The Northwest Passage, In The Wake Of Roald Amundsen

HIGHLIGHTS

• The eye and the advice of our photo ambassadors, a privileged opportunity to immortalise your trip with, in the programme: workshops, conferences and personalized advice to improve your photographic skills.
• The crossing of the Northwest Passage, a labyrinthine shipping route at the boundaries of the Far North, in the wake of the legendary explorer Roald Amundsen.
• Outings and shore visits in zodiac inflatables with a team of experienced naturalist guides.
• The possibility of meeting the Greenlandic and Canadian Inuit people to share a unique moment in Holman and Gjoa Haven.
• In the footsteps of the great polar explorers, the discovery of Amundsen’s wintering site in Gjoa Haven, right near the mythical shipwrecks of John Franklin’s HMS Erebus and HMS Terror.
• The discovery of the western coast of Greenland, bathed by Baffin Bay, and its traditional villages surrounded by icebergs, glaciers, tundra and sumptuous mountains.
• Disko Bay, listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, to see the Northern Hemisphere’s largest icebergs.
• Landscapes: ice pack, myriads of jagged islands, fjords, glaciers, mountain chains, monumental icebergs as you travel towards Greenland.
• Wildlife: Arctic foxes, sea birds, belugas, narwhals, bowhead whales, humpback whales, muskox, walruses and the possibility of seeing polar bears.

ITINERARY

31 AUGUST 2023 - KANGERLUSSUAQ

Embarkation 31/08/2023 from 16:00 to 17:00
Departure 31/08/2023 at 18:00

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.

1 SEPTEMBER 2023 - AT SEA

Arrival 01/09/2023
Departure 01/09/2023

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.

1 SEPTEMBER 2023 - SISIMIUT

Arrival 01/09/2023
Departure 01/09/2023

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.

2 SEPTEMBER 2023 - KITSISSUARSUIT (DOG'S ISLAND)

Arrival 02/09/2023
Departure 02/09/2023

The Dutch were the first to come and hunt whales on this island they called “isle of dogs” - Kitissuarsuit in Greenlandic. Indeed, when they arrived there in the summertime, the inhabitants had left the island, leaving behind their dogs, and moved to the neighbouring fjords for a season of fishing. Kitissuarsuit is considered to be the larder of the small town of Aasiaat, which is further away from the fishing areas, and the villagers still live self-sufficiently thanks to the marine resources, while trying to keep their age-old traditions alive.

3 SEPTEMBER 2023 - DISKO BAY

Arrival 03/09/2023
Departure 03/09/2023

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.

4 SEPTEMBER 2023 - QEQERTARSUAQ

Arrival 04/09/2023
Departure 04/09/2023

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 cruise exploring the natural wonders of Greenland, the potential encounters with wild fauna, such as the humpback whale, and the stunning basalt landscapes will be 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.

5 SEPTEMBER 2023 - PAUL-ÉMILE VICTOR BASE CAMP, EQI GLACIER

Arrival 05/09/2023
Departure 05/09/2023

"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.

6 SEPTEMBER 2023 - UPERNAVIK FJORD

Arrival 06/09/2023
Departure 06/09/2023

The glacier that calves in the majestic Upernavik Fjord is extremely active. You will sail between the gigantic icebergs drifting in this large bay, scattered with around 100 tiny islands, home to a number of marine mammals such as the beluga or the narwhal. The fjord, which has always been frequented by hunters, bears the name of a neighbouring village, which means “the region of spring”. It is in this dynamic area that PONANT is working to preserve Inuit culture and contributes to the transmission of artisanal know-how through its participation in the Upernavik Fablab, an innovation that combines tradition and modernity, respecting the pioneer spirit and adaptive capacities of the Inuit populations.

7 SEPTEMBER 2023 - KULLORSUAQ

Arrival 07/09/2023
Departure 07/09/2023

Well beyond the Arctic Circle, in the majestic landscapes of Greenland’s Northwest, you will find the village of Kullorsuaq, the last bastion of Greenland’s traditional hunters. Here is where you will find Greenland’s true character… Vast mineral expanses, sumptuous mountains, impressive glaciers and, above all, the local population which still lives off fishing and seal or bear hunting. Hospitality and respect for nature are essential elements in the daily lives of these men, who live an austere life. When we drop anchor in this remote part of the world, set off to discover these friendly people who are also talented craftsmen, deftly sewing the furs and skins of marine mammals. This will be a unique and authentic experience.

8 SEPTEMBER 2023 - SAVISSIVIK

Arrival 08/09/2023
Departure 08/09/2023

Some places in this world are so magical that their beauty cannot be described in words… Savissivik, a small Inuit village with less than a hundred inhabitants, is one such place. Rightly considered to be the biggest iceberg graveyard in Greenland, it is a stunning sight to behold. During your zodiac outing, you will sail between these icy giants. Once on land, you can hike to a viewpoint from which to enjoy breathtaking views over these icebergs, which come in an incredibly diverse range of shapes and colours. Photographers will love it. Savissivik Bay attracts many bears and is also known for having been the home of one of the world’s biggest meteorites, but the latter has now been moved to a museum in New York.

9 SEPTEMBER 2023 - POND INLET, NUNAVUT

Arrival 09/09/2023
Departure 09/09/2023

On Baffin Island, located in northern Canada at the mouth of the famous NorthWest Passage, there is a small Inuit settlement at the very bounds of infinity. To get there, cross the Arctic Circle, the imaginary line that separates man from lands of mystery and wonder. It’s not so much the way of life that sets Pond Inlet’s inhabitants apart, so much as the setting. Snow-capped mountains, fjords and glaciers combine in a dazzling natural environment that fills space and expands time. Some discoveries change you forever: this is one of them.

10 SEPTEMBER 2023 - BEECHEY ISLAND, NUNAVUT

Arrival 10/09/2023
Departure 10/09/2023

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 us, the ochre and yellows of the rocky desert soften the landscape.

11 SEPTEMBER 2023 - FURY BEACH, NUNAVUT

Arrival 11/09/2023
Departure 11/09/2023

The ice floe gradually appears as you approach Somerset Island, in the heart of the North West Passage. In a zodiac dinghy, you will land on Fury Beach, a place with a rich history where the English explorer William Edward Parry ran aground in 1825. He left materials and supplies here in order to help the next expeditions that would pass by this site. During your hike around the majestic canyon of Fury Beach, you’ll be dazzled by the surprising landscape: the turquoise green water and sheer cliffs are reminiscent of the Grand Canyon or the High Atlas in Morocco. If fortune smiles on you, you will perhaps come across a family of polar bears roaming the enormous ice floes. A sublime hike; a sense of wonder is guaranteed.
12 SEPTEMBER 2023 - FORT ROSS, NUNAVUT

Arrival 12/09/2023
Departure 12/09/2023

Discover Fort Ross, the last trading post established by the Hudson's Bay Company. Constructed in 1937, it was used as a fur and whaling trading post at the same time. Fort Ross, located on a small island at the entrance to the Bellot Strait, is still home to this former store as well as the house for the manager and staff. The interior of these two buildings has been damaged over time and by the presence of polar bears. After a short walk towards the summits of the island, you will be able to enjoy a breathtaking panoramic view over the Bellot Strait and surrounding area.

12 SEPTEMBER 2023 - BELLOT STRAIT

Arrival 12/09/2023
Departure 12/09/2023

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.

13 SEPTEMBER 2023 - GJOA HAVEN, NUNAVUT

Arrival 13/09/2023
Departure 13/09/2023

Discovered by the Scottish explorer John Ross in 1830, King William Island was named in honour of the reigning British King. In September 1903, Captain Roald Amundsen was the first to drop anchor at Gjoa Haven, the only inhabited part of the island, where a few Inuit were the only sign of human life. The Norwegian sailor decided to overwinter here for two years, to attempt to find the location of the mysterious Magnetic North Pole. Roald Amundsen interacted with the local Inuit to learn how to survive in these extreme conditions and freezing temperatures. We invite you to discover this small hamlet in the Nunavut region, located just above the Arctic Circle. Do not miss this unique opportunity to discover these forgotten lands.

14 SEPTEMBER 2023 - AT SEA

Arrival 14/09/2023
Departure 14/09/2023

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.

15 SEPTEMBER 2023 - EDINBURGH ISLAND, NUNAVUT

Arrival 15/09/2023
Departure 15/09/2023

Fall under the charm of small and uninhabited Edinburgh Island, in Nunavut. Blueberries, crowberries, arctic willow, cranberries: vegetation rules the roost here, with no fewer than 19 types of dwarf shrubs, berries and flowers identified. In autumn, these species are adorned with shimmering colours that produce a magnificent picture. The tundra, dotted with red and yellow touches, competes in its beauty with the superb ochres of the sandy beaches and the dark tones of the surrounding cliffs. At the end of a walk towards the heights of the island, enjoy a superb panorama with a view over lakes, sea and basalt mountains. An enchanting place, frequented by caribous, peregrine falcons, reindeer, Arctic foxes and hares.

16 SEPTEMBER 2023 - HOLMAN (ULUKHAKTOK)

Arrival 16/09/2023
Departure 16/09/2023

Set off to meet the inhabitants of Holman for an unforgettable moment in the midst of a welcoming community. With some 500 inhabitants, this hamlet located on the west of Victoria Island has learned how best to adapt to an at-times harsh environment and a difficult climate. As you visit this village in the Canadian Far North, admire the prints and other objects created by the very rich local craftsmanship. Traditional singing and dancing are also part of the daily life of this commune, to the great delight of fans of Inuit culture. The village of Holman, also called Ulukhaktok, is one of those places in which you can share an authentic experience in a remote land.

17 SEPTEMBER 2023 - SMOKING HILLS

Arrival 17/09/2023
Departure 17/09/2023

In the far north of the Northwest Territories, nestling at the junction of the Amundsen Gulf, the Smoking Hill astonish, intrigue and captivate. Considered one of the most fascinating and mysterious phenomena on the planet, this geological paradise, where dozens of kilometres of smoke columns emanate from impressive cliffs coloured in ochre and crimson, will take you on a timeless journey. Spotted for the first time by the British navigator John Franklin during an exploration of the region in 1926, these smoking strata of hydrocarbons result from the chemical reaction between the oil shales and the lignite deposits, a mix of clay shale and pyrite that spontaneously ignites on contact with air, causing this unique natural phenomenon.

18 SEPTEMBER 2023 - JESSE HARBOUR

Arrival 18/09/2023
Departure 18/09/2023

In the glacial waters of the Beaufort Sea, on the eastern shores of Banks Island, Jesse Harbour is thought of as the end of the world, beyond the 72nd parallel north. The island is known for its large population of musk oxen, these behemoths covered in thick fur, perfectly adapted to the harsh Arctic climate. In these distant polar lands, the changing weather imposes its will. Conditions permitting, an outing and various hikes will provide an opportunity to get as close as possible to the abundant fauna that inhabits the ice floe and this far-flung world.

19 SEPTEMBER 2023 - FRANKLIN BAY

Arrival 19/09/2023
Departure 19/09/2023

This large bay, 48 km long and 40 km wide, is located in the Northwest Territories, in Canada. It was given its name in 1826 by the naturalist John Richardson, in honour of the British polar explorer Sir John Franklin. Franklin Bay always offers fine occasions to come across marine mammals. During your cruise here, you will also see the famous smoke column show at Smoking Hills, which are cliffs made of sulphur and lignite in beautiful yellow, ochre and brown colours.

20 SEPTEMBER 2023 - HERSCHEL ISLAND

Arrival 20/09/2023
Departure 20/09/2023

The Canadian Arctic Archipelago is composed of a myriad of islands and reveals landscapes you will only see at this far end of the world. Come and discover the small canadian island of Herschel, a frozen paradise located in the Beaufort Sea, within the Ivvavik National Park. During an expedition in 1826, Sir John Franklin was the first european to lay eyes on these unique places and their inhabitants, the Inuvialuit, the nordic cousins of the Inuit. It was during this trip that he named the island after one of his friends, John Herschel, a brilliant british astronomer and scientist. Herschel Island is a landmark in the West Arctic and has since served alternately as a whaling station, a relay station and a refuge for travellers.

21 SEPTEMBER 2023  23 SEPTEMBER 2023 - SAILING IN BEAUFORT SEA

Arrival 21/09/2023
Departure 23/09/2023

Delimited by the entrance to the Northwest Passage and the Amundsen Gulf to the east and by Canada’s Yukon and Northwest Territories to the west, the Beaufort Sea makes up part of the – almost – inaccessible Arctic Ocean. Due to its extreme weather conditions, it was not explored until 1914, by the Canadian explorer Vilhjalmur Stefansson. However, it was named after Francis Beaufort, a British admiral and hydrographer. You will sail on these remote waters strewn with a mosaic of ice resulting from sea-ice breakup. Surrounded by this stunning scenery, you may spot a few belugas and bowhead whales, established in colonies in the region.

23 SEPTEMBER 2023 - KING ISLAND, ALASKA

Arrival 23/09/2023
Departure 23/09/2023

Situated in the Bering Sea, King Island was discovered in 1778. It is named after James King, a crew member of the expedition led by James Cook. King Island was inhabited by a group of Inupiat until the mid-20th century; their now-abandoned village was called Ukivok. You will enjoy sailing around this island with its sheer cliffs that shelter many bird species, such as tufted and horned puffins, black-legged kittiwakes, and thick-billed murres.

24 SEPTEMBER 2023 - NOME, ALASKA

Arrival 24/09/2023 early morning
Disembarkation 24/09/2023 at 08:00

Located along the Bering Strait at the westernmost point of Alaska, Nome offers the rustic charm of a former gold-mining town, set in the middle of magnificent wilderness. As you weave in and out of the brightly coloured houses, you will discover the pioneering legacy that still marks local traditions. Fishing, reindeer rearing, sledge-racing... People here live from their manual labour. The surrounding plains provide stunning vantage points for observing Arctic fauna.

WHAT'S INCLUDED

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


- Cruise aboard your ship -

Disembarkation Day - Nome/Seattle


This programme includes:

• Flight Paris/Kangerlussuaq and Nome/Seattle 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.
• Due to limited local transportation resources, waiting might be generated.
• For passengers in transit in Paris and Seattle, we recommend staying one night in Paris before and one night in Seattle 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.