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Luxury Northwest Passage Expedition

This once-in-a-lifetime luxury expedition voyage on mega-yacht Le Soleal follows in the footsteps of famous Arctic explorers through the legendary Northwest Passage. Includes charter flight from Paris to Kangerlussuaq, and return flight from Nome to Seattle

Cruise Only
22 nights

Luxury Expedition Holiday
Whale in Arctic waters
Iceberg in Greenland
Ponant ship in Arctic waters
Polar Bear
Uppernavik houses
Ilulisaat, Greenland
Zodiac trip

Call us now on 01756 706500

Join luxurious ship, Le Soleal, on this breathtaking cruise to the 'roof of the world', following in the footsteps of famous explorers along the Northwest Passage. Learn about this incredible Arctic landscape from the experienced guides and naturalists.

In winter, the Arctic landscape is transformed into a vast white desert, while in summer, the temperature rises just enough for the ice to melt. Life reappears and the legendary Northwest Passage, the only shipping route between the Atlantic and Pacific, reappears.

Explore the beautiful towns of Sisimiut and Ilulissat where you can observe traditional Arctic life, and the remote settlements of Kullorsuaq in the rugged Upernavik Archipelago and Savissivik in picturesque Melville Bay. Le Soleal then arrives at Pond Inlet, a hamlet surrounded by snow-capped mountains and majestic glaciers which guards the entrance to the famous Northwest Passage.

Observe a diversity of wildlife, breathtaking scenery and traditional culture as you explore this renowned maritime route. Discover evidence of whale hunting in the abandoned village of Qariaraqyuk, keep an eye out for whales in the waters surrounding Gjoa Haven, and explore the remote Diomede Islands in the Bering Strait, before crossing the International Date Line.

CP718 Operated by Ponant Luxury and Expedition

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Luxury Northwest Passage Itinerary

Day 1 - Paris (France) - Kangerlussuaq (Greenland)

Included charter flight from Paris to Kangerlussuaq in Greenland. Embark Le Soleal.

Day 2 - Sisimiut

Greenland's second largest town, Sisimuit is situated 40kms into the Arctic circle with its own fleet, shipyard and fish processing factory and a 4,000 year history of settlement.

Day 3 - Ilulissat

The town of Ilulissat has retained a unique mix of traditional Arctic life, with multicoloured wooden houses, huskies and the leather tanners who still work today using the ancient methods of their ancestors.

Days 4-6 - South and Northwest Greenland

Explore remote Tugtutoq, and the traditional settlement of Kullorsuaq, the northernmost settlement in the rugged Upernavik Archipelago and located at the southern tip of Melville Bay. Continue to Savissivik village in Melville Bay where ancient meteorite fragments have been found.

Day 7 - Pond Inlet (Nunavut, Canada)

Pond Inlet appears to guard over the entrance to the legendary North West Passage. Formerly called Tununiq by the Inuit, this region was long ago inhabited by their ancestors, the Thule, who left behind numerous archaeological artifacts, little vestiges of the past. To get to the mouth of the passage, Le Soleal crosses the Arctic Circle, an imaginary line.

Day 8 - Beechy Island

Cruise past the spectacular Leopold cliff, home to an abundance of bird life, before arriving at Beechey Island. Sir John Franklin set off in 1845 in search of the mythical North West Passage and was forced to take shelter in Erebus Harbour for two long years. It is a spectacular location; see the three wooden grave markers indicating the burial places of at least three of Captain Franklin's men, and visit the memorial in memory of Franklin and his men.

Day 9 - Fury Beach

Keep an eye out for wildlife as you visit Fury Beach.

Day 10 - Qariaraqyuk - Fort Ross

The abandoned whaling village of Qariaraqyuk is the largest Thule village ever discovered with 57 whale-bone houses. Archaeological excavations have revealed evidence of whale hunting, including traditional toboggans. Later, Le Soleal continues to the former trading post of Fort Ross on the Bellot Strait.

Day 11 - Gjoa Haven

Gjoa Haven is a hamlet in Nunavut known for its abundance of whales in the nearby waters. The hamlet is named by explorer Roald Amundsen after his ship Gjoa.

Day 12 - At sea

Enjoy the facilities on board during a day at sea.

Day 13 - Johanssen Peninsula - Edimburgh Island

Le Soleal cruises the Johanssen Peninsula and on to Edimburgh Island.

Day 14 - Holman

Holman is a remote community with around 460 residents. It is located on the western side of Victoria Island in the Northwest Territories.

Day 15 - Minto

Explore Minto Islet.

Day 16 - Franklin Bay

Franklin Bay is a large inlet in the Northwest Territories and the southern arm of the Amundsen Gulf.

Day 17 - At sea

Spend the day at sea.

Day 18 - Herschel Island (Yukon)

Herschel Island is located in the Canadian Arctic Archipelago. It is just 2km off the coast of Yukon within the Ivvavik National Park. Sir John Franklin named the island after one of his friends, John Herschel.

Day 19 - Point Barrow

Point Barrow is a headland in the Arctic which marks the division between the Chukchi Sea on the west and Beaufort Sea to the east. Artifacts associated with the Thule culture have been found here.

Day 20 - At sea

Relax on board Le Soleal.

Day 21 - Little Diomede - Fairway Rock

Explore the small island of Little Diomede, separated from the Russian island of Big Diomede by the International Dateline which runs through the Bering Sea. Continue to Fairway Rock.

Day 22 - Savoonga

Savoonga is a city located on St Lawrence Island in the Bering Sea.

Day 23 - Nome - Seattle (USA)

Disembark Le Soleal in Nome and take a charter flight to Seattle.

Taking into consideration the unusual and exceptional character of this itinerary, the calls shown are an indication only. The final route will be confirmed by the Captain of the ship, taking into account the safety of the passengers and the accessibility of sites. His decision will be subject to that of local authorities and the expert pilots present on board during the navigation in the Arctic zone.

Price Includes

  • 22-night full board cruise on Le Soleal
  • Welcome Dinner, Captain's Cocktail Parties and Gala Dinner
  • Open bar with wine, beer and house champagne
  • Flights from Paris to Kangerlussuaq, Greenland and return from Nome to Seattle
  • Overseas transfers
  • Polar parka
  • Zodiac landings
  • 24 hour room service
  • Complimentary unlimited Wi-Fi on board
  • Evening entertainment
  • Porterage from the quayside to the ship and vice versa

Price Does Not Include

  • Flights from the UK to Paris and return - we can arrange these
  • Optional shore excursions
  • Travel insurance
  • Personal expenses and gratuities
  • Port charges and taxes

Please contact us for the latest dates and prices

Call us now on 01756 706500

Map for Luxury Northwest Passage Expedition