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Expedition to the Edge of the Ice Sheet – Greenland & Iceland Luxury Expeditions

Expedition to the Edge of the Ice Sheet – Greenland & Iceland Luxury Expeditions

From AUD $17,790

Description

Embark on an expedition cruise to Greenland, following in the footsteps of the Vikings, the very first polar explorers. As you travel from east to west, from one port of call to the next, you will discover the spectacular landscapes of these wild lands, from icebergs casting blue-tinged reflections on the horizon to majestic fjords, snow-capped mountains, rocky cliffs and waterfalls… The absolute highlight of the trip will be navigating Disko Bay amongst the largest icebergs in the Northern Hemisphere.
During your journey, you will undoubtedly have the opportunity to observe marine mammals and a variety of bird species.  
Some departures may have slightly modified itineraries. Please confirm the itinerary with an Expedition Specialist.

Trip Name
Expedition to the Edge of the Ice Sheet - Greenland & Iceland Luxury Expeditions
Days
14
Overview
Vessel Type: Luxury Expedition / Cruise Ship Length: 142 metres Passenger Capacity: 264 (200 in Antarctica) Built: 2011 L’Austral is a sleek, French-designed expedition yacht combining modern elegance with an intimate atmosphere. With just 132 staterooms for 264 guests, she offers the refined feel of a private yacht, enhanced by attentive service and stylish interiors featuring fine materials, harmonious colours, and discreet touches of brightness. Built by Fincantieri in Ancona, Italy, she is 466 ft long with a 59 ft beam, ice-class certified (1C), and equipped with the latest eco-design innovations, continually upgraded to improve environmental performance. Designed for both polar adventures and tropical voyages, L’Austral features six guest decks, elegant dining venues, and 11 Zodiacs for immersive exploration. Life on board blends relaxation and discovery, with refined gastronomy, welcoming social spaces, and an emphasis on responsible travel. From the subantarctic islands to sunlit coasts, she offers a chic and comfortable way to experience the world, always with PONANT’s signature style of elegance, intimacy, and connection to the sea.

Itinerary



Day 1 - Day 1 - Reykjavík
Iceland’s capital stretches along the edge of a vast bay in the west of the country. Perlan, the “Pearl of Reykjavík”, a museum located on ’Oskjuhlið hill, offers a panoramic view of the lush, green landscapes. A little further, one can easily spot the signpost showing the way to the evangelical Hallgrímskirkja church, and to the historical centre where one can stroll along the Skólavördustígur and the Laugavegur, two lively streets with charming small shops. For some relaxation just outside of the city, visitors have the opportunity to visit the Reykjanes peninsula and its famous thermal lagoons of the Blue Lagoon.
Day 2 - Day 2 - Reykjavík
Iceland’s capital stretches along the edge of a vast bay in the west of the country. Perlan, the “Pearl of Reykjavík”, a museum located on ’Oskjuhlið hill, offers a panoramic view of the lush, green landscapes. A little further, one can easily spot the signpost showing the way to the evangelical Hallgrímskirkja church, and to the historical centre where one can stroll along the Skólavördustígur and the Laugavegur, two lively streets with charming small shops. For some relaxation just outside of the city, visitors have the opportunity to visit the Reykjanes peninsula and its famous thermal lagoons of the Blue Lagoon.
Day 3 - Day 3 - At sea
During your journey at sea, make the most of the many services and activities on board. Treat yourself to a moment of relaxation in the spa or stay in shape in the fitness centre. Depending on the season, let yourself be tempted by the swimming pool or a spot of sunbathing. This journey without a port of call will also be an opportunity to enjoy the conferences or shows proposed on board, depending on the activities offered, or to do some shopping in the boutique or to meet the PONANT photographers in their dedicated space. As for lovers of the open sea, they will be able to visit the ship’s upper deck to admire the spectacle of the waves and perhaps be lucky enough to observe marine species. A truly enchanted interlude, combining comfort, rest and entertainment.
Day 4 - Day 4 - Tasiilaq
In Tasiilaq, on Ammassalik Island, follow in the wake of Captain Jean-Baptiste Charcot’s famous ship, the Pourquoi Pas ?, which set off with its crew in 1935 to discover this small island of primitive and wild beauty that remained unexplored until the end of the 19th century. Along with Ittoqqortoormiit, a village with 500 inhabitants located at the entrance of the Scoresby Sound, the village of Tasiilaq and its surroundings, 800 kilometres (500 miles) further north, are the only inhabited areas on the east coast of Greenland. The name of this island is a reference to the capelin, a small flamboyant silver-coloured fish whose presence in the thousands announces to inhabitants the return of spring. A surprising discovery in a spectacular setting.
Day 5 - Day 5 - Timmiarmiut Fjord
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Day 6 - Day 6 - Prins Christian Sund
Your ship glides silently towards the Greenland coast, in a setting punctuated by pointed peaks and majestic glaciers… You are on the verge of crossing the Prins Christian Sund, a narrow channel that stretches out and zigzags over some one hundred kilometres between Greenland’s south-east and south-west. Fall under the spell of the primitive beauty of these unique landscapes, including rocky cliffs and waterfalls that are fed by the ice sheet and plunge into the icy waters. Here, bearded seals love to lie on the floating ice to soak up the sunshine.
Day 7 - Day 7 - Hvalso
Around you, a grassy meadow filled with flowers stretches out, dotted with imposing granite rocks. A few semi-wild sheep and horses greet you; they are the only inhabitants of this place surrounded by beautiful mountains. You are in Hvalsø, in the heart of the fertile lands in Greenland’s south. During the 10th century, this site was colonised by the Vikings, who established a large community here. When your ship calls at these lands brimming with history, you will see the ruins of a church whose remains are still very well preserved. It was most likely built in the 14th century. It has lost its timber roof, but its four stone walls continue to stand proudly as a moving relic of a long-gone era.
Day 8 - Day 7 - Igaliku
Nestling on the southern tip of Greenland, Igaliku offers a peaceful panorama, dominated by high snow-capped mountains and vibrant valleys of flowers on fine days. Home to the first Viking agricultural settlements, this bucolic village houses the remains of the Garðar religious site, a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Day 9 - Day 8 - Narsarsuaq Region
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Day 10 - Day 9 - Paamiut (Kvanefjorden)
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Day 11 - Day 10 - Evighedsfjorden
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Day 12 - Day 11 - At sea
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Day 13 - Day 12 - Disko Bay
To the east of Baffin Bay, discover Disko Bay, scattered with countless icebergs produced by the Ilulissat Icefjord, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. From your ship, admire the majestic ballet of these ice giants as they slowly drift across the dark waters. This site is a natural marvel of Greenland, and is also renowned as an observation point for the region’s many humpback whales. The encounters with wild fauna and stunning landscapes in the heart of this spectacular and fragile nature will be pure moments of wonder for you.
Day 14 - Day 13 - Nooralak
Located a few kilometres away from the Arctic Circle, the Nooralaq peninsula features raw and untamed beauty. Nature reigns supreme here, with the tundra stretching as far as the eye can see, decked out in various forms of flora and inhabited by Greenland’s emblematic fauna — snow buntings, common ravens, reindeer, musk oxen, and the discreet Arctic fox. The heights of Nooralaq afford sublime panoramas over the Itteleq fjord, whose water reflects the moving skies of the Far North.
Day 15 - Day 14 - Kangerlussuaq
From 1941 to 1992, the town of Kangerlussuaq in Greenland was home to an American military base. Nowadays, thanks to its international airport, it has become a transit point for travellers seeking adventure in the Far North. Located to the north of the Arctic Circle, this town is the starting point of magnificent discoveries surrounded by unspoiled nature. Indeed, just a few dozen kilometres from there it is possible to get close to the Greenland ice sheet, the largest body of ice in the Northern Hemisphere. From Kangerlussuaq, admire also the superb landscapes of tundra in autumnal colours, where Arctic hares, musk oxen, Arctic foxes, reindeer, falcons and eagles live. 
Day 16 - Please note:
Itineraries are subject to change. 

Trip Dates

StartEndPrice FromRoom Type
20-07-202602-08-2026AUD $20,309Superior Stateroom
20-07-202602-08-2026AUD $21,829Deluxe Stateroom
20-07-202602-08-2026AUD $24,019Prestige Stateroom Deck 4
20-07-202602-08-2026AUD $25,119Prestige Stateroom Deck 5
20-07-202602-08-2026AUD $26,429Prestige Stateroom Deck 6
20-07-202602-08-2026AUD $36,039Deluxe Suite
20-07-202602-08-2026AUD $48,069Prestige Suite Deck 5
20-07-202602-08-2026AUD $50,479Prestige Suite Deck 6
20-07-202602-08-2026AUD $63,779Owner's Suite
14-08-202627-08-2026AUD $21,829DeLuxe Stateroom
14-08-202627-08-2026AUD $24,019Prestige Stateroom - Deck 4
14-08-202627-08-2026AUD $25,119Prestige Stateroom - Deck 5
14-08-202627-08-2026AUD $26,429Prestige Stateroom - Deck 6
14-08-202627-08-2026AUD $36,039Deluxe Suite
14-08-202627-08-2026AUD $48,069Prestige Suite - Deck 5
14-08-202627-08-2026AUD $50,479Privilege Suite
14-08-202627-08-2026AUD $57,709Grand Deluxe Suite
14-08-202627-08-2026AUD $67,979Grand Privilege Suite
14-08-202627-08-2026AUD $79,780Owner’s Suite
14-08-202627-08-2026AUD $81,269Owner's Suite
14-08-202627-08-2026AUD $20,309Superior Stateroom
30-07-202712-08-2027AUD $17,790Superior Stateroom
30-07-202712-08-2027AUD $19,080Deluxe Stateroom
30-07-202712-08-2027AUD $20,940Prestige Deck 4
30-07-202712-08-2027AUD $21,880Prestige Deck 5
30-07-202712-08-2027AUD $23,000Prestige Deck 6
30-07-202712-08-2027AUD $31,180Deluxe Suite
30-07-202712-08-2027AUD $41,400Prestige Deck 5 Suite
30-07-202712-08-2027AUD $43,440Prestige Deck 6 Suite
30-07-202712-08-2027AUD $65,060Owner's Suite
20-08-202702-09-2027AUD $19,660Superior Stateroom
20-08-202702-09-2027AUD $21,130Deluxe Stateroom
20-08-202702-09-2027AUD $23,230Prestige Deck 4
20-08-202702-09-2027AUD $24,300Prestige Deck 5
20-08-202702-09-2027AUD $25,560Prestige Deck 6
20-08-202702-09-2027AUD $34,840Deluxe Suite
20-08-202702-09-2027AUD $46,420Prestige Deck 5 Suite
20-08-202702-09-2027AUD $48,730Privilège Suite
20-08-202702-09-2027AUD $55,690Grand Deluxe Suite
20-08-202702-09-2027AUD $65,600Grand Privilege Suite
20-08-202702-09-2027AUD $82,840Owner's Suite
28-07-202810-08-2028AUD $17,960Superior Stateroom
28-07-202810-08-2028AUD $19,220Deluxe Stateroom
28-07-202810-08-2028AUD $21,000Prestige Stateroom Deck 4
28-07-202810-08-2028AUD $21,900Prestige Stateroom Deck 5
28-07-202810-08-2028AUD $22,980Prestige Stateroom Deck 6
28-07-202810-08-2028AUD $30,840Deluxe Suite
28-07-202810-08-2028AUD $40,660Prestige Suite Deck 5
28-07-202810-08-2028AUD $42,630Prestige Suite Deck 6
28-07-202810-08-2028AUD $67,660Owner's Suite
17-08-202830-08-2028AUD $17,960Superior Stateroom
17-08-202830-08-2028AUD $19,220Deluxe Stateroom
17-08-202830-08-2028AUD $21,000Prestige Stateroom Deck 4
17-08-202830-08-2028AUD $21,900Prestige Stateroom Deck 5
17-08-202830-08-2028AUD $22,980Prestige Stateroom Deck 6
17-08-202830-08-2028AUD $30,840Deluxe Suite
17-08-202830-08-2028AUD $40,660Prestige Suite
17-08-202830-08-2028AUD $42,630Privilege Suite
17-08-202830-08-2028AUD $48,520Grand Deluxe Suite
17-08-202830-08-2028AUD $56,920Grand Privilege Suite
17-08-202830-08-2028AUD $86,050Owner's Suite

Inclusions

    • Explore Greenland in the footsteps of the first Vikings and explorers, meet the Inuit communities and admire majestic icebergs.
    • Spectacular landscapes (Prince Christian Sound, Disko Bay, etc.), fascinating wildlife (opportunities to glimpse or observe cetaceans, seabirds, Arctic foxes, etc.) and riveting Viking history (the UNESCO-listed Igaliku).
    • Activities: opportunities for dinghy outings and shore visits with your naturalist guides; kayaking; visits to Inuit villages and Nuuk, the capital of Greenland, etc.

Map