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FJORDS AND GLACIERS OF SPITSBERGEN

from $9,910

DATES: 2025 – JUN 7, 14, 15B, 21, 22B, 28, 29B | JUL 5, 12, 19
2026 – JUN 13, 20, 27 | JUL 4, 11, 18, 25

DURATION: 8-DAYS/7-NIGHTS

EMBARK: LONGYEARBYEN

DISEMBARK: LONGYEARBYEN

SHIP: LE LYRIAL
B=LE BOREAL

FROM: $9,910
AFTER 30% SAVINGS

NO SINGLE SUPPLEMENT

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All about the FJORDS AND GLACIERS OF SPITSBERGEN.

Flight Paris/Longyearbyen + Transfers + Flight Longyearbyen/Paris

Somewhere in the High Arctic, between 76 and 80 degrees latitude North, Spitsbergen, meaning “pointed mountains”, awaits you for seven days of unforgettable travel looking out for wild life.

You will lift the anchor in Longyearbyen, where colorful wooden homes dot the landscape with a human presence that will certainly be the last you see for a while.

The sea rolls on, and the white-striped mountains, which gave the region its name, rise up from deeply tinted waters. The polar light combines with the changing weather of the Arctic, a big blue sky, the horizon scattered with clouds, the enveloping mist erasing the border between the land and the sea: these variations all provide the magical, almost surreal, setting with new nuances.

The ship is escorted by Arctic fulmars. The first ice appears; still discreet, it seems to be dancing around you. At the end of a fjord, you will find yourself before an immense glacier. Black-legged kittiwakes share an iceberg, while Arctic terns fly over the area. Aboard the ship or a Zodiac dinghy, you will admire the power of nature while becoming aware of its fragility. The music of the thaw has begun its soft melody: a combination of cracking, roaring, murmuring and fizzing defies the silence of the polar desert.

On land, you will set foot on malleable earth, known as moraine. Only moss, lichen and a few rare flowers have managed to adapt and to take hold here, forming the tundra. On these inhospitable lands, Svalbard reindeer and Arctic foxes coexist with walruses, lying on the beach. It has been a long time since the Pomor settlers, of which traces remain, came to hunt them.

Here, the lord of the Arctic, the polar bear, is never very far away. The crucial aspects of this cruise involve searching and keeping an eye out. On board, the team of naturalists will scan the horizon so they can provide you with marvelous sightings of wildlife and, in particular, the polar bear. The region’s elusive fauna upholds its mysteries while the uncertain nature of the encounter bestows an indescribable magic upon it.

Itinerary is subject to change according to port authorizations and government regulations. We are privileged guests in these remote lands where we are at the mercy of weather, ice, tidal and current conditions. 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.

Highlights

  • A cruise to discover the riches of Svalbard, in search of mysterious wild fauna, in the comfort of an exceptional ship.
  • Outings and shore visits in zodiac inflatables with a team of experienced naturalist guides.
  • The possibility of hiking on the island, between tundra, beaches and glaciers.
  • The history of Spitsbergen connected to hunting and fishing, the mining industry and polar exploration, with the possibility of discovering Ny-Alesund.
  • Discovering the incredible geology of Spitsbergen, easily observable with the naked eye due to the archipelago’s short vegetation.
  • Scenic sailing past glaciers or cliffs, inside huge fjords, between dazzling blue sky or mysterious polar mist.
  • Landscapes: rugged mountains, icebergs, ice caps, deep valleys, striated cliffs, vertiginous walls, gigantic glaciers, glacier fronts, tundra and the possibility of observing the ice floe.
  • Wildlife: polar bears, Arctic foxes, Svalbard reindeer, walruses, bearded seals, harbor seals, Arctic fulmars, Arctic terns, black-legged kittiwakes, eiders, guillemots, blue whales, minke whales, orcas.

The tour package inclusions and exclusions at a glance
What is included in this tour?Items that are included in the cost of tour price.
  • All accommodations, meals, and excursion described above
  • Gratuities to crew, guides and drivers on included excursions
  • Comprehensive cruise with all the amenities for which Ponant ships are famous.
  • All meals while on board the ship (from dinner on the day of embarkation to breakfast on the day of disembarkation)
  • Captain’s welcome cocktail and gala dinner
  • “Open Bar” (pouring wines, house champagne, alcohol except premium brands… list available upon request)
  • Evening entertainment and events
  • Shore Excursions
  • Wi-Fi
  • Room service 24h (special selection)
  • Park entry fees into protected areas
  • Port fees and charges

Whats not included in this tour.Items that are not included in the cost of tour price.
  • Travel and Emergency Evacuation Insurance
  • Air fare, except as may be included – ie Sitka-Seattle
  • Items of personal nature
  • Premium alcohol
  • Pre- or Post-cruise arrangements

  1. Day 1 Longyearbyen, Spitsbergen

    Embarkation from 4:00 PM to 5:00 PM
    Departure at 6:00 PM

    Your included flight from Paris will arrive in Longyearbyen this afternoon. Transfer is provided to the ship. Settle into your suite.

    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 below 40°C, 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, make you feel like you’re in completely unexplored territory.

  2. DAYS 2-3 South-West Region of Spitsbergen

    Set sail for southwest Spitsbergen, immerse yourself in this environment unlike any other and explore its unexpected riches. In this natural sanctuary, the polar light combines with the changing weather of the Arctic, a big blue sky, the horizon scattered with clouds, the enveloping mist erasing the border between the land and the sea. Follow in the footsteps of the first explorers and admire the majestic fjords and glaciers sculpting the breathtaking landscapes, their icy waters shimmering beneath the midnight sun. The fjords, veritable cathedrals of ice, reveal their millennial secrets, while the glaciers, like sleeping giants, move slowly towards the sea, setting free sparkling icebergs. On the water, you might spot belugas and rorquals, while on the shores, seals and Arctic foxes add a touch of mystery to this living tableau, where the steep cliffs become breeding grounds for thousands of seabirds, like guillemots.

  3. DAY 4 Sailing toward the ice floes

    Your captain will sail right up to the limit of the ice, to the edge of the ice floe. Weather conditions and state of the ice allowing, you will be able to go out in a zodiac dinghy for a unique experience in the middle of these floating slabs of ice. In addition to this grandiose journey through the middle of these floes with their cut and blue-tinged edges, sometimes over 2 meters thick, it is also often an opportunity to see a particular kind of fauna, totally dependent on the ice floe: birds, seals and polar bears.

  4. DAYS 5-6 North-West region of Spitsbergen

    A kingdom of contrasts and natural marvels dotted with islands and peninsulas, northwest Spitsbergen fascinates with its preserved beauty. On these pristine lands, infinity unveils itself, treating the eyes to beauty sculpted by nature and enhanced by the changing light. The fjords bathed by icy waters, the jagged mountains and the imposing glaciers stand majestically before you, like monumental sculptures. In these lands, where souls are filled with deep serenity, only the murmur of broken ice, bearing mysteries and legends, disturbs the calmness. Aboard our Zodiacs and in the company of naturalist-guides, get as close as possible to this unique fauna and discover this centre for scientific expedition departures. In the distance, majestic whales glide silently through the glacial waters, whereas seals, walrus and Arctic foxes add a playful touch of life. As Svalbard reindeer wander the vast expanses, Arctic terns liven up the polar sky with their gracious flight and polar bears, which you may be lucky enough to see, patrol magnificently along the icy shores.

  5. DAY 7 Ny-Alesund, Spitsbergen

    During your cruise, discover Ny-Ålesund, a former mining town that has been transformed into a scientific base. Founded in 1916, this small town was the departure point for many Arctic expeditions, including those of the famous explorer Roald Amundsen. Don’t miss a visit to the museum and its famous post office, considered to be the most northerly in the world!

  6. DAY 8 Longyearbyen, Spitsbergen

    Arrival early morning – Disembarkation at 8:00 AM

    After breakfast, you will transfer to the airport for your included flight to Paris, France.

LE BOREAL & LE LYRIAL

Le Boreal and Le Lyrial are superb mega-yachts with 132 staterooms, the result of the expertise of the Italian Fincantieri shipyard and French sophistication, as interpreted by designer Jean-Philippe Nuel. She remains faithful to our philosophy – to create a unique atmosphere, a subtle blend of luxury, intimacy and well-being.

A sleek silhouette softened by elegantly smooth contours and large, arched windows opening up to the sea and the light: so many features come together to give each her distinctive shape. Precious materials, discreet elegance and a perfect balance between chic and casual, combine to make you feel as if you are on your own private yacht. A design blending tradition and innovation, where a nautical mood has been subtly recreated. A welcoming atmosphere of relaxed sophistication revolves around shades of grey, taupe, white and ivory enlivened by touches of cinnamon, caramel and tan.. So many personal touches create the spirit of a “private yacht.”

You will encounter unique itineraries, calls inaccessible to large ships, chic and elegant yacht-like ambiance, refined and personalized service as well as gastronomic cuisine.

 

Fast Facts:

  • Length: 466 ft
  • Beam: 59 ft
  • Draft: 15.3 ft
  • Cruising speed: 14 knots
  • Guest decks:  6
  • Guest capacity (double occupancy): Up to 264 PAX
  • Normal crew size: 140
  • Gross tonnage: 10 992 UMS

 

RESTAURANTS

Loyal to the great French tradition, the haute cuisine on board is worthy of the finest restaurants, where discreet, attentive service is the hallmark.

Our two restaurants welcome you for breakfasts, lunch and dinner. The Gastronomic Restaurant, with a capacity of 268 persons, is situated on Le Liberté Deck and serves you French and international cuisine accompanied by fine wine.

At the Grill Restaurant, you will have the opportunity to eat outside and enjoy buffet lunch and themed dinner.

 

PUBLIC AREAS

Main Lounge

Afternoon tea, lounge, live music, dance floor and cocktail bar

Access to the outside terrace

 Panoramic Lounge

Library, internet desk, cocktail bar, live entertainment on selected evenings. Direct access to the panoramic terrace.

Open-air Bar (Pool deck)

Overlooking the pool deck

 

ACCOMMODATIONS ABOARD LE SOLEAL

Elegance and flexibility of the suites and staterooms, decorated by French interior designer Jean-Philippe Nuel.

  • Flexible capacity: from 112 to 122 suites & staterooms.
  • Maximum configuration: 13 suites & 108 staterooms.
  • Maximum number of suites configuration: 24 suites & 86 staterooms.
  • Magnificent ocean views: 114 staterooms and suites with balcony
  • Individually-controlled air-conditioning
  • Cabin layout: king-size bed, or twin beds, adjoining cabins available (children welcome)
  • Minibar
  • Flat screen satellite TV
  • Bose Speaker
  • Desk with stationery
  • Electronic safe
  • French bath products
  • Dressing table and hairdryer
  • Bath robes
  • Satellite direct line telephone
  • 110/220 volt outlets
  • 24hr room service
  • WiFi

DELUXE STATEROOM

  • Area : 18 m²
  • Capacity :up to 2 passengers per cabin

DELUXE SUITE

  • Area : 27 m²
  • Capacity :up to 2 passengers per cabin

PRESTIGE DECK 4

  • Area : 18 m²
  • Capacity: up to 2 passengers per cabin

PRESTIGE DECK 5

  • Area : 18 m²
  • Capacity: up to 2 passengers per cabin

PRESTIGE DECK 6

  • Area : 18 m²
  • Capacity: up to 2 passengers per cabin

PRESTIGE DECK 5 SUITE

  • Area : 36 m²
  • Capacity: up to 4 passengers per cabin

PRESTIGE DECK 6 SUITE

  • Area : 36 m²
  • Capacity: up to 4 passengers per cabin

OWNER’S SUITE

  • Area : 54 m²
  • Capacity: up to 2 passengers per cabin

SUPERIOR STATEROOM

  • Area : 21 m²
  • Capacity: up to 3 passengers per cabin