Guest of Honour 
Polar Expedition 
No single supplement 
Prestige Stateroom Deck 6
25% Ponant Bonus
215 ft2
2
The Geographic North Pole
Longyearbyen, Spitsbergen - Longyearbyen, Spitsbergen
Dates:
10/07/2023
to
27/07/2023
Other available dates
days
nights on board
Flight Paris/Longyearbyen + transfers + flight Longyearbyen/Paris
With the exceptional presence of Jean-François Clervoy, French astronaut since 1985 and Bernard Chabbert, French journalist and author.
Head for 90 degrees North! Since the 16th century, the greatest expeditions have constantly tried to reach the North Pole. This mythical geographic point inspires and attracts as much as it fascinates dreamers and conquerors seeking out the other side of the world.
What if Le Commandant Charcot achieved this absolute pinnacle adventure by enabling you, perhaps, to tread on this virtually unattainable point?
Following in the wake of Frederick Cook, Robert Edwin Peary or Roald Amundsen, who were among the many who fought to achieve this elusive goal, you will be part of the chosen few ones to attempt the odyssey, 700 km (435 miles) from any land.
From Spitsbergen, you will head towards the north to sail the waters at the edges of the Earth, towards landscapes that change constantly according to the ice and the plays of light. Nature reigns supreme here, sheltering exceptional wildlife that you will perhaps be lucky enough to see as your journey progresses: polar bears, seals or even whales! Your exploration 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 Captain of your ship will 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, mostly 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 : LLPO45 - CC100723
Your itinerary
With the exceptional presence of Jean-François Clervoy, French astronaut since 1985 and Bernard Chabbert, French journalist and author. Be among the few people in the world to go in search of the Geographic...
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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 CHAMPLAIN
24/07/2023 to the 02/08/2023
L'AUSTRAL
10/04/2023 to the 19/04/2023
L'AUSTRAL
10/08/2023 to the 26/08/2023
- New
LE LYRIAL
LE CHAMPLAIN
02/08/2023 to the 10/08/2023
*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
Jean-François Clervoy
Jean-François Clervoy flew aboard the space shuttle in 1994 to study the atmosphere, in 1997 to resupply the Russian space station Mir, and in 1999 to rescue the Hubble space telescope.
JFC is Founder and Ambassador of Air Zero G which organizes weightlessness parabolic flights for research and for private customers aboard the airbus A310 Air Zero G.
Languages spoken : french and english
Photo credit : Laurence Honnorat
Bernard Chabbert
Son of pioneer aviator on Lignes Latécoère, Bernard Chabbert learned to fly when he was 16. Passionate about anything that flies and journalism he became a reporter for Europe 1 in the early seventies.
He covered NASA in Houston, the Apollo 14, 15, 16,17, Skylab 1, 2 and 3, and Apollo-Soyouz, then a dozen space shuttle missions. He also covered the first flight by a Frenchman in space in the USSR and signed with Jean Loup Chrétien and Patrick Baudry to recount the story of their adventure in the Star City space training centre in Russia. Other reports followed on Russian cosmonautics, as well as coverage of the Ariane epic in Kourou, French Guiana, of the sons of the original expendable launch vehicle, Ariane.
At the same time he was also a senior reporter for Europe 1, notably during the Indo-Pakistan war and the first Gulf war.
He also became a print journalist for Pilot aerospace media in Great Britain, Aviation Week and Space in the USA and several French publications. He was also producer and presenter of the Pégase space magazine programme on France 3. He has carried out flight assessments on nearly 300 different flying machines, from gliders to Concorde, and also on Soyuz simulators at Star City and the Space Shuttle in Houston. He has been voted Aerospace Journalist of the Year three times by the international aerospace community.
Bernard Chabbert has written several books on air and space adventure including La Foire aux Ailes and L’Homme-Fusée. Owner and pilot of a vintage plane collection, he participated in the filming of the blockbuster Amelia (starring Hilary Swank and Richard Gere), dedicated to Amelia Earhart.
Languages spoken : French and English
Photo credit : All Right Reserved (ARR)
Subject to withdrawal in case of force majeure
Jean-François Clervoy
Jean-François Clervoy flew aboard the space shuttle in 1994 to study the atmosphere, in 1997 to resupply the Russian space station Mir, and in 1999 to rescue the Hubble space telescope.
JFC is Founder and Ambassador of Air Zero G which organizes weightlessness parabolic flights for research and for private customers aboard the airbus A310 Air Zero G.
Languages spoken : french and english
Photo credit : Laurence Honnorat
Bernard Chabbert
Son of pioneer aviator on Lignes Latécoère, Bernard Chabbert learned to fly when he was 16. Passionate about anything that flies and journalism he became a reporter for Europe 1 in the early seventies.
He covered NASA in Houston, the Apollo 14, 15, 16,17, Skylab 1, 2 and 3, and Apollo-Soyouz, then a dozen space shuttle missions. He also covered the first flight by a Frenchman in space in the USSR and signed with Jean Loup Chrétien and Patrick Baudry to recount the story of their adventure in the Star City space training centre in Russia. Other reports followed on Russian cosmonautics, as well as coverage of the Ariane epic in Kourou, French Guiana, of the sons of the original expendable launch vehicle, Ariane.
At the same time he was also a senior reporter for Europe 1, notably during the Indo-Pakistan war and the first Gulf war.
He also became a print journalist for Pilot aerospace media in Great Britain, Aviation Week and Space in the USA and several French publications. He was also producer and presenter of the Pégase space magazine programme on France 3. He has carried out flight assessments on nearly 300 different flying machines, from gliders to Concorde, and also on Soyuz simulators at Star City and the Space Shuttle in Houston. He has been voted Aerospace Journalist of the Year three times by the international aerospace community.
Bernard Chabbert has written several books on air and space adventure including La Foire aux Ailes and L’Homme-Fusée. Owner and pilot of a vintage plane collection, he participated in the filming of the blockbuster Amelia (starring Hilary Swank and Richard Gere), dedicated to Amelia Earhart.
Languages spoken : French and English
Photo credit : All Right Reserved (ARR)
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
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
Participative science
Le Commandant Charcot is fitted with the most modern oceanographic equipment and all the facilities necessary to support a scientific team in its research. Guided by naturalists trained in participatory science, you will have the opportunity to make a direct contribution to the global scientific effort. Depending on the opportunities provided by the sailing, weather and ice conditions, you will be able to 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
- With the exceptional presence of Jean-François Clervoy, French astronaut since 1985 and Bernard Chabbert, French journalist and author.
- Be among the few people in the world to go in search of the Geographic North Pole!
- Enjoy the unique experience of sailing through the heart of the ice floe and the opportunities to observe the endless variety of forms and states of the ice, in the silence and respect of the landscapes through which you travel through.
- Landscapes: ice floes. In Spitsbergen, jagged mountains, steep-sided valleys, sheer cliffs, gigantic glaciers.
- Wildlife: polar bears, Northern fulmar, ivory gull, seals, whales.
- Many brand-new activities*: kayaking, hiking or snowshoeing, polar plunge, participative science.
*Subject to weather and ice conditions and to sailing opportunities
Ports of Call & Excursions
10 July 2023 - Longyearbyen, Spitsbergen
Embarkation 10/07/2023 from 16:00 to 17:00
Departure 10/07/2023 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.
11 July 2023 - At sea along Spitsbergen
Arrival 11/07/2023
Departure 11/07/2023
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.
12 July 2023 16 July 2023 - Navigating through the sea ice
Arrival 12/07/2023
Departure 16/07/2023
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.
17 July 2023 - Geographic North Pole
Arrival 17/07/2023
Departure 17/07/2023
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.
18 July 2023 22 July 2023 - Navigating through the sea ice
Arrival 18/07/2023
Departure 22/07/2023
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.
23 July 2023 - At sea along Spitsbergen
Arrival 23/07/2023
Departure 23/07/2023
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.
24 July 2023 26 July 2023 - Nordvest-Spitsbergen National Park
Arrival 24/07/2023
Departure 26/07/2023
Like the other protected areas of Svalbard, the Nordvest-Spitsbergen National Park was established in the early 1970s to protect this exceptional environment against the growing interest of the mining industry. Nunataks, glaciers, islands and large bays, arctic tundra scattered with moss and lichen in shades of silver and gold... This region will fascinate you with its landscapes and with the numerous vestiges that bear witness to the history of the men ─ whale hunters and those involved in the first expeditions to the North Pole ─ who found themselves on these shores from the start of the 17th century. In this pristine environment, you will be able to observe arctic sterns or seals on the rocks that emerge at low tide.
27 July 2023 - Longyearbyen, Spitsbergen
Arrival 27/07/2023 early morning
Disembarkation 27/07/2023 at 07:00
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.
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:
-
Flight Paris/Longyearbyen and Longyearbyen/Paris selected by PONANT in economy class.
-
Transfers mentioned in the programme.
-
English-speaking assistance.
This programme does not include:
-
Personal expenses.
-
Any other service not mentioned in the programme.
Please note:
-
Flights included in the programme are as of today, operated in economy class, on a European airline.
-
Due to limited local transportation resources, waiting might be generated.
-
For passengers in transit in Paris, we recommend staying one night in Paris before and after these flights.
-
Programme and flight schedule are subject to change without prior notice.
-
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.
No single supplement
FREE SINGLE SUPPLEMENT *
*The supplement for single usage of a double cabin is waived, according to availability and staterooms categories.
Shore excursions, Pre/Post & Overlands
09/07/2023 - COMFORT PACKAGE: NIGHT IN PARIS CDG AIRPORT + TRANSFER HOTEL- AIRPORT
£180
Find out more 27/07/2023 - COMFORT PACKAGE: TRANSFER AIRPORT- HOTEL + NIGHT IN PARIS CDG AIRPORT
£180
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 : £180
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 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:
- 3-night accommodation in Superior room at Funken Lodge 5* (local standard) or similar, breakfast included.
- Meals as mentioned in the programme.
- Beverage package during meals.
- Transfers, visits, and entrance fees as mentioned in the programme.
- The services of a local English-speaking guide.
Your programme does not include:
- Personal expenses.
- Visa if necessary.
- Tips for the driver and local guide.
- Other services not mentioned in the programme.
Please note:
- 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.
- This programme is not suitable for people with reduced mobility.
- 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
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 : £3,790
Price is per person, based on double occupancy, based on availability.
COMFORT PACKAGE: TRANSFER AIRPORT- HOTEL + NIGHT IN PARIS CDG AIRPORT
For your serenity, PONANT organises your transfer and select for you an ideally located hotel.
Day 1 - Disembarkation Day
After landing of your flight selected by PONANT in Paris, meet and greet at the airport and transfer to the Pullman Roissy CDG hotel.
Check-in in your room.
Evening and dinner at leisure.
Day 2 – Roissy CDG
Breakfast on your own followed by check-out.
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:
- Transfer mentionned in the programme.
- 1-night accomodation in Superior Suite at the Pullman Roissy CDG 4*.
- 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
- Late check-out might be available depending on availability and on a supplement basis.
Contact of your hotel:
Pullman Roissy CDG Airport
3 Bis Rue de la Haye
93290 Roissy-en-France
Phone: +33 01 70 03 11 63
Total : £180
Price is per person, based on double occupancy, based on availability.