Vancouver
Dates:
13/7/2024
to
20/7/2024
days
nights on board
VOL SEATTLE/SITKA + TRANSFER
Alaska and its vast spaces, characteristic forests and rich wildlife will welcome you for a 8-day expedition cruise aboard Le Soléal.
Explore the temperate rainforests that cover the region’s territory. An ocean of conifers revealing snow-covered mountains in the background, and emphasising the sea and the waterways in the foreground, they are home to abundant biodiversity. Indeed, these primary rainforests represent a unique ecosystem, one of the planet’s richest, which provides ideal habitat for many species. Brown and black bears live here, as do white-tailed deer and the famous bald eagles that gracefully fly over the top of the immense Sitka spruce trees. This wildlife, lurking in the shadows, will observe you while you, in turn, attempt to spot it with the assistance of our on-board naturalist-guides.
The forest landscapes give way to more mineral decors, those of Alaska’s immense fjords. Aboard your ship, you will sail down navigation routes taking you to the majestic Dawes Glacier, at the end of the Endicott Arm fjord, or into the Misty Fjords to discover Rudyerd Bay, a real marvel of nature. At sea, you will have the opportunity to contemplate the most beautiful marine mammals: orcas, humpback whales, Steller sea lions or sea otters.
In the heart of this extraordinary and grandiose nature, the history of the populations of Alaska is written in the present tense. In Petersburg, fishing is also at the heart of local life and this former Norwegian colony treasures the story of its origins. A mosaic of peoples and history, Alaska also allows you to encounter the Kwakwaka'wakw and Tlingit indigenous communities, in Alert Bay and Kake. This is an opportunity to learn more about these fascinating cultures, especially famous for their totem poles.
We are privileged guests in these extreme lands where we are at the mercy of weather and ice conditions. The itinerary, 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.
Ref : SV124 - SO130724
Your itinerary
An expedition cruise to discover the Alaska of vast spaces and forests stretching as far as the eye can see: this region at the origin of adventures that have fired the imagination of several generations of...
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Your trip in detail
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Complete your trip
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Included in your cruise
To make sure things run smoothly, PONANT has included certain elements before and after your cruise as part of the price.
Shore Excursions, Overlands & Pre/Post Programmes
To complete your voyage, PONANT can organise a range of shore excursions, pre & post cruise activities and packages, plus transfers.
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LE PAUL GAUGUIN
LE JACQUES-CARTIER
30/1/2024 to the 8/2/2024
- New
L'AUSTRAL
11/3/2024 to the 26/3/2024
L'AUSTRAL
LE COMMANDANT CHARCOT
*Price is per person, based on double occupancy, based on availability, and subject to change at any time. The category of stateroom to which this price applies may no longer be available.
Services provided
- 24-hour room service
- Inclusive Wifi internet access (availability dependent on navigation and latitude)
- Individually-controlled air conditioning
- Dressing room with shelves and closet
- Dressing table and hairdryer
- Dyptique Paris top-of-the-line bath products
- Minibar
- Nespresso coffee maker and boiler
- Electronic safe
- Direct line telephone
- Bose Bluetooth speaker
- Flat screen TV, international channels (availability dependent on navigation) and videos on demand
- 110V American (two flat pins)/220V European (round sockets with two round pins)
- Three ADA staterooms
Select your stateroom category
Expedition programmes include activities such as landings in tender or local boats (sometimes with "wet landing"), moderate walks to more active hikes, all accompanied by your expedition team of naturalist guides.
Ports of call, visited sites, and landings will depend on weather conditions, position of ice, winds and the state of the sea. These can force a change of plans at any time. The Captain and the Expedition Leader may at any time cancel or stop any activity, or even modify the itinerary. The final itinerary will be confirmed by the Captain, who will take into account the touristic quality of the sites and above all, the safety of the passengers. His decision will be based on advice from experts and authorities.
Travelling to polar/isolated regions is an exhilarating experience in remote areas: please remember that you are far from modern hospitals with full medical facilities, thus evacuation is extremely expensive. Without adequate medical coverage, all expenses will have to be immediately paid with your personal funds. We urge you to subscribe to full coverage insurance, choose your insurance company very carefully, be extremely vigilant and ensure your insurance is fully comprehensive, especially if you are insured by your credit card. PONANT offers an insurance contract with extensive guarantees, please contact us for more information.
Clothing tips:
- A PONANT polar water-resistant parka is offered on board for all departures with an Expedition programme (no children sizes, in case of consecutive cruises, only one complimentary parka).
- Half calf rubber boots with non-slip soles, which will allow you to go ashore in 20 cm of cold water, keeping your feet dry for walks and visits on steep paths. Boot rental will be offered onboard (for adults only) on Expedition cruises.
- Comfortable trousers: classic Winter trousers, warm cotton tracksuit, wool leggings
- Waterproof and windproof over-trousers – MANDATORY
- Winter trousers with waterproof over trousers are the ideal combination: water-resistance and comfort of trousers are essential
- Pullover, sweat-shirt or fleece jacket
- Woollen or thermolactyl Thermal underwear
- A warm hat, woollen ear muffs or fleece ear muffs, fleece or woollen neck warmer (avoid scarves that do not stay in place)- MANDATORY
- Wool or silk glove liners, water-resistant and supple gloves
- Thick warm socks (ideally woollen)
Accessories:
- Small waterproof backpack (to protect your camera from water).
- Binoculars (strongly recommended for wildlife viewing).
- Highly protective sunglasses.
- Walking poles (highly recommended).
Ideal clothes for life on board:
During the days spent on board, you are advised to wear comfortable clothes or casual outfits. The entire ship is air-conditioned, so a light sweater, a light jacket or a shawl may be necessary. When moving about in the public areas of the ship and the decks, light but comfortable shoes are recommended.
Informal evening:
In the evening, you are advised to wear smart-casual attire, especially when dining in our restaurants where wearing shorts and tee-shirts is not allowed.
For women:
- Simple dress
- Skirt or trousers
- Blouse
- Polo
For men:
- Pleated trousers or chinos
- Sports jacket
- Shirt
- Polo
Officer’s evening:
For all cruises longer than 8 nights, an Officer’s Evening with a white dress code may be organized. Therefore, we encourage you to bring a stylish white outfit for the occasion (otherwise black and white).
Gala evening:
During the cruise, two gala evenings will be organised on board. Thus, we recommend that you bring one or two formal outfits.
For women:
- Cocktail attire
- Evening dress (if you wish to)
For men:
- Dark suit
- Tie recommended, possibly bow tie (if you wish to)
SHOP:
A small shop is available on board offering a wide range of outfits, jewellery, leather goods and many accessories.
A laundry service (washing/ironing) is available on board, but unfortunately there are no dry cleaning services. For safety reasons, your cabin is not equipped with an iron.
INSULATED BASE LAYER:
- Wool or thermolactyl technical underwear
- Polar or technical jacket
- Polar sweater or sweatshirt
- Silk or wool glove liners
- Wool leggings
- Warm hiking socks
WATERPROOF OUTER LAYER:
- Waterproof over-trousers - Mandatory
- Waterproof parka - Offered on board (not available in children’s sizes)
- Windbreaker – Mandatory
- A warm woollen hat covering your ears
- Polar or woollen neck warmer
- Waterproof technical gloves
- Hiking shoes
HEALTH CARE:
- Sunscreen
- Lip protection balm
- Mosquito repellent, anti-itch balm and mosquito head net (Greenland)
- Medications and prescriptions
OUTFITS ON BOARD:
- Casual outfits for the day
- Smarter outfits for dinners
- Elegant outfits for Gala evenings
- White or black and white outfit
ACCESSORIES:
- Highly protective sunglasses
- Binoculars
- Walking poles
- Small waterproof backpack
- Swimsuit (for the spa on board)
- Gym wear (fitness)
- Battery charger and memory cards for your camera
- Mobile phone charger
PONANT activities
Highlights
- An expedition cruise to discover the Alaska of vast spaces and forests stretching as far as the eye can see: this region at the origin of adventures that have fired the imagination of several generations of travellers.
- The presence of an experienced team of naturalist-guides.
- Exploring Alaska’s majestic landscapes during scenic cruising along the country’s temperate rainforests, a unique and rich ecosystem home to many animal and plant species.
- Visit traditional villages and meet the peoples of the Far North, particularly the Tlingit community in Kake.
- Landscapes: fjords, tall mountains, huge glaciers, primary forest, jagged cliffs.
- Wildlife: humpback whales, orcas, brown bears, grizzlies, sea otters, Steller sea lions, bald eagles.
Ports of Call & Excursions
13 July 2024 - Sitka, Alaska
Embarkation 13/7/2024 From 4:00 pm to 5:00 pm
Departure 13/7/2024 at 9:00 pm
Formerly a Russian colony located on Baranof island, to the west of the Alexander archipelago, Sitka is brimming with history. The historical national park of Sitka shelters totems carved out of red cedar, a tree that is omnipresent in the region. These totems are testimonials of the former presence of Tlingit Indians. This place is full of natural wonders too. You just have to look up to admire the mountain range around the port. In the distance, the snow-peaked Edgecumbe volcano stands majestic. Numerous islands scattered around Sitka stretch out before you in a vision of preserved Alaska.
14 July 2024 - Kake, Alaska
Arrival 14/7/2024
Departure 14/7/2024
Discover the small Tlingit village of Kake, around 60 kilometres west of Petersburg. Located on Kupreanof Island, it houses a community of over 500 inhabitants. Kake is paradise for salmon, which spawn in the Gunnuk River near the village. Bald eagles often make an appearance, as do black bears, which come to enjoy the fish. Another singularity of these parts: the presence, on a hill, of a totem pole standing over 60 metres tall, considered the highest in the world.
14 July 2024 - Endicott Arm, Alaska
Arrival 14/7/2024
Departure 14/7/2024
In the heart of the Alexander Archipelago, Endicott Arm fjord is a short inlet on the southern coast of Alaska that boasts spectacular views of virgin wilderness. The azure-blue waters, snow-capped mountains and lush forest are incredible but the main attraction is the Dawes glacier, whose vast, bluish back snakes down the mountain’s flank. Weather permitting, you can observe how icebergs are formed by getting a closer look at the white cliff where glacier meets water, or just enjoy watching the resident harbour seals frolicking in the icy waters.
15 July 2024 - Petersburg, Alaska
Arrival 15/7/2024
Departure 15/7/2024
Picture this: all around you, translucent waters. In the distance - snow-capped mountains. This is the vision that greets you on disembarking in Petersburg, one of Alaska’s largest commercial fishing towns. The heart of the Tongass National forest is for people who yearn for a lungful of the great outdoors. There is some fauna here including no less than 240 species of birds, seals, sea lions, humpback whales. Another special feature of this very lively town is its penchant for art. On its pavements and facades you can admire several murals, totems and sculptures.
16 July 2024 - Misty Fjords, Alaska
Arrival 16/7/2024
Departure 16/7/2024
Rain forest, hypnotic blue lakes, snowy peaks, glacier valleys, waterfalls... You will behold a heavenly vision. This United States monument covering some 8,600 square kilometres is a designated Wilderness Area. This awesome countryside rolls out its majestic carpet of cedars, fir spruces and hemlocks. Here, you can feel Nature’s throbbing heartbeat. You may be lucky enough to spot some of the many animal inhabitants, such as sea otters, sea lions and grizzlies.
17 July 2024 - Metlakatla, Alaska
Arrival 17/7/2024
Departure 17/7/2024
On the western coast of Annette Island, the small settlement of Metlakatla will welcome you for a timeless experience. Founded in 1887 by a group of Tsimshians, from British Columbia, the Annette Island Reserve is today the only federal reservation for the indigenous peoples of Alaska. You will have the opportunity to discover their culture, between local arts and crafts, artistic performance and discovering the famous totem poles. A walking tour is also on the agenda for this port of call, in the heart of Alaskan culture.
18 July 2024 - Inside passage
Arrival 18/7/2024
Departure 18/7/2024
Sheltered from the ocean currents of the Gulf of Alaska, this maritime route that weaves a path around the islands and islets of Southeast Alaska will offer you wonderful sailing experience. Conifer forests stretch on forever, interspersed with numerous coves, bays, huge valleys and deep fjords formed by ancient glavial valleys. Accessible only by sea, the fishing villages are surrounded by snow-capped mountains and glaciers that plunge into the waters of this veritable wildlife sanctuary. From your ship’s deck, you can try spotting humpback whales or the famous bald eagle, emblem of the region.
19 July 2024 - Alert Bay
Arrival 19/7/2024
Departure 19/7/2024
Right near the north coast of Vancouver Island, in British Columbia, hides the small wooded island of Cormorant. Surrounded by pebble beaches, it offers wonderful opportunities for hikes and for whale watching. The surrounding waters are also home to harbour seals, orcas, Steller sea lions, dolphins, and a multitude of seabirds. When your ship calls at Alert Bay, a small sheltered fishing port located in the island’s south, set off to discover the indigenous culture and its traditions. The ‘Namgis community, which is part of the Kwakwaka’wakw First Nations, lives here in harmony with the other village inhabitants.
19 July 2024 - Sailing in the Johnstone Strait
Arrival 19/7/2024
Departure 19/7/2024
Along the north-east coast of Vancouver Island, Johnstone Strait is a 100 km-long channel formed by an old glacier bed, dotted with a string of lush islands. Sailing amid this wilderness offers fantastic opportunities to observe the wildlife. Humpback whales and resident orcas can be found in the cool and sheltered waters of the strait, and you can try to spot some from your ship’s deck.
20 July 2024 - Vancouver
Arrival 20/7/2024 early morning
Disembarkation 20/7/2024 at 8:00 am
Verdant and cosmopolitan, Vancouver is one of Canada's most multi-cultural cities. Located in British Columbia on Canada's west coast, it's surrounded by mountains and outdoor activities are popular. In the city, you can immerse yourself in the Asian atmosphere of bustling Chinatown, shop for pashminas and silk saris at the Punjabi Market Indian district and explore the historic area of ﾠGastown. Vancouver Art Gallery is known for works by regional artists, while the Museum of Anthropology houses important First Nations collections. Granville Island Jetty is a fascinating revitalised industrial area that hosts galleries, restaurants and a huge produce market.
Le Soléal
Like Le Boréal and L’Austral, the two sister ships that preceded it, Le Soléal further reaffirms PONANT's signature approach: to take passengers to the farthest reaches of the planet onboard modern ships offering top-of-the-range services.
An elegant appearance and refined interior design combine with cutting-edge technology to offer a new type of cruising: adventure in a luxury setting.
Up to 264 Guests
132 staterooms & suites
145 crew members
Spa
2 restaurants
Decks
VOL SEATTLE/SITKA + TRANSFER
For your serenity, PONANT selects flight and organises transfer between the airport and the port. This package is included in your cruise fare.
Embarkation Day - Seattle/Sitka
Flight Seattle/Sitka selected by PONANT.
Approximate flight duration: 3 hours.
We highly recommend you arrive in Seattle 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 –
This programme includes:
- Flight Seattle/Sitka selected by PONANT in economy class.
- The transfer mentioned in the programme.
- English-speaking assistance.
This programme does not include:
- Personal expenses.
- Any other service not mentioned in the programme.
Please note:
- The flight included in the programme is as of today, operated in economy class
- Due to limited local transportation resources, waiting might be generated.
- 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.
Polar Expedition
Realise your dream of adventure in the polar regions ! Discover the icy vastness and the fauna of Antarctica (humpback whales, seals, penguins and more) or the Arctic's fjords, glaciers and icebergs in shifting colours, not to mention the polar bears, the variety of wildlife and the special moments shared with the locals. Our team of naturalist guides share their knowledge with you during varied lectures about the fauna, the flora, the history of great explorations, geology and climatology. Thanks to its conscientiousness and to the responsible approach that is its hallmark, PONANT has been a leader and expert in cruises to these destinations for more than 20 years.
Free solo supplement
FREE SOLO SUPPLEMENT *
*The supplement for single usage of a double cabin is waived, according to availability and staterooms categories.
Shore excursions, Pre/Post & Overlands
OVERNIGHT IN SEATTLE (1 NIGHT)
Enhance your cruise and extend your trip with a carefully designed programme.
Travel with peace of mind as PONANT organizes your day of transit at Seattle. This programme will be a pleasant prelude to your embarkation.
Day 1 - Seattle
Meet at Seattle Tacoma International Airport in the Arrival hall. Look for PONANT sign. You will be greeted by our local representative off the flight selected by PONANT or any other flight (provided that you have previously communicated your flight schedule to your travel agent).
You will be transferred to the historic hotel Fairmont Olympic 4*.
Check-in time from 3 pm.
The end of the day and diner are at leisure.
Day 2 - Seattle
Breakfast. Check-out.
You will be transferred by coach to the airport, in time for check-in of the PONANT selected flight.
Your hotel:
Built in 1924, the recently renovated Fairmont Olympic 4* hotel is listed on the National Register of Historic Places and was renovated in early 2021. Ideally located in downtown Seattle, it offers nearly a century of luxury service standards, while melding classic elegance with mid-century modern room décor. The hotel offers two restaurants, an indoor pool, a hot tub and a fitness centre.
Upgraded rooms are also available depending on availability and on a supplement basis. Contact your travel professional for further detail.
Your programme includes:
-
1-night accommodation in Standard City view room, breakfast included.
-
Transfers as mentioned in the programme.
-
The services of a local English-speaking guide.
-
A hospitality desk at the hotel on your day of arrival and departure.
Your programme does not include:
-
Tips for the driver and local guide.
-
Personal expenses.
-
Other services not mentioned in the programme.
-
Early check-in and late check-out.
Please note:
-
It is imperative that the details of your departure flight are provided to your travel agent, no later than 30 days before the start date of your cruise, to secure the proper private transfer.
-
Early check-in or late check-out might be available depending on availability and on a supplement basis.
Fairmont Olympic
411 University Street
Seattle, WA 98101, USA
Telephone: +1 206 621 1700
Duration of the visits are given as a guide only. The order of the visits may be reversed. For the times of your PONANT flight, please contact your travel agent; they are also shown on your electronic ticket included in your travel documents.
Total : AU$1,160
Price is per person, based on double occupancy, based on availability.
BEAUTIFUL SEATTLE & THE BOEING FACTORY (3 NIGHTS)
Enhance your cruise and extend your trip with a carefully designed programme.
Take advantage of 3 days to explore Seattle, the emerald city located in the Pacific Northwest. Walk through this vibrant city surrounded by the mountains, the forest, many lakes also called the backdoor to Alaska. This programme will immerse you in culture and the landscapes of the city and take you to the iconic Boeing factory.
Day 1 - Seattle
Meet at Seattle Tacoma International airport in the Arrival hall. Look for PONANT sign. You will be greeted by our local representative off the flight selected by PONANT or any other flight (provided that you have previously communicated your flight schedule to your travel agent).
You will be transferred to the hotel Fairmont Olympic 4*.
Dinner at leisure, a local guide will be available to answer your questions.
Overnight at the hotel.
Day 2 - Seattle
Breakfast at the hotel.
Start your first day in the Emerald city with a waking tour of downtown Seattle.
Wander through the iconic Pike Place Market, the oldest and largest operating public market in the United States brought to life by locals only. This place is largely considered as the heart and soul of Seattle and will help you understand the history and way of life of the city along with your local guide. Continue your walking tour through the Gum Wall, pass the impressive central library that is 11 story high. Get out of the beaten path and discover Pioneer Square, the first neighbourhood in Seattle settled by pioneers back in 1852. Pioneer Square is a rich historic place known for its renaissance revival architecture and the mix of culture between old and new.
Next, learn more about the history of Seattle on the “underground tour”. This tour takes place underground in the ruins of the old Seattle of Seattle that was consumed in the Great Fire of 1889. This fire destroyed 120 acres of wooden buildings and it was then decided to rebuild the city above the ruins with bricks and stones.
After this tour, walk along the beautiful waterfront and lunch will be served at a local restaurant.
Slowly walk to Seattle Art Museum (SAM) and walk through the galleries with your local guide. After your guided tour, you may enjoy the museum and wander through the 3 floors of art, including installations drawn from the museum’s global collection, contemporary art and exhibitions from around the world.
Walk back to your hotel, the rest of the day and diner is at leisure.
Day 3 – Seattle
Breakfast at the hotel.
Meet your guide and board your coach for a 1-hour drive north, to Everett where the Boeing factory is located for a visit to the Future of Flight Aviation Centre & Boeing Tour where airplanes are built. The centre offers the only publicly available opportunity to tour the massive Boeing assembly plant, the world’s largest building by volume. Explore the interactive exhibits and displays.
After your visit, board your coach again and enjoy lunch in a local restaurant.
After lunch, enjoy a drive through diverse and iconic neighbourhoods of Seattle such as Ballard, Fremont and Queen Anne. Make a photo stop at Kerry Park in Queen Anne where you will get a panoramic view of downtown Seattle, Bainbridge Island, the Puget Sound and Mount Rainier on a clear day. Stop at the Space Needle for another photo stop and choose to either ride the bus back to your hotel or wander around in Space Needle area or ride it all the way up for a 360° view of Seattle.
The rest of the day and dinner is at leisure.
Day 4 – Seattle/Sitka
Breakfast at the hotel – a breakfast box will be available should the charter flight to Sitka be schedule very early.
Check out.
You will be transferred by coach to the airport, in time for check-in of the PONANT selected flight.
Your hotel:
Built in 1924, the recently renovated Fairmont Olympic 4* Hotel is listed on the National Register of Historic Places and was renovated in early 2021. Ideally located in downtown Seattle, it offers nearly a century of luxury service standards, while melding classic elegance with mid-century modern room décor. The hotel offers two restaurants, an indoor pool, a hot tub and a fitness centre.
Upgraded rooms are also available depending on availability and on a supplement basis. Contact your travel professional for further detail.
Your programme includes:
-
3-night accommodation in Standard City view room at the Fairmont Olympic 4* local standards (or similaire), breakfast included.
-
Meals as mentioned in the programme.
-
Beverage package during meals (bottled water + 1 soft drink or 1 glass of wine or 1 local beer and 1 coffee or tea).
-
Transfers, visits, and entrance fees as mentioned in the programme.
-
The services of a local English-speaking guide.
-
The hospitality desk at the hotel on the day of your arrival.
Your programme does not include:
-
Personal expenses.
-
Visa if necessary.
-
Tips for the driver and local guide.
-
Early check-in.
-
Other services not mentioned in the programme.
Please note:
-
It is imperative that the details of your departure flight are provided to your travel agent, no later than 30 days before the start date of your cruise, to secure the proper private transfer.
-
Official hotel check-in time is 4: 00 p.m.
-
Early check-in or late check-out might be available depending on availability and on a supplement basis.
-
This programme is not suitable for people with reduced mobility.
-
The Seattle underground tour is a 75-mn tour below the level of the street.
-
The visit at the Boeing factory will be shared with external guests.
-
Backpacks, cameras and cellphone are not allowed in the factory and should be stored in a locker upon arrival.
Contact of your hotel:
Fairmont Olympic
411 University Street
Seattle, WA 98101, USA
Telephone: +1 206 621 1700
Duration and order of the visits may vary. To know your PONANT flight schedule, please contact your travel agent; it is also indicated on your electronic ticket included in your travel documents.
Total : AU$3,270
Price is per person, based on double occupancy, based on availability.