PONANT Expeditions 2016_2018 collection

EXPEDITION COLLECTION by | 1

E X P E D I T I O NC O L L E C T I O N

N o v e m b e r 2 0 1 6 - M a r c h 2 0 1 8

2 | RESERVATIONS & INFORMATION CALL 1 888 400 1082 OR YOUR TRAVEL ADVISOR • VISIT WWW.PONANT.COM


Dear Traveler,

The Earth shapes us. Water and stone give rise to glaciers and orchids, desert islands and rain forests. We sculpt ourselves to these landscapes. We become myriad, amid these myriad forms.

Too often, we see too little—our vision and experiences dulled by a blizzard of media and technology. This coming year, let’s open the aperture. Let’s challenge ourselves to experience the natural world at its most far-flung, exotic, sublime, and vibrantly real.

The Chilean fjords, the Scattered Islands off Madagascar, the Solomon Islands, Papua New Guinea—these are places straight out of a nature documentary. We’ll take Zodiac landing craft to the tern flocked islands and the penguin massed coasts, wend into an Amazonian rivulet, round a bone sand African island, with expert naturalists at the helm.

And then we’ll return each day to our well-appointed home aboard a PONANT ship. Our sister ships, L’Austral, Le Boréal, Le Lyrial, and Le Soléal, offer a fundamentally different experience from anything you’d expect of stereotypical cruising. Each is a five -star small ship for up to 264 guests, with the elegance of contemporary French design, cuisine, service, and luxury accommodations. Yet they’re meant for getting closer to the rain forests, the unpopulated islands, closer to the distant spaces that few people see. There is simply no more perfect blend of luxury and cutting-edge ship technology available, bringing the ultimate in comfort and refinement to the world’s most extreme corners.

Our attention to detail, with a light touch, extends to our sensitivity for the environment, and the environments and cultures of the indigenous populations we will meet. We are profoundly committed to preserving the environments in which we travel, with all of our sister ships designated internationally as Clean Ships. We operate with the understanding that the destinations we’re sailing to are some of the last unspoiled places on Earth—and that it is our responsibility that they remain pristine, preserved, and unadulterated by our presence.

This coming year, we’d love to have you aboard for a revelatory experience of lands upon the distant seas.

Sincerely,

Navin SawhneyCEO, Americas


Awaken Your Sense of Wonder Humans are by nature curious. We are knowledge-seekers. We conquer final frontiers. We endeavor to be The First. Centuries of explorers can attest to this curiosity, as they set off to brave terra incognita in the furthest reaches of our planet. Whatever goal drove the early adventurers—scientific discovery, a search party, an untold fortune, glory for themselves or their country—their journeys all began with one question: What will I find? And they explored to discover the answer.

When you find yourself asking that question, an expedition cruise is the platform for discovering your answer. While a traditional cruise focuses inward, to what’s happening aboard the ship; an expedition cruise focuses outwards, to what’s happening outside. Nature is your entertainer. Discovery is your purpose. Like-minded travelers are your comrades in arms. Learning—about a new land, a new animal species, a new culture, about the Earth itself—is at the forefront. While on expedition there is always a larger intention.

Discoveries are out there, and it is PONANT’s mission to take you to them. Every expedition cruise—whether you venture to the poles or the tropics—is framed by six key elements:

• Exploration. On expedition you are always exploring, and many times navigating uncharted regions. You can be as active as you like to be—the only requirement is that, much like the early explorers, you are adventurous in spirit.

• Proximity. PONANT’s unique itineraries access to the most remote, pristine destinations on the planet. Often we are the only people there. Our ships bring you close to the action...and our Zodiacs make you a part of it.

• Spontaneity & Flexibility. An expedition puts you in the right place at the right time, and Mother Nature does the rest. With small ships and an adventurous mindset, we have the flexibility to make the most of a situation or opportunity.

• Talent & Tools. PONANT employs the best captains, crew, staff, and naturalists working in the industry today. Our team has the experience to know the inherent risks of expedition cruising, and how to avoid them. And PONANT invests in state-of-the-art technology and equipment, so we can always explore safely.

• Respect. It’s a somber truth that many of the most precious places on Earth are the ones most impacted by climate change and similar pressures of encroaching civilization. We all understand this concept in the abstract, but after an expedition experience, the protection of these lands becomes personal. Travel bestows an appreciation of nature’s delicate balance.

• Ease. PONANT expeditions are all-inclusive. Once onboard, all shore excursions, Zodiac outings, and naturalist lecturers are offered without additional charge. There will be no barriers between you and the experience of a lifetime.


A Tradition of Excellence PONANT was founded more than 25 years ago by two young officers of the French Merchant Marines, including current CEO Jean Emmanuel Sauvee. In 1999, we commenced operating in the Arctic and Antarctic. Today we are the world leader in polar cruising, taking more guests into the Earth’s most extreme regions than any other cruise ship company.

Seventeen years and over 330 departures after that initial expedition, our mission remains constant: to deliver extraordinary experiences and lifelong memories in fascinating and distant destinations.

“ There are two ways of accessing [remote regions]: one way is to form part of the elite group of researchers and scientists who preserve access to the scientific bases—and the other is sailing with PONANT, as we offer our passengers the chance to enjoy a unique experience aboard ships whose smaller size allows us to access exceptional sites. Over the years, our privileged passengers have become veritable ambassadors for the protection of the oceans and the fragile environment of these icy regions.”

—Jean Emmanuel Sauvee, PONANT CEO


ARCTICpage 48

THE AMAZON & ORINOCO

page 82

CHILEAN FJORDS & PATAGONIA

page 82

ANTARCTICApage 18

CLEAN SHIPS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8ADVANCED ENGINEERING . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10EXPEDITION TEAM . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12INDIGENOUS PEOPLE. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14EXPEDITION CALENDAR . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 16ANTARCTICA . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 18THE KIMBERLEY . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 36ARCTIC. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 48

CONTENTS


SPITSBERGENpage 48

THE PACIFICpage 64

INDONESIApage 64

THE KIMBERLEYpage 36

NEW ZEALAND

page 64

THE SEYCHELLESpage 94

MADAGASCARpage 94

PACIFIC & OCEANIA . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 64SOUTH AMERICA . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 82THE SEYCHELLES, SCATTERED ISLANDS & MADAGASCAR . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 94OUR FLEET . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 102INCLUSIONS. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 108TERMS & CONDITIONS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 108PONANT YACHT CLUB . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .110

Discover the World’s Treasures by Sea


PONANT vessels have been carefully designed to offer the highest standards of luxury, and of safety—both for our guests and for the natural environment. Preserving fragile climates is a founding principle of PONANT, and our shared obligation wherever we voyage.

The World’s Most Beautiful Places Deserve to Stay Unspoiled


THE CLEAN SHIPS OF PONANTPONANT’s vessels are the only ships in their class to be certified “Clean Ships” by Bureau Veritas, one of the world’s foremost stewards of ecologically sound travel. We’ve designed our ships with innovative technologies so that our human footprint is as small as possible. These state-of-the-art systems and processes ensure that we can:

• Run silent, run clean. A silent electric propulsion system cuts carbon emissions by 40%, and prevents us from interrupting whale songs.

• Rest without an anchor. A sophisticated GPS and propulsion system, called Dynamic Positioning, can keep us in a fixed location on the seas without need of an anchor. So we won’t rudely crash an octopus’s garden party.

• Responsibly treat all water. PONANT vessels are engineered with advanced systems for conserving, filtering, treating, and recycling all water we use.

• Carbon-scrub what’s left. When oceans absorb carbon dioxide, they get more acidic. Shellfish don’t like that. That’s why we treat our wastewater with advanced filtration systems.

• Never litter. All wastes aboard ship are sorted, compacted, and stored for recycling ashore.

• Travel light. CFR and LED lighting throughout our ships uses just 10% of the electrical power of older, more traditional systems.

• Sea clearly. Advanced sonar provides the bridge with rolling 3D views of the ocean floor, icebergs, and ice floes, and allows us to keep our distance from marine animals.

The World’s Most Beautiful Places Deserve to Stay Unspoiled


Our sister ships, L’Austral, Le Boréal, Le Lyrial, and Le Soléal, have all been designed with one idea at their heart: discovery and inspiration in the furthest reaches of the planet’s seas.

We’ll be able to safely edge right up to ice floes, sea life, and the smallest islands, with a shallow draft plus forward-facing sonar to guide us. We’ll be able to dash on to Zodiac landing craft at a moment’s notice, with a marine launch on the ship’s stern for easy embarkation. Even in choppy waters, we’ll cruise steady with the equipped fin stabilizers. Whales and other sea life will remain safe around us—and us, around them—with an underwater detection system.

Together with our ships’ state-of-the-art green technologies, these engineering aspects ensure a voyage filled with adventure, without compromising either safety or comfort.

Advanced Engineeringfor Luxurious Discovery


Safety first. CUTTING-EDGE TECHNOLOGYThe magic of a PONANT expedition is our ability to transport a cocoon of luxury into the most challenging natural environments. So our ships are built with ice-strengthened hulls, to brave the sea ice of polar waters. The captain always has a superb view of underwater terrain thanks to advanced sonar systems. Satellite weather systems allow us to anticipate inclement weather and, on occasion, avoid it or adapt our expedition schedules on the fly. Six independent, but overlapping, information systems provide pinpoint location-tracking for the ship as a whole, and the fleet of Zodiacs are equipped with radio beacons to ensure your safety.

Where it gets fun. ZODIAC® EXCURSIONSZodiacs are rigid-bottomed, small, durable inflatable boats. They’re built for the challenges of rugged coasts, and narrow channels that larger ships never see. They are the naturalist-adventurer’s best friend.

They are so light and nimble to launch, we can set out on a moment’s notice when manta rays flock off the Solomon Islands, or when cormorants flock in a Chilean fjord. Or ride in with the seabirds to a desert beach. Our landing craft give us freedom of movement.

At the tiller and the bow, expert naturalists will chart our course and illuminate the ecosystems around us. A rare orchid here; an albatross nest to starboard; and we begin to see the living web, its myriad motions.

Our Zodiac excursions—both planned and spontaneous—are at the heart of our expeditions. Every outing is a unique adventure, because if there’s one thing we’ve learned, it’s that Nature always surprises us with something more.

Elegance. With a French Touch. THE PONANT EXPERIENCEWe’re from France. We can’t help it. Our five-star hospitality is inflected with elegance, superb gastronomy (our chefs train at Ducasse Conseil, a catering consulting company run by Alain Ducasse Enterprise), excellent wines and cheeses, Veuve Clicquot champagne, pastries from Ladurée, bread from the French boulangerie Paul, toiletries from L’Occitane, spa services from Sothys, and a service ethos equal parts discretion and joie de vivre.

PONANT ship exteriors are engineered for expeditions; interiors are designed by the celebrated interior design firm of Jean Philippe Nuel, whose work stands at the leading edge of contemporary French design. We invited him to explore the continuity and flow between the beauty of the interior environment, and the natural environments we’ll experience.

All of our beautifully appointed accommo-dations—for a maximum of just 264 guests— are outside, and 95% of them have outdoor balconies. Here, you’ll find a calming luxury with signature touches of the modern Côte d’Azur.


MICK FOGG As an award-winning wildlife photographer and adventurer, Mick Fogg has spent the past 17 years leading expeditions and photographing some of the world’s most remote and spectacular destinations from Antarctica to Southeast Asia. He has designed itineraries and led over 200 expeditions through Antarctica, the Subantarctic Islands, New Zealand, Australia, Vanuatu, New Caledonia, French Polynesia, the South Pacific, the Solomon Islands, Papua New Guinea, Indonesia, and Malaysia. With a degree in marine biology, Mick has been able to combine his passion for exploration and travel with a desire to educate people about the myriad of wonders that abound in nature’s richest realms.

NICOLAS DUBREUILWith more than 20 years experience in the Antarctic, be it on foot, in a kayak, on skis or on a dogsled, and with 90 expeditions under his belt, the polar regions hold no more secrets for this expedition leader, filmmaker, and lecturer. A resident of Kullorsuaq, Nicolas Dubreuil also leads expeditions to remote areas of Greenland and speaks three native dialects. He has organized successful trips to the polar regions for the deaf, amputees, and explorers with other disabilities. Nicolas has been with PONANT for 10 years, working in tandem with the captain to plan routes and produce a photo-report of the cruises. He is only too delighted to share his memories and knowledge.

MARK “HARRY” CHRISTENSEN Harry Christensen is a marine biologist with extensive experience in educating people about Indo-Pacific Coral Reef biodiversity. For over 25 years, he has provided educational programs to visitors in many regions including Australia’s Kimberley, and also led several expeditions in this area. His passion is based on watching Malcolm Douglas’ wildlife documentaries of this rugged and remote coastline. He says “I love the contrast of the red color of ancient Kimberley sandstone, the greens of the woodlands and mangroves, all set upon cloudless blue skies. It gets into your blood. When I am in the Kimberley, I am at home; when not, I crave to return.”

The PONANT Expedition TeamEach of our expedition voyages feature an accomplished team of leaders who will accompany you onboard and in the field to provide fascinating lectures and valuable insight on the destinations we visit. Selected for their knowledge, expertise, and infectious enthusiasm, our seasoned professionals contribute to a rewarding and memorable experience. Each journey is different, but every PONANT expedition promises the discovery and appreciation of some of the most remote and mysterious corners of the world.


JUAN JOSÉ APESTEGUINaturalist and ornithologist Juan José Apestegui was born and raised in Costa Rica. With 20 years experience as a guide and speaker, he has been traveling in the Antarctic for over a decade on expedition and cruise ships. This seasoned naturalist is only too happy to share his extensive knowledge of the geology, wildlife, and culture of Antarctica so guests can fully participate in an adventure to the “sixth” continent.

SIMON COOKSimon Cook has worked as a lecturer and staff member on over 200 small-ship expedition cruises to all corners of the world: Iceland, the Arctic, remote islands of the Atlantic (including South Georgia and the Falkland Islands), and Antarctica, which he has been to 80 times. This Welsh naturalist is particularly interested in photography, cetaceans, and ornithology. He has published numerous photographs and articles about cetaceans in the North Atlantic and birding around the world.

JOHN FRICKJohn Frick has spent over ten seasons leading expedition travel to Antarctica, but his travels have taken him to Africa, Alaska, South America, the Canadian Arctic, Greenland, the Baltic, the Mediterranean, Africa, India, Transatlantic, the South Pacific, and more. He looks forward to sharing his enthusiasm for travel and for the wonders of the natural world, in particular for the White Continent. John especially enjoys imparting his expertise in stargazing and astronomy with his fellow travelers.

JOSÉ SARICAFascinated by dolphins since childhood, José Sarica holds masters and Ph.D. degrees in marine biology and aquatic ecotoxicology. He also studied animal-assisted therapy (AAT), which uses animals to help treat humans suffering psychologically and physically. These experiences led him to become a PONANT naturalist in 2009, allowing him to share his passion for marine mammals during expedition cruises in Antarctica and in the Arctic. In 2014, he became an Expedition Leader in Alaska and Antarctica.

RICK PRICERick Price is a specialist in natural history and a documentary director/cameraman with 24 years experience. He started his career as a marine biologist on Signy Island, Antarctica, conducting surveys and working on his first film material for the BBC Natural History Unit. Today he has credits for famous series including The Natural World and Supersense. Rick is an experienced lecturer and naturalist, taking yearly expedition cruises to the Arctic and Antarctic regions.

“ One of the great joys of being an Expedition Leader is sharing unique experiences with curious people. Most of our guests aren’t satisfied with just taking a pho-tograph of the destination and heading back home. They want to experience the destination and learn more about what they are seeing and the people they are meeting.”

—Mick Fogg


An Introduction to the Indigenous People of Our JourneysThere are many names, spoken in many tongues, with a single meaning: “The people.” “The local people.” “The people of the land.” For hundreds, sometimes tens of thousands of years, indigenous societies grew as one with the land. The earth shaped them. The ice spoke to them. The forest whispered secrets. On our travels, we will meet with descendants of the original inhabitants of these lands. We’ll learn their stories, experience their cultures, arts and traditions, and understand the challenges they face today to preserve ancient knowledge on a changing planet.

MAORIThe Maori arrived in New Zealand in the 13th century after hundreds of years’ migration throughout Polynesia. Their place-names, traditions, and culture infuse every aspect of New Zealand life—and beyond. You’ll recognize their traditional war dance, the “Haka,” in the pre-game chants of New Zealand’s famed rugby team, the All Blacks. You’ll see their swirling, sickle-shaped tattoos adorning bodies around the world. There’s a Maori dignity, honor, and strength all their own, reflected in their kappa haka performance art, their runanga (governing councils), and their champion outrigger canoe crews. Fiercely proud of their traditions, they will welcome you with a hearty “Kia ora!” and a powhiri (pressing noses, their equivalent of a kiss).

ASMATThe trees soar high above, in the rain forest mudflats of southern Papua New Guinea. “Asmat,” here, is the name for wood, and the Asmat believe they were created from the trees, which are inhabited with the souls of the dead. As such, they create from the wood—ancestral masks and fertility totems so beautifully proportioned and intricately carved, an entire room at the Museum of Metropolitan Art is devoted to them. Their hourglass-shaped drums, fitted with lizard skins, are integral to their way of life, a communication of spiritual energy, and their dance ceremonies are thrilling experiences. Until the 1950s, the Asmat had virtually no contact with the outside world.

TRISTANIANSLocated in the southern Atlantic Ocean, the eight-mile-wide British Overseas Territory of Tristan da Cunha is the most remote populated island in the world. And that population is unique: home to approximately 300 people from just 70 families, the inhabitants of Tristan da Cunha descended from 15 ancestors who arrived on the island between 1816 and 1908, originating from Scotland, England, The Netherlands, the United States, and Italy. Every inhabitant of Tristan da Cunha lives in the island’s only settlement, Edinburgh of the Seven Seas, and they all share the same occupation: farming. All land is communally owned; the main source of income is in the island’s lobster factory. Their isolation has also created an unusual dialect of English.


INUITThe frozen Arctic, of icebergs, auroras, the howling winter and the Midnight Sun, is forbidding territory for most of us. But these have been Inuit lands for thousands of years. Hardy fishers and hunters, the Inuit exist almost entirely on a diet of protein and fat—whales, seals, caribou, and musk-oxen—and their clothes and footwear are from animal skins. Since the Inuit believe in an animist universe, they have a saying: “The great peril of our existence lies in the fact that our diet consists entirely of souls.” An angakkuq, or shaman, helps an Inuit community balance this tenuousness. Today, nearly 9 out of 10 Greenlanders are Inuit.

ABORIGINAL AUSTRALIANSThe deep drone of a digeridoo seems to summon the life-force from within the earth, out of the stone, and spin the stars around the enchanted night. It summons, for Aboriginals, the beginning: The Dreaming, the time of Creation, when the Rainbow Serpent carved the billabongs, creeks, and lagoons of The Kimberley. For 50,000 years Aboriginals were the only people known to Australia. Their rock art comprises some of the earliest records of human creativity on the planet. Today, 40% of the Kimberley’s population is Aboriginal, and Aboriginal-owned art centers are an important part of the region’s culture.

THE WARAO“Nearby in the rain forest the jaguar is listening to us,” sings a Warao grandfather, preparing his grandson for the challenges of life ahead. The Warao are boat people, spread out among the innumerable islands of the Orinoco Delta, sheltering in thatched huts on stilts, which rise above the vast Orinoco River’s seasonal flooding. The first Westerner to encounter this tribe, Alonso de Ojeda, named the region Venezuela—“little Venice.” About 20,000 Warao remain, the sole speakers of their indigenous language, which is linguistically unrelated to every other human language on Earth. You may hear their songs, accompanied by bone flutes, as the Warao weave their basketry.

Visit our YouTube Channel at www.youtube.com/user/PonantCruises to see L’Austral’s encounter with the Asmat people


2016-2018 Expedition Calendar EMBARK/DISEMBARK DATES NIGHTS REGION STARTING FROM SHIP CHARTER FLIGHT

2016 VALPARAISO - USHUAIA 11/2 - 11/15 13 SOUTH AMERICA $7,750 LE BORÉAL OW USHUAIA-BUENOS AIRES

USHUAIA - USHUAIA 11/15 - 11/30 15 ANTARCTICA $11,790 LE BORÉAL RT BUENOS AIRES-USHUAIA

USHUAIA - USHUAIA 11/24 - 12/9 15 ANTARCTICA $11,790 LE SOLÉAL RT BUENOS AIRES-USHUAIA


BALI - CAIRNS 12/2 - 12/16 14 PACIFIC & OCEANIA $7,550 L’AUSTRAL

USHUAIA - USHUAIA 12/4 - 12/14 10 ANTARCTICA $9,500 LE LYRIAL RT BUENOS AIRES-USHUAIA


CAIRNS - PORT VILA 12/16 - 12/28 12 PACIFIC & OCEANIA $6,190 L’AUSTRAL


PORT VILA - LYTTELTON 12/28 - 1/7 10 PACIFIC & OCEANIA $5,510 L’AUSTRAL

2017 USHUAIA - USHUAIA 1/4 - 1/14 10 ANTARCTICA $10,810 LE BORÉAL RT BUENOS AIRES-USHUAIA


LYTTLETON - MILFORD SOUND 1/7 - 1/22 15 PACIFIC & OCEANIA $10,280 L’AUSTRAL




AUCKLAND - PORT VILA 2/18 - 3/1 11 PACIFIC & OCEANIA $5,220 L’AUSTRAL

USHUAIA - MONTEVIDEO 2/21 - 3/8 15 ANTARCTICA $10,330 LE SOLÉAL OW BUENOS AIRES-USHUAIA



PORT VILA - KOTA KINABALU 3/1 - 3/18 17 PACIFIC & OCEANIA $8,410 L’AUSTRAL

USHUAIA - CAPE TOWN 3/4 - 3/25 21 ANTARCTICA $10,610 LE LYRIAL OW BUENOS AIRES-USHUAIA

USHUAIA - VALPARAISO 3/5 - 3/18 13 SOUTH AMERICA $8,620 LE BORÉAL OW BUENOS AIRES-USHUAIA

RECIFE - FORT DE FRANCE 3/17 - 4/3 17 SOUTH AMERICA $9,290 LE SOLÉAL

DURBAN - MAHE 4/2 - 4/17 15 SEYCHELLES $8,990 LE LYRIAL

KOTA KINABALU - DARWIN 6/22 - 7/3 11 PACIFIC & OCEANIA $4,540 L’AUSTRAL


EMBARK/DISEMBARK DATES NIGHTS REGION STARTING FROM SHIP CHARTER FLIGHT

TROMSØ - LONGYEARBYEN 6/27 - 7/4 7 ARCTIC $6,210 LE BORÉAL OW PARIS-TROMSØ; OW LONGYEARBYEN-PARIS

DARWIN - BROOME 7/3 - 7/13 10 KIMBERLEY $7,290 L’AUSTRAL

LONGYEARBYEN - LONGYEARBYEN 7/4 - 7/11 7 ARCTIC $6,870 LE BORÉAL RT PARIS-LONGYEARBYEN

LONGYEARBYEN - LONGYEARBYEN 7/11 - 7/18 7 ARCTIC $7,130 LE BORÉAL RT PARIS-LONGYEARBYEN


REYKJAVIK - KANGERLUSSUAQ 7/31 - 8/10 10 ARCTIC $7,450 LE BORÉAL OW KANGERLUSSUAQ-PARIS

REYKJAVIK - KANGERLUSSUAQ 8/9 - 8/21 12 ARCTIC $8,190 LE SOLÉAL OW KANGERLUSSUAQ-PARIS

KANGERLUSSUAQ - KANGERLUSSUAQ 8/10 - 8/23 13 ARCTIC $13,920 LE BORÉAL RT PARIS-KANGERLUSSUAQ


KANGERLUSSUAQ - KANGERLUSSUAQ 8/21 - 9/6 16 ARCTIC $15,360 LE SOLÉAL RT PARIS-KANGERLUSSUAQ

DARWIN - DARWIN 9/1 - 9/11 10 KIMBERLEY $6,640 L’AUSTRAL

KANGERLUSSUAQ - QUEBEC CITY 9/6 - 9/20 14 ARCTIC $8,970 LE SOLÉAL OW PARIS-KANGERLUSSUAQ

DARWIN - BALI 9/11 - 9/22 11 PACIFIC & OCEANIA $4,800 L’AUSTRAL

BALI - BALI 9/22 - 10/3 11 PACIFIC & OCEANIA $4,540 L’AUSTRAL

PUNTA ARENAS - USHUAIA 11/18 - 11/28 10 ANTARCTICA $9,020 LE BORÉAL RT BUENOS AIRES-USHUAIA







2018 USHUAIA - USHUAIA 1/23 - 2/8 16 ANTARCTICA $13,560 LE SOLÉAL RT BUENOS AIRES-USHUAIA



USHUAIA - MONTEVIDEO 2/28 - 3/15 15 ANTARCTICA $9,710 LE SOLÉAL OW BUENOS AIRES-USHUAIA

USHUAIA - CAPE TOWN 3/3 - 3/24 21 ANTARCTICA $8,920 LE LYRIAL OW BUENOS AIRES-USHUAIA

The Ponant Bonus Fare is a promotional price that varies according to the availability of places remaining on the cruise and is subject to change.


ANTARCTICATabletop icebergs, growlers, drift, ice floe, or pack ice...Antarctica has its

own language. Here is your chance to sail through the heart of the Antarctic

Peninsula, a final frontier ensconced in an incredible sheet of ice.


Far to the south lie perhaps the most spectacular, most pristine lands on the planet. Mountains of ice glittering in the sunlight. Magnificent fjords. Immense pale-blue glaciers. And along the rocky shoreline, millions of penguins, seals, albatross, and other seabirds. To travel to Antarctica, South Georgia, and the Falkland Islands is almost like stepping back in time, to the era when the world was new.

Join us for an extraordinary exploration of the great White Continent. As one of our eco-friendly ships sails through the Antarctic Peninsula’s awe-inspiring waterways, you will marvel at icebergs, glaciers, and snow-capped mountains. Daily excursions in Zodiacs with our team of naturalist guides will allow you to cruise among ice floes, explore penguin rookeries, and learn about this extraordinary region in depth.

The remote Falkland Islands and South Georgia are even rarer sites to discover, with their thriving wildlife habitats of seabird colonies and penguin rookeries, and offshore it’s not unusual to encounter whales. Less icy than the Antarctic Peninsula, these mountainous islands are ideal for nature hikes to observe albatrosses, King penguins, fur seals, and elephant seals. We will also pay a special visit to the old Norwegian whaling station of Grytviken, Sir Ernest Shackleton’s final resting place.

HIGHLIGHTS:

• Take a once-in-a-lifetime journey to the White Continent with the #1 Polar Cruise Company in the world.

• Enjoy daily outings in Zodiacs that cruise among ice floes and observe the Antarctic region’s unique wildlife up close, including various species of penguins, minke and humpback whales, elephant seals, sea leopards, and numerous seabirds.

• See surreal Antarctic landscapes, from drifting or calving icebergs, to floating pack ice, to tall snowy mountains.

• Take a thermal bath on Deception Island, hike Neko and Paradise Bay on the Antarctic Peninsula, and explore the lush green pastures in the Falklands or the grassy tussocks of South Georgia.

• In South Georgia, visit abandoned former whaling stations and colonies of King penguins.

• Photograph the abundant wildlife and plant life on the Falkland Islands, which form a link between Patagonia and Antarctica.

• On our transatlantic voyage from South America to Africa, visit the Falkland Islands, South Georgia, Tristan da Cunha—the most remote island in the world—and sail around the Cape of Good Hope to disembark in Cape Town.

The Great White

PONANT is a full and proud member of the International Association of

Antarctica Tour Operators (IAATO)www.iaato.org

IAATO is an industry group organization that sets the highest possible tourism operating standards in an effort to

ensure appropriate,safe and environmentally sound travel to Antarctica. This effort is unique, and the challenge to maintain environmentally

responsible tourism exists to this extent in no other region of the world.

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The Places You’ll GoEven in this worldly age, Antarctica is a land apart. There are no city maps, no marked trails, no local tour guides among the ice cliffs. While your itinerary will vary according to local ice and wind conditions, we plan to visit many awe-inspiring channels, islands, and bays that impart the solitary grandeur and beauty of the land. Each day presents a new discovery.

DRAKE PASSAGEIf there is one place, one sea, one passage that visitors, scientists, and other sailors fear in the Antarctic, it is Drake Passage. Seasoned travelers will tell you that you have to earn the right to see the White Continent, and the Antarctic Convergence zone, where the northward-flowing Antarctic waters meet the warmer equatorial waters, is home to a rich variety of marine wildlife. As the ice caps and peaks of the Antarctic Peninsula emerge on the horizon, the colors of the midnight sun will make this cruise magical and you’ll know immediately why you came.

TRISTAN DA CUNHAA small British archipelago discovered in the 16th century by the Portuguese sailor after whom it was named, Tristan da Cunha is made up of several islands scattered between South America and South Africa. Most of these are listed as UNESCO World Heritage sites. Discover the archipelago’s main island, offering visitors basalt land lulled by the swell, home to the only village in the chain of islands, and topped with a volcano. Further on, your ship will take you to Nightingale Island before heading towards the austere-looking Gough Island, where numerous colonies of sea birds have taken up residence.

THE ANTARCTIC PENINSULAImagine a vast polar expanse, a chain of snow-covered peaks plunging into the Drake Passage, and majestic icebergs separating themselves from the ice shelf…you are in Antarctica! In this place where the fog adds an extra touch of mystery to the pervading icy atmosphere, you will truly feel like you are at the end of the world. During your shore visits in a Zodiac®, you will be able to meet the colonies of penguins as they welcome you on their lands. As the Gentoo, Adélie, and chinstrap penguins are not camera shy, you will be able to capture many unforgettable moments.

BROWN BLUFFLocated in the Antarctic Sound, Brown Bluff boasts some of the White Continent’s most stunning landscapes. Formed by an ancient volcano whose lava gave the bluff a perfectly flat top, this site offers a spectacular setting of long beaches and glaciers, overlooked by a remarkable volcanic tuff cliff. At the foot of this impressive wall, 20,000 pairs of Gentoo and Adélie penguins nest. Don’t miss your chance to observe their clumsy waddling as they leave their nest and head for the beach in search of food.

DECEPTION ISLANDNestling in the north of the Antarctic Peninsula, Deception Island rewards the traveler’s gaze with volcanic beaches and the vestiges of its abandoned huts. This was an important whaling port for a long time and in the early 19th century it became a refuge where sailors could wait for storms or icebergs to pass. The island’s greatest asset is its exceptional wildlife. Today Deception Island is home to one of the largest colonies of chinstrap penguins in the Antarctic Peninsula, as well as elephant and fur seals.

PORT LOCKROYCall at Port Lockroy, a surprising natural harbor sitting in the heart of the Antarctic Peninsula. Discovered by the explorer Jean-Baptiste Charcot, over the years it has served as a relief and repair base for whalers and a British military base in turn, and it is now a scientific research station. Today, it is considered to be the most visited site in the Antarctic, thanks to its small museum that retraces the life of the station from the 1950s onward, and its souvenir shop. Do not miss your chance to visit the world’s southernmost post office, where you can mail a postcard commemorating your Antarctic adventure.


PLENEAU ISLAND & PORT CHARCOTNamed in honor of the talented photographer who accompanied Jean-Baptiste Charcot on his 1903 expedition, Pleneau Island has become a refuge for myriad Gentoo penguins, elephant seals, and fur seals. In the heart of the island, Port Charcot comes into view. This great bay served as Captain Charcot’s first winter quarters during an expedition aboard his vessel Pourquoi Pas? and it still bears traces of that fabulous adventure.

FORTUNA BAY Fortuna Bay sits at the foot of the abrupt heights of the Breakwind Ridge Mountains and its beauty is bewitching: here, the many cliffs plunge into the frozen sea and the surrounding vast plains are covered in grassland dotted with tussock. As for the bay, its curve extends as far as the sea to form a perfect arc cut by a stream. When we drop anchor here, we invite you to retrace the steps of Sir Ernest Shackleton, who landed here during the final part of his famous Antarctic odyssey in 1916, and meet the 50,000 couples of king penguins that have taken up residence on the island.

THE ICEBERGSAntarctica’s icy giants are legendary and iconic. Calved by the ice caps and composed only of fresh water, these crystal cathedrals are a hallmark of polar landscapes and they carry not only the history of the ice cap and glacier they come from, but also the marks of the waves that sculpt their silhouette. Get close to these natural works of art aboard our Zodiac landing craft. Sometimes you will see them toppling or crashing into one another, and you will understand the complex nature of this powerful yet fragile environment.

GRYTVIKENAs part of our celebration of the centennial of Sir Ernest Shackleton’s expedition, we will pay a visit to the old Norwegian whaling station of Grytviken, offering a glimpse into the early 20th-century vestiges of this industry. A calming desolation reigns here. Take time to also visit the museum devoted to the history of South Georgia and a charming church.

HALF MOON ISLANDSituated in the cold waters of the Antarctic, in the heart of the Shetland Archipelago, Half Moon Island offers a surreal and mysterious setting. Here, jagged coastline alternates with gently sloping bays, dominated by ancient petrified volcanic vents. In the center of the island, Camara, Argentina’s former geopolitical base that was established in 1953, nestles in the curve of a vast crescent-shaped beach covered in large, soot-colored pebbles pounded by a sea full of ice. This provides a refuge for numerous animal species and is an unusual port of call on the edges of the Antarctic, promising captivating discoveries.

THE FALKLAND ISLANDS Located to the southeast of South America, the Falkland Islands were discovered by a Spanish expedition at the beginning of the 16th century. More than two hundred years later, sailors from Saint-Malo, known as Malouins, occupied the island and gave it the name used until the British conquered these lands at the edge of the world in 1833. Scattered with tufts of grass and surrounded by a grey and often wild sea, the islands are a small country of moors and rugged coastlines carved by the South Atlantic, where the wildlife and plant life form a link between Patagonia and Antarctica. Take the time to observe and photograph the abundant wildlife of these wild and stunning islands.

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From the Log BookTHE LEMAIRE CHANNEL & BEYOND Le Boréal, February 2, 2013 By Simon Cook

Last night the captain warned us about an early start and he was true to his word, for we had an announcement from him at 4:30 am! The reason was simple—we had entered the spectacular Lemaire Channel, gateway to Antarctica. The sky was overcast but visibility was very good and the channel was largely clear of ice too. Cliffs towered above us on both sides and the tops were covered with ice and snow. Our destination was nearby Port Charcot, but numerous icebergs blocked our way. So instead we landed on Pleneau Island, where there was a large colony of Gentoo penguins. From the top of the island there were scenic views of ‘iceberg alley,’ an area of many grounded icebergs.

After a short break on the ship we were out in the Zodiacs. There were three humpback whales near the ship, which looked as if they were sleeping. Consequently, they enabled us to get very close, after the boats made a very slow approach. To be so near to these leviathans was humbling but very exciting. Some Zodiacs headed northwards towards Port Charcot and were rewarded with close views of leopard seals and minke whales. Others went across to the other side of the Lemaire Channel, where our eagle-eyed naturalist had homed in on two more humpbacks, which could be seen spy-hopping and arching their backs. It was quite something when the whales swam under the ice and emerged explosively in open water so close to us. At this range it was possible to see just how big these creatures really are. Equally impressive was the noise that they made when they exhaled—it was like an elephant trumpeting. There was a final surprise in store for us: each boat had been given glasses and a bottle of champagne!

ST. ANDREWS AND GRYTVIKEN, SOUTH GEORGIA L’Austral, January 11, 2013 By Agnès Brenière

What a day today! We started this morning with a landing in St. Andrews Bay, home to the largest King penguin colony in South Georgia. We walked along the beach meeting King penguins, Antarctic fur seals, elephant seals, giant petrels, and skuas, before climbing a small hill from where, suddenly, the colony appeared to us. It was an unbelievable and stunning view of these thousands of penguins, adults and chicks, standing there, breeding, waiting for food or for their molt! Now we understand why South Georgia is nicknamed “The Serengeti of the South.”

Back on the ship, another surprise awaits us. José, one of our marine mammal specialists, urged us to come on the outside decks to watch a Southern Right whale swimming close to the ship, banging its tail against the sea surface and even showing its head, which was fully covered with barnacles!

After lunch, we watched the impressive scenery of icebergs, most of them tabular icebergs drifting from Antarctica. Such a beauty! Then we arrived in Cumberland Bay for our afternoon landing in Grytviken, an old whaling station that closed in 1964. Here we visited the small cemetery where Shackleton’s grave is located, and the remains of the whaling station itself. Some of us went back to the ship, while others went on a hike between Grytviken and Maiviken, another really scenic bay with lots of icebergs. The weather was with us until the end of the day, and we went to bed with unforgettable memories dancing in our heads.


ANTARCTICA


MAGELLANIC PENGUINSA black and white sea bird with short wings ideal for swimming, this penguin is found only in the Falkland Islands and is the only species that digs and nests in burrows on the edge of the beach.

LEOPARD SEALS This solitary hunter can grow up to 10 feet in length; it owes its name to the spotted fur on its belly. Slim, lean and very agile, you may spot them in the wake of the ship.

BLACK-BROWED ALBATROSSThis elegant bird of the polar seas, whose wingspan can reach about 10 feet, has white feathers and a scattering of black on its wings, while its eyes seem to have been drawn in charcoal. Playing in the air currents, they will become your favorite traveling companions.

GENTOO PENGUINS Smaller than its cousins, standing just two and a half feet tall, the Gentoo’s black and white coat is brightened by its bright red-orange feet. White triangles highlight its mischievous eyes.

CHINSTRAP PENGUIN A medium-sized bird renowned for its boldness and agility, this species is easily recognizable for the fine band of black feathers that adorn its throat. A very sociable animal, it often shares its land with other colonies of Gentoo or Adélie Penguins.

FIN WHALE Easily identifiable thanks to the dorsal fin that breaks the surface of the water, you will recognize this whale for its asymmetrical coloring. Fin whales are smaller than Blue whales, but can reach 65 feet in length and weigh 40-80 tons.

WildlifeThis pearly white land is home to a number of animal species, including seabirds, fur seals, and King, Adélie, and Gentoo penguins. This is nature at its unspoiled, fascinating best. The list below highlights only a few of the species we will encounter on our voyages.


THE HUMPBACK WHALE Renowned as the most impressive marine mammal, this playful acrobat offers an astonishing sight; its huge, powerful blue tail slaps the water’s surface, challenging spectators and photographers alike.

NORTHERN FUR SEALS

The northern fur seal’s small head and short muzzle, combined with its large front flippers, make this animal easy to identify. They are very social and favor windswept beaches, finding shelter in the surrounding rocks.

THE KING PENGUIN Easy to identify with its bright yellow head and neck and grey dorsal feathers, we will only encounter this exceptional swimmer in South Georgia. Indolent and very sociable, they travel in huge colonies that can include many thousands of individuals.

MACARONI PENGUINS Measuring just over two feet in height, this species of penguin is easy to spot thanks to its black and white dress and the crest of yellow feathers on both sides of its head.

SEA LIONS This mammal of the seal family owes its name to the long, dense fur redolent of a large mane around its neck and shoulders. They make their home on rocky beaches and are talented swimmers, at ease both in water and on shore.

ELEPHANT SEALS The largest members of the seal family, the colossal silhouette of this mammal is adorned with a trunk-shaped nose, forming a sound box that allows it to express itself from the shore.

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The Great Austal LoopFor the adventure of a lifetime, this comprehensive, 15-night voyage explores the ineffable grandeur of the Antarctic world, its wildlife, and its majestic landscapes.

USHUAIA • USHUAIA (15 nights)

Aboard Le Boréal November 15 - 30, 2016

Aboard Le Soléal November 24 - December 9, 2016December 19, 2016 - January 4, 2017 (16 nights)

from $11,790 see page 34

D 1 Flight Buenos Aires-USHUAIA (Argentina). Direct transfer to the port or lunch and free time at the Arakur Resort. Optional excursion to Tierra del Fuego National Park available. Embarkation from 16:00 to 17:00

D 2 At seaD 3 New Island - Saunders (Falkland Islands)D 4-5 At seaD 6 Salisbury Plain - Fortuna Bay - Stromness (South Georgia)D 7 Grytviken - St. Andrews Bay (South Georgia)D 8 Gold Harbour - Cooper Bay (South Georgia)D 9-10 At seaD 11 Weddell Sea - Brown Bluff (Antarctica)D 12 Gerlache Strait - Enterprise (Antarctica)D 13 Deception Island - Half Moon Island (Antarctica)D 14-15 At sea - Drake PassageD 16 USHUAIA (Argentina). Disembarkation. Transfer to the

airport. Flight Ushuaia-Buenos Aires International (Pistarini).

Enterprise

Deception Island

Half Moon

Weddell SeaANTARCTIC PENINSULA

Gold Harbour

Salisbury Plain

Grytviken

FALKLAND ISLANDS

SOUTH GEORGIADrake Passage

USHUAIA

New Island

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The Best of the White ContinentThis exploration of Antarctica’s most interesting, most beautiful, and most wildlife-rich islands and islets is a truly unforgettable experience.


Aboard Le Boréal November 30 - December 10, 2016



D 2-3 At sea - Drake PassageD 4 Neko - Paradise Bay (Antarctica)D 5 Pleneau Island - Port Charcot (Antarctica) D 6 Port Lockroy (Antarctica)D 7 Deception Island (Antarctica) D 8 Sailing the Weddell Sea (Antarctica)D 9-10 At sea - Drake PassageD 11 USHUAIA (Argentina). Disembarkation. Transfer to the


USHUAIA

Deception IslandWeddell Sea

Pleneau Island - Port CharcotPort Lockroy

Neko - Paradise Bay

Drake Passage

ARGENTINA

ANTARCTIC PENINSULA

PA

RKA GIFT


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Emblematic AntarcticaOne of our most popular Antarctic itineraries, this 10-night voyage sails in the wake of the great explorers to the most iconic sites of the White Continent.

South Georgia & AntarcticaFollow in the footsteps of Sir Ernest Shackleton on this in-depth exploration of two of the Earth’s most astonishing places.

USHUAIA • MONTEVIDEO (15 nights)

Aboard Le Soléal February 21 - March 8, 2017



D 2-3 At sea - Drake PassageD 4 Neko - Paradise Bay (Antarctica) D 5 Port Lockroy - Wilhelmina Bay (Antarctica)D 6 Deception Island (Antarctica)D 7-8 At seaD 9 Gold Harbour - Cooper Bay (South Georgia)D 10 Grytviken (South Georgia)D 11 Fortuna Bay (South Georgia) D 12-15 At sea D 16 MONTEVIDEO (Uruguay). Disembarkation.

PA

RKA GIFTUSHUAIA • USHUAIA (10 nights)

Aboard Le Boréal January 4 - 14, 2017 February 23 - March 5, 2017

Aboard Le Lyrial December 4 - 14, 2016 February 12 - 22, 2017 February 22 - March 4, 2017


D 2-3 At sea - Drake PassageD 4 Port Lockroy (Antarctica)D 5 Pleneau Island - Port Charcot (Antarctica) D 6 Neko - Paradise Bay (Antarctica)D 7 Sailing the Weddell Sea (Antarctica) D 8 Deception Island - Half Moon Bay (Antarctica)D 9-10 At sea - Drake PassageD 11 USHUAIA (Argentina). Disembarkation. Transfer to the


PA

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Aboard Le Soléal December 9 - 19, 2016 January 4 - 14, 2017 January 14 - 24, 2017 February 2 - 12, 2017


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USHUAIA

Deception IslandWeddell Sea


Neko - Paradise Bay

Drake Passage

ARGENTINA

ANTARCTIC PENINSULA

SOUTH GEORGIA

Drake Passage

USHUAIAARGENTINA

URUGUAY

Deception Island

Gold Harbour

Fortuna Bay

Wilhelmina BayNeko

MONTEVIDEO

ANTARCTIC PENINSULA

Grytviken


Emblematic AntarcticaThis 10-night expedition aboard Le Boréal is the perfect introduction to the White Continent. Sail to some of Antarctica’s most captivating sites, and see the iconic images of this frozen region.

USHUAIA • USHUAIA (10 nights)Aboard Le BoréalNovember 18 - 28, 2017 November 28 - December 8, 2017 December 8 - 18, 2017 January 26 - February 5, 2018 February 25 - March 7, 2018



D 2-3 At sea - Drake PassageD 4 Neko - Paradise Bay (Antarctica)D 5 Pleneau Island - Port Charcot (Antarctica)D 6 Port Lockroy (Antarctica)D 7 Deception Island - Half Moon (Antarctica)D 8 Weddell Sea (Antarctica)D 9-10 At sea - Drake PassageD 11 USHUAIA (Argentina). Disembarkation. Transfer to the


USHUAIA

Deception Island


Neko - Paradise Bay

Weddell Sea

Drake Passage

Atlantic Ocean ARGENTINA

ANTARCTIC PENINSULA

PA

RKA GIFT

From Antarctica to AfricaThis thrilling transcontinental voyage between South America and South Africa visits the incredible islands of the Falklands, South Georgia, and the Tristan da Cunha archipelago—the world’s remotest inhabited island.

USHUAIA • CAPE TOWN (21 nights)

Aboard Le Lyrial March 4 - 25, 2017



D 2 At seaD 3 New Island - Grave Cove (Falkland Islands)D 4 Saunders - Volunteer Point (Falkland Islands)D 5-6 At seaD 7 Salisbury Plain - Fortuna Bay (South Georgia)D 8 St. Andrews - Grytviken (South Georgia)D 9 Gold Harbour - Cooper Bay (South Georgia)D 10-13 At seaD 14 Tristan da Cunha (British Overseas Territories)D 15 Nightingale Island (British Overseas Territories)D 16 Gough Island (British Overseas Territories)D 17-20 At seaD 21 Cape Town (South Africa)D 22 CAPE TOWN (South Africa). Disembarkation.

USHUAIA

CAPE TOWN

SOUTH AFRICA

New Island

Saunders

Fortuna Bay

Tristan da Cunha

Nightingale Island

Gough Island

Gold HarbourGrytviken

ARGENTINA

PA

RKA GIFT


Christmas & New Year’s in the Antarctic PeninsulaSpend Christmas and New Year’s in the mythical White Continent for a memorable holiday season like none other.


Aboard Le Boréal December 18 - 28, 2017 December 28, 2017 - January 7, 2018





USHUAIA

Deception Island


Neko - Paradise Bay

Drake Passage

ARGENTINA

PA

RKA GIFT

Emblematic AntarcticaOne of our most popular Antarctic itineraries, this 10-night voyage aboard Le Lyrial follows in the wake of the great explorers.

USHUAIA • USHUAIA (10 nights)Aboard Le Lyrial December 3 - 13, 2017


D 1 Flight Buenos Aires-USHUAIA (Argentina). Direct transfer to the port or lunch and free time at the Arakur Resort. Optional excursion to Tierra del Fuego National Park available. Embarkation from16:30 to 17:30



Weddell Sea

Weddell Sea

USHUAIA

Deception Island


Neko - Paradise Bay

Drake Passage

ARGENTINA

ANTARCTIC PENINSULA

ANTARCTIC PENINSULA

PA

RKA GIFT

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Beyond the Polar CircleFor the first time, PONANT will cross the Antarctic Circle at latitude 66° 33’ 39”. After discovering the Falklands and South Georgia, you will reach the Antarctic Peninsula and pass this mythic polar line.


Aboard Le Soléal January 23 - February 8, 2018



D 2 At seaD 3 New Island - Saunders (Falkland Islands)D 4-5 At seaD 6 Salisbury Plain - Fortuna Bay (South Georgia)D 7 Grytviken - St. Andrews Bay (South Georgia)D 8 Gold Harbour - Cooper Bay (South Georgia)D 9 At seaD 10 Elephant Island (Antarctica)D 11 Astrolabe Island (Antarctica)D 12 Neko - Peterman Island (Antarctica)D 13 Crossing the Polar CircleD 14-15 At sea - Drake PassageD 16 Ushuaia (Argentina)D 17 USHUAIA (Argentina). Disembarkation. Transfer to the


Gold Harbour

Neko

Astrolabe Island

Elephant Island

Salisbury Plain Grytviken

FALKLAND ISLANDS


Antarctic Polar Circle

USHUAIA

New IslandARGENTINA

ANTARCTIC PENINSULA PA

RKA GIFT

Christmas & New Year’s in Southern LandsMake the end-of-year festive season even more magical aboard Le Soléal with a Christmas and New Year’s cruise against a backdrop of drifting icebergs.


Aboard Le Soléal December 19, 2017 - January 4, 2018



D 2 At seaD 3 New Island - Saunders (Falkland Islands)D 4-5 At seaD 6 Salisbury Plain - Fortuna Bay - Stromness (South Georgia)D 7 Grytviken - St. Andrews Bay (South Georgia)D 8 Gold Harbour - Cooper Bay (South Georgia)D 9-10 At seaD 11 Weddell Sea - Brown Bluff (Antarctica)D 12 Neko - Paradise Bay (Antarctica)D 13 Pleneau - Port Charcot & Wilhelmina Bay - Enterprise

(Antarctica)D 14 Deception Island (Antarctica)D 15 At sea - Drake PassageD 16 Ushuaia (Argentina)D 17 USHUAIA (Argentina). Disembarkation. Transfer to the


NekoPleneau

Deception Island Weddell Sea

ANTARCTIC PENINSULA

Gold Harbour

Salisbury PlainGrytviken

FALKLAND ISLANDS


USHUAIA

New Island

ARGENTINA

PA

RKA GIFT


From Antarctica to AfricaJoin us aboard Le Lyrial for an exceptional transatlantic cruise between Antarctica and South Africa. Midway, we’ll call at Tristan da Cunha, the most isolated island in the world.

USHUAIA • CAPE TOWN (21 nights)

Aboard Le Lyrial March 3 - 24, 2018



D 2 At seaD 3 New Island - Grave Cove (Falkland Islands)D 4 Saunders - Steeple Jason Island (Falkland Islands)D 5-6 At seaD 7 Salisbury Plain - Fortuna Bay (South Georgia)D 8 St. Andrews - Grytviken (South Georgia)D 9 Gold Harbour - Cooper Bay (South Georgia)D 10-13 At seaD 14 Tristan da Cunha (British Overseas Territories)D 15 Nightingale Island (British Overseas Territories)D 16 Gough Island (British Overseas Territories)D 17-20 At seaD 21 Cape Town (South Africa)D 22 CAPE TOWN (South Africa). Disembarkation.

USHUAIA

CAPE TOWNSOUTH AFRICA

New Island

Saunders

Fortuna Bay

Tristan da CunhaNightingale Island

Gough Island

Gold HarbourGrytviken

ARGENTINA PA

RKA GIFT

The Great AdventureFrom the Antarctic Peninsula, set off towards South Georgia, a land of adventure, where the imposing landscapes are home to teeming wildlife.

USHUAIA • MONTEVIDEO (15 nights)

Aboard Le Soléal February 28 - March 15, 2018



D 2-3 At sea - Drake PassageD 4 Neko - Paradise Bay (Antarctica)D 5 Port Lockroy - Wilhelmina Bay (Antarctica)D 6 Deception Island (Antarctica)D 7-8 At seaD 9 Cooper Bay - Gold Harbour (South Georgia)D 10 Grytviken (South Georgia)D 11 Fortuna Bay (South Georgia)D 12-15 At seaD 16 MONTEVIDEO (Uruguay). Disembarkation.

SOUTH GEORGIA

Drake Passage

USHUAIAARGENTINA

URUGUAY

Deception Island

Gold Harbour

Fortuna Bay

Wilhelmina BayNeko

MONTEVIDEO

ANTARCTIC PENINSULA

Grytviken

PA

RKA GIFT

AtlanticOcean

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PON

ANT BONUSUp to -15%

DEC.9, 2016; FEB. 23, 201710 nights on board, round-trip flight Buenos Aires-Ushuaia & transfers

USHUAIA • USHUAIA LE SOLÉAL/ LE BORÉAL

Superior Stateroom $10,810 $9,500Deluxe Stateroom $12,460 $10,900Prestige Stateroom - Deck 4 $13,710 $11,970Prestige Stateroom - Deck 5 $14,300 $12,470Prestige Stateroom - Deck 6 $14,910 $12,990Deluxe Suite $19,910 $17,240Prestige Suite - Deck 5 $23,100 $19,950Prestige Suite - Deck 6 $24,150 $20,840Owner Suite $30,780 -

3rd passenger in a Superior Stateroom $9,500 $8,3903rd and 4th passenger in Suite $19,950 $17,270Children 8 -11 sharing parents' room $1,850 -Individual stateroom rate From + 50%

Safety and port taxes (included in the cruise fare) $630

Airport taxes $50

Emblematic Antarctica (p. 29) JAN. 4, 2017; JAN. 4, 2017; JAN. 14 2017; FEB. 2, 201710 nights on board, round-trip flight Buenos Aires-Ushuaia & transfers

USHUAIA • USHUAIA LE SOLÉAL/ LE BORÉAL

Superior Stateroom $10,810Deluxe Stateroom $12,460Prestige Stateroom - Deck 4 $13,710Prestige Stateroom - Deck 5 $14,300Prestige Stateroom - Deck 6 $14,910Deluxe Suite $19,910Prestige Suite - Deck 5 $23,100Prestige Suite - Deck 6 $24,150Owner Suite $30,780

3rd passenger in a Superior Stateroom $9,5003rd and 4th passenger in Suite $19,950Children 8 -11 sharing parents' room $1,850Individual stateroom rate From + 100%


Airport taxes $50

Emblematic Antarctica (p. 29)

PON

ANT BONUSUp to

-20%

NOVEMBER 30, 2016 (p. 28)10 nights on board, round-trip flight Buenos Aires-Ushuaia & transfers

USHUAIA • USHUAIA LE BORÉAL




Airport taxes $50

The Best of the White Continent

PON

ANT BONUSUp to -15%

DEC. 4, 2016; FEB. 12, 201710 nights on board, round-trip flight Buenos Aires-Ushuaia & transfers

USHUAIA • USHUAIA LE LYRIAL

Superior Stateroom $10,810 $9,500Deluxe Stateroom $12,460 $10,900Prestige Stateroom - Deck 4 $13,710 $11,970Prestige Stateroom - Deck 5 $14,300 $12,470Prestige Stateroom - Deck 6 $14,910 $12,990Deluxe Suite $19,910 $17,240Prestige Suite - Deck 5 $23,100 $19,950Privilege Suite - Deck 6 $24,150 $20,840Grand Deluxe Suite - Deck 6 $27,460 $23,650Grand Privilege Suite - Deck 6 $30,000 -Owner Suite $30,780 -



Airport taxes $50


PON

ANT BONUSUp to-20%

NOVEMBER 15 & 24, 201615 nights on board, round-trip flight Buenos Aires-Ushuaia & transfers

USHUAIA • USHUAIA LE BORÉAL/LE SOLÉAL




Airport taxes $50

The Great Austral Loop (p. 28)

MARCH 4, 201721 nights on board, outward flight Buenos Aires-Ushuaia & transfers

USHUAIA • CAPE TOWN LE LYRIAL



Safety and port taxes (included in the cruise fare) $1,323

Airport taxes $30

PON

ANT BONUSUp to -25%

From Antarctica to Africa (p. 30)

PON

ANT BONUSUp to-5%

DECEMBER 19, 201616 nights on board, round-trip flight Buenos Aires-Ushuaia & transfers

USHUAIA • USHUAIA LE SOLÉAL




Airport taxes $50

The Great Austral Loop (p. 28)

South Georgia & Antarctica (p. 29)

PON

ANT BONUSUp to-15%

FEBRUARY 21, 201715 nights on board, outward flight Buenos Aires-Ushuaia & transfers

USHUAIA • MONTEVIDEO LE SOLÉAL




Airport taxes $30

PON

ANT BONUSUp to

-10%

FEBRUARY 22, 201710 nights on board, round-trip flight Buenos Aires-Ushuaia & transfers





Airport taxes $50


2016-2017 Fares (per person, double occupancy)


PON

ANT BONUSUp to -30%

NOV. 18, 2017; NOV. 28, 2017; JAN. 26, 2018; FEB. 25, 2018 10 nights on board, round-trip flight Buenos Aires-Ushuaia & transfers





Airport taxes $45


PON

ANT BONUSUp to-20%






Airport taxes $45


PON

ANT BONUSUp to

-30%



Superior Stateroom $11,970 $9,020Deluxe Stateroom $13,850 $10,330Prestige Stateroom - Deck 4 $15,250 $11,310Prestige Stateroom - Deck 5 $15,910 $11,780Prestige Stateroom - Deck 6 $16,600 $12,260Deluxe Suite $22,240 $16,210Prestige Suite - Deck 5 $25,820 $18,720Privilege Suite - Deck 6 $27,000 $19,540Grand Deluxe Suite - Deck 6 $30,740 $22,160Grand Privilege Suite - Deck 6 $33,600 $24,160Owner Suite $34,540 -



Airport taxes $45


PON

ANT BONUSUp to

-30%






Airport taxes $45

Christmas in the Antarctic (p. 31)

PON

ANT BONUSUp to -30%






Airport taxes(**) $45

New Year's in the Antarctic (p. 31)

PON

ANT BONUSUp to -20%






Airport taxes $45

Christmas & New Year's in Southern Lands (p. 32)

PON

ANT BONUSUp to -15%

Beyond the Polar Circle (p. 32)FEBRUARY 28, 201815 nights on board, outward flight Buenos Aires-Ushuaia & transfers

USHUAIA • MONTEVIDEO LE SOLÉAL


3rd passenger in a Superior Stateroom $10,730 $8,5603rd and 4th passenger in Suite $22,910 $17,700Children 8 -11 sharing parents' room( $1,728 -Individual stateroom rate From + 30%


Airport taxes $22

PON

ANT BONUSUp to-30%

The Great Adventure (p. 33)MARCH 3, 201821 nights on board, outward flight Buenos Aires-Ushuaia & transfers

USHUAIA • CAPE TOWN LE LYRIAL

Superior Stateroom $11,650 $8,920Deluxe Stateroom $13,390 $10,140Prestige Stateroom - Deck 4 $14,690 $11,050Prestige Stateroom - Deck 5 $15,300 $11,480Prestige Stateroom - Deck 6 $15,940 $11,920Deluxe Suite $21,150 $15,570Prestige Suite - Deck 5 $24,480 $17,900Privilege Suite - Deck 6 $25,580 $18,670Grand Deluxe Suite - Deck 6 $29,040 $21,090Grand Privilege Suite - Deck 6 $31,690 $22,950Owner Suite $32,570 -



Airport taxes $22

PON

ANT BONUSUp to -30%

From Antarctica to Africa (p. 33)JANUARY 23, 201816 nights on board, round-trip flight Buenos Aires-Ushuaia & transfers





Airport taxes $45

2017-2018 Fares (per person, double occupancy)


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THE KIMBERLEY, WESTERN AUSTRALIA

Australia’s last frontier, the Kimberley region is impenetrable, desolate, and

magnificent—a destination for true adventurers.

Come explore the real Outback.


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Located in the desolate northern region of Western Australia, the Kimberley is one of the world’s last great wilderness areas. At over 163,500 square miles, it is three times the size of England, yet there is only one paved road traversing it. This is an ancient land, built on 1.8 billion-year-old sandstone that has been uplifted, contorted, and eroded to form spectacular gorges, desolate mountains, and magnificent waterfalls. It is a national biodiversity hotspot listed in the top 3.7% of least-impacted marine environments worldwide. And it is here that you will find a living indigenous culture dating back more than 40,000 years, along with Australia’s oldest rock art galleries.

For the first time, PONANT is offering in-depth itineraries that explore this isolated coastline of Australia’s great Outback. The Kimberley boasts more than 2,633 islands, extensive mangrove forests, wild rivers, and important seabird breeding colonies, all best discovered via small ship. Join us onboard the five-star expedition ship L’Austral, the youngest and most modern ship in the region, for a true adventure.

HIGHLIGHTS:

• Take a Zodiac expedition to view the unique tidal phenomena of the Horizontal Falls, with the option to take a “fast boat” through the falls.

• Encounter the world’s largest population of migrating humpback whales; watch for Australian Humpback dolphins and the elusive Snubfin dolphin.

• Enjoy Zodiac excursions to get close to mangroves, amazing geological features, waterfalls, and landscapes that are over a billion years old.

• Enjoy swimming in crystal-clear, shallow waters at the Surveyor’s Pool or in the Buccaneer Archipelago.

• Hike to the top of King George Falls to enjoy fantastic views and a refreshing swim.

• Take guided bush walks and discover the cultural history of Wijingarra Bard Bard.

• Walk to caves to see examples of Gwion and Wandjina rock art.

• Take an optional helicopter tour to the Mitchell Falls, Mitchell River, and Mitchell Plateau.

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The Places You’ll GoVast wildlife sanctuaries, spectacular gorges, thundering waterfalls, some of the world’s most beautiful beaches, untouched atolls, and rugged islands with an amazing variety of marine life: in a place that has fewer people per square mile than almost anywhere else on Earth, the Kimberley guarantees a great adventure. Let PONANT take you to a land few have been privileged to see.

VANSITTART BAY - JAR ISLAND Jar Island contains ancient rock art galleries depicting the Gwion Gwion style, unique to the Kimberley region. These extremely ornamented naturalistic human figures are stained indelibly into the rock surface, forming a negative-like image devoid of pigment, indicating great age which may extend back over 30,000 years. Indeed, these are the oldest detailed depictions of human figures in the world, and their detail provides a fascinating insight into a rich early culture.

BUCCANEER ARCHIPELAGOThe Buccaneer Archipelago consists of up to one thousand rocky islands, the last remnants of a drowned coastline. Approximately 1,800 million years ago the Kimberley basin collided with the Australian landmass, causing the folding and buckling of the sedimentary rocks. Approximately 550 million years ago, a series of ‘wrench faults’ occurred, strong enough to bend the sandstone 45-90 degrees. These geological phenomena resulted in unique landscapes and huge tidal ranges.

PRINCE FREDERICK HARBOUR & THE HUNTER RIVER One of the most scenic parts of the Kimberley coast, Prince Frederick Harbour and Hunter River are lined with ancient rain forest pockets, pristine mangroves, and mosaic sandstone cliffs. The sandstone escarpment at the river mouth, known as kampamantiya, rises over 650 feet before giving way to extensive mud banks and mangrove forests. Guarding the entrance to the river is Wunumpurramarra, also known as Naturalists Island.

FRESHWATER COVE, COLLIER BAY Freshwater Cove lies in the heartland of Worrorra country, and it is here that you’ll have a unique opportunity to hear the stories of the Dreamtime (creation). Worrorra are a proud people that have returned to their country after being displaced during WWII. Along with the Ngarinyin and Wunambal tribes, they are part of the shared Wandjina culture and belief system. Wijingarra Bard Bard is home to a number of significant rock art galleries.

KING GEORGE RIVER & FALLS The 260-foot-high sides of the King George River display varying degrees of weathering, the colors and textures of the gorge changing as you travel up the river. Red, pink, and orange hues, together with weathering and erosion patterns, provide continually changing scenery that culminates at the King George twin falls, the highest single drop falls in the Kimberley. For many, this the highlight of their Kimberley experience.

HORIZONTAL FALLS, TALBOT BAYTalbot Bay is defined by stunning geological features including the Horizontal Waterfalls and the dramatic, vertiginous cliffs of Cyclone Creek—one of the premier attractions of the West Kimberley. The Horizontal Waterfalls are a pair of stunning breaks in the McLarty Range, with massive tidal differences of up to 35 feet. They are created as seawater builds up faster on one side of the gaps than the other, creating a waterfall up to 13 feet high and vast tidal whirlpools on the outgoing side.

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You have a background in marine biology. When and why did you decide to become a guide in the travel industry?After working at a regional university in Northern Australia for 10 years I decided that I needed a change. I took a break from work and started travelling through Outback Australia and the remote jungles of Borneo. It was then that I discovered a thirst for travel to remote parts of the planet. I wasn’t interested in visiting big cities or the theme parks of the world. I wanted to explore and discover places that people rarely travelled to.

The desire to travel and explore naturally led me to the tourism industry. I formed my own small boutique expedition company conducting tours through the remote areas of Northern Australia and Indonesia. I then received an invitation to sail on board the world’s first luxury small expedition ship. I was amazed by this travel concept—it seemed a perfect match. Guests are able to travel to remote locations and have an authentic, bespoke experience in total comfort and style. Imagine being able to walk through the forests of Komodo Island in search of ‘dragons,’ before returning to our ship, where attentive crew mix your cocktail of choice and a team of waiters serve you exquisite cuisine prepared by our French chefs.

What do you like most about being an expedition leader? One of the great joys is sharing unique experiences with well-educated and well-travelled people. Most of our guests aren’t satisfied with just taking a photograph of the destination and heading back home. They want to experience the destination and learn more about what they are seeing and the people they are meeting. Through education and understanding our guests gain a holistic experience and memories that stay with them forever.

You’ve led expeditions throughout the Pacific and Oceania. Do you have a favorite destination—or maybe a top three? It’s impossible for me to narrow down a favourite destination. My journeys have taken me to some pretty amazing places across the planet, but here goes:

Australia’s remote Kimberley region is definitely in my top three. The timeless landscapes, pristine environments and harsh beauty are like nowhere else on Earth. Born by fire over two billion years ago it is home to the oldest continuous culture on Earth and the world’s largest living reptile. The scenery is breathtaking and with less than 45,000 people living in an area the size of California it is one of the world’s “last frontiers.”

Of all the polar destinations I have visited, Macquarie Island is still my favourite. The landscape is spectacular and it has some of the highest densities of wildlife of anywhere on the planet. It is also one of the world’s least visited travel destinations, making it truly unique. Did you know that in 2014 more people attempted to reach the summit of Mount Everest than visited Macquarie Island—now that’s unique! I have been to Macquarie Island many times but, on every visit, the moment I set foot on that beach it takes my breath away. Every time I leave, I vow to return, and I see no end in sight.

The Sekonyer River that leads to Camp Leakey in Tanjung Puting National Park, Indonesia, holds a very special place in my heart. It was here that I first encountered Orang-Utans in the wild. It is without doubt the best place on the planet to view these remarkable apes in their natural environment.[Editor’s note: See the Pacific & Oceania section on page 64 for PONANT expeditions to Maquaire Island and Indonesia.]

Q&A with Mick FoggAs an award-winning wildlife photographer and adventurer, Australian Mick Fogg has spent the past 17 years leading expeditions and photographing some of the world’s most remote and spectacular destinations from Antarctica to Southeast Asia. We sat down with Mick to ask him some questions about expedition cruising, PONANT’s newest destination, the Kimberley, and what it’s like to encounter a formidable “Saltie.”


You’re also a professional photographer. What kind of camera do you travel with? Can you share tips on how to capture the perfect nature shot? I usually travel with two DSLR bodies and a number of lenses from wide angle to telephoto. I use my Canon 7D Mark II for wildlife images and my Canon 5D Mark III for scenery shots.

There’s lots of tips and tricks to capturing the perfect nature photograph, so when travelling on board we offer presentations in photography basics. When it comes to capturing landscapes it’s all about composition. Always look at the whole image to be captured, not just the main subject. Try a different angle or height to shoot from: most people view life between five and six feet off the ground, and by taking an image from ground level or up high you capture images that we don’t normally see, and they become more interesting to look at. When it comes to capturing wildlife shots, my best advice is practice, practice, practice. For example if you want to photograph birds in flight then practice in your local park or at the beach. It’s definitely worth the time and effort, so that you can capture a great moment when on your holiday. I always “burst” shoot wildlife images to ensure the sharpest, crispest image.

Name three things you pack that you can’t leave home without. My camera, passport, and some local currency. With these three items I can travel freely and capture memorable moments.

The Kimberley has been called one of the last true wilderness areas on Earth. How does it feel to visit such a remote place? The feelings I get on returning to the Kimberley are almost indescribable. It is a place where landscapes are altered only by weather and tides, where human footprints are few and far between, and the stories in stone left by ancient cultures are still being read today. It almost feels like you are stepping back in time, to how the world once was, before humankind began shaping it. Landing on these ancient shores, knowing that they haven’t changed since the first arrival of man some 40–50,000 years ago is a humbling experience. It is one of the last great wilderness areas that has remained unsullied by man, where Mother Nature is free to show off all her glory.

Our Kimberley expedition voyages allow guests to explore the myriad of waterways with our fleet of Zodiacs in search of wildlife, take guided walks to ancient indigenous rock art sites, walk along pristine white sand beaches and learn about the landforms, cultures, and natural history of the region. We have the world’s youngest fleet of luxury expedition ships and are “green ship” certified. Meaning that guests can feel happy knowing they are travelling through a pristine area in the most environmentally sensitive vessels available.

Do you have a favorite native Aussie animal? What wildlife could one expect to see on a Kimberley expedition cruise? That’s hard to say. I love the uniqueness of the Australian fauna, the fact that we have egg-laying mammals and are dominated by marsupials sets us apart from the rest of the world.

One of my favourite animals that I like to encounter and photograph would have to be the black necked stork. It is a spectacular bird to watch when it is hunting fish, dancing from one leg to another with wings outstretched to confuse its prey. Our Kimberley expeditions will be at the best time of the year for wildlife, as the waters recede during the dry season the birds and reptiles become more concentrated. In addition, during the months of July to September, the world’s largest population of migrating humpback whales arrives in the Kimberley region. Last year there was an estimated 36,000 humpbacks migrating up the West Australian coast and the great news is that the population is increasing at about 10% a year. It is one of the best places on the planet to view these majestical leviathans.

On that note, what is it like to encounter a saltwater crocodile (or “Saltie”), the largest living reptile and a Kimberley inhabitant? They sound pretty ferocious. They are such an ancient animal and time doesn’t seem to have much meaning to them. They will watch animals (including humans) for days, learn their (our) routines and wait patiently for the opportune moment to attack. Rarely do they attack spontaneously; they are methodical and efficient hunters. There’s something unnerving about being outsmarted by an animal with the brain the size of a walnut!

They are one of the few ‘cold blooded’ animals to survive the great K/T boundary extinction (66 million years ago) and are perfectly adapted to their environment. With the ability to lower their heart rate to one beat a minute, sense minute vibrations hundreds of meters away and explode from the water at almost 37 mph, they are a formidable predator. When I see a “Saltie” I see the success of millions of years of natural selection, whereas most people just see a beautiful pair of shoes or a handbag!

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WildlifeAustralia is a continent famous for its unique, endemic animal species, and the Kimberley—as one of the world’s last true wilderness areas—is home to many of them. Below is a sampling of what we may encounter on our Kimberley cruise.

SALTWATER CROCODILEEarth’s largest and one of the deadliest living reptiles, the saltwater crocodile has the broadest distribution of any other crocodile, ranging from eastern India to northern Australia. “Salties,” as Australians are known to call them, are formidable, opportunistic predators that feed on prey both large and small, including fish, other reptiles, birds, water buffalo, monkeys, wild boar, and sharks. They have the strongest bite of any modern animal. Males can reach up to 20 feet and weigh up to 3,000 pounds. Females are much smaller and often do not grow larger than nine feet long.

SNUBFIN DOLPHINThe rare Australian snubfin dolphin has a blunt, round head and smiling mouth line—resulting in a cute, docile appearance. Unlike other dolphins, the snubfin is quite shy, yet extremely social in its own population of 50-100 individuals. They can become so engrossed in their fellow dolphins when playing or feeding that they become oblivious to oncoming vessels.

BLACK NECKED STORKSThe picturesque black necked stork is known for is distinctive plumage: a jet-black head, black wing bar, and black tail, which contrast against the white plumage of the rest of the body and its long, coral-red legs. The male and female storks are identical in coloring and size, and are only distinguishable by different-colored irises (striking yellow for females and brown for males). This carnivorous bird ranges from Southeast Asia to Australia.

GREEN TURTLEThe green turtle is the most common sea turtle in the Kimberley, and is identifiable for its olive green, heart-shaped carapace that measures up to three feet in length. Green turtles nest, forage, and migrate across tropical northern Australia, and can live for a hundred years. This species is widely distributed, but is under threat everywhere from over-harvesting of both eggs and adults, and from accidental mortality in the nets and long-lines of fishing fleets. Equally as worrying are the high numbers of green turtles suffering from debilitating and potentially lethal tumors, the cause of which is unknown.

SHORT-EARED ROCK WALLABYThe “acrobat of the marsupial world” can be found leaping and bounding around the rocky outcrops and cliff ledges. Their agility is due in part to feet that grip rock with skin friction rather than claws. The short eared rock wallaby is found in small areas of northern Australia, yet in abundance, and is named for ears that are not more than half the length of their heads.

AUSTRALIAN HUMPBACK DOLPHINThe Australian humpback dolphin is a recently-classified species of of humpback dolphins that occurs between northern Australia and southern New Guinea. While all humpback dolphins have conspicuous humps, the Australian variation has a lower dorsal fin than its Atlantic and Indian cousins, along with an overall dark gray coloration.


Iconic KimberleyFrom Darwin to Broome, embark on an expedition of the best of Australia’s Outback. L’Austral will take us as far as the Buccaneer Archipelago, whose coast is one of the most spectacular in the region.

DARWIN • BROOME (10 nights)

Aboard L’Austral July 3 - 13, 2017 July 23 - August 2, 2017 August 12 - 22, 2017


D 1 DARWIN (Australia) Embarkation from 16:00 to 17:00

D 2-3 Koolama Bay | King George River and Falls

D 4 Vansittart BayD 5 Hunter River | Mitchell FallsD 6 Freshwater CoveD 7 Montgomery ReefD 8 Talbot Bay | Horizontal FallsD 9 Buccaneer ArchipelagoD 10 The Lacepede IslandsD 11 BROOME Disembarkation

Jewels of the KimberleySailing round trip from Darwin, Australia’s only tropical capital city, this expedition provides an in-depth exploration of the country’s unspoiled northwest coast.

DARWIN • DARWIN (10 nights)

Aboard L’Austral September 1 - 11, 2017


D 1 DARWIN (Australia) Embarkation from 15:00 to 16:00

D 2 Vansittart BayD 3 Hunter River | Mitchell FallsD 4 Freshwater CoveD 5 The Lacepede IslandsD 6 Montgomery ReefD 7 Talbot Bay | Horizontal FallsD 8 Swift BayD 9-10 Koolama Bay |

King George River and FallsD 11 DARWIN Disembarkation

Vansittart Bay

Hunter River & Mitchell FallsFreshwater Cove

Montgomery Reef

Talbot Bay & Horizontal Falls

BROOME

The Lacepede Islands

Buccaneer Archipelago

AUSTRALIA

Timor Sea

DARWIN

Koolama Bay and King George River & Falls

Koolama Bay and King George River & Falls

Vansittart BayHunter River & Mitchell Falls

Freshwater Cove

Montgomery Reef The Lacepede Islands

AUSTRALIA

Timor Sea

DARWIN

Swift Bay

Talbot Bay & Horizontal Falls

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Fares (per person, double occupancy)

AUGUST 12, 201710 nights on board

DARWIN • BROOME L’AUSTRAL

Superior Stateroom $7,290 $6,960Deluxe Stateroom $7,800 $7,450 Prestige Stateroom - Deck 4 $8,360 $7,990Prestige Stateroom - Deck 5 $8,590 $8,200Prestige Stateroom - Deck 6 $8,820 $8,420Deluxe Suite $12,030 $11,470Prestige Suite - Deck 5 $16,360 $15,580Prestige Suite - Deck 6 $16,830 $16,030Owner Suite $17,950 -

3rd passenger in a Superior Stateroom $4,050 $3,8903rd and 4th passenger in Suite $8,590 $8,200Children 8 -11 sharing parents' room $590 -Individual stateroom rate From + 85%


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ANT BONUSUp to-5%

Iconic Kimberley

SEPTEMBER 1, 201710 nights on board

DARWIN • DARWIN L’AUSTRAL

Superior Stateroom $7,290 $6,640Deluxe Stateroom $7,800 $7,100 Prestige Stateroom - Deck 4 $8,360 $7,610Prestige Stateroom - Deck 5 $8,590 $7,810Prestige Stateroom - Deck 6 $8,820 $8,020Deluxe Suite $12,030 $10,910Prestige Suite - Deck 5 $16,360 $14,810Prestige Suite - Deck 6 $16,830 $15,230Owner Suite $17,950 -

3rd passenger in a Superior Stateroom $4,050 $3,7303rd and 4th passenger in Suite $8,590 $7,810Children 8 -11 sharing parents' room $590 -Individual stateroom rate From + 100%


PON

ANT BONUSUp to-10%

Jewels of the Kimberley

JULY 3, 2017; JULY 23, 201710 nights on board

DARWIN • BROOME L’AUSTRAL


3rd passenger in a Superior Stateroom $4,050 3rd and 4th passenger in Suite $8,590Children 8 -11 sharing parents' room $590Individual stateroom rate From + 100%


Iconic Kimberley

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THE ARCTICRemote, frozen, expansive, and for the most part inaccessible, the Arctic

has fueled the imagination of adventurers for centuries. PONANT invites all

explorers-at-heart on an unforgettable journey of discovery and appreciation

for the icy realms that lie beyond 66°N.


Traveling to the Arctic means heading for lands that are extreme, magnificent, and far from the most popular tourist itineraries. PONANT will take you from Iceland to Spitsbergen, Greenland to Baffin Bay, and along the mythical Northwest Passage, long coveted by generations of explorers, before reaching the rugged coastlines of the Russian Far East between Kamchatka and the Kuril Islands.

Journey to incredible, pristine landmasses standing in the middle of a sea of ice, where the infinite silence is broken only by the sounds of drifting icebergs as they crash, breaching humpback whales, or a sudden flight of puffins, and where you might glimpse a majestic polar bear searching for food along the ice.

Here, each outing is different. As you sail aboard our fleet of five-star expedition ships, you will witness landscapes that are ever-changing according to the light, the mood of the sea, and the color of the ice, which varies from pure white to deep blue. During your shore visits in a Zodiac landing craft in the company of our naturalist guides, you will also have the chance to come face-to-face with ancestral cultures in Inuit, Koryak, or Chukchi villages, whose traditions have been protected for generations.

HIGHLIGHTS:

• Enjoy regular outings in Zodiacs among fjords, iridescent icebergs, jagged mountains, steep-sided valleys, vertiginous cliffs, wild tundra and majestic glaciers.

• Sail the fjords of Spitsbergen, land of the polar bear.

• Meet with the Arctic’s native Inuit people in their own villages, and learn about the traditions and way of life of these gracious, hospitable people.

• Explore Greenland’s Disko Bay, a UNESCO World Heritage site.

• Watch the Eqi Glacier, one of the most active glaciers in Greenland, calve dramatically into the icy sea with an explosive sound.

• Hike Canada’s Gros Morne National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage site.

• Take an optional scenic helicopter flight over the town of Saguenay, Quebec.

• Visit the Torngat Mountains and Gros Morne National Parks in Newfoundland and Labrador.

• Exploring Canada’s Nunavut, a wild expanse of nature that can only accessed by air or by sea.

• Be dazzled by the vivid hues of the Aurora Borealis, if you are fortunate.

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The Places You’ll GoSpectacular Iceland, resting on the edge of the Arctic. The chiseled coastlines of Spitsbergen and Canada’s Nunavut Territory. Marine-life rich Baffin Bay. And large, intimidating, magnificent Greenland, home to icy panoramas, stunning nature, and a surprisingly deep culture. When you’ve seen the world, there’s always the Arctic.

TROMSØAs the gateway to Svalbard, Tromsø is the departure point for polar expeditions. Here, the infinite shades of blue and white blend and mingle endlessly. Fishing villages, fragrant botanic gardens and crystal-clear waterfalls are just some of the wonders that make this Arctic capital way up in Norway’s north so beautiful. Do not miss your chance to discover the Arctic Cathedral, a fascinating example of Scandinavian architecture whose remarkably bold lines call to mind a great white ship standing proudly, facing the old town.

MONACO GLACIERLocated to the northwest of the Svalbard Archipelago, the Monaco Glacier is probably one of Spitsbergen’s most beautiful and majestic. Named in honor of Prince Albert I of Monaco, a sailor, it stands as an impenetrable, blue-tinged jagged wall, the last glacier before reaching a latitude of 80° North. Imagine the sound of the ice cracking as it breaks free and crashes into the translucent water. And to make the magical landscape even more perfect, you might be lucky enough to spot bears and whales, as these two animals have a special fondness for this area.

HORNSUND & BELLSUNDLocated in the country’s south, Hornsund offers an extraordinary spectacle: the permanent daylight illuminates the glaciers to reveal all of their beauty, while polar bears tirelessly roam the region. Next, we will head to the Bellsund Fjord to follow in the footsteps of the first explorers who came from the Norwegian coast, or those of the many fur traders seeking game and trophies. Boasting an astonishingly rich wildlife, the arms of the fjord separate to form two lush valleys.

ILULISSAT FJORDThe Ilulissat Fjord offers an extraordinary spectacle. We invite you to embark on an unforgettable adventure aboard a local boat to discover this river of ice. When the light changes as the sun’s angle shifts, the icebergs display strange colors, draping themselves in gold, pink, red, and mauve as off in the distance the houses light up for nightfall. In the isolated bay, the horizon, water, and ice meld together and become one.

NY ALESUND & CROSS FJORDDiscover Ny Alesund, a former mining town that has been transformed into a scientific base. Founded in 1916, this small village was the departure point for many Arctic expeditions, including those of the famous explorer Roald Amundsen. Don’t miss a visit to the museum and its famous post office, considered to be the most northerly in the world. Cross Fjord will reveal its typically Arctic setting, made up of plutonic rock and tundra. Experience the wild beauty of a remote land which many species of endemic wildlife have chosen as a haven.

EQI GLACIER & PAUL-EMILE VICTOR BASE CAMP“The most beautiful place in the Arctic” is how Paul-Emile Victor described Greenland. The Eqi Glacier is one of the region’s most impressive sights. Here, the silence is broken only by the roaring and cracking of the ice. It is impossible to know if one is shivering from cold or from the sheer thrill of being here. Imagine the vast outline of a glacier, its translucent crystals glowing with an ice-blue fire in the sunlight. Paul-Emile Victor’s shelter cannot be overlooked; it was from here that the French Polar Expeditions’ anthropological and geographic explorations set off in the 1950s.


THE NORTHERN LIGHTSGreenland’s infinite skies and the clear, cloudless nights sometimes feature strange light phenomena: the aurora borealis, or northern lights. Here, night is transformed into a shimmering veil of colors, a nocturnal rainbow that undulates with elegance and mystery as it drapes itself in crimson, orange, fluorescent emerald green, and ethereal pink. According to Viking legend, this light show is caused by the armor of the Valkyries emitting a strange twinkling light as these virgin warriors fly towards Odin’s palace. The aurora borealis occurs when particles from the Sun collide with particles in Earth’s atmosphere.

NUUKInhabited by an entire population of Vikings from the 10th century, Nuuk has since become the refuge of Inuit populations. Established at the mouth of one of the world’s largest fjords, Greenland’s capital extends gradually over Davis Strait and boasts a historic center with a particularly rich heritage. The bright reds, blues, greens, and yellows of the houses contrast with the dark waters of Greenland to warm the heart and spirit of local inhabitants during the winter. The rich colors of the tundra mingled with the sea and sky create a stunning picture.

BAFFIN BAYVirgin lands from the dawn of time and the immensity of the polar oceans: you are in Baffin Bay. Here, you will discover a secret share of a protected treasure. Spot polar bears, humpback whales, walruses, migratory birds, and, as you round an opaque glacier, you might even see a languid beluga.

HUMBOLDT GLACIERThe ice cap that covers the majority of Greenland extends right down to the Arctic Ocean via vast glaciers, each as majestic as the next. The most well-known and spectacular of these is without a doubt the Humboldt Glacier. It is the vastest coastal glacier in the Northern Hemisphere, with a terminus that reaches 68 miles in width. Advancing inexorably towards the sea, it regularly calves veritable ice cathedrals—gigantic icebergs that detach themselves from the glacier before toppling and crashing into the frozen ocean.

NUNAVUT TERRITORYThe Canadian Arctic archipelago is roughly the size of Western Europe. A faraway, remote region of frozen earth and sea ice, intense cold reigns here. The Nunavut Territory is an inhospitable, almost inhuman place, and yet the Inuit people have lived here for thousands of years, deeply connected to their land. Indeed, the population is approximately 33,3330 people, 84 percent of whom are indigenous. Nunavut can only be accessed by air or sea, so visiting this place is a rare delight.

MEETING THE INUITFor 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. This people’s oral history speaks of a time when Man and nature communicated and when 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.

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From the Log BookGREENLAND, EAST COAST

Le Soléal, July 31, 2015

By Florence Kuyper

“Good morning dear passengers, it’s 6:35 am and show time is beginning outside…” so goes Captain Marchesseau’s wake up announcement to let us know that we have fin whales surrounding Le Soléal. And that’s not all: once we look outside we also discover the rugged Greenlandic east coast, as well as a wide band of pack ice and a handful of huge trapped icebergs. A more beautiful wake up call is hardly imaginable. The fin whales stay for a couple of hours and we get a chance to observe them very close to the ship.

Breakfast gets interrupted by another announcement from our Captain: they have sighted two humpback whales! The passengers observe them from the outside deck, with blows all around us. We’re in whale heaven and for the next hours we enjoy active fin and humpback whales slapping their flippers, breeching, and spy hopping. On top of all this we have a blue sky, no wind, beautiful mirages in the distance and a perfect sun shining warmly on us.

There is hardly more than we can wish for our first day in Greenland. But this being an expedition cruise, we should have known that an unplanned surprise would be prepared by the expedition leader and his team: a Zodiac cruise in the incredibly fast-moving pack ice and the chance to set foot on a drifting ice floe!

PHILPOTS & CROCKER GLACIER, NUNAVUT, CANADA Le Soléal, August 31, 2015 By Mirabelle Premont-Schwarz

We woke up this morning surrounded by stunning scenery of mountains and glaciers. A Zodiac cruise was organized to offer a unique perspective on these magnificent glacier fronts.

Leaving Philpots after the morning’s activities, we cruised along to reach Crocker Glacier. Along the way, several herds of musk ox with their young were spotted, which were observed with commentary from our naturalists. As we continued, we spotted our first polar bears in the distance: a mother with her cub! Some minutes later, another bear was spotted right near the glacier. The Captain managed to maneuver the ship right up to the glacier front, where we watched this bear climb up to the glacier and have a nap right under our noses. As it woke and stretched its limbs, a collective sigh of wonder and pleasure was heard from all the passengers assembled on the outside decks.

After lingering for the sunset that lit the carved mountains aglow, we all headed for a copious supper. However, the day was not yet over. Four more bears were sighted eating a seal carcass: a male, a mother and her two cubs.

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ANTARCTICA


ARCTIC FOXThe small, hardy arctic fox is known for its bushy white coat, which acts as effective camouflage in the Arctic and affords it warmth when the temperature drops to -58 degrees Fahrenheit. During the summer, however, the fox’s coat changes to a thinner, brow-gray appearance, which in turn provides cover among the season’s snow-free rocks and grass.

POLAR BEARAs 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 that does not hibernate, with the exception of females looking for the best place to give birth.

NARWHALThe narwhal is a medium-sized whale that is best known for its long thin tusk (actually an elongated canine tooth) that protrudes, unicorn-like, from its head. The narwhal is a uniquely specialized Arctic predator, feasting on Arctic cod and Greenland halibut during the summer and flatfish under dense pack ice during the winter. The Inuit people have hunted this fascinating creature, utilizing its meat and ivory, for over a thousand years.

MUSK OXThe musk ox is recognizable for its thick coat and the strong musky odor the males emit during mating season to attract their female counterparts. Both males and females have long, curved horns, and are occasionally domesticated for their meat, milk, and wool, or qiviut—highly prized for its softness and insulation value.

WALRUSIts 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 lesser-known characteristics too. It is a marine mammal whose agility and dexterity can be very impressive. A particularly loyal animal, it prefers to live in groups and its communication is an art form. The cries and barks of a walrus can be compared to a fervent song that rings out across the shores and ice floes where it lingers.

WildlifeThe Arctic seems like an inhospitable land of extreme cold and ice, yet it is actually teeming with life, from large mammals to birds, fish, and microorganisms. The list below highlights some of the species we may encounter on our voyages.

THE ORCA A member of the dolphin family, this master of the oceans is without doubt the most emblematic mammal of the Arctic waters. Orcas generally live in groups of up to 30 members, can reach 30 feet in length, and their markings are very distinctive with an entirely black back, a white belly, and a white patch above the eye. Their powerful body is topped with a fin which is curved according to gender. Audacious and agile, they will happily swim in the wake left by the ship.

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Set Sail for SpitsbergenSpitsbergen in the summer is a place that never sees the night. Aboard Le Boréal, we invite you to explore this great white desert where the polar bear reigns.

TROMSØ • LONGYEARBYEN (7 nights)

Aboard Le Boréal June 27 - July 4, 2017


D 1 Flight Paris-TROMSØ (Norway). Welcome and transfer. Embarkation from 16:00 to 17:00

D 2 Sailing Bjørnøya - Bear Island (Norway)D 3 Spitsbergen - Hornsund (Norway)D 4 Spitsbergen - Bellsund (Norway)D 5 Spitsbergen - Magdalena Bay (Norway) Sailing towards

the ice floeD 6 Spitsbergen - Monaco Glacier (Norway)D 7 Spitsbergen - Ny Alesund / Cross Fjord (Norway)D 8 LONGYEARBYEN (Spitsbergen). Disembarkation and

transfer. Flight Longyearbyen-Paris.

PA

RKA GIFT

The Best of SpitsbergenConsidered to be the crown of Arctic Norway, the Svalbard Archipelago is an improbable land surrounded by a sea of ice. Discover extraordinary landscapes and endeavor to approach the impressive polar bear, the uncontested ruler of the ice.

LONGYEARBYEN • LONGYEARBYEN (7 nights)

Aboard Le Boréal July 4 – 11, 2017July 11 – 18, 2017


D 1 Flight Paris-LONGYEARBYEN (Spitsbergen). Welcome and transfer. Embarkation from 17:00 to 18:00

D 2 Spitsbergen - Bellsund (Norway)D 3 Spitsbergen - Magdalena Bay (Norway)

Sailing towards the ice floeD 4 Spitsbergen - North East National Park (Norway)D 5 Spitsbergen - Monaco Glacier (Norway)D 6 Spitsbergen - North West National Park (Norway)D 7 Spitsbergen - Ny Alesund / Cross Fjord (Norway)D 8 LONGYEARBYEN (Spitsbergen). Disembarkation and

transfer. Flight Longyearbyen-Paris.

PA

RKA GIFT

Barents Sea

Ny Alesund

Bellsund

Hornsund

Monaco Glacier

SPITSBERGEN

LONGYEARBYEN

Magdalena Bay

TROMSØ

NORWAYBarents Sea

Ny Alesund

Bellsund

Monaco Glacier

SPITSBERGEN

LONGYEARBYEN

Magalena Bay


The Unexplored GreenlandDiscovering the vast island of Greenland means immersing yourself in a world of ice. Take an exceptional cruise aboard Le Boréal.

The Erik the Red SagaSail in the wake of Erik the Red, who discovered the shores of Greenland after being banished from Iceland. Each port of call reveals vestiges of the Viking civilization which set out to populate this remote land.

REYKJAVIK • KANGERLUSSUAQ (12 nights)

Aboard Le Soléal August 9 – 21, 2017


D 1 REYKJAVIK (Iceland) Embarkation from 16:00 to 17:00

D 2 Reykjavik (Iceland)D 3 Crossing the Denmark StraitD 4 Nansen Harbor (Greenland)D 5 Skjoldungen (Greenland)D 6 Christian Sund - Herjolfness (Greenland)D 7 Hvalso - Erik the Red Fjord (Greenland)D 8 Sailing along the western coast of GreenlandD 9 Nuuk & West Institutions (Greenland)D 10 Disko Bay (Greenland)D 11 Ilulissat (Greenland)D 12 Eternity Fjord (Greenland)D 13 KANGERLUSSUAQ (Greenland). Disembarkation and

transfer. Flight Kangerlussuaq-Paris.

PA

RKA GIFT

REYKJAVIK • KANGERLUSSUAQ (10 nights)

Aboard Le Boréal July 31 – August 10, 2017


D 1 REYKJAVIK (Iceland) Embarkation from 16:00 to 17:00

D 2 Reykjavik (Iceland)D 3 At seaD 4 Passing Cape FarewellD 5 Narsaq (Greenland)D 6 Nuuk (Greenland)D 7 Sailing along the western coast of GreenlandD 8 Eqi Glacier - Paul-Emile Victor Base (Greenland)D 9 Ilulissat (Greenland)D 10 Sailing in the fjordsD 11 KANGERLUSSUAQ (Greenland). Disembarkation and


PA

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Nuuk

Ilulissat - Disko Bay

DenmarkStrait

AtlanticOceanCape Farewell

REYKJAVIK

ICELAND

KANGERLUSSUAQ

GREENLAND

Narsaq

Eqi Glacier

Skjoldungen

Herjolfness

Hvalso

Nansen Harbor

Nuuk

Ilulissat - Disko Bay

EternityFjord

DenmarkStrait

AtlanticOceanCape Farewell

REYKJAVIK

ICELAND

KANGERLUSSUAQ

GREENLAND

ARC

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RCTIC


Baffin Bay Secrets“In all my expeditions, I have never seen anything comparable, of such bold splendor and with such an arresting nature.” —William Scoresby. Aboard Le Boréal, discover the secrets and primeval beauty of Baffin Bay.

KANGERLUSSUAQ • KANGERLUSSUAQ (13 nights)

Aboard Le Boréal August 10 – 23, 2017


D 1 Flight Paris-KANGERLUSSUAQ (Greenland). Welcome and transfer. Embarkation from 16:00 to 17:00

D 2 Cruising along the coast of Greenland Ilulissat - Disko Bay (Greenland)

D 3 Ilulissat - Disko Bay (Greenland)D 4 Eqi Glacier - Paul-Emile Victor Base (Greenland)D 5 Upernavik Fjord (Greenland)D 6 Melville Bay (Greenland)D 7 Savissivik (Greenland)D 8 Thule (Greenland)D 9 Pond Inlet (Canada)D 10 Sam Fjord (Canada)D 11 Clyde River (Canada)D 12 Isabella Bay (Canada) - Davis Strait CrossingD 13 Sisimiut (Canada)D 14 KANGERLUSSUAQ (Greenland). Disembarkation and


PA

RKA GIFT

Ultima Thule, the Horizontal EverestIn a silence broken only by the noise of ice fragments set adrift, Le Soléal will introduce you to the landscapes of this pristine, luminous land. Further to the west, discover the Canadian Arctic archipelago, where nature is omnipresent.

KANGERLUSSUAQ • KANGERLUSSUAQ (16 nights)

Aboard Le Soléal August 21 – September 6, 2017


D 1 Flight Paris-KANGERLUSSUAQ (Greenland) Welcome and transfer. Embarkation from 16:00 to 17:00

D 2 Sisimiut (Greenland)D 3 Qiqitarjuat - Kivitoo (Nunavut Territories)D 4 Arctic Bay - Isabella Bay (Nunavut Territories)D 5 Sam Ford Fjord (Nunavut Territories)D 6 Icy Arm Fjord - Buchan Golf (Nunavut Territories)D 7 Devon Island East Coast - Coburg Island (Nunavut

Territories)D 8 Pim Island - Alexander Bay (Nunavut Territories) D 9 Geomagnetic Pole - Hans Island (Ellesmere - Greenland)D 10 Hans Island - Humboldt Glacier (Greenland)D 11 Etah - Siorapaluk (Greenland)D 12 Cape York - Savissivik (Greenland)D 13 Kullorsuaq (Greenland)D 14 Karat - Nuliarfik (Greenland)D 15 Ilulissat (Greenland)D 16 Evigheds Fjord- Kangerlussuaq (Greenland)D 17 KANGERLUSSUAQ (Greenland). Disembarkation and


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Ilulissat - Disko BayEqi Glacier

Upernavik Fjord

Savissivik

Melville BayPond Inlet

BaffinSea

DavisStrait

GREENLAND

Sam Fjord

Isabella Bay

NUNAVUTKANGERLUSSUAQ

Thule

Clyde RiverSisimiut

KANGERLUSSUAQ

Icy Arm Fjord

Arctic BaySisimiut

Kullorsuaq

SavissivikGREENLAND

NUNAVUT BaffinSea

Karat

Ilulissat

Etah

Devon Island

Kivitoo

Hans lslandPim lsland


Vinland, the Discovery of AmericaPreceding Christopher Columbus’ discovery in 1492 by 500 years, Erik the Red’s son landed in the north of Newfoundland in 1000 a.d. and traveled up the right bank of the Saint Lawrence River. Le Soléal will follow in the wake of this historical journey.

THE ARCTIC

KANGERLUSSUAQ • QUEBEC CITY (14 nights)

Aboard Le Soléal September 6 – 20, 2017


D 1 Flight Paris-KANGERLUSSUAQ (Greenland). Welcome and transfer. Embarkation from 16:00 to 17:00

D 2 Sisimiut (Greenland)D 3 At seaD 4 Iqaluit (Nunavut - Canada)D 5 Grinnell Glacier (Nunavut - Canada)D 6 Akpatok (Nunavut - Canada)D 7 Nachvak Fjord (Labrador - Canada) D 8 Saglek Fjord (Labrador - Canada) D 9 At seaD 10 L’Anse aux Meadows (Newfoundland - Canada)D 11 Gros Morne (Newfoundland - Canada)D 12 Havre Saint Pierre (Quebec - Canada)D 13 Tadoussac (Quebec - Canada)D 14 Saguenay (Quebec - Canada)D 15 QUEBEC CITY (Quebec - Canada). Disembarkation.

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KANGERLUSSUAQ

QUEBEC CITY

GREENLANDDavis Strait

North AtlanticOcean

CANADA

Sisimiut

Grinnell Glacier

AkpatokNachvak Fjord

Saglek Fjord

L’Anse aux MeadowsSaguenay

TadoussacGros Morne

Havre St. Pierre

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PON

ANT BONUSUp to -10%

JUNE 27, 20177 nights on board, flights & transfers

TROMSØ • LONGYEARBYEN LE BORÉAL

Superior Stateroom $6,730 $6,210 Deluxe Stateroom $7,220 $6,650Prestige Stateroom - Deck 4 $7,760 $7,140 Prestige Stateroom - Deck 5 $7,970 $7,330 Prestige Stateroom - Deck 6 $8,190 $7,530 Deluxe Suite $12,380 $11,300 Prestige Suite - Deck 5 $15,360 $13,980 Prestige Suite - Deck 6 $15,810 $14,380Owner Suite $16,870 -

3rd passenger in a Superior Stateroom $4,140 $3,880 3rd and 4th passenger in Suite $8,460 $7,770 Children 8 -11 sharing parents' room $1,391 -Individual stateroom rate From + 100%


Airport taxes $112

Set Sail for Spitsbergen (p. 58)


Best of Spitsbergen (p. 58)JULY 11, 20177 nights on board, flights & transfers

LONGYEARBYEN • LONGYEARBYEN LE BORÉAL

Superior Stateroom $7,130 Deluxe Stateroom $7,650Prestige Stateroom - Deck 4 $8,230Prestige Stateroom - Deck 5 $8,450 Prestige Stateroom - Deck 6 $8,680Deluxe Suite $13,150Prestige Suite - Deck 5 $16,320Prestige Suite - Deck 6 $16,800Owner Suite $17,940



Airport taxes $112

Best of Spitsbergen (p. 58)

PON

ANT BONUSUp to -15%

JULY 31, 201710 nights on board, transfer & return flight

REYKJAVIK • KANGERLUSSUAQ LE BORÉAL




Airport taxes $129

The Unexplored Greenland (p. 59)AUGUST 9, 201712 nights on board, transfer & return flight

REYKJAVIK • KANGERLUSSUAQ LE SOLÉAL


3rd passenger in a Superior Stateroom $6,070 $5,0103rd and 4th passenger in Suite $12,640 $9,940Children 8 -11 sharing parents' room $1,557 - Individual stateroom rate From + 50%


Airport taxes $129

PON

ANT BONUSUp to -25%

The Erik the Red Saga (p. 59)AUGUST 10, 201713 nights on board, flights & transfers

KANGERLUSSUAQ • KANGERLUSSUAQ LE BORÉAL




Airport taxes $185

Baffin Bay Secrets (p. 60)

AUGUST 21, 201716 nights on board, flights & transfers

KANGERLUSSUAQ • KANGERLUSSUAQ LE SOLÉAL




Airport taxes $151

PON

ANT BONUSUp to -10%

Ultima Thule (p. 60)SEPTEMBER 6, 201714 nights on board, transfer & outward flight

KANGERLUSSUAQ • QUEBEC LE SOLÉAL




Airport taxes $106

PON

ANT BONUSUp to -20%

Vinland, Discovery of America (p. 61)

JULY 4, 20177 nights on board, flights & transfers

LONGYEARBYEN • LONGYEARBYEN LE BORÉAL

Superior Stateroom $7,130 Deluxe Stateroom $7,650Prestige Stateroom - Deck 4 $8,230Prestige Stateroom - Deck 5 $8,450 Prestige Stateroom - Deck 6 $8,680Deluxe Suite $13,150Prestige Suite - Deck 5 $16,320Prestige Suite - Deck 6 $16,800Owner Suite $17,940

3rd passenger in a Superior Stateroom $4,5503rd and 4th passenger in Suite $9,150Children 8 -11 sharing parents’ room $1,824Individual stateroom rate From + 100%


Airport taxes $112

ARC

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THE PACIFIC & OCEANIA

Vast, remote, and teeming with nature, Oceania calls to the soul of the

adventurer who seeks paradise on Earth.


The vast Pacific Ocean is home to a similarly expansive stretch of natural beauty, as diverse as the people who live among it. Indonesia, Papua New Guinea, the Solomon Islands, and Vanuatu are legendary destinations, promising dramatic landscapes of lush emerald rain forests, dramatic volcanoes jutting out from impossibly blue waters, coral reefs teaming with brightly-colored fish and serene sea turtles, and iconic white sand beaches dotted with coconut trees. WWII relics hint at a tumultuous history, but the traditional villages, alive with friendly natives and flourishing culture, reveal the indomitable fortitude of the people that have called these tiny archipelagos home for thousands of years.

New Zealand is an equally desirable and wholly unique destination, famed for its landscapes shaped by successive glaciations, rocky hills, tall cliffs, mirror-like lakes, and waterfalls. The Subantarctic Islands of New Zealand and Australia, in particular, are deserving of their moniker “The Galapagos of the Southern Ocean”—the biodiversity here is stunning, with almost half the world’s albatross and penguin species residing on their hilly volcanic shores.

Our Pacific and Oceania expeditions will take you to all these off-the-beaten-track destinations, home to some of the last great adventures on Earth.

HIGHLIGHTS:

• Numerous trips in Zodiac landing craft to the heart of Pacific lagoons.

• Cruise Australia’s famed Great Barrier Reef.

• Hike Macquarie Island, a protected area and UNESCO World Heritage site, and gathering point for the endemic Royal Penguin and the Macquaire Cormorant.

• Visit the Auckland Islands, a non-icy Subantarctic archipelago boasting remarkable biodiversity.

• Visit the erupting Mount Yasur volcano on the island of Tanna.

• Swim in the South Pacific’s stunning waterholes and sparkling lagoons, where you can find the widest variety of marine life on Earth.

• Visit an orangutan rehabilitation center in Borneo.

• Call at Raja Ampat, a haven for divers due to its unique marine biodiversity, coral reefs, and endemic species, as well as picturesque terraced rice paddies.

Indonesia, Polynesia, the Subantarctic Islands & Beyond

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The Places You’ll GoJust a smattering of dots spread across the world’s vastest ocean, the islands of the Pacific Ocean reward their rare visitors with magnificent scenery, age-old villages, and some of the rarest flora and fauna on Earth.

CAIRNS & THE GREAT BARRIER REEF In northern Australia, the city of Cairns is surrounded on one side by lush, rain forest-covered hills and on the other by the turquoise waters of the Coral Sea, whose splendor culminates in the vast expanse of the legendary Great Barrier Reef. From its tropical atmosphere to its pathways lined with mangrove, Cairns combines the advantages of a modern city with stunning scenery. The Great Barrier Reef—the world’s largest coral reef—comprises over 3,000 individual reef systems.

VANUATU The Vanuatu Archipelago is home to a unique blend of ancient traditional villages, picture-perfect beaches, active volcanoes, and coral reefs teeming with life. Art, in its many forms, from body decorations and tattoos to elaborate masks, headwear, and carvings, are a vital part of ritual celebrations and the social life of the many villages spread throughout the archipelago.

TUFIPapua New Guinea offers visitors extraordinary nature that cannot be found anywhere else. Tufi is often called Papua’s best kept secret, and this natural wonder nestled in the fjords of the South Pacific boasts an exceptional cultural richness thanks to its numerous traditional villages, extraordinary coral reefs, and multicolored fish.

BAY OF ISLANDSA stunning natural bay with crystal-clear water, the Bay of Islands enchants visitors with its serene beauty. The region boasts a wide range of landscapes including lush dunes, fine-sand beaches, and spectacular cliffs. When we drop anchor here, visit the site of the Treaty of Waitangi, the founding document of New Zealand as a nation, and meet the local troupe Te Pitowhenuaqui, which will introduce New Zealand’s Maori culture.

SOLOMON ISLANDSOne of the last areas to fall under European religious and political control, the Solomon Islands remain a hidden paradise in the South Pacific. It is a land of contrast and adventure, best known for its crystal waters and spectacular white sand beaches. Comprised of over 990 islands, the diversity of landforms and cultures are striking. Village life remains much as it has done for centuries, unhurried, undeveloped, and unspoiled. The island chain also played a significant role during the Second World War, and the many relics and shipwrecks found here provide a window into this tumultuous period.

TANNALocated to the north of New Caledonia, the Vanuatu Archipelago scatters its 81 islands and islets across the heart of the Pacific Ocean. Made up of volcanic lands covered in mountains and deep forests with giant banyan trees, a visit to Vanuatu cannot be complete without viewing the erupting Mount Yasur Volcano on the island of Tanna. It is regarded as the world’s most accessible active volcano. Often referred to as “the lighthouse of the Pacific,” the glow of the volcano led Captain James Cook to Tanna during the first European journey to the island.


MACQUARIE ISLAND A nature reserve located in the Pacific Ocean, midway between Australia and Antarctica, Macquarie Island is a protected area and UNESCO World Heritage site. It offers an exceptional spectacle of natural and wild beauty, between abrupt cliff faces and coastal plateaus, scattered with ponds and lakes and covered in extraordinary vegetation, despite the harsh climate under this wind-exposed latitude. The island is a gathering point for a number of bird colonies such as the endemic Royal Penguin or the Macquarie Cormorant.

ESPIRITU SANTOLocated in the northwest portion of the Vanuatu Archipelago, the wild island of Espiritu Santo boasts many hidden treasures. This gem in the Pacific Ocean is known for its natural beauty, created by remarkable landscapes, endemic wildlife, and white sand beaches, as well as its historic and cultural past. Swim in stunning waterholes and sparkling lagoons, where you can find the widest variety of marine life in the archipelago, including sea turtles, angelfish, and manatees.

AUCKLAND ISLANDSVisitors to New Zealand’s “forgotten islands” are strictly regulated by the government in order to preserve the unique ecosystem. With a cold, wet, windy, and cloudy climate, the Auckland Islands are inhospitable to humans yet ideal for Subantarctic flora and fauna. Some of the rarest birds on Earth can be found here, including the endemic Auckland shag, Auckland teal, Auckland rail, and Auckland snipe. Seabirds include the southern rockhopper and yellow eyed penguin and Antipodean, southern royal, light-mantled, and white-capped albatrosses.

KOMODO NATIONAL PARK The remote island of Komodo boasts a protected nature reserve that is home to the largest lizards still walking the Earth: the monitor lizard—also known as the Komodo Dragon. We will visit Komodo National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage site since 1991, and home to around 5,700 giant endemic lizards.

NEW ZEALAND’S FJORDS New Zealand is one of the last territories on the planet to be populated and settled, which means nature abounds here. The country’s southwestern corner in particular features extraordinary, uninhabited fjords teeming with diverse wildlife: penguin and seal colonies sun themselves on the rugged shoreline, while dolphins and whales indulge in bow riding as ships sail by. Discover Dusky Sound, Doubtful Sound, and Milford Sound, which Rudyard Kipling called the eighth wonder of the world. The stunning landscapes of these fjords showcase rocky hills, tall cliffs, mirror lakes, and cascading waterfalls.

RAJA AMPAT Indonesia surprises travelers with its landscapes, fauna, and culture, which are completely different from one island to the next. The Raja Ampat Islands, situated in the Coral Triangle in the middle of the Molucca Sea, was discovered by the British biologist Alfred Russel Wallace in the 19th century. These astonishing tracts of land boast a unique marine biodiversity, considered to be one of the most beautiful on the planet. A haven for divers, they are home to coral reefs and many endemic species.

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From the Log BookTHE AUCKLAND ISLANDS, NEW ZEALANDLe Soléal, January 8, 2016 By Brad Siviour

We remained at anchor last night at Enderby Island with the intention of getting a Zodiac cruise this morning, as we missed out yesterday due to very high winds of up to 50 knots. When we woke we found that conditions had improved significantly from yesterday, with clear blue skies and winds back down to 20-25 knots.

The first of the Zodiac cruises kicked off at 9:00 this morning, and we headed around the coast of Enderby in search of wildlife. It didn’t take long before we came across our first yellow-eyed penguins, standing on the shore trying to decide if it’s a good idea to enter the water or not. We also came across a very large number of Auckland Island shags, many with newly hatched chicks in their nest. There were also Auckland Island teals foraging around on the kelp beds, and a few lazy Hooker sea lions sprawled out on the shore.

In the afternoon the Captain repositioned the ship further south to an area called Musgrave Inlet and we got another Zodiac cruise. None of the Expedition Team had been to this place before, and it was an exciting chance for us to explore a new part of the Auckland Islands. The conditions had deteriorated dramatically from this morning. That didn’t deter us though, and as we explored the coast in our Zodiacs we found an amazing series of archways and caves to drive our Zodiacs though—one of them 260 feet long! It was another fantastic day in New Zealand.

TUFI, PAPUA NEW GUINEA Le Soléal, December 4, 2015 By Harry Christensen

Few people would expect to find fjords in Papua New Guinea. The Tufi area on the southeast coast of Cape Nelson is one of PNG’s best-kept secrets. Cape Nelson, jutting out into the Solomon Sea, was formed by the eruption of three volcanoes, whose fast flowing lava created the rias, or fjords. The water is always warm and the bays are home to stunning coral formations and tropical marine life. The fjords are over 300 feet deep and rise vertically out of the water to over 500 feet. Reefs protect the wide entrances and funnel into the mountainside, where mangroves form a canopy over narrow waterways. The province is also the home of the largest butterfly in the world, the Queen Alexandra’s Birdwing, which has a wingspan of 12 inches.

As we made our way up the fjord we were greeted by a number of local villagers in traditional dress on outrigger canoes. We transferred from the modern outboard powered vessels into the beautiful and more serene outrigger canoes. The canoes had been fitted with large platforms ensuring we would not fall out, as we did not possess the elegant balance of the locals! The journey up the narrow estuary was absolutely stunning and the crystal clear waters added to the spectacular scenery.

We disembarked from the canoes and wandered through some beautiful lowland rain forest. We were treated to a display of sago making, watching the pulping of the palm and the extraction of the sago. We then made our way up a hill to be greeted by the local chief. Friendly locals performed a number of dances for us. The local headdresses were spectacular and consisted of feathers from the white cockatoo, the cassowary, and the local birds of paradise. They made a beautiful sight as the dancers bobbed and weaved to the rhythmic beat of the drums.

The day was rounded out by a visit to Kamoa Beach for some relaxing snorkeling, swimming, kayaking, and exploring the coral reef by Zodiac.


YELLOW-EYED PENGUINSThe yellow-eyed penguin differs from the other members of its species by its pale yellow feathers forming a continuous line running from one side of its beak to the other. It is only to be found in the south of New Zealand and is listed as one of the rarest penguins in the world.

KOMODO DRAGONAs the heaviest lizards on Earth, Komodo dragons have thrived in Indonesia’s Lesser Sunda Islands for millions of years. They can grow to 10 feet in length and weigh more than 150 pounds, and prey on both small and large mammals. Their size, strength, sharp claws, serrated, shark-like teeth, and incredible sense of smell—they can smell blood from nearly six miles away—make them fearsome and dangerous predators. While there is a stable population of Komodo dragons, poaching and natural disasters have caused them to become endangered.

COMMERSON’S DOLPHINAlso known as the “panda dolphin” because of its black dorsal and caudal fins and its white body, the Commerson’s dolphin is easily recognizable by its small size, blunt head, stocky shape, and its playful behavior. It is one of the smallest of its species and generally lives in the cold Subantarctic waters.

ORANGUTAN Orangutans are immediately recognizable for their long orange hair and enormous arm span—nearly seven feet from fingertip to fingertip. Their arms suit them well for living in the trees of the tropical rain forests of Borneo and Sumatra. While the male of the species is solitary, mothers and their young share a strong bond, staying together for six to seven years after birth—and females give birth only once every eight years.

ORCAOrca generally live in groups of up to 30 members and have very distinctive markings, with an entirely black back, white belly, and white patch above the eye. The dorsal fin is unique to each orca and allows it to be identified; it is as reliable as a human fingerprint! This powerful and majestic mammal can measure up to 33 feet in length.

MANTA RAYThe flat, parachute-like manta ray is commonly found in warm, tropical waters around coral reefs, but their large size—manta rays can grow to 23 feet—enables them to hunt in the open ocean as well. Like a whale, they breach the water for unknown reasons. These graceful swimmers are gentle filter feeders, ingesting zooplankton while they swim.

WildlifeOceania’s richest store of life lies beneath the water’s surface, including countless species of fish, dolphins, whales, sharks, sea urchins, and much more. On land, impressive reptiles and primates dominate. The Subantarctic Islands in particular are renowned for their quantity and diversity of penguins and other seabirds.

PAC

IFIC &

OC

EAN

IA


From Indonesia to AustraliaThe Indonesian archipelago is composed of a multitude of islands dotting the capricious waters at the heart of the Indian Ocean. After a thorough exploration of its mosaic of cultures, L’Austral will head south to discover Australia’s Aboriginal culture and legendary Great Barrier Reef.

BALI • CAIRNS (14 nights)

Aboard L’Austral December 2 –16, 2016


D 1 BENOA - BALI (Indonesia) Embarkation from 16:00 to 17:00D 2 Pink Beach (Indonesia)D 3 Komodo (Indonesia)D 4 Larantuka (Indonesia)D 5 At seaD 6 Banda Neira (Indonesia)D 7 Kay Island (Indonesia)D 8 Triton Bay (Indonesia)D 9 At seaD 10 Agats (Indonesia - West Papua)D 11 At seaD 12 Cape York (Australia)D 13 At seaD 14 Lizard Island (Australia)D 15 CAIRNS (Australia) Disembarkation

Papua New Guinea & the Solomon IslandsLocated in the Coral Triangle, Papua New Guinea is one of the most mysterious places in the world, filled with wild beauty. Similarly, the Solomon Islands are a true paradise for adventurers and nature lovers.

CAIRNS • PORT VILA (12 nights)

Aboard L’Austral December 16 – 28, 2016


D 1 CAIRNS (Australia) Embarkation from 16:00 to 17:00D 2 At seaD 3 Alotau (Papua New Guinea)D 4 Tufi (Papua New Guinea)D 5 Kitava Island - Trobriands (Papua New Guinea)D 6-7 Rabaul (Papua New Guinea)D 8 At seaD 9 Gizo - Ghizo Island (Solomon Islands)

Kennedy Island (Solomon Islands)D 10 Mbike Island (Solomon Islands)D 11 At seaD 12 Espiritu Santo (Vanuatu)D 13 PORT VILA (Vanuatu) Disembarkation

CAIRNSPORT VILA

Alotau Kitava Island

Rabaul

Gizo

Mbike Island

Espiritu Santo

Tufi

AUSTRALIA

PAPUA NEW GUINEA SOLOMON

ISLANDS

VANUATU

BALI

CAIRNS

Pink Beach

Komodo

Larantuka

Banda Neira

Cape York

Lizard Island

Kay IslandTriton Bay

Agats

INDONESIA

AUSTRALIA

PAPUA NEW GUINEA

Timor Sea

Arafura Sea


Treasures of the PacificFrom Port Vila in the Vanuatu Archipelago, embark L’Austral and cruise to the heart of New Zealand via New Caledonia’s remote islands. Uncover the hidden treasures of the Pacific and spend New Year’s Eve in this small corner of unspoiled paradise.

New Zealand & the Subantarctic IslandsThe Subantarctic Islands are among the last unspoiled environments on Earth. Almost half of the world’s albatross and penguin species reside here. For nature lovers, birders, photographers, and travelers wishing to venture where few have gone before, these UNESCO World Heritage sites provide a glimpse into a unique world.

LYTTELTON • MILFORD SOUND (15 nights)

Aboard L’Austral January 7 – 22, 2017


D 1 AKAROA (New Zealand) Embarkation from 16:00 to 17:00D 2 At seaD 3 Bounty Islands (New Zealand)D 4 Antipodes Island (New Zealand)D 5 At seaD 6 Campbell Island (New Zealand)D 7 At seaD 8-10 Macquarie Island (Australia)D 11 At seaD 12 Auckland Islands (New Zealand)D 13 The Snares (New Zealand)D 14 At seaD 15 Dusky Sound (New Zealand)

Doubtful Sound (New Zealand)D 16 MILFORD SOUND (New Zealand) Disembarkation

Transfer from Milford Sound to Queenstown by bus.

PORT VILA • LYTTELTON (10 nights)

Aboard L’Austral December 28, 2016 – January 7, 2017


D 1 PORT VILA (Vanuatu) Embarkation from 16:00 to 17:00D 2 Rano Island - Malakula (Vanuatu)D 3 Tanna (Vanuatu)D 4 Loyalty Islands (New Caledonia)D 5 South Islets (New Caledonia)D 6-7 At seaD 8 Bay of Islands (New Zealand)D 9 White Island (New Zealand)D 10 At seaD 11 LYTTELTON (New Zealand) Disembarkation

PORT VILA

LYTTELTONNEW ZEALAND

VANUATUMalakula

TannaLoyalty Islands South Islets

Bay of Islands White Island PA

RKA GIFT

LYTTELTONMILFORD SOUND

NEW ZEALAND

Bounty Islands

Campbell Island

Macquarie Island

AucklandIslands

The SnaresDusky Sound

Doubtful Sound

AntipodesIsland

TasmanSea

PAC

IFIC &

OC

EAN

IA

NEW CALEDONIA


Highlights of the South PacificFrom Auckland, set off to discover New Caledonia and its islands, lost in the blue immensity of the Pacific Ocean. L’Austral will also sail the Vanuatu Archipelago, with its long mountain ranges, vast tranquil bays, and translucent lagoons.

AUCKLAND • PORT VILA (11 nights)

Aboard L’Austral February 18 – March 1, 2017


D 1 AUCKLAND (New Zealand) Embarkation from 16:00 to 17:00D 2 Bay of Islands (New Zealand)D 3-4 At seaD 5 Southern Islands (New Caledonia)D 6-7 Loyalty Islands (New Caledonia)D 8 Tanna (Vanuatu)D 9 South West Bay Malakula (Vanuatu)D 10 Espiritu Santo (Vanuatu)D 11 Ambrym Island (Vanuatu)D 12 PORT VILA (Vanuatu) Disembarkation

PORT VILA • KOTA KINABALU (17 nights)

Aboard L’Austral March 1 – 18, 2017


D 1 PORT VILA (Vanuatu) Embarkation from 16:00 to 17:00D 2 At seaD 3 Santa Ana (Solomon Islands)D 4 Honiara - Mbike (Solomon Islands)D 5 Kennedy Island (Solomon Islands)D 6 At seaD 7 Rabaul (Papua New Guinea)D 8 At seaD 9 Kopar Village - Sepik (Papua New Guinea)D 10 Jayapura (Irian Java, Indonesia)D 11 At seaD 12 Wayag Islands - Raja Ampat (Indonesia)D 13 At seaD 14 Pulau Mihaga - Bunaken & Tangkoko National Parks

(Sulawesi, Indonesia)D 15 At seaD 16-17 Sandakan (Borneo, Malaysia)D 18 KOTA KINABALU (Borneo, Malaysia) Disembarkation

AUCKLANDNEW ZEALAND

NEWCALEDONIA

TasmanSea

Bay of Islands

Southern Islands

Loyalty IslandsTanna

MalakulaEspiritu Santo

Ambrym Island PORT VILA

Solomon Islands, Papua New Guinea & MalaysiaFrom Port Vila, discover the Solomon Islands, a tropical Eden, to then head for Papua New Guinea, the last refuge of numerous Papuan tribes.

PORT VILA

KOTA KINABALU

Santa Ana

HoniaraKennedy Island

Rabaul

Sandakan

KoparJayapura

RajaAmpat

Pulau Mihaga

PAPUA NEW GUINEAMALAYSIA

VANUATU


PACIFIC & OCEANIA

KOTA KINABALU • DARWIN (11 nights)

Aboard L’Austral June 22 – July 3, 2017


D 1 KOTA KINABALU (Borneo, Malaysia) Embarkation 17:00

D 2 Sandakan (Borneo, Malaysia)D 3 Sandakan (Borneo, Malaysia)D 4 At seaD 5 Pulau Saronde (Indonesia)D 6 Pulau Lihaga -Tangkoko Nature Reserve (Sulawesi, Indonesia)D 7 Ternate (Moluccas Islands, Indonesia)D 8 At seaD 9 Ambon (Moluccas Islands, Indonesia)D 10 Banda Neira (Moluccas Islands, Indonesia)D 11 At seaD 12 DARWIN (Australia) Disembarkation

Indonesian ArchipelagosOn this new PONANT itinerary, set out to discover the wild and mysterious lands of Malaysia and Indonesia, including Sandakan, gateway to the Orangutan Rehabilitation Centre in Sepilok.

KOTA KINABALU

DARWIN

Sandakan

Pulau Lihaga

Banda Neira

Ternate

Ambon

Tangkoko Nature ReservePulau Saronde

AUSTRALIA

Timor Sea

Sulawesi SeaMALAYSIA

INDONESIA


From Australia to IndonesiaOn this new PONANT itinerary, explore the rich world of Indonesia. Sail Triton Bay, home to more species of fish than anywhere else on Earth; visit the Wakatobi Marine National Park to see acres of beautiful, bio-diverse reefs; and meet the Flores people in Kalabhi.

DARWIN • BALI (11 nights)

Aboard L’Austral September 11 – 22, 2017


D 1 DARWIN (Australia) Embarkation from 18:00D 2 At seaD 3 Pulau Bui - Kei Islands (Indonesia) D 4 Triton Bay - West Papua (Indonesia)D 5 Arguni - West Papua (Indonesia)D 6 Banda Neira - Maluku Island (Indonesia)D 7 Ambon - Maluku Island (Indonesia)D 8 Wakatobi Marine Park, Sulawesi (Pulau Cowocowo - Indonesia) D 9 Kalabahi - Alor (Indonesia)D 10 Pink Beach - Komodo (Indonesia)D 11 Loh Liang - Komodo (Indonesia) D 12 BENOA - BALI (Indonesia) Disembarkation

Discover IndonesiaJoin PONANT to forge a new route discovering the largest archipelago on Earth. Visit Taka Bonerate, one of the most beautiful marine parks in Indonesia; learn about the unique customs of the indigenous Toraja group; and look for the fearsome Komodo Dragon on Pulau Rinca.

BALI • BALI (11 nights)

Aboard L’Austral September 22 – October 3, 2017


D 1 BENOA - BALI (Indonesia) Embarkation from 17:00D 2 At seaD 3 Makassar - Sulawesi (Indonesia)D 4 Takabonerate - Pulau Junata (Indonesia) D 5-6 Palopo - Pays Toraja (Indonesia)D 7 Takabonerate - Pulau Latondu (Indonesia)D 8 Maumere - Flores (Indonesia)D 9 Pulau Banta (Indonesia) D 10 Pulau Rinca - Loh Buaya (Indonesia)D 11 Badas - Sumbawa (Indonesia)D 12 BENOA - BALI (Indonesia) Disembarkation

BALI

DARWIN

Komodo Kalabahi

Banda Neira Palau

Bui

Ambon

Triton Bay

ArguniINDONESIA

AUSTRALIA

WEST PAPUA NEW GUINEA

Timor Sea

Arafura Sea

Wakatobi Marine Park

BALI

Takabonerate

MaumereSumbawa

Palopo

Pulau Banta

Makassar

Pulau Rinca

Pulau Latondu

INDONESIA

INDONESIA

Java Sea

PAC

IFIC &

OC

EAN

IA



From Indonesia to Australia (p. 74)DECEMBER 2, 201614 nights on board

BALI • CAIRNSL’AUSTRAL

Superior Stateroom $7,550

Deluxe Stateroom $8,190

Prestige Stateroom - Deck 4 $8,670



Deluxe Suite $11,910

Prestige Suite - Deck 5 $12,960


Owner Suite $17,260

3rd passenger in a Superior Stateroom $4,370

3rd and 4th passenger in Suite $7,090

Children 8 -11 sharing parents’ room $882

Individual stateroom rate From + 100%


New Zealand & the Subantarctic Islands (p. 75)JANUARY 7, 201715 nights on board

LYTTLETON • MILFORD SOUNDL’AUSTRAL

Superior Stateroom $11,840 $10,280

Deluxe Stateroom $12,870 $11,160

Prestige Stateroom - Deck 4 $13,670 $11,840



Deluxe Suite $18,950 $16,330

Prestige Suite - Deck 5 $20,690 $17,800


Owner Suite $27,700

3rd passenger in a Superior Stateroom $6,660 $5,880

3rd and 4th passenger in Suite $11,070 $9,630

Children 8 -11 sharing parents’ room $1,139



PONANT BONUS

Up to

-15%

Indonesian Archipelagos (p. 77)JUNE 22, 201711 nights on board

KOTA KINABALU • DARWINL’AUSTRAL






Deluxe Suite $10,920 $7,900



Owner Suite $14,750






PONANT BONUS

Up to

-15%

Papua New Guinea & Solomon Islands (p. 74)DECEMBER 16, 201612 nights on board

CAIRNS • PORT VILAL’AUSTRAL









Owner Suite $14,790






PONANT BONUS

Up to

-5%

Highlights of the South Pacific (p. 76)FEBRUARY 18, 201711 nights on board

AUCKLAND • PORT VILAL’AUSTRAL









Owner Suite $12,330






PONANT BONUS

Up to

-5%

Solomon Islands, Paupa New Guinea & Malaysia (p. 76)MARCH 1, 201717 nights on board

PORT VILA • KOTA KINABALUL’AUSTRAL









Owner Suite $19,060






Discover Indonesia (p. 79)SEPTEMBER 22, 201711 nights on board

BALI • BALIL’AUSTRAL









Owner Suite $14,750






PONANT BONUS

Up to

-30%

From Australia to Indonesia (p. 79)SEPTEMBER 11, 201711 nights on board

DARWIN • BALIL’AUSTRAL









Owner Suite $14,750






PONANT BONUS

Up to

-25%

Treasures of the Pacific (p. 75)DECEMBER 28, 201610 nights on board

PORT VILA • LYTTELTONL’AUSTRAL









Owner Suite $14,720






PONANT BONUS

Up to

-15%

PAC

IFIC &

OC

EAN

IA



SOUTH AMERICA In the land of gold, discover a continent overflowing

with nature’s riches.


The continent of South America offers innumerable treasures for the traveler seeking adventure and excitement. On our cruise to Chile’s majestic fjords, navigate the country’s slender coastline to Patagonia, where earth and sea mingle to form a labyrinth of islands, fjords, lakes and mountains. Visit fascinating destinations such as Puerto Montt, boasting the greatest concentration of volcanic cones in the world; remarkable Petrohue Falls; and Tortel, a colonial-style town lying on the mouth of the Baker River that showcases a unique architecture of stilt houses, bridges, and interminable staircases. One certain highlight will be our visit to Torres del Paine National Park, where granite mountains soar over 6,500 feet high above the Patagonian steppe and the views must be seen to be believed. As a grand finale, our five-star expedition ship Le Boréal will round the mythical Cape Horn, allowing a glimpse at majestic glaciers that seem to become one with the ocean.

Similarly, our expedition along the Amazon and Orinoco explores two legendary waterways, both teeming with life, and will be punctuated by visits to cultural landmarks—the UNESCO World Heritage colonial cities of Olinda and Sao Luis, for example, or the infamous prison on Devil’s Island in French Guiana. But our focus will be on frequent encounters with the remarkable variety of endemic species sustained by the two great rivers. In the waters and along the shores we will likely see caimans and iguanas and magnificent pink-colored dolphins. In the surrounding mangroves and jungles, capuchin and spider monkeys will compete for our attention with macaws, toucans, and scarlet ibis.

There are no other ecosystems on Earth quite like those found in South America, and a PONANT expedition is the ideal way to explore them.

HIGHLIGHTS:

• Visit numerous UNESCO World Heritage sites including: Torres del Paine National Park; Valparaiso’s historic quarter; the Churches of Castro on Chiloe Island; and the Cape Horn Biosphere Reserve.

• Round Cape Horn and sail to the heart of the Chilean channels.

• Marvel at the snow-capped peaks of the Andes Mountains towering above fjords, iridescent glaciers, and crystal-clear mountain lakes.

• In the company of specialized naturalist guides, take numerous Zodiac outings among the rugged Chilean fjords, to the heart of the Amazon rain forest, and along the Orinoco River.

• Meet the indigenous Warao people that inhabit Venezuela’s Orinoco Delta.

• See incredibly rich, endemic South American fauna such as: Cayman iguanas; howler monkeys; macaws; toucans; red ibis; condors; humpback whales; fur seals; dolphins; sea lions; alpacas; Magellanic penguins; and cormorants.

From Chile’s Fjords to the Amazon & Orinoco

SOU

TH AM

ERICA


The Places You’ll GoBetween the vast wild expanses of Patagonia, the slender silhouettes of the Chilean fjords, and the diverse environments of Brazil, the destinations of South America never cease to amaze visitors.

CAPE HORN & CHILEAN FJORDSCape Horn is a legendary cliff which stands some 1,394 feet tall. After rounding it, you will have a unique opportunity to sail along the Chilean Channel. Here, Le Boréal glides carefully to the heart of the islands, archipelagos, and winding fjords where majestic glaciers seem to become one with the ocean. This faraway land enchants with its beauty and vigorous nature, and above all its icy, slow, and unspoiled glaciers that have been transforming and reshaping the landscapes for centuries.

TORTELBetween fjords, glaciers, lakes, forests and mountains, the quaint little town of Tortel is isolated at the mouth of one of the most beautiful rivers in Chile: the Baker River. Its unique architecture, consisting of houses on stilts, bridges, and interminable staircases, forms a village that is unique in the world. The dense surrounding forest is home to abundant and varied wildlife. During our visit, you should be able to observe hummingbirds gathering nectar from the colorful flowers in the region.

PUERTO MONTTCapital of Chile’s Lake District, Puerto Montt reveals what can only be described as a natural garden of an incredible beauty. Opening onto neighboring Patagonia, you will find one of the greatest concentration of volcanic cones on Earth, including the Osorno volcano with its spectacular snow-topped peaks. Also view remarkable Petrohue Falls, whose turbulent waters have carved out the basalt rock.

THE AMAZON RIVERDespite its image as an imposing and impenetrable land, the Amazon can be explored even by one who is not a hardened explorer. From the Andes, the Amazon fights its way between Peru and Colombia to reach Brazil, where it achieves its majestic breadth. This exceptional site is an unspoiled and secret refuge for thousands of animals and the handful of tribes who live here, far from any contact with the city, in harmony with nature. Aboard our Zodiac landing craft, we’ll embark on both daytime and nocturnal excursions to experience the surrounding environment in all its glory.

CHILOE ISLAND & CASTROChiloe is a lush, green island with remarkable architecture and a proliferation of wildlife. Indeed, before reaching its capital, Castro, it is highly likely that you will have witnessed seals and porpoises swimming nose-to-nose with our ship. The island boasts some 150 churches and Castro is home to 16 that are also listed as UNESCO World Heritage sites. But this city has plenty of other charms, including its colorful craft market.

THE ORINOCO RIVERThe Orinoco River Delta is a vast and glorious expanse of forest, water, and sky. It is a naturalist’s paradise, with birdlife that includes cormorants, brown pelicans, bitterns, herons, hawks, ospreys, macaws, hummingbirds, kingfishers, and parrots, and wildlife ranging from crocodiles and anacondas to manatees, dolphins, and monkeys. In the intricate network of tributaries, unnamed channels, mangrove swamps, and forest lie 10,000 species of orchids, pink dolphins, rainbow-colored toucans, howler monkeys, and other wildlife. The Warao people hunt, fish, and gather wild fruits along the banks of the unspoiled wetland.

SOU

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From the Log BookGUAJARA, AMAZON RIVER, BRAZILL’Austral, March 31, 2014By Marcel Lichtenstein

The day started very early in Guajara. The Zodiacs where in the water by 5:30 am, and we started operations at 6:00 am under a fabulous rising sun. As we cruised by Zodiac in the tributary we heard howler monkeys crying as if they where welcoming the day, and saw birds of many species. The tributary had many pink dolphins fishing on the flooded vegetation. These dolphins are very interesting: they have a ball in the forehead known as “melon,” which is actually a third lobe in their brains that has evolved to perform as a sonar. This allows the dolphin to sense fish in the murky waters of the Amazon. It has a very flexible spine that allows it to make tight turns in the flooded forest in the hunt for fish.

During the rest of the morning we had several lectures, one on the invertebrates of the forest, and in the afternoon a naturalist gave one on Brazil’s agriculture industry and deforestation. At 7:00 pm, we started another Zodiac cruise in Curua, where one of our expedition guides caught a caiman and kept it visible so everyone could see this emblematic reptile of the Amazon. There are four species of caimans in this area—but no crocodiles or alligators. As the Zodiacs cruised back to L’Austral, the rain started: it was a great way to end this wonderful day.


AMAZON RIVER DOLPHINAlso known as the pink river dolphin or boto, this freshwater cetacean is found throughout much of the Amazon and Orinoco river basins. It is the largest species of river dolphin, with adult males reaching 400 pounds and eight feet in length. Like other toothed whales, they have a “melon” on their forehead—actually an organ used for bio sonar.

BLACK CAIMANThe black caiman is a large aquatic reptile found in slow-moving rivers, lakes, and seasonally flooded savannahs of the Amazon basin. It is a large species of caiman, growing 16-20 feet in length. It is the largest predator in the Amazon ecosystem, preying on a variety of fish, reptiles, birds, and mammals. Due to their size and ferociousness, mature black caimans have no natural predators (although juveniles are occasionally hunted by jaguars and anacondas).

HOWLER MONKEYHowlers are aptly named for their cacophonous cries, which can travel up to three miles through dense rain forest, announcing their territory. These New World monkeys are also recognizable for their beards and long, thick hair which may be black, brown, or red, as well as their long and strong prehensile tails, used to grip food and hang from branches.

MAGELLANIC PENGUINThe Magellanic penguin is a medium-sized bird found inhabiting the rock islands off the coast of parts of South America. It is highly sociable, living in flocks and gathering in large colonies on the beaches of Argentina, southern Chile, and the Falkland Islands. Like its relatives, the Africa, Galapagos, and Humboldt penguins, the Magellanic penguin has white, brown and black markings, with a broad dark band running across the top of their white chest.

GIANT RIVER OTTERThe South American otter is the world’s largest, reaching lengths of six feet and a weight of 70 pounds. It lives only in the rivers and creeks of the Amazon, Orinoco, and La Plata river systems. Once abundant, they have been hunted extensively and are now among the rarest otters in the world. Only a few thousand are believed to survive in the wild.

SCARLET IBIS With its bright red feathers the scarlet ibis is hard to miss. This bird gets is brilliant color from the pigments in its food, including crabs and other crustaceans. They use their long, curved bill to probe the mudflats, shallow water, and grasses of the Brazilian coast where they reside.

WildlifeWith its lush vegetation and wide open spaces, South America boasts an exceptional ecosystem which promises frequent encounters with animal species, many of which are endemic.

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Patagonia & Chilean Fjords Discover the Chilean fjords and Patagonia, where earth and sea mingle to form a labyrinth of islands, fjords, lakes and mountains.

VALPARAISO • USHUAIA (13 nights)

Aboard Le Boréal November 2 – 15, 2016


D 1 VALPARAISO (Chile) Embarkation from 15:00 to 16:00D 2 At seaD 3 Castro - Chiloe (Chile)D 4 Puerto Montt (Chile)D 5 At seaD 6 Tortel (Chile)D 7-9 Crusing in the heart of the Chilean FjordsD 10 Puerto Natales (Chile)D 11-13 Sailing around Cape Horn and Beagle ChannelD 14 USHUAIA (Argentina) Disembarkation

Transfer to the airport. Flight Ushuaia-Buenos Aires. Arrival at the International airport of Buenos Aires (Pistarini).

Patagonia & Chilean FjordsThe colorful, colonial-style towns of Chile’s coast are brimming with history, and the nature reserves are home to impressive fauna and flora. Sail amongst majestic fjords and round Cape Horn.

USHUAIA • VALPARAISO (13 nights)

Aboard Le Boréal March 5 – 18, 2017


D 1 Flight Buenos Aires-USHUAIA (Argentina) Direct transfer on board or transfer to Arakur Resort, located inside Cerro Alarken Natural Reserve. Time at leisure, lunch and / or additional paying excursion to Tierra del Fuego National Park. Embarkation from 19:00 to 20:00

D 2-4 Sailing arround Cape Horn and Beagle ChannelD 5 Puerto Natales (Chile)D 6-7 Crusing in the heart of the Chilean FjordsD 8 Tortel (Chile)D 9 At seaD 10 Puerto Montt (Chile)D 11 Castro - Chiloe (Chile)D 12 At seaD 13 Valparaiso (Chile)D 14 VALPARAISO (Chile) Disembarkation

Puerto Montt

Tortel

Castro

Puerto Natales

Cape Horn

Atlantic Ocean

Pacific Ocean

USHUAIA

VALPARAISO

ARGENTINA

CHILE

Puerto Montt

Tortel

Castro

Puerto Natales

Cape Horn

Atlantic Ocean

Pacific Ocean

USHUAIA

VALPARAISO

ARGENTINA

CHILE

Buenos Aires Buenos Aires


Over the Amazon & OrinocoSouth America’s two legendary rivers are vast expanses of forest, water, and sky—and a naturalist’s paradise. Aboard Le Soléal’s fleet of Zodiacs, explore the Amazon and Orinoco’s intricate networks, and the diverse flora and fauna that thrive on the shores of these rivers.

RECIFE • FORT-DE-FRANCE (17 nights)

Aboard Le Soléal March 17 – April 3, 2017


D 1 RECIFE (Brazil) Embarkation from 15:00 to 16:00D 2-3 At seaD 4 Itaqui / Sao Luis (Brazil)D 5 At seaD 6 Belem (Brazil)D 7 Cruising Breves NarrowsD 8 Cruising the Amazon - Guajara / Curua (Brazil)D 9 Cruising the Amazon - Santarem / Alter do Chao (Brazil)D 10 Cruising the Amazon - Mojuizim (Brazil)D 11 Cruising the Amazon - Fazendinha (Brazil)D 12 At seaD 13 Devil’s Island (French Guyana)D 14 At seaD 15 Cruising the Orinoco - El Arroyo / El Toro (Venezuela)D 16 At seaD 17 Bridgetown (Barbados)D 18 FORT-DE-FRANCE (Martinique) Disembarkation

SOUTH AMERICA

BRAZIL

Orinoco River

Amazon River

FRENCH GUYANA

VENEZUELA

Sao LuisBelem

Devil’s Island

Santarem

Fazendinha

MojuizimGuajara

El Toro

El Arroyo

BridgetownBARBADOS

Breves Narrows

RECIFE

Atlantic Ocean

FORT-DE-FRANCEMARTINIQUE



Patagonia & Chilean Fjords NOVEMBER 2, 201613 nights on board + return flight and transfer

VALPARAISO • USHUAIALE BORÉAL






Deluxe Suite $13,010 $11,880



Owner Suite $18,630 -



Children 8 -11 sharing parents’ room $1,449 -



Airport taxes $30

PONANT BONUS

Up to

-10%

Patagonia & Chilean FjordsMARCH 5, 201713 nights on board + outward flight and transfer

USHUAIA • VALPARAISOLE BORÉAL









Owner Suite $18,830






Airport taxes $30

Over the Amazon & OrinocoMARCH 17, 201717 nights on board

RECIFE • FORT-DE-FRANCELE SOLÉAL






Deluxe Suite $16,140 $14,680



Owner Suite $30,820 -



Children 8 -11 sharing parents’ room $1,071 -



PONA

NT BONUS

Up to

-10%

SOU

TH AM

ERICA



THE SEYCHELLES, SCATTERED ISLANDS

& MADAGASCAR


PONANT is proud to offer—for the first time—an expedition cruise to the tropical paradise that lies nestled in the western Indian Ocean. From Durban, South Africa, set out to discover the incredible worlds of the Seychelles, the Scattered Islands, and Madagascar. These are three of the least-visited, inaccessible, and most desirable travel destinations in the world—and aboard Le Lyrial, you will journey to all three on a singular expedition.

The idyllic atolls of the Scattered Islands and the Seychelles are an ecological wonderland, filled with an astounding array animals, birds, and plants. Their coral reefs are home to impressive marine wildlife. In addition to the many bird colonies that have made these islands their home, such as the red-footed booby, the tern, and the tropicbird, the white sand beaches are home to green turtles (in the Scattered Islands) and the famous giant land tortoise of the Seychelles. As our fleet of Zodiacs cruise these crystal clear waters, you may also be lucky enough to spot various species of dolphins and whales. Every day brings a fresh discovery.

Madagascar, the fourth largest island in the world, is home to thousands of animal species found nowhere else. And no place else will you feel the power of an expedition better than on Nosy Komba, a tiny volcanic island with no cars, no roads, no electricity, and no banks. In place of civilization, you’ll find small and uninhabited beaches and fascinating nature reserves, where you’ll have the opportunity to meet Madagascar’s loveable mascot—the lemur—who is anything but shy.

HIGHLIGHTS:

• Visit Juan de Nova, a tiny strip of land classified as a nature reserve and home to the biggest colony of sooty tern in the Indian Ocean.

• In Madagascar, see the endemic ring-tailed lemur, immediately recognizable for its long black-and-white tail and orange eyes.

• Visit Aldabra Atoll, one of the last untouched wildlife sanctuaries on Earth and a UNESCO World Heritage site—home to a large population of sea turtles.

• Swim and snorkel in the Seychelles’ coral reefs, among the best-preserved marine environments in the world and home to exotic fish, rays, and turtles.

• Observe endemic species such as the Seychelles sunbird, giant land tortoise, and tiger chameleon up close.

• Take a safari in the Sabi Sands Game Reserve, South Africa, offered as a pre-cruise optional extension.

Discover the Pearls of the Indian Ocean THE SEYC

HELLES


The Places You’ll GoReveries of tropical paradise are an everyday reality in the Seychelles and the Scattered Islands. And Madagascar, with remarkable flora and fauna matched by breathtaking landscapes, is a dream come true for lovers of the outdoors.

ALDABRA ATOLLWith 115 islands scattered like confetti along the clear waters of the Indian Ocean, the Seychelles exude an air of paradise. Located in the very heart of this faraway archipelago, the Aldabra Atoll is considered to be one of the last virtually untouched sanctuaries on Earth, where a large population of sea turtles has found refuge. Listed as a UNESCO World Heritage site, this vast tract of land is formed by four small coral reef islands separated by narrow passes and containing an emerald-water lagoon lined with mangrove and fine-sand beaches.

THE UNDERWATER WORLD OF THE SEYCHELLESMade up of 115 islands lying to the southeast of the African continent, the Seychelles have some of the best-preserved marine environments on the planet. Indeed, it is quite fitting that Jacques Cousteau chose these islands to film the footage for his movie The Silent World. Plunge into the jade waters to discover the rich and astonishing wildlife, sheltered by the coral reefs resplendent in their shimmering colors. Whether you see Napoleon wrasse, Picasso triggerfish, or butterflyfish, these exotic creatures never fail to surprise.

NOSY KOMBAMadagascar offers visitors an interesting blend of Africa and Indonesia: inland, the lands get barer, the rivers run red with laterite, and the terraced paddy fields lie alongside hillsides and traditional homes. The savannah is home to many baobab trees, creating an infinite variety of shapes and shades of color. Discover Nosy Komba, a small island covered in greenery. Accompanied by naturalist guides, set out to encounter its inhabitants in their traditional villages, or venture deep within the tropical rain forest to look for cute ring-tailed lemurs.


The Scattered Islands & the SeychellesDURBAN • MAHE (15 nights)

Aboard Le Lyrial April 2 – 17, 2017

from $8,990

D 1 DURBAN (South Africa) Embarkation from 16:00 to 17:00D 2 & 3 At seaD 4 Europa (Scattered Islands)D 5 At seaD 6 Juan de Nova (Scattered Islands)D 7 At seaD 8 Nosy Komba (Madagascar)D 9 Glorieuses (Scattered Islands)D 10 At seaD 11 & 12 Aldabra (Seychelles)D 13 At seaD 14 Alphonse (Seychelles)D 15 La Digue (Seychelles)

Victoria (Seychelles)D 16 VICTORIA - MAHE (Seychelles). Disembarkation

DURBAN

MAHE

SOUTH AFRICA

MADAGASCAR

SEYCHELLES

SCATTEREDISLANDS

Europa

Juan de NovaNosy Komba

Glorieuses

Aldabra Alphonse

La Digue

Superior Stateroom $8,990Deluxe Stateroom $9,760Prestige Stateroom - Deck 4 $10,350Prestige Stateroom - Deck 5 $10,800Prestige Stateroom - Deck 6 $11,290Deluxe Suite $13,770Prestige Suite - Deck 5 $15,560Privilege Suite - Deck 6 $16,270Grand Deluxe Suite - Deck 6 $18,520Grand Privilege Suite - Deck 6 $20,020Owner Suite $20,770

3rd passenger in a Superior Stateroom $5,1403rd and 4th passenger in Suite $8,420Individual stateroom rate From + 100%


Optional Pre-Cruise Extension SAFARI IN THE SABI SANDS GAME RESERVE, WITH EMBARKATION IN DURBAN (4 days/3 nights) From $2,690 (per person)

Fly to Kruger National Park, South Africa. From there you will be transferred to a lodge at the heart of the private Sabi Sands Game Reserve. An unforgettable experience will start here, with two full days of safari which will give you the opportunity to see the “Big Five” game animals: lions, rhinoceros, African elephants, leopards, and buffalo, all in their natural habitat. Your ranger/experienced guide will facilitate your encounter with these remarkable animals. At the end of this adventure, fly to Durban, South Africa, to meet the ship.

THE SEYC

HELLES




SOOTY TERNSLiving only around the tropical oceans, the sooty tern is recognizable for its plumage ranging from deep black on the back to an immaculate white on the belly. It feeds on plankton, small fish, and squid, and nests on the sand banks, rocks, and coral of oceanic islands. You will see it graciously soaring out to sea.

GREEN SEA TURTLES Perfectly adapted to aquatic life, this unparalleled swimmer lives among the marine plants and coral reefs. It owes its name to the color of its limbs, and can be easily recognized for its brown shell, marbled with yellow. Able to dive without breathing for up to three hours, sometimes they descend as far as 165 feet underwater to find food.

FRIGATESA large sea bird, the frigate boasts an iridescent black plumage, which offers a different color to each ray of sun, as well as a membrane between the toes that is red for males and white for females. They can fly at up to 5,000 feet altitude, and spread their great wings into the wind, literally sleeping in full flight.

GIANT TORTOISESAlso known as the elephant turtle, the giant tortoise of the Seychelles is the largest species of tortoise on Earth. Its shell is brown or beige in color and domed in shape, while the head and feet are covered in tiny scales. Its favorite hiding places are the islands and islets of the archipelago, deep in the coral reef, the mangroves, and the coastal dunes.

MASKED BOOBYAn elegant sea bird, the masked booby lives mainly on small flat treeless islands and often makes its nest on the edge of cliffs or in open areas, where it is easy to fly away. With a mainly white body, only the outline of the beak, the fringes of the wings, and the tail are a pretty black color, contrasting with the rest of the plumage.

LEMURSA species endemic to Madagascar, it is believed that the first lemurs arrived on the island riding on floating tree trunks. Considered to be a distant cousin or ancestor of the monkeys, this tiny animal is recognizable for its brown silky fur and its pointed nose. A sociable creature, it likes to live in a group and hide in the tops of trees, jumping from branch to branch, feeding on fruit, leaves, and bark.

WildlifeThe islands of the Western Indian Ocean are a special place. Five percent of all known animal and plant species can be found on Madagascar, including its most famous inhabitant, the lemur. The Scattered Islands are home to migratory turtles, marine mammals, sharks, and seabirds. And the Seychelles have one of the highest endemism rates of anywhere on the planet—including the largest population of giant tortoises in the world on Aldabra Atoll.


TROPICBIRDSThe tropicbird is one of the emblematic animals of the Scattered Islands. Boasting immaculate white plumage when seen from the ground, the upper side of its wings is made up of black feathers with perfectly symmetrical lines. The tail of this seductive bird is long and consists of two very fine feathers that float elegantly behind it in flight.

PICASSO TRIGGERFISHWater is everywhere in the Seychelles, and the marine environment echoes that of the land: under the surface of the sea, we discover incredible granite rocks, adorned with colorful sponges and corals. Reaching up to 10 inches in length, the Picasso triggerfish lives only in the warm waters of the islands. Its unusual colors, ranging from cobalt blue to bright orange, imitate an artist’s palette.


OUR FLEET


LE BORÉAL, L’AUSTRAL, LE SOLÉAL & LE LYRIAL

Welcome AboardOur four elegant sister ships, with up to 132 staterooms and suites, perpetuate PONANT’s philosophy:

small capacity yachts perfect for fostering camaraderie, a unique atmosphere, and a subtle combination of luxury, privacy, and well-being. Designed in France and built in Italy, each ship has its own color palette and motif, but all share in an elegantly understated aesthetic and European sensibility and

craftsmanship. The staterooms and suites feature panoramic sea views, and 95% have a balcony. Your comfort and well-being are the special responsibility of the impeccably trained staff, whose discreet

yet attentive service has become legendary among discriminating travelers. Life aboard is relaxed and refined, capturing the best of the French art of living well, and an air of quiet sophistication enhances the

unique experience of feeling you are aboard your own yacht.


SOLÉAL configuration: (1) Hammam (2) Locker (3) Massage / LYRIAL configuration: (1) Hammam (2) Massage (3) Massage

Deck 6 - LE LYRIAL

Deck 6 - LE BORÉAL - L’AUSTRAL - LE SOLÉAL

62

3

4

5

5

4

3

2

6

6

7

Lift Lift

Lift

Lift

Wheelhouse

Zodiac

Zodiac

Sun DeckBar

Open-air Bar

shop

shop

Main Lounge& Bar

RestaurantGastronomic

Mar

ina

shop

shop

Reception

Desk

Desk

Excursion

Main Lounge& Bar

MedicalCenterSh

op

302

300

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Main Lounge& BarTheater

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Lift Lift

Lift Lift

Lift Lift

Lift

Lift

Main LoungeClub

Bar

PONT 6

PONT 5

PONT 4

PONT 3

PONT 2

PLAN PONTS AUSTRAL

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Lift Lift

LiftPhoto Desk

Fitness

ShowersHammam

MassageRelaxationRoom

Balneo

Hairdresser

612 610 608 606614616618620622624626

615 611 609 607 605617619621623625

Wheelhouse

602

SuiteDeluxe

Owner’sSuite

603

SuiteDeluxe

601

SuiteDeluxe

PanoramicTerrace Pool

GrillRestaurant

Buffet

GrillLift Lift

PanoramicLounge

Lift

Library

Internet

Bar

504 502506508510512514516518520522524526528530532534536

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Lift Lift

Lift

Lift

Lift

PhotoDesk

Fitness

Hairdresser

Wheelhouse

Zodiac

Zodiac

Sun DeckBar

Open-air Bar

shop

shop

Main Lounge& Bar


Mar

ina

shop

shop

ReceptionDesk

ExcursionDesk

Main Lounge& Bar

MedicalCenterSh

op

302

300

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301303305307309311315317319321323325327329331333335337


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Lift Lift

Lift Lift

Lift Lift

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Wheelhouse

602604

SuiteDeluxe

SuitePrivilege

SuitePrivilege

SuitePrivilege

SuitePrivilege

SuitePrivilege

SuitePrivilege

SuitePrivilegePrestige

Stat.

SuitePrivilege

Suite Grand Deluxe

Owner’s Suite

603

SuiteDeluxe

601

SuiteDeluxe

TerracePanoramic

Pool Grill

Restaurant

et

GrillLift Lift

Lift

Lift

PanoramicLounge

Lift

Library

Internet

Bar

Main LoungeClub

Bar

605

Hammam

Massage

Massage

PONT 6

PONT 5

PONT 4

PONT 3

PONT 2

PLAN PONTS LYRIAL

Showers

504 502506508510512514516518520522524526528530532534536

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Lift Lift

Lift

Lift

Lift

PhotoDesk

Fitness

Hairdresser

Wheelhouse

Zodiac

Zodiac

Sun DeckBar

Open-air Bar

shop

shop

Main Lounge& Bar


Mar

ina

shop

shop

ReceptionDesk

ExcursionDesk

Main Lounge& Bar

MedicalCenterSh

op

302

300

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301303305307309311315317319321323325327329331333335337


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401403405407409411415417419421423425427429431433435437

Lift Lift

Lift Lift

Lift Lift

608 606 606610612614

607609611615

Wheelhouse

602604

SuiteDeluxe

SuitePrivilege

SuitePrivilege

SuitePrivilege

SuitePrivilege

SuitePrivilege

SuitePrivilege

SuitePrivilegePrestige

Stat.

SuitePrivilege

Suite Grand Deluxe

Owner’s Suite

603

SuiteDeluxe

601

SuiteDeluxe

TerracePanoramic

Pool Grill

Restaurant

et

GrillLift Lift

Lift

Lift

PanoramicLounge

Lift

Library

Internet

Bar

Main LoungeClub

Bar

605

Hammam

Massage

Massage

PONT 6

PONT 5

PONT 4

PONT 3

PONT 2

PLAN PONTS LYRIAL

Showers

Lift Lift

Lift

Lift

Wheelhouse

Zodiac

Zodiac

Sun DeckBar

Open-air Bar

shop

shop

Main Lounge& Bar


Mar

ina

shop

shop

Reception

Desk

Desk

Excursion

Main Lounge& Bar

MedicalCenterSh

op

302

300

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402404406408410412414416418420422424426428430432434

401403405407409411415417419421423425427429431433435437

Lift Lift

Lift Lift

Lift Lift

Lift

Lift

Main LoungeClub

Bar

PONT 6

PONT 5

PONT 4

PONT 3

PONT 2

PLAN PONTS AUSTRAL

504 502506508510512514516518520522524526528530532534536

503 501505507509511515517519521523525527529531533535537539

BridgeLeisure Area

Lift Lift

LiftPhoto Desk

Fitness

ShowersHammam


Balneo

Hairdresser

612 610 608 606614616618620622624626

615 611 609 607 605617619621623625

Wheelhouse

602

SuiteDeluxe

Owner’sSuite

603

SuiteDeluxe

601

SuiteDeluxe


GrillRestaurant

Buffet

GrillLift Lift

PanoramicLounge

Lift

Library

Internet

Bar

Lift Lift

Lift

Lift

Wheelhouse

Zodiac

Zodiac

Sun DeckBar

Open-air Bar

shop

shop

Main Lounge& Bar


Mar

ina

shop

shop

Reception

Desk

Desk

Excursion

Main Lounge& Bar

MedicalCenterSh

op

302

300

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Lift Lift

Lift Lift

Lift Lift

Lift

Lift

Main LoungeClub

Bar

PONT 6

PONT 5

PONT 4

PONT 3

PONT 2

PLAN PONTS AUSTRAL

504 502506508510512514516518520522524526528530532534536

503 501505507509511515517519521523525527529531533535537539

BridgeLeisure Area

Lift Lift

LiftPhoto Desk

Fitness

ShowersHammam


Balneo

Hairdresser

612 610 608 606614616618620622624626

615 611 609 607 605617619621623625

Wheelhouse

602

SuiteDeluxe

Owner’sSuite

603

SuiteDeluxe

601

SuiteDeluxe


GrillRestaurant

Buffet

GrillLift Lift

PanoramicLounge

Lift

Library

Internet

Bar

Lift Lift

Lift

Lift

Wheelhouse

Zodiac

Zodiac

Sun DeckBar

Open-air Bar

shop

shop

Main Lounge& Bar


Mar

ina

shop

shop

Reception

Desk

Desk

Excursion

Main Lounge& Bar

MedicalCenterSh

op

302

300

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Lift Lift

Lift Lift

Lift Lift

Lift

Lift

Main LoungeClub

Bar

PONT 6

PONT 5

PONT 4

PONT 3

PONT 2

PLAN PONTS AUSTRAL

504 502506508510512514516518520522524526528530532534536

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Lift Lift

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Fitness

ShowersHammam


Balneo

Hairdresser

612 610 608 606614616618620622624626

615 611 609 607 605617619621623625

Wheelhouse

602

SuiteDeluxe

Owner’sSuite

603

SuiteDeluxe

601

SuiteDeluxe


GrillRestaurant

Buffet

GrillLift Lift

PanoramicLounge

Lift

Library

Internet

Bar

Lift Lift

Lift

Lift

Wheelhouse

Zodiac

Zodiac

Sun DeckBar

Open-air Bar

shop

shop

Main Lounge& Bar


Mar

ina

shop

shop

Reception

Desk

Desk

Excursion

Main Lounge& Bar

MedicalCenterSh

op

302

300

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401403405407409411415417419421423425427429431433435437

Lift Lift

Lift Lift

Lift Lift

Lift

Lift

Main LoungeClub

Bar

PONT 6

PONT 5

PONT 4

PONT 3

PONT 2

PLAN PONTS AUSTRAL

504 502506508510512514516518520522524526528530532534536

503 501505507509511515517519521523525527529531533535537539

BridgeLeisure Area

Lift Lift

LiftPhoto Desk

Fitness

ShowersHammam


Balneo

Hairdresser

612 610 608 606614616618620622624626

615 611 609 607 605617619621623625

Wheelhouse

602

SuiteDeluxe

Owner’sSuite

603

SuiteDeluxe

601

SuiteDeluxe


GrillRestaurant

Buffet

GrillLift Lift

PanoramicLounge

Lift

Library

Internet

Bar

(1)

(2)

(3)

BORÉAL, AUSTRAL, SOLÉAL: Owner’s suite w/ private balcony - 3 Deluxe suites w/ private balcony - 20 Prestige staterooms w/ private balcony (18 Prestige staterooms convertible into 9 Prestige suites) - LYRIAL: Owner’s suite w/ private balcony - 1 Grand Privilege suite w/ private balcony - 3 Deluxe suites w/ private balcony - 1 Grand Deluxe suite w/ private balcony - 8 Privilege suites w/ private balcony - 1 Prestige stateroom w/ private balcony - Pool - Grill Restaurant - Internet - Library - Panoramic lounge - Panoramic terrace

Gastronomic Restaurant - Marina

28 Deluxe staterooms with private balcony 8 Superior staterooms - Main Lounge - Shop - Reception desk - Excursion desk - Medical center

35 Prestige staterooms with private balcony Theater

37 Prestige staterooms with private balcony (with 22 Prestige staterooms convertible into 11 Prestige suites) - Fitness - Sothys™ Beauty Corner: Balneo, Hammam, Massage, Hairdresser - Relaxation room - Image & photo desk - Bridge

Owner’s Suite Deck 6Privilege Suites Deck 6 - LE LYRIAL Grand Privilege Suite Deck 6 - LE LYRIAL

Prestige Suites Deck 6 - 5 (except LE LYRIAL)Grand Deluxe Suite Deck 6 - LE LYRIALDeluxe Suites Deck 6

DECK PLANS

Prestige Staterooms Deck 4 - 5 - 6Deluxe Staterooms Deck 3Superior Staterooms Deck 3


L’AUSTRAL, LE BORÉAL & LE SOLÉAL ACCOMMODATIONS

3 DELUXE SUITES (290 sq.ft. + 54 sq.ft. private balcony)UP TO 20 PRESTIGE SUITES (398 sq.ft. + 86 sq.ft. private balcony)UP TO 92 PRESTIGE STATEROOMS (200 sq.ft. + 43 sq.ft. private balcony)

OWNER’S SUITE (484 sq.ft. + 97 sq.ft. private balcony)

28 DELUXE STATEROOMS (200 sq.ft. + 43 sq.ft. private balcony)

8 SUPERIOR STATEROOMS (226 sq.ft.)

Deluxe Suites on board LE BORÉAL : 1 shower and 1 bathtub.

Balcony

WC WCShower

Dressingroom

Diningroom

Spabathtub

Sofa

Tv Tv

Bar Desk

Suite Armateur - AUSTRAL - UKPONT 6

WC

Shower(2)

Balcony

Dressingroom

Tv

Bar

Shower

WC

Balcony

Dressingroom

Cabines Prestiges - AUSTRAL - UKPONTS 4 - 5 - 6

WC

Shower

Balcony

Dressingroom

Shower

WC

Balcony

Dressingroom

Sofa Sofa Tv

Bar

Tv

Bar

Tv

Bar

Balcony

WC WC

Dressingroom

Dressingroom Shower Shower

WCWC

Sofa

Tv Tv

Bar Bar

Balcony

WC

Dressingroom

DressingroomShower(1)Shower

WC WC

Sofa

Suites Prestige - AUSTRALPONTS 6 - 5

Tv Tv

Bar Bar

Balcony

WC Dressingroom

Tv

Daybed

ShowerBar

Balcony

WCDressingroom

TvShower

Bar

Suites Deluxe - AUSTRALPONT 6

Daybed

WC

Shower

Balcony

Dressingroom

Tv

Bar

WC

Shower

Balcony

Dressingroom

Tv

Bar

Cabines Deluxe - AUSTRAL - UKPONT 3

WC

Shower

Dressingroom

Tv

Daybed

Bar

WC

Shower

Dressingroom

Tv

Daybed

Bar

Cabines Supérieures - AUSTRAL - UKPONT 3

(1) Prestige Suites on board LE BORÉAL & LE SOLÉAL : 1 shower and 1 bathtub.(2) Prestige Stateroom on board LE BORÉAL & LE SOLÉAL, Decks 5 & 6 : 1 shower or 1 bathtub depends on cabins.

• Glass door or window in each cabin• Individually-controlled air conditioning• Cabin layout: queen-size bed or twin beds; communicating

cabins available• Private bathroom• Mini-bar• Flat-screen satellite TV• Movies on demand

• iPod™ player• Desk with stationery• Safe• French bath products• Bathrobes & hairdryer• Direct-dial satellite telephone• 110/220-volt outlets• 24-hour room service• WiFi access

DISCOVER YOUR STATEROOM OR SUITEFeaturing elegant surroundings, flexible cabin layouts,

French interior design, and panoramic sea views.

Amenities


LE LYRIAL ACCOMMODATIONS

3 DELUXE SUITES (291 sq.ft. + 65 sq.ft. private balcony)

11 PRESTIGE SUITES (388 sq.ft. + 86 sq.ft. private balcony)73 PRESTIGE STATEROOMS (194 sq.ft. + 43 sq.ft. private balcony)

OWNER’S SUITE (581 sq.ft. + 129 sq.ft. private balcony)

8 PRIVILEGE SUITES (388 sq.ft. + 86 sq.ft. private balcony)

GRAND PRIVILEGE SUITE (581 sq.ft. + 129 sq.ft. private balcony)

GRAND DELUXE SUITE (484 sq.ft. + 108 sq.ft. private balcony)

28 DELUXE STATEROOMS (194 sq.ft. + 43 sq.ft. private balcony)

8 SUPERIOR STATEROOMS (226 sq.ft.)

Dressingroom

Shower

Shower

WC WC

Balcony

Bathtub

Suite Grand Privilège - LYRIALPONT 6

Tv

Bar

Tv

Tv

Dressingroom

WC WC

Balcony

Douche

Dressingroom

Diningroom

Spabathtub

Tv Tv

Sofa

Desk

Bar

Shower

Suite Grand Deluxe - LYRIAL - UKPONT 6

WC WC

Balcony

Sofa

DiningRoom

Shower

Spabathtub Dressing

room

Dressingroom

TvTv

Suite de l’Armateur - LYRIALPONT 6

Bar

WC

Shower

Balcony

Dressingroom

Cabines Prestige LYRIAL - UKPONTS 4 - 5

WC

Shower

Balcony

Dressingroom

WC

Shower

Balcony

Dressingroom

WC

Shower

Balcony

Dressingroom

Tv

Bar

Sofa Sofa Tv

Bar

Tv

Bar

Tv

Bar

WC

Shower

Balcony

Dressingroom

Tv

Bar

WC

Shower Dressingroom

Tv

Bar

"Suites" Prestige - LYRIAL - UKPONT 5

Sofa

Dressingroom

ShowerWC

Balcony

Sofa

Bathtub

Suite Privilège - LYRIALPONT 6

Tv Tv

Bar

Balcony

WC

Daybed

Shower

Tv Bar

Suites DELUXE - LYRIAL - UKPONT 6

Balcony

WC

Daybed

Shower

Dressingroom

Dressingroom

Dressingroom

Dressingroom

TvBar

WC

Shower

Balcony

Dressingroom

Tv

Bar

WC

Shower

Balcony

Dressingroom

Tv

Bar

Cabines Deluxe - LYRIALPONT 3

WC

Shower

Dressingroom

Tv

Daybed

Bar

WC

Shower

Dressingroom

Tv

Daybed

Bar

Cabines Supérieures - LYRIAL - UKPONT 3

WC

Shower

Dressingroom

Tv

Bar

WC

Shower

Dressingroom

Tv

Bar

LOBBY1,453 sq.ft. / 135 sq.m Concierge lounge including reception, customer relations, and excursions desk. Concierge service.

RESTAURANTS• Gastronomic Restaurant

3,982 sq.ft. / 370 sq.m. Capacity: 268Elegant main dining room for breakfast, lunch, and dinner serving French and international cuisine. Fine wine cellar.

• Grill Restaurant2,530 sq.ft. / 235 sq.m.Inside capacity: 150; Outside capacity: 60Casual eating venue for breakfast, buffet lunch, and themed dinners.

LOUNGES• Main Lounge

2,745 sq.ft. / 255 sq.m.Inside capacity: 110Outside capacity: 30Afternoon tea, lounge, live music, dance floor, and cocktail bar.Access to the outside terrace.

• Panoramic Lounge1,184 sq.ft. / 110 sq.m.Library, Internet desk, and cocktail bar. Liveentertainment on selected evenings.Direct access to the panoramic terrace.

• Open-air Bar (Pool deck) Seating: 50 Overlooking the pool deck.

RECREATION / RELAXATION• Theater

2,690 sq.ft. / 250 sq.m.Capacity: 250Main venue for conferences and live entertainment on selected evenings.State-of-the-art audio and video technology.

• Fitness & Beauty CornerFitness room: Kinesis equipment, runningmachines, bicycles, and Sothys™ Spa/Beauty Corner featuring Hairdresser, Massage rooms (2), Balneo, Hammam, and Relaxation room.

• Leisure areaWii™ area, photo shop.

Public areas


TERMS & CONDITIONSPROGRAM INCLUSIONS• Cruise aboard one of PONANT’s

deluxe yachts

• Charter flights and transfers, as indicated on specific itineraries

• Shore excursions and Zodiac outings

• Highly experienced expedition team

• Welcome and farewell cocktail receptions aboard ship

• Captain’s gala dinner

• All meals aboard ship including early riser’s coffee and pastry, breakfast, lunch, afternoon tea, and dinner

• Open bar aboard ship, including select wines

• 24-hour room service

• Professional cruise staff

• Comprehensive pre-departure materials

• Port taxes and charges

• Gratuities to shipboard personnel, local guides, and drivers

• Expedition parka on cruises with “Parka Gift” logo

• Park entry fees into protected areas

Not Included

• Airfare (other than charter flights indicated on specific itineraries)

• Airport taxes

• Transfers (other than transfers associated with charter flights indicated on specific itineraries)

• Passport and visa fees and/or immigration reciprocity taxes (if applicable)

• Trip cancellation and baggage insurance

• Medical and repatriation insurance

• Meals and beverages other than those specified above

• Personal expenses (such as telephone, Internet, laundry service, hair salon services, à la carte spa treatments, etc.)

Compagnie du PONANT, PONANT Group USA, LLC, and PONANT USA, LLC are hereinafter collectively referred to as “PONANT GROUP”.

PAYMENT SCHEDULE: In order to secure a booking, the guest is required to pay 25% of total cruise price upon confirmation. The final 75% is due no later than 90 days prior to departure.

CANCELLATION, MODIFICATION PENALTIES & REFUNDS: All cancellations or modifications must be in writing. Any and all guests not reporting for departure or prevented from reporting for departure or waiving for any reason whatsoever the benefit of services included in the program cannot claim any refund. PONANT GROUP shall not be required to refund any monies to any guests who must leave the cruise prematurely for any reason, nor shall PONANT GROUP be held responsible for any costs, fees, damages or causes of action which result from the transportation expenses incurred by guest’s early departure.

For any deposited or fully paid booking on an expedition cruise, cancellation penalties will be assessed as noted below. These cancellation penalties are applicable on all services booked with PONANT GROUP. • From confirmation of booking date up to 91 days

prior departure: 25% of full fare• 90-76 days prior departure: 50% of full fare• 75-61 days prior departure: 75% of full fare• Less than 61 days prior departure: 100% of

full fare.

TRAVEL INSURANCE: Passengers shall be responsible for subscribing to cancellation/luggage/assistance/repatriation/medical insurance(s).

ITINERARY: PONANT GROUP reserves the right to withdraw and/or cancel a sailing to make changes in the itinerary whenever, in its sole judgment, or in the judgment of the vessel owner or operator, conditions warrant it.

INDEPENDENT CONTRACTORS/LIMIT OF LIABILITY: The passenger agrees that PONANT GROUP acts as agent and/or trustee for any person, ground and maritime agents and subcontractors, who provide any service forming, or in connection with, any part of the cruise. Transportation services to the port of departure, transfers to the ship, including, as applicable, hotel room and restaurant bookings or guided tours, are performed by independent suppliers who are not employees of PONANT GROUP. In this respect, PONANT GROUP acts only as an agent and shall not be held liable for said services or for the acts or omissions of sub-contractors or other contractors.

PONANT GROUP shall not be held liable for bodily injury to, or death of passengers, or for loss of, or damage to luggage or other personal belongings, unless it is proved that the carrier has infringed statutory obligations or that it or one of its employees or agents has committed gross negligence. However, in the event the liability of PONANT GROUP is incurred, such liability is limited (details available upon request).

PONANT GROUP shall in any case not be liable for failure of an improper performance when

the same is due to or caused by the fault of the passenger; the unforeseeable or unavoidable fault of a third party unconnected with the provision of any services to be provided under the contract; unusual and unforeseeable circumstances beyond the control of PONANT GROUP; an event of “Force Majeure” such as a war, threat of war, riots, civil commotion, acts of God, terrorist activities, natural and nuclear disaster, fire, technical problems with transport, closure of ports, strikes and any industrial action, or any other event beyond the control of PONANT GROUP.

RATES:The prices given at the time of booking are based on economic conditions known on April 1, 2016 and are subject to change. These conditions are, amongst others, the cost of transport and fuel, relevant dues and taxes for the proposed operation (port taxes, embarkation and disembarkation taxes, entrance costs to tourist sites), currency exchange rates relevant to the pricing of these programs. PONANT GROUP reserves the right within the legal limits of applicable laws to vary the prices if necessary. All variation of the cost of transport, fuel, taxes, dues and visa costs will be passed on within the voyage cost. Additionally, any surcharge levied will be increased to include an amount to cover agent’s commission. Any change in fare cannot be imposed less than 60 days prior to departure. For the cruise-only rate, daily surcharge, if any, will be calculated based on:

S= fuel variation* x daily consumption**

Ship capacity ***(*): MGO FOB Rotterdam 0,1% in US$ (**): L’AUSTRAL, LE BOREAL, LE LYRIAL, LE SOLEAL 20t(***): L’AUSTRAL, LE BOREAL, LE SOLEAL, LE LYRIAL: 244 passengers

JURISDICTION:These terms & conditions are subject to and interpreted according to International regulations and concern the transportation of passengers and their luggage from the time of boarding the ship to the moment of disembarking, as well as at ports of departure, destination, or stopover. PONANT GROUP shall incur no liability outside this period of time. Without prejudice to required legal regulations, any actions related either to the interpretation, or execution of this agreement shall be brought before the competent courts of Marseille-France.

PONANT GROUP is not responsible for omissions, printing and/or presentation errors and reserves the right to make corrections as required.

SHIPS’ REGISTRY: France

FL Seller of Travel Ref No ST37706 CA Seller of Travel Ref No 2120712-40


Sail to exclusive advantagesand special privileges

Being loyal to PONANT lets you take full advantage of the pleasures of cruising. As a member of the PONANT Yacht Club, you will receive special attention,

exclusive services both onboard and on land, and offers not available to other guests.


The PONANT Yacht Club card is presented to each adult passenger aged over 18 and eligible for the PONANT Yacht Club program. The benefits and status for all persons eligible to the PONANT Yacht Club program are acquired only when the booking is confirmed, unless it is cancelled before departure. Benefits may be changed at any time and without notice. (1) The excursion-credit is not exchangeable, refundable or transferable. It is not valid for pre-sales programs and is not transferrable to other services, even during cruises where no excursions are organized. (2) See variables onboard. (3) Valid only for the cruise port to port, excluding onboard discretionary expenses and transfers or services. Excluding back to back cruises. (4) No penalty charges will be applied for the first alteration to the tourist package providing that the request is made 90 days or more before the cruise departure date; this time period increases to 150 days for expedition cruises.

MAJOR

When you confirm your 2nd cruise you’ll receive:• The opportunity to join the PONANT Yacht Club’s private cruises.• Complimentary laundry service aboard.•$55 off the shore excursion of your choice.(1)

• 1 hour free Wi-Fi Internet access onboard.

ADMIRAL

When you confirm your 4th cruise you’ll receive:• The opportunity to join the PONANT Yacht Club’s private cruises.• Complimentary laundry service aboard.• $110 off the shore excursion of your choice. (1)

• 4 hours free Wi-Fi Internet access onboard.• Complimentary upgrade subject to availability. (2)

• 20% discount in the shop.• 20% discount off beverages listed on the bar menu.• 5% cruise discount from the reservation of your 2nd cruise in the same year, excluding back-to-back cruises. (3)

GRAND ADMIRAL

When you confirm your 7th cruise you’ll receive:• The opportunity to join the PONANT Yacht Club’s private cruises.• Complimentary laundry service aboard.• $165 off the shore excursion of your choice. (1)

• 10 hours free Wi-Fi Internet access onboard.• Complimentary upgrade subject to availability. (2)

• 5% cruise discount will automatically be applied upon reservation of your cruise. (3)

• 10% cruise discount from the reservation of your 2nd cruise in the same year excluding back-to-back cruises. (3)

• 20% discount in the shop.• 30% discount off beverages listed on the bar menu.• 30% discount off one spa or hair treatment.• Make changes to your cruise without incurring charges, up to 90 or 150 days

before departure. (4)

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Excellence

Exception

Privileges

Prestige

Services

Pierre MARTIN

Pierre MARTIN

Pierre MARTIN

PONANT YACHT CLUB


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FOR RESERVATIONS AND INFORMATION, CONTACT YOUR TRAVEL PROFESSIONAL OR PONANT

PONANT 132 East 70th St., New York, NY 10021

www.ponant.com

TOLL-FREE +1 888 400 1082LOCAL +1 212 517 7555FAX +1 212 774 1560

[email protected] Seller of Travel Ref. No. ST37706

CA Seller of Travel Ref. No. 2106116-40

PONANT Expeditions 2016_2018 collection

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Transcript of PONANT Expeditions 2016_2018 collection