The Dutch were the first to hunt whales on this island, known as Kitissuarsuit or “Isle of Dogs.” When they arrived in summer, the locals had migrated to nearby fjords for fishing, leaving their dogs behind. Kitissuarsuit serves as a vital food source for Aasiaat, where villagers maintain self-sufficiency and uphold traditional ways.

East of Baffin Bay, Disko Bay is filled with icebergs from the UNESCO-listed Ilulissat Icefjord. Guests can admire these majestic ice giants drifting across dark waters. This area is renowned for whale watching, especially humpback whales, providing stunning wildlife encounters and breathtaking landscapes in this delicate environment.

On the sea journey, make the most of the onboard services and activities. Relax in the spa, stay fit in the gym, or enjoy time at the swimming pool. educational sessions or shows, shop at the boutique, and meet onboard photographers. For sea lovers, visit the upper deck to admire the waves and spot marine life—an enchanting blend of comfort and entertainment

Baffin Island, in northern Canada at the mouth of the NorthWest Passage, features a small Inuit settlement at the very bounds of infinity. Crossing the Arctic Circle reveals a stunning landscape of snow-capped mountains, fjords, and glaciers.

On Devon Island’s southern coast, Dundas Harbour, a former Royal Canadian Mounted Police post, guards the Northwest Passage. Known as Talluruti to the Inuit, its hills of taiga display greens, browns, and golds, contrasting with deep navy waters dotted with glistening white and turquoise ice floes.

Somerset Island, located in the Canadian Arctic Circle, is one of the world’s best-preserved natural sanctuaries. This pristine northern desert features stunning landscapes, the midnight sun, and vast tundra where musk oxen roam. Spanning 24,786 square kilometres, it is the ninth-largest island in the Arctic archipelago, with vegetation found mainly in hollows and lowlands, home to Peary caribou.

Explore Fort Ross, the last trading post established by the Hudson’s Bay Company in 1937. This former fur and whaling post, located on an island at the Bellot Strait’s entrance, features the manager’s house and a store. Despite damage from time and polar bears, the site offers stunning views after a short walk to the island’s summits. Experience the unforgettable sailing through the Bellot Strait, dominated by the Ross Cairn, amidst a breathtaking snowy landscape and drifting ice floes.

Explore the enchanting Coningham Bay in the legendary Northwest Passage, nestled in southeast Prince of Wales Island. Its nutrient-rich waters are teeming with wildlife, including beluga whales and polar bears, an opportunity for extraordinary encounters. Prescott Island, situated between Somerset Island and Prince of Wales Island, offers ideal conditions for observing belugas, “sea canaries.” Amidst stunning icebergs and dramatic landscapes, you can also reflect on the historic journeys of explorers like Sir John Franklin and Roald Amundsen.

Beechey Island, at the eastern end of Resolute Bay, recalls significant moments from Franklin’s expedition. In 1845, Sir John sought the Northwest Passage, sheltering in Erebus Harbour for two years as ice floes hindered his progress. This spectacular location features three sun-bleached grave markers of his men and a memorial to Franklin, evoking a profound sense of reverence. Nearby, Devon Island, part of the Canadian Arctic Archipelago, boasts a Mars-like landscape, rich in scientific interest, with remnants of past settlements still visible.

Arctic Harbour, located on the tiny island of Aulitiving, spans just 15 km by 5 km at the entrance to Isabella Bay. Once a major whale hunting site, this natural harbour features remnants of that era, including whaler graves. This port offers a fantastic opportunity for a scenic hike through the Arctic tundra, with the chance to reach the island’s highest point at 410 metres.

During your return sea journey, take full advantage of the onboard services and activities. Unwind at the spa, maintain your fitness routine in the gym, or spend leisurely moments by the swimming pool. Attend educational sessions or shows, and connect with the onboard photographers. For those who love the ocean, head to the upper deck to admire the waves and observe marine life – an enchanting combination of comfort and entertainment awaits you.

The ship ventures deep into North Arm fjord, revealing stunning geological formations that plunge into Baffin Bay’s emerald waters. As temperatures rise and ice melts, Nunavut becomes a prime spot for Arctic wildlife viewing. Watch for polar bears among the scree and narwhals surfacing nearby. The east coast of Baffin Island features remarkable fjords, including the breathtaking Icy Arm. Here, you can hike beneath towering cliffs over 1,000 metres high, and potentially spot whales and orcas as you return to the boat.

During the cruise, travellers can explore Sisimiut, Greenland’s second-largest town, founded in 1756. This charming settlement features colourful stilt houses and a small fishing port leading to an icy wonderland. The town centre is rich in history, with several historic buildings, a church, and a museum about Inuit history, plus craft shops. When the ship anchors, travellers can engage with locals in a distinctly Arctic atmosphere.

On arrival in Kangerlussuaq, disembark and transfer to the airport for your flight to Paris.