Tasiilaq, a town in Arctic southeastern Greenland with bright red wooden buildings and harbor surrounded by high mountains.
The luxury Ponant ship, painted grey and white with a red stripe float along a partly snowy mountainous coastline of Greenland.
At the end of a fjord in Greenland two groups take a skiff riding activity and cruise in front of a icy teal glacier.
A portrait of a grey seal resting on an iceberg floating in the sea around the Nansen fjord in Greenland north of the Arctic Circle
Seen from a luxury greenland cruise, Scoresby Sound, the largest fjord in the world. Jagged formations of red rock and white ice.
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Polar Regions Arctic Cruise

Greenland of Great Explorers Cruise

Discover the unexplored shores of the eastern coast of Greenland on this 14- or 15-day expedition cruise. Aboard 264-guest luxury ships L’Austral or Le Boreal, follow in the footsteps of the great French explorers who pushed the boundaries of polar navigation from the 19th century onwards. 

On the main 15-day itinerary, cruise from Longyearbyen in Spitsbergen to Jan Mayen Island. Located on the threshold of the Arctic and North Atlantic oceans, this isolated and uninhabited volcanic island was once a whale hunting center and is now home to large bird colonies. Sail on toward the west coast of Greenland, known for its wild natural environments, alpine landscapes and sea ice carried along the Transpolar Drift. Cruise along the Blosseville Coast, named after the French captain who saw it for the first time in 1833. Here, the ice sheet meets the sea. End by sailing up the west coast of Greenland. Admire the sublime fjords of Prins Christian Sund and the blue-tinged icebergs of Narsaq, before heading for Kangerlussuaq, where this unforgettable cruise will end.

The alternative 14-day itinerary follows the Vikings’ route, in the steps of Erik the Red. From Reykjavik, touch the east coast of Greenland in Tasiilaq, a city on the edge of an inlet with a breathtaking view of glittering blue icebergs. Watch for abundant and varied fauna: seals, whales, orcas and many species of seabirds. Sail down the narrow Prins Christian Sund passage, connecting the southeast of Greenland to the southwest. Jagged mountains, rocky cliffs, waterfalls and floating ice form a wonderful wild landscape that hosts colonies of bearded seals. Sail amid the blue icebergs of the Narsaq region, and among the largest icebergs in the Northern Hemisphere in Disko Bay before disembarking in Kangerlussuaq.

Two sister ships cruise the icy waters of the Arctic on this once-in-a-lifetime expedition: L’Austral and Le Boreal. Be joined on board by an experienced team of naturalist guides, anthropologists, ornithologists and marine mammal specialists. Travel in style aboard these 264-guest, luxury French expedition ships that offer refined and attentive service, a plethora of onboard activities and unrivaled elegance. Appreciate understated sophistication, an international feel and top-notch guides aboard these ships on their Iceland cruises and Svalbard cruises.

Read on for details about this luxury cruise in the Northwest Passage, or learn more about AdventureSmith’s Arctic cruises and Arctic expedition trips.



Itinerary

Greenland of Great Explorers Itinerary

The main 15-day Greenland of Great Explorers cruise operates from Longyearbyen, Spitsbergen to Kangerlussuaq, Greenland, bookended by flights that connect to Paris, France. This itinerary uniquely offers time exploring South Spitsbergen National Park and the remote, volcanic Jan Mayen Island.

Route map of Greenland of Great Explorers cruise from Longyearbyen, Spitsbergen to Kangerlussuaq, Greenland, bookended by flights connecting Paris, France.
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Day 1
Fly From Paris, France to Longyearbyen, Spitsbergen & Embark

Longyearbyen is the capital of the Norwegian Svalbard archipelago, located on Svalbard’s main island, and is the northernmost territorial capital on the planet. With winter temperatures dropping to -86°F, the landscapes of this mining town are simply breathtaking. The glaciers, the mountains stretching as far as the eye can see and the untouched nature provide the feeling of being in completely unexplored territory.

Accommodations

L'Austral

Meals

dinner

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Day 2
Stellingfjellet & Isbukta

To the east of the southern tip of the South Spitsbergen National Park, discover Stellingfjellet, one of the largest cliffs of the Svalbard archipelago. This impressive rocky promontory, located south of the Markhambreen glacier in the Torell Land massif, is bordered by shallow waters, rich in fish and nutriment. These feed the many colonies of nesting birds which have found refuge in the crevices of its vertiginous walls. The heights of this geological wonder are a theater for the skillful and endless dance of its inhabitants. From the sea, enjoy a privileged viewpoint for observing this grandiose décor.

Nestling on the southeast point of the island of Spitsbergen, this small bay shelters an immense glacier, the Vasil’evbreen, whose front is more than 12 miles long. This is an opportunity for an unforgettable Zodiac outing. If the conditions allow it, land directly at the foot of this majestic glacier, so as to discover the moraine and walk on the first section of the glacier. Depending on the ice conditions, also perhaps be lucky enough to approach Stellingfjellet, home to one of the largest guillemot colonies on the archipelago.

Accommodations

L'Austral

Meals

breakfast, lunch, dinner

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Day 3
At Sea

Make the most of the plethora of services and activities on board during this day at sea. Enjoy a workout class in the fitness center, or a treatment in the spa. Take in lectures or shows, do some shopping in the boutique or meet the ship’s photographers. 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.

Accommodations

L'Austral

Meals

breakfast, lunch, dinner

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Day 4
Jan Mayen Island

The island of Jan Mayen, belonging to Norway, lies hidden off Greenland’s coastlines, lost between the Arctic Ocean and the North Atlantic Ocean. This small piece of land is inhabited by only a handful of Norwegian meteorologists. Tongues of ice descend from its volcanic summit, which culminates at roughly 7,300 feet and is covered with a thick glacial coat. These tongues join the sea, between ranges of black volcanic rocks at times tinged with red. If the sky is clear, enjoy the chance to glimpse the summit, decked out in magnificent light. The possible visit of a small fin whale will complete this memorable picture.

Accommodations

L'Austral

Meals

breakfast, lunch, dinner

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Day 5
At Sea

Make the most of the plethora of services and activities on board during this day at sea. Enjoy a workout class in the fitness center, or a treatment in the spa. Take in lectures or shows, do some shopping in the boutique or meet the ship’s photographers. 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.

Accommodations

L'Austral

Meals

breakfast, lunch, dinner

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Day 6
Watkins Fjord

At the entrance to Kangerlussuaq Ffjord (East Greenland), explore one of its small side branches: the magnificent Watkins Fjord. The huge glacial valley of Frederiksborg pours into this sumptuous desert of rock and ice surmounted by the jagged silhouette of the summits of the Lemon Range. The fjord owes its name to the British explorer Gino Watkins (1907-1932), who in 1930 led an expedition aboard Quest, the former ship of famous explorer Ernest Shackleton, in the aim of finding a supply point in this region on the airway between England and Canada. Come and discover this mythical place in the history of Arctic exploration.

Accommodations

L'Austral

Meals

breakfast, lunch, dinner

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Day 7
Tugtilik & Storo Island

In the Ammassalik region, the small island of Storo welcomed the famous French explorer Paul-Emile Victor during his first stay in Greenland in 1932. This young ethnologist was set down by Captain Charcot at Ammassallik then made his way to the island of Storo, where he spent a year hosted by an Inuit family. Bones, stones, a tomb and a few vestiges of huts and wooden cabins are evidence that people have been coming to the island for a very long time. Its location facing the Denmark Strait, at the entrance of a small fjord, is indeed ideal for hunting or for observing the whales, narwhals or belugas that live in the fish-rich waters of the Greenland Sea.

Accommodations

L'Austral

Meals

breakfast, lunch, dinner

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Day 8
Sermilik Fjord & Tasiilaq, Greenland

Be captivated by the spectacular scenery of the Sermilik Fjord, the largest in the southeast of Greenland. To the north, above the glacial valleys, the Schweitzerland Alps and their peaks that rise to an altitude of more than 10,000 feet stretch out in the distance, while in the south, where it opens onto the Irminger Sea, heavy erosion has carved the landscape. Three main glaciers calve a multitude of dazzling icebergs that drift serenely along the indigo waters of this majestic fjord. It owes its name to the Inuit word Sermilik, which generally refers to a fjord into which a glacier flows. It was mapped in 1884 by the Danish explorer Gustav Holm and his crew, while they wintered in the Ammassalik region.

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, 500 miles farther 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-colored fish whose presence in the thousands announces to inhabitants the return of spring. A surprising discovery in a spectacular setting.

Accommodations

L'Austral

Meals

breakfast, lunch, dinner

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Day 9
Qingminguartalik & Nansen Harbor

Welcome to a small protected bay on the eastern coast of Greenland, around 125 miles south of Tasiilaq, for a date with history and ice. During this port of call, have the opportunity to visit the remains of old peat houses from the Thule civilization. Then, after a scenic navigation, reach the starting point of the very first crossing of the Greenland ice cap, led in 1888 by Fridtjof Nansen, the great Norwegian polar explorer. A magical place where you can climb the gentle slopes of the ice cap’s first foothills to better appreciate its huge size.

Travelling to Nansen Harbor is the guarantee of a voyage back in time and will enable you to discover a superb bay, into which the ice cap plunges directly. It was because of the proximity and accessibility of the glacier that Fridtjof Nansen chose this location for his crossing of the ice cap crossing in August 1888. Sailing along the coast, imagine the first steps of the great explorer on the Greenland ice sheet.

Accommodations

L'Austral

Meals

breakfast, lunch, dinner

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Day 10
Skjoldungen

Discover Skjoldungen Island on the southeast coast of Greenland. This uninhabited land boasts magnificent landscapes that are sure to dazzle. The island is surrounded by a stunning fjord, a distinctive feature of which is its double entrance: it forms a bend before joining the sea on the other side. Mountains, glacial valleys, rocky outcrops, tundra and willow forests make up the beautiful scenery which can be admired more closely when landing here. At this port of call, surrounded by wild and pristine nature, it is quite common to see bearded seals, orcas, but also birds such as the common redpoll, the northern wheatear or the common raven.

Accommodations

L'Austral

Meals

breakfast, lunch, dinner

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Day 11
Prins Christian Sund & Aappilattoq (Augpilatok)

The 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 62 miles between Greenland’s southeast and southwest. 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.

Aappilattoq (Augpilatok) is a small Inuit village of around one hundred inhabitants, whose name means “sea anemone” in Greenlandic. Located in a mountainous region inaccessible by road, its picturesque, colorful houses stretch out to the southern tip of Greenland, on the banks of the spectacular Prince Christian Sound. Some 62 miles long, the sound connects the Labrador Sea to the Irminger Sea, meandering through stunning landscapes such as majestic glaciers, craggy peaks, and rocky cliffs with waterfalls fed by the ice sheet. This region was uninhabited in the 19th century. The village was created in the 1920s and the main activities revolve around hunting, fishing and livestock farming.

Accommodations

L'Austral

Meals

breakfast, lunch, dinner

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Day 12
Igaliku & Narsaq Fjord

In the curve of a magnificent, sinuous fjord, discover the small village of Igaliku, famous for having been the episcopal seat during the Viking period. A red sandstone cathedral dedicated to Saint Nicholas was built in 1126. Its ruins, discovered in 1926, revealed the earlier presence of a pagan sanctuary on this site. A small museum set up in the church presents the origins of the village, which grew after a Danish farmer and his Greenlandic wife settled there in 1782. Igaliku is the starting point of hikes to waterfalls and to Erik’s Fjord or the Narsarsuaq plateau, which affords breathtaking views of the majestic icebergs in the fjord and of the Qooroq glacier.

From the ship, discover the town of Narsaq. Be dazzled by the beauty of the surrounding icebergslarge masses of ice in different shapes and shifting colors. Dominated by lush mountains, this small town is typical of Greenland and is located in the heart of a wonderful natural landscape. The multicolored house facades and the glaciers with their myriad shades of blue offer a magical setting, conducive to wonderment.

Accommodations

L'Austral

Meals

breakfast, lunch, dinner

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Day 13
At Sea

Make the most of the plethora of services and activities on board during this day at sea. Enjoy a workout class in the fitness center, or a treatment in the spa. Take in lectures or shows, do some shopping in the boutique or meet the ship’s photographers. 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.

Accommodations

L'Austral

Meals

breakfast, lunch, dinner

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Day 14
Evighedsfjorden

The ship glides slowly along the water towards the west coast of Greenland, to enter Evighedsfjorden, just a few miles south of Kangerlussuaq. Evighedsfjorden means “the fjord of Eternity” and for good reason: just when you think you’ve reached the end of this stretch of sea measuring over 62 miles in length, it seems to go on forever, as though to bring even more pleasure to those sailing in it. The spectacular scenery ranges from glaciers to tundra with an abundant flora, and jagged cliffs where numerous bird species have taken up residence. Take the time to observe the white-tailed eagles and the colonies of seagulls and black-legged kittiwakes flying overhead in the area.

Accommodations

L'Austral

Meals

breakfast, lunch, dinner

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Day 15
Disembark Kangerlussuaq, Greenland, Fly to Paris, France & Depart

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 travelers 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 couple dozen miles 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 colors, where arctic hares, musk oxen, arctic foxes, reindeer, falcons and eagles live.

Accommodations

n/a

Meals

breakfast

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Details
Inclusions, Terms & Notes

Included

All meals while on board the ship; captain’s welcome cocktail and gala dinner; “open bar” (pouring wines, house champagne, alcohol except premium brands); evening entertainment and events; room service; highly qualified bilingual French/English expedition team; lectures presented by the expedition team; Zodiac and shore excursions; park entry fees into protected areas; complimentary unlimited Wifi on board; port fees and taxes (except for child passengers–see Families & Children); gratuities.

Exclusions

Optional add-on excursions or packages; ground services before or after the cruise; visa expenses; possible immigration reciprocity taxes; gratuities; luggage handling; beverages beyond those in Inclusions; laundry, hair salon, spa treatments, onboard medical consultations and other personal charges; cancellation, luggage, assistance, repatriation, medical and insurance of any kind.

Payment & Cancellation

In order to confirm this trip, a deposit of 25% of the total trip cost is required per person at time of booking. The balance of the trip price is due 90 days before the departure date. Special holiday payment and cancellation terms apply. Guests who must cancel their trip for any reason must do so in writing. Standard cancellations beyond 14 days after booking confirmation are subject to the following per-person penalties, based on number of days prior to departure:
181 days or more – $250
180 to 91 days – 25% of total trip cost
90 to 0 days – 100% of total trip cost

Terms & Conditions

This trip is subject to AdventureSmith Explorations Terms and Conditions. Please read this information carefully and call us if you have any questions. A Traveler Information Form, which includes a release of liability, must be completed and signed by all travelers. Your Adventure Specialist will send you a unique link to complete this form along with a packing list and extensive pre-departure and travel insurance information upon booking confirmation.

Vaccination Requirement
To join this trip, all eligible guests must provide proof of being fully vaccinated (at least 14 days after your final COVID-19 vaccine shot), including a booster shot for those eligible. There may also be COVID-19 testing or other requirements to participate; your Adventure Specialist will provide details of current policies upon booking.

Arrival & Departure

The Greenland of Great Explorers cruise begins and ends in Paris, France (CDG). We highly recommend arriving one day prior to your trip start date in case of any flight delay, cancellation or lost luggage issues. Recommended flight arrival and departure times are specific to each voyage; consult your Adventure Specialist for guidelines relating to your departure. If you would like assistance with international flights, please visit our Booking Flights resource page.

Internal Flights

An Economy class group charter flight between Paris, France and Longyearbyen, Spitsbergen; and between Kangerlussuaq, Greenland and Paris, France is included with this trip’s itinerary. The charter flights are unique per departure and details will be confirmed in advance. There is a luggage limit of 50 lbs (23 kg) checked luggage and 18 lbs (8 kg) cabin baggage for Economy class. Additional Economy class baggage allotment can be requested and purchased and is based on availability. Business Class seating is available upon request and may incur an additional charge. The luggage limit for business class is two 50 lbs (23 kg) checked luggage and 22 lbs (10 kg) cabin baggage.

Activities

Optional activities on your Greenland of Great Explorers cruise include practicing photography, Zodiac cruising, walking, hiking and museum visits. In addition to these off-ship excursions, a multitude of onboard activities keep guests engaged, including live music, dance and theater; spa treatments; exercise and stretching classes; specialty food, wine and cocktail tastings; organized games; and lectures by guides and possible special guests.

Room Configuration

Select double-occupancy cabins may be available for single occupancy with a single supplement fee. This supplement may vary depending on cabin category and remaining capacity per departure. A willing-to-share program is not available. Triple and quadruple rates may be available in select cabin categories; contact AdventureSmith for details.

Families & Children

Children 6 years and older at time of travel are welcomed on this expedition. Children under 18 years old at time of travel may receive special discounts when sharing a cabin with one or two full-fare adults. Contact AdventureSmith for details.

Travel Insurance

A medical form for all travelers is required for every departure. Travelers are also highly encouraged to have full and adequate travel insurance covering the risks of cancellation, assistance being required, emergency medical evacuation and repatriation, damages to and loss of baggage, and medical expenses. In addition, we highly recommend our travelers protect their investment with travel insurance that includes trip cancellation and other benefits. Our partners at Travelex Insurance offer a variety of plans and policies to fit every trip and budget. Coverage for a pre-existing medical condition is also available if you purchase the Travel Select plan within 15 days of the initial trip payment; refer to plan details. Learn more about travel insurance or get a free quote.

Itinerary Notes

Use the itinerary as a guide only. Itineraries may be altered due to weather, wildlife, national park regulation or at the captain’s discretion. The ability to be flexible makes this type of small ship cruising unique.

Expedition to The Edge of The Ice Sheet Itinerary

The alternative 14-day Expedition to The Edge of The Ice Sheet cruise operates from Reykjavik, Iceland to Kangerlussuaq, Greenland, ending with a flight connecting to Paris, France. This itinerary uniquely offers more visits along Greenland, and travels farther north to visit some of the largest icebergs in the Northern Hemisphere, in Disko Bay.

Route map of Expedition to The Ice Edge cruise from Reykjavik, Iceland to Kangerlussuaq, Greenland, ending with a flight to Paris, France.
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Days 1 - 2
Embark Reykjavik, Iceland & Depart Iceland

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 center 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, take the opportunity to visit the Reykjanes peninsula and its famous thermal lagoons of the Blue Lagoon. Embark the ship in the late afternoon of Day 1 and depart from Iceland at midnight.

Accommodations

Le Boreal

Meals

dinner

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Day 3
At Sea

Make the most of the plethora of services and activities on board during this day at sea. Enjoy a workout class in the fitness center, or a treatment in the spa. Take in lectures or shows, do some shopping in the boutique or meet the ship’s photographers. 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.

Accommodations

Le Boreal

Meals

breakfast, lunch, dinner

Read More
Day 4
Tasiilaq & Sermilik Fjord, Greenland

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, 500 miles farther 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-colored fish whose presence in the thousands announces to inhabitants the return of spring. A surprising discovery in a spectacular setting.

Be captivated by the spectacular scenery of the Sermilik Fjord, the largest in the southeast of Greenland. To the north, above the glacial valleys, the Schweitzerland Alps and their peaks that rise to an altitude of more than 10,000 feet stretch out in the distance, while in the south, where it opens onto the Irminger Sea, heavy erosion has carved the landscape. Three main glaciers calve a multitude of dazzling icebergs that drift serenely along the indigo waters of this majestic fjord. It owes its name to the Inuit word Sermilik, which generally refers to a fjord into which a glacier flows. It was mapped in 1884 by the Danish explorer Gustav Holm and his crew, while they wintered in the Ammassalik region.

Accommodations

Le Boreal

Meals

breakfast, lunch, dinner

Read More
Day 5
Skjoldungen

Discover Skjoldungen Island on the southeast coast of Greenland. This uninhabited land boasts magnificent landscapes that are sure to dazzle. The island is surrounded by a stunning fjord, a distinctive feature of which is its double entrance: it forms a bend before joining the sea on the other side. Mountains, glacial valleys, rocky outcrops, tundra and willow forests make up the beautiful scenery which can be admired more closely when landing here. At this port of call, surrounded by wild and pristine nature, it is quite common to see bearded seals, orcas, but also birds such as the common redpoll, the northern wheatear or the common raven.

Accommodations

Le Boreal

Meals

breakfast, lunch, dinner

Read More
Day 6
Aappilattoq (Augpilatok)

Aappilattoq (Augpilatok) is a small Inuit village of around one hundred inhabitants, whose name means “sea anemone” in Greenlandic. Located in a mountainous region inaccessible by road, its picturesque, colorful houses stretch out to the southern tip of Greenland, on the banks of the spectacular Prince Christian Sound. Some 62 miles long, the sound connects the Labrador Sea to the Irminger Sea, meandering through stunning landscapes such as majestic glaciers, craggy peaks, and rocky cliffs with waterfalls fed by the ice sheet. This region was uninhabited in the 19th century. The village was created in the 1920s and the main activities revolve around hunting, fishing and livestock farming.

Accommodations

Le Boreal

Meals

breakfast, lunch, dinner

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Day 7
Hvalso & Narsaq Fjord

A grassy meadow filled with flowers stretches out, dotted with imposing granite rocks. A few semi-wild sheep and horses greet all; they are the only inhabitants of this place surrounded by beautiful mountains. Welcome to Hvalsø, in the heart of the fertile lands in Greenland’s south. During the 10th century, this site was colonized by the Vikings, who established a large community here. When the ship calls at these lands brimming with history, 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.

From the ship, discover the town of Narsaq. Be dazzled by the beauty of the surrounding icebergslarge masses of ice in different shapes and shifting colors. Dominated by lush mountains, this small town is typical of Greenland and is located in the heart of a wonderful natural landscape. The multicolored house facades and the glaciers with their myriad shades of blue offer a magical setting, conducive to wonderment.

Accommodations

Le Boreal

Meals

breakfast, lunch, dinner

Read More
Day 8
Ivigtut

Located in the Arsuk Fjord, Ivigtut, now called Ivittuut, is a small town in southwestern Greenland known for being rich in cryolite, a very rare mineral used in the ceramics industry and to extract aluminum from bauxite. The open-pit mine was once a major economic resource for Greenland: a prosperous mining activity developed there in the 19th century until 1963 when the mine was closed. In the 22-mile-long fjord that runs along the small town surrounded by tundra landscapes, possibly be fortunate enough to see whales or rorquals swimming nonchalantly in the cold water.

Accommodations

Le Boreal

Meals

breakfast, lunch, dinner

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Day 9
Nuuk

When Erik the Red, the exiled Norse chief, landed on the coast of Nuuk, he found a fertile and welcoming land dotted with fjords. He settled there with a group of his former countrymen, and the Norse remained the principal inhabitants until, over a period of 500 years, their population declined and gave way to the Inuit. Nuuk is situated at the mouth of one of the largest networks of fjords in the world, where the waters never freeze. The town spreads gently out towards the Davis Strait and enjoys an historic center that is particularly rich in national heritage. The vivid reds, blues, greens and yellows of the houses are a lively contrast to the somber waters of Greenland and serve to lift the spirits of the locals during the winter months.

Accommodations

Le Boreal

Meals

breakfast, lunch, dinner

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Day 10
Sisimiut

Discover Sisimiut, founded in 1756 and the second largest town in Greenland. This small town is typical of Greenland, boasting bewitching panoramas: here and there, colorful stilt houses dot the undulating landscape, and the small fishing port stands as the gateway to an icy realm. As for the town center, it is home to a number of historic buildings, a small church and a museum which retraces the history of the Inuit people, as well as many craft shops. When the ship drops anchor here, set out to meet the locals in a typically arctic atmosphere.

Accommodations

Le Boreal

Meals

breakfast, lunch, dinner

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Day 11
Paul-Emile Victor Base Camp, Eqi Glacier

“The most beautiful place in the Arctic” is how Paul-Émile Victor described Greenland, a land of great icebergs and of towering ice formations calved by the giant glaciers of the polar ice cap. The Eqi Glacier is one of the region’s most impressive sights. Here, the silence is broken only by the roaring and cracking of the ice. It is impossible to know if one is shivering from cold or from the sheer thrill of being here… Imagine the vast outline of a glacier, its translucent crystals glowing with an ice-blue fire in the sunlight. Paul-Émile Victor’s shelter cannot be overlooked; it was from here that the French Polar Expeditions’ anthropological and geographic explorations set off in the 1950s.

Accommodations

Le Boreal

Meals

breakfast, lunch, dinner

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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 the 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 provide pure moments of wonder.

Accommodations

Le Boreal

Meals

breakfast, lunch, dinner

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Day 13
Itilleq

Itilleq is a tiny island lying within the Arctic Circle, 28 miles south of Sisimiut. This is home to barely 100 people who mainly earn a living from fishing and hunting in their brightly colored traditional clothing and Greenlandic village. Perhaps have the pleasure of playing a game of football with them, enjoying a “kaffemik” (a coffee break) or a moment of contemplation when the gentle light of the midnight sun dapples the horizon.

Accommodations

Le Boreal

Meals

breakfast, lunch, dinner

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Day 14
Disembark Kangerlussuaq, Greenland, Fly to Paris, France & Depart

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 travelers 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 couple dozen miles 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 colors, where arctic hares, musk oxen, arctic foxes, reindeer, falcons and eagles live.

Accommodations

n/a

Meals

breakfast

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Inclusions, Terms & Notes

Included

All meals while on board the ship; captain’s welcome cocktail and gala dinner; “open bar” (pouring wines, house champagne, alcohol except premium brands); evening entertainment and events; room service; highly qualified bilingual French/English expedition team; lectures presented by the expedition team; Zodiac and shore excursions; park entry fees into protected areas; complimentary unlimited Wifi on board; port fees and taxes (except for child passengers–see Families & Children); gratuities.

Exclusions

Optional add-on excursions or packages; ground services before or after the cruise; visa expenses; possible immigration reciprocity taxes; gratuities; luggage handling; beverages beyond those in Inclusions; laundry, hair salon, spa treatments, onboard medical consultations and other personal charges; cancellation, luggage, assistance, repatriation, medical and insurance of any kind.

Payment & Cancellation

In order to confirm this trip, a deposit of 25% of the total trip cost is required per person at time of booking. The balance of the trip price is due 90 days before the departure date. Special holiday payment and cancellation terms apply. Guests who must cancel their trip for any reason must do so in writing. Standard cancellations beyond 14 days after booking confirmation are subject to the following per-person penalties, based on number of days prior to departure:
181 days or more – $250
180 to 91 days – 25% of total trip cost
90 to 0 days – 100% of total trip cost

Terms & Conditions

This trip is subject to AdventureSmith Explorations Terms and Conditions. Please read this information carefully and call us if you have any questions. A Traveler Information Form, which includes a release of liability, must be completed and signed by all travelers. Your Adventure Specialist will send you a unique link to complete this form along with a packing list and extensive pre-departure and travel insurance information upon booking confirmation.

Vaccination Requirement
To join this trip, all eligible guests must provide proof of being fully vaccinated (at least 14 days after your final COVID-19 vaccine shot), including a booster shot for those eligible. There may also be COVID-19 testing or other requirements to participate; your Adventure Specialist will provide details of current policies upon booking.

Arrival & Departure

The Expedition to The Edge of The Ice Sheet cruise begins in Reykjavik, Iceland (KEF) and ends in Paris, France (CDG). We highly recommend arriving one day prior to your trip start date in case of any flight delay, cancellation or lost luggage issues. Recommended flight arrival and departure times are specific to each voyage; consult your Adventure Specialist for guidelines relating to your departure. If you would like assistance with international flights, please visit our Booking Flights resource page.

Internal Flights

An Economy class group charter flight between Kangerlussuaq, Greenland and Paris, France is included with this trip’s itinerary. The charter flights are unique per departure and details will be confirmed in advance. There is a luggage limit of 50 lbs (23 kg) checked luggage and 18 lbs (8 kg) cabin baggage for Economy class. Additional Economy class baggage allotment can be requested and purchased and is based on availability. Business Class seating is available upon request and may incur an additional charge. The luggage limit for business class is two 50 lbs (23 kg) checked luggage and 22 lbs (10 kg) cabin baggage.

Activities

Optional activities on your Expedition to The Edge of The Ice Sheet cruise include practicing photography, Zodiac cruising, walking, hiking and museum visits. Optional added-cost excursions are available on certain days and may be pre-booked from two months to one week prior to departure, or booked on board; these excursions may require a minimum group size. In addition to these off-ship excursions, a multitude of onboard activities keep guests engaged, including live music, dance and theater; spa treatments; exercise and stretching classes; specialty food, wine and cocktail tastings; organized games; and lectures by guides and possible special guests.

Room Configuration

Select double-occupancy cabins may be available for single occupancy with a single supplement fee. This supplement may vary depending on cabin category and remaining capacity per departure. A willing-to-share program is not available. Triple and quadruple rates may be available in select cabin categories; contact AdventureSmith for details.

Families & Children

Children 6 years and older at time of travel are welcomed on this expedition. Children under 18 years old at time of travel may receive special discounts when sharing a cabin with one or two full-fare adults. Contact AdventureSmith for details.

Travel Insurance

A medical form for all travelers is required for every departure. Travelers are also highly encouraged to have full and adequate travel insurance covering the risks of cancellation, assistance being required, emergency medical evacuation and repatriation, damages to and loss of baggage, and medical expenses. In addition, we highly recommend our travelers protect their investment with travel insurance that includes trip cancellation and other benefits. Our partners at Travelex Insurance offer a variety of plans and policies to fit every trip and budget. Coverage for a pre-existing medical condition is also available if you purchase the Travel Select plan within 15 days of the initial trip payment; refer to plan details. Learn more about travel insurance or get a free quote.

Itinerary Notes

Use the itinerary as a guide only. Itineraries may be altered due to weather, wildlife, national park regulation or at the captain’s discretion. The ability to be flexible makes this type of small ship cruising unique.

Rates & Dates

Cruise Rates & Dates

Rates are variable per remaining availability and are subject to change. Please contact AdventureSmith for the most up-to-date pricing.

Jun 28 - Jul 12, 2023
L'Austral • 15 days
From $20480USD
Per Person
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Aug 18 - Aug 31, 2023
Le Boreal • 14 days
From $14030USD
Per Person
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Accommodations

Learn About The Luxury Small Ships On Your Itinerary

Expedition Ship
L'Austral

The 200-to-264-guest L'Austral is a sophisticated, luxury expedition ship cruising Antarctica. Enjoy her chic-yet-casual private yacht atmosphere created by a blend of precious materials, discreet elegance and gastronomic delights, paired with an engaging program of lectures and adventure activities.

Expedition Ship
Le Boreal

The 200-to-264-guest Le Boreal combines high comfort with adventure. Cruising Antarctica and the Arctic, experience luxury, gastronomy, wellness, entertainment and active programming in remote destinations.

Deals

Current Deals on This Trip

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Offer expires June 30th, 2023
Save 25% On Select 2023 & 2024 Luxury Arctic Cruises

Book your select 2023 or 2024 luxury Arctic expedition cruise and save up to 25% per person.

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Offer expires March 31st, 2023
Receive $1,500-$3,000 Air Credit On Select 2023 Arctic Cruises

Enjoy up to $1,500 per person or $3,000 per couple towards airfare when you book your select 2023 departure sailing the Arctic.

Expert Review

Reviews From Our Experts So You Know What To Expect

Andrew Browning • September 9th, 2020
Expert Aboard: L’Austral, Le Soleal, Le Lyrial & Le Boreal Review

Learn from an AdventureSmith luxury cruise expert what it’s like to travel aboard L’Austral and her identical fleet of sister ships Le Boreal, Le Lyrial and Le Soleal.

Book with the confidence that comes from experience.

100+ combined years of experience, 7 continents explored, decades of expedition cruising around the world & here to help you find & book your dream trip.

Extend Your Trip

Additional Travel Options Before or After Your Cruise

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8 - 12 Day Cruise
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Board a luxury French expedition ship to sail Iceland's western coast over 8 days, or circumnavigate over 12 days, on this romantic Iceland cruise operating round-trip from Reykjavik.

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From $6310USD
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8 Day Cruise
Fjords & Glaciers of Spitsbergen Cruise

Board the 264-guest L'Austral or sister ship Le Boreal to voyage along Spitsbergen's west coast in comfort and style. For 8 days, cruise to the heart of the largest island in the Svalbard archipelago, in the company of specialist teams, to discover the exceptional flora and fauna that lives in these extreme conditions.

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From $12180USD
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25 Day Cruise
Le Commandant Charcot Northwest Passage Cruises

Step aboard a luxury expedition ship to discover the most emblematic but also the most remote sites of the mythical Northwest Passage. Relive the polar adventures of previous generations of explorers at the heart of this vast labyrinth of icy channels, exploring the three main routes that allow the Northwest Passage to be crossed.

Special Offer
From $27310USD
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Embark a 245-guest hybrid electric luxury polar ship to explore northeast Greenland over 11-19 days. Follow in the path of famous explorers. discover the largest national park in the world, seek out polar bears and crush through thick spring pack ice.

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