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Ponant early booking bonus - save 25%

Ponant bonus: Save 25%!

This offer is capacity controlled. Call our Polar Specialists for the latest prices on 0203 196 1000. This offer can be removed at any time.

Beyond the Arctic Circle, facing landscapes frozen in time by the ice, set off on a fascinating journey to discover the islands of the Far North. For 14 days, from Spitsbergen to Iceland via Jan Mayen Island and the eastern coast of Greenland, observe wild and mischievous nature as it wakes itself up, and encounter the communities who live in these parts of the world, guardians of these untamed spaces.

From Longyearbyen, one of the world’s northernmost towns, you will weigh anchor, leaving behind the small colourful wooden homes that dot the landscape. You will set sail to the north-west of Spitsbergen, keeping an eye out for the appearance of the first glaciers and the huge snow-covered peaks that gave the region its name. In this white kingdom, you will sail soothed by the romantic play of the midnight sun upon the icy waters of the fjords. You will observe the slow dance of the colonies of Arctic fulmars, Arctic terns, black-legged kittiwakes and guillemots nesting on the vertiginous cliffs. On your left, in the distance, bearded seals laze on a piece of ice floe while, on the neighbouring peninsula, mossy tundra offers Svalbard reindeer and Arctic foxes an ideal playground. You will scan the horizon in the hushed silence of the fjord, hoping to spot the lord of the manor: the polar bear.

Next, your ship will make its way to Jan Mayen Island, which was very dear to Captain Jean-Baptiste Charcot. Located on the threshold of the Arctic and North Atlantic oceans, this isolated and uninhabited volcanic island was a whale hunting centre and is home to large bird colonies.

As you sail along, you will perhaps see whales, before reaching the region of Ittoqqortoormiit on the east coast of Greenland. In this village, you will receive a warm welcome from the Inuit community and discover their traditions during special and authentic moments, before entering Scoresby Sound, the world’s largest fjord network. This unique setting, made up of gigantic icebergs, golden brown moorland and sheer walls reddened by the minerals, is home to exceptional fauna: musk oxen, Arctic wolves and foxes, seagulls, barnacle geese and other migratory birds. Aboard Le Lyrial or a Zodiac dinghy, you will admire the power of nature while becoming aware of its fragility. On board, the team of naturalists will scan the horizon so they can provide you with marvellous sightings of wildlife and, in particular, the polar bear. The region’s elusive fauna upholds its mysteries while the uncertain nature of the encounter bestows an indescribable magic upon it.

Finally, your ship will set sail towards Iceland. From the village of Isafjörður to Westfjords, between lost valleys and sheer cliffs, discover a land of legends, of wild and enchanting beauty.

Highlights

  • A cruise to discover the riches of four islands in the Far North, in search of mysterious wild fauna, in the comfort of an exceptional ship.
  • The history of Spitsbergen connected to hunting and fishing, the mining industry and polar exploration, with the possibility of discovering Ny-Alesund.
  • Discovering the incredible geology of Spitsbergen.
  • Explore Jan Mayen, an island dear to Captain Charcot, in the heart of the Norwegian Sea.
  • Exploring the region of Ittoqqortoormiit at the entrance to Scoresby Sound, the world’s largest network of fjords.
  • Discover Iceland with a stop in Isafjörður to explore the fjords of the north-west in an exceptional natural setting.
  • Outings and shore visits in zodiac inflatables with a team of experienced naturalist guides. 
  • The possibility of hiking on the island, between tundra, beaches and glaciers.
  • Scenic sailing past glaciers or cliffs, inside huge fjords, between dazzling blue sky or mysterious polar mist.
  • Landscapes: rugged mountains, icebergs, ice caps, deep valleys, striated cliffs, vertiginous walls, gigantic glaciers, glacier fronts, tundra and the possibility of observing the ice floe.
  • Wildlife: polar bears, Arctic foxes, Svalbard reindeer, walruses, bearded seals, harbour seals, Arctic fulmars, Arctic terns, black-legged kittiwakes, eiders, guillemots, blue whales, minke whales, beluga whales, orcas.

Secure your space today by calling one of our Travel Specialists on 0203 196 1000 or enquire here

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.

Days 2 - 5 - North-West region of Spitsbergen
Days 5 & 6 - At sea
Day 7 - Jan Mayen Island, Svalbard
Days 8 & 9 - Ittoqqortoormiit Region
Day 10 - Scoresby Sound
Day 11 - At sea
Day 12 - Isafjördur
Day 13 - West fjords
Day 14 - Reykjavík

Departures and Prices

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Enquire About The Far North from Spitsbergen to Iceland by PONANT

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ABOUT US


We'll compare a huge selection of expedition ships, cruises and operators to find your perfect cruise.

Our prices are amongst the best you'll find, plus look out for Polar Routes exclusive offers!

As supporters of the UK Antarctic Heritage Trust, booking with us helps support the work of the trust within Antarctica.

All our holidays are ATOL protected (11104), for your complete peace of mind.


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Why book with Polar Routes?

CHOICE
  • We can compare a huge selection of expedition ships, cruises and operators.
  • From former Russian research vessels to larger and luxurious ships - there is an expedition cruise to suit you. 
  • Our Polar Specialists will help you choose the perfect expedition cruise for your requirements.
SPECIALISTS
  • We are the expedition cruise specialists and know all the polar destinations inside out.
  • Our expert team of Polar Specialists have extensive knowledge of all the expedition ships & operators.
  • All of our Polar Specialists have first-hand experience of expedition cruising to the polar regions.
VALUE
  • Our prices are amongst the best you'll find, plus look out for Polar Routes exclusive offers!
  • All our holidays are ATOL protected (11104), for your complete peace of mind.
  • As supporters of the UK Antarctic Heritage Trust, booking with us helps support the work of the trust within Antarctica.