Polar Expedition 
35-year offer 
Superior Stateroom Deck 3
21 m²
3
Alaska and its fur traders
Nome, Alaska - Victoria
Dates:
18/9/2023
to
2/10/2023
days
nights on board
Flight Seattle/Nome + transfer
PONANT invites you to follow the steps of trappers and of the indigenous peoples of Alaska, during a 15-day expedition voyage aboard L’Austral.
From Nome to Victoria, discover a remote territory still wild and unknown, landscape from infinite tundra to glittering lakes, wide spaces, gigantic glaciers, steep mountains and temperate rainforest. During your trip, witness the unique wildlife at some of the sites that have marked the history of Alaska.
Your ship will first sail along the Bering Strait, before heading south to reach Saint Paul in the Pribilof Islands.
After sailing in the magnificent Icy Bay to discover a fjord surrounded by hanging glaciers and vertiginous waterfalls, succumb to the charms of Alaska’s forests and discover the Tlingit village of Kake, where you might be lucky enough to spot some black bears.
Then, set off to meet the whales and other marine mammals in Alert Bay, in British Columbia, before making your way to Victoria, your disembarkation port.
We are privileged guests in these extreme lands where we are at the mercy of weather and ice conditions. The itinerary, landings on certain sites and the observation of certain wildlife cannot be guaranteed. They vary from day to day, making each PONANT cruise a unique experience. The Captain and the Expedition Leader will make every effort to ensure that your experience is as rich as possible, while complying with the safety rules and instructions imposed by the AECO.
Ref : NV804 - AU180923
Your itinerary
Hiking opportunity. Visit traditional villages and encounter the indigenous peoples of the Far North: the Aleuts, Tlingits, Kwakwaka’wakws, Yupiks, and Haïdas. Landscapes: fjords, tall mountains, huge...
View detailed itinerary
Your trip in detail
Choose your stateroom
Choose your stateroom
Superior Stateroom Deck 3
(21 m²)
From €11,260
Deluxe Stateroom Deck 3
(18 m²)
From €12,090
Prestige Stateroom Deck 4
(18 m²)
From €13,280
Prestige Stateroom Deck 5
(18 m²)
From €13,870
Prestige Stateroom Deck 6
(18 m²)
From €14,580
Deluxe Suite Deck 6
(27 m²)
Fully booked
Prestige Suite Deck 5
(37 m²)
From €26,340
Prestige Suite Deck 6
(37 m²)
From €27,650
Owner's Suite Deck 6
(45 m²)
Fully booked
Complete your trip
Complete your trip
Included in your cruise
For more peace of mind, PONANT organizes your trip before or after the cruise. This package is included in the price of your cruise.
Additional services
For more peace of mind, PONANT selects stays and flights then takes care of your transfers for your trip as well as shore visits before and after the cruise.
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7/11/2023 to the 22/11/2023
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1/10/2023 to the 8/10/2023
LE PAUL GAUGUIN
LE COMMANDANT CHARCOT
6/2/2024 to the 3/3/2024
LE BORÉAL
7/7/2024 to the 20/7/2024
*Price is per person, based on double occupancy, based on availability, and subject to change at any time. The category of stateroom to which this price applies may no longer be available.
Services provided
- 24-hour room service
- Inclusive Wifi internet access (availability dependent on navigation and latitude)
- Individually-controlled air conditioning
- Dressing room with shelves and closet
- Dressing table and hairdryer
- Dyptique Paris top-of-the-line bath products
- Minibar
- Nespresso coffee maker and boiler
- Electronic safe
- Direct line telephone
- Bose Bluetooth speaker
- Flat screen TV, international channels (availability dependent on navigation) and videos on demand
- 110V American (two flat pins)/220V European (round sockets with two round pins)
- Three ADA staterooms
Select your stateroom category
Expedition programmes include activities such as landings in tender or local boats (sometimes with "wet landing"), moderate walks to more active hikes, all accompanied by your expedition team of naturalist guides.
Ports of call, visited sites, and landings will depend on weather conditions, position of ice, winds and the state of the sea. These can force a change of plans at any time. The Captain and the Expedition Leader may at any time cancel or stop any activity, or even modify the itinerary. The final itinerary will be confirmed by the Captain, who will take into account the touristic quality of the sites and above all, the safety of the passengers. His decision will be based on advice from experts and authorities.
Travelling to polar/isolated regions is an exhilarating experience in remote areas: please remember that you are far from modern hospitals with full medical facilities, thus evacuation is extremely expensive. Without adequate medical coverage, all expenses will have to be immediately paid with your personal funds. We urge you to subscribe to full coverage insurance, choose your insurance company very carefully, be extremely vigilant and ensure your insurance is fully comprehensive, especially if you are insured by your credit card. PONANT offers an insurance contract with extensive guarantees, please contact us for more information.
Clothing tips:
- A PONANT polar water-resistant parka is offered on board for all departures with an Expedition programme (no children sizes, in case of consecutive cruises, only one complimentary parka).
- Half calf rubber boots with non-slip soles, which will allow you to go ashore in 20 cm of cold water, keeping your feet dry for walks and visits on steep paths. Boot rental will be offered onboard (for adults only) on Expedition cruises.
- Comfortable trousers: classic Winter trousers, warm cotton tracksuit, wool leggings
- Waterproof and windproof over-trousers – MANDATORY
- Winter trousers with waterproof over trousers are the ideal combination: water-resistance and comfort of trousers are essential
- Pullover, sweat-shirt or fleece jacket
- Woollen or thermolactyl Thermal underwear
- A warm hat, woollen ear muffs or fleece ear muffs, fleece or woollen neck warmer (avoid scarves that do not stay in place)- MANDATORY
- Wool or silk glove liners, water-resistant and supple gloves
- Thick warm socks (ideally woollen)
Accessories:
- Small waterproof backpack (to protect your camera from water).
- Binoculars (strongly recommended for wildlife viewing).
- Highly protective sunglasses.
- Walking poles (highly recommended).
Ideal clothes for life on board:
During the days spent on board, you are advised to wear comfortable clothes or casual outfits. The entire ship is air-conditioned, so a light sweater, a light jacket or a shawl may be necessary. When moving about in the public areas of the ship and the decks, light but comfortable shoes are recommended.
Informal evening:
In the evening, you are advised to wear smart-casual attire, especially when dining in our restaurants where wearing shorts and tee-shirts is not allowed.
For women:
- Simple dress
- Skirt or trousers
- Blouse
- Polo
For men:
- Pleated trousers or chinos
- Sports jacket
- Shirt
- Polo
Officer’s evening:
For all cruises longer than 8 nights, an Officer’s Evening with a white dress code may be organized. Therefore, we encourage you to bring a stylish white outfit for the occasion (otherwise black and white).
Gala evening:
During the cruise, two gala evenings will be organised on board. Thus, we recommend that you bring one or two formal outfits.
For women:
- Cocktail attire
- Evening dress (if you wish to)
For men:
- Dark suit
- Tie recommended, possibly bow tie (if you wish to)
SHOP:
A small shop is available on board offering a wide range of outfits, jewellery, leather goods and many accessories.
A laundry service (washing/ironing) is available on board, but unfortunately there are no dry cleaning services. For safety reasons, your cabin is not equipped with an iron.
INSULATED BASE LAYER:
- Wool or thermolactyl technical underwear
- Polar or technical jacket
- Polar sweater or sweatshirt
- Silk or wool glove liners
- Wool leggings
- Warm hiking socks
WATERPROOF OUTER LAYER:
- Waterproof over-trousers - Mandatory
- Waterproof parka - Offered on board (not available in children’s sizes)
- Windbreaker – Mandatory
- A warm woollen hat covering your ears
- Polar or woollen neck warmer
- Waterproof technical gloves
- Hiking shoes
HEALTH CARE:
- Sunscreen
- Lip protection balm
- Mosquito repellent, anti-itch balm and mosquito head net (Greenland)
- Medications and prescriptions
OUTFITS ON BOARD:
- Casual outfits for the day
- Smarter outfits for dinners
- Elegant outfits for Gala evenings
- White or black and white outfit
ACCESSORIES:
- Highly protective sunglasses
- Binoculars
- Walking poles
- Small waterproof backpack
- Swimsuit (for the spa on board)
- Gym wear (fitness)
- Battery charger and memory cards for your camera
- Mobile phone charger
PONANT activities
Highlights
- Hiking opportunity.
- Visit traditional villages and encounter the indigenous peoples of the Far North: the Aleuts, Tlingits, Kwakwaka’wakws, Yupiks, and Haïdas.
- Landscapes: fjords, tall mountains, huge glaciers, primary forest, jagged cliffs.
- Wildlife: brown bears, grizzlies, Arctic terns, common seals, whales and orcas.
Ports of Call & Excursions
18 September 2023 - Nome, Alaska
Embarkation 18/9/2023 from 4:00 pm to 5:00 pm
Departure 18/9/2023 at 6:00 pm
Located along the Bering Strait at the westernmost point of Alaska, Nome offers the rustic charm of a former gold-mining town, set in the middle of magnificent wilderness. As you weave in and out of the brightly coloured houses, you will discover the pioneering legacy that still marks local traditions. Fishing, reindeer rearing, sledge-racing... People here live from their manual labour. The surrounding plains provide stunning vantage points for observing Arctic fauna.
19 September 2023 - Crossing the Bering Strait
Arrival 19/9/2023
Departure 19/9/2023
You will cross the Bering Strait, a 90-km (56-mile) wide maritime channel between eastern Siberia and Alaska, named after the Danish explorer Vitus Bering. You will sail this strait that people once used to walk across, during the last glaciations, from Asia to North America. The transfer of Alaska to the Unites States by the Russians, in 1867, turned the Strait into a significant geostrategic site nicknamed the “Ice Curtain” during the Cold War. Delineated in 1990, the border between the two countries is located in the middle of the Strait, between the two Diomede Islands, making one of them Russian and the other American. During your crossing, favourable conditions will be conducive to a moving encounter with wildlife, attracted by these nourishing waters.
20 September 2023 - Saint Paul Island, Pribilof Islands
Arrival 20/9/2023
Departure 20/9/2023
Part of the Earth’s History was written between Alaska and Russia. We invite you to discover a unique environment that seems to stretch out to infinity. Lost in the middle of the Bering Sea, the Pribilof archipelago is made up of four volcanic islands where nature has crafted exquisitely beautiful landscapes. Here, on the islands of Saint Paul and Saint George, you will find majestic volcanoes, lava deserts and crater lakes, offering travelers a magnificent vantage point from which to observe a fauna composed almost exclusively of fur seals. The archipelago is also renowned as a paradise for birds, especially on Saint Paul, as more than 240 different species of seabirds take flight from the top of its majestic cliff.
21 September 2023 - Dutch Harbor, Unalaska
Arrival 21/9/2023
Departure 21/9/2023
During your cruise, discover an exceptional site: Unalaska Island and its port, Dutch Harbor. Located between the Pacific Ocean and the Bering Sea, on the Aleutian Islands, Dutch Harbor is the only deep water port in the archipelago. As for the island itself, it offers you unique landscapes: volcanic summits swept by the wind and surrounded by the sea, lush green valleys, sometimes covered with bright summer flowers, sometimes with deep winter snow… Unalaska is not only an island with astonishing nature and very varied wildlife, it is also rich in history, where ancient indigenous cultures and remains from World War II can be seen and their tales be told.
22 September 2023 - At sea
Arrival 22/9/2023
Departure 22/9/2023
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.
23 September 2023 - Kodiak Island
Arrival 23/9/2023
Departure 23/9/2023
Between the midnight blue of the ocean and the intense green of the vegetation, the depth of the colours on Kodiak Island is both striking and captivating. This mountainous stretch of land, covered in dense forests and carved by the bays and fjords that score its shoreline, is renowned for its population of brown bears, called Kodiak bears. Travellers come to this place to observe its wildlife. A hike in Fort Abercrombie State Historical Park will offer breathtaking panoramas of the stunning landscapes of Alaska and reveal its history. Due to the island’s strategic position, the historic ruins of a World War II coastal defence installation can be found there. Visiting the Baranov and Alutiiq museums will also be an opportunity to learn more about the history of this American state, where Russian colonies were once established and which has always been the land of the indigenous peoples of Alaska.
24 September 2023 - At sea
Arrival 24/9/2023
Departure 24/9/2023
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.
25 September 2023 - Tsaa Fjord, Icy Bay, Alaska
Arrival 25/9/2023
Departure 25/9/2023
Formed by the retreat of the Guyot, Yahtse and Tyndall glaciers over the past 100 years, Icy Bay is one of those timeless places where silence reigns supreme. Let yourself be enthralled by landscapes of breathtaking beauty, enhanced by magnificent views over the Saint Elias Mountains, visible in the background. The bay, several kilometres wide, is often scattered with icebergs sliding on clear and deep waters. It will let you access several sounds, among which are the Tsaa fjord, very close to the Guyot glacier. Many marine mammals and sea birds have chosen to live on this territory with very few visitors in the south of Alaska.
26 September 2023 - Sitka, Alaska
Arrival 26/9/2023
Departure 26/9/2023
Formerly a Russian colony located on Baranof island, to the west of the Alexander archipelago, Sitka is brimming with history. The historical national park of Sitka shelters totems carved out of red cedar, a tree that is omnipresent in the region. These totems are testimonials of the former presence of Tlingit Indians. This place is full of natural wonders too. You just have to look up to admire the mountain range around the port. In the distance, the snow-peaked Edgecumbe volcano stands majestic. Numerous islands scattered around Sitka stretch out before you in a vision of preserved Alaska.
27 September 2023 - Kake, Alaska
Arrival 27/9/2023
Departure 27/9/2023
Discover the small Tlingit village of Kake, around 60 kilometres west of Petersburg. Located on Kupreanof Island, it houses a community of over 500 inhabitants. Kake is paradise for salmon, which spawn in the Gunnuk River near the village. Bald eagles often make an appearance, as do black bears, which come to enjoy the fish. Another singularity of these parts: the presence, on a hill, of a totem pole standing over 60 metres tall, considered the highest in the world.
28 September 2023 - Ketchikan, Alaska
Arrival 28/9/2023
Departure 28/9/2023
29 September 2023 - Inside passage
Arrival 29/9/2023
Departure 29/9/2023
Sheltered from the ocean currents of the Gulf of Alaska, this maritime route that weaves a path around the islands and islets of Southeast Alaska will offer you wonderful sailing experience. Conifer forests stretch on forever, interspersed with numerous coves, bays, huge valleys and deep fjords formed by ancient glavial valleys. Accessible only by sea, the fishing villages are surrounded by snow-capped mountains and glaciers that plunge into the waters of this veritable wildlife sanctuary. From your ship’s deck, you can try spotting humpback whales or the famous bald eagle, emblem of the region.
30 September 2023 1 October 2023 - Alert Bay
Arrival 30/9/2023
Departure 1/10/2023
Right near the north coast of Vancouver Island, in British Columbia, hides the small wooded island of Cormorant. Surrounded by pebble beaches, it offers wonderful opportunities for hikes and for whale watching. The surrounding waters are also home to harbour seals, orcas, Steller sea lions, dolphins, and a multitude of seabirds. When your ship calls at Alert Bay, a small sheltered fishing port located in the island’s south, set off to discover the indigenous culture and its traditions. The ‘Namgis community, which is part of the Kwakwaka’wakw First Nations, lives here in harmony with the other village inhabitants.
2 October 2023 - Victoria
Arrival 2/10/2023 early morning
Disembarkation 2/10/2023 at 9:00 am
The capital of British Columbia lies to the south of Vancouver Island. The combination of British, European and Asian traditions and influences makes the dynamic city of Victoria a place of contrasts with a great quality of life. The mild climate, far from the rigours of the rest of Canada, means there are beautiful parks and gardens throughout the city. Between mountain and ocean, forest and beaches, bathed by the warm Pacific currents, nature is exuberant. Marine life is abundant and many species of whales even come to reproduce in the bay.
Sea otter & wildlife quest
Join a cruise that guarantees wildlife viewing and offers the opportunity to observe sea otters, whales, sea lions, porpoises, harbour seals, brown bears, black-tail deers, bald eagles and a variety of marine birds. An onboard naturalist will explain the workings of this remarkable ecosystem. You will also learn about the sea otters recovery, following their near-extinction at the hands of Russian fur hunters in the early 1800s.
Your waterjet-driven tour vessel has been designed to navigate South-east Alaska’s narrow island passages, allowing for wildlife viewing at close range. The vessel features a warm cabin with comfortable seating, large windows, galley and restrooms. There is an expansive topside observation deck for photo opportunities and to fully experience your quest with all your senses.
This tour guarantees you will view sea otters, a whale or a bear. If not, you'll receive a $100 cash refund as you disembark the vessel.
- Dress warmly and bring a rainproof jacket to wear on the observation deck. Hot beverages and snacks are included. Binoculars are provided. This tour is only conducted in English.
Included
According to availability, price per passenger.
L'Austral
Innovative design, sleek shape and profile, refined interior decoration, friendly, intimate atmosphere: French designers and decorators have managed to give this ship a unique style and veritable signature of its own. Combinations of fine materials, colours and tones harmoniously livened up with touches of bright colour, elegant lines, discreet and subtle refinement… everything has been designed to create a unique atmosphere onboard, a veritable personality: the chic style and naturally relaxing ambiance of a veritable private yacht.
Up to 264 Guests
132 staterooms & suites
145 crew members
Spa
2 restaurants
Decks
Flight Seattle/Nome + transfer
For your serenity, PONANT selects flight and organises transfer between the airport and the port. This package is included in your cruise fare.
Embarkation Day - Seattle/Nome
Flight Seattle/Nome selected by PONANT.
Approximate flight duration: 5h00.
We highly recommend you arrive in Seattle the day before this flight.
We suggest you to be at the check-in counter 2 hours before departure.
Meet & greet at the airport by our local English-speaking representative.
Transfer to the pier for embarkation.
- Cruise aboard your cruise ship -
This programme includes:
-
Flight Seattle/Nome selected by PONANT in economy class.
-
The transfer mentioned in the programme.
-
English-speaking assistance.
This programme does not include:
-
Personal expenses.
-
Any other service not mentioned in the programme.
Please note:
-
The flight included in the programme is as of today, operated in economy class, on a European airline.
-
Due to limited local transportation resources, waiting might be generated.
-
For passengers in transit in Seattle, we recommend staying one night in Seattle after this flight.
-
Programme and flight schedule are subject to change without prior notice.
-
PONANT will adapt the content of the transfer offer from and to airport according to your flight schedule.
Polar Expedition
Realise your dream of adventure in the polar regions ! Discover the icy vastness and the fauna of Antarctica (humpback whales, seals, penguins and more) or the Arctic's fjords, glaciers and icebergs in shifting colours, not to mention the polar bears, the variety of wildlife and the special moments shared with the locals. Our team of naturalist guides share their knowledge with you during varied lectures about the fauna, the flora, the history of great explorations, geology and climatology. Thanks to its conscientiousness and to the responsible approach that is its hallmark, PONANT has been a leader and expert in cruises to these destinations for more than 20 years.
35-year offer
35 years ago, Le Ponant, the company’s iconic flag-ship vessel, welcomed her very first guests on a journey to discover exclusive destinations. To celebrate 35 years of sailing, exploration and discoveries at sea, we are offering you an additional 10% savings for 35 days on more than 200 departures when you book by 5 July 2023!
To take advantage of the 35th-anniversary offer and all your benefits, we invite you to contact your cruise advisors or your travel agency by phone or email, and mention the offer code PONANT35.
Offer available from 01/06/23 until 05/07/2023 with code « PONANT35 » - Discount of 10% for the thirty-fifth anniversary of PONANT.
Offer non combinable with Flight credit offers, Free Single supplement, Webinar, Onboard sale or Ponant event discounts.
Shore excursions, Pre/Post & Overlands
OVERNIGHT IN SEATTLE (1 NIGHT)
Enhance your cruise and extend your trip with a carefully designed programme.
Travel with peace of mind as PONANT organizes your day of transit at Seattle. This programme will be a pleasant prelude to your embarkation.
Day 1 - Seattle
Meet at Seattle Tacoma International Airport in the Arrival hall. Look for PONANT sign. You will be greeted by our local representative off the flight selected by PONANT or any other flight (provided that you have previously communicated your flight schedule to your travel agent).
You will be transferred to the hotel Thompson Seattle 4*.
Check-in time from 3 pm. Check-in in your room.
The rest of the day is at leisure.
Dinner is on your own.
Day 2 - Seattle
Breakfast. Check-out.
You will be transferred by coach to the airport, in time for check-in of the PONANT selected flight.
Your hotel:
Conveniently located in the heart of downtown Seattle, near the Puget Sound waterfront and the Pike Place Market, the Thompson Seattle 4* is an elegant boutique hotel. Behind the sleek glass façade, the hotel is a refuge where you can relax with its contemporary and elegant design. All the 158 rooms and suites feature modern comfort and elegance. From the rooftop bar, you will enjoy an incredible panoramic view of the downtown skyline, Elliott Bay and the Olympic mountains. The restaurant offers a creative and hyperlocal menu.
Upgraded rooms are also available depending on availability and on a supplement basis. Contact your travel professional for further detail.
Your programme includes:
- 1-night accommodation in King room City View at the hotel Thompson Seattle 4* (or similar) including breakfast.
- Transfers as mentioned in the programme.
- Services of a local English-speaking hostess.
Your programme does not include:
- Meals (diner on arrival day).
- Early check-in.
- Personal expenses.
- Other services not mentioned in the programme.
- Tips for the hostesses
Please note:
- It is imperative that the details of your departure flight are provided to your travel agent, no later than 30 days before the start date of your cruise, to secure the proper private transfer.
- Rooms will be available for check-in from 3 pm.
Contact for your hotel:
Thompson Seattle
110 Stewart St, Seattle
Seattle, WA 98101
Telephone number: +1 206-623-4600
Duration of the visits are given as a guide only. The order of the visits may be reversed. For the times of your PONANT flight, please contact your travel agent; they are also shown on your electronic ticket included in your travel documents.
Total : €710
Price is per person, based on double occupancy, based on availability.
Sea otter & wildlife quest
Join a cruise that guarantees wildlife viewing and offers the opportunity to observe sea otters, whales, sea lions, porpoises, harbour seals, brown bears, black-tail deers, bald eagles and a variety of marine birds. An onboard naturalist will explain the workings of this remarkable ecosystem. You will also learn about the sea otters recovery, following their near-extinction at the hands of Russian fur hunters in the early 1800s.
Your waterjet-driven tour vessel has been designed to navigate South-east Alaska’s narrow island passages, allowing for wildlife viewing at close range. The vessel features a warm cabin with comfortable seating, large windows, galley and restrooms. There is an expansive topside observation deck for photo opportunities and to fully experience your quest with all your senses.
This tour guarantees you will view sea otters, a whale or a bear. If not, you'll receive a $100 cash refund as you disembark the vessel.
- Dress warmly and bring a rainproof jacket to wear on the observation deck. Hot beverages and snacks are included. Binoculars are provided. This tour is only conducted in English.
Included
According to availability, price per passenger.