Adventure in Greenland

Longyearbyen - Kangerlussuaq

Greenland, Svalbard, Iceland
July
14 Nights

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Cruise Overview

Embark on a remarkable journey along the unexplored shores of Greenland's eastern coast in partnership with Le Cercle Polaire and as part of the Women at the Poles initiative, featuring guest Laurent Mayet.

This 15-day expedition cruise invites you to follow in the footsteps of the great explorers who expanded the boundaries of polar navigation from the 19th century onwards. Departing from Longyearbyen in Spitsbergen, your adventure begins with a voyage to Jan Mayen Island, a location beloved by Captain Jean-Baptiste Charcot. This isolated, uninhabited volcanic island, located at the junction of the Arctic and North Atlantic oceans, was once a hub for whale hunting and is now home to extensive bird colonies.

Next, set your course for Iceland, where you'll discover the charming village of Isafjรถrรฐur, nestled in the heart of the north-western fjords. This wild region is characterized by its lost valleys and towering cliffs.

Your journey continues to Greenland, renowned for its untamed natural landscapes, alpine scenery, and majestic fjords. In this land of legends and historic polar explorations, you'll trace the paths of some of the great figures who ventured beyond the known world.

Experience the narrow Prince Christian Sound, a stunning waterway connecting southeastern and southwestern Greenland. This landscape of jagged mountain peaks, rocky cliffs, waterfalls, and floating ice is a playground for colonies of bearded seals.

As you sail up the west coast of Greenland, you'll encounter the breathtaking Tasermiut and Ikka fjords and the blue-tinged icebergs of Narsaq. In the Qaqortoq region, you'll find the site where Erik the Red established Greenlandโ€™s first European settlement.

Your unforgettable cruise concludes in Kangerlussuaq, marking the end of an extraordinary Arctic adventure.

Adventure in Greenland cruise map

Cruise Highlights

Cruise Highlights

  • Voyage to Jan Mayen Island: Explore the isolated and uninhabited volcanic island, home to large bird colonies and historically significant as a whale hunting center.
  • Visit to Isafjรถrรฐur, Iceland: Discover this charming village in the heart of Iceland's north-western fjords, known for its wild landscapes, lost valleys, and towering cliffs.
  • Exploration of Greenland's Alpine Landscapes and Fjords: Traverse the majestic fjords and alpine scenery of Greenland, following the paths of historic polar explorers.
  • Sailing through Prince Christian Sound: Experience the stunning waterway with its jagged peaks, rocky cliffs, waterfalls, and floating ice, and observe colonies of bearded seals.
  • Tasermiut and Ikka Fjords: Admire the breathtaking beauty of these fjords on Greenland's west coast, known for their dramatic landscapes and blue-tinged icebergs.
  • Historical Exploration in Qaqortoq: Visit the region where Erik the Red established Greenlandโ€™s first European settlement, adding a historical dimension to the adventure.

Itinerary

Itinerary

Embark on a unique adventure to discover the coast of Greenland

Longyearbyen
Day 1

Longyearbyen

Longyearbyen is the capital of Norway's Svalbard archipelago and it is located on the main island. It is considered the northernmost territorial capital on Earth. Despite harsh winter temperatures that can drop below -40ยฐC, the scenery of this mining town is awe-inspiring. The glaciers glisten, the mountains sprawl endlessly, and the untouched wilderness surrounds you, making you feel like you're exploring uncharted realms.

Embarkation: from 16:00 to 17:00

Hornsund in Svalbard on an expedition cruise with PONANT
Day 2

Gnรฅlodden & Hornsund

The Gnรฅlodden Cliff rises to over 700 meters and hosts thousands of seabirds, including tridactyl gulls, northern fulmars, and thick-billed murres. This "bird cliff" is especially vibrant during the nesting season, creating a lively and noisy spectacle. The area is also a habitat for polar bears and Arctic foxes, making it a prime location for wildlife enthusiasts. At the base of the cliff, the rich vegetation blankets the wild tundra with a lush carpet of moss. While exploring, visitors can also see a historic hunterโ€™s cabin, which served as a satellite station in the 1930s.

Hornsund, a fjord located on the southwestern coast of the island of Spitsbergen in the Svalbard archipelago, is a haven of pristine Arctic beauty. As one of the largest fjord systems in Svalbard, Hornsund stretches over 30 miles inland, flanked by towering cliffs and dramatic peaks rising abruptly from the icy waters below.

Le Boreal spa
Day

At Sea

While at sea, take advantage of the numerous services and activities available on board. Indulge in some relaxation at the spa or maintain your fitness routine in the gym. Depending on the weather, you might enjoy a dip in the pool or some sunbathing. This port-free journey also offers the chance to attend engaging conferences or enjoy entertaining shows, shop in the boutique, or visit the dedicated space for photographers. For those who love the ocean, the shipโ€™s upper deck provides a perfect vantage point to admire the waves and possibly spot marine wildlife. This journey promises a delightful mix of comfort, relaxation, and entertainment.

guillemots in the Arctic near the North pole
Day 4

Jan Mayen

Jan Mayen is a remote volcanic island located in the Arctic Ocean, straddling the boundary between the Arctic and North Atlantic Oceans. This isolated landmass is largely uninhabited and is known for its dramatic, rugged landscape dominated by the towering Beerenberg volcano, which is the northernmost active volcano on Earth, reaching a height of 2,277 meters (7,470 feet). The island's terrain features steep cliffs, rocky shores, and glaciers that descend from the volcano, creating a striking and wild environment.

Le Boreal Ponant Bar
Day 5

At Sea

While at sea, take advantage of the numerous services and activities available on board. Indulge in some relaxation at the spa or maintain your fitness routine in the gym. Depending on the weather, you might enjoy a dip in the pool or some sunbathing. This port-free journey also offers the chance to attend engaging conferences or enjoy entertaining shows, shop in the boutique, or visit the dedicated space for photographers. For those who love the ocean, the shipโ€™s upper deck provides a perfect vantage point to admire the waves and possibly spot marine wildlife. This journey promises a delightful mix of comfort, relaxation, and entertainment.

Birds in East Greenland Icebreaker cruise PONANT
Day 6

รsafjรถrรฐur

รsafjรถrรฐur serves as a gateway to some of the most spectacular natural attractions in the Westfjords. The nearby Hornstrandir Nature Reserve is a remote and unspoiled wilderness area, perfect for hiking, wildlife watching, and experiencing Iceland's rugged beauty. The region is also known for its dramatic fjords, steep cliffs, and abundant birdlife, making it a paradise for nature enthusiasts and photographers.

Le Boreal Reception
Day 7

At Sea

While at sea, take advantage of the numerous services and activities available on board. Indulge in some relaxation at the spa or maintain your fitness routine in the gym. Depending on the weather, you might enjoy a dip in the pool or some sunbathing. This port-free journey also offers the chance to attend engaging conferences or enjoy entertaining shows, shop in the boutique, or visit the dedicated space for photographers. For those who love the ocean, the shipโ€™s upper deck provides a perfect vantage point to admire the waves and possibly spot marine wildlife. This journey promises a delightful mix of comfort, relaxation, and entertainment.

Prins Christian Sund Greenland Ponant
Day 8

Prins Christian Sund

As you approach the Prins Christian Sund, a majestic steep-sided fjord meandering across approximately one hundred kilometres between Greenland's southeast and southwest, you will be amazed at the natural splendour. Surrender to the allure of the raw beauty found in these distinctive landscapes, featuring rugged cliffs and cascading waterfalls nourished by the expansive ice sheet, gracefully descending into the frigid waters. This region is a favoured spot for bearded seals basking on floating ice, absorbing the warmth of the sunshine.

Your ship will journey to the magnificent Kujalleq Glacier. This stunning glacier, with its icy expanse, sends small icebergs and occasional growlers drifting before it. Growlers, the smaller fragments of icebergs, can be either white or, intriguingly, blue-green. Birds will accompany your passage, while bearded seals lounge on the granite rocks, observing from a distance. The juxtaposition of these rocks with the surrounding ice creates an enchanting landscape, drawing you into the heart of the polar world.

Day 9

Tasermiut

Tasermiut Fjord, an extraordinary natural gem at the southern end of Greenland, spans 70 kilometers. Often ice-bound for much of the year, the fjord cuts through the untouched tundra, revealing stunning hidden valleys and a variety of wildlife. Towering granite cliffs add to the dramatic scenery. The reflections of these mountains in the fjord's icy blue waters create a mesmerizing landscape, making this region a spectacular area to explore.

Qaqortoq
Day 10

Qaqortoq & Igaliku

As you follow the currents of the Davis Strait, you will arrive at Qaqortoq, the largest town in southern Greenland. Nestled in a rocky landscape, Qaqortoq is blanketed in pristine white during winter and transforms into lush green in summer. Upon entering the fjord that borders the town, youโ€™ll see the charming, brightly-colored houses scattered across the hillsides surrounding this picturesque fishing port, the southernmost in Greenland. Take the opportunity to stroll through the town center, where Danish influences are evident in the numerous historical buildings and landmarks. Among these is the countryโ€™s oldest fountain, adorned with whale sculptures. Nearby, you can explore the open-air fish market, where local fishermen sell their fresh catches of the day.

Nestled along a stunning, winding fjord, the small village of Igaliku stands out for its historical significance as the episcopal seat during the Viking era. In 1126, a red sandstone cathedral dedicated to Saint Nicholas was constructed here. The ruins of this cathedral, unearthed in 1926, also revealed traces of an older pagan sanctuary. Today, a small museum housed in the church showcases the village's origins, which began when a Danish farmer and his Greenlandic wife settled there in 1782. Igaliku serves as a gateway for hikes to scenic waterfalls, Erikโ€™s Fjord, and the Narsarsuaq plateau, offering breathtaking views of majestic icebergs and the Qooroq glacier.

Igaliku
Day 11

Narsaq

After navigating through the Kangerlluarssuk fjord, you will arrive in the picturesque town of Narsaq. The sight of surrounding icebergs, with their varying shapes and shifting colors, will leave you in awe. Enveloped by lush mountains, Narsaq epitomizes the beauty of Greenland. Known for its sheep farming, a rarity in Greenland, the town benefits from the fertile grassy plains to its northโ€”a tradition passed down from Viking settlers. The vibrant facades of the multicolored houses contrast beautifully with the blue hues of the glaciers. Dive into Narsaq's Scandinavian history by visiting the local museum, offering a unique glimpse into the town's rich past.

whales by an iceberg in Greenland
Day 12

Ikka Fjord

As you sail through the awe-inspiring Ikka Fjord in southwest Greenland, you'll encounter over 10,000 years of underwater geology. Rising from the seabed are mysterious columns up to 20 meters high, formed millennia ago and composed of ikaite, the mineral that gives the fjord its name. This truly magical scene unfolds as you glide over calm, clear waters surrounded by breathtaking mountains in Greenland's vast, untamed wilderness.

Le Boreal Ponant
Day 13

At Sea

While at sea, take advantage of the numerous services and activities available on board. Indulge in some relaxation at the spa or maintain your fitness routine in the gym. Depending on the weather, you might enjoy a dip in the pool or some sunbathing. This port-free journey also offers the chance to attend engaging conferences or enjoy entertaining shows, shop in the boutique, or visit the dedicated space for photographers. For those who love the ocean, the shipโ€™s upper deck provides a perfect vantage point to admire the waves and possibly spot marine wildlife. This journey promises a delightful mix of comfort, relaxation, and entertainment.

Prince Christian Sound
Day 14

Evighedsfjorden

As your ship gently navigates towards the west coast of Greenland, it enters the majestic Evighedsfjorden, located just a few kilometers south of Kangerlussuaq. Known as "the fjord of Eternity," this name is well-deserved. Stretching over 100 kilometers, it appears endless, offering a continuous feast for the eyes. The breathtaking landscape transitions from towering glaciers to lush tundra with diverse flora, and jagged cliffs that host numerous bird species. Take the time to observe the majestic white-tailed eagles and the flocks of seagulls and black-legged kittiwakes soaring overhead.

Svalbard Reindeer
Day 15

Kangerlussuaqย 

From 1941 to 1992, the town of Kangerlussuaq in Greenland hosted an American military base. Today, it serves as a vital transit point for adventurers thanks to its international airport. Situated north of the Arctic Circle, Kangerlussuaq is a gateway to remarkable natural wonders. Just a short distance away lies the Greenland ice sheet, the largest ice mass in the Northern Hemisphere. From this town, you can also marvel at the stunning tundra landscapes, especially vibrant with autumnal colors, where you might spot Arctic hares, musk oxen, Arctic foxes, reindeer, falcons, and eagles.

Activities

Activities

Zodiac Cruising

Zodiac cruising on a North Pole holiday

Join us on daily adventures with our fleet of Zodiacs, expertly piloted by polar guides who will take you to the heart of stunning natural landscapes and wildlife. Enjoy the excitement of shore landings on secluded beaches and cruises through icy waters to explore intriguing sites. Every day promises new adventures and unforgettable encounters with the wild while experiencing the comfort and thrill of our Zodiacs.

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Your Ship

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