Overview
Sisimiut, with its colourful houses facing the ocean, is the first port of call on your exploration before crossing the Labrador Sea to reach the Canadian shores of Nunavut. When the weather is fine, the mountains are reflected in the crystal-clear read more waters of the gigantic fjord which will lead you up to the Grinnell Glacier. In Zodiac dinghies and on foot, you will criss-cross the territory that the Inuit share with polar bears, musk oxen, seals and cetaceans. The ramparts formed by the limestone cliffs around Akpatok Island have made it inaccessible to humans, but perfect for the thick-billed murres that nest in its fissures.
A succession of landscapes will leave you with sentiment of tranquillity, inherent to the contemplation of these spaces, which exceed any known proportions. You will soon discover the province of Newfoundland and Labrador and its highest mountains, those encircling the splendid Nachvak Fjord. A little further on, the town of Rigolet – only accessible by the sea - will offer you, along its bay and its lake, a unique observation point to maybe spot rorquals and the region’s birds.
The last part of your cruise will open the doors to the island of Newfoundland and, while it seems very remote, it has a great many historic sites. Your exploration will begin with L’Anse aux Meadows. Like an ancient relic, the archaeological site bears witness to the audacity of the Viking explorers who once set foot on these shores. Further south, Twillingate, an insular jewel, offers you an enchanting network of coastal paths that wind their way along the rugged coastline.
Then, picturesque Bonavista, cradle of the discovery of Cabot, will reveal its rich maritime history and its panoramas of breathtakingly spectacular geological formations. Finally, Saint-John's, the lively capital nestling in a natural haven, gracefully blends its historic heritage with contemporary cultural hustle and bustle, thus crowning this land of striking contrasts.
Your journey will end on the island of Saint Pierre, a fragment of France on the other side of the world, which is home to fascinating wild biodiversity.
Itinerary
When Erik Le Rouge, 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.
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.
Located on the southwestern coast of Greenland, Qeqertarsuatsiaat offers an authentic immersion into the country’s nature and traditional way of life. Surrounded by icy fjords and granite mountains, this village is a gateway to explore preserved polar landscapes and to magnificent hikes through the tundra, glacier lakes and rocky hills. Its tranquillity makes it a special site that has attracted the region’s emblematic fauna, which you will perhaps be lucky enough to observe: whales, seals and seabirds. The inhabitants still follow the pace of nature, organising their day-to-day lives around fishing, hunting and gathering, fully demonstrating human resilience in the Arctic.
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.
Akpatok Island, located in Ungava Bay in northern Quebec, Canada, is a remote and rugged destination known for its towering limestone cliffs and significant wildlife populations. The island serves as a crucial habitat for thousands of thick-billed murres, which nest along the sheer cliff faces, creating a spectacular scene for birdwatchers. The surrounding waters are also frequented by seals and polar bears, adding to the area's rich biodiversity.
Access to the island is typically by Zodiac, allowing for an up-close exploration of the island’s coastline. Visiting Akpatok Island offers a unique opportunity to witness Arctic wildlife in its natural environment, making it a memorable experience for nature enthusiasts and adventurous travellers alike.
Red Bay, located in Labrador, Canada, is a historic fishing village with a rich maritime heritage. It is best known for its Basque whaling history, which is preserved at the Red Bay National Historic Site. Visitors can explore artifacts, including well-preserved whaling boats and tools, offering a glimpse into the 16th-century whaling industry.
The town's scenic coastal setting provides opportunities for hiking and enjoying stunning views of the Atlantic Ocean. Whale watching and iceberg spotting are popular activities in the area. The nearby Tracey Hill Trail offers panoramic vistas and is perfect for nature enthusiasts. Red Bay combines historical intrigue with natural beauty for a memorable visit.
Newfoundland, an island in Canada, is known for its stunning coastal scenery and rich cultural heritage. The vibrant city of St. John’s, one of North America’s oldest, features colourful row houses, the iconic Signal Hill, and the historic Cabot Tower, offering panoramic views of the Atlantic Ocean.
Exploring beyond the city, visitors can discover Gros Morne National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage site with dramatic fjords, cliffs, and diverse wildlife. The island’s picturesque fishing villages, such as Twillingate, are perfect for whale watching and iceberg spotting. Newfoundland’s blend of natural beauty and unique culture makes it an unforgettable destination.
Cruise in the wake of Vikings in the north of Newfoundland. Nestled at the top of the Great Northern Peninsula lies L’Anse aux Meadows, a UNESCO World Heritage Site that represents the earliest evidence of European settlement in the New World.
Dating back to the 11th century, this historic site offers similar scenes to those found in Norse Greenland and Iceland. The ancient vestiges are a marvel of the past and the excavated remains of wood-framed peat-turf buildings hold stories of bygone times.
Newfoundland, an island in Canada, is known for its stunning coastal scenery and rich cultural heritage. The vibrant city of St. John’s, one of North America’s oldest, features colourful row houses, the iconic Signal Hill, and the historic Cabot Tower, offering panoramic views of the Atlantic Ocean.
Exploring beyond the city, visitors can discover Gros Morne National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage site with dramatic fjords, cliffs, and diverse wildlife. The island’s picturesque fishing villages, such as Twillingate, are perfect for whale watching and iceberg spotting. Newfoundland’s blend of natural beauty and unique culture makes it an unforgettable destination.
Newfoundland, an island in Canada, is known for its stunning coastal scenery and rich cultural heritage. The vibrant city of St. John’s, one of North America’s oldest, features colourful row houses, the iconic Signal Hill, and the historic Cabot Tower, offering panoramic views of the Atlantic Ocean.
Exploring beyond the city, visitors can discover Gros Morne National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage site with dramatic fjords, cliffs, and diverse wildlife. The island’s picturesque fishing villages, such as Twillingate, are perfect for whale watching and iceberg spotting. Newfoundland’s blend of natural beauty and unique culture makes it an unforgettable destination.
Newfoundland, an island in Canada, is known for its stunning coastal scenery and rich cultural heritage. The vibrant city of St. John’s, one of North America’s oldest, features colourful row houses, the iconic Signal Hill, and the historic Cabot Tower, offering panoramic views of the Atlantic Ocean.
Exploring beyond the city, visitors can discover Gros Morne National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage site with dramatic fjords, cliffs, and diverse wildlife. The island’s picturesque fishing villages, such as Twillingate, are perfect for whale watching and iceberg spotting. Newfoundland’s blend of natural beauty and unique culture makes it an unforgettable destination.
St. John's, the vibrant capital of Newfoundland and Labrador, is known for its colorful row houses and friendly streets. As the easternmost point in North America, this city offers breathtaking views from Signal Hill, where Marconi received the first transatlantic wireless signal.
For those interested in maritime history, the Rooms museum provides insights into the rich cultural heritage of Newfoundland and Labrador through extensive exhibits and artifacts. Nearby, Cape Spear Lighthouse stands as the continent's oldest surviving lighthouse, offering panoramic views of the Atlantic. Nature lovers can relish coastal walks that offer glimpses of icebergs, seabirds, and whales, depending on the season.
Saint Pierre and Miquelon, a small French archipelago near the coast of Newfoundland, Canada, exudes a unique blend of French charm and rugged North Atlantic beauty. This remote outpost of France offers a slice of Gallic culture, complete with quaint bistros, street-side cafés, and shops selling French goods. The islands’ colourful houses and the old-world feel of its capital, Saint-Pierre, transport visitors to a coastal town in Brittany or Normandy.
The natural surroundings are marked by stark, windswept landscapes, offering ideal conditions for hiking and bird watching. The rich waters around the islands are also popular for fishing and observing marine life, such as seals. Saint Pierre and Miquelon stand as a fascinating fusion of French culture and subarctic wilderness.
Life On Board
Enjoy the luxury and sophistication of mega yacht cruising when you explore the seas on Le Lyrial. Read more
Relax in the comfort of chic decor and luxury in your ocean facing accommodation. Read more
Exquisite French gastronomy is the highlight of every meal you will savour in the restaurant and grill. Read more
Applaud a live show in the theatre or enjoy the social life and dancing in the main lounge. Read more
It doesnt matter where you are cruising, you will be well looked after from the moment you embark. Read more
Using on the best French products, a treatment in the spa will revive and rejuvenate. Read more
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Ponant Winter Inspiring Voyages (2025-26)
USD Tour & cruises prices are per person. Prices shown have savings applied, are subject to availability and may be withdrawn at any time without notice. Pricing and trip details are correct at this point in time, however are subject to confirmation at the time of booking and are subject to change by Ponant. For cruise itineraries, cabin images are sourced from the cruise-line and should be treated as indicative only. Cabin inclusions, upholsteries and room layout may differ to the image(s) shown depending on the ship selected and your sailing dates.
