Polar Expedition 
No single supplement 
The Travel Concierge service 
Skiing polar trek 
Prestige Stateroom Deck 6
30% Ponant Bonus
20 m2
2
Inuit spring of Ammassalik
Reykjavík - Reykjavík
Dates:
16/04/2024
to
26/04/2024
Other available dates
days
nights on board
After the long winter, a thick coat of ice preserves the shores of the East coast of Greenland. These shores have long been coveted by the great explorers and approaching them means being in tune with powerful yet fragile nature; only the present matters here. Aboard Le Commandant Charcot, designed for polar exploration, you will explore the hypnotic and icy landscapes of the Ammassalik and Blosseville regions. You will respectfully access these exceptional lands, which are inaccessible to traditional ships during spring. The uncertainty here offers surprises and immaqa (perhaps, in Inuktitut), moments frozen in time. As is taught by Inuit wisdom, life thrives on the present moment.
The colourful traditional houses make the isolated villages stand out in the surrounding whiteness. The Inuit (men in inuktitut) follow the rhythm of the changing seasons and the ice, as they perpetuate their traditions, such as hunting on dog sleds. An outing alongside the last hunters of the polar region will have you intoxicated by various sensations aboard this ancient means of transport. Among the first outside visitors of the season, you will be warmly welcomed by the community. During privileged exchanges mixed with joyful and authentic moments, you will learn about the village customs on the ice floe. Inuit hospitality is no myth, it is given in the warmth of a look or an exchanged smile.
As the midnight sun illuminates the white desert and the calving glaciers, you will walk through different states and forms of ice, a constantly evolving spectacle. Aboard Le Commandant Charcot or on the ice floe, you will have opportunities for exploration among the fields of ice and the scenery of the hummocks that are as sublime as they are chaotic. You will enjoy an outing by kayak or zodiac in a polynya (area of open water surrounded by ice), or a polar hike to approach the icebergs caught in the ice floe. From the enveloping refuge of the ship, you will be able to admire a flock of eiders flying above the horizon, a majestic blue whale hugging the waves, or the great nanuk – the polar bear – and its impressive silhouette.
On the East coast of Greenland, all notions of time and distance are forgotten. The only thing that counts is the intensity of the moment spent in the heart of the ice. “Delight in what comes up”, as Sylvain Tesson wrote in The Velvet Queen.
Find out more about the world of Le Commandant Charcot here!
We are privileged guests in these extreme lands where we are at the mercy of weather and ice conditions. Our navigation, mainly in the fjords, will be determined by the type of ice we come across; as the fast ice must be preserved, we will take this into account from day to day in our itineraries. The sailing programme, outings, activities and observation of fauna cannot be guaranteed and are subject to weather and ice conditions. The experiences are unique and vary from day to day and for each departure. The Captain and the Expedition Leader will make every effort to ensure that your experience is as rich as possible, while respecting safety instructions and regulations imposed by the AECO.
Ref : CC160424
Your itinerary
Exclusive: the possibility of taking part in a 2-day/1-night Nordic skiing polar trek, a unique and all-new experience. See the information available in "PONANT Activity" tab. Experience the exceptional: meet...
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Additional services
For more peace of mind, PONANT selects stays and flights then takes care of your transfers for your trip as well as shore visits before and after the cruise.
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*Price is per person, based on double occupancy, based on availability, and subject to change at any time. The category of stateroom to which this price applies may no longer be available.
Services provided
- Glazed private balcony for all our staterooms and suites
- Terrace for the Duplex suites and the Owner's suite
- 24hr room service
- Inclusive Internet access Wi-Fi (availability dependent on navigation and latitude)
- Individually-controlled air conditioning
- Dressing room with shelves and closet
- Dressing table and hairdryer
- Dyptique Paris top-of-the-line bath products
- Minibar included
- Nespresso coffee maker and boiler
- Electronic safe
- Direct line telephone
- Bose Bluetooth speaker
- Flat screen TV, international channels (availability dependent on navigation) and videos on demand
- 110V American (two flat pins)/220V European (round sockets with two round pins)
- 3 ADA staterooms
Select your stateroom category
Expedition programmes include activities such as zodiac outings and landings (sometimes with "wet landing"), moderate walks to more active hikes, all accompanied by your expedition team of naturalist guides.
Ports of call, visited sites, outings and landings will depend on weather conditions, position of ice, winds and the state of the sea. These can force a change of plans at any time. The Captain and the Expedition Leader may at any time cancel or stop any activity, or even modify the itinerary. The final itinerary will be confirmed by the Captain, who will take into account the touristic quality of the sites and above all, the safety of the passengers. His decision will be based on advice from experts and authorities.
Travelling to polar/isolated regions is an exhilarating experience in remote areas: please remember that you are far from modern hospitals with full medical facilities, thus evacuation is extremely expensive. Without adequate medical coverage, all expenses will have to be immediately paid with your personal funds. We urge you to subscribe to full coverage insurance, choose your insurance company very carefully, be extremely vigilant and ensure your insurance is fully comprehensive, especially if you are insured by your credit card. PONANT offers an insurance contract with extensive guarantees, please contact us for more information.
Clothing tips:
- A PONANT polar water-resistant parka is offered on board for all departures with an Expedition programme (no children sizes, in case of consecutive cruises, only one complimentary parka).
- Half calf rubber boots with non-slip soles, which will allow you to go ashore in 20 cm of cold water, keeping your feet dry for walks and visits on steep paths. Boot rental will be offered onboard (for adults only) on Expedition cruises.
- Comfortable trousers: classic Winter trousers, warm cotton tracksuit, wool leggings
- Waterproof and windproof over-trousers – MANDATORY
- Winter trousers with waterproof over trousers are the ideal combination: water-resistance and comfort of trousers are essential
- Pullover, sweat-shirt or fleece jacket
- Woollen or thermolactyl Thermal underwear
- A warm hat, woollen ear muffs or fleece ear muffs, fleece or woollen neck warmer (avoid scarves that do not stay in place)- MANDATORY
- Wool or silk glove liners, water-resistant and supple gloves
- Thick warm socks (ideally woollen)
Accessories:
- Small waterproof backpack (to protect your camera from water).
- Binoculars (strongly recommended for wildlife viewing).
- Highly protective sunglasses.
- Walking poles (highly recommended).
Ideal clothes for life on board:
During the days spent on board, you are advised to wear comfortable clothes or casual outfits. The entire ship is air-conditioned, so a light sweater, a light jacket or a shawl may be necessary. When moving about in the public areas of the ship and the decks, light but comfortable shoes are recommended.
Informal evening:
In the evening, you are advised to wear smart-casual attire, especially when dining in our restaurants where wearing shorts and tee-shirts is not allowed.
For women:
- Simple dress
- Skirt or trousers
- Blouse
- Polo
For men:
- Pleated trousers or chinos
- Sports jacket
- Shirt
- Polo
Officer’s evening:
For all cruises longer than 8 nights, an Officer’s Evening with a white dress code may be organized. Therefore, we encourage you to bring a stylish white outfit for the occasion (otherwise black and white).
Gala evening:
During the cruise, two gala evenings will be organised on board. Thus, we recommend that you bring one or two formal outfits.
For women:
- Cocktail attire
- Evening dress (if you wish to)
For men:
- Dark suit
- Tie recommended, possibly bow tie (if you wish to)
SHOP:
A small shop is available on board offering a wide range of outfits, jewellery, leather goods and many accessories.
A laundry service (washing/ironing) is available on board, but unfortunately there are no dry cleaning services. For safety reasons, your cabin is not equipped with an iron.
INSULATED BASE LAYER:
- Wool or thermolactyl technical underwear
- Polar or technical jacket
- Polar sweater or sweatshirt
- Silk or wool glove liners
- Wool leggings
- Warm hiking socks
WATERPROOF OUTER LAYER:
- Waterproof over-trousers - Mandatory
- Waterproof parka - Offered on board (not available in children’s sizes)
- Windbreaker – Mandatory
- A warm woollen hat covering your ears
- Polar or woollen neck warmer
- Waterproof technical gloves
HEALTH CARE:
- Sunscreen
- Lip protection balm
- Mosquito repellent, anti-itch balm and mosquito head net (Greenland)
- Medications and prescriptions
OUTFITS ON BOARD:
- Casual outfits for the day
- Smarter outfits for dinners
- Elegant outfits for Gala evenings
- White or black and white outfit
ACCESSORIES:
- Highly protective sunglasses
- Binoculars
- Walking poles
- Small waterproof backpack
- Swimsuit (for the spa on board)
- Gym wear (fitness)
- Battery charger and memory cards for your camera
- Mobile phone charger
PONANT activities
Nordic skiing polar trek (2 days/1 night)
Enjoy a unique and all-new experience in the heart of the Far North. Leave the cocoon of Le Commandant Charcot for two days and one night for a Nordic skiing polar trek in a small group and autonomously. In the middle of the ice floe, give yourself the possibility of total immersion in the polar nature, accompanied by your local Greenlandic guides, camping in the very heart of the vastness. During this timeless adventure, contemplation and serenity will reward your efforts, and the extraordinary experience will create moments of conviviality and sharing.*
*Optional paid-for activity, limited number of places
Dog sledding
Try out a practice that dates back to 6,000 years before our era. Faithful companions to the Inuit who made their use widespread in around 1000 AD, sled dogs have also accompanied trappers in the American Far North and explorers on their most extraordinary expeditions. Led with a deft hand by their master and your local guide, the dogs will take you across enchanting landscapes during a magical ride. You will make the most of weather and ice opportunities to experience this traditional transport and explore the ice floe. This is the ideal way to discover the ice sheet; you will hear only the noise of the sled’s runners sliding across the ice, the dogs’ paws in the snow and the orders given by the Inuit. Let yourself be lulled by the magic of the moment. *
*with limited places available
Kayaking - Le Commandant Charcot
You will make the most of the sailing opportunities and weather and ice conditions to glide along on the clear waters or between the ice floes and get as close as possible to the immaculate nature of the poles. Supervised by licenced expert guides, you will try your hand in a kayak- a craft favoured by the Inuits for at least 4,000 years. The kayak was initially used for hunting and fishing; for you, it will be a means of making the most of your adventure on the White Continent or in the Far North.*
*with limited places available
Ice fishing
What better place than the icy Arctic regions to practice ice fishing? Assisted by the naturalist guides, you will look for the perfect spot to cut a hole on the ice floe or on frozen lakes and try to catch fish using an ancestral method. You will make the most of weather and ice opportunities to practice this unusual activity, which will equally delight fans of game fishing and those who are curious to make new discoveries.*
*with limited places available
Hiking or snowshoeing
During shore landings, depending on the ecological resilience of the biome, we will propose hikes at different levels, in the company of your experienced naturalist guides. From a simple stroll along the coast to walks lasting several hours to reach particular viewpoints or historical sites, you will make the most of the opportunities provided by the weather and ice conditions. When the itineraries allow, you’ll put on snowshoes* to set off like the explorers of old and discover areas that have barely known Man.
*with limited places available
Polar plunge
Let yourself be seduced by the unrivalled sensations of being surrounded by cold water. Weather and ice conditions willing, you will have opportunities to undertake a unique experience during a polar plunge wearing just your swimming costume, in the middle of the ice. You will be be filled with intense emotions and will fully appreciate the energy boost when warming up after the swim!*
*with limited places available
Highlights
- Exclusive: the possibility of taking part in a 2-day/1-night Nordic skiing polar trek, a unique and all-new experience. See the information available in "PONANT Activity" tab.
- Experience the exceptional: meet the Inuit people at the end of the winter, to share unique moments on the ice floe, discover their spring traditions and let yourself be transported during a dog sled outing.
- Aboard Le Commandant Charcot, a polar exploration vessel opening to the exterior, take time with these unique moments of exploration and observation, in the silence and respect of fragile landscapes and encountered species.
- Set off on the trail of the great explorers who attempted to navigate the eastern coast of Greenland, a region that long remained isolated due to being hard to reach and only accessible at this time of year thanks to Le Commandant Charcot.
- Experience the dog sled, at the heart of Inuit culture, an activity designed with our hosts.
- Exploring the region of Ammassalik, on board or on the ice floe, from alpine terrain to landscapes of ice sculpted by the elements.
- The Blosseville Coast and its ice cap that comes straight from the North Pole.
- The landscapes: alpine landscapes, polar ice cap, winding fjords, icebergs caught in the ice, calving glaciers, patches of ice floe drifting from the North Pole, compression ridges, broken-up ice floe.
- The wildlife: blue whales, humpback whales, polar bears, seals, sea birds.
- Many brand-new activities*: dog sledding, kayaking, hiking or snowshoeing, ice fishing, polar diving.
*Subject to weather and ice conditions and to sailing opportunities
Ports of Call & Excursions
16 April 2024 - Reykjavík
Embarkation 16/04/2024 from 20:00 to 21:00
Departure 16/04/2024 at 22:00
Iceland’s capital stretches along the edge of a vast bay in the west of the country. Perlan, the “Pearl of Reykjavík”, a museum located on ’Oskjuhlið hill, offers a panoramic view of the lush, green landscapes. A little further, one can easily spot the signpost showing the way to the evangelical Hallgrímskirkja church, and to the historical centre where one can stroll along the Skólavördustígur and the Laugavegur, two lively streets with charming small shops. For some relaxation just outside of the city, visitors have the opportunity to visit the Reykjanes peninsula and its famous thermal lagoons of the Blue Lagoon.
17 April 2024 - Sailing through the Denmark Strait
Arrival 17/04/2024
Departure 17/04/2024
Lying between Greenland and Iceland, the Denmark Strait was crossed for the first time by theVikings in the late 10th century, during Erik the Red’s expeditions. In the Second World War, its waters were the theatre of a battle between the Kriegsmarine and the Royal Navy, on 24 May 1941. In the wintertime, extremely dense pack ice forms along the Greenlandic coasts and, while the Transpolar Drift sweeps icebergs along throughout the year, the strait is generally clear of ice during the summer. In the depths of the strait lies the world’s largest waterfall, an undersea cataract formed by the difference in temperature between the cold waters of the Greenland Sea and the warmer waters of the Irminger Sea. Numerous cetacean species thrive in this rich ecosystem.
18 April 2024 23 April 2024 - Exploration of Ammassalik Region
Arrival 18/04/2024
Departure 23/04/2024
Still relatively unknown just a century ago, the east coast of Greenland remains the most authentic and majestic region in the Arctic. Explore this part of the world where the alpine mountains merge intimately with the sea and the fjords are adorned with high, snow-capped peaks and icebergs drifting or trapped in the pack ice. You will slowly immerse yourself in the heart of frozen landscapes of surreal beauty. The infinite variety of textures in the different types of ice creates an ever-changing scenery. Follow in the wake of the famous Pourquoi Pas?, the ship of Captain Jean-Baptiste Charcot who set off with his crew in 1934 to land Paul-Émile Victor in Ammassalik. A small island of primitive and wild beauty, for his first ethnographic mission, during which he would study the Ammassalimiut, a little-known Inuit community. In this deceptively frozen landscape, the silence is broken only by the sounds of dogs and the grating of sled runners against the ice. You will receive a warm welcome in villages still protected by the fast ice. You will have the opportunity to discover the Inuit culture’s ancestral traditions during joyous and authentic moments shared with the communities.
24 April 2024 - Blosseville Coast
Arrival 24/04/2024
Departure 24/04/2024
Aboard your ship, follow in the footsteps of Jules Poret de Blosseville, a French explorer and sailor. In 1833, aboard La Lilloise, he set off to discover this isolated and unexplored part of eastern Greenland and gave French names to various sites on the coast. The adventure probably has an unfortunate outcome, since the crew was never found. This uninhabited territory, which now bears his name, lies to the south of Scoresby Sund. Surrounded by ice, icebergs and pieces of pack ice, Blosseville Coast is one of these wild and hard-to-reach places that very few people are lucky enough to explore.
25 April 2024 - Sailing through the Denmark Strait
Arrival 25/04/2024
Departure 25/04/2024
Lying between Greenland and Iceland, the Denmark Strait was crossed for the first time by theVikings in the late 10th century, during Erik the Red’s expeditions. In the Second World War, its waters were the theatre of a battle between the Kriegsmarine and the Royal Navy, on 24 May 1941. In the wintertime, extremely dense pack ice forms along the Greenlandic coasts and, while the Transpolar Drift sweeps icebergs along throughout the year, the strait is generally clear of ice during the summer. In the depths of the strait lies the world’s largest waterfall, an undersea cataract formed by the difference in temperature between the cold waters of the Greenland Sea and the warmer waters of the Irminger Sea. Numerous cetacean species thrive in this rich ecosystem.
26 April 2024 - Reykjavík
Arrival 26/04/2024 early morning
Disembarkation 26/04/2024 at 08:00
Iceland’s capital stretches along the edge of a vast bay in the west of the country. Perlan, the “Pearl of Reykjavík”, a museum located on ’Oskjuhlið hill, offers a panoramic view of the lush, green landscapes. A little further, one can easily spot the signpost showing the way to the evangelical Hallgrímskirkja church, and to the historical centre where one can stroll along the Skólavördustígur and the Laugavegur, two lively streets with charming small shops. For some relaxation just outside of the city, visitors have the opportunity to visit the Reykjanes peninsula and its famous thermal lagoons of the Blue Lagoon.
Le Commandant Charcot
With Le Commandant Charcot, PONANT has imagined and envisaged the cruise voyage of tomorrow. The latest addition to the fleet will take you following in the footsteps of the great polar explorers in refined surroundings complete with the kind of luxury services never before offered in the farthest reaches of the southern and northern hemispheres.
The indoor swimming pool, the conservatory, the panoramic restaurant, the Blue Lagoon outdoor restaurant, the Main Lounge, the Observation Lounge, the lobby… Each of the common areas has been designed to both convey French-style discreet luxury and arouse wonder and amazement. The common thread running through all their designs is the desire to allow the light to penetrate and open everything up the extraordinary polar landscapes and scenery.
This very first hybrid-electric polar exploration ship powered by LNG has been designed with the greatest attention to detail in terms of safety and respect for the environment.
Up to 245 Guests
123 staterooms & suites
215 crew members
Spa
2 restaurants
Decks
Polar Expedition
Realise your dream of adventure in the polar regions ! Discover the icy vastness and the fauna of Antarctica (humpback whales, seals, penguins and more) or the Arctic's fjords, glaciers and icebergs in shifting colours, not to mention the polar bears, the variety of wildlife and the special moments shared with the locals. Our team of naturalist guides share their knowledge with you during varied lectures about the fauna, the flora, the history of great explorations, geology and climatology. Thanks to its conscientiousness and to the responsible approach that is its hallmark, PONANT has been a leader and expert in cruises to these destinations for more than 20 years.
No single supplement
FREE SINGLE SUPPLEMENT *
*The supplement for single usage of a double cabin is waived, according to availability and staterooms categories.
The Travel Concierge service
A voyage aboard Le Commandant Charcot is a unique experience. Our Travel Concierge service is designed to make your trip an unforgettable one by offering services precisely tailored to your individual needs. These include private transfers, access to airport waiting lounges, home services during your absence and personalised stopovers.
Our Travel Concierge team is ready to help with the smallest details of your trip, so you can leave home care-free and enjoy the voyage with complete peace of mind.
Discover all the concierge services by clicking here.
Looking forward to accompanying you,
PONANT Travel Concierge Team
Skiing polar trek
Aspiring to be a polar explorer, immersing yourself in wild and powerful nature, taking the time to contemplate the harmonious show put on by the world… Enjoy a unique and all-new experience in the heart of the Far North: during two days and one night, leave the cocoon of Le Commandant Charcot for a Nordic skiing polar trek* in a small group and autonomously. Experience a moment suspended in time where nature reigns supreme and humbles us.
*Optional paid-for activity, limited number of places
Shore excursions, Pre/Post & Overlands
NORDIC SKIING POLAR TREK (2 DAYS/1 NIGHT)
Aspiring to be a polar explorer, immersing yourself in wild and powerful nature, taking the time to contemplate the harmonious show put on by the world… PONANT offers this timeless experience in collaboration with the local Inuits. For two days and one night, in a small group, experience a moment suspended in time, autonomously, in a place where nature reigns supreme and humbles us.
This morning, as the reassuring silhouette of Le Commandant Charcot disappears behind you, adventure and the unknown appear on the horizon. With your skis on, you will slowly glide over the ice floe with its thousand shades of white. The perception of time is no longer the same in the vastness of the polar desert. Accompanied by your three Greenlandic guides, you will begin to understand their philosophy: immaqa – meaning perhaps - will become your motto. Perhaps you will observe the fascinating fauna of the Far North, perhaps you will come across hunters on your path, or perhaps the weather and the ice will reshuffle the deck… The past no longer exists, the future has only little importance, and only the present moment matters.
The physical effort you expend to arrive in the heart of the ice floe will transform your apprehensiveness and expectation into an incomparable and marvellous feeling of fulfilment. In this surreal setting, the experience becomes mystical. The sensations cannot be described, they are lived - and intensely so. The breaks that punctuate your progress will all be moments of conviviality and sharing, those of a friendship that only wild and hostile nature can create between humans. You will hear about Inuit culture and its traditions from your three Greenlandic guides who will enthusiastically share their daily lives with you as well as this territory they know so well.
In the distance, the pitched tents of your base camp will welcome you for a timeless evening and night. Your immersion in Inuit lands continues with a dinner featuring local colour. As time goes by, tongues will loosen, stories will be swapped, and memories and emotions will be shared. Those who wish to further immerse themselves in local life will be able to guard the campsite and do a shift with the local guides to keep an eye out for the Nanuk. The lord of the ice, the polar bear, is never very far away here. At this time of the year when the sun never sets, the polar light offers its finest nuances during this night, which no longer falls.
After an exceptional night in the heart of nature, the soft boreal light illuminates the landscape with rare beauty. It is now time to return to the cocoon of Le Commandant Charcot, your head filled with dreams, with enough memories to last you a lifetime.
This experience includes:
- Use of Nordic skis for the expedition.
- Lunch, local dinner, breakfast and beverages. The meals will be simple.
- One night in a shared tent (two persons per tent).
- Necessary equipment for sleeping: inflatable mattress and sleeping bag suitable for extreme cold.
Important information about this experience:
- The maximum number of participants for this activity is set at 10 persons.
- Three English-speaking local Greenlandic guides and a member of the PONANT expedition team will supervise this polar trek.
- Physical conditions: an autonomous polar trek, even short, must be considered as a polar expedition. The success of the group requires the commitment of everyone. It is necessary to be in good physical shape, but the mental state will allow guests to progress in complete serenity in conditions of commitment, isolation, and autonomy typical of the polar regions.
- You have already practiced winter sports (skiing, snowshoeing, cross-country skiing).
- You should be in good physical condition and be capable of walking 10 to 15 kilometres (around 6 to 9 miles) per day. Isolation and medium altitude should not be constraints for you.
- Level of effort:
- Duration of the trek: around 7 hours per day with frequent breaks
- Number of kilometres per day: maximum 8 kilometres (5 miles)
- Difference in altitude per day: between 300 and 500 metres (between around 980 and 1,600 feet)
- Porterage: according to your wishes, rucksack and/or pulka during the day.
- Health: an ECG carried out less than 6 months prior to your departure and to submit on board, as well as a consultation with the ship’s doctor, will be compulsory before participating in this activity. Participation in the activity is subject to medical opinion on board.
- Advice on clothing: the three-layer system is essential in these high latitudes. An initial layer to keep the skin dry (synthetic base layers, long-sleeved t-shirt, thin gloves, thin socks, etc.); a second layer to maintain heat (fleece jacket, warm gloves, walking trousers, etc.); and a third layer for protection against the elements (waterproof jacket with hood, over trousers, etc.). The full list of clothing and accessories will be provided subsequently.
- The guides will be equipped with pulkas in which they will be able to transport your personal belongings. If you wish, you can also be equipped with your own pulka and/or rucksack.
- Any personal belongings required for the time spent at the campsite will be collected on the morning of departure and brought to the campsite.
- The meals will be simple: it will be complicated to take allergies or specific dietary requirements into account for this activity.
- Toilets and sanitary facilities will be very basic. The team will build a snow wall for everyone’s privacy.
- The tent will be shared between two participants.
Total : 990 €
Price is per person, based on double occupancy, based on availability.