With PONANT, set off to discover Baffin Bay all the way to the mythical Northwest Passage during a 20-day expedition cruise aboard L’Austral. Leaving from Kangerlussuaq, explore the heart of this historic maritime route and set off for an unforgettable stay among the Arctic’s most beautiful landscapes.
First of all, you will explore the western coast of Greenland which will welcome you with its majestic icebergs in Disko Bay, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and its colourful villages encircled by mountains and basalt formations. This is the ideal opportunity for meeting the local population and learning about Greenland Inuit culture.
Then set sail for the Nunavut province in Northern Canada, to approach the entrance of the Northwest Passage. Amundsen was the first to pave the way on this northern route between the Atlantic and the Pacific Oceans, which long remained just a theory for navigators and scientists. On Beechey Island, retrace the steps of the Franklin expedition, before marvelling at the sublime canyon at Fury Beach.
Throughout your trip, you will enter grandiose fjords and sail at the edge of the ice floes, in the hope of glimpsing the polar bear, the lord of the Far North. After Bellot Strait, the narrow passage of Coningham Bay will provide the perfect spot for an encounter with majestic belugas. In Artic Bay, you will meet the inhabitants of an Inuit village and will be able to build unique relationships.
The exploration of nature and wildlife and, above all, the polar history linked to this mythical route are the common theme of this journey, which will let you experience magic and unforgettable moments. The raw beauty of the Arctic offers an unforgettable backdrop, while the team of on-board naturalists sharpens your adventurer's soul. With a keen eye, you will scan the coastlines, fjords and glaciers in search of traces of life – a colony of walruses, a polar bear, beluga, northern fulmar, guillemot, Arctic tern, black-legged kittiwake… – and comprehend the historic places that bear witness to this iconic passage.
- Explore the Northwest Passage in the wake of the great explorers and meet Inuit communities.
- Discover the landscapes (glaciers, fjords, majestic icebergs in Disko Bay, etc.) and the wildlife (opportunities to glimpse or observe cetaceans, polar bears, seabirds, etc.).
- Activities: opportunities for outings and shore visits in a rubber dinghy with naturalist guides, kayaking, etc.
Availability is always subject to confirmation. Please check with us before booking flights
Prices quoted here are often dependent on currency fluctuations. Please check with (01432 507450 or info@small-cruise-ships.com) for the very latest price, which may well be cheaper than the one advertised here.
L'Austral
Luxury Expedition / Cruise Ship
This superb mega-yacht with 132 cabins is the result of the expertise of the Italian Fincantieri shipyard and French sophistication, as interpreted by designer Jean-Philippe Nuel. L'Austral has a unique atmosphere, a subtle blend of luxury, intimacy and well-being.
A sleek silhouette softened by elegantly smooth contours and large, arched windows opening up to the sea and the light: so many features come together to give L’Austral her distinctive shape. Precious materials, discreet elegance and a perfect balance between chic and casual, combine to make you feel as if you are on your own private yacht. A design blending tradition and innovation, where a nautical mood has been subtly recreated. Precious materials in smoothing neutral tones are brought to life with splashes of cheerful reds. So many personal touches create the spirit of a “private yacht”.
Suites and staterooms
You can expect magnificent ocean views as 124 staterooms and suites have balconies.
Individually-controlled airconditioning • Cabin layout: kingsize bed, or twin beds, communicating cabins available (children welcome) • Minibar • Flat screen satellite TV • IPod™ players • Desk with stationery • Electronic safe • French bath products • Dressing table and hairdryer • Bath robes • Satellite direct line telephone • 110/220 volts • 24hr room service • WiFi • Balcony
Cuisine
Loyal to the great French tradition, the haute cuisine on board is worthy of the finest restaurants, where discreet, attentive service is the hallmark.
Choose from two restaurants for breakfasts, lunch and dinner. The Gastronomic Restaurant is situated on Le Liberté Deck and serves you French and international cuisine accompagnied by fine wine. On the Grill Restaurant, you have the opportuniny to eat outside and enjoy buffet lunch and themed dinner.
Life On Board
Whether you want to join other guests in the theatre or games area (Wii™ consoles, etc), or relax on your own in a quiet corner of the library, L'Austral has been designed to meet the needs of every guest.
Everything has been done to preserve the independence of each guest to suit their personal tastes: lounges for lectures and shows, a spa in partnership with Sothys™, but also more intimate spaces such as the library and internet corner. Comfortable cabins, nearly all with private balcony, are available for families either as triples or as communicating cabins. There is also a games area with Wii™ consoles, children’s menus, and a baby-sitting service. Just as if you were on a private yacht, your time is your own to do as you please.
Fitted with the latest equipment (Kinesis Wall, running machine) and in partnership with the famous Sothys™ brand, the Beauty Centre on L'Austral welcomes you for some unforgettable moments of relaxation and pampering (beauty treatments, hairdresser).
Wheelchairs3 specially adapted wheelchair cabins (Deck 3 = Superior cabin no. 307, no balcony, Deck 4 = Prestige Cabin no. 407 - with balcony and Deck 5 = Prestige Cabin no 509, with balcony) and lifts to all decks/areas.
Details
Length: 142 metres. Passenger Capacity: 264 (200 in Antarctica). Built: 2011
Please click the following links to read more about Ponant and the other Ponant cruise ships.
Deck plans are for illustrative purposes only – The actual ship and cabin layout may differ.
