Greenland and the Northwest Passage: Disko Bay and Beechey Island
At the heart of the Northwest Passage
In the warm water on deck while the glaciers drift past outside.
Interested in this voyage?
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Kangerlussuaq to Nuuk (Godthaab)
This 19-night expedition reaches into the heart of the historic Northwest Passage that occupied generations of explorers. Aboard L'Austral, an ice-strengthened premium vessel for 184 guests, you sail from Kangerlussuaq north into Disko Bay and cross from there into the Canadian Arctic archipelago. Calls at Beechey Island recall the Franklin expedition, while Bellot Strait makes the geography of the passage tangible at its narrowest. The naturalist team accompanies Zodiac landings in polar deserts, at glacier fronts and in bird colonies. The voyage ends in Nuuk, the capital of Greenland.
Route highlights
- Kangerlussuaq: Embarkation harbour at the head of Soendre Stroemfjord, gateway to the inland ice edge.
- Diskobucht: West Greenland's iceberg stage, fed by the Jakobshavn Glacier.
- Pond Inlet: An Inuit community on Baffin Island at the entrance to Lancaster Sound.
- Devon Island: The largest uninhabited island on Earth, a polar desert with canyon-like valleys.
- Bellotstraße: A narrow waterway between Somerset Island and the Boothia Peninsula, a classic bottleneck of the Northwest Passage.
- Beechey Island: A historic site of the Franklin expedition with preserved graves from 1846.
- Lancastersund: The eastern gateway of the Northwest Passage, one of the Arctic's richest marine mammal areas.
- Nuuk (Godthaab): Disembarkation harbour and capital of Greenland.
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
19 nights
Nuuk
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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Nooralak
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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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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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Philpots Island, Nunavut
Off the rugged east coast of Devon Island in the Canadian Arctic Archipelago of Nunavut, this small ice-bound island drifts in remote waters. Steep cliffs, seabird ledges and summer open water make it a rarely visited anchorage for expedition cruises.
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Devon Island, Nunavut
Devon Island in the Canadian Arctic Archipelago, with over 55,000 square kilometres, is the largest uninhabited island in the world and belongs to the territory of Nunavut. Its desert-like tundra so closely resembles the Martian surface that NASA regularly runs Mars simulations here at the Haughton Crater camp.
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Somerset Island, Nunavut
In the Canadian Arctic Archipelago south of Devon Island, Somerset Island ranks among the region's largest islands. In summer, beluga whales gather in the island's Cunningham Inlet.
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Bellotstrasse
The Bellot Strait is a narrow, ice-choked passage between Somerset Island and the Boothia Peninsula in the Canadian Arctic Archipelago, marking the northernmost point of the North American mainland. It forms part of the legendary Northwest Passage and is ice-free only briefly in summer.
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Prince of Wales Island, Nunavut
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Prescott Island, Nunavut
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At sea
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Insel Beechey, Nunavut
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Devon Island, Nunavut
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At sea
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Svartenhavn
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Qeqertarsuaq
Qeqertarsuaq is the main settlement on Disko Island off Greenland's west coast, set beneath characteristic basalt cliffs. Hot springs, whales and icebergs shape this Arctic experience.
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Evighedsfjorden
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Nuuk · 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 | € 24.330 | Available | Enquire |
| Deluxe Balkonkabine | € 26.090 | Available | Enquire |
| Prestige Kabine Deck 4 - CHANDERNAGOR | € 28.610 | Available | Enquire |
| Prestige Kabine Deck 5 - BENGALE | € 29.860 | Available | Enquire |
| Prestige Kabine Deck 6 - MAHE | € 31.370 | Available | Enquire |
| Deluxe Suite - MAHE | € 42.430 | Available | Enquire |
| Prestige Suite Deck 5 | € 56.260 | Available | Enquire |
| Prestige Suite Deck 6 | € 59.020 | Available | Enquire |
| Owner's Suite - MAHE | € 74.320 | 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. 19 nights from EUR 23.630 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.
