North West Passage with Ponant

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.

Located a few kilometres away from the Arctic Circle, the Nooralaq peninsula features raw and untamed beauty. Nature reigns supreme here, with the tundra stretching as far as the eye can see, decked out in various forms of flora and inhabited by Greenland’s emblematic fauna — snow buntings, common ravens, reindeer, musk oxen, and the discreet Arctic fox. The heights of Nooralaq afford sublime panoramas over the Itteleq fjord, whose water reflects the moving skies of the Far North.

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.

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.

In northern Canada, on Baffin Island, at the entrance to the legendary Northwest Passage, lies a small Inuit hamlet where the first inhabitants settled around 4,000 years ago, giving it the name Mittimatalik. Today, the community is home to approximately 1,500 residents, many of whom still work as trappers and hunters, maintaining a way of life that remains closely connected to the surrounding wildlife. What sets the people of Pond Inlet apart is not so much their daily life as their extraordinary natural environment, nestled within these far northern latitudes. To reach this remote outpost, you will cross Baffin Bay from Greenland to Canada, with Pond Inlet serving as the administrative port of entry where immigration and customs formalities will be completed.

Located off the eastern coast of Devon Island, in Nunavut, Philpots Island is an ideal stop for admiring the raw beauty of the Canadian High Arctic. In this remote place, the retreat of the glaciers has given way to small beaches alternating with majestic ice fronts, which you may see from the inflatable dinghies if conditions allow. The site is also a refuge for polar bears, which you may spot in the distance, while drifting icebergs provide resting places for seals and birds.

Located in Baffin Bay, Devon Island is part of the Canadian Arctic Archipelago. Robert Bylot and William Baffin were the first Europeans to sight Devon Island in 1616 but it would only be mapped two centuries later by the British sailor William E. Parry, who named it after the eponymous English region. Around 1920, the Hudson’s Bay Company set up a fur-trading outpost there, until the departure of the Inuits in 1936. A new attempt to populate it was made at the beginning of the 1950s. Only a few buildings in ruins, vestiges of that time, remain today. In the heart of these Far North landscapes, keep your eyes peeled for the Arctic wildlife that populates these shores, including the Lord of the Kingdom, the polar bear, that you may be lucky enough to spot.

The Canadian Arctic Circle is home to one of the planet’s best preserved natural sanctuaries: Somerset Island. This immaculate northern desert is renowned for its phenomenal landscapes, its midnight sun and its huge tundra, where musk oxen roam. Covering 24,786 square kilometres (15,400 square miles), it is the Arctic archipelago’s ninth-largest island. Vegetation is rare except in some hollows and lowlands, where Peary caribou are common.

A key stage in the North West Passage, the Bellot Strait, crossed by strong currents, promises you an unforgettable sailing experience. The entrance to the strait is dominated by the Ross Cairn. The buildings of Fort Ross also stand not far from here. Separating Somerset Island from the Boothia Peninsula, this 2-km-wide strait was discovered in 1852 by Captain William Kennedy of the Royal Navy, and the Frenchman Joseph-René Bellot, during an expedition in search of Sir John Franklin. Discover a magnificent décor covered in snow, fragmented by large ice floes. As you sail between them, your ship will perhaps be accompanied by a few polar bears.

Nestling in the wild reaches of the Canadian Arctic, Prince of Wales Island, in Canada’s Nunavut, offers a gateway to untamed nature of striking beauty. Looking out over the Arctic tundra, with its permafrost and low-lying mosses, surrender to the majesty of these vast open spaces and keep a watchful eye. In this boundless wilderness, life can appear where it is least expected. Polar bears, Arctic foxes, walruses, seals, belugas and a multitude of migratory birds, such as snowy owls, Arctic terns and eiders, inhabit this harsh yet fascinating territory.

Prescott Island is located between Somerset Island and Prince of Wales Island, in the heart of Peel Sound, and its shorelines provide a perfect playground for belugas. However, the opportunity to observe and listen to these “sea canaries” is not the only reason to scan the horizon: here, between the icebergs and the dramatic landscapes, you may also be able to spot polar bears, as well as summon up memories of Sir John Franklin, who was the first to cross Peel Sound in 1846 during his expedition in search of the Northwest Passage, followed in 1903 by Roald Amundsen, who was the first to find a route through that passage!

Between Devon Island and Baffin Island, in the Canadian territory of Nunavut, Lancaster Sound forms part of the Northwest Passage, a shipping route crossing the Canadian Arctic Archipelago, along the northern coast of North America. Coveted for almost 300 years, it saw several expeditions including the fatal one led by John Franklin, seen for the last time near Lancaster Sound in August 1845. Many colonies of cetaceans, polar bears and seabirds have taken up residence in or near these nourishing waters at the confluence of the currents. Situated in Inuit territory, the Sound is the subject of plans to create a marine conservation area intended to protect this rich ecosystem and its inhabitants.

Beechey Island, at the eastern end of Resolute Bay, will call to mind some of the most important moments of Franklin’s expedition. Sir John set off in 1845 in search of the mythical Northwest Passage and was forced to take shelter in Erebus Harbour for two long years, while he waited for the ice floes to recede and allow him a way through. It is a spectacular location; seeing the three wooden grave markers, bleached by the sun (indicating the burial places of at least three of Captain Franklin’s men) and visiting the memorial that has been erected in memory of Franklin and his men can only reinforce the hushed sense of reverence. If the surrounding wilderness impresses you, the ochre and yellows of the rocky desert soften the landscape.

Located in Baffin Bay, Devon Island is part of the Canadian Arctic Archipelago. Robert Bylot and William Baffin were the first Europeans to sight Devon Island in 1616 but it would only be mapped two centuries later by the British sailor William E. Parry, who named it after the eponymous English region. Around 1920, the Hudson’s Bay Company set up a fur-trading outpost there, until the departure of the Inuits in 1936. A new attempt to populate it was made at the beginning of the 1950s. Only a few buildings in ruins, vestiges of that time, remain today. In the heart of these Far North landscapes, keep your eyes peeled for the Arctic wildlife that populates these shores, including the Lord of the Kingdom, the polar bear, that you may be lucky enough to spot.

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.

Nestled at the heart of a silent fjord, the small bay of Svartenhavn opens onto a wild Arctic landscape where rocky hills dotted with tundra meet calm waters. As you walk across this unspoilt land, you will be captivated by its treasures: a historic hut dating from 1920 and a wide array of wildlife, with the area providing a potential refuge for many species, including wild geese, eider ducks, musk oxen and Arctic foxes.

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.

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.

When Erik Le Rouge, the exiled Norse chief, landed on the coast of Nuuk, he found a fertile and welcoming land dotted with fjords. He settled there with a group of his former countrymen, and the Norse remained the principal inhabitants until, over a period of 500 years, their population declined and gave way to the Inuit. Nuuk is situated at the mouth of one of the largest networks of fjords in the world, where the waters never freeze. The town spreads gently out towards the Davis Strait and enjoys an historic center that is particularly rich in national heritage. The vivid reds, blues, greens and yellows of the houses are a lively contrast to the somber waters of Greenland and serve to lift the spirits of the locals during the Winter months.

Innovative design, warm atmosphere. Since 2011, L’Austral has been sailing the oceans with distinction.

Refined and elegant furnishings
Open to the horizon
Celebrating the treasures of nature

Responsible exploration: “At the time of their creation, the latest innovations were deployed on board this ship. Since then, PONANT has been regularly improving L’Austral’s environmental performance.” – Wassim Daoud, Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) and Sustainable Development Manager

264 maximum guests
132 staterooms and suites
145 crew members
In service since 2011

From polar worlds to tropical beaches passing through the Aegean Sea or the Indian Ocean, L’Austral, Le Boréal, Le Soléal and Le Lyrial sail through the most beautiful seas of the globe.

Elegance and intimacy

Window or Porthole Stateroom
21 m² · up to 3 guests
Window (except stateroom 300: porthole)
One king-size bed (180 x 190 cm) or two single beds (90 x 190 cm)
Bathroom with shower

Lower deck balcony stateroom
18 m² · up to 2 guests
A private 43 ft² balcony
A porthole and glass door
One king-size bed (180 x 190 cm) or two single beds (90 x 190 cm)
Bathroom with shower

Upper decks balcony stateroom
18 m² · up to 2 guests
A private 43 ft² balcony
A sliding panoramic window
One king-size bed (180 x 190 cm) or two single beds (90 x 190 cm)
Bathroom with shower

Deluxe Suite
27 m² · up to 2 guests
A private 53 ft² balcony
Sliding panoramic window
An armchair and sofa
Butler service
Priority boarding (depending on port of embarkation)
Champagne and fruit on arrival, a fruit basket every day

Prestige Suite
37 m² · up to 4 guests
A private 86 ft² balcony
Two sliding panoramic windows
Two bathrooms with showers
One bedroom with king-size bed (180 x 190 cm) or two single beds (90 x 190 cm)
A living room with a convertible sofa into a king-size or two single beds, armchairs, second TV, and a courtesy sliding door
Butler service, priority boarding, champagne and fruit on arrival and a fruit basket every day (Prestige Suite deck 6)

Owner Suite
45 m² · up to 2 guests
A private 96 ft² balcony
A bathroom with shower and spa bath
A living-dining room with a sofa, armchair, TV, a table for four, and a courtesy sliding door
A one-hour treatment per person (for 2 people) in the wellness area, including body and facial treatments
Private return transfer
Included premium pass: access to a selection of premium spirits at the bar

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

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

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

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.

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.

In partnership with CARITA 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.

A day on board: awaken the senses.

Explore the ship: lounges, restaurants, corridors… Move around inside the ship with the guided virtual tour and find the perfect location for your stateroom or suite.

Explore L’Austral’s odyssey through its webcams, which reveal exceptional panoramas.

Included in all staterooms

Minibar
High-end beauty products
Bose Bluetooth speaker
Individually-controlled air conditioning
Nespresso coffee maker and boiler
Dressing room with shelves and closet
110V American / 220V European
Dressing table and hairdryer
Direct line telephone
24-hour room service
Electronic safe
Flat screen TV, international channels and videos on demand
Inclusive Wifi internet

145 crew members for up to 264 guests.

Teams of naturalists give conferences in the theatre.

Butler service in the Deluxe Suites, the Owner Suite and the Prestige Suites on deck 6.

Three ADA staterooms.

Priority boarding (depending on port of embarkation) for Deluxe Suites and the Prestige Suites on deck 6.

Private return transfer for Owner Suite guests.