Iceland and Greenland: Disko Bay and Reykjavik · Jul 2027
Expedition to the edge of the ice sheet
What makes the voyage of the L’Austral to the Arctic special?
This 13-night expedition sails from Reykjavík across the Denmark Strait to the rugged east coast of Greenland and continues around Cape Farewell into the fjord-rich south-west. Aboard L'Austral, an ice-strengthened premium vessel for 184 guests, you glide through narrow fjord systems to the edge of the Greenlandic ice sheet. The naturalist team accompanies Zodiac landings at glacier fronts, in Inuit villages and at Norse settlement sites. After a stop in Nuuk the route continues along the west coast to the Eqip Sermia glacier and Disko Bay. The voyage ends at Kangerlussuaq, at the head of one of Greenland's longest fjords.
Route highlights
- Reykjavík: Iceland's capital on Faxafloi Bay, departure point for the Denmark Strait crossing.
- Tasiilaq and Sermilik: The largest settlement on Greenland's east coast and an iceberg-rich fjord system inland.
- Skjoldungen and Prince Christian Sound: A silent fjord setting and a narrow passage at Greenland's southern tip.
- Hvalsø and Igaliku: Ruins of medieval Norse settlements set in lush southern Greenland.
- Nuuk (Godthaab) and Sisimiut: The capital at the Nuuk fjord system and a lively harbour town above the Arctic Circle.
- Eqip Sermia-Gletscher and Diskobucht: An active calving front and the iceberg stage of the west coast.
- Kangerlussuaq: Disembarkation harbour at the head of Soendre Stroemfjord, gateway to the inland ice edge.
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?
13 nights from Reykjavik to Kangerlussuaq, including Tasiilaq, Sermilik, Skjoldungen.
Reykjavik
13 nights
Kangerlussuaq
The exact route is set by the expedition team on site, depending on ice and weather:
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Reykjavík · Embarkation
The world's northernmost capital is the starting point for Iceland's wonders: geysers, volcanoes, glaciers and northern lights. The creative, compact city with the striking Hallgrímskirkja offers excellent cuisine and a surprisingly lively cultural scene.
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At sea
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Tasiilaq
Tasiilaq is the largest settlement on Greenland's east coast, set picturesquely on King Oscar Harbour. Colourful timber houses, the Valley of Flowers and icebergs in the bay define the Arctic scene.
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Sermilik-Fjord
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Skjoldungen
On Greenland's south-east coast, Skjoldungen is an uninhabited fjord island lying between two arms of the fjord of the same name. Jagged peaks, calving glaciers and profound silence shape the scenery.
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Prins Christian Sund
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Hvalso
In southern Greenland lies the small settlement of Hvalsø near the famous Hvalsey Norse church on a sheltered fjord arm. The 14th-century ruin is the best-preserved building of the medieval Norse settlers in Greenland and marks the last documented presence of the Greenlandic Norse during a wedding ceremony in 1408.
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Igaliku
On the site of the former Norse settlement of Garðar in southern Greenland lies the small sheep-farming community of Igaliku with around 30 residents. The bishop's seat ruins and massive Norse-era stone walls define this UNESCO World Heritage site, part of the Kujataa cultural landscape representing over 1,000 years of farming history.
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Ikka-Fjord
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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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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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Base Paul-Emile Victor, Eqi Glacier
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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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Nooralak
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Kangerlussuaq · Disembarkation
Climate & best time to sail
Embarkation: Reykjavik
| Month | Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Air °C | 4 | 4 | 6 | 9 | 13 | 16 | 17 | 17 | 14 | 11 | 7 | 5 |
| Sea °C | 7 | 6 | 6 | 7 | 10 | 13 | 15 | 16 | 14 | 12 | 9 | 8 |
| Rain mm | 190 | 150 | 170 | 110 | 106 | 132 | 148 | 190 | 283 | 271 | 259 | 235 |
Long-term monthly normals · Reference: Norwegian coast / Scotland (Bergen)
Disembarkation: Kangerlussuaq
| 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: Reykjavík · Tasiilaq · Sermilik
Reykjavík
The world's northernmost capital is the starting point for Iceland's wonders: geysers, volcanoes, glaciers and northern lights.
Tasiilaq
Tasiilaq is the largest settlement on Greenland's east coast, set picturesquely on King Oscar Harbour.
Sermilik
On Greenland's south-east coast near the Inuit settlement of Tasiilaq, Sermilik Fjord opens up towards the inland ice.
Skjoldungen
On Greenland's south-east coast, Skjoldungen is an uninhabited fjord island lying between two arms of the fjord of the same name.
Prince Christian Sound
In southern Greenland, this 100-kilometre strait, often only a few hundred metres wide, links the Atlantic with the Labrador Sea.
Hvalsø
In southern Greenland lies the small settlement of Hvalsø near the famous Hvalsey Norse church on a sheltered fjord arm.
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 € 11,730 p.p., 13 nights, departure 30.07.2027.
Prices per person in double cabin (suites: based on double occupancy), all-inclusive. Subject to availability.
| Category | Price p.P. | Status | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Superior Aussenkabine | € 14.660 | On request | Book |
| Deluxe Balkonkabine | € 15.740 | On request | Book |
| Prestige Kabine Deck 4 - CHANDERNAGOR | € 17.290 | On request | Book |
| Prestige Kabine Deck 5 - BENGALE | € 18.070 | Available | Book |
| Prestige Kabine Deck 6 - MAHE | € 19.000 | Available | Book |
| Deluxe Suite - MAHE | € 26.980 | On request | Book |
| Prestige Suite Deck 5 | € 35.930 | On request | Book |
| Prestige Suite Deck 6 | € 37.710 | Available | Book |
| Owner's Suite - MAHE | € 43.080 | 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. 13 nights from EUR 11.730 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?
For embarkation in Reykjavík the best time to sail is May to September; for disembarkation in Kangerlussuaq it is June to August (midnight sun, open fjords).
