From Montréal to Nuuk · North America · 14 nights
The world’s first electric hybrid polar expedition ship, Le Commandant Charcot may be the most exciting addition yet to the Ponant fleet.
Jean-Baptiste Charcot was a true polar pioneer, and Ponant’s
icebreaker explores the parts of the Arctic and Antarctica that
other expedition vessels can’t reach. On board you can expect
Ponant’s customary French flair, and the ship is also designed to
have a minimal effect on the environment, with technological
innovations such as hybrid propulsion and an advanced waste water
treatment system.
Bilingual Montréal is Québec's largest city, a vibrant island metropolis with a distinctive blend of old style European charm and thrusting modernity. Architectural highlights include the beautiful Basilique Notre-Dame-de-Montréal, and the city also boasts the world's third largest botanical garden. Winters here can be harsh, but in summer the city comes alive with festivals, including the famous International Jazz Festival in June/July. Montréal is also a real Mecca for foodies, and can pose a serious threat to the waistline, with all manner of gastronomic treats on offer.
The stunning Saguenay fjord is the fourth largest in the world, and the only fjord in North America navigable by cruise ship. The point where the fjord meets the colder waters of the St Lawrence river is rich in krill, which makes this a great destination for whale watching.
The rugged Gaspé Peninsula is one of the most beautiful landscapes in the Canadian Maritimes, and the waters off the coast are a whale watching hotspot. Highlights include Forillon National Park, home to wildlife including moose and bears, and Bonaventure Island, where you’ll find one of the world’s biggest gannet colonies.
Qaqortoq is southern Greenland’s largest town, though with just 3,000 inhabitants it’s hardly crowded. A trip to the nearby hot springs at Uunartoq is recommended; relaxing in the 38°C water and watching icebergs drift across the bay is quite something.
Narsarsuaq is the gateway to southern Greenland, a region scattered with ancient Norse settlements, icy fjords and wildflower-speckled meadows. Activities available here include kayaking, hiking and boat tours, and the town also has an interesting history as a former American air base.
The island of Uunartoq is famous for its hot springs, the only place in Greenland where the water is warm enough to bathe in. Norsemen are believed to have first discovered the steaming pools a thousand years ago, and the setting is spectacular, surrounded by mountains and icebergs drifting through the fjords.
Greenland’s capital and largest town, Nuuk is positively cosmopolitan compared to the rest of this remote and isolated country. The setting amongst mountains and fjords is striking, and attractions include the Greenland National Museum and the picturesque Old Harbour.
