STYLE: Small Ship Expedition Cruise
Trip Code: ACPOLCGNP
DIFFICULTY RATING: 2 (Light Adventure)
SHIP: Le Commandant Charcot
Spitsbergen, Geographic North Pole, Iceland
26/08/2023
All Meals Onboard The Ship, Including In Room Dining, Beverages (Excluding Premium Labels) And In-Room Mini Bar (Excluding Champagne)
Charter Flight From Paris And Transfers to/from the ship
Cabin on board ship
This 16 Day voyage is a takes you to the unique and mystical point where ice claims the seas year round. You will set sail from Spitsbergen on the Le Commondant, the first hybrid powered Polar vessel. This unique experience blends supreme luxury and comfort with the mystifying beauty of the North Pole. Slowly sail the heart of this frozen world, drift among the pack ice floes as they shimmer and reflect the beautiful serenity of these amazing places.
Take a flight from Paris to Longyearbyen organised by Ponant. You will be met at the airport by our English-speaking representative. You will also be transferred to the pier for embarkation.
We highly recommend you arrive in Paris the day before this flight.
Embarkation which will commence from 4:00pm with sailing due to commence at 6:00pm.
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.
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.
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: birds, seals and polar bears.
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.
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.
During your days at sea toward Reykjavik, make the most of the many services and activities on board. Take this time to share and revel in the incredible memories you have made so far with your fellow passengers.
Disembarkation is scheduled for 7:00am.
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.
Undertake this voyage on board the Le Commondant, a new, state-of-the-art vessel purpose build for expedition cruising. The vessel combines grace and elegance to provide the first Hybrid Luxury Polar Exploration Vessel
Be one of the few people in the world to sail to the Geographic North Pole, a feat only achieved by 30 000 people in the world, an extraordinary small figure considering the effects of globalisation.
Encounter unique wildlife including seals, whales, sea birds and the illusive polar bear.
The experience of being on the first luxury ice breaker provides a unique experience where indescribable landscapes merge with sleek elegance and luxury to provide a truly surreal experience.
A sleek and elegant vessel with an intricate dose of luxury and revolutionary technology. Sailing under the French Flag, Le Commandant Charcot is the newest vessel in the Ponant fleet. A design with sustainable development at its core, Le Commandant is the first Hybrid luxury Polar Exploration Vessel to be powered by liquefied natural gas (LNG). Optimized with energy saving solutions, reduced energy consumption and advanced waste water treatment, this vessel truly combines luxury with a unique focus on the sustainability of the spellbinding and wonderful destinations it explores. With just 135 cabins. including 68 suites with private terraces this ship remains true to the philosophy of providing every guest with the relaxed ambience of travelling on a private yacht. Even at the extreme temperatures of the poles, this vessel promises the upmost care for intimate comfort, discrete service, incredible gastronomy and extensive luxury amenities including spas and a wellness center.
Ice Class:
Length: 150m (492ft)
Breadth: 28m (91ft)Max
Draft: Cruising
Speed:
Electricity: Passenger
Capacity:270
View Ship Details
We believe that appropriate accommodation should add to the authentic travel experience, as well as providing utmost enjoyment. For that reason our accommodation is scrutinised by our staff on the ground frequently, ensuring the properties adhere to our high standards. This key will help you understand the levels of accommodation available on this tour.
Comfortable properties with dependable facilities and service.
Comfortable properties with dependable facilities and service.
Luxurious properties with impeccable facilities and service.
Optional Activities vary for each itinerary. Limited spaces available. Contact your Destination Specialist for pricing & availability.
Experience the unforgettable thrill and serenity of kayaking in Antarctica as part of a small, expertly guided paddling group.
Learn MoreHiking excursions are among the most popular options in Antarctica as many itineraries are short and suitable for people of all ages and fitness levels. Guided hikes lead you to amazing vantage points and allow even closer interaction with local wildlife, so don’t forget to pack your camera!
Learn MoreGo even deeper into Antarctica’s interior and reach less visited places where many other visitors simply don’t go!
Learn MoreThe Geographic North Pole 16 Days | Le Commandant Charcot from AUD 47,860 | ||
Departing | Ending | Duration |
---|---|---|
26 Aug 2023 | 10 Sep 2023 | 16 |
All accommodation on board Le Commondant
Charter flight from Paris on Day 1 (one way)
All meals whilst on board including snacks
All scheduled landings and excursions
Guiding and lectures by English-speaking expedition leader and team
Expedition jacket provided (yours to keep)
A pair of expedition boots for use during your voyage
Group transfer to/from pier
Open Bar (excluding premium brands)
Room Service & Mini Bar (excluding Champagne)
All port taxes
Exclusions
Airfares from disembarkation city
Visa fees (if applicable)
Travel Insurance
Personal expenses such as laundry, on-board communication (telephone calls, faxes)
Gratuities for the crew (recommend US$15 per person per day)
Optional Activities whilst on-board
Available upon request, contact us for more details.
One way charter flight from Paris on Day 1 is included in cruise cost. Highly recommend to arrive in Paris one day prior to commencment of itinerary.
Itinerary is subject to change depending on weather and ice conditions.
Departure date, season, availability & currency fluctuation