Superior Stateroom Deck 3
25% Ponant Bonus
21 m²
3
Coastal Wonders of the Norwegian Coast and Midnight Sun
Bergen - Longyearbyen, Spitsbergen
Dates:
05/06/2025
to
15/06/2025
days
nights on board
Transfer + Flight Longyearbyen/Paris
Come aboard Le Boréal for a 11-day cruise exploring Norway's magnificent landscapes in springtime, with its majestic fjords and unforgettable experiences. From Bergen, you sail to fairytale lands beyond the Arctic Circle, where you will discover age-old traditions as you go on this exceptional journey.
Your ship first sails into the splendid Geiranger fjord, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, before reaching Alesund. This charming coastal town with its cobbled streets and Art Deco architecture also boasts an attractive hiking trail ideal for admiring the town, as well as Norway's first marine science centre.
Next, you head for the Smola archipelago and a meadow-covered island where sheep graze and majestic sea eagles nest. Le Boréal approaches the charming and historic Bronnoysund: a former Viking city and the gateway to the fascinating Vega Archipelago, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Made up of dozens of islands, reefs and isolated rocks, it is a natural sanctuary for numerous colonies of seabirds, particularly common eider ducks during their nesting season.
As the Arctic Circle draws ever closer, an unspoilt natural landscape unfolds before you. The deep blue water contrasts with the heathland, covered with green vegetation at this time of year. You will marvel at the mysterious charm of the Lofoten archipelago. These islands have a truly other-worldly beauty, alternating between sea, spectacular fjords, mountain slopes and colourful huts on stilts. Your ship then sails into Trollfjorden, bordered by craggy mountains, before heading upstream to Tromso, famous for the architecture of its church, nicknamed the "Cathedral of the Arctic".
A typical Lofoten village, Gjesvær was once a trading post. It was probably the first site in Magerøya to have a permanent settlement. This fishing village was one of the most important in Finnmark from the early Middle Ages until the last century. Here you will find a picturesque church, breathtaking scenery and the Gjesvaerstappen bird sanctuary, ideal for birdwatching.
At Hornvika, the more adventurous can disembark and head for the North Cape on a steep hike. This point, considered the most northerly in Europe, can also be reached by bus from Skarsvag. On this cliff with its iconic monument in the form of an earthly globe, you can contemplate the immensity of the Barents Sea beneath the midnight sun.
Le Boréal then heads for Lakselv. This small village, whose name means “salmon river”, is the main town in this territory, and provides an opportunity to discover local life and customs. This stopover will be marked by an immersion in the land of the Sami, the indigenous reindeer herding people.
Then you take a trip in the majestic Porsangerfjorden. As you sail, you will fall under the spell of raw and wild nature. The deep blue water contrasts with the land and the season’s verdant vegetation. On Reinoya Island, you will criss-cross the nature reserve of the same name and attempt to identify the many species of birds that hide in this rich ecosystem.
It is now time to leave continental Europe to reach the Svalbard archipelago and the High Arctic. Midway between Norway’s North Cape and the southern tip of Spitsbergen, you will sail past Bjornoya (Bear Island). Hundreds of seabirds have found refuge in the island’s huge rocky cliffs. It is a fascinating sight to observe.
Ref : BL355 - BO050625
Your itinerary
An expedition cruise, discovering the jewels of northern Norway, from Tromso and the continent, up to the island of Spitsbergen in the Svalbard archipelago. Outings and shore visits in zodiac inflatables with...
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Your trip in detail
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Complete your trip
Complete your trip
Included in your cruise
For more peace of mind, PONANT organizes your trip before or after the cruise. This package is included in the price of your cruise.
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LE COMMANDANT CHARCOT
LE LYRIAL
LE LAPÉROUSE
LE CHAMPLAIN
LE SOLÉAL
01/11/2024 to the 16/11/2024
*Price is per person, based on double occupancy, based on availability, and subject to change at any time. The category of stateroom to which this price applies may no longer be available.
Services provided
- 24-hour room service
- Inclusive Wifi internet access (availability dependent on navigation and latitude)
- Individually-controlled air conditioning
- Dressing room with shelves and closet
- Dressing table and hairdryer
- Dyptique Paris top-of-the-line bath products
- Minibar
- Nespresso coffee maker and boiler
- Electronic safe
- Direct line telephone
- Bose Bluetooth speaker
- Flat screen TV, international channels (availability dependent on navigation) and videos on demand
- 110V American (two flat pins)/220V European (round sockets with two round pins)
- Three ADA staterooms
Select your stateroom category
Clothing tips:
INSULATING BASE LAYER AND WATERPROOF OUTER LAYER :
- Water-resistant parka - offered on board (not children sizes ; in case of consecutive cruises, only one complimentary parka) on the dates of these cruises.
- Half calf waterproof rubber boots with non-slip soles (for hikes and visits on unequipped and sometimes unstable terrain).
- Comfortable trousers : classic winter trouser, warm cotton tracksuit or wool legging.
- Waterproof and wind proof over-trousers – MANDATORY.
- Windbreaker
- Winter trousers with waterproof over-trousers are the ideal combination : water-resistance and flexibility of trousers are essential and imperative.
- Pullover, sweat-shirt or fleece jacket.
- Woolen or thermolactyl underwear.
- Woolen or fleece neck-warmer, woolen or fleece ear muffs or warm hat (avoid scarves as they do not stay in place) - MANDATORY
- Wool or silk under gloves, flexible technical and waterproof gloves.
- Thick warm socks (ideally woolen).
- Winter shoes (with a wool lining).
Ideal clothes for life on board:
During the days spent on board, you are advised to wear comfortable clothes or casual outfits. The entire ship is air-conditioned, so a light sweater, a light jacket or a shawl may be necessary. When moving about in the public areas of the ship and the decks, light but comfortable shoes are recommended.
Informal evening:
In the evening, you are advised to wear smart-casual attire, especially when dining in our restaurants where wearing shorts and tee-shirts is not allowed.
For women:
- Simple dress
- Skirt or trousers
- Blouse
- Polo
For men:
- Pleated trousers or chinos
- Sports jacket
- Shirt
- Polo
Officer’s evening:
For all cruises longer than 8 nights, an Officer’s Evening with a white dress code may be organized. Therefore, we encourage you to bring a stylish white outfit for the occasion (otherwise black and white).
Gala evening:
During the cruise, two gala evenings will be organised on board. Thus, we recommend that you bring one or two formal outfits.
For women:
- Cocktail attire
- Evening dress (if you wish to)
For men:
- Dark suit
- Tie recommended, possibly bow tie (if you wish to)
SHOP:
A small shop is available on board offering a wide range of outfits, jewellery, leather goods and many accessories.
A laundry service (washing/ironing) is available on board, but unfortunately there are no dry cleaning services. For safety reasons, your cabin is not equipped with an iron.
INSULATED BASE LAYER:
- Wool or thermolactyl technical underwear
- Polar sweater or sweatshirt
- Winter suit
- Warm hiking socks
- Winter shoes (with a wool lining)
WATERPROOF OUTER LAYER:
- Waterproof over-trousers - Mandatory
- Ski Jacket - Mandatory
- A warm woollen hat covering your ears
- Polar or woollen neck warmer
- Gloves
- Windbreaker
HEALTH CARE:
- Sunscreen
- Lip protection balm
- Medications and prescriptions
OUTFITS ON BOARD:
- Casual outfits for the day
- Smarter outfits for dinners
- Elegant outfits for gala evenings
- White or black and white outfit
ACCESSORIES:
- Highly protective sunglasses
- Binoculars
- Small waterproof backpack
- Swimsuit (for the spa on board)
- Gym wear (fitness)
- Battery charger and memory cards for your camera
- Mobile phone charger
PONANT activities
Highlights
- An expedition cruise, discovering the jewels of northern Norway, from Tromso and the continent, up to the island of Spitsbergen in the Svalbard archipelago.
- Outings and shore visits in zodiac inflatables with a team of experienced naturalist guides.
- Explore the traditions and customs of one of the last European indigenous people, the Sami.
- Sail into the heart of Norway's fjords, including Geirangerfjord, Trollfjorden and Porsangerfjorden, and discover extraordinary landscapes, with sheer cliffs, crystal-clear waters and lush vegetation.
- Landscapes: fjords, sheer cliffs, agged mountains.
- Wildlife: reindeer, common eider ducks, greater white-fronted geese, velvet scoters, red-breasted mergansers, puffins, seals, cod and salmon.
- Two new ports of call: Gjesvær et Hornvika.
- Gjesvær provides a unique stopover on the way to the Gjesvaerstappen bird sanctuary..
- UNESCO World Heritage Sites: Geirangerfjord and from Bronnoysund, Vega island (Vega Archipelago).
- Cross the Arctic Circle.
Ports of Call & Excursions
5 June 2025 - Bergen
Embarkation 05/06/2025 from 16:00 to 17:00
Departure 05/06/2025 at 18:00
Located at the end of Byfjord, Bergen was the capital of Norway in the 12th and 13th Centuries and has preserved some very beautiful monuments from the time when it was home to royalty. Wandering through Bergen’s streets means going back in time, in search of the hidden treasures that have been listed as World Heritage Sites by UNESCO. A veritable openair museum, Bergen is home to a thriving artistic community of painters, potters, jewellers. The Bergen cable car offers you a splendid panorama over the port and the surrounding fjords. Do not miss the visit to the old quarter with its narrow streets, a testimony of the power of the hanseatic League that controlled trade in Northern Europe at the end of the Middle Ages.
6 June 2025 - Sailing in the Geiranger Fjord
Arrival 06/06/2025
Departure 06/06/2025
Listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 2005, Geirangerfjord is part of the West Norwegian Fjords. Located in the south-west of Norway, to the north-east of Bergen, the fjord stretches from Stavanger in the south to Andalsnes, 500 km north-east. It is one of the longest and deepest fjords in the world and considered to be one of the most spectacular landscapes on the planet. You will admire the exceptional natural beauty of its narrow and steep-sided crystalline rock walls, rising to a height of 1,400 m and extending 500 m below sea level. Numerous waterfalls are part of the great variety of natural terrestrial and marine phenomena to be found at this site.
6 June 2025 - Alesund
Arrival 06/06/2025
Departure 06/06/2025
Surrounded by a multitude of islands, fjords and majestic mountains, the town of Ålesund surprises many visitors. In fact, it is internationally renowned for its Art nouveau architecture. After the terrible fire of 1904 which reduced a large part of the town to ashes, Norwegian architects inspired by the Art nouveau style contributed to its reconstruction, with a very picturesque result. Not far from Ålesund, you will also discover Giske, the native island of Rollon, the great Viking leader who commanded the Norse expeditions to Normandy, or the beautiful island of Godoy and the village of Alnes, which offers a grandiose panorama over the Atlantic Ocean and the surrounding islands.
7 June 2025 - Smola
Arrival 07/06/2025
Departure 07/06/2025
A natural paradise, Smøla is an island surrounded by an archipelago of thousands of small islands, islets and reefs, all bathed in an extraordinary light. The sheep freely graze the moorland. Ocean and fresh water meet, forming bays, ponds and pools of brackish water conducive to the development of a high biodiversity. In winter, the island serves as a refuge to numerous seabird species. One of these is the sea eagle, or white-tailed eagle – a protected species of which the densest population is found here. The island’s inhabitants subsist primarily on fishing and will share their culinary traditions with you by introducing you to some local products. If you are feeling adventurous, you can even try your hand at fishing in the crystal-clear waters or you can visit the island of Hitra.
8 June 2025 - Bronnoysund
Arrival 08/06/2025
Departure 08/06/2025
Nestling on the Torget peninsula a short distance from the Arctic Circle, not far from the mythical Torghatten granite dome, Bronnoysund invites you on an unforgettable journey into the heart of wild nature, between chains of rocky, green and snow-covered islets. The port of call in this former Viking city will also be an opportunity to discover the Vega archipelago, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Its 6,500 or so islands will offer you indelible moments in this natural setting, where time seems to stand still. Surrounded by high mountains that drop sharply into the Norwegian Sea, these insular natural sanctuaries are home to many species of seabirds, like the common eider.
9 June 2025 - Reine, Lofoten
Arrival 09/06/2025
Departure 09/06/2025
Way beyond the Arctic Circle, Lofoten Islands are truly considered to be in “another world”. A jewel of nature in its most pristine state, this archipelago with its jagged coastline offers you majestic settings of high alpine summits, sandy beaches, green prairies and fjords of a deep blue, where countless bird colonies make their nests. Whether you visit Å, or Nusjford, listed by UNESCO, enjoy authentic and memorable moments.
9 June 2025 - Sailing in Trollfjorden
Arrival 09/06/2025
Departure 09/06/2025
According to legend, trolls were the guardians of this 2-km long fjord accessible via the Raftsund Strait, between the Vesterålen Archipelago and the Lofoten Islands. Dominated on both sides by vertical rock faces that stand up to 1,000 metres high in parts, Trollfjorden welcomes you in a magical atmosphere which its narrowness helps to create. During this unforgettable journey, you will indeed have the impression that you’re grazing the surrounding mountains and that you’ll never see the end of this marine cul-de-sac. After a delicate U-turn, your ship will finally head back in the opposite direction: this will perhaps be the opportunity to observe, for want of trolls, seals and eagles, which are often present in this site, unique on earth.
10 June 2025 - Tromso
Arrival 10/06/2025
Departure 10/06/2025
In the north of the Arctic circle you’ll discover Tromsø, a secluded town located in the county of Troms. Norwegians call it the “Paris of the north”. You’ll soon see why when you discover its extensive neoclassical architectural heritage. A stunning example is the Arctic cathedral, a major monument whose stylistic purity echoes the outline of the mountains surrounding the town.
11 June 2025 - Gjesvaer
Arrival 11/06/2025
Departure 11/06/2025
You cannot fail to be enchanted by the wild lands of this small Viking port in Finnmark county in the north of Norway, thanks to the beauty of the preserved landscapes or the observation of the birds that have come to nest in this fantastic paradise with nutrient-rich waters and sheer cliffs bordering the sea. You will have the opportunity to take an excursion to the neighbouring island of Gjesvaerstappen, one of the largest reserves in Europe, where you will be able to admire the many migratory birds... The small village of Gjesvaer has kept its yesteryear soul, with its pretty church and its colourful wooden houses.
11 June 2025 - Hornvika
Arrival 11/06/2025
Departure 11/06/2025
Like the first explorers, disembark on the ancestral land of the North Cape, in Hornvika, the world’s northernmost fishing village. For centuries, this Norwegian jewel nestling in the fjords remained the only entrance to the North Cape, only accessible to members of the royal family and great explorers, and only by boat. You will also have the opportunity to go on a hike where you will be able to admire exceptional wild landscapes as well as Arctic wildlife in all its riches. Let the adventure begin here, on the North Cape.
12 June 2025 - Skarsvag
Arrival 12/06/2025
Departure 12/06/2025
At the far north of continental Norway, in Finnmark county, Skarsvag can claim to be one of the world’s northernmost villages. A land of fishermen on the island of Magerøy, the village is inhabited by a handful of men and women who share their territory with wild reindeer — indeed, it is not uncommon to come across these animals at a street corner. The short vegetation of this hilly landscape bestows a charming monotony, interrupted only by its jagged shores.
12 June 2025 - Lakselv
Arrival 12/06/2025
Departure 12/06/2025
Discover Lakselv, whose name means “Salmon River”, lying at the end of the immense Porsangerfjorden. As its name indicates, this small village is renowned for the salmon fishing in the waters of its river, which are brimming with this fish and others. The village is ideally located, offering privileged access to the surrounding magnificent nature. In particular, it retains traces of the last ice age in Trollholmsund, where dolomites with dreamlike silhouettes can be seen. Do not miss this extraordinary sight!
12 June 2025 - Sailing in Porsangerfjorden
Arrival 12/06/2025
Departure 12/06/2025
During an exceptional sailing experience in the Porsangerfjorden, discover the fourth-longest Norwegian fjord (measuring 123 kilometres - 76 miles). This real labyrinth will show you the region’s craggy coastlines, which extend into a background of Finnmark’s snow-covered mountains. The southern part of the fjord has been designated an Important Bird and Biodiversity Area (IBA). In particular, it is home to the lesser white-fronted goose, the common eider and the purple sandpiper in its unique and varied ecosystem, which is made up of moors, meadows, peat bogs and forests of birch trees.
13 June 2025 - At sea
Arrival 13/06/2025
Departure 13/06/2025
During your journey at sea, make the most of the many services and activities on board. Treat yourself to a moment of relaxation in the spa or stay in shape in the fitness centre. Depending on the season, let yourself be tempted by the swimming pool or a spot of sunbathing. This journey without a port of call will also be an opportunity to enjoy the conferences or shows proposed on board, depending on the activities offered, or to do some shopping in the boutique or to meet the PONANT photographers in their dedicated space. As for lovers of the open sea, they will be able to visit the ship’s upper deck to admire the spectacle of the waves and perhaps be lucky enough to observe marine species. A truly enchanted interlude, combining comfort, rest and entertainment.
14 June 2025 - Sailing along Bjornoya (Bear Island)
Arrival 14/06/2025
Departure 14/06/2025
Halfway between Norway and Spitsbergen, you will sail not far from the coastlines of Bjørnøya, the southernmost island of Svalbard. From your ship, observe this isolated piece of land discovered in 1596 by the Dutch navigator Willem Barents, then looking for the Northwest Passage. Following a tough fight between a polar bear and the members of the expedition, he dubbed the place Bear Island. Regularly covered by a thick layer of fog, Bjørnøya shelters a meteorological station built in 1923, which is still in operation. Declared a nature reserve in 2002, the island is above all home to an enormous colony of sea birds: skuas, guillemots, puffins, Tridactyl gulls, petrels, gulls and little auks all coexist here.
15 June 2025 - Longyearbyen, Spitsbergen
Arrival 15/06/2025 early morning
Disembarkation 15/06/2025 at 07:00
Longyearbyen is the capital of the Norwegian Svalbard archipelago, located on Svalbard’s main island, and is the northernmost territorial capital on the planet. With winter temperatures dropping to below 40°C, the landscapes of this mining town are simply breathtaking. The glaciers, the mountains stretching as far as the eye can see and the untouched nature, make you feel like you’re in completely unexplored territory.
Le Boréal
Le Boréal, like its Sisterships L’Austral, Le Soléal and Le Lyrial, epitomises the unique feel and atmosphere of the ships of the PONANT fleet. Subtly combining luxury, intimacy and serene well-being, the ship has been designed to offer passengers both moments of conviviality and spaces conducive to peaceful tranquillity and a sense of escape and getting away from it all. Its exterior and interior lines testify to the ingeniousness and refinement with which the Sisterships have been designed.
Decks
Transfer + Flight Longyearbyen/Paris
For your serenity, PONANT selects a flight and organises the transfer between the port and the airport. This package is included in your cruise fare.
Disembarkation Day - Longyearbyen/Paris
Disembarkation.
Meet and greet at the port by our local English-speaking representative.
Transfer to the airport in time for check-in of flight Longyearbyen/Paris selected by PONANT.
Flight Longyearbyen/Paris selected by PONANT.
Approximate flight duration: 4 h 30.
We highly recommend you stay one night in Paris after this flight.
This programme includes:
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Flight Longyearbyen/Paris selected by PONANT in economy class.
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Transfer as mentioned in the programme.
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English-speaking assistance.
This programme does not include:
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Personal expenses.
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Any other service not mentioned in the programme.
Please note:
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Due to limited local transportation resources, waiting might be generated.
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Flight included in the programme is as of today, operated in economy class, on a European airline.
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For passengers in transit in Paris, we recommend staying one night in Paris after this flight.
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Programme and flight schedule are subject to change without prior notice.
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PONANT will adapt the content of the transfer offer from and to airport according to your flight schedule.