Greenland and the Northwest Passage: Disko Bay and Beechey Island · Aug 2027
At the heart of the Northwest Passage
What makes the voyage of the L’Austral to the Arctic special?
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.
What is the route of the cruise aboard the L’Austral to the Arctic?
19 nights from Kangerlussuaq to Nuuk, including Disko Bay, Pond Inlet, Philpots Island.
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)
What are the highlights of the cruise aboard the L’Austral to the Arctic?
Highlights of this route: Kangerlussuaq · Diskobucht · Pond Inlet
Kangerlussuaq
Former US air base at the head of a 170-kilometre fjord in western Greenland, today the country's main airport.
Diskobucht
Disko Bay on Greenland's west coast is famed for the icebergs drifting in from the Ilulissat Icefjord, a UNESCO World Heritage site.
Pond Inlet
High in the north of Canada's Baffin Island in Nunavut, at the mouth of the sound of the same name leading into Eclipse Sound, sits this Inuit community.
Philpots Island
Off the rugged east coast of Devon Island in the Canadian Arctic Archipelago of Nunavut, this small ice-bound island drifts in remote waters.
Devon Island
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.
Somerset Island
In the Canadian Arctic Archipelago south of Devon Island, Somerset Island ranks among the region's largest islands.
Destination
What does the L’Austral offer?
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.
Impressions of the L'Austral
What cabins does the L’Austral offer?
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
What does the deck plan of the L’Austral look like?
What does the cruise aboard the L’Austral to the Arctic cost?
From € 23,630 p.p., 19 nights, departure 28.08.2027.
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 | Book |
| Deluxe Balkonkabine | € 26.090 | Available | Book |
| Prestige Kabine Deck 4 - CHANDERNAGOR | € 28.610 | Available | Book |
| Prestige Kabine Deck 5 - BENGALE | € 29.860 | Available | Book |
| Prestige Kabine Deck 6 - MAHE | € 31.370 | Available | Book |
| Deluxe Suite - MAHE | € 42.430 | Available | Book |
| Prestige Suite Deck 5 | € 56.260 | Available | Book |
| Prestige Suite Deck 6 | € 59.020 | Available | Book |
| Owner's Suite - MAHE | € 74.320 | Available | Book |
What is included as standard in the ship voyage of the L’Austral?
On board
- Schiffsreise in der gewählten Kabinenkategorie
- Vollpension an Bord: Frühstücksbuffet, französische Brasserie-Küche zum Mittagessen, mehrgängiges Abendessen
- Große Auswahl an Getränken in Markenqualität (Mineralwasser, Softdrinks, Wein, Bier, Champagner, Kaffee, Tee, ausgewählte Spirituosen)
- Inhalt der Minibar
- 24-Stunden-Roomservice
- Unbegrenzter WiFi-Zugang an Bord
- Ein Landausflug pro Person und Anlaufhafen
- Vorträge und Begleitung der Naturforscher und Lektoren an Bord
- Abendunterhaltung, Vorträge und Shows
- Zugang zu Fitnessbereich und Sauna
- Nicht-motorisierte Wassersport-Aktivitäten (Kajak, Stand-up-Paddle)
- Bei Expeditionsreisen: Zodiac-Anlandungen und Ausfahrten
- Hafen- und Sicherheitsgebühren
Not included
- An- und Abreise zum Schiff (Flüge, Bahn)
- Flughafentransfers
- Reiseversicherung
- Trinkgelder für Crew (übliche Empfehlung 8 bis 10 Euro pro Person und Tag)
- Premium-Spirituosen und ausgewählte Edel-Weine
- Zusätzliche, optionale Landausflüge
- Spa- und Wellness-Anwendungen
- Persönliche Ausgaben (Wäscheservice, Boutique)
- Tauchgänge
Frequently asked questions
How do I book the voyage aboard the L’Austral to the Arctic?
Send an enquiry to IVENT-SAILING via the booking form on this page. Our team of experienced travel experts will be in touch shortly with a personal offer. We would be glad to advise you.
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 for a cruise to the Arctic?
The best time to sail this route is June to August (midnight sun, open fjords).
