Greenland, Labrador and Newfoundland: St. John's and Iqaluit · Sep 2027
Wild coasts, with French elegance and a spirit of discovery aboard L'Austral
What makes the voyage of the L’Austral to the Arctic special?
This 17-night expedition follows the wild coast from west Greenland's capital all the way to Canadian Halifax. Aboard L'Austral, an ice-strengthened premium vessel for 184 guests, you cross Davis Strait into the Labrador Sea area. The highlight is the Torngat Mountains National Park in northern Labrador with its jagged ranges and living Inuit culture. The route continues along Newfoundland and Labrador to the French island of Saint Pierre off Canada's east coast. The naturalist team accompanies Zodiac landings, from whale watching to historic whaling sites in Red Bay.
Route highlights
- Nuuk (Godthaab): Embarkation harbour and capital of Greenland at the entrance of the Nuuk fjord system.
- Iqaluit: Capital of the Canadian territory of Nunavut on Frobisher Bay, Baffin Island.
- Torngat-Mountains-Nationalpark: A wild mountain region in northern Labrador, home to caribou, polar bears and Inuit culture.
- Nain and Rigolet: Small Inuit settlements along the Labrador coast with lively craft traditions.
- Red Bay: A UNESCO World Heritage site preserving the story of 16th-century Basque whalers.
- Twillingate and Saint Johns: Lively Newfoundland harbours with iceberg passage and a colourful bay setting.
- Saint Pierre Island: A French overseas territory off Newfoundland with European flair.
- Halifax: Disembarkation harbour on the Atlantic coast of Nova Scotia.
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?
17 nights from Nuuk (Godthaab) to Halifax, including Nuuk, Qeqertarsuatsiaat, Iqaluit.
Nuuk (Godthaab)
17 nights
Halifax
The exact route is set by the expedition team on site, depending on ice and weather:
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Nuuk · Embarkation
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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Qeqertarsuatsiaat
On the south-west coast of Greenland between Nuuk and Paamiut, this small settlement of around 200 inhabitants nestles on a rocky peninsula by a sheltered fjord. It is known for the gemstone deposits of rubies and pink sapphires in the surrounding mountains.
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At sea
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Iqaluit, Nunavut
On Frobisher Bay on Baffin Island in Canada's territory of Nunavut lies its capital Iqaluit with around 8,000 inhabitants. Canada's northernmost capital combines traditional Inuit culture with the modern architecture of the Nunatta Sunakkutaangit Museum and the striking tent-shaped St. Jude's Anglican Cathedral.
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Grinnell-Gletscher, Nunavut
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Insel Akpatok, Nunavut
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Nachvak-Fjord, Torngat-Mountains-Nationalpark
Nachvak Fjord cuts deep into the Torngat Mountains on the northern coast of Labrador and ranks among Canada's wildest landscapes. Between sheer rock walls and tundra you may encounter caribou and polar bears in an all but untouched wilderness.
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Nain
Nain is the northernmost permanent Inuit community on the Labrador coast of Canada on the Labrador Sea. It lies within the autonomous Nunatsiavut region and is an important gateway to the Torngat Mountains National Park; the settlement goes back to a Moravian mission station from the late 18th century.
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Rigolet
At the mouth of Hamilton Inlet on the south-east coast of Labrador in Canada, this small Inuit community is the southernmost Inuit settlement in North America. It is renowned for North America's longest boardwalk, which winds along the coast through the subarctic tundra.
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Red Bay, Newfoundland
On the southern coast of Labrador in the Canadian province of Newfoundland and Labrador along the Strait of Belle Isle, Basque whalers operated North America's earliest industrial-scale whale-oil station here between 1530 and 1600. The archaeological remains are now a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
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L'Anse aux Meadows, Neufundland
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Twillingate, Newfoundland
Twillingate stretches across an island group in Notre Dame Bay on the north-east coast of Canada's Newfoundland. In early summer huge icebergs drift past along the famous Iceberg Alley.
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Trinity Bay, Neufundland
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St. John's, Neufundland
St. John's is the capital of Antigua and Barbuda and a lively port set on a sheltered bay. Colourful Georgian timber houses, St. John's Cathedral and the public market define this Caribbean town.
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Insel Saint Pierre, Saint-Pierre und Miquelon
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Insel Miquelon, Saint-Pierre und Miquelon
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At sea
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Halifax · Disembarkation
Climate & best time to sail
Embarkation: Nuuk (Godthaab)
| 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)
Disembarkation: Halifax
| Month | Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Air °C | -1 | -1 | 3 | 8 | 14 | 19 | 23 | 23 | 18 | 12 | 6 | 1 |
| Sea °C | 3 | 2 | 2 | 4 | 7 | 11 | 15 | 17 | 16 | 12 | 9 | 5 |
| Rain mm | 148 | 120 | 120 | 110 | 110 | 95 | 95 | 95 | 100 | 130 | 150 | 150 |
Long-term monthly normals · Reference: Atlantic North America (Halifax / New England)
What are the highlights of the cruise aboard the L’Austral to the Arctic?
Highlights of this route: Nuuk (Godthaab) · Nuuk · Qeqertarsuatsiaat
Nuuk (Godthaab)
Nuuk, the capital of Greenland on the south-western coast of the island, sits nestled between fjords and icebergs on the edge of the Labrador Sea.
Nuuk
Nuuk is the capital of Greenland and, with 19,000 inhabitants, the largest town on the island.
Qeqertarsuatsiaat
On the south-west coast of Greenland between Nuuk and Paamiut, this small settlement of around 200 inhabitants nestles on a rocky peninsula by a sheltered fjord.
Iqaluit
On Frobisher Bay on Baffin Island in Canada's territory of Nunavut lies its capital Iqaluit with around 8,000 inhabitants.
Grinnell Glacier
On Canadian Devon Island in the Arctic Archipelago stretches Grinnell Glacier from the central ice cap.
Akpatok Island
Akpatok Island is an uninhabited limestone island in Ungava Bay in Canada's Nunavut territory.
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 € 13,380 p.p., 17 nights, departure 16.09.2027.
Prices per person in double cabin (suites: based on double occupancy), all-inclusive. Subject to availability.
| Category | Price p.P. | Status | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Superior Aussenkabine | € 14.810 | Available | Book |
| Deluxe Balkonkabine | € 15.880 | Available | Book |
| Prestige Kabine Deck 4 - CHANDERNAGOR | € 17.400 | Available | Book |
| Prestige Kabine Deck 5 - BENGALE | € 18.160 | Available | Book |
| Prestige Kabine Deck 6 - MAHE | € 19.070 | Available | Book |
| Deluxe Suite - MAHE | € 25.760 | Available | Book |
| Prestige Suite Deck 5 | € 34.120 | Available | Book |
| Prestige Suite Deck 6 | € 35.790 | Available | Book |
| Owner's Suite - MAHE | € 53.470 | 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. 17 nights from EUR 13.380 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 Nuuk (Godthaab) the best time to sail is June to August (midnight sun, open fjords); for disembarkation in Halifax it is June to October (incl. Indian summer).
