alaska & arctic summer Cruises 2015

Transcription

1 alaska & arctic c o l l e c t i o n summer Cruises 2015

2 EDITO 2 summer cruises 2015

3 Dreaming of the Arctic Far North At La Compagnie du Ponant, when we talk about our cruises, we tend to speak of Experiences. Because this is what they are: a cruise in the Arctic Far North is much more than just a journey, it is the promise of an exceptional destination, an encounter with another world. As cruise craftsmen, we carefully design for you detailed itineraries, unique experiences and unusual encounters. Thus, for Summer 2015, we invite you to discover a completely new destination, experiencing the secret expanses of Alaska, where nature carves a world of vast glaciers, turquoise water, lush forest and snow-capped peaks. Unless you choose to venture even further North, to the edge of the Arctic Circle, with its wild landscapes of dormant volcanoes. From Iceland to Spitsbergen, from Greenland to Baffin Bay, as far as the edge of the Russian Far North, against a backdrop of boreal taiga forest, access the treasures of the world by sea and enjoy the unique experience of a 5-star expedition: extreme destinations but always the warm atmosphere, comfort and exceptional service on which La Compagnie du Ponant has built its reputation. All aboard for a refined and elegant Adventure. See you on board very soon. alaska & THE Arctic collection by compagnie du ponant 3

4 4 summer cruises 2015

5 Summary alaska & THE arctic with la compagnie du ponant...06 Respect for the environment...08 your Naturalist-Guides...10 EXPEDITION & five STARS...12 WHY alaska?...14 WHY the arctic?...16 YOUR cruises in alaska...18 your cruises in the arctic...36 le boréal, l austral & le soléal...56 staterooms & decks...58 alaska & THE Arctic collection by compagnie du ponant 5

6 6 summer cruises 2015 Access the World s Treasures by Sea

7 why sail in ALASKA & the ARCTIc WITH LA COMPAGNIE DU PONANT? ACKNOWLEDGED EXPERIENCE Thanks to its 15 years of experience in the Polar Regions and as a leader in Arctic cruises, la Compagnie du Ponant has made its reputation as a true Specialist in extreme environments. For this 12 th season in the Far North, we offer you a choice of unique cruises and, for the very first time, to discover Alaska aboard L AUSTRAL, LE BORÉAL & LE SOLÉAL. This privilege confers an air of exclusivity on our expeditions. 5* COMFORT IN POLAR LANDS: A UNIQUE CONCEPT La Compagnie du Ponant promises you a rare and privileged opportunity to experience all the intensity of an Expedition in a standard of five-star comfort unique in these remote regions. RESPONSIBLE VIGILANCE The safety of our passengers has always been our number one priority as shipowners and is the constant concern of our experienced Captains. Our three ships are stable and quiet and all have ice-going classification, meaning that they meet the most demanding international criteria and are at the cutting edge of technology in terms of their safety equipment. As a signatory of the Charte Bleue d Armateurs de France (Blue Charter of French Shipowners), La Compagnie du Ponant is committed to respecting the environment by doing everything in its power to reduce its impact on the environment and respect the ecosystem, on board our ships, on land and at sea. THE «PONANT» SIGNATURE AT THE HEART OF THE FAR NORTH The world s number 1 cruise company in Polar Regions. 15 itineraries to discover 7 remote lands and meet 5 different ethnic groups. A new destination: Alaska. Ships certified with the label «Green ship» protecting the environment. 5* Expedition cruises aboard ultra-modern ships, blend of elegance, luxury and cutting-edge technology. A crew of polar and ice specialists, experts in extreme sailing. A team of Guides, Naturalists and/or Lecturers on all departures, selected for their areas of expertise. alaska & THE Arctic collection by compagnie du ponant 7

8 8 summer cruises 2015

9 RESPECT for the ENVIRONMENt Our excellence of service requires a continuous improvement of our performances in health, safety and environment which are implicit for our clients. Due to the nature of our business, the safety of our vessels is of critical importance. As we sail into sensitive areas it is essential for us to respect the local environments, including the marine environment, and the local communities where we operate. La Compagnie du Ponant is a member of La Charte Bleue d Armateurs de France, and also belongs to the IAATO (International Association of Antarctic Tour Operators) which is committed to responsible behaviour to safeguard the flora and fauna. It is a tradition that our four sisterships, awarded Green ship label will carry forward thanks to: Dynamic positioning, hence protecting the seabed, Electric propulsion system: quiet and economic, Diesel engines using MDO (Marine Diesel Oil): not so heavy and less polluting, Reduced exhaust emissions, Waste and sewage treatment on board, Low energy bulbs for lighting. alaska & THE Arctic collection by compagnie du ponant 9

10 YOUR NATURALIST-GUIDEs * Naturalists, Geologists, Lecturers and experienced Guides, our team of well-known professionals are the ideal companions to have as you explore these remote lands, between Alaska and the Far North. Nicolas DUBREUIL - Expedition Leader Nicolas fell in love with the region to such an extent that he wrote an ethnology thesis on it. The Antarctica Polar expanses have no secrets for this Expedition Leader. Armed with his experience, Nicolas has been working with la Compagnie du Ponant for more than ten years now, helping the captain plan routes. He is only too delighted to share his memories and knowledge. Sublime Grimsey Island, where I organised a shore visit, I can still hear the cries of a million Arctic Sterns gathered in the mist. Didier DROUET - Expedition Leader In 1985, Didier DROUET accompanied an Arctic expedition, whose objective was to cross the Greenland polar ice field. His knowledge of the environment under extreme conditions brought him to work with the French Ministry for Overseas Regions. He wanted to share his knowledge and enthusiasm for the Polar Regions and specializes as a Naturalist and Guide for cruises to Greenland and Spitsbergen. During your cruise, he will accompany small groups in Zodiac dinghies, to the heart of territories that are both wild and fascinating. Sophie FAVROLT An Art Historian and qualified tour Guide, Sophie developed an interest in the Vikings and this led her to the Far North - Norway, Iceland and Greenland - as well as to the countries of the Baltic Sea. For the last five years, her appreciation of extreme destinations has seen her accompany our cruises to the Antarctic region. What moves me in the Arctic is the feeling that History is just as well preserved there as Nature. What we see is exactly what the explorers of the 19 th century looked upon. 10 summer cruises 2015

11 Sylvain MAHUZIER Initiated in ornithology by his grandfather, Sylvain has dedicated his life to the Nature. Either teacher of Biology, Lecturer or Naturalist-Guide, he wrote a lot of articles and books on Nature. Member of the LPO (Bird Protection League) since more than 20 years, he is also passionate by marine mammals, and travels a lot, giving preference to cold or polar destinations like Iceland, Spitsbergen, Russia and Canadian Far North, or Patagonia, Tierra del Fuego and Antarctic. He will be delighted to share his knowledge of these remote lands. José SARICA From an early age, protecting Nature has been a true vocation for José. He trained as a zootherapist in Quebec then studied the Belugas of Saint-Laurent. Fascinated by marine mammals, he has published many articles in international scientific reviews and he has been a Naturalist- Guide specialising in cetology on polar cruises since Once again today, emotion overwhelmed me when I thought of the huge fin of a Right Whale emerging from the water just a stone s throw from our Zodiac, and waving gently in the air as if to say hello.... Ombline CHABASSEUR Ombline is passionate about the polar universe; she first lived in Finland then travelled to many Arctic countries. She decided to become a hiking trip leader and spent many Summer seasons in the Far North, sharing her passion and her knowledge of the plant and wildlife, History and customs of these remote countries. Aboard the ship, she will gladly share her knowledge of this fragile and fascinating environment. I have never seen anything like it in all my expeditions. As the ship sailed closer, a grandiose landscape appeared, so moving.... *List not complete. Subject to availability. alaska & THE Arctic collection by compagnie du ponant 11

12 EXPEDITION Our cruises in Alaska and the Arctic are above all Expedition cruises where the route taken by your ship can each day bring a new adventure or an unexpected surprise. Each morning, the Captain and the Expedition Leader will decide on the day s schedule, taking into account the state of the ice and the weather conditions. Let the adventure begin This Summer, la Compagnie du Ponant has planned new itineraries especially for you, bringing you new opportunities to discover Nature, fauna and flora under the guidance of our passionate and experienced Naturalists and Guides. Destinations include Greenland, Iceland, Spitsbergen and the Baffin Sea, but also Alaska for the very first time. YOUR TRIPS IN A ZODIAC DINGHY Daily trips in small groups aboard a Zodiac dinghy will allow you to get as close as possible to the majestic giants of ice and their iridescent colours or to observe a group of Walruses gathered on a floating section of pack ice. Each sea trip is different. Accompanied by our experienced Naturalist-Guides, set out aboard our Zodiac dinghies to immortalize a magic moment and discover the hidden treasures of the Far North. SHORE VISITS Although at first glance, Alaska and the Arctic appear like vast wild and untouched expanses, there are some areas where we can set foot on solid ground, during delightful trips. Going ashore from one of our Zodiac dinghies will allow you to discover the most beautiful Nature Reserves in Alaska, or will lead you to the territory of the majestic Polar Bear. You will also meet the ancient people Inuit or the Amerindian tribes Tlingit. Whether you are a walker or a hiker, each shore visit offers the promise of a new encounter. 12 summer cruises 2015

13 & FIVE STARS REFINED ADVENTURE LE BORÉAL, L AUSTRAL and LE SOLÉAL have earned Class Comfort 1 certification, which allows them to navigate in the most extreme regions, whilst at the same time offering five-star service and comfort. Whichever cruise you choose, you will enjoy a warm atmosphere, a subtle blend of refinement and authenticity. A certain idea of luxury, a way of experiencing cruising... differently. AN INTIMATE AND ELEGANT ATMOSPHERE You will be welcomed into an environment where the emphasis is firmly on the sea. Your cruise will allow you to experience the French way of living, that blend of relaxed elegance and conviviality that is our trademark. Service, gastronomy, design, refinement you will find during our Five-star Expeditions all the distinctive elements that have shaped la Compagnie du Ponant s reputation for over 25 years. Besides, you can now enjoy a new advantage: the Open Bar available on all our cruises. Prestigious Butler Service Reserved for passengers travelling in one of the suites on Deck 6, our Butler will provide personalised service every day, and will meet all your requirements discretely and efficiently. alaska & THE Arctic collection by compagnie du ponant 13

14 why alaska? TO FOLLOW IN THE FOOTSTEPS OF PIONEERS AND TRAPPERS After the discovery of Alaska at the end of the 18 th century, Russian trappers roamed the land, hunting Sea Otters and selling their highly desirable fur at premium prices. In 1867, the United States purchased Alaska, which thus became the 49 th State. The novelist Jack LONDON tells us the rest of the story, particularly tales of the mythical Gold Rush, which fired the imagination of men thirsty for fortune and glory. Follow in the footsteps of these pioneers and adventurers, who tried to tame this wild land. FOR ITS AMERICAN INDIAN CULTURE Alaska has been peopled by American Indian tribes for thousands of years. Despite successive waves of colonisation, their culture has survived through the ages and forms a lasting element of the Alaskan way of life. Whether you visit Ketchikan and Totem Bight State Park, home to many Totem Poles produced by the Tlingit Indians, or you sail to the Gwaii Haanas islands, where fine cedar sculptures by the Haïda tribe can be found next to imposing traditional homes, you will discover the culture and traditions of these peoples as your cruise progresses. FOR THE PRIMITIVE BEAUTY OF WRANGEL ISLAND Off the coast of Siberia, discover a secret island, a veritable polar jewel where the natural environment is extraordinary. Between snow-capped mountains, vast tundra plains and translucent lakes, the Wrangel Natural Reserve invites you to discover its pristine and wild nature. Listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, it represents a rare ecosystem, where majestic Polar Bears, Walruses, Reindeer and Musk-Oxen have found a haven. An adventure to the heart of a precious sanctuary, which is not to be missed. FOR ITS LANDSCAPES AND ITS EXCEPTIONAL NATURAL ENVIRONMENT A vast peninsula located at the far North-West of the North American continent, Alaska is surprising for its diversity and its unusual natural setting. During your cruise, discover a land of grandiose landscapes, offering visitors panoramas of gigantic glaciers and rainforests, fjords, endless tundra and sparkling lakes, with majestic mountains looming as a backdrop, their snow-capped peaks soaring towards the sky. Throughout the myriad of islands and islets, come and admire this exceptional setting, where wildlife and ancient populations have carved out a place for themselves. FOR THE DISCOVERY OF MISTY FJORDS BY SEAPLANE As your cruise progresses, we invite you to take a seat aboard a seaplane for an exceptional journey to the heart of Misty Fjords. Considered a National Monument, these fjords offer travellers visions of long cliffs reaching towards the sky, translucent lakes and waterfalls. Further on, your excursion will take you to the town of Ketchikan, to discover Totem Bight State Park and its famous Totem Heritage Centre. Do not miss this unique experience, blending nature and tradition. 14 summer cruises 2015

15 EXPEDITION EXPEDITION EXPEDITION pevek chukchi sea RUSSIa bering strait anadyr alaska bering sea seward JUNEAU alaska Gulf Alaska north Pacific Ocean vancouver CANADA DATE ship itinerary nights PAGE June 13 th 2015 L'AUSTRAL VANCOUVER JUNEAU 7 IN THE WAKE OF PIONEERS 22 June 20 th 2015 L'AUSTRAL JUNEAU VANCOUVER 7 IN THE WAKE OF PIONEERS 22 June 27 th 2015 L'AUSTRAL VANCOUVER JUNEAU 7 IN THE WAKE OF PIONEERS 22 July 04 th 2015 L'AUSTRAL JUNEAU VANCOUVER 7 IN THE WAKE OF PIONEERS 22 July 11 th 2015 L'AUSTRAL VANCOUVER JUNEAU 7 FJORDS OF ALASKA 24 Aug. 06 th 2015 L'AUSTRAL SEWARD PEVEK 13 ALEUTIAN ISLANDS & WRANGEL ISLAND RESERVE 26 Aug. 19 th 2015 L'AUSTRAL PEVEK SEWARD 11 EASTERN SIBERIA & KODIAK PENINSULA 28 Aug. 30 th 2015 L'AUSTRAL SEWARD VANCOUVER 10 ALASKA & BRITISH COLUMBIA 30 Sept. 11 th 2015 LE BORÉAL ANADYR VANCOUVER 13 ALASKA & BRITISH COLUMBIA 32 SOFT EXPEDITION SOFT EXPEDITION alaska & THE Arctic collection by compagnie du ponant 15

16 why the ARCTIc? TO FOLLOW IN THE FOOTSTEPS OF GREAT EXPLORERS For nearly three centuries, generations of sailors attempted to conquer the vast frozen expanses of the Arctic For this trip like no other, we are offering you the chance to sail in the wake of Roald AMUNDSEN, Jean-Baptiste CHARCOT and Paul-Emile VICTOR, to the heart of the vast polar region, a World with a fascinating strength and beauty. FOR EXCEPTIONAL ENCOUNTERS There are peoples for whom we have an enduring fascination, for their simple way of life which continues as if the modern World had no bearing on it...during your cruise in the Arctic Far North, discover the Inuit people, the last descendants of the Arctic, still living to the rhythm of their culture and their art, and the Koryak people, who make a living from fishing and raising Reindeer. Through these timeless encounters, discover ethnic groups with unique traditions, keepers of ancestral beliefs and traditions. FOR THE «GOLDEN CIRCLE» IN ICELAND From Reykjavik, set off on an exceptional excursion to uncover Iceland s most emblematic natural phenomena. From the Golden Falls of Gullfoss to the Geysir Geysers and the famous Thingvellir National Park, discover these Natural wonders, called Golden Circle by the Icelandic people. Farther on, do not miss the exceptional sight offered by the Blue Lagoon, with its craggy lava fields resembling the surface of the moon. TO SAIL TO THE HEART OF GREENLAND S FJORDS Discovering Greenland s fjords means plunging into a world where water creeps in everywhere and where solid land must be slender and beautiful to be granted the right to stay. During your cruise, we will take you on an exceptional journey between winding canyons and clear waterfalls, to discover unusual landscapes. Board our Zodiac dinghies or set off on a hike to get as close as possible to these icy giants and discover the full diversity of the polar region. TO DISCOVER THE VALLEY OF GEYSERS BY HELICOPTER From Petropavlovsk, we offer you the opportunity to discover the Valley of Geysers and the Caldera of the Uzon volcano from the sky, aboard a helicopter. This unforgettable experience will start with a flight over the exceptional landscapes of Kamchatka, between vast expanses of tundra, craggy gorges and dormant volcanoes. During this excursion, natural sights will hove into view, painted in astonishingly diverse colours, through impressive fumaroles rising from hot springs, rivers and lakes. 16 summer cruises 2015

17 longyarbyen GROENLAND RUSSIa anadyr SPITsBERGen Reykjavik ALASKA CANADA IceLAND kangerlussuaq PETROPAVLOVSK JAPaN KANAZAWA nights 7 THE BEST OF SPITSBERGEN July 14th 2015 LE SOLÉAL REYKJAVIK REYKJAVIK 7 ICELAND, GEYSERS & GLACIERS July 21st 2015 LE SOLÉAL REYKJAVIK REYKJAVIK 7 ICELAND, GEYSERS & GLACIERS 14 THE UNEXPLORED GREENLAND LE SOLÉAL July 29th 2015 LE BORÉAL REYJKAVIK REYKJAVIK 7 ICELAND, GEYSERS & GLACIERS Aug LE BORÉAL REYJKAVIK REYKJAVIK 7 ICELAND, GEYSERS & GLACIERS th LE SOLÉAL ANADYR PETROPAVLOVSK PETROPAVLOVSK KANAZAWA 22 THE NORTHWEST PASSAGE 14 THE BEST OF KAMCHATKA 15 THE KURIL ARCHIPELAGO alaska & THE Arctic collection by E I PED TIO X I PED TIO X I PED TIO X N Sept. 29th 2015 LE SOLÉAL KANGERLUSSUAQ ANADYR 13 THE TREASURES OF THE BAFFIN SEA 42 I PED TIO X N Sept. 15th 2015 LE SOLÉAL KANGERLUSSUAQ KANGERLUSSUAQ N Aug. 24th 2015 LE SOLÉAL I PED TIO X N Aug. 11th N REYKJAVIK KANGERLUSSUAQ July 28th 2015 E LONGYEARBYEN LONGYEARBYEN E LE BORÉAL N July I PED TIO X E 7 THE BEST OF SPITSBERGEN th N LE BORÉAL LONGYEARBYEN LONGYEARBYEN PAGE I PED TIO X E itinerary E ship July 02nd 2015 E DATE compagnie du ponant 17

18 18 summer cruises 2015

19 alaska, THE LAST FRONTIER It s a crazy story... about more than one hundred thousand men who settled in the solitude of the Far North in Alaska to pursue their dreams: to find gold and discover the mythical world of American pioneers.... This is how Jack LONDON described the story of this vast region in his famous novel The Call of the Wild. With its wide open spaces, gigantic glaciers, jagged mountains, tundra that stretches out to infinity and sparkling lakes, Alaska invites you to journey in the footsteps of the fur traders and gold prospectors! Aboard L AUSTRAL, we invite you to cruise along the East coast of Alaska, whose Interior Passage was crafted by the sculpture of imposing glaciers to make room for vertiginous fjords. Here, Nature is shaped by glacier fronts, coniferous forests, and myriad islands and islets where the soft light of the midnight sun lights up the sky and the horizon. Do not miss this opportunity to discover Juneau, the Alaskan capital long inhabited by the Tlingit Indians, Skagway, or Haines, over whose colourful houses flies the majestic Bald Eagle. The expedition itineraries will introduce adventure seekers to wild and unspoilt nature between Alaska and Eastern Siberia, from the Wrangel Nature Reserve to the Pribilof volcanic islands, during unique stopovers aboard LE BORÉAL or L AUSTRAL, hikes, or daily outings in a Zodiac dinghy. An adventure that is rich in emotions alaska & THE Arctic collection by compagnie du ponant 19

20 WILDLIFE IN ALASKA WALRUS - Chukchi Sea Its Latin name means "tooth walking sea horse", it can weigh more than a ton and likes nothing better than soaking up the rays of the sun. But the Walrus has other characteristics, it is a marine mammal whose agility and dexterity can be quite impressive. A particularly loyal animal, it prefers to live in groups and its communication is an art form. The cries and barks of Walruses can be compared to a fervent song that rings out across the shores, ice floes and other ice banks where it likes to linger. During their daily meetings, the master of ceremonies of these "Arctic Singers" moves to the centre of the group, watched by the younger members who remain on the outer areas. BALD EAGLE - Alaska The national emblem of the United States, this majestic bird, whose immaculate white head contrasts with the sombre brown of the rest of its plumage, is a sea eagle. This means that its diet mainly consists of fish rather than the animal-based diet of its cousins. With its 2 m wingspan, the Bald Eagle is of great importance in ancestral American Indian rituals. During your cruise, you may have the privilege of admiring the unique spectacle of this great bird flying free, circling above the towns and cities without ever really approaching them. HUMPBACK WHALE The most impressive mammal of the marine world, the Humpback Whale can reach 19 metres in length and weigh 65 tons. Easily recognisable for the many bumps or tubercles on its head, the Humpback Whale is a playful acrobat, who enjoys showing off his diving skills and landing with a huge splash. A friendly and very inquisitive animal, it will willingly come to meet you, swimming close to your vessel. It is a very expressive animal who is renowned for its long plaintive and melodious songs, which it uses to communicate. SEA OTTER - Aleutian Islands The Sea Otter is an inquisitive animal with a long, streamlined body and brown fur. It has made its home in the coastal regions of the Aleutian islands. Perfectly adapted to the marine environment, this charming rodent is able to spend many months at sea without returning to land, taking shelter during storms at the heart of the reefs. Under each of its powerful forepaws it can stock the food it gathers during its dives, as well as the stones that it wields like tools. You can see Sea Otters floating gently on their backs or wrapped around giant seaweeds. 20 summer cruises 2015

21 CARIBOU - Kenai Peninsula A majestic animal that mainly lives in the Kenai Peninsula, the Caribou has a particular distinguishing feature: It is the only species of Cervidae where both males and females have antlers. Its coat varies in colour, sometimes closer to brown, sometimes grey, and is very thick to protect it from the intense Winter cold, whilst its antlers darken from red to deep brown over the seasons. In Summer, herds of many head of Caribou roam across the tundra feeding on young plants and lichens, which are their main foodstuffs. During your cruise, you may be lucky enough to see this animal, the emblem of Alaska, christened Caribou by the first French explorers from its Mi kmaq name of xalibu, "the one who paws". NORTHERN FUR SEAL - Pribilof Islands Also known as the Sea Bear, the Northern Fur Seal differs from its cousins by its small head and very short muzzle, as well as its large hindflippers on which it can move forwards, very useful when on solid land. Weighing up to 270 kg, the coat of this animal varies according to gender: the male coats are generally dark, ranging from dark brown to black, whereas the females are paler, ranging from light brown to ash-grey. When you sail around the Pribilof Islands, do not miss the chance to observe this playful and very sociable animal, which will not be shy in coming to meet you. ORca - Johnstone Strait A member of the dolphin family, the Orca is without doubt the most emblematic mammal of Alaska. Worshipped by certain Indian tribes, this Master of the Oceans is mainly found in the Bering Sea and the Johnstone Strait. Orcas generally live in groups of up to 30 members, their markings are very distinctive with an entirely black back, white belly and white patch above the eye. Their powerful body is topped with a fin, the shape of which varies, taking the form of an isosceles triangle or curved according to gender, making it possible to identify male and female specimens. Audacious and agile, they will happily swim in the wake left by L AUSTRAL or LE BORÉAL during your cruise. POLAR BEAR - Wrangel Island Situated between the East Siberian Sea and the Chukchi Sea, Wrangel Island is a Natural Reserve mostly mountainous, home to the Polar Bear. As a symbol of the power and the fragility of the Far North, the Polar Bear is a source of fascination for its immaculate fur coat, its calm elegance and its mysterious aura. An excellent swimmer, the Polar Bear has partially webbed feet which allow it to venture into deep water, and its fur is adapted to underwater excursions. One distinguishing feature is that it is the only bear species not to hibernate, with the exception of females looking for the best place to give birth. alaska & THE Arctic collection by compagnie du ponant 21

22 IN THE WAKE OF PIONEERS ABOARD L AUSTRAL FROM JUNE TO JULY 2015 (7 nights) From See price list pages 34 & 35. Following in the footsteps of the pioneers and trappers of the 19 th Century, we invite you to set sail to discover Alaska, a wild and unspoiled land where nature reigns supreme. The history of this region will take you to emblematic towns on the East coast, such as Ketchikan, Haines and Skagway, where the traditions of the Tlingit Indian tribes are still visible today. HIGHLIGHTS Sailing in the Tracy Arm Fjord, close to Sawyer Glacier. A team of experienced Lecturers. Natural delights: fjords, glaciers, waterfalls, primary forests, giant sequoias. Wildlife : Elks, Black Bears, Caribous, Sea Otters, Orcas, Humpback Whales, Bald Eagles. Tlingit American Indians Art and traditions in Ketchikan. Opportunity to fly over Misty Fjords aboard a hydroplane. VANCOUVER Capital city of British Columbia, Vancouver is considered to be one of Canada s most beautiful cities. The locals love to say that the city is naturally spoilt by Nature : to the South, it is surrounded by the Pacific Ocean with long stretches of beach. To the North, stand the snow-covered peaks of Whistler & the Blackcomb Mountains, offering exceptional panoramas. During the stopover of L AUSTRAL and your shore visit, do not miss your chance to explore the city s historical centre, a fabulous melting pot of ethnic communities. Farther on, you will also have the chance to wander around the famous Stanley Park, an oasis of greenery in the heart of the city. SAILING IN TRACY ARM FJORD Leaving from Haines or Petersburg, we invite you to enjoy a sailing experience to the heart of Tracy Arm Fjord, and discover the sumptuous landscapes there, in this open-air setting for some of nature s most extraordinary sights. Its smaller size means that L AUSTRAL can chart a course deep into this narrow inlet and take you as close as possible to Sawyer glacier, lying on the mountains like a crystal mantel. Regale yourself with the peerless sight of Seals nonchalantly sleeping on the islets of translucent ice that festoon the sea, in a scene made up of the most beautiful shades of blue, or admire the gigantic waterfalls that crash noisily into the water. This is without doubt one of the most beautiful places in Alaska summer cruises 2015

23 HAINES Hidden between sumptuous glaciers and lush mountains, Haines is graced with the most beautiful landscapes in Alaska. L AUSTRAL will lead you to this city founded by the Tlingit Indians, which has successfully preserved its ancestral traditions whilst serving as the backdrop to the mythical Gold Rush. As you stroll through the heart of this picturesque city, you will discover its fascinating history and its indigenous culture, which is still very present. From vestiges of bygone days to extraordinary panoramas of mountains and Ocean, Haines is the gateway to the famous Chilkoot Valley, which is home to exceptional wildlife, including the Bald Eagle, symbol of the United States. vancouver juneau L austral: JunE 13 th & 27 th DAYS / 7 NIGHTS Skagway Alaska Haines Tracy Arm juneau Petersburg Ketchikan Alaska Gulf canada vancouver LECTURER DAY itinerary D 1 D 2 D 3 D 4 D 5 D 6 D 7 D 8 Vancouver (Canada) Embarkation from to At sea Ketchikan (Alaska, USA) Petersburg (Alaska, USA) Sailing in the Tracy Arm Fjord (Alaska, USA) Haines* (Alaska, USA) Skagway* (Alaska, USA) Juneau (Alaska, USA). Disembarkation * For the cruise on May 30 th : D 6 Skagway D 7 Haines SKAGWAY There is a place in Alaska where past and present become one and where there are still traces of the first adventurers to have walked along the Chilkoot Trail, the gateway to the mythical Gold Rush in the 19 th century. A place where the romance and excitement of bygone days lingers on every street corner and in each bend in the road. This place is Skagway. Located in Alaska s South-East, this small city whose name means home of the wind in the language of the local indigenous people, is one of the most beautiful in the country. When L AUSTRAL drops anchor here, do not miss the chance to visit this corner of paradise from which the gold fever prospectors set off. It offers stunning views of mountains and deep gorges, waterfalls and historical sites. A truly timeless journey. JUNEAU VANCOUVER L austral: JunE 20 th & July 04 th DAYS / 7 NIGHTS DAY D 1 D 2 D 3 D 4 D 5 D 6 D 7 D 8 Skagway Alaska Haines Tracy Arm juneau Petersburg Ketchikan Alaska Gulf itinerary Juneau (Alaska, USA) Embarkation from to Skagway (Alaska, USA) Haines (Alaska, USA) Sailing in the Tracy Arm Fjord (Alaska, USA) Petersburg (Alaska, USA) Ketchikan (Alaska, USA) At sea Vancouver (Canada). Disembarkation canada vancouver LECTURER For more information and detailed descriptions of your programmes and prices, see or call our travel advisers. alaska & THE Arctic collection by compagnie du ponant 23

24 FJORDS OF ALASKA ABOARD L AUSTRAL july 11 th 2015 (7 nights) From See price list page 35. Alaska is the most fascinating territory of the United States, offering landscapes and emotions that are to be found nowhere else. With this itinerary, you can discover Alaskan towns rich with historical vestiges from the time of the remarkable Gold Rush, interspersing ports of calls with periods of navigation aboard L AUSTRAL and excursions in Zodiac dinghies to the heart of the fjords and landscapes that are out of this world. HIGHLIGHTS Outings and landings in Zodiac dinghies. A team of experienced Naturalist- Guides. Natural delights: fjords, glaciers, waterfalls, primary forests, giant sequoias. Wildlife : Elks, Black Bears, Caribous, Sea Otters, Killer Whales, Humpback Whales, Bald Eagles. Tlingit American Indians Art and traditions in Ketchikan. Opportunity to fly over Misty Fjords aboard a hydroplane. KETCHIKAN Known as Alaska s First City due to its prime location on the southernmost tip of the famous Interior Passage, travellers find Ketchikan a perfect introduction to the majestic beauty of this region. When L AUSTRAL drops anchor here, discover this charming little city and its colourful stilt houses, built on the former territory of the American Indian Tlingit tribe. Famous for its unspoilt nature, its abundant fishing and, above all, its American Indian culture which is still very present, come and stroll through the streets to discover the mysterious Totem Poles that are emblematic of the city, vestiges of an ancient civilization with strong traditions and characteristic of an unusual culture. Farther on, the famous Totem Bight State Park will reveal its World s largest collection of 19 th century Totem Poles. MISTY FJORDS Not far from the town of Ketchikan, at the heart of a lush forest of conifers and pine trees, the natural, unspoiled beauty of Misty Fjords will appear before you from the outer decks of L AUSTRAL. These mist-topped fjords, listed as a National Monument, take their name from the silhouettes of clouds that often cover them, giving them a magical and unreal air. This unspoiled area will reveal its magnificent landscapes, sculpted by the glaciers and punctuated by waterfalls and mountain lakes of a translucent blue. There you can contemplate the curious New Eddystone Rock, the last vestige of an extinct volcano, or maybe catch a glimpse of the majestic flight of the elegant Bald Eagle. You will have the possibility of flying over these fjords in a hydroplane. 24 summer cruises 2015

25 THE INSIDE PASSAGE When L AUSTRAL navigates through the Inside Passage, which is fragmented into numerous islets, take the time to observe the landscape before you. The majestic fjords compete with the abrupt snow-topped mountains for beauty, whilst the wildlife brings the conifer forests to life. From the outer decks of L AUSTRAL, you can enjoy the tranquillity that comes with this crossing, but also immerse yourself in the natural environment with our excursions in Zodiac dinghies. This will allow you to get as close as possible to the wildlife that teems in this passage: Humpback Whales, Orcas, Whales, Seals and Dolphins will hold no more secrets for you thanks to the enlightening explanations of our Naturalist-Guides. And don t forget to raise your head: Bald Eagles have also found refuge here in this sanctuary. vancouver juneau L austral: july 11 th DAYS / 7 NIGHTS DAY Alaska Gulf itinerary Hoonah Sitka Kasaan juneau Tracy Arm Ketchikan Naturalist Alaska Johnstone Strait vancouver canada SOFT EXPEDITION D 1 D 2 Vancouver (Canada) Embarkation from to Sailing inside Johnstone Strait (British Columbia, Canada) D 3 D 4 D 5 D 6 D 7 D 8 Ketchikan (Alaska, USA) Misty Fjords (Alaska, USA) Kasaan (Alaska, USA) Sitka (Alaska, USA) Dundas Bay (Alaska, USA) Hoonah (Alaska, USA) Sailing int the Tracy Arm Fjord (Alaska, USA) Juneau (Alaska, USA). Disembarkation. Beautiful Escape to San Francisco Through its hills and neighbourhoods, "Frisco" proves to be a multicultural, artistic and provincial city with a unique rhythm of life. Do not miss out on the magnificent silhouette of the Golden Gate bridge. Let the picturesque yet breathtakingly steep streets with their Victorian façades charm their way into your heart. Wander along Fisherman's Wharf or even take a trip out to The Rock, the home of Alcatraz, the most famous federal prison in the whole country. And just around the corner is the delightful little town of Sausalito, known as the Californian Riveria with its elegant marina and wooden houses. Contact our cruise specialists now to book a holiday tailor-made to you. For more information and detailed descriptions of your programmes and prices, see or call our travel advisers. alaska & THE Arctic collection by compagnie du ponant 25

26 ALEUTIAN ISLANDS & WRANGEL ISLAND reserve ABOARD L AUSTRAL august 06 th 2015 (13 nights) From See price list page 34. Territory of 1000 faces, land of extremes, Alaska offers visitors grandiose landscapes and the promise of a unique experience. During your cruise, L AUSTRAL s route will take you deep into the Aleutian Islands and on to the pristine and wild lands of the Wrangel Island Reserve. HIGHLIGHTS Crossing of the Polar Circle during the cruise. Discovery of the Wrangel Island Nature Reserve. Sailing in the Aleutian Islands. Outings and landings in Zodiac dinghies. A team of experienced Naturalist- Guides. Natural delights: steep cliffs, jagged shores, volcanic archipelagos, tundra, rivers and waterfalls, basalt columns. Wildlife: Walruses, Sea Lions, Whales, many endemic bird species, possibility of viewing Polar Bears on Wrangel Island. Encounters: Aleut, Inuit and Yupik peoples. SEWARD As the only Alaskan town to be located on the East coast of the Kenai Peninsula, Seward is a small picturesque city renowned for its exceptional natural beauty. Also known as the gateway to the magical Kenai Fjords National Park, this charming place perfectly symbolises the spirit and enthusiasm of Alaska s inhabitants with its typical port, its colourful timberframe houses and its historic city centre, home to numerous boutiques and Art galleries. Farther on, the cliffs surrounding the city reach towards the sky as they overlook Resurrection Bay, treating visitors to stunning landscapes. ALEUTIAN ISLANDS Islands at the end of the word, Unspoiled lands of primitive, untamed beauty... Located South west of Alaska, the Aleutian Islands form an elongated chain, marking a line between the Pacific Ocean and the Bering Sea. Acting as a natural bridge between Alaska and Kamchatka, they consist of a string of more than 300 mountainous islets forming an arc some 2000 km in length. From the exterior decks of L AUSTRAL you will be able to admire this pristine ecoregion, home to endless landscapes of tundra and wild flowers on a carpet of moss and lichen. And if you look to the sky you may see some of the 200 species of birds that have chosen to make these islands their home. 26 summer cruises 2015

27 VOLCANIC PRIBILOF ISLANDS Part of the Earth s History was written between Alaska and Russia. Aboard L AUSTRAL, we invite you to discover the origins of the World: 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 travellers 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. seward pevek L austral: august 06 th DAYS / 13 NIGHTS Wrangel Island pevek Kolyuchin Cap Dezhnev Bering Russia Provideniya Strait Pribilof Islands Bering Saint Paul Sea Dutch Harbour PARKA GIFT Chukchi Sea Saint Matthew Kodiak Peninsula Naturalist Alaska seward EXPEDITION DAY Aug. 06 th Aug. 07 th Aug. 08 th Aug. 09 th Aug. 10 th itinerary Seward (Alaska, USA) Embarkation from to Sailing along the Kodiak Peninsula Sailing in the Aleutian Islands Dutch Harbour (Alaska, USA) Saint Paul - Pribilof Islands (Alaska, USA) Aug. 11 th Aug. 13 th Aug. 14 th Aug. 15 th Saint Matthew - Pribilof Islands (Alaska, USA) Data line change Provideniya (Russia) Cap Dezhnev (Russia) Crossing the Bering Strait Kolyuchin (Russia) Aug. 16 th, Wrangel Island Natural Reserve (Russia) 17 th & 18 th Aug. 19 th Pevek (Russia). Disembarkation Transfert to the airport. Pevek/Tokyo (1 night in Tokyo included). To be confirmed 3 months before departure. WRANGEL ISLAND NATURE RESERVE Imagine a natural island that is mostly mountainous and, for the rest of its landscapes, alternates between vast tundra plains and areas of great lakes and cliffs. Welcome to the Wrangel Island Nature Reserve! Situated between the East Siberian Sea and the Chukchi Sea, the island was named after the Russian explorer Ferdinand VON WRANGEL, who undertook three successive voyages in an attempt to discover it. Listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, the island is a rare, precious and very ancient ecosystem with unique vegetation that cannot be found elsewhere, as well as an exceptional fauna: it is home to the majestic Polar Bear and the vast majority of the Russian Arctic s Walrus population. The island also holds traces of the last Mammoths and is home to several endemic species. For more information and detailed descriptions of your programmes and prices, see or call our travel advisers. alaska & THE Arctic collection by compagnie du ponant 27

28 EASTERN SIBERIA & KODIAK PENINSULA ABOARD L AUSTRAL august 19 th 2015 (11 nights) From See price list page 34. From the extreme tip of the Russian Far East, just above the Arctic Circle and charting a course South towards Alaska, come and discover pristine and wild nature and exceptional panoramas. With excursions in Zodiac dinghies and unusual ports of call, your expedition to these remote lands will open the doors to a fascinating world inhabited by a variety of endemic wildlife. HIGHLIGHTS Crossing of the Polar Circle during the cruise. Sailing in the Aleutian Islands. Outings and landings in Zodiac dinghies. A team of experienced Naturalist- Guides. Natural delights: steep cliffs, jagged shores, volcanic archipelago, tundra, rivers and waterfalls, basalt columns. Wildlife: Walruses, Sea Lions, Humpback Whales, many endemic bird species. Encounters: Chukchi, Aleut, Inuit and Yupik peoples. Shamanic site «Whale Bone Alley». CHUKCHI CULTURE & TRADITIONS If conditions allow it, L AUSTRAL will sail South to Cape Vankarem, home to the Chukchi village of Vankarem, the most traditional example along this coast of the Russian Far East. Although it appears on numerous maps, the village and its inhabitants do not receive many visitors. As one of our privileged passengers, we invite you to enjoy a unique encounter with this particularly endearing and friendly people. Once back aboard the yacht, stay on the outer decks as we sail, as you may have chance to watch a family of Gray Whales, which regularly swims in the waters of Cape Vankarem. THE DIOMEDE ISLANDS The isolated and austere Diomede islands are situated in the middle of the Bering Strait, between Russia and Alaska, and between Asia and the Americas. In 1867, when Russia sold Alaska to the United States, the two islands were separated by a geographical border. They now also find themselves in different time zones, since the International Date Line runs between Little and Big Diomede, which are separated by barely 3 km of waves, fog and crosscurrents. 5 th day of the cruise... As L AUSTRAL crosses the Bering Strait, she will reach the International Date Line, the imaginary line that roughly follows the 170 th meridian. The calendar will indicate Monday 24 August and yet the date will not change on the morrow, and passengers will live again the same day. Like sailing through a breach in the passage of time summer cruises 2015

29 PROVIDENIYA & THE CHUKOTKA PENINSULA Across the Bering Strait from Alaska, which it almost touches and can be glimpsed when the weather is fine, the town of Provideniya seems to keep a watchful eye over ships heading for the East Siberian Sea. Nestled against mountains with peaks of up to 2,000 m, Provideniya is the gateway to the Chukotka Peninsula, a polar region as yet unknown to the general public, with striking landscapes and a primitive beauty like no other. Not far from there, L AUSTRAL will sail along the jagged coastline of the Peninsula to introduce you to islands with strange and mysterious names, such as Arakamchechen, whose shores are home to colonies of Walruses with imposing silhouettes, or the village of Yanrakinot where people still live off hunting, fishing and Reindeer breeding. PEVEK SEWARD L austral: august 19 th DAYS / 11 NIGHTS PARKA GIFT Naturalist Chukchi Sea pevek Bering Vankarem Strait Kamen Arakamchechen Russia Alaska Nome Provideniya Pribilof seward Islands Saint George Kodiak Bering Peninsula Sea Dutch Harbour EXPEDITION DAY itinerary Aug. 18 th 1 night in Tokyo (Japan) Aug. 19 th Aug. 20 th Aug. 21 st Aug. 22 nd Aug. 23 rd Aug. 24 th Aug. 24 th Aug. 25 th Aug. 26 th Aug. 27 th Aug. 28 th Aug. 29 th Aug. 30 th Tokyo/Pevek (Russia) on privatized airline flight. To be confirmed 3 months before departure. Transfer to the port. Embarkation from to Sailing Eastern Siberia Sea and Chukchi Sea (Russia) Vankarem (Russia) Kamen (Russia) Crossing the Polar Circle, Bering Strait and sailing around Big Diomede Island (Russia) Arakamchechen (Russia) Ittygran - Whale Bone Alley (Russia) Provideniya (Russia) Data line change Nome (Alaska, USA) Sailing Bering Sea St George - Pribilof Islands (Alaska, USA) Dutch Harbour (Alaska, USA) Sailing in the Aleutian Islands (Alaska, USA) Sailing along the Kodiak Peninsula Seward (Alaska, USA). Disembarkation. SAILING AROUND KODIAK ISLAND Authentic, raw nature left to its own devices...in the Gulf of Alaska, the Kodiak Archipelago presents mountainous, forested lands, most of which has been declared a National Wildlife Refuge. Kodiak Island is, without doubt, the most perfect illustration of the wild landscapes and abundant nature that Alaska can offer. During your cruise, L AUSTRAL s course will take you near the coastline, sailing along shores and estuaries offering the most fabulous panoramas. Although the Kodiak Bear is the master around here, they are very rarely seen as they are timid and solitary. But if you raise your head, you will see a more forthcoming animal: the Bald Eagle soaring in its legendary flight. For more information and detailed descriptions of your programmes and prices, see or call our travel advisers. alaska & THE Arctic collection by compagnie du ponant 29

30 Alaska & British Columbia ABOARD L AUSTRAL august 30 th 2015 (10 nights) From See price list page 34. A land of untamed beauty, so vast and varied it awakens the explorer and adventurer that slumbers within us, a voyage to Alaska will take you to another World. Set out to discover these wild lands, a mixture of glaciers, Nature Reserves and American Indian traditions. HIGHLIGHTS Sailing close to Hubbard Glacier. Outings and landings in Zodiac dinghies. A team of experienced Naturalist- Guides. Natural delights: fjords, glaciers, snow-capped mountains, waterfalls and rivers, primary forests, giant sequoias. Wildlife : Humpback Whales, Sea Lions, Seals, Orcas, Bald Eagles, Guillemots, Puffins, Black Bears, Elks, Caribous. Encounters: Tlingit and Haida peoples. Discovery of Totem Poles in the Gwaii Haanas Reserve, listed as a UNESCO site. HUBBARD GLACIER There is a route, snaking through the Gulf of Alaska, which leads to a hidden treasure. L AUSTRAL s course will lead you to discover the majestic Hubbard Glacier, stretching between Alaska and Canada. A veritable wall of ice some 10 km wide, the largest glacier in North America will transport you into a world of silence, broken only when sheets of ice from this frozen giant break off into the sparkling water. Contemplate the countless shades of blue that shimmer in the ice when the rays of sunshine gently caress it. Contemplate the iridescent icebergs scattered across the sea, where Seals may be seen, basking in the sunshine. Snow-topped mountains loom in the backdrop, as if they were protecting this wonder of nature. Truly a sight that you will never forget... PETERSBURG At the heart of the Inside Passage, L AUSTRAL will sail close to the coastline of the wild island of Mitkof, with its vast forest of thorny trees, to call at Petersburg, a small traditional town. Tlingit Indians had already made their home here some 2000 years ago, as demonstrated by the presence of ancient petroglyphs (rock engravings) on the beaches. At the end of the 19 th century, the Norwegians took up residence here, endowing the town with their traditional art and developing an economy based on fishing. The inhabitants of Little Norway will reserve a warm welcome for you, whilst a local guide will take you on a guided visit of the typical port. After watching some traditional Norwegian folk dancing, you will have the opportunity to see the natural environment around the town, and may get a glimpse of a Moose or a Whale. 30 summer cruises 2015

31 EXPEDITIONS AND EXCURSIONS IN A ZODIAC DINGHY Board one of our Zodiac dinghies to discover a fascinating world of vertiginous fjords and majestic glaciers, far from the most popular tourist destinations. During your cruise, our team of Naturalist-Guides will introduce you to still-virgin lands as yet untouched by man and home to endemic fauna. Upon sailing near Point Adolphus, you will be able to observe the elegant Humpback Whales that come here to hunt during the Summer season. Farther on, The Brothers Islands and Red Bluff Bay reveal themselves to you over the course of many Zodiac excursions which take you as close as possible to these protected lands. For unexpected encounters and extraordinary panoramas, take an exceptional journey to a land where Nature is reclaiming its rights. SEWARD VANCOUVER L austral: august 30 th DAYS / 10 NIGHTS Naturalist SOFT EXPEDITION Alaska Kayak Island Hubbard Glacier seward Haines Hoonah Alaska Gulf Petersburg Prince Rupert Gwaii Haanas CANADA North Johnstone Port Hardy Strait VANCOUVER GWAII HAANAS NATIONAL PARK RESERVE Off the coast of British Columbia, L AUSTRAL will introduce you to a vast kingdom where nature reigns supreme. You will discover Gwaii Haanas, an island chain whose coastlines are home to Sea Lions, Seals and Orcas, as well as Bald Eagles, Guillemots and many species of Puffins. To the South of these islands, the National Park Reserve is covered with rainforest, home to trees that are hundreds of years old, covered in a mossy emerald veil. In the past, the Haida people found refuge on this island. Talented and nimble craftspeople, they build homes with a complex structure, but also sailing craft and sacred Totem Poles from red cedar. This heritage is particularly rich in the village of Ninstints, listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. DAY D 1 D 2 D 3 D 4 D 5 D 6 D 7 D 8 D 9 D 10 D 11 itinerary Seward (Alaska, USA) Embarkation from to Kayak Island (Alaska, USA) Hubbard Glacier (Alaska, USA) Point Adolphus - Whales Observation Hoonah (Alaska, USA) Haines (Alaska, USA) Petersburg (Alaska, USA) Zodiac cruise in the Brothers Islands Zodiac cruise in the Red Bluff Bay Sailing in the Tebenkof Bay Prince Rupert (Canada) Gwaii Haanas (Canada) Port Hardy (Canada) Entrance North Johnstone Strait Vancouver (Canada). Disembarkation. For more information and detailed descriptions of your programmes and prices, see or call our travel advisers. alaska & THE Arctic collection by compagnie du ponant 31

32 Alaska & British Columbia aboard le boréal september 11 th 2015 (13 nights) From See price list page 34. A cruise through three worlds. Discover three ecosystems during a single itinerary, from the polar landscapes of the Russian Far East to the primary forests and sinuous fjords of the Inside Passage, via the volcanic islands of the Bering Sea. During your trip, discover the unique wildlife at some of the sites that have marked the history of Alaska. HIGHLIGHTS Outings and landings in Zodiac dinghies. A team of experienced Naturalist-Guides. Natural delights: volcanic archipelagos, tundra, steep cliffs, basalt columns, wooded mountains, primary forests, giant sequoias. Wildlife: Bald Eagles, Humpback Whales, Orcas, Sea Lions, Caribous, Black Bears, many endemic bird species. Discovery of the Amerindian culture, Museums and Totem Poles in Sitka. DUTCH HARBOUR - UNALASKA During your cruise, discover an exceptional site: Unalaska Island and its port, Dutch Harbour. Located between the Pacific Ocean and the Bering Sea, on the Aleutian Islands, Dutch Harbour 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 the Second World War can be seen and their tales be told. SITKA Some places on Earth seem to be have been created for curious souls in quest for adventure. If you fit that description, then Sitka will be an unmissable stopping point on your cruise. Lying at the foot of Edgecumbe volcano, the Pearl of Alaska lies in the South-East of the country, surrounded by a flotilla of islets and high tree-covered mountains. A former Russian colony, this is the place where the transfer of property was signed between the representatives of the Tsar and the United States government when the land was seceded in A high temple of history, we still find traces of its indigenous inhabitants, the American Indian Tlingit tribes and their many Totems, curious sculptures carved from red cedar wood and painted in bright colours. Culture lovers, nature lovers and fans of historical sites, Sitka will be the city of treasures for you! 32 summer cruises 2015

33 anadyr VANCOUVER Le boréal: SEPT. 11 th DAYS / 13 NIGHTS PARKA GIFT Naturalist EXPEDITION RUSSIa Anadyr Nome Saint Matthew Pribilof Saint George Islands Katmai Alaska Alaska Gulf Sitka PRINCE RUPERT The summer evenings are long in Prince Rupert...the light breezes carry the gentle jingling of the rigging and the fragrance of the sea.... Wild and extraordinary, Prince Rupert is a dynamic town where the open spaces are larger than nature. Located on the remote Kaien Island, off the coast of British Columbia, this little town founded in 1910 witnessed the history of the North West Pacific with the birth of American Indian nations, such as the Haida and Gitksan. During this port of call, make a point of admiring its grandiose landscapes where more than 300 pairs of Bald Eagle have made a home here; its picturesque residential districts where the sea mist often lingers; and its famous Museum of Northern British Columbia, home to a large collection of ancient Totems. DAY Sept. 11 th Sept. 12 th Sept. 12 th Sept. 13 th Sept. 14 th Sept. 15 th Sept. 16 th Sept. 17 th Sept. 18 th Sept. 19 th Sept. 20 th Sept. 21 st Sept. 22 nd Sept. 23 rd Sept. 24 th itinerary Dutch Harbour Vancouver / Anadyr (Russia) on privatized airline flight. To be confirmed 3 months before departure. Transfer to the port. Embarkation from to Sailing Bering Strait (Russia) Data line Change Nome or Savoonga (Alaska, USA) St Matthew, Pribilof Islands (Alaska, USA) St George, Pribilof Islands (Alaska, USA) Unalaska, Dutch Harbour (Alaska, USA) Saling Aleutian Islands Katmai (Alaska, USA) Alaska Gulf crossing Sailing North Pacific Ocean Sitka (Alaska, USA) North Pacific Ocean Prince Rupert (British Columbia, Canada) Sailing Canadian Inside Passage from North Pitt Island to Royal Princess Island Alert Bay (British Columbia, Canada) Sailing inside Johnstone Strait Prince Rupert Alert Bay vancouver Vancouver (Canada). Disembarkation. THE CANADIAN ROCKY MOUNTAINS WITH THE ROCKY MOUNTAINEER Imposing, jagged, spectacular... these are just some adjectives to describe the Canadian Rockies, one of the most amazing places in the World. Board the famous and luxurious Rocky Mountaineer train for an exceptional journey to the heart of this majestic mountain range. There are five different routes to cross the gorges or climb the passes and the Jasper and Banff National Parks, both listed as UNESCO World Heritage Sites. During this stunning jaunt from Vancouver, our travel agents propose to create a personalized program, according to your wishes. For more information and detailed descriptions of your programmes and prices, see or call our travel advisers. alaska & THE Arctic collection by compagnie du ponant 33

34 price list * september 11 th nights on board + outward flight & transfer june 13 th nights on board JUNE 20 th nights on board ANADYR VANCOUVER le boréal From PONANT BONUS -30% vancouver juneau l austral From PONANT BONUS -30% juneau vancouver l austral From PONANT BONUS -30% Superior Stateroom Deluxe Stateroom Prestige Sateroom - Deck Prestige Sateroom - Deck Prestige Sateroom - Deck Deluxe Suite Prestige Suite - Deck Prestige Suite - Deck Owner Suite rd adult Passenger in a Superior Stateroom rd adult Passenger in a Prestige Suite th adult Passenger in a Prestige Suite Children 8-11 sharing parents* Single Occupancy Supplement* FREE Safety and port taxes* 780 Airport taxes* 50 Superior Stateroom Deluxe Stateroom Prestige Sateroom - Deck Prestige Sateroom - Deck Prestige Sateroom - Deck Deluxe Suite Prestige Suite - Deck Prestige Suite - Deck Owner Suite rd adult Passenger in a Superior Stateroom rd adult Passenger in a Prestige Suite th adult Passenger in a Prestige Suite Children 8-11 sharing parents* - - Single Occupancy Supplement* From + 30% Safety and port taxes* 350 Superior Stateroom Deluxe Stateroom Prestige Sateroom - Deck Prestige Sateroom - Deck Prestige Sateroom - Deck Deluxe Suite Prestige Suite - Deck Prestige Suite - Deck Owner Suite rd adult Passenger in a Superior Stateroom rd adult Passenger in a Prestige Suite th adult Passenger in a Prestige Suite Children 8-11 sharing parents* - - Single Occupancy Supplement* From + 30% Safety and port taxes* 350 Privatized outward flight Vancouver / Anadyr (1) and transfer included. august 06 th nights on board + return flight & transfers AUGUST 19 th nights on board + outward flight & transfer AUGUST 30 th nights on board seward pevek l austral From PONANT BONUS -30% PEVEK SEWARD l austral From PONANT BONUS -30% seward vancouver l austral From PONANT BONUS -30% Superior Stateroom Deluxe Stateroom Prestige Sateroom - Deck Prestige Sateroom - Deck Prestige Sateroom - Deck Deluxe Suite Prestige Suite - Deck Prestige Suite - Deck Owner Suite rd adult Passenger in a Superior Stateroom rd adult Passenger in a Prestige Suite th adult Passenger in a Prestige Suite Children 8-11 sharing parents* Single Occupancy Supplement* From + 30% Safety and port taxes* Airport taxes* 250 Superior Stateroom Deluxe Stateroom Prestige Sateroom - Deck Prestige Sateroom - Deck Prestige Sateroom - Deck Deluxe Suite Prestige Suite - Deck Prestige Suite - Deck Owner Suite rd adult Passenger in a Superior Stateroom rd adult Passenger in a Prestige Suite th adult Passenger in a Prestige Suite Children 8-11 sharing parents* Single Occupancy Supplement* From + 30% Safety and port taxes* 715 Airport taxes* 250 Superior Stateroom Deluxe Stateroom Prestige Sateroom - Deck Prestige Sateroom - Deck Prestige Sateroom - Deck Deluxe Suite Prestige Suite - Deck Prestige Suite - Deck Owner Suite rd adult Passenger in a Superior Stateroom rd adult Passenger in a Prestige Suite th adult Passenger in a Prestige Suite Children 8-11 sharing parents* - - Single Occupancy Supplement* From + 30% Safety and port taxes* 580 Return flight Pevek / Tokyo (1), one night in Tokyo and transfers included. One night in Tokyo. Privatized outward flight Tokyo / Pevek (1) and transfer included. *The detailed itineraries and the conditions of application of the cruise prices shown in this COMPAGNIE DU PONANT «Alaska & Arctic - SUMMER CRUISES 2015» catalogue are subject to the General and Specific Formalities, General Information and Terms and Conditions shown in the general COMPAGNIE DU PONANT «SUMMER 2015» brochure. Insurance offer is also available in the general COMPAGNIE DU PONANT «SUMMER 2015» brochure or on our website (1) To be confirmed 3 months before departure. 34 summer cruises 2015

35 Optional shore excursions available on our website and in the general COMPAGNIE DU PONANT «SUMMER 2015» brochure. JUNE 27 th nights on board JULY 04 th nights on board JULY 11 th nights on board vancouver juneau l austral From PONANT BONUS -30% juneau vancouver l austral From PONANT BONUS -30% vancouver juneau l austral From PONANT BONUS -30% Superior Stateroom Deluxe Stateroom Prestige Sateroom - Deck Prestige Sateroom - Deck Prestige Sateroom - Deck Deluxe Suite Prestige Suite - Deck Prestige Suite - Deck Owner Suite rd adult Passenger in a Superior Stateroom rd adult Passenger in a Prestige Suite th adult Passenger in a Prestige Suite Children 8-11 sharing parents* - - Single Occupancy Supplement* From + 30% Safety and port taxes* 350 Superior Stateroom Deluxe Stateroom Prestige Sateroom - Deck Prestige Sateroom - Deck Prestige Sateroom - Deck Deluxe Suite Prestige Suite - Deck Prestige Suite - Deck Owner Suite rd adult Passenger in a Superior Stateroom rd adult Passenger in a Prestige Suite th adult Passenger in a Prestige Suite Children 8-11 sharing parents* - - Single Occupancy Supplement* From + 30% Safety and port taxes* 350 Superior Stateroom Deluxe Stateroom Prestige Sateroom - Deck Prestige Sateroom - Deck Prestige Sateroom - Deck Deluxe Suite Prestige Suite - Deck Prestige Suite - Deck Owner Suite rd adult Passenger in a Superior Stateroom rd adult Passenger in a Prestige Suite th adult Passenger in a Prestige Suite Children 8-11 sharing parents* - - Single Occupancy Supplement* From + 30% Safety and port taxes* 455 *The detailed itineraries and the conditions of application of the cruise prices shown in this COMPAGNIE DU PONANT «Alaska & Arctic - SUMMER CRUISES 2015» catalogue are subject to the General and Specific Formalities, General Information and Terms and Conditions shown in the general COMPAGNIE DU PONANT «SUMMER 2015» brochure. Insurance offer is also available in the general COMPAGNIE DU PONANT «SUMMER 2015» brochure or on our website (1) To be confirmed 3 months before departure. alaska & THE Arctic collection by compagnie du ponant 35

36 36 summer cruises 2015

37 THE ARCTIC, Secrets of the vast polar region There are places in this world whose primeval beauty evokes feelings of a rare intensity: with its stunning landscapes, the Arctic is one such place. At the heart of these faraway lands, when the ice floes break up, when the sun no longer sets below the horizon and the snow-covered peaks shed their white mantle for a brief Summer, LE BORÉAL and LE SOLÉAL will find their way to introduce travellers to a polar desert of ice and water, a world where time stands still. Far from the usual cruise itineraries, from Iceland to Spitsbergen, from Greenland to the mythical Northwest Passage via the unspoiled coastlines of the Russian Far East, we invite you to cruise in the wake of the great Explorers who dreamt of one day conquering this remote region. From one port of call to the next, aboard our Zodiac dinghies or during one of the shore visits, discover the imposing Arctic landscapes thanks to our Expedition cruises. Always in the company of experienced Naturalist-Guides, meet the Inuit people, living to the rhythm of the changing seasons and preserving their ancestral culture and way of life, or discover the local wildlife, lazing in the ice floe or playing in the wake of your ship. Let your imagination wander, because enjoying these places means pushing back boundaries and dreaming of the absolute... Rare and unique moments, dreams of escape in the heart of forgotten lands. alaska & THE Arctic collection by compagnie du ponant 37

38 WILDLIFE IN THE ARCTIC MUSK OX - Greenland Known as "Umingmak" by the Inuit, ancestors of the Musk Ox lived during the last Ice Age more than 90,000 years ago. Musk Oxen stand around 1.5 metres tall and weigh up to 300 kg with two huge horns that curve outwards. They have warm woollen coats giving them a rather shaggy appearance: the wool is extraordinarily resistant to the cold, and is strong, warm and finer than cashmere. Musk Oxen are very sociable animals and live in small 15-member herds. They are fiercely protective of their young. They gather in tight groups and like to roam the valleys of Greenland. ARCTIC FOX - Greenland This confident and fearless animal lives in the snow and the tundra of Greenland, Iceland and Spitsbergen, where it adapts like a chameleon to its icy environment. Its coat is white in Winter, when it digs dens in the frozen earth to protect itself from the cold and feed its family. It tends to shadow Polar Bears across the ice floes to make the most of their strength and protection. In Summer its fur turns grey, and this mobile, active animal roams the lush tundra stocking up on food for the Winter. Scandinavian legend tells that the Arctic Fox brings the Aurora Borealis, the spectacular light show of polar nights. In ancient Finnish, Aurora Borealis means "fox fire". POLAR BEAR - Spitsbergen As a symbol of the power and the fragility of the Far North, the Polar Bear is a source of fascination for its immaculate fur coat, its calm elegance and its mysterious aura. A fully grown male can weigh 800 kg and is relatively solitary, endlessly roaming the ice of the Arctic Circle in search of ideal hunting and fishing sites. An excellent swimmer, the Polar Bear has partially webbed feet which allow it to venture into deep water, and its fur is adapted to underwater excursions. One distinguishing feature is that it is the only bear species not to hibernate, with the exception of females looking for the best place to give birth. "If you know what the Bear is going to do, you know more than he does..." (Inuit saying) NARWHAL - Baffin Bay Also known as the "Unicorn of the Sea", the Narwhal is a toothed whale with quite astonishing characteristics. They mainly live in small groups of members in Baffin Bay, but when looking for a Winter home the groups come together and can reach formations of up to 1,000 specimens. This whale of the Arctic Sea, with its dark colours and renowned agility, is easily recognisable because the males boast a huge helical tusk. This long, spiral, ivory protrusion can reach up to 3 m (nearly 10 feet) in length, which is half the length of the animal itself. 38 summer cruises 2015

39 ARCTIC STERNS - Iceland A land of rocks and water, deserts and glaciers, a coastline that is often tormented but always grandiose, Iceland is a paradise for birds who come to make the most of the abundance of food available during the Summer. It is the favourite site for Arctic Sterns. During their migration, these small, redbeaked marine birds cross vast ocean expanses in a journey that can take 4 months, during which time they fly some 35,000 km, clocking up a total of 70,000 km in each twelve month cycle. Enjoying two Summers each year, they make an annual return trip from their nesting ground in the Arctic to South Africa, Australia or Antarctica. The greatest migratory bird in the world, yet just a featherweight in the hand. BROWN BEAR - Kamchatka The Kamchatka Peninsula is the archetype of wild lands, and is one of the great unspoilt regions of the world. It is no surprise that the Russian Brown Bear has made its home there. A distant cousin of the Grizzly and a close relation of the Kodiak Bear living in Alaska, the Brown Bear is easily recognised by its imposing size and its fur that is lighter than that of its North American cousins. Despite its corpulence, this is a very agile animal, a proficient swimmer, climber and sprinter. The arrival of Summer is the wake-up call for the Brown Bear and the crystal lakes and streams are his main larder. A naturally solitary animal, the Brown Bear can roam nearly 1,000 km during the salmon spawning season to gorge on his favourite delicacy. ATLANTIC PUFFIN - Iceland Iceland is a paradise for birds, which flock there to gorge on the abundance of food available during the Summer. One species of visitor is the Atlantic Puffin. This charming bird with its rounded silhouette is nicknamed the "clown of the ocean". It is easily recognisable because of its striking appearance, with black and white plumage and a red, dark blue and yellow beak. Capable of diving from the sheerest cliffs, it combines vertiginous drops and lengthy dives, mostly feeding underwater. Puffins are inquisitive and gregarious animals and you will see them hopping around their burrows, their beaks full of silver fish. BEARDED SEAL - Arctic The second-largest seal living in the icy waters of the Arctic, after the Elephant Seal, Bearded Seals are unusual animals that live on the ice all year round. Their exceptional ability to open breathing holes in the ice allows them to remain underwater for lengthy periods of time, insulated from the cold by an incredibly thick layer of blubber. Solitary in nature, other than during the reproductive season, this seal is characterised by its small head and abundant whiskers, which it uses to locate its prey on the sea bed, in relatively shallow waters. Bearded Seals tend to hunt for crabs and shellfish, their favourite foodstuffs. These inquisitive, playful animals will willingly come to meet you, elegantly slaloming between blocks of ice, their heads barely breaking the water s surface. alaska & THE Arctic collection by compagnie du ponant 39

40 THE BEST OF SPITSBERGEN ABOARD LE boréal july 02 nd & 09 th 2015 (7 nights) From See price list page 54. Aboard LE BORÉAL, discover the Norwegian coastline, whose vertiginous cliff faces have been sculpted by the wind and the sea, creating many fjords with pristine landscapes. In the company of our experienced Naturalist-Guides, sail to Spitsbergen, the last island before the North Pole, a vast white desert where the sea deploys its armoury of ice, the kingdom of the Polar Bear, Lord of the ice floes. HIGHLIGHTS Outings and landings in Zodiac dinghies. A team of experienced Naturalist- Guides. Sailing in the fjords of Spitsbergen. Hiking opportunity. Natural delights: ice floes, jagged mountains, icebergs, icecaps, steep-sided valleys, steep cliffs, huge glaciers, glacier fronts. Wildlife: Arctic Foxes, Svalbard Reindeers, Arctic Terns, Walruses, Whales, Puffins possibility of viewing Polar Bears. SAILING SOUTH OF SPITSBERGEN The Svalbard archipelago has an exceptionally rich human History, beginning with the whalers of the 12 th century and incorporating adventurous trappers, bear hunters and gold prospectors and you, Polar explorer. LE BORÉAL s route will bring you intimately close to the natural colours of the Polar region: icebergs, ice caps, the sea ice; a fascinating universe that is more than 55% covered by glaciers that are constantly attacked by the sea, as you can see from their craggy sides. The days sailing will be interspersed with unusual excursions, such as trips by Zodiac dinghies, in the early light of dawn, in search of the King of the ice floes, the solitary Polar Bear. And so you will spend 8 days sailing in some of the world s most spellbinding waters, gliding between fjords and from glacier to glacier, traversing the polar landscape that has, in all its diversity, so enamoured the greatest adventurers of all time, such as Jean MALAURIE (French ethno-geographer), lover of extreme lands. BELLSUND FJORD To sail the length of the West coast of Spitsbergen is to discover a panorama scattered with steep-walled fjords and giant glaciers set against a backdrop of mountains that interrupt the blue line of the horizon. At the heart of the Bellsund Fjord you ll follow in the footsteps of the first Norwegian explorers to traverse the archipelago. The two arms of the fjord open into two green valleys, surprisingly rich in fauna: Bearded Seals, Beluga whales, Puffins, Bears, among whaling stations and trappers cabins... You are likely to enjoy many and varied encounters! Hemmed in by ice fronts, the setting is captivatingly beautiful and naturally wild; here is where the Arctic Summer puts on its most dazzling displays. Let your imagination run away with you during this sailing trip into the heart of an extraordinary environment. 40 summer cruises 2015

41 MADELEINE BAY - Logbook entry There has been constant daylight since the first hours of spring, since the stars stopped shining in the third month of the year... Early on this Summer morning in Madeleine Bay, the opaque light is flooding us with its luminosity. We had only just entered the Bay when we saw the magnificent vision of Gullybreen, a glacier onto which we were preparing to climb. Meanwhile our team of Naturalists, who had gone ahead to scout, told us that a group of Walruses had been spotted on a pebble and sand beach. Our Expedition Leader immediately invited us to head ashore near these marine mammals, but also to take a trip in a Zodiac dinghy to observe them in their element. All the passengers joined in! Later we started to climb towards the glacier. A fascinating sight.... Didier DROUET - Naturalist- Guide aboard LE BORÉAL. LONGYEARBYEN LONGYEARBYEN Le boréal: july 02 nd & 09 th DAYS / 7 NIGHTS DAY D 1 itinerary Monaco Glacier Spitsbergen Madeleine Bay Ny Alesund Bellsund PARKA GIFT Naturalist Longyearbyen Barents Sea EXPEDITION Paris/Longyearbyen (Spitsbergen) on European airline flight. Welcome and transfer to the port. Embarkation from to D 2 D 3 D 4 D 5 D 6 D 7 D 8 Spitsbergen - Bellsund (Norway) Spitsbergen - Madeleine Bay (Norway) Sailing toward the ice floe Spitsbergen - North East National Park (Norway) Spitsbergen - Monaco Glacier (Norway) Spitsbergen - North West National Park (Norway) Spitsbergen - Ny Alesund / Cross Fjord (Norway) Longyearbyen (Spitsbergen). Disembarkation. Discovery of Longyearbyen and transfer to the airport. Longyearbyen/Paris on European airline flight. NY ALESUND - Cross Fjord During your cruise along the coast of Spitsbergen, discover Ny Alesund, 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. During your time there, don't miss a visit to the Museum and its famous Post Office, considered to be the most northerly in the world! Further on, LE BORÉAL will take you to Cross Fjord, which will reveal its typically Arctic setting, made up of plutonic rocks and tundra. By the light of the Midnight Sun you can admire the vast expanses of flowers covering the mountain sides, at the heart of 14 alpine glaciers that make up the fjord, all sweeping majestically into the sea. The wild beauty of a remote land that various species of endemic wildlife have chosen as a haven. For more information and detailed descriptions of your programmes and prices, see or call our travel advisers. alaska & THE Arctic collection by compagnie du ponant 41

42 Iceland, geysers & glaciers ABOARD LE SoLéal july 14 th & 21 st 2015 (7 nights) From ABOARD LE BoRéal july 29 th & august 05 th 2015 (7 nights) From See price list page 54. On the edge of the Arctic, rich in vast glaciers, breathtaking fjords, volcanoes and boiling geysers, Iceland offers a range of landscapes that are simultaneously wild and romantic. During this cruise, we invite you to explore an extraordinary nature, with a rare and rugged beauty that is reminiscent of the dawn of the Earth. HIGHLIGHTS A team of experienced Lecturers. Discovery of Reykjavik, Capital of Iceland. "Golden Circle" excursion: the 3 most emblematic sites in Iceland. Natural delights: vast glaciers, breathtaking fjords, volcanic rocks, basalt pillars, jagged cliffs. Wildlife: Puffins, Blue Eyed Cormorants, Gannets, Arctic Terns. THE GOLDEN CIRCLE IN ICELAND From Reykjavik, set off on an exceptional excursion into the mythical Golden Circle, to uncover Iceland s most emblematic natural phenomena. You will discover the famous Golden Falls of Gullfoss, so named for the rainbow that crowns them when the sun shines on their mist. Farther on, you will discover the Geysir geysers, which eject columns of boiling hot steam to a height of up to 20 m. You will then plunge into the heart of the unique landscapes in Thingvellir National Park. Lastly, if you wish, you will discover the mysterious Blue Lagoon, with its craggy lava fields resembling the surface of the moon. GRIMSEY ISLAND Grimsey is a little island located 40 km North of mainland Iceland and is crossed by the symbolic line of the Arctic Polar Circle. It is formed from volcanic rock that has generated majestic basalt pillars, a delight for photographers. The island has been inhabited since the Vikings came to Iceland and legend says that it takes its name from the colonial sailor Grìmur who sailed from the region of Sogn in Norway. This site is the home to fabulous wildlife, with many bird colonies having chosen to nest along the jagged cliffs. Here we can observe the clowns of the sea, better known as the Atlantic Puffins. While many travellers come here in order to cross the invisible line into the Arctic Circle, the island is also famed as a place to observe the Midnight Sun. 42 summer cruises 2015

43 THE SNAEFELLSNES PENINSULA The west of Iceland and the Snæfellsnes Peninsula boast dramatic and grandiose scenery. Setting sail from the natural port of Grundarfjordur, at the mouth of a pristinely beautiful fjord, you ll begin your journey of discovery with the ancient volcanoes whose sombre colours are starkly contrasted against the cobalt blue of the Ocean. Guided by our experienced Naturalists, you can t miss the majestic silhouette of the Snaefellsjökul Volcano, which appears to guard over the peninsula from its 1,440 m-high summit. Its legendary, almost-perfect conical shape is thought to be gathering point of mysterious magnetic powers, and it was perhaps not by chance that Jules Verne chose here as the doorway to inner space in his fantastical book Journey to the Centre of the Earth. Iceland is a country that reveals all its beauty when approached by the sea. REYKJAVIK REYKJAVIK Le SoLéal: july 14 th & 21 st DAYS / 7 NIGHTS DAY D 1 D 2 Isafjordur itinerary Grundarfjordur Reykjavik Heimaey Grimsey Island Akureyri iceland Reykjavik (Iceland) Embarkation from to Grundarfjordur (Iceland) LECTURER D 3 D 4 D 5 D 6 D 7 D 8 Grimsey Island (Iceland) Akureyri (Iceland) Isafjordur (Iceland) Sailing in the fjords Heimaey (Iceland) Reykjavik (Iceland) Reykjavik (Iceland). Disembarkation. REYKJAVIK REYKJAVIK Le BoRéal: july 29 th & august 05 th DAYS / 7 NIGHTS LECTURER Grimsey Island Isafjordur Akureyri Grundarfjordur iceland Reykjavik Heimaey HEIMAEY - Westman islands The Westman Islands were formed from a succession of underwater eruptions and consist of 15 islands and around 30 islets. As you will discover, Heimaey has a rich history and captivating landscapes. Dominated by the Eldfjall, it s the only island in the chain that is inhabited. This exceptional site has a very pronounced relief taking in vertiginous cliffs, reefs, sea caves, and surf. Guided by our specialists and experienced Naturalists, you will have the opportunity of reaching the summit of the steep Sprangan cliff, offering a splendid view from where are visible a number of islets formed by the most recent volcanic eruptions. At the crossroads of the four elements, hikers will discover an uninterrupted view of the lands of fire and ebony, encircled by the sea. And lastly, raise your eyes and you will be able to admire the incessant ballet of the sea birds, including the spectacular dives of the Gannets. DAY D 1 D 2 D 3 D 4 D 5 D 6 D 7 D 8 itinerary Reykjavik (Iceland) Embarkation from to Grundarfjordur (Iceland) Grimsey Island (Iceland) Akureyri (Iceland) Isafjordur (Iceland) Sailing in the fjords Heimaey (Iceland) Reykjavik (Iceland) Reykjavik (Iceland). Disembarkation. For more information and detailed descriptions of your programmes and prices, see or call our travel advisers. alaska & THE Arctic collection by compagnie du ponant 43

44 THE UNEXPLORED GREENLAND ABOARD LE SoLéal july 28 th 2015 (14 nights) From See price list page 55. A land forgotten by time, mineral and frozen landscapes, an ancestral people surviving in the solitude of the polar regions. Discover Greenland, the island at the end of the World which the British explorer William SCORESBY once described thus: In all my expeditions, I have never seen anything comparable, of such bold splendour and with such an arresting nature. HIGHLIGHTS Outings and landings in Zodiac dinghies among icebergs and glaciers. Natural delights: fjords, iridescent glaciers and icebergs, wild tundra, lakes, alpine peaks. Wildlife: Musk Oxens, Arctic Foxes, Humpback Whales, Orcas, Seals, Narwhals, possibility of viewing Polar Bears. Encounters: Inuit people. Discovery of its traditions and visit of villages. Disko Bay, listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Discovery of Nuuk, Capital of Greenland. NUUK When Erik THE RED, 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 fjords in the world, where the waters never freeze. The town spreads gently out towards the Davis Strait and enjoys an historic centre that is particularly rich in national heritage. The vivid reds, blues, greens and yellows of the houses are a lively contrast to the sombre waters of Greenland and serve to lift the spirits of the locals during the Winter months. Nuuk is visually emotive and imbued with the expressions of the tundra, the sea and the sky... AMMASSALIK Follow in the wake of the famous Pourquoi Pas, Jean-Baptiste CHARCOT s boat that in 1934 sailed for Ammassalik with four world-famous scientists on board, including the anthropologist and team leader Paul-Émile VICTOR. The island, with its savage and unpredictable coastline, captivated the explorers, and they decided to extend their journey and voyage into the heart of the Inuit communities. During your stopover, you will meet this fascinating people and its ancient culture, and discover this wild territory: surrounded by icebergs and alpine peaks carved out by the glaciers, the coast has many surprises in store. 44 summer cruises 2015

45 THE EAST COAST OF GREENLAND Still almost unknown just a century ago, the East coast of Greenland remains a region of great authenticity and majesty. Aboard LE SOLÉAL, we invite you to explore this secret destination which currently forms the largest National Park in the world. Come and discover this icy immensity, against a backdrop of majestic icebergs and vertiginous fjords. Here, when the ice floes break up and the granite peaks shed their white mantle for a brief Summer, a fascinating and bewitching world of power and beauty emerges. Direction is set for Sermilik Fjord or the Iceberg Trail, with the icy vastness as a backdrop. Some Summers, the majestic Humpback Whales take up residence in this fjord. At this time of year the ice floes gives way to the ship s bow and the colours are spectacular, bathing the sky in pink, mauve and white. REYKJAVIK KANGERLUSSUAQ Le SoLéal: july 28 th DAYS / 14 NIGHTS GREENLAND Ilulissat - Disko Bay Kangerlussuaq Sermilik Knut Rasmussen Fjord Nuuk Ammassalik Iceland Denmark Strait Reykjavik Cape Farewell PARKA GIFT Atlantic Ocean Naturalist EXPEDITION ILULISSAT - DISKO BAY At the heart of Disko Bay - a UNESCO World Heritage Site - the Ilulissat Icefjord provides an extraordinary spectacle of almost surreal beauty. The sculptural icebergs continue their timeless journey, shimmering with their eternal light. Vast pieces of ice break off from the bergs and rejoin the inexorable movement of the sea. Close by lies the town of Ilulissat, the region s principal destination. Encircled by icebergs, it 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. DAY D 1 D 2 D 3 D 4 D 5 D 6 D 7,8 D 9 D 10 D 11 D 12,13 D 14 D 15 itinerary Reykjavik (Iceland) Embarkation from to Reykjavik (Iceland) Crossing the Denmark Strait Knut Rasmussen Fjord (Greenland) Ammassalik (Greenland) Sermilik (Greenland) Sailing along the Eastern coast of Greenland, observation of fjords and glaciers Passing Cape Farewell (Greenland) Sailing along the Western coast of Greenland Nuuk (Greenland) Ilulissat - Disko Bay (Greenland) Sailing in the fjords Kangerlussuaq (Greenland) Disembarkation. Discovery of the Tundra. Transfer to the airport. Kangerlussuaq/Paris on European airline flight. YOUR EVENING CRUISE AMONG THE ICEBERGS You ll cruise through the heart of landscapes heavily punctuated with vertical lines and dotted with vertiginous cliffs and cathedral-like icy giants. When, as you admire them from the deck of LE SOLÉAL, these majestic mountains of ice tower over you and the sun shines upon them like a great floodlight, a palette of colours will reflect their extraordinary beauty: deep blue, white, turquoise, or as transparent as pure crystal. Nature s creative genius will reveal itself before your very eyes in the form of an incredible confusion of ice sculptures. Icebergs are natural works of art, and they result from an accumulation of snow that is compressed over thousands of years. They set the backdrop for a timeless adventure. For more information and detailed descriptions of your programmes and prices, see or call our travel advisers. alaska & THE Arctic collection by compagnie du ponant 45

46 THE TREASURES OF THE BAFFIN SEA ABOARD LE SoLéal august 11 th 2015 (13 nights) From See price list page 54. This cruise will offer you a chance to discover the secrets of the Baffin Sea and the Canadian Arctic Archipelago, where breathtaking views unfold in which nature is omnipresent. This is a region of fjords, imposing icebergs, glaciers, mountains and tundra that stretch out as far as the eye can see, and the home of Polar Bears, Caribou, Seals, Narwhals and Whales. In this grandiose landscape where ice reigns as supreme ruler, there is still room for dreaming. HIGHLIGHTS Outings and landings in Zodiac dinghies among fjords, icebergs and glaciers. A team of experienced Naturalist- Guides. Nature delight: fjords, glaciers, iridescent icebergs, wild tundra, alpine peaks, jagged cliffs, polar ice cap. Wildlife : Polar Bears, Humpback Whales, Walruses, Arctic Terns, migratory birds, Belugas, many Caribous, Bearded Seals, Musk Oxen, Orcas. Encounters: Inuit people. BAFFIN SEA Surrounded by deserts of ice and snow swept by winds from a different age, virgin lands from the dawn of the Earth, and the immensity of the Polar Oceans: here you are on Baffin Island. Take the time to look around you. You ll discover a secret share of a protected treasure: Polar Bears, Humpback Whales, Walruses, migratory birds and, as you round an opaque, blue and almost supernaturally opalescent glacier, you might even spot some languid Belugas. Several outings by Zodiac are organised to take you as close as possible to this exceptional fauna. As we cruise along the Baffin Sea, let yourself be transported by the primeval beauty of these unique landscapes: steep cliffs, gigantic fjords, multicoloured glaciers and icebergs... EQI GLACIER - Paul-Emile Victor Base Camp "The most beautiful place in the Arctic" is how Paul-Emile VICTOR described Greenland, island of giant icebergs and valleys rift by the glaciers of the polar ice cap, and Greenland s Eqi glacier is one of the region s most impressive sights. Here the silence is broken only by the roaring and crackling of the ice. It s impossible to know if one is shivering from cold or with emotion... Imagine the vast outline of a glacier, its translucent crystals glowing with an ice-blue fire in the sunlight - a dazzling surface dancing with the brilliance of precious jewels: sapphires, emeralds, diamonds. Paul-Emile VICTOR s shelter is unmissable; it was from here that the French Polar Expeditions anthropological and geographic explorations of the 1950s set off. The intrepid voyager also led the French Trans-Greenland expedition: he travelled for 40 days with sleds and huskies, and you have the chance to follow nostalgically in his footsteps. 46 summer cruises 2015

47 NUNAVUT TERRITORY The Canadian Arctic Archipelago is a faraway, remote land of frozen earth and sea ice, where intense cold reigns. It is an inhospitable, almost inhuman place and yet the Inuit people have lived here for thousands of years, deeply connected to their Land. This ancestral people survive in the polar solitude and these extreme conditions. Walruses to starboard, less than 50 m away from the ship! Announces our Captain. It s 7.30 in the morning and without a moment s hesitation we slip on our parkas and head to the outside decks to observe this marine mammal nicknamed the tooth-walking sea horse. Though more than ten of them are swimming ahead of the ship, three adult males move closer to us. They are so calm that it is hard to tell who is observing whom and they greet us, revealing their magnificent ivory tusks. Journal of a Naturalist- Guide aboard LE BORÉAL. KANGERLUSSUAQ KANGERLUSSUAQ Le SoLéal: august 11 th DAYS / 13 NIGHTS Thule Savissivik GREENLAND Baffin Sea Melville Bay Pond Inlet Upernavik Fjord Sam Fjord Eqi Glacier Clyde River Ilulissat - Disko Bay Isabella Bay KANGERLUSSUAQ Canada Davis Strait Sisimiut PARKA GIFT Naturalist EXPEDITION DAY D 1 D 2,3 D 4 D 5 D 6 D 7 D 8 D 9 D 10 D 11 D 12 D 13 D 14 itinerary Paris/Kangerlussuaq (Greenland) on European airline flight. Transfer to the port. Optional discoverty of the Polar Cape. Embarkation from to Cruising along the coast of Greenland Ilulissat - Disko Bay (Greenland) Eqi Glacier - Paul-Emile Victor Base (Greenland) Upernavik Fjord (Greenland) Melville Bay (Greenland) Savissivik (Greenland) Thule (Greenland) Pond Inlet (Canada) Sam Fjord (Canada) Clyde River (Canada) Isabella Bay (Canada) Crossing Davis Strait Sisimiut (Greenland) Kangerlussuaq (Greenland). Disembarkation. Discovery of the Tundra. Transfer to the airport. Kangerlussuaq/Paris on European airline flight. MEETING THE INUITS For more than 4,000 years, the Inuit people have maintained an ancestral way of life in the midst of the icy vastness of Nunavut territory. Their oral history speaks of a time when there were no differences between them and the animals they hunted, a time when Man and Nature communicated and where the spirits of the earth and the sea controlled Inuit destiny. The Inuit are skilled craftsmen producing veritable works of art by sculpting Walrus tusks or Caribou antlers, and deftly sewing the skins and furs of marine mammals. You will take a trip to meet this warm and hospitable people, who will willingly introduce you to their ancestral culture. A unique experience which will not fail to move you. For more information and detailed descriptions of your programmes and prices, see or call our travel advisers. alaska & THE Arctic collection by compagnie du ponant 47

48 THE NORTHWEST PASSAGE ABOARD LE SoLéal AUgust 24 th 2015 (22 nights) From See price list page 54. For nearly three centuries, generations of sailors tried to find a sea route that would provide a passage from the North Atlantic to the Pacific. It is a legendary story and one that has engaged the minds and efforts of John FRANKLIN, Roald AMUNDSEN, Jean-Baptiste CHARCOT and Paul- Emile VICTOR, who each wanted to conquer the last of the uncharted Arctic territory. We are inviting you to board LE SOLÉAL and set sail for the Far North, well beyond the Arctic Circle, to a legendary Maritime Route: the Northwest Passage HIGHLIGHTS Crossing the legendary Northwest Passage, in the wake of Explorers. Outings and landings in Zodiac dinghies. A team of experienced Naturalist- Guides. Natural delights: wide expanses of ice floe, myriad of jagged islands, blue glaciers, mountain ranges, tundra, steeped cliffs. Wildlife: Arctic Foxes, Seabird colonies, Bowhead Whales, Narwhals, Orcas, Walruses, possibility of viewing Polar Bears. Encounters: local Inuit people. POND INLET Placed like a custodian on the northern edge of Baffin Island, Pond Inlet appears to guard over the entrance to the legendary Northwest Passage. Formerly called Tununiq by the Inuit, this region was long ago inhabited by their ancestors, the Thule, who left behind numerous archaeological artefacts, vestiges of the past. No matter where you look, your eyes will alight upon a unique landscape of snow-capped mountain ranges, each more beautiful than the last, standing opposite ice-blue glaciers whose vertiginous flows descend into the Ocean. In the Summertime, when the sun doesn t set below the horizon, the light is truly magical, a palette of opaline blues, dusky pinks and pure white. Don t miss the opportunity to see the bird colonies of Bylot Island; LE SOLÉAL route will sail you close to this uninhabited "Garden of Eden" so that you may wonder at its natural marvels. BEECHEY ISLAND Beechey Island, looking across at the huge silhouette of Cape Riley, at the eastern end of Resolute Bay, will call to mind some of the most important moments of Franklin s expedition. Sir John set off in 1845 in search of the mythical Northwest Passage and was forced to take shelter in Erebus Harbour for two long years, while he waited for the ice floes to recede and allow him a way through. It is a spectacular location; seeing the three wooden grave markers, bleached by the sun (indicating the burial places of at least three of Captain Franklin s men) and visiting the memorial that has been erected in memory of Franklin and his men can only reinforce the hushed sense of reverence. If the surrounding wilderness impresses us, the ochre and yellows of the rocky desert soften the striking landscape. 48 summer cruises 2015

49 HERSCHEL ISLAND The Canadian Arctic Archipelago is composed of a myriad of islands with jagged coastlines and reveals landscapes you will only see at this far end of the world. Come and discover the small Canadian island of Herschel, a frozen paradise located in the Beaufort Sea, within the Ivvavik National Park. During a long mapping expedition in 1826, Sir John FRANKLIN was the first European to lay eyes on these unique places and their inhabitants, the Inuvialuit, the Nordic cousins of the Inuit. It was during this trip that he named the island after one of his friends, John HERSCHEL, a brilliant British astronomer and scientist. Herschel Island is a landmark in the West Arctic and has since served alternately as a whaling station, a relay station and a refuge for travellers. As Summer approaches, the soft glow of twilight begins to break the opacity of the polar night, and the hours of darkness get shorter and shorter Set off in the wake of the great explorers, to discover a remote land, its people and cultures, and experience unique moments and rare emotions in landscapes you will not find anywhere else. KANGERLUSSUAQ anadyr Le SoLéal: august 24 th DAYS / 22 NIGHTS Anadyr RUSSIA DAY Bering Strait Aug. 24 th Aug. 25 th Arctic Ocean itinerary Paris/Kangerlussuaq (Greenland) on European airline flight. Transfer to the port. Optional discovery of The Polar Cape. Embarkation from to Sisimiut (Greenland) PARKA GIFT Naturalist EXPEDITION Beaufort Sea GREENLAND Savissivik Jesse Harbour Herschel Ilulissat Franklin Bay Gjoa Haven Sisimiut Alaska Canada KANGERLUSSUAQ NorthWest Territories Aug. 26 th Aug. 27 th Aug. 28 th Aug. 29 th Aug. 30 th Aug. 31 st Aug. 01 st Aug. 02 nd Aug. 03 rd Aug. 04 th Aug. 05 th Aug. 06 th Aug. 07 th Aug. 08 th Aug. 09 th Aug. 10 th Sept. 11 th Sept. 12 th Ilulissat - Disko Bay (Greenland) Upernavik Fjord (Greenland) Melville Bay (Greenland) Savissivik (Greenland) Pond Inlet (Nunavut, Canada) Leopold Cliff - Beechey (Nunavut, Canada) Fort Ross (Nunavut, Canada) Sailing in the Franklin et Ross Straits Gjoa Haven (Nunavut, Canada) Sailing Queen Maud Gulf Duke of York Archipelago (Nunavut, Canada) Holman (NWT, Canada) Jesse harbour (NWT, Canada) Franklin Bay (NWT, Canada) Smoking Hills (NWT, Canada) Sailing Beaufort Sea Herschel Island (Yukon, Canada) Sailing the Arctic Ocean At sea - Crossing the Bering Strait Little Diomede (Alaska, Canada) THE NORTHWEST PASSAGE We are inviting you to board LE SOLÉAL and set sail for the Far North, well beyond the Arctic Circle, to a legendary, highly coveted maritime route: the Northwest Passage, the only possible shipping route between the Atlantic and the Pacific. For close to three centuries, generations of Navigators tried to find a sea route that would connect the North Atlantic to the Pacific. In Winter, this roof of the world is transformed into a majestic white desert; whilst in Summer, for a few short weeks, the temperature rises enough for the ice to melt. Life reappears, nature is reborn, the mythical route is finally free and we can breathe in the unique scent of great adventure. Sept. 14 th Sept. 15 th Data line change Anadyr (Russia) Disembarkation. Transfer to the airport. Anadyr/ Paris via Tokyo (1 night in Tokyo included). To be confirmed 3 months before departure. For more information and detailed descriptions of your programmes and prices, see or call our travel advisers. alaska & THE Arctic collection by compagnie du ponant 49

50 THE BEST OF KAMCHATKA ABOARD LE SoLéal septembre 15 th 2015 (14 nights) From See price list page 54. A part of the world that is unfamiliar to the general public, the volcanic Kamchatka Peninsula offers a truly remarkable and infinitely beautiful natural show, where the word "wild" really comes into its own. Fire, Land and the Ocean have created an untamed paradise, which is still free and almost forgotten. Like a jewel in its presentation case, the unspoiled nature will open to reveal its volcanoes, acid lakes and geysers, on the fault lines of the Earth and of Time, at the heart of remote lands. A sensation of infinity for the traveller. HIGHLIGHTS Outings and landings in Zodiac dinghies A team of experienced Naturalist- Guides. Natural delight: lush taiga, many volcanoes and geysers, vast expanses of tundra, birch forests, beaches of black sand, crater lakes, rivers. Wildlife: Walruses, Sea Otters, Reindeers, Brown Bears, bird colonies, Whales. Encounters and traditions of Chukchi and Koryak peoples. Opportunity to discover the Valley of Geysers by helicopter. THE KAMCHATKA PENINSULA Names of foreign lands that sound like an invitation to travel Open an Atlas, put your finger on the Bering Strait, which separates Russia from Alaska, then slide it down the Western Russian coasts until you get to a long volcanic peninsula. This is the Kamchatka Peninsula. Discover more than 200 volcanoes, geysers, primary forests, wild nature, the sight of Brown Bears fishing for salmon, colourful taiga, and much more. During your cruise along the coastline of the Russian Far East, we invite you to discover the Kamchatka Peninsula, a pristine land that seems to stretch into infinity. Over the centuries on these remote islands, Ocean and Fire have forged a wild paradise, the unspoiled habitat of endemic wildlife. Here the birch forests cling to the sides of majestic volcanoes, whilst the taiga changes colour with the seasons. An unforgettable journey. THE CHUKCHI PEOPLE Imagine the farthest end of the World, farther still than the immense, windswept Siberian plains, opposite Alaska and beyond the Bering Strait: here, in the wild, remote and untouched beauty, remains an ancient people - the Chukchi - whose lives are played out at the edge of the Pacific Ocean. Aboard LE SOLÉAL, you will be taken to the very frontiers of time and the known world to meet these astonishing people and to learn about their complex traditions. With a community that is equally as structured as those of the Inuit, and animist practices that are carried out the by the shamans to this day, the nomadic Chukchi s lives are spent in fantastical landscapes that they share with the local fauna. Join us on an out-of-this-world journey to meet an ancient people and share their culture. 50 summer cruises 2015

51 KORYAK VILLAGE It is difficult to imagine a more remote and isolated place than the Kamchatka Peninsula in the Russian Far East. These distant lands were conquered in the 17 th century by the Cossacks, the Russian Tsars elite horsemen, who chased away the local populations, including the valiant Koryaks. Today, the descendants of these ancient tribes have settled in Russian towns and villages in the region and to this day they maintain their ancestral beliefs and way of life. From the Uka river on the Eastern coast to Tigil in the Western Sea, the boreal forests are dotted with the traditional dwellings of these Siberian people. Although the Russian revolution influenced their lifestyle, they still live off fishing and the breeding of Reindeer, which according to them are sacred animals. Don t miss this unique opportunity to meet these friendly and welcoming people for an exceptional experience you won t forget. anadyr PETROPAVLOVSK Le SoLéal: sept. 15 th DAYS / 14 NIGHTS Verkhoturova Island Tymlat - Karaginsky RUSSIA AnadyR Anastasia Bay petropavlovsk Nikolskoye Kronotsky Lisvenichnaya PARKA GIFT Preobrazhina Arakamchechen Olyutorskiy Naturalist Gravilla Bay Bering Sea EXPEDITION DAY Sept. 14 th Sept. 15 th Sept. 16 th Sept. 17 th Sept. 18 th Sept. 19 th Sept. 20 th Sept. 21 st Sept. 22 nd Sept. 23 rd Sept. 24 th Sept. 25 th Sept. 26 th Sept. 27 th Sept. 28 th itinerary 1 night in Tokyo (Japan) Tokyo/Anadyr (Russia) on privatized airline flight.to be confirmed 3 months before departure. Transfer to the port. Embarkation from to Preobrazhina (Russia) Arakamchechen - Ittygran (Russia) Whalebone Alley (Russia) Navarin Cape - Gravilla Bay (Russia) Anastasia Bay (Russia) Natalia Bay - Glubokaya (Russia) Discovery of the Koriakskiy and Olyutorskiy regions (Russia) Verkhoturova Island (Russia) Tymlat - Karaginsky Island (Russia) Commandeur Islands - Bering Island (Russia) Nikolskoye (Russia) Kronotsky Biosphere Reserve (Russia) Sailing Avacha Bay Lisvenichnaya (Russia) Kekurny Cape - Russkaya Bay (Russia) Petropavlovsk (Russia) THE VALLEY OF GEYSERS LE SOLÉAL calls at Petropavlovsk and it is from here that you may choose to take a helicopter flight over the natural phenomenon of the "Valley of Geysers", deep in the Kronotsky Nature Reserve. The area, which is a UNESCO World Heritage site, is home to 40 volcanoes, most of which are still active, and stretches over 8 km. It is a unique geological environment, with the World s second largest concentration of geysers erupting skywards. Between the Karymsky volcano in the South and the Kronotsky volcano in the North, a crater lake filled with turquoise waters and verdant taiga complete the craggy landscape, which issues its call to all nature lovers. Come and admire the sylvan carpet that spreads out below you, and the thermal springs with their curtains of gaseous fumes floating stretching over this jewel of nature on the Kamchatka peninsula. Come and experience this dynamic landscape and its rare beauty, as pristine as the Earth s first dawn. Sept. 29 th Petropavlovsk (Russia) Disembarkation. Panoramic Tour of Petropavlovsk and transfer to the airport. Petropavlovsk/Tokyo (1 night in Tokyo included). To be confirmed 3 months before departure. For more information and detailed descriptions of your programmes and prices, see or call our travel advisers. alaska & THE Arctic collection by compagnie du ponant 51

52 THE KURIL ARCHIPELAGO ABOARD LE SoLéal september 29 th 2015 (15 nights) From See price list page 55. Lying in the cool waters of the Northern Pacific, the Kuril Islands stretch over a thousand kilometres. A chain of at least 32 volcanoes lie in the Bering Sea between Russia and Japan, forming a Ring of Fire and creating an unique environment, a sensation of infinity. Just for a cruise, head for these remote lands and set out to discover natural settings of rare and untouched beauty. HIGHLIGHTS Outings and landings in Zodiac dinghies with our Naturalist- Guides. Natural delights: many volcanoes, alpine landscapes, black sand beaches, lakes, volcanic craters. Wildlife: Sea Otters, Porpoises, Seals, Walruses, Manatees, Foxes, Brown Bears, Reindeers, Eared Seals, many bird species. Encounters: Chukchi people. Uzon caldera The Uzon Caldera is a huge elliptical depression in the Earth s surface that was created by volcanic activity millennia ago, 200 km s North of what is now the town of Petropavlovsk. The aerial view from a helicopter flight over the site will allow you to appreciate the arid beauty of the area in all is colourful majesty. Here, the intense blue of the lakes and streams marbles with the milky whiteness of sulphurous matter, while the emerald green of the algae is incandescent in the morning sun. The ochres, yellows and tans of the sulphur deposits complete the improbable mosaic. The spectacular, boiling Earth spewing forth gases and vapours gives the area a curious atmosphere enshrouded in primeval mystery. ONEKOTAN ISLAND Untouched by civilisation, Onekotan is a paradise for animals, including a variety of bird species; some of those that you may be lucky enough to spot include Rough-legged Buzzards, Red-throated Pipits and Common Greenshanks. Around the 35 m tall Avos Rock that famously resembles a ship, you may even surprise a few members of the Seal family with your curiosity! The volcanic influence is most obvious at the foot of Nemo Peak, where ash floats gracefully down and covers the surrounding beaches and lakes in a soft black blanket. You can also enjoy a stopover at the Earth s fault lines because Nemo Peak, to the South of the island, is truncated by two pre-glacial age calderas. Following the collapse of a volcanic cone, water rushed in fill the half-moon crater that is visible from outer space: Lake Chyornoye. 52 summer cruises 2015

53 MATUA & LOVUSHKI ISLANDS From the middle of the Pacific Ring of Fire you can approach the islands of Matua and Lovushki, which both Russia and Japan claim as national territory. This is extreme wilderness and these fabulous lands, with their still-active volcanoes, provide a kaleidoscopic look at nature in all her forms but the tranquillity of Matua Island, which is at the centre of the volcanic Kuril archipelago, may also surprise you. If you travel little further South you will find the Sarychev Peak, as well as military remnants dating back to the Second World War. The untamed territory and the diverse fauna make this archipelago a veritable paradise and Lovushki Island is the perfect example of such Arcadian splendour. Despite the literal translation of its name, which means "Trap", it is home to myriad species of animal including Sea Lions, Porpoises, Tufted Puffins and Gulls. Perhaps they are right to choose the good life in this great Garden of Eden! PETROPAVLOVSK kanazawa Le SoLéal: sept. 29 th DAYS / 15 NIGHTS DAY itinerary PARKA GIFT Naturalist EXPEDITION Okhotsk Sea russia Korsakov Tulenyi petropavlovsk Atlasova Otaru Kuril Paramushir Islands Shiashikotani Shumshu Kanazawa Onekotan japan Chirpoy Matua Shimushir Yanchicha KURIL ISLANDS At the southern tip of the Kamchatka peninsula and stretching out over more than 1,000 km, a multitude of unspoiled lands have been laid hither and thither on the Ocean: the Kuril Islands. This archipelago of active volcanic islands, which is located in the Pacific Ring of Fire, bathes in the fresh waters of the North Pacific Ocean. In the timeless landscape, the Earth s tectonic plates appear to have played at being a designer with the scenery, just as an artist might stage an opera s first act. The vegetation is tempered by the altitudes and every now and then the sea reclaims the land and forces a passage into the heart of the once- proud volcanoes. Along the faults of the Earth s crust are lush green craters called calderas, sitting in defined contrast to the blue of the Pacific. Sept. 28 th Sept. 29 th Sept. 30 th Sept. 01 st Oct. 02 nd Oct. 03 rd Oct. 04 th Oct. 05 th Oct. 06 th Oct. 07 th Oct. 08 th Oct. 09 th Oct. 10 th Oct. 11 th Oct. 12 th Oct. 13 th Oct. 14 th 1 night in Tokyo (Japan) Tokyo/Petropavlovsk (Russia) on privatized airline flight. To be confirmed 3 months before departure. Transfer to the port. Embarkation from to Petropavlovsk (Russia) Atlasova (Russia) Shumshu (Russia) Paramushir (Russia) Onekotan (Russia) Shiashikotani - Lovushki (Russia) Matua (Russia) Yanchicha - Shimushir (Russia) Chirpoy (Russia) Tulenyi (Russia) Korsakov (Russia) Otaru (Japan) At sea Kanazawa (Japan) Kanazawa (Japan). Disembarkation. For more information and detailed descriptions of your programmes and prices, see or call our travel advisers. alaska & THE Arctic collection by compagnie du ponant 53

54 price list * july 02 nd & 09 th nights on board + flights & transfers july 14 th & 21 st nights on board july 29 th & august 05 th nights on board LONGYEARBYEN LONGYEARBYEN le boréal From PONANT BONUS -30% REYKJAVIK REYKJAVIK le SoLéal From PONANT BONUS -30% REYKJAVIK REYKJAVIK le BoRéal From PONANT BONUS -30% Superior Stateroom Deluxe Stateroom Prestige Sateroom - Deck Prestige Sateroom - Deck Prestige Sateroom - Deck Deluxe Suite Prestige Suite - Deck Prestige Suite - Deck Owner Suite rd adult Passenger in a Superior Stateroom rd adult Passenger in a Prestige Suite th adult Passenger in a Prestige Suite Children 8-11 sharing parents* Single Occupancy Supplement* From + 50% Safety and port taxes* 350 Airport taxes* 240 Superior Stateroom Deluxe Stateroom Prestige Sateroom - Deck Prestige Sateroom - Deck Prestige Sateroom - Deck Deluxe Suite Prestige Suite - Deck Prestige Suite - Deck Owner Suite rd adult Passenger in a Superior Stateroom rd adult Passenger in a Prestige Suite th adult Passenger in a Prestige Suite Children 8-11 sharing parents* - - Single Occupancy Supplement* From + 30% Safety and port taxes* 350 Superior Stateroom Deluxe Stateroom Prestige Sateroom - Deck Prestige Sateroom - Deck Prestige Sateroom - Deck Deluxe Suite Prestige Suite - Deck Prestige Suite - Deck Owner Suite rd adult Passenger in a Superior Stateroom rd adult Passenger in a Prestige Suite th adult Passenger in a Prestige Suite Children 8-11 sharing parents* - - Single Occupancy Supplement* From + 30% Safety and port taxes* 350 European airline flights Paris / Longyearbyen Longyearbyen / Paris and transfers included. AUGUST 11 th nights on board + flights & transfers AUGUST 24 th nights on board + flights & transfers september 15 th nights on board + flights & transfers KANGERLUSSUAQ KANGERLUSSUAQ le soléal From PONANT BONUS -30% KANGERLUSSUAQ ANADYR le soléal From PONANT BONUS -30% ANADYR PETROPAVLOVSK le soléal From PONANT BONUS -30% Superior Stateroom Deluxe Stateroom Prestige Sateroom - Deck Prestige Sateroom - Deck Prestige Sateroom - Deck Deluxe Suite Prestige Suite - Deck Prestige Suite - Deck Owner Suite rd adult Passenger in a Superior Stateroom rd adult Passenger in a Prestige Suite th adult Passenger in a Prestige Suite Children 8-11 sharing parents* Single Occupancy Supplement* From + 50% Safety and port taxes* 650 Airport taxes* 280 Superior Stateroom Deluxe Stateroom Prestige Sateroom - Deck Prestige Sateroom - Deck Prestige Sateroom - Deck Deluxe Suite Prestige Suite - Deck Prestige Suite - Deck Owner Suite rd adult Passenger in a Superior Stateroom rd adult Passenger in a Prestige Suite th adult Passenger in a Prestige Suite Children 8-11 sharing parents* Single Occupancy Supplement* From + 50% Safety and port taxes* Airport taxes* 190 Superior Stateroom Deluxe Stateroom Prestige Sateroom - Deck Prestige Sateroom - Deck Prestige Sateroom - Deck Deluxe Suite Prestige Suite - Deck Prestige Suite - Deck Owner Suite rd adult Passenger in a Superior Stateroom rd adult Passenger in a Prestige Suite th adult Passenger in a Prestige Suite Children 8-11 sharing parents* Single Occupancy Supplement* FREE Safety and port taxes* 994 Airport taxes* 490 European airline flights Paris / Kangerlussuaq Kangerlussuaq / Paris and transfers included European airline outward flight Paris / Kangerlussuaq transfer included. Return flight Anadyr / Paris via Tokyo (1), one night in Tokyo and transfer included. One night in Tokyo. Outward privatized flight Tokyo / Anadyr (1) and transfer included. Return flight Petropavlovsk / Tokyo (1), one night in Tokyo and transfer included. *The detailed itineraries and the conditions of application of the cruise prices shown in this COMPAGNIE DU PONANT «Alaska & Arctic - SUMMER CRUISES 2015» catalogue are subject to the General and Specific Formalities, General Information and Terms and Conditions shown in the general COMPAGNIE DU PONANT «SUMMER 2015» brochure. Insurance offer is also available in the general COMPAGNIE DU PONANT «SUMMER 2015» brochure or on our website (1) To be confirmed 3 months before departure. 54 summer cruises 2015

55 Optional shore excursions available on our website and in the general COMPAGNIE DU PONANT «SUMMER 2015» brochure. july 28 th nights on board + return flight & transfer REYKJAVIK KANGERLUSSUAQ le soléal From PONANT BONUS -30% Superior Stateroom Deluxe Stateroom Prestige Sateroom - Deck Prestige Sateroom - Deck Prestige Sateroom - Deck Deluxe Suite Prestige Suite - Deck Prestige Suite - Deck Owner Suite rd adult Passenger in a Superior Stateroom rd adult Passenger in a Prestige Suite th adult Passenger in a Prestige Suite Children 8-11 sharing parents* Single Occupancy Supplement* From + 50% Safety and port taxes* 700 Airport taxes* 140 European airline return flight Kangerlussuaq / Paris and transfer included. september 29 th nights on board + outward flight & transfer PETROPAVLOVSK KANAZAWA le soléal From PONANT BONUS -30% Superior Stateroom Deluxe Stateroom Prestige Sateroom - Deck Prestige Sateroom - Deck Prestige Sateroom - Deck Deluxe Suite Prestige Suite - Deck Prestige Suite - Deck Owner Suite rd adult Passenger in a Superior Stateroom rd adult Passenger in a Prestige Suite th adult Passenger in a Prestige Suite Children 8-11 sharing parents* Single Occupancy Supplement* FREE Safety and port taxes* 990 Airport taxes* 440 One night in Tokyo. Outward privatized flight Tokyo / Petropavlovsk (1) and transfer included. *The detailed itineraries and the conditions of application of the cruise prices shown in this COMPAGNIE DU PONANT «Alaska & Arctic - SUMMER CRUISES 2015» catalogue are subject to the General and Specific Formalities, General Information and Terms and Conditions shown in the general COMPAGNIE DU PONANT «SUMMER 2015» brochure. Insurance offer is also available in the general COMPAGNIE DU PONANT «SUMMER 2015» brochure or on our website (1) To be confirmed 3 months before departure. alaska & THE Arctic collection by compagnie du ponant 55

56 LE BORÉAL, L AUSTRAL & LE SOLÉAL Fluid lines, streamlined bow, and an appearance enhanced by two glass arches which let in light and provide water views: the exterior lines of these yachts reflect the spirit of a subtly revisited nautical theme. Fitted with 132 carefully designed cabins and suites, all with a sea view, LE BORÉAL, L AUSTRAL and LE SOLÉAL are perfectly in harmony with La Compagnie du Ponant s policy of offering all passengers exacting levels of service and real contact with the crew, and have the advantage of being able to sail to exceptional destinations. Limited capacity, unique atmosphere, secluded destinations: those ships on an intimate scale are perfectly adapted to exceptional destinations, designed to offer all passengers breathtaking views of the polar horizon. Aboard the ships, great food and wine take center stage, paying tribute to French culinary tradition in a setting that is worthy of the finest restaurants. Because we are convinced that a responsible approach is required in our quest for excellence, La Compagnie du Ponant chose to equip its sisterships with efficient green equipment. As a result, they have all been awarded the international Green Ship label. 56 summer cruises 2015

57 alaska & THE Arctic collection by compagnie du ponant 57

58 Owner s suite (484 sq.ft + 97 sq.ft. private balcony) Balcony Tv Tv Sofa Dining room Bar Desk Dressing room Balneo bathtub WC Shower WC Up to 20 Prestige suites (398 sq.ft sq.ft. private balcony) Up to 92 Prestige staterooms (200 sq.ft sq.ft. private balcony) Balcony Balcony Bar Convertible Sofa Tv Tv Tv Bar Bar Dressing room Shower Shower Dressing room Shower Dressing room WC WC WC Suites Pres 3 Deluxe suites (290 sq.ft sq.ft. private balcony) Balcony Daybed Shower Tv Bar WC Dressing room e - AUSTRAL 28 Deluxe staterooms (200 sq.ft sq.ft. private balcony) 8 Superior staterooms (226 sq.ft) Balcony Balcony Daybed Daybed Bar Bar Bar Bar Staterooms & Decks Tv Dressing room Shower Shower Tv Dressing room Tv Dressing room Shower Shower Tv Dressing room WC WC WC WC 58 summer cruises 2015 Cabines Deluxe - AUSTRAL - UK PONT 3 Cabines Supérieures - AUSTRAL - UK PONT 3