HIGHLIGHTS
- The
most complete PONANT cruise to Spitsbergen: 13 days for a
fully-comprehensive discovery of the kingdom of the polar bear.
- Outings
and shore visits in Zodiac®inflatables with your naturalist
guides.
- Hiking
opportunity.
- Landscapes:
ice floes, jagged mountains, icebergs, plains covered with moss and
lichens, lakes and rivers.
- Wildlife:
polar bears, Arctic foxes, Svalbard reindeer, Arctic terns, walruses,
whales.
DATES / RATES
Rates are listed per person in USD
|
| Start Date | End Date | QUAD | TRIPLE PORTHOLE | TWIN PORTHOLE | TWIN WINDOW | TWIN DELUXE | SUPERIOR | 0 | 0 | 0 |
|---|
| Jun 13, 2024 | Jun 27, 2024 | 8,000 | 10,000 | 11,200 | 12,100 | 12,800 | 13,700 | N/A | N/A | N/A |
Mandatory Transfer Package Details:Embarkation
day
Paris / Longyearbyen
Flight
Paris / Longyearbyen selected by PONANT.
We highly recommend you arrive in Paris the day
before this flight.
We suggest you to be at the check-in counter 2
hours before departure.
Approximate
flight duration: 4h30
Meet and greet at Longyearbyen airport.
Transfer
to the pier for embarkation.
- Cruise
aboard your cruise ship -
Disembarkation
day Longyearbyen /
Paris
Disembarkation
and transfer to Longyearbyen airport.
Flight
Longyearbyen / Paris selected by PONANT.
Approximate
flight duration: 4h30
We highly recommend you plan a departure from Paris
the day after this flight.
This
programme includes:
- Flight Paris / Longyearbyen / Paris in
economy class.
- Transfers airport / pier and pier / airport.
This
programme does not include:
- Personal expenses.
- Any other service not mentioned in the
programme.
Note:
- Flights included in the
programme are, as of today, operated in economy class, on a European
airline.
- Detailed programme
including flight schedule will be provided with your “travel
document”.
- For passengers in
transit in Paris, we recommend staying one night in Paris before and
after these flights to ensure your connecting flights.
- Package subject to
availability.
- This programme is
subject to change without prior notice.
Rates are listed per person in USD
|
| Start Date | End Date | (Starting from)
QUAD | (Mid-range)
TWIN DELUXE | (High-end)
0 |
|---|
| Jun 13, 2024 | Jun 27, 2024 | 8,000 | 12,800 | N/A |
Mandatory Transfer Package Details:Embarkation
day
Paris / Longyearbyen
Flight
Paris / Longyearbyen selected by PONANT.
We highly recommend you arrive in Paris the day
before this flight.
We suggest you to be at the check-in counter 2
hours before departure.
Approximate
flight duration: 4h30
Meet and greet at Longyearbyen airport.
Transfer
to the pier for embarkation.
- Cruise
aboard your cruise ship -
Disembarkation
day Longyearbyen /
Paris
Disembarkation
and transfer to Longyearbyen airport.
Flight
Longyearbyen / Paris selected by PONANT.
Approximate
flight duration: 4h30
We highly recommend you plan a departure from Paris
the day after this flight.
This
programme includes:
- Flight Paris / Longyearbyen / Paris in
economy class.
- Transfers airport / pier and pier / airport.
This
programme does not include:
- Personal expenses.
- Any other service not mentioned in the
programme.
Note:
- Flights included in the
programme are, as of today, operated in economy class, on a European
airline.
- Detailed programme
including flight schedule will be provided with your “travel
document”.
- For passengers in
transit in Paris, we recommend staying one night in Paris before and
after these flights to ensure your connecting flights.
- Package subject to
availability.
- This programme is
subject to change without prior notice.
ITINERARY
Day
1: LONGYEARBYEN, SPITSBERGEN
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.
Day
2: GNALODDEN, SPITSBERGEN
The
Gnålodden Cliff culminates at over 700 metres high and is
home to over a thousand species of sea birds. Tridactyl gulls, northern
fulmars and thick-billed murres are lords and masters in this often
deafening commotion, particularly during the nesting season. Polar
bears and Arctic foxes also frequent the site, a delight for lovers of
the animal kingdom. The “bird cliff”, as it is
known, is surrounded at its foot by very rich vegetation, unfurling its
carpet of moss across a décor of wild tundra. During your
visit, stop at the former hunter’s cabin, which was also used
as a satellite station during the 1930s.
HORN
GLACIER, SPITSBERGEN
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.
Day
3: BAKANBUKTA - GINEVRABOTNEN, SPITSBERGEN
Located
to the east of Spitsbergen, this bay has many surprises in store. At
the entrance to the national park on the east coast, it is a region
often taken over by the ice until late in the season. This preserved
bay offers the opportunity to discover the assets of the High Arctic:
the tundra, glaciers and polar bears. Near to the bear den areas of
Barentsøya and Edgeøya, this site often provides
an occasion for great sightings of the local fauna.
AGARDHBUKTA,
SPITSBERGEN
Located
to the east of Spitsbergen, in Storfjorden, Agardhbukta is a former
trapping site where a cabin remains. During your visit here, you will
have the opportunity to see the ice floes and explore one of the spots
where the polar bears pass by to travel to Bellsund, on the western
coast of Spitsbergen. The vast plains of the Agardhdalen area also
offer the possibility of long hikes to discover the High Arctic tundra.
Day
4: BOLTODDEN, SPITSBERGEN
On
the eastern coast of Spitsbergen, in the heart of an exceptional
geological site, set off to discover the remnants left by the first to
explore the region, the Pomors. These settlers, hunters and trappers
from Nothern Russia, were the first to discover the Svalbard
Archipelago, in the 14th century. At the time, they believed they had
arrived on the coast of Greenland. They named this land
“Grumant”. This port of call will certainly
fascinate history and geology lovers.
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.
Day
5: AHLSTRANDHALVOYA, SPITSBERGEN
Located
in the southern part of the Bellsund fjord, the Ahlstrandhalvoya site
will take you back in time. The beluga bones lying on the beach are a
reminder of the cetacean hunting carried out by the first explorers
from the coasts of Norway. In a landscape of driftwood and
trappers’ cabins, you will have many encounters: reindeer,
barnacle geese and eiders blend into the pink and gold coloured tundra.
Here, the beluga whales make the most of the Arctic summer to hunt
their prey into the heart of the fjord. A nearby bay called Fleur de
Lyshamna is also evidence of the history of former fishermen and
whalers. Give free rein to your imagination in the heart of this
majestic natural environment, where time seems to stand still.
Day
6: NY-ALESUND, SPITSBERGEN
During
your cruise, discover Ny-Ålesund, a former mining town that
has been transformed into a scientific base. Founded in 1916, this
small town was the departure point for many Arctic expeditions,
including those of the famous explorer Roald Amundsen. Don't miss a
visit to the museum and its famous post office, considered to be the
most northerly in the world!
KONGSFJORDEN
(KING BAY), SPITSBERGEN
Very
close to the former mining town of Ny-Ålesund, set off to
discover Kings Bay. Your ship will sail in one of the most beautiful
fjords in Svalbard: Kongsfjorden (the fjord of the King), a gateway to
grandiose landscapes. Here, the snow-capped mountains are reflected in
the water where superb icebergs try to outdo each other in their
beauty, a delight for photographers. Bearded seals, reindeer, barnacle
geese and black guillemots frequent these places that have a unique
atmosphere. Once you arrive at the end of the fjord, admire the
Kongsbreen (glacier of the King) and its three characteristic rocky
points, which take their names from three Scandinavian countries: Svea
(Sweden), Dana (Denmark) and Nora (Norway).
Day
7: SAILING ICE FLOES ALONG GREENLAND
The
north-east of Greenland is renowned for being home to one of the oldest
and thickest layers of ice on the planet. Aboard your ship, you will
have the unique opportunity of sailing to the heart of this icy
wilderness, many thousands of years old, and will notably travel along
the coast of the North-East Greenland National Park, recognised as a
biosphere reserve by UNESCO. From your ship you will also discover
Scoresby Sund, the largest fjord in the world. In this pure and
preserved world, you will see abundant wildlife in a landscape of
tundra and ice, a real delight for the eyes and for photographers.
Day
8: DAGHOGDA, WIJDEFJORDEN
Sailing
into Wildefjorden will guarantee you an unforgettable moment of
wonderment. The particularity of this gigantic fjord is that it almost
entirely separates the island of Spitsbergen in two, from north to
south. Sailing in Wildefjorden will enable you to reach the
Daghøgda Valley and go for an exceptional hike along an
ancient glacial valley. At the end of your walk, you will reach two
lakes surrounded by impressive vertical cliffs. It is an exquisite
spectacle, in the heart of the Svalbard Archipelago’s longest
fjord.
Day
9: JOTUNKJELDENE, SPITSBERGEN
Discover
the thermal springs of Jotunkjeldene. Located in Bockfjorden, to the
north-east of Spitsbergen, they offer sumptuous landscapes thanks to
their geological and botanical particularities. You will be surprised
by the site’s entirely brown and red décor,
punctuated by a carpet of algae and moss. Surrounded by majestic
glaciers, the fjord rests on the Sverrefjellet volcano, which erupted
100,000 years ago and is now extinct. However, warm springs rise to the
surface all year long. During your visit, do make sure that you walk on
the surrounding moraine so as to preserve as much as possible the
carbonate deposits formed by the springs, which are very fragile and
subject to erosion.
MONACO
GLACIER, SPITSBERGEN
Located
to the North-West of the Svalbard archipelago, the Monaco Glacier is
probably one of Spitsbergen’s most beautiful and majestic.
Named in honour of Prince Albert I of Monaco, a sailor, it stands as an
impenetrable, blue-tinged jagged wall, the last glacier before reaching
a latitude of 80° North. Imagine the sound of the ice cracking
as it breaks free and crashes into the transparent water. And to make
the magical landscape even more perfect, you might be lucky enough to
spot bears and whales, as these two animals have a special fondness for
this area.
Day
10: Day at Sea
During
your day 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 day without
a port of call will also be an opportunity to enjoy the conferences or
shows proposed on board, 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.
SAILING
ICE FLOES ALONG GREENLAND
The
north-east of Greenland is renowned for being home to one of the oldest
and thickest layers of ice on the planet. Aboard your ship, you will
have the unique opportunity of sailing to the heart of this icy
wilderness, many thousands of years old, and will notably travel along
the coast of the North-East Greenland National Park, recognised as a
biosphere reserve by UNESCO. From your ship you will also discover
Scoresby Sund, the largest fjord in the world. In this pure and
preserved world, you will see abundant wildlife in a landscape of
tundra and ice, a real delight for the eyes and for photographers.
YTRE
NORSKOYA, SVALBARD
At
first sight, the small island of Ytre Norskøya seems to be a
sterile and arid land. But once you are ashore, you will be welcomed by
a thick carpet of golden moss, dotted with pygmy buttercups, Svalbard
poppies and lichen. On the beach are the remains of the ovens that were
used to melt whale blubber, precious evidence of the history of the
whalers who came and set up in this area as of the 17th century.
Another trace of the past: the presence of one of the largest
cemeteries in Svalbard, with no fewer than 165 tombs. The Ytre
Norskøya cliff is home to many sea birds, including little
auks, barnacle geese, Atlantic puffins and thick-billed murres.
Day
11: SIGNEHAMNA, SPITSBERGEN
Located
on the western coast of the Lilliehöök fjord,
Signehamna bears many traces of its past. Indeed, you will see the
remnants of a former German weather station that was used during the
Second World War. In the heart of this sheltered bay frequented by many
sea birds, abandoned cans, cables and utensils just lie on the floor
like historic evidence that visitors are asked not to touch. Around
you, admire the mosses and lichens that are characteristic of the
tundra as well as the very old plutonic rocks. A short walk will enable
you to enjoy a superb panorama with a view over the lake and a chain of
snow-topped mountains.
14TH
JULY GLACIER, SPITSBERGEN
At
the entrance to Cross Bay, between tundra, plutonic rocks and mountains
covered with a surprising endemic flora, set off to discover the 14th
July Glacier. It was thus named by Prince Albert I of Monaco, following
an expedition that he led there at the beginning of the 20th century.
The glacier’s surroundings are frequented by numerous birds
(Tridactyl gulls, thick-billed murres, barnacle geese, common eiders,
Atlantic puffins…), as well as Arctic foxes and reindeer. As
you arrive in front of the glacier, admire the impressive wall of ice
and the reflection of the cliffs in the water. It is quite common to
see a section of ice come loose, or a bearded seal lounging on an
iceberg.
Day
12: ALKHORNET, SPITSBERGEN
At
the northern entrance of Isfjorden, there is a small paradise for bird
lovers: the Alkhornet Cliff. It is home to a very rich avifauna, made
up of thousands of birds frolicking in a joyous tumult: gulls,
guillemots, pink-footed geese, terns, seagulls, puffins, Arctic
skuas… The Alkhornet Cliff, easily recognisable by its
rhinoceros-horn shape, is also frequented by reindeer, which are not
overly timid. Attracted by the tundra that covers the foot of the
mountain, they come to graze in peace in a verdant setting covered with
grass and moss. With a little luck, you will perhaps have the
opportunity to see some seals and Arctic foxes, who are also regular
visitors.
NORDENSKIÖLD
GLACIER, SPITSBERGEN
Situated
deep inside Isfjorden, the Nordenskiöld Glacier is one of the
very beautiful discoveries of your cruise. Its front of ice, nearly 5
km wide, is one of the most spectacular in the Svalbard Archipelago. 30
metres high, the glacier, like a gigantic frozen statue whose sections
of ice sometimes come spectacularly loose, is impressive. The polar
bear, the king of the Arctic, will perhaps make an appearance in these
parts, which are also frequented by reindeer and seals.
Day
13: LONGYEARBYEN, SPITSBERGEN
(Click image to view Ship details)
WHAT'S INCLUDED
- Gratuities
are included
- Free
Expedition Jacket to Keep and boots are available for rent
- Bottled
Water, Bar Drinks, Beer, House Wines and Soft Drinks are included with
lunch and dinner
- Complimentary
onboard WiFi (beginning in 2019)
- Complimentary
Traveler's Valet laundry servicce (beginning in 2019)
