From Spitsbergen to America’s Great Lakes via Greenland, the Faroe Islands, and Iceland’s west coast, the PONANT voyage magic will be operating in the Far North in 2024, with sales launched on 26 new sailings. With these 16 itineraries, 6 of which are new, PONANT combines the dream of adventure with discovering nature’s kingdoms in the Arctic and the grandeur of North America’s landscapes.
On the programme, depending on the destination, are meetings with Inuit peoples, observing wildlife, visiting UNESCO World Heritage sites, landings in Zodiacs with an experienced team of naturalist-guides, hiking and kayaking, among others.
FOCUS on exceptional itineraries
“Wilderness from Greenland to the East Coast of Canada” – NEW
An infinity of majestic polar wilderness awaits on this brand-new expedition voyage departing from Greenland to explore Canada’s Far North all the way to the shores of Labrador and Newfoundland Island. Encounters with local people, the rich variety of wildlife, the exciting history of the Arctic territories, and many unforgettable hikes will mark this polar odyssey aboard Le Lyrial. First port of call will be Sisimiut with its colourful houses facing the Austral Ocean. The ship then sets course for the Labrador Sea to Canadian shores at Nunavut and the clear waters of the Grinnell Glacier. Next comes the splendid Nachvak Fjord and town of Rigolet, accessible only by sea, and Newfoundland Island. The journey will end on the island of Saint-Pierre, a fragment of France on the other side of the world, which is home to fascinating wild biodiversity.
From Kangerlussuaq to Saint-Pierre Island, 14 nights onboard Le Lyrial
Transfers, Paris – Kangerlussuaq and Saint-Pierre and Miquelon – Montréal flights included
Departs 25 August 2024
From AUD 18,290 per person
“Expedition along Saint Lawrence” – NEW
A river that turns into an ocean, a sublime scenery inhabited by wildlife, an echo of history at every bend… this original expedition voyage on Le Lyrial takes guests along Canada’s coast from the peaceful islands of Saint-Pierre-et-Miquelon to Montreal. The shores of the Saint Lawrence River alternate between lagoons and rugged cliffs, with a chance to see wildlife when out hiking. Newfoundland Island, one of the first places in the New World known to Europe, then reveals the secrets behind its Viking history. After sailing down the Saguenay River, there’s a chance to explore the historic city centre, a UNESCO World Heritage site, of the Belle Province capital, Québec.
From Saint Pierre Island to Montreal – 11 nights on board Le Lyrial
Transfers and Montréal – Saint Pierre and Miquelon return flights included
Departs 8 September 2024
From AUD 13,290 per person
“From Québec to the Big Apple: nature and remarkable cities” – NEW
From Montréal to New York, this new itinerary opens the doors to vast protected areas and cultural treasures from Canada to America’s east coast. First port of call is Québec and its historic city centre that conceals fortifications and picturesque stone houses with their mansard roofs, then on to Tadoussac. Located at the mouth of the Saguenay River, it is a must for whale watching. Next is the Gaspé Peninsula and Percé, one of the most beautiful villages in Québec, bordering a national park with a truly remarkable natural, historic, and geological heritage. The white sandy beaches and red cliffs of the Magdalen Islands beckon, followed by Nova Scotia, Boston, Cape Cod and finally New York, its famous Statue of Liberty standing proud at the city’s entrance from the sea.
From Montreal to New York, 13 nights on board Le Lyrial
Departs 19 September 2024
From AUD 12,030 per person
“Expedition in the heart of the American Great Lakes” – NEW
During this expedition voyage, Le Champlain will be exploring the natural and cultural treasures of America’s chain of Great Lakes in the heart of flamboyant nature, departing from Milwaukee. The voyage takes in the vast panoramas of the pine forest ringed lakes Michigan, Huron, Erie and Ontario. Protected islands, picturesque villages and national parks reveal the history of this region, in the footsteps of the Native American communities and first European settlers. It will be an opportunity to observe a rich diversity of fauna from moose, reindeer, brown bears and racoons to migratory birds. From Port Colborne, the Niagara Falls provide an impressive sight before the ship arrives in the multicultural city-world of Toronto.
From Milwaukee to Toronto, 10 nights on board Le Champlain
Departs 24 September 2024
From AUD 11,150 per person
“Fjords and glaciers of Spitsbergen”
Spitsbergen, the largest island in the Svalbard archipelago, boasts an exceptional diversity of fauna and flora between fjords, glacier fronts and green valleys. In the wake of former whalers, the ship will sail from Hornsund, Bellsund and the Northwest Spitsbergen National Park, before setting course for Ny-Ålesund and its international research station, renowned as one of the northernmost communities on Earth. This is an exceptional opportunity to see polar bears, walruses, marine mammals, arctic terns, puffins, and reindeers, with that unique feeling of having arrived at the end of the world.
From Longyearbyen to Longyearbyen – 7 nights on board Le Boréal and Le Lyrial
6 departures between June and July 2024
Transfers and Paris-Longyearbyen return flights included
From AUD 13,570 per person
“Disko Bay and Inuit villages”
This one-off expedition voyage into the heart of the Arctic’s stunning scenery begins in Kangerlussuaq on Greenland’s west coast. After a first port of call in Evighedsfjorden, the Eternity Fjord where many bird species nest, Le Boréal will reach Sisimiut, a colourful harbour nestled between rolling hills. The ship then crosses Disko Bay to the shores of the Eqi Glacier, an ice giant of crystalline reflections, and the Paul-Émile Victor research base. A world of ice will open up between majestic icebergs, mountainous basalt formations and brightly painted houses. A unique opportunity to meet the local people, discover Greenland’s Inuit culture, and observe a plethora of marine life during the many Zodiac landings.
From Kangerlussuaq to Kangerlussuaq, 7 nights onboard Le Boréal
Departs 21 August 2024
Paris – Kangerlussuaq return flights and transfers included
From AUD 15,060 per person