In the ice of the Arctic, from Svalbard to Greenland
To sail to the lands beyond the Arctic Circle is to push the boundaries of exploration in the wake of those who made discovering the polar regions their life’s mission. With humility, you will set a course towards the south of Svalbard and i ts untouched landscapes, before reaching the north-east of Greenland, inaccessible to traditional ships in early summer. Aboard Le Commandant Charcot, a marvel of technology, you will be amazed by the opportunities for guided exploration in these remote parts. You will progress through one of the hardest to reach areas in the Far North.
In the Søraust-Svalbard Nature Reserve, classed as an Important Bird Area, the arid spaces, still cloaked in ice, are home to cetaceans and Svalbard reindeer.
As you progress through this polar landscape, Nordaustlandet (North East Land) will display Europe’s largest ice cap and some of its most majestic fjords. You will cross the frozen expanses of the Hinlopen Strait, where the contours of the glaciers shape the horizon, and you will get up close to monumental basalt cliffs.
You will then sail towards the north-east of Greenland, through the drifting ice floes of the North Pole and continue your exploration in the heart of immaculate scenery. The sea ice reveals itself in all its formsMarvel at the subtle light changes on the ice.
On your journey, the Ammassalik, Blosseville and Ittoqqortoormiit regions reveal mythical places associated with the history of the discovery of the Arctic – places where the names Paul-Emile Victor, Jules de Blosseville and Jean-Baptiste Charcot still resound.
Whether from the exterior decks of your ship, during an outing in an inflatable dinghy or a kayak, or during a hike near blue-tinged icebergs, you will have multiples opportunities to get to know this wild and stunning world a little better.
In extreme conditions, at the end of spring when ice dots the barren landscapes, these remote parts reveal themselves to travellers. Despite the harsh climate and environment, the wildlife thrives here, offering the humble and patient observer the most wonderful of rewards.
Find out more about the world of Le Commandant Charcot here!
When searching for a luxury yacht expedition cruise, there’s one name above all else that you need to know – Ponant Cruises. Founded in 1988 by former French Merchant Navy officers, Ponant combines succulent luxury with authentic adventures on all seven continents.
From classic Mediterranean itineraries and Caribbean sailings, to bucket-list expeditions around Greenland and Antarctica, Ponant cruises proudly counteract the banality of mainstream voyages with a unique take on the concept of small-ship cruising. It’s the absolute trip of a lifetime.
BEYOND EXPLORATION
Embark on board Le Commandant Charcotthe only passenger ship in the world to have visited both the Geographic North Pole, and the most southerly point on the planet, the edge of the Antarctic.
