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- Last staterooms
The Geographic North Pole
Longyearbyen, Spitsbergen - Reykjavík
Dates:
23/08/2021
to
07/09/2021
16
days
days
15
nights on board
nights on board
Starting from*
£23,610
10% Ponant Bonus
Polar Expedition Flight Paris/Longyearbyen + Transfer
Push the limits of sailing with this exceptional new 16-day expedition cruise to the Geographic North Pole.
To reach this mythical point covered by ice floe all year round, 700 km away from any emerged land, you will board Le Commandant-Charcot, the first hybrid electric polar exploration vessel.
Setting sail from Spitzbergen, you will enjoy an unforgettable maritime experience at the heart of sumptuous landscapes that are constantly evolving according to changes in the ice and the light. This itinerary, which lends itself perfectly to the observation of the wildlife, particularly rich at this time of the year, will take you as far as the pack ice. Then you will slowly progress to the heart of this silent world, frozen by the extreme cold, in the direction of the Grail of all polar explorers: the North Pole!
Beware though, as the ice floe is constantly drifting, driven together by currents and winds, you too must keep moving if you want to remain on our planet’s most northernmost point…
We are privileged guests in these extreme lands where we are at the mercy of weather and ice conditions. The itinerary, landings on certain sites and the observation of certain wildlife cannot be guaranteed. They vary from day to day, making each PONANT cruise a unique experience. The Captain and the Expedition Leader will make every effort to ensure that your experience is as rich as possible, while complying with the safety rules and instructions imposed by the AECO.
Ref : LR134 - O230821
Your itinerary
Be among the few people in the world who have reached the Geographic North Pole! Outings and shore visits in Zodiac® inflatables with the naturalists. Hiking opportunity. Landscapes: ice floes, icebergs,...
See detailed itinerary
Choose your stateroom
Choose your stateroom
Complete your trip
Complete your trip
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 flights and takes care of your transfers for your trip as well as shore visits before and after the cruise.
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*Price is per person, double occupancy, is based on availability, and subject to change at any time. The category of cabin to which this price applies may no longer be available.
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Flight Paris/Longyearbyen + Transfer
For your serenity, PONANT selects a flight and organizes 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: 4h30
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.
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.
Note:
- Flight included in the programme is 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 this flight.
- Programme and flight schedule are subject to change without prior notice.
Services provided
- Private balcony for all our cabins and suites
- Terrace for the Duplex suites and the Owner's suite
- Butler service (Duplex Suites, Owner’s Suite, Privilege suites)
- Individually-controlled airconditioning
- Stateroom layout: king-size bed, or twin beds, communicating staterooms available, children welcome
- Minibar - 24hr room service
- Satellite TV channels (availability dependent on navigation); selection of videos on demand
- Bose™ Bluetooth speaker
- Safe
- Selection of top-of-the-line bath products.
- Dressing table, bath robes, Hairdryer
- Direct line telephone
- 110V American (two flat pins)/220V European (round sockets with two round pins)
- Internet access Wifi : Satellite reception (availability dependent on navigation and latitude)
Choose your stateroom category
Packing Checklist
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).
Do not hesitate to visit the online PONANT store which offers a selection of equipment and accessories adapted to our destinations, at the following address: https://boutique.ponant.com
Benefits of the PONANT store:
- Advice on equipment from our experts to help you prepare for your polar expedition
- A wide range of technical equipment for polar expeditions, approved by our experts
- Two delivery options: delivery to your home or directly to your cabin on board the ship
- Duty Free shopping for cabin delivered items
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.
Advice
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
Hovercraft
Following the example of Le Commandant-Charcot, designed to sail to the edge of the poles, hovercraft, which work as well on land as they do on sea, will take you to the most hard-to-reach places. Their unique propulsion system will ensure that you can explore the ice floe in total safety, regardless of ice and weather conditions. They will drop you in the heart of the austral or boreal vastness, in the deafening silence specific to this extreme environment, and let you live out a dream of absolute escape.
Helium balloon
Thrill-seekers and fans of exceptional, romantic landscapes, lulled by suspended moments... A flight in a tethered hot air balloon, handled by professionals, will let you take to the skies to admire the infinite crystal-clear panoramas of the Arctic and the Antarctic from above. You will always remember, and with emotion, these summits touching the skies, this immaculate ice floe and these steep hillsides and serrated contours stretching out to the horizon. This will also be an opportunity to observe the ship at work in the vastness of its environment.*
*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
Snowmobiles
Using comfortable, ultra-modern, electric snowmobiles, which are silent and meet the most stringent standards, you can access firm land from the ship in order to constantly discover new panoramas. This light and secure activity, accessible to all, will enable you to travel around safely, explore the polar expanses and become intoxicated by these grandiose landscapes, in the company of professional guides.
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.
Polar diving
Diving in polar waters means an exceptional chance to admire an unusual landscape and to meet marine animals in their natural environment. Whether along an iceberg, meeting a magical world with a thousand and one shades of blue, or along a drop-off in search of anemone, soft coral, giant isopods… Diving will provide you with the unique opportunity to penetrate a unique and little-known world.*
*Optional
Hiking
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. In the Arctic, some excursions will be organised with sled dogs, the faithful companions of the Inuit. Trained to detect areas of thin ice and warn of the presence of bears, they will guide you and ensure your safety.
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 our naturalists and the team of scientists, you will thus have the opportunity to make a direct contribution to the global scientific effort. Helping scientists to set up a station on the ice floe, deploying an Argos marker buoy 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.
Outings and shore visits in Zodiac® inflatables
Aboard Le Commandant-Charcot, a fleet of 16 Zodiac® expedition dinghies will be used for outings and shore visits throughout the cruise. Getting closer to a glacier calving huge icebergs, setting foot on a sheet of ice floe, observing bears, seals, sea lions and penguins up close: so many unforgettable moments that very few people will ever have the chance of experiencing in these regions that are hostile to man and home to unique wildlife.
Dog sled
Try out a practice that dates back to 6,000 years before our era. Faithful companions to the Inuit who made their use widespread in around 1000 AD, sled dogs have also accompanied trappers in the American Far North and explorers on their most extraordinary expeditions. Led with a deft hand by their master and your local guide, they will take you across enchanting decors during a magical ride. This is the ideal way to discover the ice sheet; you will hear only the noise of the sled’s runners sliding across the ice, the paws of the dogs in the snow and the orders given by the Inuit. Let yourself be lulled by the magic of the moment.
Highlights
- Be among the few people in the world who have reached the Geographic North Pole!
- Outings and shore visits in Zodiac® inflatables with the naturalists.
- Hiking opportunity.
- Landscapes: ice floes, icebergs, polar ice cap… In Spitsbergen, jagged mountains, steep-sided valleys, sheer cliffs, huge glaciers.
- Wildlife: polar bears, Arctic foxes, Svalbard reindeer, Arctic terns, walruses, seals, whales.
Ports of Call & Excursions
23 August 2021 Longyearbyen, Spitsbergen
Embarkation 23/08/2021 from 16h00 to 17h00
Departure 23/08/2021 at 18h00
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.
24 August 2021 At sea along Spitsbergen
Arrival 24/08/2021
Departure 24/08/2021
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.
25 August 2021 29 August 2021 Sailing ice floes
Arrival 25/08/2021
Departure 29/08/2021
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.
30 August 2021 Geographic North Pole
Arrival 30/08/2021
Departure 30/08/2021
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 the Commandant-Charcot.
31 August 2021 4 September 2021 Sailing ice floes along Greenland
Arrival 31/08/2021
Departure 04/09/2021
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 notably travel along the coast of the North-East Greenland National Park, recognised as a biosphere reserve by UNESCO. From your ship you will also discover Scoresby Sund, the largest fjord in the world. In this pure and preserved world, you will see abundant wildlife in a landscape of tundra and ice, a real delight for the eyes and for photographers.
5 September 2021 6 September 2021 At sea
Arrival 05/09/2021
Departure 06/09/2021
During your day at sea, make the most of the many services and activities on board. Treat yourself to a moment of relaxation in the spa or stay in shape in the fitness centre. Depending on the season, let yourself be tempted by the swimming pool or a spot of sunbathing. This day without a port of call will also be an opportunity to enjoy the conferences or shows proposed on board, to do some shopping in the boutique or to meet the PONANT photographers in their dedicated space. As for lovers of the open sea, they will be able to visit the ship’s upper deck to admire the spectacle of the waves and perhaps be lucky enough to observe marine species. A truly enchanted interlude, combining comfort, rest and entertainment.
7 September 2021 Reykjavík
Arrival 07/09/2021
Disembarkation 07/09/2021 at 07h00
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.
Until 270 Guests
135 staterooms & suites
190 crew members
Spa
2 restaurants
Decks
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
Before your cruise
COMFORT PACKAGE: NIGHT IN PARIS CDG AIRPORT + TRANSFER HOTEL/AIRPORT
(1 nuit)
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 Classic Room 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 : £70
According to availability, price per passenger.