Disko Bay and Inuit villages

02 Sep 2027
7 Nights
Le Lyrial
Arctic
View Itinerary

ITINERARY

Nuuk, meaning “the cape”, was Greenland’s first town (1728). Started as a fort and later mission and trading post some 240 kilometers south of the Arctic Circle, it is the current capital. Almost 30% of Greenland’s population lives in the town. Not only does Nuuk have great natural beauty in its vicinity, but there are Inuit ruins, Hans Egede’s home, the parliament, and the Church of our Saviour as well. The Greenlandic National Museum has an outstanding collection of Greenlandic traditional dresses, as well as the famous Qilakitsoq mummies. The Katuaq Cultural Center’s building was inspired by the undulating Northern Lights and can house 10% of Nuuk’s inhabitants.

Evighedsfjorden, or "Eternity Fjord," is a breathtaking fjord located in Greenland, known for its stunning natural beauty and dramatic landscapes. This remote and pristine area features towering mountains, deep blue waters, and icebergs that drift gracefully through the fjord. The fjord is often surrounded by lush green valleys and rugged cliffs, creating a picturesque setting ideal for hiking, kayaking, and wildlife observation. Visitors may encounter seals, whales, and a variety of bird species in this serene environment. Evighedsfjorden offers a unique opportunity to experience the untouched wilderness of Greenland, making it a perfect destination for adventurers and nature enthusiasts seeking tranquillity and spectacular scenery.

Qeqertarsuaq, also known as Godhavn, is a charming town located on Disko Island in western Greenland. Renowned for its stunning landscapes, Qeqertarsuaq is surrounded by dramatic mountains, picturesque fjords, and vibrant tundra. The town is a center for fishing and hunting, reflecting traditional Greenlandic culture, and offers a glimpse into the local way of life through its colourful wooden houses and community spirit. Visitors can enjoy various outdoor activities, including hiking, whale watching, and exploring nearby glaciers. The region is also known for its rich wildlife, including seals and seabirds. With its breathtaking scenery and cultural heritage, Qeqertarsuaq is an inviting destination for adventurers and those seeking to experience the beauty of Greenland.

In the iceberg-laden waters surrounding the remote community of Uummannaq it is common to see whales. This area of Greenland is also known for its huge basalt mountains, and the small hunting and fishing village of Uummannaq rests at the foot of the heart-shaped Uummannaq Mountain, a name that translates to mean “in the shape of a seal’s heart”. The town of over 1200 people has a granite church and the country’s most northerly ferry terminal. The economy of Uummannaq revolves largely around the halibut/fish-processing factory.

Located just north of the Arctic Circle, Sisimiut is the northernmost town in Greenland where the port remains free of ice in the winter. Yet it is also the southernmost town where there is enough snow and ice to drive a dogsled in winter and spring. In Sisimiut, travelling by sled has been the primary means of winter transportation for centuries. In fact, the area has been inhabited for approximately 4,500 years. Modern Sisimiut is the largest business center in the north of Greenland, and is one of the fastest growing Greenlandic cities. Commercial fishing is the lead economy in the town‘s thriving industrial base.

Day 1

Nuuk (Godthaab)

02 Sep 2027

Nuuk (Godthaab)

Evighedsfjorden

03 Sep 2027

Evighedsfjorden

Qeqertarsuaq (Godhavn)

04 Sep 2027

Qeqertarsuaq (Godhavn)

Eqi Glacier

05 Sep 2027

Eqi Glacier

Day 5

Akulleq

06 Sep 2027

Akulleq

Day 5

Uummannaq

06 Sep 2027

Uummannaq

Disko Bay

07 Sep 2027

Disko Bay

Day 7

Sisimiut (Holsteinsborg)

08 Sep 2027

Sisimiut (Holsteinsborg)

Nuuk (Godthaab)

09 Sep 2027

Nuuk (Godthaab)

This holiday is generally suitable for persons with reduced mobility. For customers with reduced mobility or any medical condition that may require special assistance or arrangements to be made, please notify your Cruise Concierge at the time of your enquiry, so that we can provide specific information as to the suitability of the holiday, as well as make suitable arrangements with the Holiday Provider on your behalf.

Best Time to Travel

Arctic Fox

Witness the stunning arctic fox living amongst the Arctic tundra, primarily found across regions such as Svalbard, Greenland, northern Canada, Alaska, Norway and even Northern Iceland. Their fur changes colour throughout the seasons, from white fur in the winter to camouflage against the snow-covered landscapes to a coat of brown and grey fur during the summer months. Arctic foxes give birth during the spring, with litters reaching over 10 pups in some cases, so this is a fantastic time to spot them feeding their young.

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Polar Bear

Polar bears, also known as the ‘maritime bear’, are the largest land carnivores on earth and live in the northern polar region of the Arctic. These magnificent creatures are excellent swimmers, sometimes swimming for days at a time without rest. They are equally phenomenal hunters too, primarily feeding on ringed and bearded seals which they hunt from the platforms of sea ice and patiently waiting at breathing holes.

Contrary to their appearance, their skin is black to absorb the heat and their fur translucent, although the reflection from the light creates their iconic white coat. Polar bears are famously dedicated mothers and are often seen with or close by to their cubs. The changing climate and shrinking sea ice directly correlates with their declining hunting success and is dwindling survival rate of their cubs.

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Svalbard Reindeer

Svalbard reindeer are a unique subspecies of rein deer you will only find in the Arctic region of Svalbard itself. This endemic mammal is shorter and larger than typical reindeer which helps them to conserve heat in one of the coldest climates in the world. Due to the lack of predators in the region, Svalbard reindeer are much more comfortable with human presence compared to others of their kind, so it is easier to get closer encounters with them whilst on your excursions in the Arctic. The peak of the Arctic expedition season in the summer months between June and August are the best time to spot them in the wild. The 24-hour daylight provides plentiful opportunities to spot them, and the warmer temperatures means they are at their most active and can often be seen grazing due to the lack of snow.

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Walrus

As one of the Arctic’s most iconic animals, walruses are easy to spot and recognise, defined by their long tusks and whiskers, which are highly sensitive and used to detect food on the seafloor. These large creatures use their tusks to haul themselves onto the ice and are known to be aggressive, displaying dominance against others of their kind to establish their authority. You’ll often see them in large groups out on the sea ice or along the coastlines.

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Explore Le Lyrial

Le Céleste

At the back of deck 2, our gourmet restaurant, complete with wine cellar, offers French and international cuisine. It can accommodate all guests in a single service for breakfast, lunch and dinner.

La Comète

In a relaxed atmosphere, our grill restaurant located on deck 6 welcomes you for breakfast, buffet lunches and themed dinners.

Room Service

Whether you want to fully enjoy your cabin for breakfast, savor a peaceful snack in the middle of the day, or have your meal in complete privacy, room service is at your disposal. Treat yourself to a moment of indulgence and enjoy a diverse menu available at any time of day and night.

Excursions

There are many ways to see the world. But to truly discover it? Unexplored shores, authentic encounters, iconic wildlife... Our experts imagine the most beautiful travel stories for you.

Unforgettable moments

Holding your breath to better perceive that of a distant whale, stepping foot on Antarctica for the first time, watching through binoculars the passage of a polar bear in the Arctic, marvelling at the splendour of the Mediterranean architectural heritage... Moments of pure emotion as time seems to suspended.

Unique exchanges

Share the art of living, wisdom and hospitality of communities with strong ancestral traditions. Exchanges about their philosophy in connection with the environment are an endless source of teachings.

Explore further

Navigating close to the almost inaccessible coasts of Greenland, exploring the confidential shores of Oceania, reaching the most remote seas of Antarctica, taking new paths in the Mediterranean or Northern Europe: our experts are constantly seeking new travel experiences to offer you.

Experts by your side

Captains, expedition leaders, experienced naturalist guides, lecturers, wildlife photographers, personalities from the world of art, science, culture and gastronomy... Experts share their passions with you on board or on land.

Captains

Your captain is responsible for ensuring the smooth running of your journey on board. An expert in navigating polar or tropical waters, their announcements punctuate your day. And when wildlife appears on the horizon, do not hesitate to accept their invitation to join the outer decks for magnificent observations. Gala dinners are also unmissable opportunities to meet your captain and share with them your passion for travel.

Expedition leaders

Alongside the captain, the expedition leader conducts your exploration. They supervise the team of naturalist guides, ensure the safety of the proposed experiences, and adjust the highlights of your journey according to the navigation conditions, to reveal all the riches of these fascinating ecosystems.

Photo ambassadors

During some trips, having renowned photographers on board offers you the unique opportunity to participate in workshops, and conferences, and receive personalised advice to enhance your images.

Activity guides

Scuba diving, snorkelling, kayaking, polar hiking on foot or snowshoes, cross-country skiing, dog sledding... Whether it's for an introduction or to deepen your practice, experience immersive activities led by certified guides, ambassadors of local cultures and communities.

Guests and partners

Dancers, musicians, writers, journalists, researchers, adventurers... Experts and prestigious partners share their passion, whether it is artistic or scientific.

Speakers

Art historians, journalists, ethnologists, naturalists... Every journey is a unique opportunity to learn more about the regions visited.

The Observatory Lounge

Library, internet space, bar, occasional live entertainment, terrace: enjoy a 180° panorama of the horizon from the observatory lounge.

The Main Lounge

Tea room, bar, live music, dance floor, terrace: the main lounge is an essential meeting place throughout your journey.

The Outdoor Bar

Enjoy a drink in the 50-capacity outdoor lounge area, with a view of the sea and the pool bridge.

Theatre

Comfortably seated, you can attend conferences given by the guests and teams of naturalists, as well as enjoy a variety of shows, concerts and performances by professional dancers and musicians.

Music and dance

Opera, jazz, piano recitals, concerts or ballets at sea or on land: musical cruises and dance cruises offer privileged experiences, in small groups, alongside prestigious partners, such as Radio Classique or the Paris National Opera and talented artists of international renown.

Art and literature

Share high-quality moments and attend conferences by curators from national and international museums, women and men from the world of culture, renowned writers, actors and philosophers. They discuss their passion during conferences or private visits. Experience the opportunity to open up to new perspectives.

Swimming Pool

With its water blending into the surrounding landscapes, the pool is perfect for relaxing in the sun.

Boutique

An extension of the journey and the ship, la Boutique offers an exclusive shopping experience with a wide range of technical and casual ready-to-wear and equipment, with or without PONANT personalization. It also features unique souvenirs to extend the journey back home, as well as jewelry, accessories and luxury items. Opening hours follow the voyage schedule, including days at sea, and all purchases on board are tax-free.

PONANT Studio

A photography and videography team escort you throughout your trip. These professionals capture the most beautiful moments of your cruise, which you can share with family and friends upon your return. Meet them on DECK 5 (DECK 6 on the PONANT Explorers ships) at the photo/video area, where you can also order souvenir pictures and videos.

Excursion Reception and Office

If you have not made a pre-booking before your cruise, you can book your excursions on board during one of the daily opening times of the excursion desk (timetables available in your daily program). It is only possible to pre-book one excursion per port day. If you would like to book a second excursion on the same day, please contact the excursion desk to check availability.

The Spa

Onboard our ships, in the heart of an intimate and privileged environment with the ocean as your backdrop, discover a new way to enjoy the Spa experience.

In association with SOTHYS™ Paris, we are offering you a selection of expert face and body treatments. The “savoir-faire” and expertise of our hair professional partner DAVINES® will be able to satisfy all your expectations.

The Fitness Room

The fitness room offers a wide range of exercises suitable for all levels to train facing magnificent views.

The Hairdressing Salon

Each product has been crafted using the most advanced cosmetic technologies and natural ingredients. Developed and packaged while minimising the environmental impact, Davines® products are inspired by the Sustainable Beauty ideal, an inseparable unit between Beauty and Being. During your cruise, treat your hair to a unique beauty experience. Our expert stylist will do an in-depth analysis of your hair and recommend the most appropriate treatment.

Le Lyrial Cabins & Suites