Greenland and the Canadian Arctic: Disko Bay and Baffin Island
Setting course for the ultimate Thule region
In the warm water on deck while the glaciers drift past outside.
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Greenland from/to Kangerlussuaq
This 16-night round voyage from Kangerlussuaq reaches deep into northern west Greenland and into the historic Thule region near Smith Sound. Aboard L'Austral, an ice-strengthened premium vessel for 184 guests, you follow Disko Bay beyond Melville Bay to the most remote Inuit settlements in Greenland. The highlight is the crossing into the Canadian Arctic to Pond Inlet on Baffin Island. The naturalist team accompanies Zodiac landings at glacier fronts, in walrus territory and in Inuit villages where hunting and sled dogs are still part of daily life. The return route passes Nuuk and Evighed Fjord on the way back to Soendre Stroemfjord.
Route highlights
- Kangerlussuaq: Embarkation harbour at the head of Soendre Stroemfjord, gateway to the inland ice edge.
- Sisimiut: Greenland's second largest town above the Arctic Circle, with a strong fishing tradition.
- Diskobucht and Eqip Sermia-Gletscher: Iceberg stage and active calving glacier of the west coast.
- Kullorsuaq and Savissivik: Northernmost Inuit settlements at Thumb Mountain and on Melville Bay.
- Thule: Polar region on Smith Sound, known for walrus colonies and the Knud Rasmussen legacy.
- Pond Inlet and Baffininsel: An Inuit community at the entrance to Lancaster Sound and one of the largest islands in the world.
- Nuuk (Godthaab) and Evighed Fjord: The capital of Greenland and the Eternity Fjord west of Maniitsoq.
Early booking advantage: Voyages in 2027 fill quickly - premium cabins are often reserved 18-24 months in advance. An early booking enquiry is non-binding and secures your preferred cabin category.
The Route
Kangerlussuaq
16 nights
Evighed Fjord
The exact route is set by the expedition team on site, depending on ice and weather:
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Kangerlussuaq · Embarkation
Former US air base at the head of a 170-kilometre fjord in western Greenland, today the country's main airport. A gravel road leads directly to the edge of the Greenland ice sheet at the Russell Glacier.
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Sisimiut
Sisimiut is Greenland's second-largest town, known for its traditional kayak-building craft and dog-sledding tradition. The old colonial building, the Lutheran cathedral with its red wooden bell tower and the Arctic fjord panorama make Sisimiut one of the most authentic Greenland stops.
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Diskobucht
Disko Bay on Greenland's west coast is famed for the icebergs drifting in from the Ilulissat Icefjord, a UNESCO World Heritage site. Humpback whales and the Inuit town of Ilulissat shape this Arctic experience.
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Base Paul-Emile Victor, Eqi Glacier
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Akulleq
Akulleq is a tiny settlement in Disko Bay on the west coast of Greenland, surrounded by huge icebergs calved from the nearby Sermeq Kujalleq glacier. The community lives from seal hunting and halibut fishing, accessible only by boat or helicopter.
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Kullorsuaq
Kullorsuaq is one of Greenland's northernmost settlements, set on an island in Melville Bay. The striking Devil's Thumb peak towers above this small Inuit village.
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Savissivik
On Melville Bay in north-western Greenland lies the tiny Inuit settlement of Savissivik. Drifting icebergs and the hunting traditions of its inhabitants shape life in this far northern outpost.
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Thule-Region
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At sea
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Pond Inlet, Nunavut
This Inuit community sits on the north coast of Canada's Baffin Island in Nunavut, facing the glaciated mountains of Sirmilik National Park. One of the world's prime locations for encountering narwhals in open water at the ice edge.
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Baffin Fjords exploration
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At sea
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Nuuk
Nuuk is the capital of Greenland and, with 19,000 inhabitants, the largest town on the island. The colourful wooden houses by the harbour, the Greenland National Museum with the Qilakitsoq mummies (500 years old, perfectly preserved women and an infant) and the setting between fjords and icebergs make Nuuk unique.
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Evighedsfjorden
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Kangerlussuaq · Disembarkation
Climate & best time to sail
| Month | Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Air °C | -13 | -13 | -13 | -9 | -2 | 4 | 7 | 6 | 2 | -4 | -8 | -11 |
| Sea °C | -1 | -1 | -1 | -1 | 0 | 2 | 4 | 5 | 4 | 2 | 1 | 0 |
| Rain mm | 20 | 26 | 23 | 17 | 12 | 15 | 20 | 26 | 24 | 26 | 20 | 23 |
Long-term monthly normals · Reference: Svalbard (Longyearbyen)
Destination
L'Austral
L'Austral belongs to Ponant's Odyssée class: 264 guests, ice-reinforced hull, French cuisine with wine at dinner. Large enough for comfort on the open sea, small enough for fjords, pack ice boundaries and islands without a harbour.
In the Arctic, L'Austral navigates the waters of Svalbard and Greenland - Zodiac excursions to glaciers and polar bears included.
The Ship
Cabins
Owner's Suite
The most exclusive suite on board, located on Deck 6. Separate bedroom, balneo bathtub, panoramic views, butler service and personalised attention from the crew.
Cabin layout
Prestige Suite with Balcony
Elegant suites on Decks 5 and 6. Separate living and sleeping areas, two dressing rooms, generous balcony. Round-the-clock butler service.
Cabin layout
Deluxe Suite with Balcony
Spacious suites on Deck 6 with a separate bathtub and shower, sitting area and a private balcony. Butler service included.
Cabin layout
Deluxe Cabin
Outside cabin with a large panoramic window on Deck 3. Ideal for solo travellers or couples. All on-board amenities included.
Cabin layout
Deluxe Cabin with Balcony
Comfortable outside cabins on Decks 3 and 4 with a private balcony. Convertible twin or double beds, shower bathroom.
Cabin layout
Prestige Cabin with Balcony
The most popular category: premium cabins on Decks 4-6 with a private balcony, sitting area and convertible beds. Unobstructed views of the destination.
Cabin layout
Deck plan · L'Austral
Cabin prices
Prices per person in double cabin (suites: based on double occupancy), all-inclusive. Subject to availability.
| Category | Price p.P. | Status | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Superior Aussenkabine | € 18.730 | On request | Enquire |
| Deluxe Balkonkabine | € 20.020 | On request | Enquire |
| Prestige Kabine Deck 4 - CHANDERNAGOR | € 21.870 | Available | Enquire |
| Prestige Kabine Deck 5 - BENGALE | € 22.790 | Available | Enquire |
| Prestige Kabine Deck 6 - MAHE | € 23.900 | Available | Enquire |
| Deluxe Suite - MAHE | € 32.030 | Available | Enquire |
| Prestige Suite Deck 5 | € 42.200 | Available | Enquire |
| Prestige Suite Deck 6 | € 44.230 | Available | Enquire |
| Owner's Suite - MAHE | € 61.910 | Available | Enquire |
Prices as of: 14.08.2026
Standard inclusions of the ship voyage
On board
- Full board in gourmet and À-la-carte restaurants
- Afternoon tea and pastries
- Open bar: water, soft drinks, wines, champagne, spirits, beers, coffee and tea
- Minibar in cabin, regularly refilled
- 24-hour cabin service
- All gratuities for crew and service staff
- Complimentary WiFi onboard (standard usage)
- Butler service (in higher suite categories on select ships)
- Zodiac excursions with experienced guides (on Expedition voyages)
- Expert lectures by scientists, marine biologists and historians
- Water sports equipment: kayaks, stand-up paddling, snorkelling gear (subject to weather and region)
Not included
- Flights
- Travel to/from ship (transfers, pre- or post-programmes)
- Some special shore excursions
- Spa treatments
Frequently asked questions
How do I book this voyage?
Send us a non-binding enquiry via the form on this page. Our team replies personally within 24 hours with availability, cabin options and a tailored offer. No enquiry fee, no upfront payment.
What is included in the price?
The base price per person (twin cabin) includes the cabin in your chosen category, full board, all port fees and the onboard programme. Flights and transfers are quoted separately. 16 nights from EUR 18.140 p.p. With Ponant, selected wines and beverages at meals are included.
How many guests sail on the L'Austral?
A maximum of 264 guests - extraordinarily intimate compared to standard cruise ships. The high crew-to-guest ratio ensures personal attention throughout the voyage.
Can the itinerary change?
Yes - all itineraries are subject to weather, port availability and the captain's decisions. This is part of the charm of small-ship cruising: flexibility allows for unexpected discoveries.
Are there specials for early bookers or solo travellers?
Yes. Early bookers receive discounts for timely booking. Solo travellers often benefit from a reduced or waived single supplement. Simply mention your preferences in the enquiry.
Is my booking protected?
Yes. As a German tour operator, ivent-sailing provides a travel protection certificate (Reisesicherungsschein) under German law. Your payment is fully insured.
What about flights and transfers?
We arrange flights and transfers on request as part of your personal offer. This allows us to find the best connections for your specific departure date and home airport.
Are there shore excursions?
Yes. All cruise lines offer shore excursions - from guided cultural tours to nature experiences. The concepts vary by fleet. We are happy to provide details on available excursions for your chosen voyage.
What water sports and activities are available?
Depending on the ship and route: snorkelling, kayaking, stand-up paddling, diving, and Zodiac landings (on expedition voyages). Many ships have a marina platform for direct access to the water. We will be happy to tell you exactly what is available on your voyage.
When is the best time to sail this voyage?
The best time to sail this route is June to August (midnight sun, open fjords).
Non-binding enquiry
Your enquiry reaches a person familiar with this voyage and ship.
