From Scotland To Spitsbergen

HIGHLIGHTS

• Discover four archipelagos on the same cruise: the Hebrides, Shetland Islands, Lofoten Islands, Svalbard archipelago.
• During this cruise, enjoy carefully designed activities: among them, included excursions* led by local guides who are experts in the destination, as well as activities accompanied by your naturalist guides.
• In the Shetland Islands, discovering Viking heritage and culture with the port of call on the island of Mousa.
• Cross the Arctic Circle.
• Landscape: fjords, vertiginous cliffs, ice floes, jagged mountains, icebergs, ice caps, steep-sided valleys, sheer cliffs, huge glaciers.
• Wildlife: Minke whale, Arctic foxes, Svalbard reindeer, Arctic terns, seals, walruses and the possibility of seeing polar bears.

*Pre-bookings open around two months before the start of the cruise; requests are processed on a first-come first-served basis, subject to availability.
The activities mentioned are given as examples, the programme of activities will be fine-tuned as the departure of your cruise approaches and will be available on the website.

ITINERARY

25 May 2025 - Glasgow, Scotland
Embarkation 25/05/2025 from 16:00 to 17:00
Departure 25/05/2025 at 18:00

In the heart of the Clyde Valley, the bustling city of Glasgow contrasts starkly with the wild beauty of the surrounding countryside. Scotland's biggest city overflows with landmarks from its extensive artistic heritage and outstanding architectural tradition. The city's chequerboard layout makes walking through the major pedestrian thoroughfares easy: go with the flow and let the lively street atmosphere take you past the many Victorian monuments. Don't miss the collections on display in the numerous museums and art galleries. The Kelvingrove Art Gallery and Museum is an outstanding example.

26 May 2025 - Iona, Hebrides

Of all the islands in the Inner Hebrides, Iona is by far the most conducive to contemplation and meditation. And for good reason... it is here that St Columba landed from Ireland in 563 and undertook to establish Christianity in Scotland. Now an abbey, the island?s true spiritual centre stands where the ancient monastery founded by the Irish missionary was built. Many kings of Scotland, including the legendary Macbeth, are buried in the nearby cemetery. In sunny weather, arriving on the Isle of Iona is a stunningly beautiful experience.

27 May 2025 - Callanish, Outer Hebrides

In Scotland’s Outer Hebrides, on the legendary Isle of Lewis, Callanish dazzles and surprises, fascinates and questions. On the eastern coast of the island, where land and sea rub shoulders and clash in the tumult of wild nature, discover the Callanish Stones megalithic site. No fewer than 51 stones stand in the middle of the peat fields. Deliberately arranged about 5,000 years ago, they are a mysterious testimony to the Stone Age. There are many theories as to the purpose of these stones - a place of worship, a lunar calendar, an astronomic observatory or a healing centre - but they remain an enigma. The singular atmosphere of this site lends itself to all sorts of interpretations, to all sorts of dreams and musings.

1 available excursion to this stopover SEE OPTIONAL ACTIVITIES

28 May 2025 - Mousa Broch, Shetland Islands

A conical dry stone tower dating back to the end of the Iron Age, the Broch of Mousa is one of the many buildings constructed in the Highlands and in the Hebrides, Orkney and Shetlands archipelagos to fend off invaders. Constructed circa 100 BC, it is the tallest broch still standing, at 13 metres (almost 43 feet), and the best-preserved in Europe. Its excellent state of perservation can be explained among other factors by its isolated location and its massive construction: it has a single entrance passage and thick walls, with a diametre that is smaller than that of other brochs. The building was used over the centuries and is mentioned in the Norse sagas, Egil's Saga and the Orkneyinga Saga.

29 May 2025  30 May 2025 - At sea

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.

31 May 2025 - Bronnoysund

Nestling on the Torget peninsula a short distance from the Arctic Circle, not far from the mythical Torghatten granite dome, Bronnoysund invites you on an unforgettable journey into the heart of wild nature, between chains of rocky, green and snow-covered islets. The port of call in this former Viking city will also be an opportunity to discover the Vega archipelago, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Its 6,500 or so islands will offer you indelible moments in this natural setting, where time seems to stand still. Surrounded by high mountains that drop sharply into the Norwegian Sea, these insular natural sanctuaries are home to many species of seabirds, like the common eider.

2 available excursions to this stopover SEE OPTIONAL ACTIVITIES

1 June 2025 - Reine, Lofoten

Way beyond the Arctic Circle, Lofoten Islands are truly considered to be in “another world”. A jewel of nature in its most pristine state, this archipelago with its jagged coastline offers you majestic settings of high alpine summits, sandy beaches, green prairies and fjords of a deep blue, where countless bird colonies make their nests. Whether you visit Å, or Nusjford, listed by UNESCO, enjoy authentic and memorable moments.

1 June 2025 - Sailing in Trollfjorden

According to legend, trolls were the guardians of this 2-km long fjord accessible via the Raftsund Strait, between the Vesterålen Archipelago and the Lofoten Islands. Dominated on both sides by vertical rock faces that stand up to 1,000 metres high in parts, Trollfjorden welcomes you in a magical atmosphere which its narrowness helps to create. During this unforgettable journey, you will indeed have the impression that you’re grazing the surrounding mountains and that you’ll never see the end of this marine cul-de-sac. After a delicate U-turn, your ship will finally head back in the opposite direction: this will perhaps be the opportunity to observe, for want of trolls, seals and eagles, which are often present in this site, unique on earth.

2 June 2025 - Tromso

In the north of the Arctic circle you’ll discover Tromsø, a secluded town located in the county of Troms. Norwegians call it the “Paris of the north”. You’ll soon see why when you discover its extensive neoclassical architectural heritage. A stunning example is the Arctic cathedral, a major monument whose stylistic purity echoes the outline of the mountains surrounding the town.

1 available excursion to this stopover SEE OPTIONAL ACTIVITIES

3 June 2025 - Sailing along Bjornoya (Bear Island)

Halfway between Norway and Spitsbergen, you will sail not far from the coastlines of Bjørnøya, the southernmost island of Svalbard. From your ship, observe this isolated piece of land discovered in 1596 by the Dutch navigator Willem Barents, then looking for the Northwest Passage. Following a tough fight between a polar bear and the members of the expedition, he dubbed the place Bear Island. Regularly covered by a thick layer of fog, Bjørnøya shelters a meteorological station built in 1923, which is still in operation. Declared a nature reserve in 2002, the island is above all home to an enormous colony of sea birds: skuas, guillemots, puffins, Tridactyl gulls, petrels, gulls and little auks all coexist here.

4 June 2025 - Isbukta, Spitsbergen

Nestling on the south-east point of the island of Spitsbergen, this small bay shelters an immense glacier, the Vasil’evbreen, whose front is more than 20 kilometres long. This is an opportunity for an unforgettable Zodiac® outing. If the conditions allow it, you will be able to land directly at the foot of this majestic glacier, so as to discover the moraine and walk on the first section of the glacier. Depending on the ice conditions, you will also perhaps be lucky enough to approch Stellingfjellet, home to one of the largest guillemot colonies on the archipelago.

5 June 2025 - Hornsund

Nestling between millennial glaciers and carved mountains, and considered to be “the crown of Arctic Norway”, Spitsbergen is a place that never sees the night. Your ship will take you closer to this fascinating archipelago and, more particularly, the Hornsund fjord. Considered to be Svalbard’s southernmost fjord, it is especially reputed to be its most stunning: at the end of its vast bay, 8 great glaciers slowly make their way down to the sea before giving way to the many icebergs elegantly drifting along its cold and mysterious waters.

6 June 2025 - Bellsund, Spitsbergen

You will head to the Bellsund fjord to follow in the footsteps of the first explorers who came from the Norwegian coast, or those of the many fur traders seeking game and trophies. Boasting an astonishingly rich wildlife, the arms of the fjord separate to form two lush valleys. Give free rein to your imagination in the heart of this majestic natural environment where time seems to stand still.

7 June 2025 - Longyearbyen, Spitsbergen
Arrival 07/06/2025
Disembarkation 07/06/2025 at 08:00

Longyearbyen is the capital of the Norwegian Svalbard archipelago, located on Svalbard’s main island, and is the northernmost territorial capital on the planet. With winter temperatures dropping to below 40°C, the landscapes of this mining town are simply breathtaking. The glaciers, the mountains stretching as far as the eye can see and the untouched nature, make you feel like you’re in completely unexplored territory.

WHAT'S INCLUDED

For your serenity, PONANT selects a flight and organises the transfer between the port and the airport. This package is included in your cruise fare.

Disembarkation Day - Longyearbyen/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 Longyearbyen/Paris selected by PONANT.
• Flight Longyearbyen/Paris selected by PONANT.
• Approximate flight duration: 4 h 30.
• We highly recommend you stay one night in Paris after this flight.

This programme includes

• Flight Longyearbyen/Paris selected by PONANT in economy class.
• Transfer as mentioned in the programme.
• English-speaking assistance.

This programme does not include

• Personal expenses.
• Any other service not mentioned in the programme.

Please note

• Due to limited local transportation resources, waiting might be generated.
• Flight included in the programme is as of today, operated in economy class, on a European airline.
• For passengers in transit in Paris, we recommend staying one night in Paris after this flight.
• 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.

27 May 2025 - Callanish standing stones
INCLUDED
1h30

Callanish standing stones
Walk among the megaliths at one of Scotland’s most magnificent and best-preserved Neolithic monuments. The Calanais Standing Stones are a remarkable cross-shaped grouping of stones that were constructed 5,000 years ago. They predate England's famed Stonehenge monument by at least 2,000 years and were major sites for ceremonial activity for at least 2,000 years.
We don't know why the standing stones at Calanais were built, but the best assumption is that they were used as an astronomical observatory.
Enjoy a visit to the Stones with your knowledgeable guide, which is in walking distance from the tender pier.

• This excursion involves walking approximately 1h30 on uneven paved ground and grassy pathways. We recommend you wear comfortable walking shoes and layered clothing. Bring water et a wind-proof and water-proof jacket. Please note the Visitor Centre is currently closed for redevelopment until 2025 - the Standing Stones are still accessible but there will be no toilets onsite.

Subject to availability, rate per passenger.
Ponant/ Paul Gauguin cruises: Excursions will be available to book approximately 2 months up to 7 days prior to departure through your travel advisor or by calling your cruise specialist.
Smithsonian cruises: Excursions will be available to book approximately 4 months prior to departure through your Guest Services Specialist. Excursions are subject to availability on a first-come, first-serve basis.

31 May 2025 - Charm of Bronnoysund
INCLUDED
2h00

Charm of Bronnoysund
After a short transfer to the city center, meet your local guide and start your exploration of Bronnoysund. Learn more about the town history.
During your walking tour, stop at he main office of the Trollfjell UNESCO Geopark where you can find rocks from the whole region. Here you will get an insight into the huge variety in the geology of this part of Norway. Discover also the Brønnøy Husflidslaget location, where locals meet every week to explore old handcraft.
Your walk will end at Brønnøy Church, called Sørbyen, where your guide will share stories about Bronnoysund history before a charming short local concert.

• This excursion involves walking approximately 2,5 km on mostly flat ground. We recommend you wear comfortable shoes. This tour is conducted in English only. This excursion is limited to 40 participants.

Subject to availability, rate per passenger.
Ponant/ Paul Gauguin cruises: Excursions will be available to book approximately 2 months up to 7 days prior to departure through your travel advisor or by calling your cruise specialist.
Smithsonian cruises: Excursions will be available to book approximately 4 months prior to departure through your Guest Services Specialist. Excursions are subject to availability on a first-come, first-serve basis.

Explore Velfjord
INCLUDED
3h00

Explore Velfjord
From the pier, board your local coach to discover the idyllic place called Velfjorden. The area consisting of a few but ourishing rural communities, seven fjords and blue landscapes. During your ride, your guide will share old stories, tails and information about today’s modern life in Velfjorden.
On your way, stop to embark a local representative and pass through the local marble quarry. Learn more about this quarry and its history. Afterwards, reach the open-air museum in Hommelsto Velfjord where you will discover a traditional Norwegian recreational cabin – a Hytte. Visit this authentic cabin with your guide and enjoy the beautiful scenery. Then, taste the local char, the most tasteful of the salmon family, produced with water from a mountain lake before returning to your coach.
On your way back to the pier, stop at the oldest wooden church in Northern Norway, the Nøstvik Kirke.

• This excursion involves walking on uneven ground. We recommend you wear comfortable shoes. This tour is conducted in English only. This excursion is limited to 60 participants.

Subject to availability, rate per passenger.
Ponant/ Paul Gauguin cruises: Excursions will be available to book approximately 2 months up to 7 days prior to departure through your travel advisor or by calling your cruise specialist.
Smithsonian cruises: Excursions will be available to book approximately 4 months prior to departure through your Guest Services Specialist. Excursions are subject to availability on a first-come, first-serve basis.

2 June 2025 - Tromso, Arctic capital
INCLUDED
3h30

Tromsø, the capital of the North is located on Troms, an island covered with forests. It is also called "the gateway to the Arctic", since it used to be the headquarter of seal and walrus hunters, and the starting point for several Arctic expeditions.
From the pier, board your coach for a tour of this charming city and proceed to the Science Centre of Northern Norway. Here, you will sit and lean back in the comfortable chairs of the planetarium to watch the beautiful film "Experience the Aurora". During the 25-minute show, you will learn everything about the illusive Northern Lights with most of the footage shot in the Tromsø region.
After the visit, depart to the Polar Museum. The museum is located in the old Custom House. It is closely linked with the Arctic Association which aims to preserve records from bygone times, when Tromsø was a major base for hunting and expeditions on a larger scale. The museum also shows a great part of the equipment, skis, tents etc. that the explorer Roald Amundsen used on his South Pole expedition.
Next, re-board your coach and drive to the Arctic Cathedral passing the famous Tromsø Bridge. The ultra-modern architecture of the cathedral symbolizes the immense strength of the ice pack in the Arctic Ocean. The interior is dominated by the beautiful stained glass-window covering the eastern wall, picturing "The Return of Christ". After the visit to the church, head back to the pier.

• This excursion includes some walking on flat ground, and some steps at the museum and the cathedral. We recommend you to wear comfortable walking shoes and to dress in layers. Arctic cathedral may be closed to visitors due to ecumenical services.

Subject to availability, rate per passenger.
Ponant/ Paul Gauguin cruises: Excursions will be available to book approximately 2 months up to 7 days prior to departure through your travel advisor or by calling your cruise specialist.
Smithsonian cruises: Excursions will be available to book approximately 4 months prior to departure through your Guest Services Specialist. Excursions are subject to availability on a first-come, first-serve basis.