Polar Expedition 
Prestige Stateroom Deck 6
15% Ponant Bonus
20 m2
2
The Geographic North Pole
Longyearbyen, Spitsbergen - Longyearbyen, Spitsbergen
Dates:
27/7/2023
to
11/8/2023
Other available dates
days
nights on board
FLIGHT PARIS/LONGYEARBYEN + TRANSFERS + FLIGHT LONGYEARBYEN/PARIS
Heading for 90 degrees North! The North Pole has been a source of inspiration, fascination, and attraction since the dawn of time. This impossible and mythical ‘elsewhere’ begs to be admired.
What if Le Commandant Charcot achieved this absolute pinnacle adventure, by enabling you, perhaps, to tread on this virtually unattainable point?
Following in the footsteps of the explorers who once tried to approach these elusive parts, where the infinite ice floes unfold and 700 kilometres (435 miles) from any land, you are part of the chosen few to attempt the odyssey.
From Spitsbergen, you will sail the northern waters, at the edges of the Earth, where the landscapes change constantly depending on the ice and the plays of light.
Nature reigns supreme here, sheltering abundant wildlife: polar bears, seals or even whales will be your hosts. Your discovery of this silent world, frozen by the cold, will continue as you attempt to reach the Grail of all polar explorers: the North Pole!
Swept by the winds and the currents, the ice floe is constantly drifting and the master of your ship will have to manoeuvre carefully and with great humility in an attempt to reach the northernmost point of our planet.
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 factor 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 : LLPL45 - CC270723
Your itinerary
Be among the few people in the world to go in search of the Geographic North Pole! Outings and shore visits in a zodiac dinghy with an reinforced team of naturalist-guides. The discovery of the features of the...
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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 COMMANDANT CHARCOT
LE LYRIAL
L'AUSTRAL
10/8/2023 to the 26/8/2023
LE JACQUES-CARTIER
LE LYRIAL
*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:
Depending on the itinerary and the program of your cruise, 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
Polar water activities
Experience the unrivalled sensations of immersion in cold water. Whether you take a polar plunge in a swimsuit or a dip in a dry-suit* that allows you to float, you will enjoy a unique experience in an exceptional setting, surrounded by ice. Feel intense thrills and enjoy the energy boost you get as your body warms back up after the swim!
*with limited places available
Kayaking - Le Commandant Charcot
Glide 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 boat that has been 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 very 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 your hole on the ice floe or on frozen lakes and try to catch fish using an ancestral method. This activity off the beaten path will equally delight fans of sports fishing and those who are curious for new discoveries.*
*with limited places available
Hiking or snowshoeing
During each shore landing, depending on the ecological resilience of the biome encountered, 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. When the itineraries allow it, you’ll put on snowshoes* to set off, like the explorers of old, to discover areas that have barely known Man.
*with limited places available
Participative science
Le Commandant Charcot is fitted with the most modern oceanographic equipment and all the facilities necessary to accompany a scientific team in its research. Guided by naturalists trained in participatory science, you will thus have the opportunity to make a direct contribution to the global scientific effort. Assist research by taking part in a turbidity study using a Secchi disk, counting wildlife, studying the state of the pack ice or taking water samples: thanks to simple protocols, you’ll be able to discover part of the scientific adventure in the polar regions and contribute to improving the knowledge of biodiversity, marine mammals or glaciology and better understand Climate/Ecosystem/Man interactions.
Highlights
- Be among the few people in the world to go in search of the Geographic North Pole!
- Outings and shore visits in a zodiac dinghy with an reinforced team of naturalist-guides.
- The discovery of the features of the ice floes.
- Landscapes: ice floes. In Spitsbergen, jagged mountains, steep-sided valleys, sheer cliffs.
- Wildlife: polar bears, Northern fulmar, ivory gull, seals, whales.
- Many activities: kayaking, hiking or snowshoeing, ice fishing, polar plunge without suit, polar swim with drysuit, participative science. Discover all the activities in the “PONANT Activities” tab.
Ports of Call & Excursions
27 July 2023 - Longyearbyen, Spitsbergen
Embarkation 27/7/2023 from 4:00 pm to 5:00 pm
Departure 27/7/2023 at 6:00 pm
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.
28 July 2023 - At sea along Spitsbergen
Arrival 28/7/2023
Departure 28/7/2023
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.
29 July 2023 2 August 2023 - Navigating through the sea ice
Arrival 29/7/2023
Departure 2/8/2023
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.
3 August 2023 - Geographic North Pole
Arrival 3/8/2023
Departure 3/8/2023
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.
4 August 2023 8 August 2023 - Navigating through the sea ice
Arrival 4/8/2023
Departure 8/8/2023
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.
9 August 2023 10 August 2023 - At sea along Spitsbergen
Arrival 9/8/2023
Departure 10/8/2023
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.
11 August 2023 - Longyearbyen, Spitsbergen
Arrival 11/8/2023 early morning
Disembarkation 11/8/2023 at 7:00 am
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.
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 + TRANSFERS + FLIGHT LONGYEARBYEN/PARIS
For your serenity, PONANT selects flights and organises transfers between the airport and the port (and vice-versa). 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 suggest you to be at the check-in counter 2 hours before departure.
We highly recommend you arrive in Paris the day before this flight.
Meet & greet at the airport by our local English-speaking representative.
Transfer to the pier for embarkation.
- Cruise aboard your ship -
Disembarkation Day - Longyearbyen/Paris
Disembarkation
Meet and greet at the port by our local English-speaking representative.
Transfer to the airport in time for check-in of flight Longyearbyen/Paris selected by PONANT.
Flight Longyearbyen/Paris selected by PONANT.
Approximate flight duration: 4 h 30
We highly recommend you stay one night in Paris after this flight.
This programme includes:
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Flight Paris/Longyearbyen and Longyearbyen/Paris selected by PONANT in economy class.
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Transfers mentioned in the programme.
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English-speaking assistance.
This programme does not include:
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Personal expenses.
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Any other service not mentioned in the programme.
Please note:
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Flights included in the programme are as of today, operated in economy class, on a European airline.
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Due to limited local transportation resources, waiting might be generated.
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For passengers in transit in Paris, we recommend staying one night in Paris before and after these flights.
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Programme and flight schedule are subject to change without prior notice.
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PONANT will adapt the content of the transfer offer from and to airport according to your flight schedule.
Polar Expedition
Realise your dream of adventure in the polar regions ! From your ship’s deck, aboard a Zodiac® inflatable or from land, 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.
Shore excursions, Pre/Post & Overlands
26/7/2023 - COMFORT PACKAGE: NIGHT IN PARIS CDG AIRPORT + TRANSFER HOTEL- AIRPORT
€250
Find out more 11/8/2023 - COMFORT PACKAGE: TRANSFER AIRPORT- HOTEL + NIGHT IN PARIS CDG AIRPORT
€250
Find out moreCOMFORT PACKAGE: NIGHT IN PARIS CDG AIRPORT + TRANSFER HOTEL- AIRPORT
For your serenity, PONANT selects for you an ideally located hotel and organises your transfer to the airport.
Day 1 - Roissy CDG
Meet-and-greet and check-in in Pullman Roissy CDG hotel, from 4:00 pm.
The rest of the day and the evening are at leisure.
Dinner is on your own.
Day 2 - PONANT selected flight for embarkation
Breakfast is on your own.
Group transfer from the hotel to the airport terminal, in time for check-in of flight selected by PONANT.
Your hotel:
The Pullman Roissy CDG hotel is a four stars property located in Roissy. Located at 2 minutes walking from Roissypole, RER and CDGVal station, you will easily be able to join it.
This programme includes:
- 1-night accomodation in Superior suite at the Pullman Roissy CDG 4*.
- Transfer mentionned in the programme.
- A soft welcome drink, upon arrival at the hotel.
This programme does not include:
- Dinner of day 1.
- Breakfast of day 2.
- Tips and gratuities.
- All personal expenses (meals and drinks, sightseeing, etc.)
- Early check-in, late check-out and other services not mentioned in the programme.
Please note:
- Official hotel check-in time is 4:00 p.m
- Official hotel check-out time is 12:00 p.m.
- Early check-in or late check-out might be available depending on availability and on a supplement basis.
- Departure time of the hotel will be communicated by our representative.
Total : €250
Price is per person, based on double occupancy, based on availability.
ADVENTURE 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 to enjoy a semi-gastronomic experience and taste Nordic flavours.
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 p