The descriptor, Northwest Passage, evokes the very essence of modern Arctic expedition challenges. Tragic and triumphant in turn, an historic, mythical, once impassable ice-blocked sea passage above the Canadian Arctic Circle, originally explored to open trade routes linking Europe with Asia.

Today, 22 February, co-incident with PONANT's polar expedition leader Nicolas Dubreuil's visit to Australia, the polar specialist luxury expedition cruise company, PONANT, has released details of its one-only Northwest Passage voyage scheduled for 2020.  

Nicolas Dubreuil referenced previous Northwest Passage voyages saying “Since 2013, PONANT has returned annually to the Northwest Passage with one or more of our fleet of purpose-built small luxury expedition ships to explore this fascinating labyrinth. Each visit is an exciting return - it is uplifting to see the iridescent icebergs, shimmering light, whales and polar bears. On last year's voyage I counted 33 polar bear sightings, quite extraordinary. This is a real remote-area expedition at the top of the world, at one with nature, where the sight of another vessel is rare. A truly unforgettable experience, a mesmerising voyage for all aboard.”

In 1906, after 300 or more years of various attempts by numerous European explorers, famed Norwegian polar explorer Roald Amundsen, onboard the 21 metre sloop Gjøa with a crew of six, completed a gruelling three year navigation task to successfully complete a sea passage from Greenland to Alaska. 

“Aboard PONANT's modern, environmentally sensitive, ice-rated L'Austral with just 132 suites and staterooms, modern day adventurers will want for nothing. Spa, heated pool, Open Bar, Hermès bath products ….. This is the classic PONANT expedition, where comfort and luxury merge with adventure” enthuses Monique Ponfoort, Vice President PONANT Asia Pacific. 

“The voyage will be enhanced by the presence of the specialist expedition crew, who will guide, educate and share experiences with guests, escorting small groups ashore from aboard the fleet of Zodiacs to better appreciate these vast lands, and to meet the Inuit locals who for 4,000 years have made these icy realms their ancestral home.”

“Both the 2018 and 2019 PONANT Northwest Passage voyages were sell-outs. This 22 night 2020 expedition, now open for sale, is sure to follow suit and sell out quickly too, so I recommend anyone interested acts as soon as possible,” advises Monique.

Putting a price on a priceless voyage:

LIMITED AVAILABILITY, Book now!

From A$36,590pp in a Prestige Stateroom Deck 6 with private balcony, based on a double occupancy and subject to change at any time based on availability.

Price correct at time of writing – 22/02/18.

Photo library images from past Northwest Passage expeditions 

available at:

https://au.ponant.com/northwest-passage-gallery 

Northwest Passage 2020

• One only 22 night expedition aboard L'Austral, departing 24 August 2020. Kangerlussuaq (Greenland) to Nome (Alaska) crossing the Arctic Circle enroute. 

A luxury small ship Polar Expedition through one of the most historic and challenging waterways in the world. From the towering Ilulissat ice fjord in Greenland to the rugged mountain ranges of the Tremblay Sound in Canada, discover some of the world's greatest natural wonders.

Additional expedition voyage details available online at 

https://au.ponant.com/redirect/cruise/A240820

Discuss your preferences with PONANT's reservation specialists or your travel agent in order to secure not just the best price but the largest range of accommodation options available. 

Details of all voyages, as well as updated information on new destinations and the new Explorer ships, is available online at au.ponant.com

Background:

• Sir John Franklin's ill-fated expedition included two ships, HMS Erebus and HMS Terror. They carried extensive supplies including 200 gallons of wine but only to administer to the sick, 3,684 gallons of spirits and 9,450 lbs of chocolate. 

• Roald Amundsen conquered the Northwest Passage, North Magnetic Pole and South Pole all within a ten year period

• In parts of the crossing today (7 weather dependent route variations possible) ship's captains still refer to charts made during searches carried out in the mid 1800 for the lost Franklin expedition.

• PONANT's ships have crossed the Northwest Passage in 2013 (Le Soleal), 2014 (L'Austral), 2015 (Le Boreal and Le Soleal), 2016 (L'Austral) and 2017 (Le Boreal).