August 27, 2022 - Tromsø
Boarding from 4:00 pm to 5:00 pm
Departure at 6:00 pm
North of the Arctic Circle lies Tromsø, a town in the county of Troms. Norwegians call it “the Paris of the North.” You’ll soon understand why once you discover its remarkable neoclassical architectural heritage. A striking example: the Arctic Cathedral, a landmark building whose clean lines echo the shapes of the mountains surrounding the town.
August 28 to 30, 2022 - At sea
During your day at sea, enjoy the ship’s many services and activities. Treat yourself to a relaxing moment at the spa or keep fit at the gym. Depending on the season, take a dip in the pool or soak up the sun on deck. This day without a port of call is also an opportunity to attend onboard lectures and performances, browse the boutique, or meet PONANT photographers in their dedicated space. Those drawn to the open sea will head to the ship’s upper deck to watch the waves and may be lucky enough to spot marine species. A true interlude of comfort, rest, and entertainment.
August 31, 2022 - Heimaey, Westman Islands
This land anchored off Iceland’s southern coast is the largest of the Westman Islands and the only inhabited one in the archipelago. From the steep volcanoes Eldfell and Helgafell to the green pastures of the Herjólfsdalur volcano, it reveals a nature rich in contrasts. Along the Stórhöfði road, you’ll overlook grey sand beaches and cliffs carved by the Arctic Ocean, as well as russet-hued moorland crowning the mountain tops. You can also visit the Eldheimar Museum, an ultramodern, interactive space that vividly brings back to life the volcanic eruption Heimaey experienced in 1973.
September 1 and 2, 2022 - At sea
During your day at sea, enjoy the ship’s many services and activities. Treat yourself to a relaxing moment at the spa or keep fit at the gym. Depending on the season, take a dip in the pool or soak up the sun on deck. This day without a port of call is also an opportunity to attend onboard lectures and performances, browse the boutique, or meet PONANT photographers in their dedicated space. Those drawn to the open sea will head to the ship’s upper deck to watch the waves and may be lucky enough to spot marine species. A true interlude of comfort, rest, and entertainment.
September 3, 2022 - Prins Christian Sund and Augpilatok
Your ship glides silently toward the coast of Greenland, through a landscape punctuated by jagged peaks and majestic glaciers… You are about to cross the Prins Christian Sund, a narrow channel that winds for roughly a hundred kilometres between southeast and southwest Greenland. Let yourself be captivated by the pristine beauty of these unique landscapes, between rocky cliffs and waterfalls fed by the ice sheet, plunging straight into these icy waters. Here, bearded seals like to sunbathe, stretched out on floating ice.
Augpilatok is a small Inuit village of around a hundred inhabitants, whose name means “sea anemone” in Greenlandic. Located in a mountainous area inaccessible by road, its picturesque, colourful houses stretch along the southern tip of Greenland, on the shores of the spectacular Prins Christian Sund. Roughly a hundred kilometres long, the sound links the Labrador Sea to the Irminger Sea, winding between sublime landscapes of majestic glaciers, steep peaks, and rocky cliffs with waterfalls fed by the ice sheet. In this region, uninhabited in the 19th century, the village was established in the 1920s, and its main activities centre on hunting, fishing, and livestock raising.
September 4, 2022 - Narsaq
After sailing through the Kangerlluarssuk fjord, discover the town of Narsaq. Be dazzled by the beauty of the surrounding icebergs, great masses of ice with ever-changing shapes and colours. Overlooked by green mountains, this small, typically Greenlandic town is known for its sheep farming, made possible by the rich grassy plains north of town — a rather rare activity, a legacy of Viking-era techniques and heritage. Enjoy the striking interplay of colours between the multicoloured house façades and the countless shades of blue in the glaciers, and dive into Narsaq’s Scandinavian history at its local museum. A unique experience.
September 5, 2022 - Nuuk
When Erik the Red, the fiery Viking chieftain banished from Iceland, landed on the shores of Nuuk, he discovered a welcoming, fertile land dotted with fjords. Later settled by Vikings who joined him from the 10th century onward, it has since become a refuge for Inuit populations. Nuuk sits at the mouth of one of the largest fjord systems in the world, in waters that never freeze. The town spreads gently along the Davis Strait and has a historic centre with a particularly rich heritage. The bright reds, blues, greens, and yellows of the houses contrast with the dark Greenlandic waters, warming the hearts and spirits of residents through the winter.
1 excursion available at this port of call
September 6, 2022 - Itilleq
Itilleq is a small island on the Arctic Circle, 45 km south of Sisimiut. Barely a hundred inhabitants still live mainly from fishing and hunting in this typically Greenlandic village, whose bright colours echo those of their traditional clothing. During your visit, you may have the pleasure of joining a game of football, a “kaffemik” (coffee break), or a quiet moment of contemplation as the soft light of the midnight sun colours the horizon.
September 7, 2022 - Sisimiut
During your cruise, we invite you to discover Sisimiut, a small Greenlandic town nestled at the foot of a large rock, north of the Arctic Circle. Greenland’s second-largest town, Sisimiut boasts a highly varied landscape perfect for superb walks. Here, colourful houses built on stilts are scattered across a hilly landscape, while the small fishing harbour opens the door to a frozen world. The town centre is home to several historic buildings, a small church, and a museum tracing the history of the Inuit people. During your call, you’ll meet the local residents and their sled dogs in a thoroughly Arctic atmosphere.
September 8, 2022 - Disko Bay
East of Baffin Bay, discover Disko Bay, scattered with countless icebergs originating from the Ilulissat Icefjord, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. From your ship, admire the majestic, slow-moving procession of these ice giants drifting across dark waters. A natural wonder of Greenland, the site is also renowned for sightings of the numerous humpback whales found in the region. At the heart of this spectacular, fragile nature, encounters with wildlife and exceptional scenery promise pure moments of wonder.
2 excursions available at this port of call
September 9, 2022 - Kullorsuaq
Well beyond the Arctic Circle, amid the majestic landscapes of northwest Greenland, lies the village of Kullorsuaq, the last stronghold of traditional Greenlandic hunters. The true character of Greenland lives on here: vast mineral expanses, imposing mountains, impressive glaciers, and above all a local population that still lives off fishing and hunting bear or seal. For these men living at an austere pace, respect for nature and hospitality are essential values. During your call in this remote corner of the world, meet these warm, skilled craftsmen, adept at working the furs and skins of marine mammals.
September 10, 2022 - Savissivik
Some places carry a beauty that goes beyond words… Savissivik, an Inuit village of fewer than a hundred souls, is one of them. Rightly considered Greenland’s largest iceberg graveyard, it offers a stunning spectacle. During your Zodiac outing, you’ll navigate among these ice giants run aground on shallow waters. Once ashore, a hike will take you to a breathtaking viewpoint over icebergs of astonishing variety in shape and colour, to the delight of photographers. Frequently visited by bears, Savissivik Bay is also known for having once housed one of the largest meteorites in the world, later moved to a museum in New York.
September 11, 2022 - Pond Inlet, Nunavut
In northern Canada, on Baffin Island, at the mouth of the famous Northwest Passage, lies a small Inuit hamlet that converses with the infinite. To reach it, you’ll cross the Arctic Circle, that imaginary line separating humankind from mysterious, wondrous lands. What sets the residents of Pond Inlet apart from the rest of the world is not so much their daily life as their surroundings. Snow-capped mountains, fjords, and glaciers make up this striking natural environment that fills the space and stretches time. Some discoveries change you forever: this is one of them.
September 12, 2022 - Beechey Island, Nunavut
Located east of Resolute Bay, Beechey Island brings back the most striking moments of the Franklin expedition. Setting out in 1845 to conquer the legendary Northwest Passage sea route, British explorer Sir John Franklin took refuge in Erebus Bay for two long years, waiting for the melting ice to open his way forward. The site is not visited without emotion. The discovery of three wooden grave markers (several of the expedition’s sailors are buried on the north side of the island) and the memorial erected in their honour deepen this sense of reflection. While the wild surrounding scenery is impressive in its own right, the ochre and yellow tones of this rocky desert soften the landscape.
September 13, 2022 - Fury Beach, Nunavut
Sea ice begins to take shape as you draw closer to Somerset Island, at the heart of the Northwest Passage. On a Zodiac® outing, you’ll land at Fury Beach, a site steeped in history where English explorer William Edward Parry was shipwrecked in 1825. There he left behind supplies and equipment to help future expeditions passing through. During your hike around the majestic Fury Beach canyon, be dazzled by a surprising landscape: the turquoise-green water and sheer cliffs are reminiscent of the Grand Canyon or Morocco’s High Atlas. If you’re lucky, you may spot a family of polar bears roaming the vast ice floes. A sublime hike.
September 14, 2022 - Fort Ross and Bellot Strait, Nunavut
Discover Fort Ross, the last outpost of the Hudson’s Bay Company. Built in 1937, it served both as a fur trading post and a whaling station. Located on a small islet at the entrance to Bellot Strait, Fort Ross still holds this former warehouse as well as the manager’s and staff’s house. Over time, and with polar bears passing through, the interiors of both buildings have suffered damage. After a short walk to the islet’s high points, enjoy a breathtaking panoramic view over Bellot Strait and the surrounding area.
A key stage of the Northwest Passage, Bellot Strait, swept by strong currents, promises an unforgettable sailing experience. The entrance to the strait is overlooked by the Ross Cairn. Close by stand the buildings of Fort Ross. Separating Somerset Island from the Boothia Peninsula, this 2 km-wide passage was discovered in 1852 by Captain William Kennedy, a Royal Navy navigator, and the Frenchman Joseph-René Bellot, during an expedition in search of Sir John Franklin. Discover a magnificent snow-covered landscape, broken up by vast ice floes. A crossing during which your ship may be escorted by a few polar bears.
September 15, 2022 - Gjoa Haven, Nunavut
Discovered by Scottish explorer John Ross in 1830, King William Island was named in honour of the reigning British king. In September 1903, navigator Roald Amundsen was the first to dock at Gjoa Haven, the island’s only inhabited settlement, where a handful of Inuit gave this icy world its only signs of life. The Norwegian captain decided to winter there for two years, attempting to locate the mysterious magnetic North Pole. Under these extreme, freezing conditions, Roald Amundsen turned to local Inuit to learn how to survive. Discover this small hamlet in the Nunavut region, located just above the Arctic Circle.
September 16, 2022 - At sea
During your day at sea, enjoy the ship’s many services and activities. Treat yourself to a relaxing moment at the spa or keep fit at the gym. Depending on the season, take a dip in the pool or soak up the sun on deck. This day without a port of call is also an opportunity to attend onboard lectures and performances, browse the boutique, or meet PONANT photographers in their dedicated space. Those drawn to the open sea will head to the ship’s upper deck to watch the waves and may be lucky enough to spot marine species. A true interlude of comfort, rest, and entertainment.
September 17, 2022 - Edinburgh Island, Nunavut
Let yourself be charmed by the small, uninhabited Edinburgh Island, in Nunavut. Blueberries, crowberries, Arctic willows, cranberries: here, vegetation reigns, with no fewer than 19 recorded species of dwarf shrubs, berries, and flowers. In autumn, these species take on brilliant colours, painting a magnificent scene. The tundra, dotted with touches of red and yellow, rivals in beauty the striking ochres of the sandy beaches and the dark tones of the surrounding cliffs. After a hike up to the island’s higher ground, enjoy a superb panorama over lakes, sea, and basalt mountains. An enchanting place, frequented by caribou, Arctic hares, peregrine falcons, reindeer, and foxes.
September 18, 2022 - Holman (Ulukhaktok)
Meet the residents of Holman for an unforgettable moment within a warm community. Home to around 500 people, this hamlet on the western side of Victoria Island has learned to adapt to an environment that can be harsh, with a demanding climate. During your call in this village of the Canadian Far North, admire the lithographs and other objects produced by the area’s rich local craftsmanship. Traditional songs and dances also mark daily life in this community, to the delight of those with an interest in Inuit culture. The village of Holman, also known as Ulukhaktok, is one of those places where genuine, shared experiences are still possible in some of the most remote corners of the world.
September 19, 2022 - Smoking Hills
In the far north of the Northwest Territories, nestled at the edge of Amundsen Gulf, the Smoking Hills surprise, intrigue, and captivate. Among the most fascinating and mysterious phenomena on the planet, this geological marvel — where dozens of kilometres of smoke columns rise from striking ochre- and purple-tinged cliffs — will carry you on a journey outside of time. First observed by British navigator John Franklin during an exploration of the region in 1926, these smouldering hydrocarbon layers result from a chemical reaction between bituminous shale and lignite, a mixture of clay shale and pyrite that ignites spontaneously on contact with air, producing this unique natural phenomenon.
September 20, 2022 - Franklin Bay
This large bay, 48 km long and 40 km wide, is located in the Northwest Territories, Canada. It was named in 1826 by naturalist John Richardson in honour of British polar explorer Sir John Franklin. Franklin Bay still offers excellent opportunities to encounter marine mammals. During your sailing, you’ll also witness the remarkable sight of the Smoking Hills’ smoke columns, cliffs made of sulphur and lignite in striking shades of yellow, ochre, and brown.
September 21, 2022 - Herschel Island
The Canadian Far North is made up of a myriad of islands with jagged coastlines, revealing a true end-of-the-world universe. Discover the small Canadian island of Herschel, in the Beaufort Sea, a true icy haven within Ivvavik National Park. During an 1826 expedition, Sir John Franklin was the first European to set eyes on this unique place and its inhabitants, the Inuvialuit, northern cousins of the Inuit. He named the island after a friend, John Herschel, a British astronomer and scientist. Herschel Island has since served in turn as a whaling station, a relay point, and a refuge for travellers.
September 22 to 24, 2022 - Sailing the Beaufort Sea and King Island, Alaska
Bordered by the entrance to the Northwest Passage and Amundsen Gulf to the east, and by Canada’s Yukon and Northwest Territories to the west, the Beaufort Sea forms part of the — almost — inaccessible Arctic Ocean. Its extreme weather conditions meant it was not explored until relatively late, in 1914, by Canadian explorer Vilhjalmur Stefansson. However, it owes its name to British admiral and hydrographer Francis Beaufort. You’ll sail these remote waters scattered with a mosaic of ice resulting from the break-up of the ice pack. Amid this magnificent scenery, you may catch sight of beluga whales and bowhead whales, which form colonies in the region.
Located in the Bering Sea, King Island was discovered in 1778. The island takes its name from James King, a crew member of the expedition led by James Cook. King Island was home to a small Inupiat population until the mid-20th century, and its now-abandoned village was called Ukivok. This island, with its steep cliffs, still bears traces of human presence, as shown by the hunting camps established over centuries by the Inupiat, and is home to several bird species (tufted and horned puffins, black-legged kittiwakes, thick-billed murres).
September 25, 2022 - Nome, Alaska
Arrival in the early morning
Disembarkation at 8:00 am
Located on the shores of the Bering Sea, at the far western edge of Alaska, Nome offers the rustic charm of a former gold-rush town nestled within a grand natural setting. Strolling among its houses, framed in the distance by a jagged wall of ever-white peaks, you’ll discover the pioneer heritage that still shapes local traditions today. Fishing, reindeer herding, sled dog racing… here, people live by the work of their own hands.
