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The midnight sun and polar bears meet on a remarkable voyage aboard the world’s most luxurious expedition ship in July 2018. Ponant’s 264-guest Le Boreal will sail the extraordinary Svalbard region in Norway for a 12-night Arctic cruise, offering a once in a lifetime opportunity to see the spectacular landscape and wildlife up close.
In July the sun never sets below the horizon in Norway. It’s a time when the ice melts and polar bears tend to be in more concentrated areas, on drifting pack ice. It’s from there that they hunt their favourite prey, the ring seal.
More than 3,000 polar bears roam the Svalbard region.
Remarkably, the number of polar bears around Svalbard outnumber the human population. There are more than 3,000 bears, so the chances of seeing one or more during the voyage is high.
The majestic bears aren’t the only wildlife that entices visitors to a Ponant Arctic cruise. Snowy white Arctic foxes scamper across the remaining ice flows in search of morsels left over from polar bear kills. There are also walruses, whales and beautiful puffins to be seen as well.
Arctic puffins can be seen throughout the region.
Because the midnight sun has melted the ice Le Boreal can get closer – she is able to navigate the beautiful Norwegian Svalbard archipelago. This is a magical landscape that is a a blend of ancient glaciers, jagged mountains and spectacular fjords.
Ponant’s Discovery of the king of the Arctic voyage on Le Boreal.
Guests on Le Boreal can see it all from their private balcony or get even closer in one of the many Zodiac outings which are included in the price of the Ponant Arctic cruise fare.
Ponant Le Boreal takes guests to the Arctic in luxury and style.
Ponant have been leaders in luxury Polar expeditions for over 20 years and today have the youngest, most environmentally friendly vessels in the world. As always with Ponant, expedition goes hand in hand with all-inclusive luxury. Le Boreal’s 264-guests will be treated to exceptional cuisine, fine wines and champaign, and outstanding accommodation.
Longyearbyen in the summer.
Le Boreal’s 12-night Arctic cruise to Svalbard departs from the picture-postcard town of Longyearbyen. Located at 78-degress north, it is the northernmost town on Earth. It also makes for a memorable finishing point for this Arctic voyage.
About the Author: Jason Kerr
