Guest of Honour 
Polar Expedition 
The Travel Concierge service 
Optional Business Class 
Photo ambassadors 
Prestige Stateroom Deck 6
10% Ponant Bonus
20 m²
2
- Last staterooms
The Geographic North Pole & Scoresby Sound
Longyearbyen, Spitsbergen - Reykjavík
Dates:
26/07/2024
to
11/08/2024
Other available dates
days
nights on board
Flight Paris/Longyearbyen + Transfer
In partnership with Le Cercle Polaire, as part of the Women at the Poles operation with featured guest Laurent Mayet, president and founder of the Cercle Polaire think tank and renowned female adventurers, including Switzerland's Daisy Gilardini and France's Emmanuelle Périé-Bardout.
With featured guest Sue Flood, British Photo Ambassador.
Push the boundaries of navigation and set sail for 90 degrees North! During this exceptional polar exploration, you will go in search of the mythical Geographic North Pole. Head slowly up through the desert landscapes of the constantly changing ice floe. Your odyssey will continue as you travel down along Greenland, amidst the ice of the Transpolar Drift. Between majestic fjords and encounters with the Inuit culture, the region of Ittoqqortoormiit is rich in rare treasures holding inestimable value.
Aboard Le Commandant Charcot, the only cruise ship able to rise to this challenge, you will make your way towards the North Pole, which is inaccessible to traditional ships. A slow and humble journey awaits you in the heart of a silent world frozen by the extreme cold. You will sail among different states and forms of ice and will be able to admire, from the reassuring cocoon of the ship, the endless show of the light as it reflects on the opalescent landscapes. Following in the wake of Frederick Cook, Robert Edwin Peary or Roald Amundsen, who were among the many to fight to achieve this elusive goal, you will be part of the few chosen ones to dare the adventure, 700 km (435 miles) from any land. And in their footsteps, you will attempt to reach the Holy Grail of all polar explorers: the North Pole!
Sailing back down from the Pole, your odyssey will follow the ice floes along Greenland. You will reach the region of Ittoqqortoormiit, on the East coast. The eponymous village is located at the entrance to Scoresby Sound, the world’s largest network of fjords. You will discover the village customs during privileged exchanges mixed with joyful and authentic moments. Inuit hospitality is no myth, it is given in the warmth of a look or an exchanged smile.
Amidst these extreme and isolated panoramas, the polar adventure reserves unsuspected emotions for the humble and patient explorer, one who is conscious of their privilege.
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 coastal 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 : LR234 - CC260724
Your itinerary
In partnership with Le Cercle Polaire, as part of the Women at the Poles operation with featured guest Laurent Mayet, president and founder of the Cercle Polaire think tank and renowned female adventurers,...
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Your trip in detail
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Included in your cruise
For more peace of mind, PONANT organizes your trip before or after the cruise. This package is included in the price of your cruise.
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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LE PAUL GAUGUIN
LE JACQUES-CARTIER
30/01/2024 to the 08/02/2024
- New
L'AUSTRAL
11/03/2024 to the 26/03/2024
L'AUSTRAL
LE COMMANDANT CHARCOT
*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
- Concierge Service: tailor-made and fully customisable services, from your reservation until you return from your trip
- Glazed private balcony for all our staterooms and suites
- Terrace for the Duplex suites and the Owner's suite
- 24-hour room service
- Inclusive Wifi internet access (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
- 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
Sue Flood
Sue Flood is an award-winning photographer, filmmaker and public speaker. Her work takes her all over the world but she has a special passion for the wildlife and icy beauty of the Polar regions and is one of the very few women who chooses to return again and again to Earth’s harshest and most demanding environments.
A zoology graduate, Sue spent 11 years with the BBC Natural History Unit, working on series including The Blue Planet and Planet Earth as well as the Disneynature movie Earth with Sir David Attenborough, before turning her focus to photography. Her images have appeared in National Geographic, BBC Wildlife, Geo and other distinguished publications. Her most recent book is Emperor, The Perfect Penguin with a foreword by Sir Michael Palin.
Sue’s work has won multiple awards and in recognition of her photographic achievements, Sue was invited to meet Her Majesty The Queen at Buckingham Palace. In May 2022 Sue received an Honorary Master of Science degree from The University of Chester.
Her adventures in the Arctic and Antarctic include diving with narwhals and leopard seals, living with Inuit hunters on the floe edge and camping for several weeks in Antarctica’s most southerly emperor penguin colony.
Sue is a member of the Explorers Club, a Fellow of the Royal Geographical Society, Royal Photographic Society and of the North American Nature Photography Association.
When she is not in some far-flung location, Sue lives on the edge of the Snowdonia National Park in North Wales.
Sue is honoured to have been appointed as one of Ponant’s Photo Ambassadors.
Language spoken: English
Photo credit: Ian Dawson
Daisy Gilardini
Daisy Gilardini is a conservation photographer who specializes in the Polar Regions, with a particular emphasis on Antarctic wildlife. She is from Switzerland originally, and is now based in Vancouver, Canada. She is a member of the International League of Conservation Photographers (ILCP) and the SeaLegacy Collective, a fellow of the New York-based Explorers Club, and member of the Royal Canadian Geographical Society. In 2018 Daisy has been nominated as Greenpeace Antarctic Ambassador. Her childhood passion for the natural world has evolved into a lifelong commitment to spread the message of conservation and the need to preserve what's left of the world’s remaining wild places.
Many times I have tried to understand this irresistible attraction I have to the Polar Regions. I would define it as an addiction, almost, or obsession. The isolation from modern civilization, and all its distractions, makes me focus and appreciate the simple rhythms of Nature. As a conservation photographer, I feel it is my duty to capture the beauty of places and species at risk and raise awareness through the universal power of the images I capture. During the past 25 years, I have focused my work on documenting the polar regions. Both the Arctic and Antarctic hold a very special place in my heart, not just because of easily recognizable, iconic species like penguins and polar bears, but because these animals symbolize one of the most pertinent environmental issue of our time: climate change. While science provides the data that explains issues and suggests solutions, photography symbolizes these issues. Science is the brain, while photography is the heart. We need both to inspire and influence behavioral changes and conservation actions. For Nature, and for us.
Languages spoken : French and English
Photo credit : ARR
Emmanuelle Périé-Bardout
Emmanuelle Périé-Bardout is a French sailor, deep diver and explorer. Trained as a yachtswoman, she embarked on explorer Jean-Louis Étienne's Clipperton expedition in 2004, before moving on to Svalbard and Norway, where she was first mate on Olivier Pitras's polar sailing boat. For the past 15 years, she and her husband Ghislain Bardout have been leading the Under The Pole expeditions, which have taken them to the Geographic North Pole, two years in Greenland with their yacht wintering in the ice, through the Northwest Passage and to Svalbard.
Languages spoken: French and English
Photo credit: ARR
Laurent Mayet
Founding-President of the think tank le Cercle Polaire
Laurent Mayet is the co-founder of the think tank Le Cercle Polaire which focuses on developing a greater knowledge and better governance of the polar regions (political lobbying and cultural and educational actions). He is the co-director of the revue North and South Poles with Stéphane Hergueta and returns regularly to both the Arctic and the Antarctic, including the geographical Poles.
He held the positions of Special Advisor to the former Prime Minister Michel Rocard, Ambassador for Polar Affairs, and Interministerial Coordinator of the National Roadmap for the Arctic from 2009 to 2016, Special Representative on Polar Affairs (2016-2017) and Deputy Ambassador in charge of Ocean Affairs (2018) at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. He is currently in charge of Polar Issues at the Ministry of Education and Youth.
A Navy reservist, in September 2016, he received the Medal for Voluntary Military Service, Bronze Class, in recognition of outstanding chairmanship in the working group Alidade on the Arctic at the Navy Centre of Strategic Studies (CESM), which led to the publication of a significant report on the “opening up of the Arctic marine areas.”
An engineer and oceanographer, he holds the superior teaching degree in physical sciences in France and a postgraduate degree in the philosophy of science.
Languages spoken : french, english and spanish
Photo crédit :© lecerclepolaire
Subject to withdrawal in case of force majeure
Laurent Mayet
Founding-President of the think tank le Cercle Polaire
Laurent Mayet is the co-founder of the think tank Le Cercle Polaire which focuses on developing a greater knowledge and better governance of the polar regions (political lobbying and cultural and educational actions). He is the co-director of the revue North and South Poles with Stéphane Hergueta and returns regularly to both the Arctic and the Antarctic, including the geographical Poles.
He held the positions of Special Advisor to the former Prime Minister Michel Rocard, Ambassador for Polar Affairs, and Interministerial Coordinator of the National Roadmap for the Arctic from 2009 to 2016, Special Representative on Polar Affairs (2016-2017) and Deputy Ambassador in charge of Ocean Affairs (2018) at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. He is currently in charge of Polar Issues at the Ministry of Education and Youth.
A Navy reservist, in September 2016, he received the Medal for Voluntary Military Service, Bronze Class, in recognition of outstanding chairmanship in the working group Alidade on the Arctic at the Navy Centre of Strategic Studies (CESM), which led to the publication of a significant report on the “opening up of the Arctic marine areas.”
An engineer and oceanographer, he holds the superior teaching degree in physical sciences in France and a postgraduate degree in the philosophy of science.
Languages spoken : french, english and spanish
Photo crédit :© lecerclepolaire
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
- Hiking shoes
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
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
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
Le Cercle Polaire
Founded in 2006, the NGO, Le Cercle Polaire (LCP) is working to develop a greater knowledge and understanding of the polar regions, the Arctic and Antarctic, in addition to promoting their protection. During the last decade, LCP has played a key participatory role on national, European and international levels in the political battle for a better ecological governance of the polar regions. Since 2009, Company Ponant has been supporting LCP’s cultural and educational actions, including Women of the Poles/Femmes aux Pôles, its ongoing campaign in line with the United Nations Agenda 2030.
Women of the poles
Within the context of the United Nations Agenda 2030 which is comprised of 17 Sustainable Development Goals (SWGs), is SDG5, dedicated to Gender Equality and Empowerment of all women and girls. This SDG is defined by the international community as "a necessary condition to ensure a peaceful, sustainable and prosperous world". In recognition and support of this declaration, the NGO Le Cercle Polaire (LCP), has launched the campaign Women of the poles. Certainly, the issue is not of the same importance for women living in places such as Algeria, Iran or Afghanistan.
The campaign brings to light the achievements of polar women adventurers, explorers and photographers from around the world by presenting their first hand accounts of on journeys and expeditions which rival or surpass those of their male counterparts. Polar experiences have recently become one of the symbols among others in the battle for gender equality and of the fight against discrimination affecting women and girls. It is this aspect on which LCP and Ponant (through its initiative #PONANTwomen) choose to put special emphasis although not precluding other important aspects such as the severe beauty of polar landscapes, unique relationships with nature, pushing oneself to the limits, the experience of isotaion and of the void, disorientation and change of scenery, to name but a few.
The Women of the poles campaign led by le Cercle Polaire brings together 50 polar women adventurers, explorers or photographers from around the world presenting the singular story of each women’s accomplishment and the spirit brought to each. These first hand accounts will be published on a Facebook page, on the Cercle Polaire website page, and a digital booklet grouping the photos and the writings of the Women of the poles.
Subject to withdrawal in case of force majeure
Highlights
- In partnership with Le Cercle Polaire, as part of the Women at the Poles operation with featured guest Laurent Mayet, president and founder of the Cercle Polaire think tank and renowned female adventurers, including Switzerland's Daisy Gilardini and France's Emmanuelle Périé-Bardout.
- With featured guest Sue Flood, British Photo Ambassador.
- The eye and the advice of our photo ambassador, a privileged opportunity to immortalise your trip with, in the programme: workshops, conferences and personalized advice to improve your photographic skills.
- Be among the few people in the world to go in search of the Geographic North Pole and explore Ittoqqortoormiit region and the Scoresby Sound!
- Enjoy the unique experience of sailing through the heart of the ice floe and discover the endless variety of forms and states of the ice.
- Exploring the region of Ittoqqortoormiit, where the last hunters of the polar region live, at the entrance to Scoresby Sound, the world’s largest network of fjords.
- The landscapes: patches of ice floe drifting from the North Pole, hummocks, striped mountains, fjords, glaciers, icebergs. In Spitsbergen, jagged mountains, steep-sided valleys, sheer cliffs.
- The wildlife: blue and humpback whales, polar bears, narvals, seals, muskoxen, Arctic foxes, orcas, Northern fulmars, ivory gulls.
- Many brand-new activities*: kayaking, hiking or snowshoeing, polar plunge.
*Subject to weather and ice conditions and to sailing opportunities
Ports of Call & Excursions
26 July 2024 - Longyearbyen, Spitsbergen
Embarkation 26/07/2024 from 16:00 to 17:00
Departure 26/07/2024 at 18:00
Longyearbyen is the capital of the Norwegian Svalbard archipelago, located on Svalbard’s main island, and is the northernmost territorial capital on the planet. With winter temperatures dropping to below 40°C, the landscapes of this mining town are simply breathtaking. The glaciers, the mountains stretching as far as the eye can see and the untouched nature, make you feel like you’re in completely unexplored territory.
27 July 2024 - At sea along Spitsbergen
Arrival 27/07/2024
Departure 27/07/2024
The largest island in the Svalbard archipelago, its name meaning “pointed mountains” in German, Spitsbergen is the last piece of land before the Arctic ice floe. Aboard your ship, you will sail along the extremely spectacular coastline of this icy land. Between millennial glaciers and rugged mountains, you will discover a jagged coastline, hollowed-out by fjords. A unique setting, the refuge of a particularly rich avifauna, offering you the possibility of taking fabulous photographs from the deck of your ship.
28 July 2024 1 August 2024 - Navigating through the sea ice
Arrival 28/07/2024
Departure 01/08/2024
Enjoy the absolutely unique experience of sailing to the heart of the ice floe, this vast expanse of virgin, immaculate ice. The landscapes are constantly changing, shifting from a smooth, flat wilderness to a chaos of ice, then to channels of open water. Your ship will sail along these naturally open channels and through the areas where the frozen layer is thinnest, offering you the chance to experience magic maritime moments in the midst of drifting sea ice. It will also often be an opportunity to see a particular kind of fauna, totally dependent on the ice floe.
2 August 2024 - Geographic North Pole
Arrival 02/08/2024
Departure 02/08/2024
Defined by a 90° North latitude, the Geographic North Pole lies on the Earth’s rotational axis, at the intersection of all meridians. Plunged into darkness for six months of the year, then lit by the sun for the following six months, this mythical site, permanently covered in ice and remote from any land, has fascinated generations of explorers. So far, only a very few people have ever reached it: an exploit which is now accessible to you aboard Le Commandant Charcot.
3 August 2024 4 August 2024 - Navigating through the sea ice
Arrival 03/08/2024
Departure 04/08/2024
Enjoy the absolutely unique experience of sailing to the heart of the ice floe, this vast expanse of virgin, immaculate ice. The landscapes are constantly changing, shifting from a smooth, flat wilderness to a chaos of ice, then to channels of open water. Your ship will sail along these naturally open channels and through the areas where the frozen layer is thinnest, offering you the chance to experience magic maritime moments in the midst of drifting sea ice. It will also often be an opportunity to see a particular kind of fauna, totally dependent on the ice floe.
5 August 2024 - At sea aboard Le Commandant Charcot
Arrival 05/08/2024
Departure 05/08/2024
Spend exceptional moments sailing aboard Le Commandant Charcot, the world’s first luxury polar exploration vessel and the first PC2-class polar cruise ship capable of sailing into the very heart of the ice, on seas and oceans which the frozen conditions render inaccessible to ordinary ships. Le Commandant Charcot is fitted with oceanographic and scientific equipment selected by a committee of experts. Take advantage of the on-board lectures and opportunities for discussion with these specialists to learn more about the poles. Participate in furthering scientific research with PONANT and let us discover together what these fascinating destinations have yet to reveal to us.
6 August 2024 - Sailing ice floes along Greenland
Arrival 06/08/2024
Departure 06/08/2024
The north-east of Greenland is renowned for being home to one of the oldest and thickest layers of ice on the planet. Aboard your ship, you will have the unique opportunity of sailing to the heart of this icy wilderness, many thousands of years old, and will travel along one of the world's most isolated coasts, between drifting ice and blue icebergs.
7 August 2024 - Scoresby Sound
Arrival 07/08/2024
Departure 07/08/2024
Covering an area of 13,700 km2 (5,290 mi2), Scoresby Sound is the largest and deepest fjord system in the world. Named after the explorer and whale hunter William Scoresby, who mapped the region in 1822, it opens onto the Greenland Sea to the north of the Blosseville Coast. This wild and desert region offers untouched panoramas of infinite beauty, with high snow-capped peaks rising tall alongside icebergs immersed in clear, blue-tinged waters. Rode Fjord and its cliffs coloured red by iron ore provide a fascinating setting you will not want to miss. Discovering these stunning places in the wake of great explorers like Captain Charcot, who was deeply attached to the land of the Inuit, inspires a profound reverence.
8 August 2024 - Ittoqqortoormiit Region
Arrival 08/08/2024
Departure 08/08/2024
On the East coast of Greenland, in the Ittoqqortoormiit region, you will have the rare opportunity of immersing yourself in the heart of isolated scenery and exploring the beauty of its landscapes. The high alpine mountains stand out in the sky, revealing dark rock edges. The region is home to the longest fjord system in the world, Scoresby Sound. On the edge of the fjord, the eponymous village is considered one of the most remote inhabited places in the world. The colourful houses, so typical of Greenland, dot the landscape with small red, yellow and blue patches that stand out against the surrounding arid landscape. Immersing yourself in this region will allow you to discover the ancestral way of life of the last hunters of the polar region. This will be a veritable deep-dive into the lives of the Arctic’s inhabitants.
9 August 2024 - At sea aboard Le Commandant Charcot
Arrival 09/08/2024
Departure 09/08/2024
Spend exceptional moments sailing aboard Le Commandant Charcot, the world’s first luxury polar exploration vessel and the first PC2-class polar cruise ship capable of sailing into the very heart of the ice, on seas and oceans which the frozen conditions render inaccessible to ordinary ships. Le Commandant Charcot is fitted with oceanographic and scientific equipment selected by a committee of experts. Take advantage of the on-board lectures and opportunities for discussion with these specialists to learn more about the poles. Participate in furthering scientific research with PONANT and let us discover together what these fascinating destinations have yet to reveal to us.
10 August 2024 - Sailing through the Denmark Strait
Arrival 10/08/2024
Departure 10/08/2024
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.
11 August 2024 - Reykjavík
Arrival 11/08/2024 early morning
Disembarkation 11/08/2024 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
Flight Paris/Longyearbyen + Transfer
For your serenity, PONANT selects a flight and organises the transfer between the airport and the port. This package is included in your cruise fare.
Embarkation day - Paris/Longyearbyen
Flight Paris/Longyearbyen selected by PONANT.
Approximate flight duration: 4 h 30.
We highly recommend you arrive in Paris the day before this flight.
We suggest you to be at the check-in counter 2 hours before departure.
Meet & greet at the airport by our local English-speaking representative.
According to the arrival time at Longyearbyen, PONANT adapt its services or activities before your transfer to the pier for embarkation.
- Cruise aboard your cruise ship -
This programme includes:
- Flight Paris/Longyearbyen selected by PONANT in economy class.
- Transfer mentioned in the programme.
- English-speaking assistance.
This programme does not include:
- Personal expenses.
- Any other service not mentioned in the programme.
Please note:
- Flight included in the programme is as of today, operated in economy class, on a European airline.
- Flights in business class are available, please contact your travel agent.
- Due to limited local transportation resources, waiting might be generated.
- For passengers in transit in Paris, we recommend staying one night in Paris before this flight.
- Programme and flight schedule are subject to change without prior notice.
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.
The Travel Concierge service
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
Optional Business Class
The Business Class option is available at an additional cost for Ponant chartered flights included in the price of the cruise.
Photo ambassadors
Sharpen your eye and capture the ephemeral! Head out to sea and develop your visual senses alongside our photo ambassadors. The on-board photo ambassadors are committed and renowned professionals who will share their passion and expertise during workshops offered on board or on shore, photography-based discussions and conferences. A recurring theme of PONANT cruises is the sharing of knowledge and culture: this serves to support and highlight our openness to the world. With the help of the photo ambassadors, you will truly participate in your exploration. Take the time to feel and to observe the world around you and keep a lasting imprint of the fleeting moments and intense emotions experienced during this cruise.
Shore excursions, Pre/Post & Overlands
11/08/2024 - RETURN FLIGHT TO PARIS + TRANSFER FROM THE PIER TO THE AIRPORT OF REYKJAVIK (POST)
645 €
Find out moreADVENTURE IN ARCTIC FRONTIER (3 NIGHTS)
Enhance your cruise and extend your trip with a carefully designed programme.
Discover Spitsbergen, the gateway to the Arctic, marvel at its grandiose landscapes and enjoy unique moments at 78° degrees north latitude.
Day 1 - Longyearbyen
Meet at Longyearbyen Airport in the Arrival hall. Look for PONANT sign. You will be greeted by our local representative off the flight selected by PONANT or any other flight (provided that you have previously communicated your flight schedule to your travel agent).
You will be transferred to the hotel Funken Lodge 5*.
Check-in your room.
For your first evening, enjoy a nice dinner at the Funktionaermessen restaurant in your hotel
Overnight at the hotel.
Day 2 – Explore Longyearbyen
Breakfast at the hotel.
Accompanied by your guide, you will make the most of the morning to learn more about the world’s northernmost town, which is also the administrative capital of the Svalbard archipelago.
During a guided walking tour, you will have the opportunity to find out more about the town’s history, its fauna and flora and its unique geology. Your visit to the Svalbard Museum will give you a complete overview of life in Svalbard in past times. You will also learn more about the population of Svalbard, and discover how the inhabitants have adapted to these extreme living conditions.
You will have lunch at a restaurant in the city centre.
Following lunch, continue your day by exploring the Adventvalen valley guided by husky dogs which, in the summer, form a team with an ingenious cart with wheels. Before the big departure, meet these athletic and very sociable animals and join your guide as they prepare the team. Without any engine noise, discover wild nature in the longest fjord in the archipelago and observe its exceptional biodiversity in total safety.
After all these sensations, you will return to the hotel before being transferred to a local restaurant.
Return to the hotel for the night.
Day 3 – Discover the fjords
Breakfast at the hotel.
During your morning spent immersed in the culture of Svalbard, you will discover the activities necessary to the archipelago’s economic development. Accompanied by your guide, first of all, you will visit Coal Mine 3, which is no longer operating. During your visit, you will learn more about the profession of miner and about this industry, which remains the pride of the inhabitants of Longyearbyen. Equipped with a helmet and a headlamp, you will have the opportunity of going down into the mine and experiencing its unique atmosphere, the silence that reigns there, and the glitter of frost on the rock walls.
After this visit, you will continue your discovery at the Svalbard Brewery to find out more about this surprising new economic activity: beer. As you listen to the astonishing story of Robert Johansen, a miner who became the founder of this polar brewery, you will be able to taste some of the different beers brewed at the world’s northernmost brewery.
You will have lunch at the hotel restaurant before setting off on your afternoon of discovery.
Following lunch, set sail aboard a high-speed, hybrid-fuelled boat to explore the fjord by sea. After about an hour of sailing, you will reach Borebukta Bay where the electric motors will take over, enabling you to observe the fauna in almost entire silence. You will probably have the huge privilege of seeing walruses. Although this animal is now common around the Svalbard archipelago, it had long been hunted before becaming a protected species in 1952. Today, the population of the species has significantly increased and it is common to glimpse them. During your visit, enjoy a gourmet break as you contemplate one of the two 2 glaciers that plunge into the bay.
Regain terra firma and take a few moments to relax before setting off again for an exceptional evening.
You will take Longyearbyen’s only road to drive up towards the inside of the fjord in the Adventvalen valley and will finally arrive at Camp Barentz.
It is here, in this wild setting surrounded by the mountains that border the fjords and bathed in the light of the midnight sun, that you will spend your evening.
You will enjoy a unique dinner in this exceptional setting, and learn more about Willem Barentz, who discovered the archipelago in 1596. Caught in the ice, he and his crew built a cabin using wood from the ship, which enabled them to survive through the very harsh winter. A replica of this cabin will let you slip into the shoes of these explorers. Plunged into this universe, around the central hearth, listen to your guide tell you stories and talk about polar bears.
Before heading back to civilisation and your hotel, admire the warm light of the midnight sun.
Day 4 – Arctic immersion
Breakfast at the hotel.
Check-out from your room.
Start a last day of discovery on land before boarding your ship.
Set off to discover Isfjorden, the ice fjord, and stop at Coles Bay, a former Soviet mining colony.In the 1900s, this was one of the largest mining colonies on Svalbard and more than a thousand people worked and lived there.
Exploring the abandoned buildings, you will understand the reason for the location of this Soviet mining colony, and the geopolitical particularities of Svalbard. Your guide will also explain the unique biodiversity of this climatically extreme area.
You will be served lunch in the open air and around a fire during your visit.
At the end of the visit, you will be transferred to the port to embark onboard your ship.
Your hotel:
Funken Lodge 5*
Overhanging the town of Longyearbyen, the Funken Lodge is a unique boutique hotel, a perfect place to relax after thrilling nature experiences and taste the arctic with its exclusive food and drinks from an international cuisine. From your first steps in relaxed and luxurious atmosphere of the lobby to the cosy design of your room, you will spend an outstanding stay there.
Upgraded rooms are also available depending on availability and on a supplement basis. Contact your travel professional for further detail.
Your programme includes:
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3-night accommodation in Superior room at Funken Lodge 5* (local standard) or similar, breakfast included.
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Meals as mentioned in the programme.
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Beverage package during meals.
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Transfers, visits, and entrance fees as mentioned in the programme.
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The services of a local English-speaking guide.
Your programme does not include:
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Personal expenses.
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Visa if necessary.
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Tips for the driver and local guide.
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Other services not mentioned in the programme.
Please note:
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It is imperative that the details of your departure flight are provided to your travel agent, no later than 30 days before the start date of your cruise, to secure the proper private transfer.
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This programme is not suitable for people with reduced mobility.
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This programme includes outdoor activities and weather on Svalbard is uncertain. We recommend you wear warm and comfortable clothes, which protects you from rain and wind, and footwear suitable for walking.
Contact of your hotel:
Funken Lodge 5*
Vei 212-4
Longyearbyen, 9171
Svalbard & Jan Mayen
Telephone number: +47 79 02 62 00
Duration and order of the visits may vary. To know your PONANT flight schedule, please contact your travel agent; it is also indicated on your electronic ticket included in your travel documents.
Total : 4.160 €
Price is per person, based on double occupancy, based on availability.
PARISIAN GETAWAY AND LUXE A LA FRANCAISE (3 NIGHTS)
Enhance your cruise and extend your trip with a carefully designed programme.
Enjoy an exclusiv stay at Le Meurice in Paris, prior your cruise onboard Le Commandant Charcot.
Day 1 - Paris
Meet at Paris airport in the arrival hall. Look for PONANT sign. You will be greeted by our local representative off the flight selected by PONANT or any other flight (provided that you have previously communicated your flight schedule to your travel agent).
You will be transferred to the hotel Le Meurice – Dorchester Collection.
Check-in your room.
Diner is at leisure.
Overnight at the hotel.
Days 2 and 3 – Paris
Breakfast at the hotel.
Days are at leisure.
Option: Artist walking tour
As the hotel of astrists and thinkers, you can book in addition a series of walking tours with Le Meurice following in the footsteps of legendary artist in Paris.
Ponant has selected for you three differents paths of artists to choose: Picasso, Monet and Rodin. Theses experiences are proposed with a private guide.
Option: The Chef's Table
You will also have the option to step into a world of surprise through a private entrance and delve into the secrets of the Michelin-starred kitchen at this exclusive table.
Here, Executive Chef Amaury Bouhours will personally guide you through his exquisite menu in an intimate atmosphere, while the kitchen gracefully performs its culinary ballet before your eyes.
Overnight at the hotel.
Day 4 – Paris
Breakfast at the hotel.
Check-out from your room.
You will be transferred from your hotel to Paris airport terminal, in time for check-in of flight selected by PONANT prior your cruise onboard Le Commandant Charcot
Your hotel:
Discover the luxury and elegance of Le Meurice hotel, an iconic establishment nestled in the heart of Paris. Immerse yourself in a refined ambiance while staying in sumptuous rooms, featuring exquisite furnishings for optimal comfort. Indulge in exceptional cuisine at the Michelin-starred restaurant, where talented chefs create delicious dishes. Located near renowned sites such as the Louvre Museum and the Tuileries Gardens, Le Meurice is the perfect place to explore the vibrant city. Enjoy a moment of relaxation in its exclusive spa, where the therapists will provide you with high-quality treatments for a soothing experience. From your first steps in relaxed and luxurious atmosphere of the lobby to the cosy design of your room, you will spend an outstanding stay there.
Upgraded rooms are also available depending on availability and on a supplement basis. Contact your travel professional for further detail.
Your programme includes:
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3-night accommodation in Superior room at Le Meurice 5* palace, breakfast included.
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Transfers as mentioned in the programme.
Your programme does not include:
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Personal expenses.
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Meals and visits during your stay.
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Optional activities.
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Early check-in.
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Visa if necessary.
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Tips for the driver and local guide.
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Other services not mentioned in the programme.
Please note:
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It is imperative that the details of your arrival flight are provided to your travel agent, no later than 30 days before the start date of your cruise, to secure the proper private transfer.
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Official check-in at 3: 00 pm.
Contact of your hotel:
Le Meurice – Dorchester Collection
28 Rue de Rivoli,
75001 Paris
FRANCE
Telephone number: +33 1 44 58 10 10
Duration and order of the visits may vary. To know your PONANT flight schedule, please contact your travel agent; it is also indicated on your electronic ticket included in your travel documents.
Total : 2.800 €
Price is per person, based on double occupancy, based on availability.
TRANSFER FROM THE PIER TO THE AIRPORT OF REYKJAVIK
Travel with peace of mind as PONANT organises your transfer between your port of disembarkation and the airport.
Reykjavik
After disembarkation procedures are completed, you will be greeted at the port by our local English-speaking representative.
You will then be transferred to the international airport of Keflavík in time for check-in for the PONANT selected flight.
Your programme includes:
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Transfers as mentioned in the programme.
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Services of an English-speaking assistance.
Your programme does not include:
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Tips for the driver and local guide.
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Personal expenses.
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Other services not mentioned in the programme.
To know your PONANT flight schedule, please contact your travel agent ; it is also indicated on your electronic ticket included in your travel documents.
Total : 150 €
Price is per person, based on double occupancy, based on availability.
ICELANDIC GETAWAY (1 NIGHT)
Day 1 - Reykjavik
After disembarkation procedures are completed, you will be greeted at the port by our local representative.
First you will be transferred to the historic Thingvellir National Park, a place that intertwines geological marvels with significant historical importance. Traverse the remarkable Almannagjá rift valley, where the convergence of the North American and Eurasian tectonic plates is showcased... Learn about the park's historical significance as the site of Iceland's ancient parliamentary assembly while soaking in the awe-inspiring vistas.
A short drive to Gullfoss waterfall, one of Iceland's most iconic waterfalls. As the Hvítá River cascades in two tiers into a rugged canyon in a display of sheer natural power.
Your journey continues to the Geysir geothermal area. Observe as the Strokkur geyser erupts, sending boiling water skyward in a display of Earth's inner forces. Learn about the underlying geothermal processes that power these geysers and contribute to Iceland's renewable energy efforts.
You will then be transfer to a local restaurant for lunch.
Your last stop is at Hellisheiði Geothermal Power Plant, a testament to Iceland's global leadership in clean and sustainable energy utilization. With over 90% of Icelandic homes heated by geothermal energy, this is a profound aspect of the nation's identity. The Hellisheidi Power Plant combines a high tech exhibition, experienced guides and a look into this aspect of daily life in Iceland. An impressive building with magnificent views over the surrounding lavafields and pillars of geothermal steam.
In the late afternoon, you will check-in to the Iceland Parliament Hotel, Curio Collection by Hilton 4*.
Dinner at the hotel restaurant.
Overnight at the hotel.
Day 2 - Reykjavik
After breakfast and check-out, time at leisure depending on your flight schedule.
You will then be transferred to the airport in time for check-in for the PONANT selected flight or any other flight (provided that you have previously communicated your flight schedule to your travel agent).
Your hotel:
Nestled in the heart of Reykjavik, the Iceland Parliament Hotel offers a unique vantage point, granting you effortless access to the city's iconic landmarks, bustling streets, and cultural gems. The hotel boasts a fusion of modern luxury and historical allure. Each room is a testament to this blend, where contemporary furnishings seamlessly intertwine with the past. Drawing inspiration from Iceland's natural hues, the décor spans a palette from earthy tones to serene blues, creating an atmosphere that is simultaneously inviting and invigorating.
Upgraded rooms are also available depending on availability and on a supplement basis. Contact your travel professional for further detail.
Your programme includes:
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1-night accommodation in Deluxe room at Iceland Parliament Hotel, Curio Collection by Hilton 4*(local standard) or similar, breakfast included.
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Meals as mentioned in the programme.
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Beverage package during meals (bottled water + 1 soft drink or 1 local beer or 1 glass of wine and 1 coffee or tea).
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Transfers, visits, and entrance fees as mentioned in the programme.
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The services of a local English-speaking guide.
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Hospitality desk at the hotel, the day of your departure
Your programme does not include:
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Lunch on day 2.
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Personal expenses.
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Visa if necessary.
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Tips for the driver and local guide.
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Early check-in and late check-out.
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Other services not mentioned in the programme.
Please note:
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It is imperative that the details of your departure flight are provided to your travel agent, no later than 30 days before the start date of your cruise, to secure the proper private transfer.
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Official hotel check-in time is 3:00 p.m
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Official hotel check-out time is 11 :00 a.m.
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Early check-in or late check-out might be available depending on availability and on a supplement basis.
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This program requires to be able of walking outside. We recommend wearing warm clothing and comfortable walking shoes, bring waterproof and windproof jacket with a hood to protect against rain and wind.
Contact of your hotel:
Iceland Parliament Hotel, Curio Collection by Hilton 4*
Thorvaldsenstraeti 2-6, 101
Reykjavík,
Iceland
Telephone number: +354 513 3000
Duration and order of the visits may vary. To know your PONANT flight schedule, please contact your travel agent; it is also indicated on your electronic ticket included in your travel documents.
Total : 770 €
Price is per person, based on double occupancy, based on availability.
RETURN FLIGHT TO PARIS + ICELANDIC GETAWAY (1 NIGHT) (POST)
Total : 1.265 €
Price is per person, based on double occupancy, based on availability.
RETURN FLIGHT TO PARIS + TRANSFER FROM THE PIER TO THE AIRPORT OF REYKJAVIK (POST)
Total : 645 €
Price is per person, based on double occupancy, based on availability.