Superior Stateroom Deck 3
20% Ponant Bonus
21 m²
3
The “great land” or the “mainland” in Aleut is very aptly named. An immense territory and a mythical region, land of trappers and the origin of the greatest adventures, Alaska welcomes you to discover its changing, yet always grandiose, landscapes. During an 12-day cruise aboard Le Soléal, enter the kingdom of nature and explore incredible Alaska during a journey discovering all its mysteries.
The largest State of the United States also has the most diverse landscapes. From temperate rainforests forests to the icy scenery of the Arctic, the relief fluctuates between majestic fjords and snow-covered mountains. The legendary Mount Saint Elias is stunning, standing 5,489 metres (18,000 feet) tall, near the head of the Icy Bay. Inside the bay, you will also travel through the Tsaa Fjord, surrounded by hanging glaciers and dizzying waterfalls. Among the jewels you will have the chance of exploring, Prince William Sound is a sight like no other. Imagine a painting: it features coniferous forests, which hide, in the background, mountains that are bleached by the eternal snow. The glaciers moving towards the sea, dressed in their finest colours, provide another opportunity to contemplate and learn more about this unique ecosystem.
In the heart of this wild and majestic nature, you will set off to discover Alaskan life and customs, accompanied by our guides and naturalists, who are experts in the region. With local arts and crafts, the history of the emblematic totems and traditional shows, you are promised a real immersion into the local life of the communities. You cruise will also be an opportunity to go back in time to the 19th century and to the famous gold rush, so well told by Jack London in his novel The Call of the Wild.
Here, humans must share the vastness with the animal kingdom. At sea, have fun spotting the humpback whales as they blow on the horizon. On land, black bears and grizzly bears are the focus of most attention and observations, while the majestic bald eagle, the symbol of the Unites States, soars above in the sky. The crucial notions of this cruise involve searching and keeping an eye out; the unexpected and the uncertainty are what make these singular encounters even more spectacular.
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 will make every effort to ensure that your experience is as rich as possible.
Ref : VS155 - SO290824
A cruise discovering Alaska in all its forms, featuring sumptuous scenery, from temperate rainforests to majestic glaciers, encounters with local communities and observation of abundant wildlife. A dive into...
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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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*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
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On these cruises, programmes include activities such as landings in tender or local boats, moderate walks to more active hikes, all accompanied by your 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 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:
Accessories:
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:
For men:
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:
For men:
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:
WATERPROOF OUTER LAYER:
HEALTH CARE:
OUTFITS ON BOARD:
ACCESSORIES:
PONANT activities
Embarkation 29/8/2024 from 4:00 pm to 5:00 pm
Departure 29/8/2024 at 6:00 pm
Verdant and cosmopolitan, Vancouver is one of Canada's most multi-cultural cities. Located in British Columbia on Canada's west coast, it's surrounded by mountains and outdoor activities are popular. In the city, you can immerse yourself in the Asian atmosphere of bustling Chinatown, shop for pashminas and silk saris at the Punjabi Market Indian district and explore the historic area of ᅠGastown. Vancouver Art Gallery is known for works by regional artists, while the Museum of Anthropology houses important First Nations collections. Granville Island Jetty is a fascinating revitalised industrial area that hosts galleries, restaurants and a huge produce market.
Arrival 30/8/2024
Departure 30/8/2024
Along the north-east coast of Vancouver Island, Johnstone Strait is a 100 km-long channel formed by an old glacier bed, dotted with a string of lush islands. Sailing amid this wilderness offers fantastic opportunities to observe the wildlife. Humpback whales and resident orcas can be found in the cool and sheltered waters of the strait, and you can try to spot some from your ship’s deck.
Arrival 30/8/2024
Departure 30/8/2024
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.
Arrival 31/8/2024
Departure 31/8/2024
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.
Arrival 1/9/2024
Departure 1/9/2024
Rain forest, hypnotic blue lakes, snowy peaks, glacier valleys, waterfalls... You will behold a heavenly vision. This United States monument covering some 8,600 square kilometres is a designated Wilderness Area. This awesome countryside rolls out its majestic carpet of cedars, fir spruces and hemlocks. Here, you can feel Nature’s throbbing heartbeat. You may be lucky enough to spot some of the many animal inhabitants, such as sea otters, sea lions and grizzlies.
Arrival 2/9/2024
Departure 2/9/2024
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.
Arrival 3/9/2024
Departure 3/9/2024
Picture this: all around you, translucent waters. In the distance - snow-capped mountains. This is the vision that greets you on disembarking in Petersburg, one of Alaska’s largest commercial fishing towns. The heart of the Tongass National forest is for people who yearn for a lungful of the great outdoors. There is some fauna here including no less than 240 species of birds, seals, sea lions, humpback whales. Another special feature of this very lively town is its penchant for art. On its pavements and facades you can admire several murals, totems and sculptures.
Arrival 3/9/2024
Departure 3/9/2024
In the heart of the Alexander Archipelago, Endicott Arm fjord is a short inlet on the southern coast of Alaska that boasts spectacular views of virgin wilderness. The azure-blue waters, snow-capped mountains and lush forest are incredible but the main attraction is the Dawes glacier, whose vast, bluish back snakes down the mountain’s flank. Weather permitting, you can observe how icebergs are formed by getting a closer look at the white cliff where glacier meets water, or just enjoy watching the resident harbour seals frolicking in the icy waters.
Arrival 4/9/2024
Departure 3/9/2024
Hidden in the heart of this spectacular wilderness, between jagged peaks and a sapphire ocean, the legendary small port of Haines lays out all the richness of its traditions. Founded by the Tlingit Indians, peopled by the pioneers of the famous gold rush, the village is now a rallying point for modern day adventurers. You can visit its streets trimmed with colourful houses, soak up local history at Fort Seward or visit the Indian art museums, before a possible excursion into the nearby wilderness. The very beautiful Chilkatriver is especially worth a visit and it is possible to see grizzly bears coming to feed.
Arrival 5/9/2024
Departure 5/9/2024
Adolphus Point is located opposite the magnificent Glacier Bay National Park and Preserve. This dreamlike site is world famous for watching humpback whales. In the summer season, these majestic mammals come to feed in the nutrient-rich waters. They sometimes even come a few dozen feet from the shoreline, close to the houses and marinas. Orcas, sea lions... maybe you’ll happen upon other marine species in these landscapes of fjords and ice fields. One thing is sure; here are the most beautiful Alaskan waters.
Arrival 5/9/2024
Departure 5/9/2024
At the tip of an island in the Alexander Archipelago, not far from the Canadian border, peaceful Elfin Cove shelters a fishing community that’s only linked to the rest of the world by the sea. There is just a dozen wooden houses, a long wooden pontoon and a tiny port surrounded by crystalline waters… It doesn’t get any quainter than this. Choose from a network of hiking paths that weave through a pristine forest, to lead you to secret beaches where silence reigns. The wonders of the Glacier Bay National Park and Preserve, accessible by a short boat trip, are many.
Arrival 6/9/2024
Departure 6/9/2024
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.
Arrival 7/9/2024
Departure 7/9/2024
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.
Arrival 8/9/2024
Departure 8/9/2024
On the eastern coast of Kenai Peninsula, Prince William Sound unfolds its majestic beauty. You will sail in this labyrinth of islets, icebergs, narrow fjords, surrounded by the Sitka spruce and western hemlock that make up the incredible decor of the Chugach National Forest. If you are lucky, you may spot some of the otters, orcas, grizzlies, bald eagles, sea lions and humpback whales that live here. There are still traces of the 1964 earthquake, one of the most powerful episodes ever recorded on Earth, at a magnitude of 9.2 on the Richter scale. Sailing in Prince William Sound is also an opportunity to contemplate the imposing Harvard and Mawr glaciers as they form on the horizon.
Arrival 8/9/2024
Departure 8/9/2024
A secret inlet in a hewn-out bay on the southern coast of Alaska, College Fjord features outstandingly rich glacier scenery. Come and admire the five tidewater glaciers and high-altitude glaciers. These glaciers were named after the prestigious US East Coast schools attended by the professors who first laid eyes on them at the end of the 19th century. The setting is awe-inspiring, but don’t forget to listen out for the thunderous crack as great pillars of ice break off from the glaciers…
Arrival 9/9/2024 early morning
Disembarkation 9/9/2024 at 8:00 am
Seward is located on the Kenai peninsula, south of Anchorage. This bustling port, built for the fishing and shipbuilding industries, will show you just how vibrant it is, with its shops and galleries. The entrance gate for the sublime Kenai Fjords National Park, Seward nestles in the heart of very beautiful scenery, between glaciers, mountains and very rich marine life (whales, sea otters, orcas, seals…).
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.
Included
According to availability, price per passenger.Travel with peace of mind as PONANT organises your transfer between your port of disembarkation and the airport.
Disembarkation Day – Seward/Anchorage
Disembarkation.
Meet and greet at the port (English-speaking assistance).
Transfer to Anchorage airport (approximate duration: 3 hours), in time for check-in for the PONANT selected flight or any other flight taking off between 2pm and 4pm.
Your programme includes:
Your programme does not include:
Please note:
Programme is subject to change.
To know your PONANT flight schedule, please contact your travel agent; it is also indicated on your electronic ticket included in your travel documents.
Free solo supplement
FREE SOLO SUPPLEMENT *
*The supplement for single usage of a double cabin is waived, according to availability and staterooms categories.
Shore excursions, Pre/Post & Overlands
28/8/2024 - FLIGHTS FROM/TO PARIS + DISCOVER VANCOUVER (1 NIGHT) (PRE) + OVERNIGHT IN SEATTLE (1 NIGHT) (POST)
€4,050
Find out moreEnhance your cruise and begin your trip with a carefully designed programme.
Day 1 - Vancouver
Meet at Vancouver airport. 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 your hotel Fairmont Waterfront 5*.
Evening and dinner at leisure.
Overnight at the hotel.
Day 2 - Vancouver
After breakfast and check-out, you will be taken to Stanley Park.
Located right in the heart of the city, Stanley Park is a 405-hectare magnificent green oasis in the midst of the urban landscape of Vancouver. You will discover dramatic forest-and-mountain oceanfront views, and majestic trees along Stanley Park's famous Seawall. With an indigenous guided tour, you will learn more about the history of Vancouver and the park.
Lunch will be served in a local restaurant.
After a 30 minute drive, you will arrive to Capilano Salmon Hatchery, located on the Capilano River.
Built in 1971, the hatchery raises and releases over 1 million salmon and receives almost 250,000 visitors annually. It is widely recognized for its contribution of coho and chinook to the recreational fishery in Burrard Inlet. You will learn about and see fish develop from eggs to the juvenile stage when they are released to the river in spring, which is a colourful and fascinating process. Then you will wander around the beautiful nearby forested trails.
You will then be transferred to the port of Vancouver to embark aboard your ship.
Your hotel:
Fairmont Waterfront 5*, located on Vancouver's stunning harbour and a few steps from the Vancouver Convention Centre, Canada Place Cruise Ship Terminal, historic Gastown and the iconic Seawall, is the ideal jumping off point for your Vancouver getaway. Rooted in a sustainable travel philosophy, Fairmont Waterfront features a rooftop garden with bee hives where honey, herbs, fruits and vegetables are harvested.
Upgraded rooms are also available depending on availability and on a supplement basis. Contact your travel professional for further detail.
Your programme includes:
Your programme does not include:
Please note:
Contact of your hotel:
Fairmont Waterfront
900 Canada Pl
Vancouver, BC V6C 3L5, Canada
Telephone: +1 604-691-1991
Duration and order of the visits may vary. To know your PONANT flight schedule, please contact your travel agent; it is also indicated on your electronic ticket included in your travel documents.
Total : €900
Price is per person, based on double occupancy, based on availability.
Meet your naturalist guide and start your scenic drive to the wildlife-rich Chilkoot Lake State Park. This park has it all: a turquoise lake surrounded by snowy mountain peaks, a salmon-filled river flowing into the sea, and important Tlingit cultural sights.
Depending on the season, bald eagles, harbor seals, and brown bears can be seen here. As you drive through the park, your guide knows the best places to stop for scenery and the possibility of wildlife spotting. Bald eagles nest here and are commonly seen perched in the trees above the river and soaring overhead.
Supplied with extra binoculars and a powerful spotting scope to bring the wildlife in close, your guide explains how the animals fit into the Chilkoot's complex ecosystem. May, June, and July feature an explosion of wildflowers with bald eagles nesting along the lush river. Beginning in August, pink salmon-the smallest and most abundant of the Pacific salmon varieties-begin their run up the Chilkoot River to spawn. This is the best opportunity to see brown bear as they are often witnessed feeding along the banks of the river.
Included
According to availability, price per passenger.Treat yourself to a exclusive rafting and scenic drive through the famous Chilkat Bald Eagle Preserve.
Begin with a riverside scenic drive along the Haines Highway. Pass glacier-clad mountains thrust to the sky, colorful wildflowers line the road, green riverside channels provide habitat for moose, bear and trumpeter swans. The highway was declared a National Scenic Byway in 2009.
Upon arrival at the river in the heart of the Chilkat Bald Eagle Preserve, board your raft and enjoy a scenic float (no whitewater) down the Chilkat River. You will be immersed in the Alaskan wilderness, floating the silent river. Paddling is not required, as your expert guide will push the raft along, leaving your hands free for your binoculars or camera. Your guide will help you learn to spot bald eagles and will share the story of this unique natural area. You will learn why the Chilkat Bald Eagle Preserve was created in 1982 to help bald eagles face the challenges of winter survival. There is always something to see in the Preserve. Early in the summer, resident eagles come and go from their nest to feed their young. As the summer continues and the river fills with salmon, more and more eagles arrive to feed.
Total : €120
According to availability, price per passenger.Enjoy kayaking at Chilkoot Lake State Park. This pristine lake is uncrowded, and the scenery is spectacular.
The trip begins with a 20-minute van ride along the steep-walled fjords of the Lynn Canal, the deepest Fjord in North America.
Sea kayaking is easy to learn and your expert guide will show you the basics of paddling. Outfitted with the proper gear, you will soon be gliding silently along the shores of the lake. Huge waterfalls spill off the cliffs surrounding the lake, lush green forests crowd the shoreline, and wildlife abounds. Pause at the base of one of these waterfalls where your guide will reveal the secret workings of the rainforest. Beginning in July, sockeye salmon spawn in one of the clear streams that feed into the lake. Eagles and bears are often attracted to this spot, and you may have the chance to observe all the activity from your kayak.
Total : €140
According to availability, price per passenger.
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.
Included
According to availability, price per passenger.Enhance your cruise and extend your trip with a carefully designed programme.
Day 1 – Nome/Seattle
Meet and greet upon arrival at Anchorage airport by our local representative.
Flight from Anchorage to Seattle.
You will be transferred to the historic hotel Fairmont Olympic 4*.
Check-in your room.
The end of the day and diner are at leisure.
Day 2 - Seattle
Breakfast.
You will then be transferred to the airport in time for check-in for the PONANT selected flight or any other flight (provided that you have previously communicated your flight schedule to your travel agent).
Your hotel:
Built in 1924, the recently renovated Fairmont Olympic 4* hotel is listed on the National Register of Historic Places and was renovated in early 2021. Ideally located in downtown Seattle, it offers nearly a century of luxury service standards, while melding classic elegance with mid-century modern room décor. The hotel offers two restaurants, an indoor pool, a hot tub and a fitness centre.
Upgraded rooms are also available depending on availability and on a supplement basis. Contact your travel professional for further detail.
Your programme includes:
Your programme does not include:
Please note:
Contact of your hotel:
Fairmont Olympic
411 University Street
Seattle, WA 98101, USA
Telephone: +1 206 621 1700
To know your PONANT flight schedule, please contact your travel agent; it is also indicated on your electronic ticket included in your travel documents.
Total : €1,400
Price is per person, based on double occupancy, based on availability.Total : €4,050
Price is per person, based on double occupancy, based on availability.