Superior Stateroom Deck 3
25% Ponant Bonus
21 m²
3
Disko Bay and Inuit villages
Kangerlussuaq - Kangerlussuaq
Dates:
21/8/2024
to
28/8/2024
days
nights on board
FLIGHT PARIS/KANGERLUSSUAQ + TRANSFERS + FLIGHT KANGERLUSSUAQ/PARIS
With featured guest Nicolas Vanier, French adventurer, writer and director.
This PONANT itinerary is your chance to embark on an 8-day expedition cruise to Greenland. In Kangerlussuaq, aboard Le Boréal, you will embark for an unforgettable journey in the heart of the most magnificent Arctic landscapes.
After first calling at the steep cliffs where nest many birds in Evighedsfjorden, the fjord of Eternity, you will reach Sisimiut, Greenland’s second largest city, a colourful port nestling between undulating hills. The world of ice will open up to you during this cruise along the north-west coast of Greenland.
You will cross Disko Bay for the first time to reach the edges of the Eqi Glacier, an icy giant with crystalline reflections, and the Paul-Emile Victor research station.
Disko Bay and the colourful villages of Uummannaq encircled by mountains and basalt formations will welcome you next with their majestic icebergs – some of the largest in the Northern Hemisphere. This is the ideal opportunity for meeting the local population and learning about Greenland’s Inuit culture.
During your cruise and zodiac outings, you will have many opportunities to admire an abundant and varied marine fauna with seals and whales, not to mention the many species of seabirds.
Itinerary is subject to change according to port authorizations and government regulations. 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.
Ref : KK2845 - BO210824
Your itinerary
With featured guest Nicolas Vanier, French adventurer, writer and director. Outings and shore visits in zodiac inflatables with a team of experienced naturalist guides. Hiking opportunity. Visit traditional...
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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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*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
Nicolas Vanier
Born in Dakar, Senegal, Nicolas grew up on the family farm in Sologne and then studied at the agricultural high school in Montargis. Fascinated by the "high countries", he began his expeditions by crossing Lapland on foot and then the Quebec-Labrador peninsula by dog sled in 1983.
After the formidable preparation represented by the Odyssée Sauvage, his last expedition, Nicolas and his dogs presented themselves in February 2015 at the start of the Yukon Quest, one of the biggest sled dog races. Nicolas tells us in an adventure story about this 1600km epic.
Following the success of Belle et Sébastien, Nicolas shot L'École Buissonnière in his native Sologne, which was released in October 2017.
On 4 March 2017, Nicolas and the dogs took part in the Iditarod, reputed to be the most difficult race in the world.
Since 2018, Nicolas has been writing, preparing, shooting and promoting his latest fiction films: Donne-moi des ailes, Poly and Champagne!
Languages spoken: French and English
Photo credit: Thibaut Branquart
Nicolas Vanier will give several lectures, including :
- A lecture on one of Nicolas Vanier's adventures
- A lecture on ecology
- A lecture on his travel stories, with survival tips, the greatest emotions that the "Pays d'en haut" gave him
Subject to withdrawal in case of force majeure
Nicolas Vanier
Born in Dakar, Senegal, Nicolas grew up on the family farm in Sologne and then studied at the agricultural high school in Montargis. Fascinated by the "high countries", he began his expeditions by crossing Lapland on foot and then the Quebec-Labrador peninsula by dog sled in 1983.
After the formidable preparation represented by the Odyssée Sauvage, his last expedition, Nicolas and his dogs presented themselves in February 2015 at the start of the Yukon Quest, one of the biggest sled dog races. Nicolas tells us in an adventure story about this 1600km epic.
Following the success of Belle et Sébastien, Nicolas shot L'École Buissonnière in his native Sologne, which was released in October 2017.
On 4 March 2017, Nicolas and the dogs took part in the Iditarod, reputed to be the most difficult race in the world.
Since 2018, Nicolas has been writing, preparing, shooting and promoting his latest fiction films: Donne-moi des ailes, Poly and Champagne!
Languages spoken: French and English
Photo credit: Thibaut Branquart
Expedition programmes include activities such as zodiac outings and landings (sometimes with "wet landing"), moderate walks to more active hikes, all accompanied by your expedition team of naturalist guides.
Ports of call, visited sites, outings 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
- With featured guest Nicolas Vanier, French adventurer, writer and director.
- Outings and shore visits in zodiac inflatables with a team of experienced naturalist guides.
- Hiking opportunity.
- Visit traditional villages and encounter the Inuit people.
- Disko Bay, listed as a Unesco World Heritage Site, to see the Northern Hemisphere’s largest icebergs.
- Landscapes: fjords, jagged mountains, glaciers, tundra, sheer cliffs and polar ice cap.
- Wildlife: arctic terns, musk oxen, whales and seals.
*Subject to ice and weather conditions. The expedition highlights and itineraries described above illustrate possible experiences only and cannot be guaranteed.
Ports of Call & Excursions
21 August 2024 - Kangerlussuaq
Embarkation 21/8/2024 From 4:00 pm to 5:00 pm
Departure 21/8/2024 at 6:00 pm
From 1941 to 1992, the town of Kangerlussuaq in Greenland was home to an American military base. Nowadays, thanks to its international airport, it has become a transit point for travellers seeking adventure in the Far North. Located to the north of the Arctic Circle, this town is the starting point of magnificent discoveries surrounded by unspoiled nature. Indeed, just a few dozen kilometres from there it is possible to get close to the Greenland ice sheet, the largest body of ice in the Northern Hemisphere. From Kangerlussuaq, admire also the superb landscapes of tundra in autumnal colours, where Arctic hares, musk oxen, Arctic foxes, reindeer, falcons and eagles live.
22 August 2024 - Evighedsfjorden
Arrival 22/8/2024
Departure 22/8/2024
Your ship glides slowly along the water towards the west coast of Greenland, to enter Evighedsfjorden, just a few kilometres south of Kangerlussuaq. Evighedsfjorden means “the fjord of Eternity”, and for good reason: just when you think you’ve reached the end of this stretch of sea measuring over 100 kilometres in length, it seems to go on forever, as though to bring even more pleasure to those sailing in it. The spectacular scenery ranges from glaciers to tundra with an abundant flora, and jagged cliffs where numerous bird species have taken up residence. Take the time to observe the white-tailed eagles and the colonies of seagulls and black-legged kittiwakes flying overhead in the area.
23 August 2024 - Sisimiut
Arrival 23/8/2024
Departure 23/8/2024
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.
24 August 2024 - Paul-Émile Victor Base Camp, Eqi Glacier
Arrival 24/8/2024
Departure 24/8/2024
"The most beautiful place in the Arctic" is how Paul-Émile Victor described Greenland, a land of great icebergs and of towering ice formations calved by the giant glaciers of the polar ice cap. The Eqi Glacier is one of the region’s most impressive sights. Here, the silence is broken only by the roaring and cracking of the ice. It is impossible to know if one is shivering from cold or from the sheer thrill of being here... Imagine the vast outline of a glacier, its translucent crystals glowing with an ice-blue fire in the sunlight. Paul-Émile Victor’s shelter cannot be overlooked; it was from here that the French Polar Expeditions’ anthropological and geographic explorations set off in the 1950s.
25 August 2024 - Akulleq
Arrival 25/8/2024
Departure 25/8/2024
In the curve of Uummannaq Bay, opposite a narrow passage between two islands, you will discover the moonscape of the small desert island of Akulleq. The ochre yellow and orange of this mineral site look ablaze under the sunshine of the polar summer. From the island’s summit you will be able to contemplate a panoramic view of the bay’s magical landscape and its huge icebergs with surprising shapes.
25 August 2024 - Uummannaq
Arrival 25/8/2024
Departure 25/8/2024
The “heart-shaped” rock overlooking it is what inspired the name of the island and village of Uummannaq, where the locals will welcome you with their incredible sense of hospitality and humour, essential to their survival in these northern lands. Seven Inuit villages also dot this territory where people still get around on dog sleighs or in kayaks. Mingling tradition, respect for nature and modernity, the authentic and lively atmosphere that reigns nowadays in this region inhabited since the 15th century will win over visitors, as will the magnificent landscapes that compose it, a mix of peninsulas and of peaks standing more than 2,000 metres tall.
26 August 2024 - Disko Bay
Arrival 26/8/2024
Departure 26/8/2024
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.
27 August 2024 - Qeqertarsuaq
Arrival 27/8/2024
Departure 27/8/2024
On the southern coast of Disko Island, Qeqertarsuaq is one of just two small villages on this island the size of Corsica. Its isolation makes it an observation post popular among naturalists since the beginning of polar exploration and the set-up, in 1906, of the Arctic Centre research facility. During a zodiac cruise you will have the chance to explore the natural wonders of Greenland, meet its wildlife such as the humpback whale and contemplate the basaltic organ landscapes that offer pure moments of wonder for you. In the heart of this spectacular and fragile nature, enjoy the breath-taking views of the grandiose and varied landscapes of Disko Island and Disko Bay.
27 August 2024 - At sea
Arrival 27/8/2024
Departure 27/8/2024
During your journey 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 journey without a port of call will also be an opportunity to enjoy the conferences or shows proposed on board, depending on the activities offered, or 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.
28 August 2024 - Kangerlussuaq
Arrival 28/8/2024 early morning
Disembarkation 28/8/2024 at 8:00 am
From 1941 to 1992, the town of Kangerlussuaq in Greenland was home to an American military base. Nowadays, thanks to its international airport, it has become a transit point for travellers seeking adventure in the Far North. Located to the north of the Arctic Circle, this town is the starting point of magnificent discoveries surrounded by unspoiled nature. Indeed, just a few dozen kilometres from there it is possible to get close to the Greenland ice sheet, the largest body of ice in the Northern Hemisphere. From Kangerlussuaq, admire also the superb landscapes of tundra in autumnal colours, where Arctic hares, musk oxen, Arctic foxes, reindeer, falcons and eagles live.
The Ice Fjord by the sea
As your ship will be at anchoring, you will board small local boats directly from the ship.
First, you will cruise along the coast to discover Ilulissat and its coloured houses, and then get to the open-sea to reach the ice fjord, the Isfjord. The small boats will slide on the calm waters of the Disko Bay, by clearing its way between the small ice packs.
You will perhaps see the boats of some fishermen and seal hunters. Then, huge white masses with bluish glints and deep caverns will appear… icebergs! The vision is imposing and gripping!
At the end of this navigation among the ices, you will go back to your ship.
-
For this excursion and like everywhere else in Greenland, we recommend you wear comfortable shoes, a wind and waterproof jacket, a hat and sunglasses and to take a warm pullover and an insect repellent. Please be aware that this excursion is submitted to weather and ice conditions.
Included
According to availability, price per passenger.Le Boréal
Le Boréal, like its Sisterships L’Austral, Le Soléal and Le Lyrial, epitomises the unique feel and atmosphere of the ships of the PONANT fleet. Subtly combining luxury, intimacy and serene well-being, the ship has been designed to offer passengers both moments of conviviality and spaces conducive to peaceful tranquillity and a sense of escape and getting away from it all. Its exterior and interior lines testify to the ingeniousness and refinement with which the Sisterships have been designed.
Decks
FLIGHT PARIS/KANGERLUSSUAQ + TRANSFERS + FLIGHT KANGERLUSSUAQ/PARIS
For your serenity, PONANT selects flights and organises transfers between the airport and the port. This package is included in your cruise fare.
Embarkation day - Paris/Kangerlussuaq
Flight Paris/Kangerlussuaq selected by PONANT.
Approximate flight duration: 5 h
We suggest you to be at the check-in counter 2 hours before departure.
We highly recommend you arrive in Paris the day before this flight.
Meet & greet at the airport by our local English-speaking representative.
Transfer to the pier for embarkation.
- Cruise aboard your ship -
Disembarkation Day - Kangerlussuaq/Paris
Disembarkation
Meet and greet at the port by our local English-speaking representative.
Transfer to the airport in time for check-in of flight Kangerlussuaq/Paris selected by PONANT.
Flight Kangerlussuaq/Paris selected by PONANT.
Approximate flight duration: 5 h
We highly recommend you stay one night in Paris after this flight.
This programme includes:
- Flight Paris/Kangerlussuaq and Kangerlussuaq/Paris 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 and after these flights.
- Programme and flight schedule are subject to change without prior notice.
- PONANT will adapt the content of the transfer offer from and to airport according to your flight schedule.
Polar Expedition
Make your dreams of adventure come true, explore the boundaries of the world, and discover wild and legendary territories. The icy immensity of Antarctica, the constantly changing glaciers and icebergs of the North Pole, the mysterious mists of the North European coastlines, the most remote fjords on the planet… Every destination unveils unrivalled landscapes, home to increasingly varied fauna. Our team of naturalist-guides will share their knowledge with you during varied lectures about the history of the great explorations, geology and climatology, the fauna and flora, and will invite you to share special moments with the local populations.
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
HELICOPTER FLIGHT OVER THE GLACIER
This overland must be prebooked and prepaid at least 60 days prior to your cruise. Any reservation made after this deadline will be confirmed on-board based on availability. A minimum of participants must be booked in order to operate this tour. 100 % of total cost will be billed for cancellations made less than 60 days before departure.
From the quay, you will get to the airport by coach. The helicopters used are generally Bell 212 with 10 seats each or S-61 Sikorsky with 18 seats.
A helicopter trip in Greenland is an unforgettable experience! On board these helicopters, you will be able to experience the spectacular scenery of Disko Bay and the chance to see the ice fjord and ice cap in the most exclusive way. The ice fjord and the glacier make up a world-class area of outstanding natural beauty, as a result the fjord was added to UNESCO's World Heritage List in 2004. The figures speak for themselves: the glacier is more than 1,160 sq. miles ( 3,000 km2 ) in area and calves about 40 cubic kilometres of ice every year. The ice from the glaciers thus totally dominates the sea in large parts of Disko Bay and in the sea west of Greenland.
From the air, the big floating icebergs become tiny, white cotton wads on a blue surface. When the helicopter flies above the ice sheet there is an exceptional view of the head of the glacier, where the icebergs are created, and of the enormous expanse of ice. The flight back takes place at low altitude through the ice fjord, which is densely populated with enormous icebergs.
- This excursion includes a 1-hour flight. Like everywhere else in Greenland, we recommend you wear comfortable shoes, a wind and waterproof jacket, a hat and sunglasses and to take a warm sweater and insect repellent. Please be aware that this excursion is obviously completely subject to weather conditions and that the number of seats is limited. The seat assignment will be done by the local pilot. Unfortunately, seats cannot be preassigned.
Duration of excursions are given as a guide only. The order of the visits may be reversed.
Total : AU$1,120
Price is per person, based on double occupancy, based on availability.The Ice Fjord by the sea
As your ship will be at anchoring, you will board small local boats directly from the ship.
First, you will cruise along the coast to discover Ilulissat and its coloured houses, and then get to the open-sea to reach the ice fjord, the Isfjord. The small boats will slide on the calm waters of the Disko Bay, by clearing its way between the small ice packs.
You will perhaps see the boats of some fishermen and seal hunters. Then, huge white masses with bluish glints and deep caverns will appear… icebergs! The vision is imposing and gripping!
At the end of this navigation among the ices, you will go back to your ship.
-
For this excursion and like everywhere else in Greenland, we recommend you wear comfortable shoes, a wind and waterproof jacket, a hat and sunglasses and to take a warm pullover and an insect repellent. Please be aware that this excursion is submitted to weather and ice conditions.
Included
According to availability, price per passenger.