ponant arctic cruise reviews

The most epic cruise ever? What it's like traveling to the North Pole on a luxury icebreaker

Editor's Note

Our luxurious French expedition ship, Le Commandant Charcot, shudders as it plows through a thick slab of snow-covered ice.

Down below, under the mighty vessel's specially sloped bow, a 6-feet-thick sheet of "glace," as our French captain likes to call it, is cracking and sliding to the side, creating an opening that lets us glide forward.

But from my perch in the ship's elegant observation lounge, five decks above, all I can see is the white of the snow all around. It feels as if we're bumping across the top of a cloud.

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Le Commandant Charcot, the toughest expedition cruise vessel ever built, is taking me somewhere few humans have ever gone: the North Pole. And despite a few shudders, it's doing it with relative ease.

Unveiled in 2021, the 245-passenger vessel — named after a famed French polar explorer — is made for the ice like no other.

It is a true icebreaker of the sort that only governments have built until now — a vessel capable of traveling to the most remote, ice-filled parts of the polar regions, including the North Pole.

But it's also a very upscale polar vessel, with all the trappings of luxury cruise ships that operate in warmer climes. As I sit in the warmth and safety of the cozy observation lounge, writing this, I am sipping a cafe latte from French-made Pillivuyt china and nibbling on handmade croissants. Really, it feels like a dream.

But then comes another shudder to shake me out of my stupor. This is no dream.

The North Pole is only 150 miles away.

A rare voyage

As recently as 1977, no human had arrived at the North Pole by surface ship. That was the year the Russian nuclear icebreaker Arktika, with a working crew, became the first vessel to reach the world's northernmost spot, a triumph at the time.

Since then, 18 more vessels, all icebreakers and almost all government-owned, have made the journey at least once, some multiple times.

But even today, a ship-based trip to the North Pole is a rare occurrence — particularly in cases where paying passengers are involved.

In recent decades, expedition travel companies have periodically chartered space on some of Russia's working icebreakers to take adventure-minded travelers to the top of the world. But only in small numbers. And never in the style of Le Commandant Charcot.

Operated by Ponant Cruises, a French company specializing in high-end expedition-style cruises, Le Commandant Charcot is the first purpose-built expedition cruise ship capable of reaching the North Pole.

In other words, it's the first vessel designed for the comfort of tourists that offers such trips.

The journey north

Our sailing to the North Pole, just the eighth that Le Commandant Charcot has operated with paying passengers, begins in Longyearbyen, the northernmost settlement of any size in the world.

Located on the western end of the Norway-controlled Svalbard archipelago, high above the Arctic Circle, the town of 2,500 people is also one of the northernmost points in the world reachable by airplane — in our case, a chartered flight from Paris organized by Ponant — and an Arctic destination in its own right. It's famous for its northern lights and polar bears.

Alas, we don't stay long in Longyearbyen. After a quick buffet lunch in the town's banquet hall and a visit to its small museum, the 199 tourists who have signed up for this trip — an international contingent that skews heavily to wealthy Chinese and Taiwanese travelers but also includes 45 Americans, Brits and Australians — are herded to tender boats for a quick transfer to Le Commandant Charcot, which is waiting for us just offshore. Within hours, we are on our way north.

Just 819 miles from the North Pole, Longyearbyen is not far from the polar ice cap that covers the top of the planet. Twenty-four hours after departing the town, we leave open water behind and begin pushing into it.

When I was young, looking at maps of the world, I would see the giant white mass at the top representing the north polar ice cap and assume it was just like it looked on the map: One big solid sheet of ice. You were either on it or you weren't.

But it turns out that's not the way the north polar ice cap works. There is no defined edge.

As we discover on our way north, the massive sheet of ice that covers a wide swath of the Arctic Ocean isn't one big sheet at all, but a countless number of floating sheets of ice of all shapes and sizes jammed up together — tightly in some places, more loosely in others.

As our captain, Patrick Marchesseau, explains in a briefing for passengers, winds and currents constantly move the ice around, driving it into a thick pack in some areas and loosening it in others.

In many areas across the polar ice cap, these winds and currents create "leads," open lines of water through which vessels such as Le Commandant Charcot can pass without having to break ice. There are also bigger pockets of open water called polynyas.

Marchesseau aims for such water openings, not because Le Commandant Charcot can't handle plowing straight through hard ice, but because it's faster and more energy efficient to avoid doing so.

"The best way to travel through the ice is to avoid the ice," he and his officers often quip to passengers.

As a result of Marchesseau's search for leads, our journey to the North Pole isn't a straight line north from Svalbard — the most direct route as the bird flies. Instead, we head northeastward from the archipelago, cutting at an angle through an area of the ice cap where satellite images show more openings.

The roundabout route takes us eastward above Russia's Franz Josef Land before we turn true north toward the pole.

Experiencing the ice

For three days, we plow our way northward across what increasingly resembles a Rothko painting made with variations of white and gray. While the sun appears at times, the skies are mostly densely cloud-covered, resulting in a grayish-white field that fills the top of the horizon all the way down to a whiter field of snow-topped ice — the latter in turn punctured by darker gray channels of open water.

To my surprise, the ice never gets completely solid, even deep into the polar ice cap. The officers on the ship's bridge (which is open to passengers) talk about it in terms of ratios. The ice today is an "8 out of 10," they'll say, or a "9 out of 10," meaning that about 80% or 90% of the surface of the water is covered by ice.

Even as we near the North Pole, we rarely come across stretches of ice that are a "10 out of 10."

As we learn during lectures given by climate scientists and other experts on board, this is partly due to the increasing melting of the Arctic ice cap during the warmer summer months caused by the planet's warming in recent decades. Average temperatures in the Arctic have risen significantly — and thus made journeys like this easier.

But channels of open water, or leads, have long been found across the polar ice cap in the warmest months when the ice melts back. Early Arctic explorers, we learn, would use them to navigate the polar regions. They would look for "water sky" as they traveled north — the dark reflection of open water on the clouds in the distance.

They would also look for "ice blink" — a glow on the horizon caused by the reflection of snow-topped ice on the clouds.

The idea for those in ships was to strike out toward the first and avoid the latter to make a polar passage easier.

Despite all the modern equipment on the bridge of Le Commandant Charcot, Marchesseau tells me that he and his officers still read the clouds ahead to find the best path forward through the ice.

Traveling through the Arctic, particularly on a journey as far north as the North Pole, still is as much art as science.

It's also mesmerizing. For three days, Le Commandant Charcot's passengers spend hours gazing out over the ever-changing floes of ice, which stretch as far as the eye can see in every direction.

It is an otherwordly landscape, both magnificent and terrifying in its emptiness — a part of the world so removed from our normal experience that it might as well be the moon.

Arriving at the North Pole

All around Le Commandant Charcot are digital screens that show the vessel's latitude and other live data from the bridge. As the number gets closer to 90 degrees north — the top of the world — the excitement on the ship grows.

Each degree of latitude represents 60 nautical miles, and as we plow through the last degree of distance, Marchesseau begins counting down the gap in regular updates from the bridge: 30 miles to go, 20, 10, 5.

For the last couple of miles, he calls everyone to the bow of the ship, where the moody theme song from "Interstellar" blasts from loudspeakers — a nod to the great distance we have come. From there, we can see him up in the bridge, maneuvering us forward at a crawl as he watches his instruments.

At first, he overshoots the pole by a few hundred feet, tipping over the top of the world toward Siberia. Then he reverses and overshoots again, this time by just dozens of feet. Pushing forward again, he finally hits it on the nose. He blows the ship's ear-splitting horn, and a cheer echoes across the ice.

We are there. The North Pole. The point where all longitude lines in the world converge. A place where even time is indeterminate, as it's in every time zone at once.

What follows is a decktop celebration with a level of French flair that only could be done on Le Commandant Charcot. It includes Champagne and caviar arriving via the giant lift typically reserved for the ship's helicopter, which is stored one deck below.

Marchesseau then drives the ship firmly into the ice, and within a couple of hours, after a quick dinner, we are disembarking through a side door to take our first steps off the vessel.

We giddily take pictures next to a sign labeled "North Pole" that our expedition guides have brought along for the occasion. We walk a perimeter marked off around the vessel, protected by rifle-carrying lookouts scanning the horizon for polar bears. (The rifles are only to be used as a last resort.) We make snow angels in the ground and sip hot chocolate at a warming station the crew sets up on the ice.

But, amazingly enough, it's just an appetizer for what proves for many to be the day's biggest excitement: the spotting of a polar bear.

It happens just minutes after we return to the ship, and the bear saunters right up to the vessel, clearly curious.

Two hundred cameras fire in unison.

A day at the North Pole

The next day is set aside for a longer exploration of our surroundings.

Emerging from Le Commandant Charcot in the morning, we discover that the ship's expedition guides have laid out snowshoes, cross-country skis and sleds near the ship's door for romping around the ice.

A mailbox also has appeared, from which we can "mail" letters marked to say they came from the North Pole. Plus, the North Pole sign is back, drawing a never-ending stream of selfie-takers, along with two more signs marking the distance to various points around the world.

At one level, it's like a North Pole-themed carnival attraction. It's a little cheesy, for sure. But maybe it's just right for this Instagram age; even on an epic, perhaps life-changing trip, you must come back with photos, or it doesn't count.

Like many of the passengers on board, I give the snowshoes a try, strapping them on and playing polar explorer in a "hike" around a relatively narrow perimeter line that our expedition guides have set up around the ship — really just a short walk.

Related: I just snowshoed at the North Pole — here's how you can, too

The sighting of the polar bear the night before, coupled with low visibility, has the guides skittish about letting us wander too far from the vessel. But our playing field is large enough to give me a taste of this icy and barren outpost far from anything.

And, yes, I get the selfie.

But I also try to soak it all in, the enormity of what I am experiencing.

As I walk, I push myself to take in the scene with all my senses: the sound of the snow crunching under my feet, the sting of the Arctic air on my face, the white-on-white vista where the clouds meet the snow.

That I am here at all seems impossible. When I was born in 1969, this spot on the map was still considered the exclusive realm of only the most adventurous explorers. In fact, the first confirmed arrival at the North Pole by an expedition team on foot — the British Trans-Arctic Expedition team — didn't take place until the year I was born.

In contrast to the handful of days it takes us to reach the North Pole and return to civilization, it took that expedition, led by Sir Wally Herbert, 476 days to get to the pole and back.

Yet here I was, a tourist with no explorer bonafides, tromping around the North Pole, having arrived in warmth and comfort in mere days on a modern and luxurious cruise vessel— albeit a tough one.

Around the world

Our visit to the North Pole is, alas, over almost as soon as it begins. We spend just one night lodged in the ice at the top of the world. Twenty-four hours after we arrive, we are gliding back south.

That is, only after our mischievous captain, Marchesseau, takes us on one final adventure — a "trip around the world."

Returning the ship to the exact spot of the North Pole (which has moved several miles during the day, as polar ice is always drifting), he drives us in a large circle, hitting every latitude line and time zone in just shy of 12 minutes.

It is, he jokes, the fastest trip around the world ever.

Luxury in the Arctic

As we return south through the ice toward Svalbard, passengers settle back into our luxurious surroundings aboard Le Commandant Charcot.

Unlike any other vessel that has traveled across the polar ice cap, it has all the elements of the most elegant hotels on land: spacious suites, stylish lounges, fine dining and a spa.

Le Commandant's main restaurant, Nuna, notably has a menu designed by Alain Ducasse, the famed French chef.

There also are more crew members on the vessel (201) than passengers, something that is almost unheard of in the world of cruising. As a result, the service is high-level.

As you might expect for such a high-end vessel, Le Commandant Charcot also has a price point that might shock some.

Fifteen-night sailings to the North Pole on the ship start at a sky-high $46,450 per person, based on double occupancy. (That is, it'll cost you $92,900 or more per couple for a cabin.)

While a princely sum, for sure, such a fare is not all that unusual for an icebreaker trip to the North Pole. Even the expedition travel companies that chartered spartan Russian icebreakers for such voyages in the past charged $35,000 per person or more.

Icebreakers, it turns out, are extremely expensive to build, and Ponant needs to recoup its cost. Part of what you're paying for is where this ship can get you.

Among the indulgences of Le Commandant Charcot is a contingent of 18 expedition guides, or nearly one for every 10 passengers. They are experts in ornithology, geology, biology and more; some are kayak and hiking guides. As we sail through the ice, they offer daily lectures on what we see around us, from the polar bear to the cracking ice.

It turns out that Le Commandant Charcot isn't just a floating luxury hotel for the Arctic; it's a continuing education classroom at sea, too.

This is, for sure, all a bit incongruous: luxury and learning in one of the world's harshest places.

As one of the lecturers points out, not many years ago, people were dying trying to reach this place where we now travel with such comfort and ease.

A final taste of the ice

After departing the North Pole, Le Commandant Charcot spends nearly three days working its way back south through the ice to Svalbard. But the trip isn't over.

Ponant had built a large number of days into its initial North Pole sailings as it wasn't sure just how fast Le Commandant Charcot would be able to travel through the ice. It turned out to be more days than needed.

With days to spare, Marchesseau points the vessel toward some of the most remote parts of glacier-covered Svalbard for exploring, including far-flung Kvitoya island, where passengers ogle polar bears along the shore from the safety of Zodiac boats, and the northeastern coast of Spitsbergen, where they land by Zodiac to walk the edge of the giant Vaigatbreen glacier.

Three days of impromptu Svalbard exploring also brings walrus spotting at ice-covered Wahlbergoya island and an epic morning of kayaking and zodiac cruising along calving Lilliehookbreen glacier on Spitsbergen's west coast. After a day sailing westward across the Greenland Sea, there's also an afternoon stop for hiking and kayaking along the mountainous and glacier-covered coast of Greenland before the trip ends in Reykjavik, Iceland.

Together, the visits to Svalbard and Greenland offer an ice experience different from our days weaving through the north polar ice cap.

Still, for me and the other passengers on board, it's all secondary. On this trip, we stood at the top of the world — and nothing else could ever compare.

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Date of experience : July 04, 2024

Reply from PONANT

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Date of experience : April 27, 2024

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Date of experience : July 07, 2024

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Date of experience : April 20, 2024

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Kangerlussuaq, Grundarfjörður, Longyearbyen, Kivitoo… If there are any town and village names that truly evoke the Far North , it's those of Greenland, Iceland, Norway and Canada.

The scenery in this part of the world is simply spectacular. Icebergs, sea ice and volcanic mountain landscapes extend as far as the eye can see. And amidst it all roams the polar bear, king of the Arctic, in complete peace and tranquillity. To take an Arctic cruise is to allow yourself to be transported to a world where man is simply a spectator and nature reigns supreme.

All about cruises The Arctic Our other destinations

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reasons to discover the Arctic

It is said to be mythical, or at least as much as its opposite, the Antarctic. Only rarely do we get to know its most isolated regions. That is what makes it so appealing And yet, the Arctic includes eight countries (Norway, Sweden, Finland, Russia, the United States, Canada, Denmark and Iceland) and many more marvels to discover. Here are three reasons to go to the Arctic.

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3 reasons to discover the Arctic

To meet the local communities

Spread over Greenland, Alaska and Canada, the Inuit have been perpetuating their traditions for more than 4,000 years. In the frozen vastness of the Far North, their ancestral way of life deserves our greatest respect. Their lives are organised around the level of the tides and the condition of the ice floe while their activities are focused on hunting and fishing. They are skilled craftsmen producing veritable works of art by sculpting walrus or narwhal tusks and working the furs and skins of marine mammals. Mindful of passing on their heritage, the Inuit welcome travellers with kindness, happily sharing their customs, traditional dancing and music.

To discover grandiose nature

In the heart of the ice of the Far North and the primary forests of Alaska, the Arctic unveils its majestic landscapes. Colossal icebergs drift in deafening silence, glaciers alternate with the ice floe, impressive geysers and volcanos reach towards the sky, and the lakes, rivers and conifer forests stretch as far as the eye can see… All are home to exceptional fauna. In the waters of Spitsbergen or Baffin Bay, humpback whales, finbacks, narwhals, orcas and seals put on a breathtaking show. On land, we observe polar bears, walruses, musk oxen, Arctic foxes and Svalbard reindeer with emotion. In the air, countless bird species, including Arctic terns, puffins, sea eagles, gannets and bald eagles share the horizon.

To follow in the footsteps of the great explorers

Historically, the Arctic has attracted intrepid explorers in search of adventure. From the territory of Ultima Thule, the mythical kingdom of the Vikings, to the North Pole, men have surpassed themselves. They defied the elements and pushed all the boundaries. We still talk today of the exploits of James Cook, who sailed the coasts of Alaska in 1778, Roald Amundsen, the first man to traverse the Northwest Passage in 1905, and Paul-Emile Victor. The latter set off for the first time in 1934 with the famous Jean-Baptiste Charcot, heading for Greenland. In 1936, he crossed it from the west to the east, on dog sleds! He then spent 14 months alone with an Inuit family in Kangerlussuaq. His account served to bring to light these populations and their traditions, little-known in Europe until then.

Watching whales in Greenland

While its name comes from the Icelandic, Groenland, meaning “green land”, it is above all an island at “the end of the world” , where grandiose nature offers up unique shows. Among these, the dance of the marine mammals in the icy waters procures a rare emotion. Eight species of whales can be found here at various periods of the year. Humpback whales, blue whales and other finbacks share this wild habitat with orcas, seals and narwhals.

Following the tracks of the polar bears in Spitsbergen

Above the 78th parallel north, Spitsbergen also appears like a land at the end of the world. The last island before the North Pole , Spitsbergen unveils craggy coastlines that melt into a sea of ice. In the heart of these white landscapes and these preserved places, the polar bear is known as a great predator and reigns supreme over the ice floe . The population of polar bears in the Arctic is estimated at 20,000 animals. The reindeer and the Arctic fox are the only two other land mammals to share its territory.

Admiring the Kirkjufell Volcano in Iceland

The Snæfellsnes Peninsula is on the west coast of Iceland, around 170 km from Reykjavik. It is home to the small town of Grundarfjörður in a panorama dominated by the Kirkjufell Volcano . Surrounded by water, it is a perfect representation of the Icelandic landscape. Streams criss-cross the landscape while waterfalls give it a touch of mystery. The lava flow accumulated at its summit, dating back several million years, lends the site an almost surreal aura .

Visiting the Aleutian Islands

These islands form a string of volcanic confetti over almost 2,000 kilometres, between the United States and Russia. Located south-west of Alaska, the Aleutian Islands symbolize an extraordinary end of the world: they represent the emerged part of the Pacific Ring of Fire. Here, every island is a volcano crowned with ice; the landscapes composed of tundra, and carpeted with wild flowers and lichens, stretch as far as the eye can see. In these preserved surroundings, the wild fauna is exceptionally varied: it is common to observe whales and orcas, while more than 200 bird species have been recorded there.

Traversing the Northwest Passage like a real explorer

The hypothesis of a waterway connecting the Atlantic Ocean to the Pacific Ocean, via the north of Canada, was formulated as early as 1497. A number of sailors sent from Europe or North America attempted to find this passage… After many tragedies and exploits, the Norwegian Roald Amundsen was ultimately the first to succeed in 1906. Set off to follow the footsteps of these explorers, well beyond the polar circle , for a truly unique experience. The passage is only accessible during the short Arctic summer. For the rest of the year, ice prevents any navigation.

Discovering the Sea of Okhotsk

Nicknamed “the hunters’ sea”, the Sea of Okhotsk is considered to have the most abundant fish population in the world, and was highly prized by whalers from the United States in the 19th century. Sailors didn’t hesitate to embark on three-year voyages via Cape Horn in the hope of capturing precious whales to sell their oil to the highest bidder. Today, grey whales prosper peacefully, just like the rest of the rich fauna to be found here: ribbon seals, numerous bird species, Steller’s sea eagles, brown bears, sea lions, seals have wonderful surprises in store for you in this remote part of the Russian Far East.

Sailing in Baffin Bay

Between the western coast of Greenland and the east of Arctic Canada, Baffin Bay is one of the most secret seas on the planet. The North Magnetic Pole is found here, between expanses of icy waters, icebergs, glaciers and gigantic fjords. As if to add to the magic of this fabulous setting, the wild fauna offers a grandiose show. Humpback whales, polar bears, walruses and migratory birds have taken up residence here. To sail Baffin Bay is to find an original beauty that very few places on earth have conserved.

Our cruises The Arctic

Northwest passage, spitsbergen, canadian arctic, ports of call in the arctic.

Some of the names of the ports will immediately transport you to the Far North: Kangerlussuaq, Grundarfjördur, Longyearbyen, Ittoqqortoormiit... From the ice of north-east Greenland to the remote lands of Svalbard, discover the jewels of the Arctic as you cruise beyond the Arctic Circle, the polar bear sanctuary.

View Ports of Call

Aappilattoq (Augpilatok) (Greenland)
Akpatok Island, Nunavut (Canada)
Akulleq (Greenland)
Akureyri (Iceland)
Alert Bay (Canada)
Ammassalik Region (Greenland)
Arctic Bay, Nunavut (Canada)
At sea aboard Le Commandant Charcot
At sea along Spitsbergen (Norway)
Baffin Bay exploration
Battle Harbour (Canada)
Beechey Island, Nunavut (Canada)
Belfast, Northern Ireland (United Kingdom)
Bellot Strait (Canada)
Bellsund, Spitsbergen (Norway)
Bergen (Norway)
Blosseville Coast (Greenland)
Bonavista, Newfoundland (Canada)
Bronnoysund (Norway)
Callanish, Outer Hebrides (United Kingdom)
Cap-aux-Meules, Magdalen Islands (Canada)
Cape Farvel Passage (Greenland)
Cape York (Greenland)
College Fjord, Alaska
Coningham Bay, Nunavut (Canada)
Corner Brook (Canada)
Croker Bay, Nunavut
Crossing Belle Isle Strait (Canada)
Devon Island, Nunavut (Canada)
Disko Bay (Greenland)
Djúpivogur (Iceland)
Dundas Harbour, Nunavut (Canada)
EastFjords (Iceland)
Edinburgh Island, Nunavut (Canada)
Elfin Cove, Alaska (United States)
Endicott Arm, Alaska (United States)
Evighedsfjorden (Greenland)
Exploration of Ammassalik Region (Greenland)
Exploration of Ittoqqortoormiit Region (Greenland)
Exploration of North-East Greenland (Greenland)
Exploring sea ice in Beaufort Sea
Exploring sea ice of Northwest Passage
Exploring the Blosseville Coast (Greenland)
Eysturoy Island, Faroe Islands (Faroe Islands)
Fort Ross, Nunavut (Canada)
Fort William (United Kingdom)
Fury Beach, Nunavut (Canada)
Gaspé (Canada)
Geographic North Pole
Gjoa Haven, Nunavut (Canada)
Glasgow, Scotland (United Kingdom)
Gnalodden, Spitsbergen (Norway)
Grinnell Glacier, Nunavut (Canada)
Grundarfjördur (Iceland)
Grímsey (Iceland)
Haines, Alaska (United States)
Halifax (Canada)
Heimaey, Vestmannaeyjar (Iceland)
Holman (Ulukhaktok) (Canada)
Hornsund (Norway)
Hrisey (Iceland)
Hvalso (Greenland)
Húsavík (Iceland)
Icy Arm Fjord (Canada)
Igaliku (Greenland)
Ikka Fjord (Greenland)
Inside passage
Iona, Hebrides (United Kingdom)
Isafjördur (Iceland)
Isbukta, Spitsbergen (Norway)
Isfjorden (Norway)
Isle of Noss, Shetland Islands (United Kingdom)
Itilleq (Greenland)
Ittoqqortoormiit Region (Greenland)
Jan Mayen Island, Svalbard (Norway)
Jesse Harbour (Canada)
Kake, Alaska (United States)
Kangerlussuaq (Greenland)
King Frederick VI Coast (Greenland)
King Island, Alaska (United States)
Kirkwall, Orkney (United Kingdom)
Kitsissuarsuit (Dog's Island) (Greenland)
Kongsfjorden (King Bay), Spitsbergen (Norway)
Kujalleq Glacier (Greenland)
Kullorsuaq (Greenland)
L'Anse aux Meadows, Newfoundland (Canada)
La Baie (Saguenay) (Canada)
Lerwick, Shetland Islands (United Kingdom)
Longyearbyen, Spitsbergen (Norway)
Magnetic North Pole
Melville Bay (Greenland)
Mercy Bay, Banks Island (Canada)
Metlakatla, Alaska (United States)
Miquelon Island, Saint Pierre and Miquelon (France)
Misty Fjords, Alaska (United States)
Monaco Glacier, Spitsbergen (Svalbard)
Montreal (Canada)
Mousa Broch, Shetland Islands (United Kingdom)
Nachvak Fjord, Torngat Mountains National Park (Canada)
Nain (Canada)
Nanortalik (Greenland)
Narsalik (Greenland)
Narsaq (Greenland)
Narsaq Fjord (Greenland)
Navigating through the sea ice
Newfoundland (Canada)
Nome, Alaska (United States)
Nordaust-Svalbard Nature Reserve (Norway)
North Arm fjord, Nunavut (Canada)
North-West region of Spitsbergen (Norway)
Nuuk (Greenland)
Ny-Alesund, Spitsbergen (Norway)
Oban, Scotland (United Kingdom)
Orpit (Greenland)
Paul-Émile Victor Base Camp, Eqi Glacier (Greenland)
Petersburg, Alaska (United States)
Point Adolphus, Alaska (United States)
Pond Inlet, Nunavut (Canada)
Port Leopold, Nunavut (Canada)
Prescott Island, Nunavut (Canada)
Prins Christian Sund (Greenland)
Qaqortoq (Greenland)
Qeqertarsuaq (Greenland)
Qikiqtarjuaq, Nunavut (Canada)
Queen Harbour, Nunavut (Canada)
Québec (Canada)
Raudfjorden, Spitsbergen (Norway)
Reine, Lofoten (Norway)
Reykjavík (Iceland)
Rigolet (Canada)
Sachs Harbour (Canada)
Sailing River Saint Lawrence and going through its locks (Canada)
Sailing Saguenay River (Canada)
Sailing Saint Lawrence Gulf (Canada)
Sailing along Bjornoya (Bear Island) (Norway)
Sailing along Faroe Islands Coasts
Sailing around Surtsey Island (Iceland)
Sailing in Beaufort Sea
Sailing in Trollfjorden (Norway)
Sailing in the Hardangerfjord (Norway)
Sailing in the Hinlopen Strait (Norway)
Sailing in the Johnstone Strait
Sailing in the Lancaster Sound (Canada)
Sailing in the Prince William Sound
Sailing on Loch Linnhe (United Kingdom)
Sailing through the Denmark Strait
Sailing toward the ice floes
Saint Pierre Island, Saint Pierre and Miquelon (France)
Saint-John's, Newfoundland (Canada)
Sam Ford Fjord, Nunavut (Canada)
Savissivik (Greenland)
Scoresby Sound (Greenland)
Sept-Îles (Canada)
Sermilik Fjord (Greenland)
Seward, Alaska (United States)
Sisimiut (Greenland)
Sitka, Alaska (United States)
Skagway, Alaska (United States)
Skjoldungen (Greenland)
Smeerenburg, Spitsbergen (Norway)
Smoking Hills (Canada)
Soraust-Svalbard Nature Reserve (Norway)
South-West Region of Spitsbergen (Norway)
Stornoway, Hebrides (United Kingdom)
Streymoy Island, Faroe Islands (Faroe Islands)
Suduroy Island, Faroe Islands (Faroe Islands)
Tadoussac (Canada)
Tasermiut Fjord (Greenland)
Tasiilaq (Greenland)
Texas Bar, Liefdefjorden (Norway)
Thule Region (Greenland)
Toronto (Canada)
Tromso (Norway)
Tsaa Fjord, Icy Bay, Alaska (United States)
Uummannaq (Greenland)
Vancouver (Canada)
West fjords (Iceland)

Ponant brochures

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Polar bears and luxury on Ponant Arctic cruise

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The midnight sun and polar bears meet on a luxurious Ponant Arctic cruise. See our recommendation for one of next years best polar expeditions.

The midnight sun and polar bears meet on a remarkable voyage aboard the world’s most luxurious expedition ship in July 2018. Ponant’s 264-guest Le Boreal will sail the extraordinary Svalbard region in Norway for a 12-night Arctic cruise, offering a once in a lifetime opportunity to see the spectacular landscape and wildlife up close.

In July the sun never sets below the horizon in Norway. It’s a time when the ice melts and polar bears tend to be in more concentrated areas, on drifting pack ice. It’s from there that they hunt their favourite prey, the ring seal.

More than 3,000 polar bears roam the Svalbard region.

Remarkably, the number of polar bears around Svalbard outnumber the human population. There are more than 3,000 bears, so the chances of seeing one or more during the voyage is high.

The majestic bears aren’t the only wildlife that entices visitors to a Ponant Arctic cruise. Snowy white Arctic foxes scamper across the remaining ice flows in search of morsels left over from polar bear kills. There are also walruses, whales and beautiful puffins to be seen as well.

Arctic puffins can be seen throughout the region.

Because the midnight sun has melted the ice Le Boreal can get closer – she is able to navigate the beautiful Norwegian Svalbard archipelago. This is a magical landscape that is a a blend of ancient glaciers, jagged mountains and spectacular fjords.

Ponant’s Discovery of the king of the Arctic voyage on Le Boreal.

Guests on Le Boreal can see it all from their private balcony or get even closer in one of the many Zodiac outings which are included in the price of the Ponant Arctic cruise fare.

Ponant Le Boreal takes guests to the Arctic in luxury and style.

Ponant have been leaders in luxury Polar expeditions for over 20 years and today have the youngest, most environmentally friendly vessels in the world. As always with Ponant, expedition goes hand in hand with all-inclusive luxury. Le Boreal’s 264-guests will be treated to exceptional cuisine, fine wines and champaign, and outstanding accommodation.

Longyearbyen in the summer.

Le Boreal’s 12-night Arctic cruise to Svalbard departs from the picture-postcard town of Longyearbyen. Located at 78-degress north, it is the northernmost town on Earth. It also makes for a memorable finishing point for this Arctic voyage.

About the Author: Jason Kerr

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Kangerlussuaq, Grundarfjörður, Longyearbyen, Kivitoo… If there are any town and village names that truly evoke the Far North , it's those of Greenland, Iceland, Norway and Canada.

All about cruises The Arctic Our other destinations

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Icelandic mosaic

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Shetland, Faroe, Iceland: wild islands & lands of legends

Expedition to the Thule Region

Alaska, nature on a grand scale

Expedition from Greenland to Canada via Saint Pierre and Miquelon

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reasons to discover the Arctic

Must-dos — the Arctic

Explore the Arctic

The facts and the fiction about the Arctic

Where should I go in the Arctic?

The Arctic, a ocean of ice, pristine and unsullied

3 reasons to discover the Arctic

To meet the local communities

To discover grandiose nature

To follow in the footsteps of the great explorers

Watching whales in Greenland

Following the tracks of the polar bears in Spitsbergen

Admiring the Kirkjufell Volcano in Iceland

Visiting the Aleutian Islands

Traversing the Northwest Passage like a real explorer

Discovering the Sea of Okhotsk

Sailing in Baffin Bay

Our cruises The Arctic

Northwest passage, spitsbergen, canadian arctic, ports of call in the arctic.

View Ports of Call

Aappilattoq (Augpilatok) (Greenland)
Akpatok Island, Nunavut (Canada)
Akulleq (Greenland)
Akureyri (Iceland)
Alert Bay (Canada)
Ammassalik Region (Greenland)
Arctic Bay, Nunavut (Canada)
At sea aboard Le Commandant Charcot
At sea along Spitsbergen (Norway)
Baffin Bay exploration
Battle Harbour (Canada)
Beechey Island, Nunavut (Canada)
Belfast, Northern Ireland (United Kingdom)
Bellot Strait (Canada)
Bellsund, Spitsbergen (Norway)
Bergen (Norway)
Blosseville Coast (Greenland)
Bonavista, Newfoundland (Canada)
Bronnoysund (Norway)
Callanish, Outer Hebrides (United Kingdom)
Cap-aux-Meules, Magdalen Islands (Canada)
Cape Farvel Passage (Greenland)
Cape York (Greenland)
College Fjord, Alaska
Coningham Bay, Nunavut (Canada)
Corner Brook (Canada)
Croker Bay, Nunavut
Crossing Belle Isle Strait (Canada)
Devon Island, Nunavut (Canada)
Disko Bay (Greenland)
Djúpivogur (Iceland)
Dundas Harbour, Nunavut (Canada)
EastFjords (Iceland)
Edinburgh Island, Nunavut (Canada)
Elfin Cove, Alaska (United States)
Endicott Arm, Alaska (United States)
Evighedsfjorden (Greenland)
Exploration of Ammassalik Region (Greenland)
Exploration of Ittoqqortoormiit Region (Greenland)
Exploration of North-East Greenland (Greenland)
Exploring sea ice in Beaufort Sea
Exploring sea ice of Northwest Passage
Exploring the Blosseville Coast (Greenland)
Eysturoy Island, Faroe Islands (Faroe Islands)
Fort Ross, Nunavut (Canada)
Fort William (United Kingdom)
Fury Beach, Nunavut (Canada)
Gaspé (Canada)
Geographic North Pole
Gjoa Haven, Nunavut (Canada)
Glasgow, Scotland (United Kingdom)
Gnalodden, Spitsbergen (Norway)
Grinnell Glacier, Nunavut (Canada)
Grundarfjördur (Iceland)
Grímsey (Iceland)
Haines, Alaska (United States)
Halifax (Canada)
Heimaey, Vestmannaeyjar (Iceland)
Holman (Ulukhaktok) (Canada)
Hornsund (Norway)
Hrisey (Iceland)
Hvalso (Greenland)
Húsavík (Iceland)
Icy Arm Fjord (Canada)
Igaliku (Greenland)
Ikka Fjord (Greenland)
Inside passage
Iona, Hebrides (United Kingdom)
Isafjördur (Iceland)
Isbukta, Spitsbergen (Norway)
Isfjorden (Norway)
Isle of Noss, Shetland Islands (United Kingdom)
Itilleq (Greenland)
Ittoqqortoormiit Region (Greenland)
Jan Mayen Island, Svalbard (Norway)
Jesse Harbour (Canada)
Kake, Alaska (United States)
Kangerlussuaq (Greenland)
King Frederick VI Coast (Greenland)
King Island, Alaska (United States)
Kirkwall, Orkney (United Kingdom)
Kitsissuarsuit (Dog's Island) (Greenland)
Kongsfjorden (King Bay), Spitsbergen (Norway)
Kujalleq Glacier (Greenland)
Kullorsuaq (Greenland)
L'Anse aux Meadows, Newfoundland (Canada)
La Baie (Saguenay) (Canada)
Lerwick, Shetland Islands (United Kingdom)
Longyearbyen, Spitsbergen (Norway)
Magnetic North Pole
Melville Bay (Greenland)
Mercy Bay, Banks Island (Canada)
Metlakatla, Alaska (United States)
Miquelon Island, Saint Pierre and Miquelon (France)
Misty Fjords, Alaska (United States)
Monaco Glacier, Spitsbergen (Svalbard)
Montreal (Canada)
Mousa Broch, Shetland Islands (United Kingdom)
Nachvak Fjord, Torngat Mountains National Park (Canada)
Nain (Canada)
Nanortalik (Greenland)
Narsalik (Greenland)
Narsaq (Greenland)
Narsaq Fjord (Greenland)
Navigating through the sea ice
Newfoundland (Canada)
Nome, Alaska (United States)
Nordaust-Svalbard Nature Reserve (Norway)
North Arm fjord, Nunavut (Canada)
North-West region of Spitsbergen (Norway)
Nuuk (Greenland)
Ny-Alesund, Spitsbergen (Norway)
Oban, Scotland (United Kingdom)
Orpit (Greenland)
Paul-Émile Victor Base Camp, Eqi Glacier (Greenland)
Petersburg, Alaska (United States)
Point Adolphus, Alaska (United States)
Pond Inlet, Nunavut (Canada)
Port Leopold, Nunavut (Canada)
Prescott Island, Nunavut (Canada)
Prins Christian Sund (Greenland)
Qaqortoq (Greenland)
Qeqertarsuaq (Greenland)
Qikiqtarjuaq, Nunavut (Canada)
Queen Harbour, Nunavut (Canada)
Québec (Canada)
Raudfjorden, Spitsbergen (Norway)
Reine, Lofoten (Norway)
Reykjavík (Iceland)
Rigolet (Canada)
Sachs Harbour (Canada)
Sailing River Saint Lawrence and going through its locks (Canada)
Sailing Saguenay River (Canada)
Sailing Saint Lawrence Gulf (Canada)
Sailing along Bjornoya (Bear Island) (Norway)
Sailing along Faroe Islands Coasts
Sailing around Surtsey Island (Iceland)
Sailing in Beaufort Sea
Sailing in Trollfjorden (Norway)
Sailing in the Hardangerfjord (Norway)
Sailing in the Hinlopen Strait (Norway)
Sailing in the Johnstone Strait
Sailing in the Lancaster Sound (Canada)
Sailing in the Prince William Sound
Sailing on Loch Linnhe (United Kingdom)
Sailing through the Denmark Strait
Sailing toward the ice floes
Saint Pierre Island, Saint Pierre and Miquelon (France)
Saint-John's, Newfoundland (Canada)
Sam Ford Fjord, Nunavut (Canada)
Savissivik (Greenland)
Scoresby Sound (Greenland)
Sept-Îles (Canada)
Sermilik Fjord (Greenland)
Seward, Alaska (United States)
Sisimiut (Greenland)
Sitka, Alaska (United States)
Skagway, Alaska (United States)
Skjoldungen (Greenland)
Smeerenburg, Spitsbergen (Norway)
Smoking Hills (Canada)
Soraust-Svalbard Nature Reserve (Norway)
South-West Region of Spitsbergen (Norway)
Stornoway, Hebrides (United Kingdom)
Streymoy Island, Faroe Islands (Faroe Islands)
Suduroy Island, Faroe Islands (Faroe Islands)
Tadoussac (Canada)
Tasermiut Fjord (Greenland)
Tasiilaq (Greenland)
Texas Bar, Liefdefjorden (Norway)
Thule Region (Greenland)
Toronto (Canada)
Tromso (Norway)
Tsaa Fjord, Icy Bay, Alaska (United States)
Uummannaq (Greenland)
Vancouver (Canada)
West fjords (Iceland)

Ponant brochures

Want to find out more about our unique and exceptional destinations?

What will your next trip look like The Arctic ?

Discover all destinations

Click on the items you want to select. You can select multiple. You can click on an item again to deselect it.

Discover our brand new itineraries

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Why choose PONANT ?
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Antarctica passengers reviews

I was incredibly lucky to be able to explore the Antarctic aboard Le Lyrial. The luxury of this Expedition cruise was the real 5-star comfort with a personal touch : a truly French way of life. Comfortable staterooms, gastronomic dining and particularly attentive service from the staff all helped guests to enjoy themselves. Not forgetting the professionalism of the naturalist guides both during the conferences on the ship and onshore visits in Zodiac® inflatables in iconic locations in Antarctica and South Georgia. You always know you’re totally safe too with PONANT!

My favourite moment was opening my stateroom's curtains at 3am to see magnificent pink and purple icebergs after two days spent sailing in the Drake Passage: it was breathtaking , sublime, magical, exceptional! I’m desperate to go back as soon as possible. It was the journey of a lifetime and you, PONANT, were very much a part of this MAGICAL experience ! I think about it every day. I still dream about the wildlife and the landscapes I saw.

Arctic passengers reviews

We have just returned from a cruise expedition to Greenland. We are absolutely delighted with our stay on board. Pure pleasure. Everything was absolutely perfect, truly faultless. Some friends had recommended PONANT to us and pointed out that Captain Garcia was an exceptional man, he did not let down his reputation, far from it. As for what we discovered in Greenland, it is spectacular, unforgettable. Next time will be Alaska.

I finally got to know the legendary Commander Garcia . Now I understand why other guests are such fans! I met another of PONANT’s leading figures when it comes to expeditions: Nicolas Dubreuil. Not forgetting the wildlife either : whales, seals and even narwhals, which are rare. And the beautiful landscapes too: the iceberg river in Ilulissat, the iceberg cemetery in Savissivik, the 7-hour hike to the polar ice cap, the walk to a new glacier in the Sam Ford Fjord and more. And the cherry on the cake: the Northern lights, the night before arriving in Kangerlussuaq. In short, everything was perfect! It couldn’t have been better. An incredibly enthusiastic commander, a friendly and fascinating expedition team!

The most beautiful trip, just as I had dreamed it and PONANT made it happen. Atmosphere, landscapes, excursions, conferences, food, cabin, staff as a whole, beauty of Greenland, proximity to nature, the Inuit. And the best of all, the enthusiasm of Commander Garcia and his kindness to all the crew members. I loved this trip and now I'm dreaming about Captain Charcot... It's like marriage: to be done once (at least) in a lifetime. AWESOME!

Asia passengers reviews

Extraordinary! Simply magical , thanks in large part to our lovely, good-humoured naturalist guide Serge, who helped us to enjoy an unforgettable trip while sharing his detailed knowledge with us of the local populations and the sites visited, along with dedicated expedition leader José Sarica . Bravo Ponant!

North America & Canada passengers reviews

Le Boreal is a ship with a close-knit feel - it’s easy to make friends with other guests. The captain was omnipresent and developed a close relationship with travellers . I’d also like to acknowledge the great work of the entertainment team, whose presence was noticeable yet discreet. Onboard shows were worthy of a Parisian cabaret. We went on a “music-themed” cruise and the standard of the concerts was exceptionally high . The entire crew was attentive, friendly and always available. And of course, when talking about PONANT, who could forget the French gastronomy aboard, with exquisitely varied meals? Congratulations to all the professionals who made this a unique and unforgettable cruise .

Latine America passengers reviews

On our return to France, we would like to say how completely satisfied we were with the smooth running of our PONANT cruise aboard Le Boréal between Argentina and Chile from 3 to 20 March 2017. We loved the comfort and luxury of the ship , the excellent food and drink, the kind behaviour of all the staff, the total proficiency of Commander Garcia and his deputies and the various cultural events .

Subantarctic islands passengers reviews

This January (2018) I undertook the Sub-Antarctic expedition aboard L'Austral from Dunedin to Wellington via the Sub-Antarctic islands. It was just so special. We were blessed with almost perfect weather and certainly the most perfect team of scientists and researchers led by Mick Fogg. They were just so thrilled to share their knowledge and their enthusiasm for their subjects that the cruise was more than I could have expected. These islands are magnificent , the flora and fauna captivating. Life aboard L'Austral was relaxing, the food was delicious and varied, the staff attentive and friendly; the ship's crew magnificent in getting us in and out of the Zodiacs.

Adriatic Sea passengers reviews

On board the Lyrial, from 15 to 23 August 2018, voyage to the heart of the Adriatic leaving from and returning to Venice: FABULOUS ! Beautiful vessel, very "classy"! An efficient crew, discreet, always smiling and very kind. The captain (Mr. Régis DAUMESNIL) was accessible, entertaining and educative during his welcome and his presentation on the bridge (an invitation that I personally very much appreciated and shall remember!). Perfect gastronomy with a special mention for pastries and bakery. Hats off to the dancers of the "Paris C Show". This was our first PONANT cruise. On returning I have only one wish: to leave with you again !

Mediterranean passengers reviews

We took a cruise on Le Lyrial this year - what can we say? Fabulous ! I’ve never seen a Commander who was so willing to spend time with guests (Mr Régis Daumesnil), the entire crew (housekeeping, receptionists, bartenders, waiters, etc.), delicious meals, shore visits and a special mention for the dancers (the Dream Team) with whom we’ve kept in contact because it was our first time with PONANT but it definitely won’t be the last! Thanks to everyone .

Pacific passengers reviews

Following a sumptuous cruise that took us from Hawaii to Tahiti through the Marquesas and Tuamotu, we watched a show hosted by a local troupe on board the Boreal. Happy times , filled with nostalgia: many of us fly back to Paris tomorrow... Too bad! We are already thinking about the next cruise. And happy birthday PONANT! I'll see you in November 2019 aboard the Bougainville for a musical cruise.

Kimberley passengers reviews

We had a fabulous time ! The ship was really well maintained. The staff seem to go out of their way to be friendly, get to know passengers, help out whenever necessary. The Cruise director Kamel was brilliant, the captain and crew were a visible presence. Loved the food, always fresh. Lovely baked goods and so nice to just have a never-ending supply of house champagne, wine and a good range of cocktails. Mick Fogg was in charge of the group of naturalists who took us out on our daily zodiac trips. He has a great group of smart, well educated people who made it all so interesting. Every evening there was a recap of that day and a summary of the following days activities. It was all explained to us very clearly and all the zodiac groups were super well organised. The guides went out of their way to show us anything they could find: crocodiles, birds, turtles, fish, sharks... All up, BRILLIANT TRIP !!!

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An unforgettable luxury cruise in the Arctic!

Best of-10620_260719_Kangerlussuaq-Kangerlussuaq©StudioPONANT-Laurence Fischer (1)

Adventure and authenticity

Explore the Arctic , a destination at the ends of the earth with truly extraordinary landscapes. Inspired by the sagas of explorers of remote lands, PONANT, a company that has blazed the trail of the polar expedition, dreams up exclusive experiences for thrill-seeking travellers, from icebergs, glaciers, and sea kayaking to encounters with local communities. On board, everything is calm and gentle, luxury and comfort. You’re in the hands of an exceptional fleet manoeuvred by experienced crews, who are present and attentive to your needs. Simply let the waves of adventure carry you away.

Daring routes, authentic encounters

With solid experience in polar exploration, PONANT cruises are above all devoted to the unusual and unexpected. In their perpetual quest for unique routes , the company takes you to the most remote of areas, allowing you to discover fascinating flora and fauna. Commanders, expedition leaders and naturalist guides rich in expertise work hand in hand to take you on incredible journeys. Every day, they watch vigilantly and patiently, on the lookout for once-in-a-lifetime moments. Imagine: at daybreak, on the sea ice , right before your eyes, a polar bear appears. Picture again, at dusk, a majestic whale ballet. So many unforgettable experiences! The PONANT teams forge ties with local populations , promising precious moments of exchange and sharing. It’s the opportunity to discover the secrets of the ancestral narwhal hunt alongside a seasoned Inuit hunter, or to simply converse with members of the community.

Reasonably-sized ships at the forefront of innovation

The vessels in the PONANT fleet have a limited number of cabins and suites, providing an intimate travel experience. They are equipped with the latest technical innovations available, pushing the envelope for ethical sea exploration and taking you to the most remote of shores. Combining technological prowess with refined interior design, PONANT ships offer an intimate, soft setting. The spaces are decorated in muted shades, drawing the focus outwards with large picture windows . Suites and cabins are sleek and elegant. All come with a private balcony and sea views; and some suites have a terrace and private jacuzzi . From the exterior decks, the Observatory lounge or even one of the swimming pools, enjoy exceptional polar landscapes in all their majesty. You can also opt for a wellness break by indulging in a relaxing treatment in the ship’s spa . Le Commandant Charcot even has a snow cabin!

A luxury cruise and gastronomy: exceptional cuisine for an exceptional expedition

To enhance your journey, PONANT has partnered with Ducasse Conseil to offer you the most refined, upscale gastronomy on board its ships. At the helm in the kitchen, its seasoned chefs work passionately with exceptional products to serve you healthy, elegant and gourmet dishes , different every day and enhanced with delicious wines. It is truly flavourful and generous cuisine, in keeping with the French way of life .

Attentive experts at your command

At the helm of the PONANT ships are experienced captains, true virtuosos of navigation in an extreme environment, with perfect knowledge of the terrain built over long years of experience . Alongside them, passionate experts and naturalist guides provide you with exciting insights on the history and flora and fauna of the Arctic, as well as the climatic and geopolitical issues of the Poles . Talk with ornithologists, glaciologists, or polar bear specialists while on board. They will answer all your questions, whether at informal meetings on observation decks or at your table over dinner. PONANT also surrounds itself with prestigious guests : world-renowned explorers, scientists and filmmakers, all distinguished ambassadors who share their passion for the Poles.On board Le Commandant Charcot , teams of scientists are tasked with advancing our knowledge of the Poles, which are extreme and fragile environments. It is an opportunity to observe enriching experiences and exchange with them about their research.

Once-in-a-lifetime experiences

Sublime moments of contemplation await you, from icebergs, fjords, glaciers and sea ice as far as the eye can see, to Greenland villages encircled by snow-capped peaks. And, at the right time of year, you might even see the luminous sky dance under the breathtaking Northern Lights. For an even more immersive experience, you can take advantage of many different personalised activities, depending on your trip, such as kayaking on the icy waters of the Arctic Ocean, traversing vast, immaculately white expanses on foot or by dog sled , observing whales and polar bears, taking a walk in the footsteps of Paul-Émile Victor and seeing the cabin where he lodged, embarking on a polar trek with an Inuit guide or sharing a meal with the Innu community along the St. Lawrence River in Quebec . If the opportunity arises, you could even play football with Greenlanders on the ice ! So many unforgettable moments…

Preservation and awareness

Among the most important of PONANT’s high fundamental standards are prevention, preservation and respect for polar ecosystems . In its approach of this unique world region, the company is committed to limiting the impact of its polar expedition trips and protecting flora and fauna , complying with strict international standards and best practices defined by the IAATO and the AECO, two tour operator associations of which PONANT is a member and which govern tourism activities in Antarctica and the Arctic. A code of ethics is sent to passengers in order to make them very aware of the need to preserve these remote regions. It is in this same spirit that PONANT plans its routes, collaborating with local populations in accordance with their traditions . Among such commitments to protecting the Poles and oceans, the PONANT Foundation , created in 2018, is working alongside scientists to advance research in this area. Spearheading this scientific cooperation effort are the cutting-edge laboratories aboard Le Commandant Charcot .

Because we are always better at protecting what we know, the company aims to create in each of its passengers an ambassador fully aware of the importance of preserving this invaluable natural wealth .

Did you know?

The word Arctic comes from the Greek árktos, which means “bear”. This “land of bears” references the Ursa Major and Ursa Minor constellations, which cannot be observed from the South Pole or Antarctica, the “land without bears”. As for the most radiant of all stars, the North Star is found just above the geographical North Pole.

Photo credits: ©StudioPONANT / Laurence Fischer / Olivier-Blaud; ©PONANT / Julien Fabro; ©Daniel Ernst; ©PONANT / Sue Flood

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Transarctic, the quest for the two North Poles Nome, Alaska - Longyearbyen, Spitsbergen

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Transarctic, the quest for the two North Poles

Nome, alaska - longyearbyen, spitsbergen, dates: 6/9/2024 to 26/9/2024.

Guest of Honour

FLIGHT SEATTLE/NOME + TRANSFERS + FLIGHT LONGYEARBYEN/PARIS

With featured guest Alban Michon, a modern-day adventurer and explorer who has taken part in some exceptional expeditions, Paul North, polar expedition diver and underwater photographer and Cindy Miller Hopkins, American Photo Ambassador.

In 1926, when Umberto Nobile crossed the Arctic via the North Pole , aboard the Norge airship that he designed himself, he became the first man in the world to undertake this crossing. It was an exploit that many would subsequently attempt to repeat. For, behind the idea of exploring our planet’s last latitudes, there lies the prospect of raising our spirit, of matching our thirst for the unknown with our deep desire to gain a greater understanding of the world in which we live.

Le Commandant Charcot , a ship of scientific opportunity , follows in the tradition of Nobile, a pioneer and a tireless architect of polar discovery, in order to discover some of the Arctic’s secrets during a dedicated research mission at the highest point of the north.

The ship, the latest addition to the company’s fleet, shaped for polar exploration, is preparing to sail , a never travelled, transpolar maritime route, that is inaccessible to traditional ships. From the legendary Bering Strait, a link between the East and the West, to the ice-covered land of Svalbard , Le Commandant Charcot will carve out a path through the ice floes, exploring the ice of the Beaufort Sea , and use open water leads to attempt to reach the elusive Magnetic and Geographic North Poles .

Like a pioneer, you will cross these ice-covered landscapes of the Arctic by sea . During your exploration, you will discover the research projects that are part of the scientific mission taking place on board. This is a unique opportunity to clarify your knowledge alongside a multi-disciplinary team of around twenty researchers on board , to understand their investigations and closely follow their work. Also accompanied by our expert naturalists , you will discover unique ecosystems while sharpening your perception of the polar world and comprehending the stakes of their transformation. Use this journey to grant yourself an initiatory immersion: the rare occasion to take part in an adventure that is making a contribution to scientific research.

Taking an all-new route means pledging to enter an unexplored world with respect, taking the time to observe and understand, as a conscious witness , the unfolding show. With your senses awakened, with the ice floe as your travel companion, you will move through an ever-changing environment, its hypnotic panoramas of raw beauty sculpted by sea winds and plays on light. In the heart of the drifting ice, you will savour the constantly renewed poetry of the elements.

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.

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1300 737 178 (or contact your travel agent)

Our guest of honour

Alban Michon

Photographer

Photo Ambassador

Cindy Miller Hopkins

Choose your stateroom

Prestige Stateroom Deck 6

Fully booked 25% Ponant Bonus

Prestige Stateroom Deck 7

Prestige Stateroom Deck 8

Deluxe Suite Deck 6

Deluxe Suite Deck 7

Deluxe Suite Deck 8

Prestige Suite Deck 7

Prestige Suite Deck 8

Grand Prestige Suite Deck 6

Privilege Suite Deck 8

Duplex Suite Deck 6

Owner's Suite

Complete your trip

Included in your cruise To make sure things run smoothly, PONANT has included certain elements before and after your cruise as part of the price.

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Shore Excursions, Overlands & Pre/Post Programmes To complete your voyage, PONANT can organise a range of shore excursions, pre & post cruise activities and packages, plus transfers.

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Services provided

Concierge Service: tailor-made and fully customisable services, from your reservation until you return from your trip
Glazed private balcony for all our staterooms and suites
Terrace for the Duplex suites and the Owner's suite
24-hour room service
Inclusive Wifi internet access (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
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

Stateroom size

- than 25 m²
+ than 25 m²

Prestige Stateroom Deck 6

25% Ponant Bonus

Prestige Stateroom Deck 7

Prestige Stateroom Deck 8

Deluxe Suite Deck 6

Deluxe Suite Deck 7

Deluxe Suite Deck 8

Prestige Suite Deck 7

Prestige Suite Deck 8

Grand Prestige Suite Deck 6

Privilege Suite Deck 8

Duplex Suite Deck 6

Owner's Suite

Passionate about the polar regions and scuba diving, Alban Michon is a French adventurer and explorer who has taken part in some exceptional expeditions. In 2010, he embarked on an adventure with a team to the North Pole and dived under the Arctic ice pack for 45 days. In 2012, he followed this up with a 1000 km expedition to Greenland in a kayak, where he had the chance to swim with a polar bear and immerse himself under icebergs. In 2018, he left for a 62-day solo expedition on the ice floes of the Northwest Passage in Canada's far north.

Alban Michon has always had a taste for adventure. At the age of eleven, he discovered scuba diving, and he was just of age when he started seasons in Corsica and Porquerolles as an instructor. At the age of 22, he bought the ice diving school in Tignes (Savoie, France), then the underground diving centre of Vasques du Quercy (Lot, France). Very quickly, Alban became the reference in ice and underground diving. People come from all over Europe, amateurs and professionals, to try out the techniques of these unusual immersions. In 2020 he opened the School of Explorers in Tignes. He trains, advises and guides all those who have projects related to the world of adventure, technology or science

Languages spoken: French

Photo credit: © Andy Parant

Paul North is a polar expedition diver and underwater photographer specializing in the coldest waters on our planet. He is the founder of Meet the Ocean, an award-winning nonprofit engaging the public through film, podcasts, virtual reality, art, and interactive educational events. North has logged hundreds of dives in the higher latitudes encountering all sorts of spectacular creatures. His passion is to share the story and complexities of these ecosystems to foster understanding and urgent action to protect them.

Language spoken : English

Photo credit : Ralph Lee Hopkins

Boarding conditions and passenger travel abilities

We invite you to read our boarding conditions and passenger travel abilities by clicking here .

Any new reservation implies the acceptance of these conditions.

To guarantee your entry into one or several countries, you must ensure that you comply with the formalities and health requirements specific to each destination. In just a few clicks on our online search engine, find all the formalities you must complete prior to your departure (visas, entry authorisations for each country, vaccinations, etc.).

The international situation can change rapidly, so be sure to check this information regularly prior to your departure. However, please note that we always recommend our guests contact the relevant national immigration and customs and border control authorities directly to find out what rules apply to their specific situation. PONANT is not responsible for any decisions made by guests based on the information provided by the online search engine.

The information below is current but subject to change at any time without advance notice from government authorities. Please consult your respective government agencies for visa and health information.

Passport valid for at least six (6) months beyond the completion of your trip. Passport must contain at least two completely clear, blank, unused visa pages for each visa required, not including any amendment pages. Visa pages with stains or ink from other pages in the passport are not usable. Guests who deviate from the scheduled embarkation or disembarkation port should research the foreign entry requirements for the port country. Due to government regulations, regrettably, Ponant will have to deny boarding to any guest who fails to obtain the appropriate travel documentation for this trip.

Activities : please note that for polar plunge , an EKG (electrocardiogram) by your general practitioner will be required.

Also, for persons under 18 wishing to take part in this activity as well as kayaking , a sworn statement from the parents or legal guardians that they are able to swim will be asked. A parent or legal guardian must be present at the time of the activity.

USA : Depending on your nationality, an ESTA or Visa may be required. Please contact USA consulate website for details. A copy of your visa or ESTA must be sent to PONANT at the very latest 45 days prior to your cruise date. In case the ESTA is sufficient to enter the USA, we also ask you to keep a copy of your ESTA with your passport throughout the duration of your trip.

Please note, if you have travelled or lived in countries such as: Cuba (on or after 12 January 2021), Iran, Iraq, Sudan, Yemen, Somalia, Libya, Syria or North Korea, then this constitutes a valid reason for the US Department of Homeland Security to deny your ESTA . In this event, you must apply to an ambassy for a category B1/B2 visa to travel to the United States. The visa processing time is several months.

If you already have an ESTA (valid for 2 years), we ask you to check its status up until the day of departure by clicking on “CHECK ESTA STATUS” on the website https://esta.cbp.dhs.gov . We also ask that you print it out and keep it with your passport throughout your trip.

A “FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS” page is available on the same website https://esta.cbp.dhs.gov/faq to help you with your procedures.

List of items prohibited on board

To guarantee the safety and well-being of our guests, certain items are strictly prohibited on board. Should you have one of these products or objects in your possession, they will be confiscated immediately and will not be transported on the ship. When an item transported aboard is considered illegal, the relevant authorities will be notified systematically.

Click here for the full list of items prohibited on board.

Warning about the use of drones : the use of drones aboard PONANT ships, whether they are sailing at sea, at a port of call or anchored, is strictly forbidden. The use of drones on land in the Arctic and Antarctic regions is also strictly forbidden by international polar regulations. In other regions, it may be possible to use drones on land if permission has been obtained from the relevant authorities of each country and each region travelled through, as well as a pilot’s licence that should be obtained from your home country. Passengers are responsible for obtaining these permits; they should be able to present them at all times. Passengers who do not obtain these authorisations expose themselves to the risk of legal proceedings.

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.

Simple dress
Skirt or trousers
Pleated trousers or chinos
Sports jacket

Officer’s evening:

For all cruises longer than 8 nights, 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.

Cocktail attire
Evening dress (if you wish to)
Tie recommended, possibly bow tie (if you wish to)

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
Hiking shoes

HEALTH CARE:

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
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

Polar plunge

Let yourself be seduced by the unrivalled sensations of being surrounded by cold water. Weather and ice conditions willing, you will have opportunities to undertake a unique experience during a polar plunge wearing just your swimming costume, in the middle of the ice. You will be be filled with intense emotions and will fully appreciate the energy boost when warming 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.*

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.

The eye and the advice of our photo ambassador, a privileged opportunity to immortalise your trip with, in the programme: workshops, conferences and personalized advice to improve your photographic skills.
Be among the first people in the world to undertake a transarctic crossing and set off in search of the Geographic North Pole, following in the wake of the pioneers of polar exploration, like Umberto Nobile.
Discover the research work of an on-board international scientific mission during lectures and round tables.
Attempt to reach the Magnetic North Pole.
Aboard Le Commandant Charcot , a polar exploration vessel opening to the exterior, take time to immerse yourself in unique moments of exploration and observation, in the silence and respect of fragile landscapes and biodiversity.
At this time of the year and depending on the opportunities provided by the weather conditions, the possibility of observing the phenomenon of the Northern Lights near the Bering Strait.
Enjoy the unique experience of sailing through the heart of the ice floe and discover the endless variety of forms and states of the ice.
Exploration of Svalbard, from Europe’s largest ice cap on Nordaustlandet (North East Land) in the Søraust-Svalbard Nature Reserve, the second-largest protected area in Norway.
The landscapes: alpine reliefs, icy shores, ice floes. In Svalbard: mountains patterned with multi-coloured strata, fjords, jagged mountains, glaciers, icebergs, ice floes, sheer cliffs, polar ice cap, wild tundra.
The wildlife: polar bears, walruses, Arctic foxes, Svalbard reindeer, whales, sea birds.
Brand-new activities*: kayaking, hiking or snowshoeing, polar plunge.

*Subject to weather and ice conditions and to sailing opportunities

Transarctic, the quest for the two North Poles-46_Texture-banquise_CDT-Charcot©StudioPONANT-Olivier Blaud.jpg

Ports of Call & Excursions

6 September 2024 - Nome, Alaska

Embarkation 6/9/2024 From 4:00 pm to 5:00 pm Departure 6/9/2024 at 6:00 pm

Located along the Bering Strait at the westernmost point of Alaska, Nome offers the rustic charm of a former gold-mining town, set in the middle of magnificent wilderness. As you weave in and out of the brightly coloured houses, you will discover the pioneering legacy that still marks local traditions. Fishing, reindeer rearing, sledge-racing... People here live from their manual labour. The surrounding plains provide stunning vantage points for observing Arctic fauna.

7 September 2024 14 September 2024 - Exploring sea ice in Beaufort Sea

Arrival 7/9/2024 Departure 14/9/2024

Bordering the north coasts of Alaska and Canada, the Beaufort Sea was feared for centuries because of its extreme climatic conditions. Covered for most of the year with a thick layer of ice , and unexplored until 1914 , this part of the Arctic Ocean, named in honour of the British Admiral Francis Beaufort, will reveal its magnificent icy landscapes to you. With a bit of luck, maybe you will cross the path of some polar bears, since the region is renowned for sheltering the Lord of the Arctic.

15 September 2024 - Magnetic North Pole

Arrival 15/9/2024 Departure 15/9/2024

The convergence point for the field lines of the Earth's magnetic field, the Magnetic North Pole attracts the magnetic needle of the compass. While the Geographic North Pole is the Earth’s northernmost fixed point, marking the intersection of the Globe's rotation axis with the Earth’s surface, the Magnetic North Pole moves over time. In fact, it is linked to the Earth's magnetic field which originates in the Earth's outer core, which is made up of molten metal and is subject to convection movements. Localised for the first time in 1831, in the Canadian Arctic, it has since moved towards Siberia and thus become closer to the Geographic North Pole. Set off in search of the Magnetic North Pole, try to get closer to it and, if luck allows it, attempt to reach it!

16 September 2024 - Exploring sea ice in Beaufort Sea

Arrival 16/9/2024 Departure 16/9/2024

17 September 2024 - Geographic North Pole

Arrival 17/9/2024 Departure 17/9/2024

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 September 2024 20 September 2024 - Navigating through the sea ice

Arrival 18/9/2024 Departure 20/9/2024

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.

21 September 2024 - Storoya, Svalbard

Arrival 21/9/2024 Departure 21/9/2024

22 September 2024 - Sailing in the Hinlopen Strait

Arrival 22/9/2024 Departure 22/9/2024

Sailing in the Hinlopen Strait , in the heart of the Arctic Ocean, between the Norwegian islands of Spitsbergen and Nordaustlandet promises an unforgettable experience. This territory of the Nordaust-Svalbard Nature Reserve offers breathtaking panoramas, with magnificent basalt formations and the ice cap stretching as far as the eye can see, diving into the sea. The shore line cut by the fjords moving inland composes a magical landscape in which icebergs float here and there, the result of the calving of the surrounding glaciers. This place, today a popular spot to observe the seabirds nesting in the enormous cliffs, polar bears and walruses, was once intrinsically linked to the history of the whalers who frequented the region from the 17th century. Indeed, it was one of them, Thijmen Jacobsz Hinlopen, then director of a Dutch whaling company, who gave the strait its name. Later on, Russian trappers, European explorers, scientists and even mountaineers roamed this region, as hostile as it is sublime.

23 September 2024 - Soraust-Svalbard Nature Reserve

Arrival 23/9/2024 Departure 23/9/2024

The Søraust-Svalbard Nature Reserve is the second largest protected area in Norway . Established in 1973, this nature conservation area stretching over more than 21,000 km2 will offer you stunning panoramas including coastal landscapes, rocky islets, mountain plateaux, vast tundra plains, and ice floes. With a little luck, you will be able to observe a wide variety of seabirds, given the site is listed as an Important Bird Area , as well as cetaceans , Svalbard reindeer , or even Arctic foxes . Among other things, Edgeoya Island is renowned for providing shelter to a number of polar bears during the breeding season.

24 September 2024 - Hornsund

Arrival 24/9/2024 Departure 24/9/2024

Nestling between millennial glaciers and carved mountains, and considered to be “the crown of Arctic Norway”, Spitsbergen is a place that never sees the night. Your ship will take you closer to this fascinating archipelago and, more particularly, the Hornsund fjord . Considered to be Svalbard’s southernmost fjord , it is especially reputed to be its most stunning: at the end of its vast bay, 8 great glaciers slowly make their way down to the sea before giving way to the many icebergs elegantly drifting along its cold and mysterious waters.

25 September 2024 - Isfjorden

Arrival 25/9/2024 Departure 25/9/2024

The vast Isfjorden is one of the main fjords in Svalbard . These different branches reach the heart of the island of Spitsbergen. Located deep inside the Billejforden, the Nordenskiöld Glacier with its front of ice, nearly 5 km wide, is one of the most spectacular in the Svalbard Archipelago. You will perhaps have the opportunity to discover the ghost town of Pyramiden . Constructed at the foot of a mountain in the form of a pyramid, this former mining town, founded by Sweden at the beginning of the 20th century before being sold a few years later to the Soviet Union, and abandoned in 1998, has conserved all the buildings from its glory days, when it lived off coal mining.

26 September 2024 - Longyearbyen, Spitsbergen

Arrival 26/9/2024 Disembarkation 26/9/2024 at 8:00 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 .

Ponant ship LE COMMANDANT CHARCOT - Deck 3

Find out more about Le Commandant Charcot

For your serenity, PONANT selects flights and organises transfers between the airport and the port. This package is included in your cruise fare.

Embarkation Day - Seattle/Nome

Flight Seattle/Nome selected by PONANT.

Approximate flight duration: 5 hours.

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 –

Disembarkation Day - Longyearbyen/Paris

Disembarkation.

Meet and greet at the port by our local English-speaking representative.

According to the flight departure time from Longyearbyen, PONANT adapt its services or activites before your transfer to the airport in time for check-in for the PONANT selected flight from Longyearbyen to Paris.

Flight Longyearbyen/Paris selected by PONANT.

Approximate flight duration: 4 hours 30.

This programme includes:

Flight Seattle/Nome and Longyearbyen/Paris selected by PONANT in economy class.
Transfers as mentioned in the programme.
English-speaking assistance.

This programme does not include:

Tips for guides and drivers
Personal expenses.
Any other service not mentioned in the programme.

Please note:

The flights included in the programme to this date, is operated in economy class.
Due to limited local transportation resources, waiting might be generated.
For passengers in transit in Seattle/Paris, we recommend staying one night in Seattle/Paris before/after the flights.
Programme and flight schedule are subject to change without prior notice.

Make your dreams of adventure come true, explore the boundaries of the world, and discover wild and legendary territories. The icy immensity of Antarctica, the constantly changing glaciers and icebergs of the North Pole, the mysterious mists of the North European coastlines, the most remote fjords on the planet… Every destination unveils unrivalled landscapes, home to increasingly varied fauna. Our team of naturalist-guides will share their knowledge with you during varied lectures about the history of the great explorations, geology and climatology, the fauna and flora, and will invite you to share special moments with the local populations.

Shore excursions, Pre/Post & Overlands

5/9/2024 - OVERNIGHT IN SEATTLE (1 NIGHT)

26/9/2024 - PARISIAN GETAWAY AND LUXE A LA FRANCAISE (3 NIGHTS)

26/9/2024 - COMFORT PACKAGE: TRANSFER AIRPORT/HOTEL + NIGHT IN PARIS CDG AIRPORT

OVERNIGHT IN SEATTLE (1 NIGHT)

Enhance your cruise and extend your trip with a carefully designed programme.

Travel with peace of mind as PONANT organizes your day of transit at Seattle. This programme will be a pleasant prelude to your embarkation.

Day 1 - Seattle

Meet at Seattle Tacoma International 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 historic hotel Fairmont Olympic 4*.

Check-in time from 3 pm.

The rest of the day is at leisure.

Dinner is served at the restaurant of the hotel.

Day 2 - Seattle

Breakfast. Check-out.

You will be transferred by coach to the airport, in time for check-in of the PONANT selected flight.

Your hotel:

Your programme includes:

1-night accommodation in Junior Suite at the Fairmont Olympic 4* (local standard) or similar, breakfast included.
The services of a local English-speaking guide.
A hospitality desk at the hotel on your day of arrival and departure.

Your programme does not include:

Tips for the driver and local guide.
Other services not mentioned in the programme.
Early check-in and late check-out.
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.
Early check-in or late check-out might be available depending on availability and on a supplement basis.

Contact for your hotel: Fairmont Olympic

411 University Street

Seattle, WA 98101, USA

Telephone: +1 206 621 1700

For the times of your PONANT flight, please contact your travel agent; they are also shown on your electronic ticket included in your travel documents.

Total : AU$1,700

PARISIAN GETAWAY AND LUXE A LA FRANCAISE (3 NIGHTS)

Enhance your cruise and extend your trip with a carefully designed programme. Enjoy an exclusiv stay at Le Meurice in Paris, after your cruise onboard Le Commandant Charcot.

Day 1 - Paris

Meet at Paris airport in the arrival hall. Look for PONANT sign. You will be greeted by our local representative off the flight selected by PONANT.

You will be transferred to the hotel Le Meurice – Dorchester Collection.

Check-in your room.

Diner is at leisure.

Overnight at the hotel.

Days 2 and 3 – Paris

Breakfast at the hotel.

Your days are at leisure.

Option: Artist walking tour As the hotel of astrists and thinkers, you can book in addition a series of walking tours with Le Meurice following in the footsteps of legendary artist in Paris. Ponant has selected for you three differents paths of artists to choose: Picasso, Monet and Rodin. Theses experiences are proposed with a private guide.

Option: The Chef's Table You will also have the option to step into a world of surprise through a private entrance and delve into the secrets of the Michelin-starred kitchen at this exclusive table. Here, Executive Chef Amaury Bouhours will personally guide you through his exquisite menu in an intimate atmosphere, while the kitchen gracefully performs its culinary ballet before your eyes.

Day 4 – Paris

Check-out from your room.

You will be transferred from your hotel to Paris airport terminal, in time for check-in of flight selected by PONANT or any other flight (provided that you have previously communicated your flight schedule to your travel agent).

Discover the luxury and elegance of Le Meurice hotel, an iconic establishment nestled in the heart of Paris. Immerse yourself in a refined ambiance while staying in sumptuous rooms, featuring exquisite furnishings for optimal comfort. Indulge in exceptional cuisine at the Michelin-starred restaurant, where talented chefs create delicious dishes. Located near renowned sites such as the Louvre Museum and the Tuileries Gardens, Le Meurice is the perfect place to explore the vibrant city. Enjoy a moment of relaxation in its exclusive spa, where the therapists will provide you with high-quality treatments for a soothing experience. 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.

3-nights accommodation in Superior room at Le Meurice 5* palace, breakfast included.
Meals and visits during your stay.
Optional activities.
Early check-in.
Visa if necessary.
Official check-in at 3: 00 pm.

Contact of your hotel:

Le Meurice – Dorchester Collection 28 Rue de Rivoli, 75001 Paris FRANCE Telephone number: +33 1 44 58 10 10

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 : AU$4,480

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.

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.

Transfer mentionned in the programme.
1-night accomodation in Deluxe room at the Pullman Roissy CDG 4* local standard (or similar).
A soft welcome drink, upon arrival at the hotel.
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.
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.
This programme is not suitable for people with reduced mobility.

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

In the event of schedule changes of PONANT’s selected flight, your programme will be adapted to ensure the most seamless and enriching experience. The content of your revised programme will be updated on the PONANT website, in My Ponant space and on the PONANT app. The final programme will also be sent to you along with your cruise documents.

Total : AU$400

How does Ponant compare to SS Expedition cruises?

By jpalbny , September 30, 2019 in Silversea

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MBP&O2/O

I don’t know if you have seen this? Quite recent. Somebody else's pov for a reference.

https://www.tripadvisor.co.uk/ShowTopic-g1-i10703-k12945954-Ponant_not_so_good-Cruises.html

I have not sailed the line. But a former colleague and partner did around six months ago and reported "Never again!" The complaint I recall specifically was what they deemed the poor quality of the food (when they expected much better on a French-based line). These friends are the furthest one can imagine from "high maintenance," so I take their response seriously. I am fairly certain they have not sailed Silversea, but they have sailed Regent and Seabourn a good deal.

I have not sailed on that line either, but have two friends who did last year. Neither is high maintenance at all. They thought the food was fine. Their complaint was that there were a lot of smokers on board. And smoking policies were really not enforced, or if they were, the smoke was enough that it was very noticeable in other areas of the ship. They also felt like the French speaking people onboard were given better service.

1 hour ago, RachelG said: They also felt like the French speaking people onboard were given better service.

Et ce n'est pas de problemme! Je m'appelle Jean-Paul, donc c'est parfait!

Thanks all for the replies. It is hard to figure out why people like or dislike the food, but that seems to be a consistent issue in multiple reviews. I can think of two main reasons - one, bad ingredients. Two, bad preparations which could mean many things - simple stuff when people expect fancy (it's French, n'est-ce pas), or different from the typical American palate, or bland/uninteresting. We could handle most of the latter but not the former.

Food for thought. It could be an expensive diet!

carefreecruise

We have one coming up in eight months. There are two types. One is with Ponant and their French speaking crew and charging you for items like Viking cruise lines. The other option is when A&K charters them and things will be very close to Silversea. A&K will require the crew to speak English and provide butler's providing similar service like Silversea. Will know better when we complete the 'Kimberly the Last Frontier' cruise in early summer.

1 hour ago, carefreecruise said: We have one coming up in eight months. There are two types. One is with Ponant and their French speaking crew and charging you for items like Viking cruise lines. The other option is when A&K charters them and things will be very close to Silversea. A&K will require the crew to speak English and provide butler's providing similar service like Silversea. Will know better when we complete the 'Kimberly the Last Frontier' cruise in early summer.

I believe there is a third type – such as offered by Tauck — where the tour operator occupies a portion of the Ponant ship and provides its own escorts/managers but does not charter the entire ship for a seamless experience.

Hi JP, I realize that you asked for people who have done both & we have not been on a Silversea Expedition although we've been on many "regular" Silversea cruises. We have been on a Tauck sponsored Antarctic trip on L'Austral. We were not the only group - there was a French speaking group & a very small Japanese group who had their own translator. I did not like the ship. We were in a superior verandah, or something like that & it was very small, only a chair & a bistro type table. The bath was small & the "ocean view" bath consisted of having a rolling cover on the outside of the bath room so you had no control. God forbid your traveling partner decided to play a practical joke ! Tauck, as always, took care of us extremely well, but they were at the mercy of the ship. The staff of naturalists was extremely knowledgeable but all spoke French & the English translation was very shortened. The joke was that they went on & on in French & when it was English time they said "Whales." It was not, of course, that bad, but when the English translation came, the French speaking travelers all started speaking as loud as humanly possible so it was hard to hear the translation. The food did not compare to Silversea & the dining room was totally uninviting. It was on a lower deck with portholes, & in the Drake Passage was sort of like being in a Maytag. The wines offered were ok if limited selection & of course, French, which isn't a bad thing at all. There was a nice forward lounge for viewing. They were extremely well organized when it came to landings & offering different levels of excursions, i.e. Zodiac rides through the icebergs rather than hiking up some hill. We have also been on their Levant & a ship they formerly had, Diamant (the old Radisson Song of Flower.) Both were completely chartered by Tauck & not expeditions, although the Diamant had Zodiacs which were deployed frequently in the Chilean Fjords - fabulous! Maybe the ships built after L'Austral do not have some of the cabin issues. While on the Wind in the spring, we saw "Le Champlain" in the Shetlands (or maybe Orkneys?) We have seen a couple of the others in Ushuaia from the comfort of our beautiful Muse & Spirit & not been envious at all. But they are very nice looking ships. I have photos of the cabin on L'Austral so if you want to see them, I will be happy to send via e-mail. Please get more opinions & hopefully more recent ones & again, we have not been on a Silversea expedition, only on the Cloud before it was converted. Aren't we all lucky to be able to make these decisions? Sometimes I need to pinch myself!

We have sailed Seabourn (215 nights), Silversea , Windstar, HAL, and Ponant Darwin - Broome on L’Austral.

We were very disappointed with Ponant, food being the main problem.

When we complained we were told the problem was the isolation of the area. I can’t accept that as a reason as this line specialises in Antarctica.

The service was average (we were told several crew were sick) so maybe we were unlucky with this cruise which can happen.

The thing that is a constant is the size of the cabins. Nicely furnished but small and the bathroom is just ridiculously small - definitely 1 person at a time!

The one thing that was really good and well organised were the expeditions.

They were excellent and we couldn’t fault them.

I am booked on a Ponant trip in spring 2021 - a back-to-back in French Polynesia, aboard L'Soleal and sailing to the Marquesas and Austral Islands. I am not expecting Seabourn or Silversea levels of luxury and service and I discount all the comments about the food because one person's three star Michelin is another person's KFC. The reason I went with Ponant is simple - their itineraries are far more interesting than Silversea's same-old-thing. Part of my Ponant cruise is in association with National Geographic.

17 hours ago, jpalbny said: We are considering a Ponant expedition from Singapore to Darwin next November (23 Nov - 4 Dec 2020; Voyage E231120). It looks like a cool itinerary, passing through a number of ports in Indonesia, with stops in Borneo for Orangutans, and Komodo (though not sure what's going on there with the park closure - just one island, or more).

It seems that Komodo won't be closing after all -

https://www.theguardian.com/world/2019/oct/01/indonesia-cancels-komodo-island-closure-saying-tourists-are-no-threat-to-dragons

Further research at the BBC shows that tourists might now have to pay $1000 each to visit the island. When I first went there in 1988 all I had to do was buy a goat.

https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-asia-49888876

Thanks for the updates, Fletcher. Though a lot can change still between now and November of next year. The $1000PP may seem steep but if it's going towards conservation I can't really complain too much. An area like Komodo Park has to be preserved and any plan has to consider those who live there. Hopefully the fees benefit the human residents of the Island too.

It's not out of line compared with some other fees - it now costs $1500PP to go gorilla trekking in Rwanda for a day. Luckily we did that in 2015 when it was cheap ($750).

Thanks all for the comments. The food issue seems to come up a lot. Joc123 or others - do you remember anything specific about the food that you can share? Any pictures or menus? We like good food and drink, but aren't overly fussy and we don't mind plain or simple food. It doesn't have to be fancy French cooking.

Maybe it could work as a weight-loss program!

I will need to do some detailed research into the room options. There are some larger rooms on the ship we're looking at.

Appreciate everyone's helpful comments.

1 hour ago, Fletcher said: When I first went there in 1988 all I had to do was buy a goat.

I assume that you had to feed it to a dragon? You know, just like visiting the petting zoo, and buying some pellets to feed the rabbits... 🤣

1 hour ago, jpalbny said: I assume that you had to feed it to a dragon? You know, just like visiting the petting zoo, and buying some pellets to feed the rabbits... 🤣

Yes . . . there were four tourists on Komodo that day, the two of us and another couple. We were staying at a Losmen at Labuanbajo on the western tip of Flores. Our guide charted a police launch and we set off for Komodo, stopping at the village to buy the goat. The village in those days was very poor and I remember the graveyard and the graves covered in sharp coral rock to deter the dragons from digging up the bodies. We then dragged our poor bleating goat down the path to a sort of feeding area where our guide butchered it and hung it up on a hook and rope. About a dozen dragons eventually devoured the whole thing. The place was full of flies and snakes and you got close enough to smell the dragons' putrid breath. Then we all went to pink beach for a picnic, a swim and a snorkel.

Fletcher, that's a great story. I showed it to Chris today, while we were eating lunch. She hyperventilated a little bit about the snakes... And we both felt bad for the goat. I bet things are a little different now!

zigtraveller

Hi JP, I'm following this thread with interest as I have also been looking at some of the Ponant itineraries, but haven't been convinced to take the plunge as yet.

An acquaintance of mine has done Silversea and Ponant. Her opinion is that Ponant is wonderful and much better than Silversea. She is a self avowed Francophile though, so said she loves the food and the bilingual announcements etc doesn't worry her. She is no longer sailing with SS and is only booking Ponant.

I have posted a reply on the Ponant site. I have sailed explorer and Cloud expeditionary.

As the subject of food is of great interest I’d like to add that I enjoyed the food. We only ate in the casual restaurant and mostly out on the deck as this was in the tropics. The food was of good quality and simple in presentation. Plenty of choice and very good service.

Our expeditionary crew were mostly Australian so no problem with language issues. The expeditionary leader was French and we didn’t see much of him.

I would cruise Ponant again if the itinerary was what I was looking for, and they certainly have some very interesting itineries.

We are on the Coral Discoverer at present and they have a new 120 passenger ship, Coral Adventurer and ? Coral Geographe next year.

They have a Darwin to Singapore in Jan 2020 advertised.

We haven't been on a Silversea expedition but had 30 nights on Silver Cloud in 2013.

Comparing food - not as "refined" as SS but acceptable. Everyone seems to polish off everything without complaint. Wine only offered as included lunch and dinner. Hardly any choice but drinkable ( and we like our wine), and you can purchase much better. I drink Petaluma Chardonnay before dinner ($60) and they keep it for me. It works out a bit more expensive than their Chardonnay/ glass so I’m happy.

The excursions have been very good. Expedition team and guest lecturers are knowledgeable and fun.

From Darwin to Cairns we have a Torres Strait Artist on board as well to give lessons. I am hopeless but enjoying them.

Someone I spoke to feels SS expedition staff had more in depth knowledge but that is from being on this cruise from Darwin rather than the Broome to Darwin. It’s a very different cruise now than last week in the Kimberly for me. Expedition crew and guest lecturers were very knowledgeable about the rocks and animals. Not needed so far on this part of cruise although one of the guest lecturers lived in one of the remote aboriginal communities we visited and spoke the language. Interesting to hear about the culture.

There is a flat bottomed vessel called Explorer that takes the 70 people off to the beaches, or transfers people into the 3 zodiacs from the back. The Coral Adventurer has 2 of these for the 120 people.

It’s very comfortable for the times you head up rivers for a few hours and has overhead cover.

I'm not sure about age of passengers. This second part of the B2B has a much older, less agile demographic. The Adventurer has a lift and the age and frailty of passengers may be older.

Kevin is blogging http://www.thefletchers.com.au/The_Fletchers/Broome_Cairns_Cruise_2019/Broome_Cairns_Cruise_2019.html

We have recently very much enjoyed a Coral Adventurer Kimberley cruise. We did this itinerary many years ago on the Orion but this was a much more in depth cruise of the Kimberley. It’s not 5* like Silverseas expeditions but more like a safari on water. Very relaxed and casual but extremely knowledgeable and engaging expeditionary crew ( better than Silverseas or Ponant ) .

We enjoyed the simplicity and the friendliness of everyone on board. Loved the 2 explorer boats and the unique way of getting on and off. It enabled us to see so much more than on zodiacs as we could be out for several hours in the heat and humidity. It was very busy, very little downtime. Often at breakfast by 6:30 so we could be away early - everything dependent on the tides. Back for lunch then off again in the afternoon.

Thanks, sanne and jillyf. Another line to explore! It's great to have so many nice choices.

Rummblestrip

I would like to add to the conversation, but I have never sailed Silversea or Ponant. My experience is with Regent, Oceania, and NCL. I think that the Oceania ships are too many people. When on NCL I prefer to be on a ship with the Haven. I usually never leave the area. I have had amazing butlers on all NCL ships.

I travel solo and I am a scuba diver, that was my main reason to even look at Ponant. I took a chance and I have booked 8 sailings back to back on Ponant. This sailing will let me explore India for 16 days, dive in the Maldives for 16 days, and end up in Japan. A lot of bucket list items checked along the way. With the back to back offers, solo supplement discount, and moving up the loyalty ladder from the start of your cruise, I could not pass up the amazing deal. For the cost of 76 days on Ponant was less than a sailing on Silversea for 21 days that I had priced.

I can deal with the food, happy with a simple salad or steak for dinner or a burger for lunch. It is all about the itinerary for me. If I can give you my honest opinion, I never go in with any expectations and then I am never let down. You have to decide what you want on a cruise. If you cruise for the dinning experience, use that as your deciding factor. If you are more about where you explore, pick the itinerary that you like the best. I understand that most of Ponant passengers are repeaters, same as Silverseas, that says a lot...Happy sailing!

TrulyBlonde

I was perusing this Board and was on Ponant for Antarctica last November. My trip info is on the Ponant Board.

I think I still have PTSD from this voyage. 😉

Aussieflyer

It is some time since we did a SS expedition (2010 to the Arctic) and last year for a Ponant one to Antarctica. It's a long story but the Ponant was thousands cheaper than SS was offering as we booked very late (paid in full at booking). The feedback I gave our TA on the Ponant ship was that while we would be happy to sail with them again, there were some negatives that people need to be aware of.

We had a balcony cabin in Deck 5 - it was very small and only one chair and an ottoman to sit on. We were offered an upgrade after boarding to a suite for about $AU10 but owing to a number of factors didn't take it.

The food was not as good as we hoped - poultry was excellent but steak was terrible - tough and overdone.

The entrees (appetisers), breads and oils were very good on the whole.

Drinks were excellent - well made cocktails and wines very passable.

English speakers numbered about a third of the total passenger load and we did sometimes feel a bit left out, as French was the first language. On the other hand, we did expect this and can imagine how awkward it must be for non-English speakers on most cruises. Service was good and all staff did speak good English but we did miss the banter with bar and restaurant staff.

We thought the expedition staff were much poorer in quality than we had had on SS though I have heard that it can be a bit hit and miss on SS now. We felt that the young staff were inexperience and 'keen kids' rather than established experts that we had had on SS. Lectures in English were generally not great though I hear the French were much better.

The itinerary made a lot of difference - South Georgia and Antarctica - you can't go wrong so not sure if a different region and a first cruise with Ponant people would be disappointed.

I should say we are looking at another Ponant expedition to the Russian Far East but know what to expect.

Hi again. Final note: If you are prepared to be in a Maytag washing machine for 8 sea days, go for it! It is Hit or Miss when you visit S. Georgia and Antarctica.

After having visited most of the World, we much prefer floating around the South of France and Amalfi Coast.

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10 Luxury Cruise Lines That Will Make You Want to Ditch Plane Travel Forever

Posted: July 21, 2024 | Last updated: July 21, 2024

<p>Thinking about booking your next dream vacation? As stunning as land-locked adventures and <a href="https://www.veranda.com/travel/g45548087/most-beautiful-hotels-2023/">beautiful hotels</a> can be, there’s something to be said about sailing the seas. Fortunately for us, nowadays, there are cruise ships that far exceed the family-fun agenda of the classic companies so often advertised on TV. While there’s absolutely nothing wrong with those cruise liners, there’s something special about not only traversing the ocean but doing so decked out to the nines. With that in mind, we’ve rounded up the best luxury cruise lines of 2023. Ahead, uncover the company that best aligns with your idea of the ultimate water-bound getaway.</p>

Thinking about booking your next dream vacation? As stunning as land-locked adventures and beautiful hotels can be, there’s something to be said about sailing the seas. Fortunately for us, nowadays, there are cruise ships that far exceed the family-fun agenda of the classic companies so often advertised on TV. While there’s absolutely nothing wrong with those cruise liners, there’s something special about not only traversing the ocean but doing so decked out to the nines. With that in mind, we’ve rounded up the best luxury cruise lines of 2023. Ahead, uncover the company that best aligns with your idea of the ultimate water-bound getaway.

<p>Silversea is the “jewel in the crown” of the Royal Caribbean Group, not to mention the original luxury cruise line, first entering the space in 1994. The company touts 12 all-inclusive ships with destinations all over the world. Whether you want to explore the American West Coast, South America, Northern Europe and the British Isles, Africa, Asia, Australia and New Zealand, or even Antarctica, Silversea has a cruise to fit your fancy.</p><p>Speaking of fancy, the most luxurious cruise that Silversea offers is its 125-Day Chile to Norway sail, which rings up at $94,700. You don’t have to invest that much to enjoy a Silversea cruise, though. No matter which type of suite you book, you can expect butler service, optional 24/7 in-suite dining, endless access to premium beverages and craft cocktails, and complimentary caviar around the clock. </p><p><a class="body-btn-link" href="https://www.silversea.com/find-a-cruise.html">Explore Silversea Cruises</a></p>

Silversea is the “jewel in the crown” of the Royal Caribbean Group, not to mention the original luxury cruise line, first entering the space in 1994. The company touts 12 all-inclusive ships with destinations all over the world. Whether you want to explore the American West Coast, South America, Northern Europe and the British Isles, Africa, Asia, Australia and New Zealand, or even Antarctica, Silversea has a cruise to fit your fancy.

Speaking of fancy, the most luxurious cruise that Silversea offers is its 125-Day Chile to Norway sail, which rings up at $94,700. You don’t have to invest that much to enjoy a Silversea cruise, though. No matter which type of suite you book, you can expect butler service, optional 24/7 in-suite dining, endless access to premium beverages and craft cocktails, and complimentary caviar around the clock.

Explore Silversea Cruises

<p>Paul Gaugin stands out for its single-ship escapade into the luxury cruise space. With a variety of cruises that explore French Polynesia and the South Pacific, Paul Gauguin is a small-ship cruise line with 7-, 10-, 11-, and 14-night itineraries that focus on intimate experiences, delectable cuisine, stunning stateroom balcony views, butler service, and more. With a 1:1.5 crew-to-guest ratio, you can rest assured knowing that all of your needs will be met aboard the m/s Paul Gauguin.</p><p><a class="body-btn-link" href="https://www.pgcruises.com/cruises">Explore Paul Gauguin Cruises</a></p>

Paul Gauguin

Paul Gaugin stands out for its single-ship escapade into the luxury cruise space. With a variety of cruises that explore French Polynesia and the South Pacific, Paul Gauguin is a small-ship cruise line with 7-, 10-, 11-, and 14-night itineraries that focus on intimate experiences, delectable cuisine, stunning stateroom balcony views, butler service, and more. With a 1:1.5 crew-to-guest ratio, you can rest assured knowing that all of your needs will be met aboard the m/s Paul Gauguin.

Explore Paul Gauguin Cruises

Scenic Luxury Cruises & Tours

Scenic is unique in that it not only offers luxury ocean cruises but river cruises, too. The brand prides itself on operating and innovating with guest experience in mind. As such, all of its cruises have so much to offer voyagers, from extensive dining, leisure, and wellness options to striking design elements that will make you want to stay aboard for much longer than your itinerary.

Scenic Luxury Cruises & Tours has nine ships with oceanic destinations spanning from the Arctic and Europe to the Caribbean and Australia. Meanwhile, if you find yourself in France, you may want to check out Scenic’s beloved river cruises, in which you can tour the Seine in the utmost style.

Explore Scenic Luxury Cruises & Tours

<p>Ponant has a fleet of 13 luxury cruise ships with destinations dotting the globe. The award-winning French cruise line is beloved for its tailor-made voyages, in which guests have access to myriad bespoke experiences both on and off board, from in-room dining to once-in-a-lifetime immersive excursions.</p><p>Since Ponant ships offer smaller capacity—more akin to a private yacht experience—they’re able to navigate private ports and preserved locations that large-scale cruise ships are unable to access. While aboard Ponant’s all-inclusive ships, you can anticipate exceptional French cuisine, delicious fine wines, complimentary Champagne and spirits, room service, and more.</p><p>Of course, if you need further inspiration to look into the cruise line, perhaps the fact that three-mast yacht, Le Ponant, is part of the Relais & Châteaux portfolio will do the trick.</p><p><a class="body-btn-link" href="https://us.ponant.com/">Explore Ponant Cruises</a></p>

Ponant has a fleet of 13 luxury cruise ships with destinations dotting the globe. The award-winning French cruise line is beloved for its tailor-made voyages, in which guests have access to myriad bespoke experiences both on and off board, from in-room dining to once-in-a-lifetime immersive excursions.

Since Ponant ships offer smaller capacity—more akin to a private yacht experience—they’re able to navigate private ports and preserved locations that large-scale cruise ships are unable to access. While aboard Ponant’s all-inclusive ships, you can anticipate exceptional French cuisine, delicious fine wines, complimentary Champagne and spirits, room service, and more.

Of course, if you need further inspiration to look into the cruise line, perhaps the fact that three-mast yacht, Le Ponant, is part of the Relais & Châteaux portfolio will do the trick.

Explore Ponant Cruises

<p>Crystal is renowned for its personalized voyages all over the world, not to mention its palatial suites that will leave you picking your jaw up off the floor. In addition to well-appointed design, the cruise line offers an impressive dining experience, with authentic cuisines from all over the world. So whether you’re in the mood for American, Italian, Peruvian, or Japanese food, you’ll have ample options to choose from.</p><p>It’s also worth mentioning that the luxury cruise line took it to the next level with its spa, Aurora Spa. The gorgeous, sea-view spa offers a variety of face, body, salon, and healing treatments, including massages, facials, acupuncture, Chinese herbal medicine, and even IV drip therapy—so you won’t have to worry about feeling hung over at sea (especially considering the cruise line offers complimentary Champagne, fine wines, and premium spirits). </p><p><a class="body-btn-link" href="https://www.crystalcruises.com/">Explore Crystal</a></p>

Crystal is renowned for its personalized voyages all over the world, not to mention its palatial suites that will leave you picking your jaw up off the floor. In addition to well-appointed design, the cruise line offers an impressive dining experience, with authentic cuisines from all over the world. So whether you’re in the mood for American, Italian, Peruvian, or Japanese food, you’ll have ample options to choose from.

It’s also worth mentioning that the luxury cruise line took it to the next level with its spa, Aurora Spa. The gorgeous, sea-view spa offers a variety of face, body, salon, and healing treatments, including massages, facials, acupuncture, Chinese herbal medicine, and even IV drip therapy—so you won’t have to worry about feeling hung over at sea (especially considering the cruise line offers complimentary Champagne, fine wines, and premium spirits).

Explore Crystal

Windstar Cruises

Windstar Cruises operates a six-ship fleet dedicated to extraordinary sailing experiences. With small ships that carry less than 350 passengers, Windstar prides itself on offering guests intimate, aesthetic, unforgettable voyages spanning from Asia and Australia to Italy and Iceland.

While the staterooms and suites are stunning and the shore excursions are aplenty, it’s the food that really stands out aboard Windstar. As the official cruise line of the James Beard Foundation, Windstar offers a number of themed culinary cruises with food and bev from some of the most notable chefs of today, including Maxime Bilet (The Cooking Lab) and Jose Mendin (Pubbelly Noodle Bar, Habitat, Baja Bao).

Explore Windstar Cruises

<p>The Ritz-Carlton is synonymous with luxury, so it’s no surprise that the company extended into oceanic adventures with a fleet of three superyachts. Where the Evrima was built in 2021, the Ilma and Luminara yachts are forthcoming in 2024 and 2025.</p><p>While classic cruise lines have a capacity in the thousands, often edging upward of 4,000, the Ritz-Carlton superyachts offer a more curated experience to 500 passengers or less. From the outside, the yachts are sleek and serene, fitting in beautifully with the sea. Within Evrima’s walls, though, moody modern interiors with magnificent ocean views await.</p><p>Guests can look forward to soaking tubs, expansive private balconies complete with sun beds and a whirlpool, walk-in wardrobes, and more. As far as destinations are concerned, The Ritz-Carlton Yacht Collection embarks on oceanic adventures in the Mediterranean and Caribbean.</p><p><a class="body-btn-link" href="https://www.ritzcarltonyachtcollection.com/">Explore The Ritz-Carlton Yacht Collection Cruises</a></p>

The Ritz-Carlton Yacht Collection

The Ritz-Carlton is synonymous with luxury, so it’s no surprise that the company extended into oceanic adventures with a fleet of three superyachts. Where the Evrima was built in 2021, the Ilma and Luminara yachts are forthcoming in 2024 and 2025.

While classic cruise lines have a capacity in the thousands, often edging upward of 4,000, the Ritz-Carlton superyachts offer a more curated experience to 500 passengers or less. From the outside, the yachts are sleek and serene, fitting in beautifully with the sea. Within Evrima’s walls, though, moody modern interiors with magnificent ocean views await.

Guests can look forward to soaking tubs, expansive private balconies complete with sun beds and a whirlpool, walk-in wardrobes, and more. As far as destinations are concerned, The Ritz-Carlton Yacht Collection embarks on oceanic adventures in the Mediterranean and Caribbean.

Explore The Ritz-Carlton Yacht Collection Cruises

<p>Seabourn is a luxury cruise line that speaks to our soul—and for more reasons than the simple fact that it touts a “Veranda Suite Upgrade.” The luxury cruise line sets sail in the Arctic, Canada and New England, the Amazon, Arabia, Africa, and India, and more. </p><p>Each of the fleet’s yachts, which carry between 458 and 600 guests, is outfitted with ocean-view suites only, so no matter what excursion you book, you can anticipate traveling in luxury style with a picturesque backdrop. You can also look forward to mouth-watering cuisine courtesy of renowned chef Thomas Keller. </p><p><a class="body-btn-link" href="https://www.seabourn.com/en/us/cruise-destinations">Explore Seabourn Cruises</a></p>

Seabourn is a luxury cruise line that speaks to our soul—and for more reasons than the simple fact that it touts a “Veranda Suite Upgrade.” The luxury cruise line sets sail in the Arctic, Canada and New England, the Amazon, Arabia, Africa, and India, and more.

Each of the fleet’s yachts, which carry between 458 and 600 guests, is outfitted with ocean-view suites only, so no matter what excursion you book, you can anticipate traveling in luxury style with a picturesque backdrop. You can also look forward to mouth-watering cuisine courtesy of renowned chef Thomas Keller.

Explore Seabourn Cruises

<p>Cunard is known for its iconic black funnels, yes, but more so for its unparalleled large-scale onboard experiences. Although each of the cruise line’s ships carries upwards of 1,500 passengers, the four-ship fleet is adored for its luxury itineraries, stylish design, tranquil spa offerings, delectable cuisine, and unmatched comfort at sea. </p><p>Truly, if your goal is to book an unforgettable, Instagram-worthy cruise, Cunard is the way to go. From the stunning suites (decked out in pops of rich color, sumptuous textiles, and spectacular lighting) to the picturesque destinations, Cunard has it all. </p><p><a class="body-btn-link" href="https://www.cunard.com/en-us">Explore Cunard Cruises</a></p>

Cunard is known for its iconic black funnels, yes, but more so for its unparalleled large-scale onboard experiences. Although each of the cruise line’s ships carries upwards of 1,500 passengers, the four-ship fleet is adored for its luxury itineraries, stylish design, tranquil spa offerings, delectable cuisine, and unmatched comfort at sea.

Truly, if your goal is to book an unforgettable, Instagram-worthy cruise, Cunard is the way to go. From the stunning suites (decked out in pops of rich color, sumptuous textiles, and spectacular lighting) to the picturesque destinations, Cunard has it all.

Explore Cunard Cruises

Regent Seven Seas Cruises

If you want to get the most bang for your buck when booking a luxury cruise, Regent Seven Seas Cruises is a prime pick. The all-inclusive cruise line crafts a new definition of the category with complimentary roundtrip airfare, free unlimited shore excursions, include 2- to 3-night land programs, on-the-house bar and lounge experiences, and more.

The six-fleet cruise line is also known for its gorgeous interiors, complete with modern aesthetics, Art Deco embellishments, stunning chandeliers, and more. When traveling with Regent Seven Seas Cruises, guests can traverse the seven seas, with destinations in Africa and Arabia, Asia, Australia and New Zealand, the Caribbean and more. And if you don’t want to pick a single destination, there’s always the option to book a grand voyage or world cruise, which can last up to 168 days and cost upwards of $100,000.

Explore Regent Seven Seas Cruises

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IMAGES

PONANT Arctic and Antarctica Expedition Cruises
Polar bears and luxury on Ponant Arctic cruise
Arctic Cruises: High Adventure for Everyone
Ponant orders Arctic LNG cruise vessel
PONANT Arctic and Antarctica Expedition Cruises
The Best Arctic Cruises in the World

VIDEO

Look inside arctic cruise cabin #travel#arctic #cruise
Russian Icebreaker Vessel Meets Ponant Le Commandant Charcot Expedition Cruiseship Near North Pole
Life on board Ponant’s Great Adventure Cruise to the Antarctica
Ponant to add Alaska to their destinations announcement video
Porthole Cruise and Travel Show
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COMMENTS

Ponant Arctic Cruise Reviews (2023 UPDATED): Ratings of Ponant Cruises
1-10 of 30 Ponant Arctic Cruise Reviews. 90.0 North Once in a lifetime. Review for aArctic Cruise on Le Commandant Charcot. 2SailingNomads. 10+ Cruises • Age 60s.
Ponant Cruise Reviews (2024 UPDATED): Ratings of Ponant
This is a journal of our May 13-21, 2024, "The Best of Japan" eight-night cruise aboard the Ponant Le Soléal. Our journal of the May 21-28, 2024, "Cultural and Natural Treasures of Japan by ...
The most epic cruise ever? What it's like traveling to the North Pole
Operated by Ponant Cruises, a French company specializing in high-end expedition-style cruises, Le Commandant Charcot is the first purpose-built expedition cruise ship capable of reaching the North Pole. ... a chartered flight from Paris organized by Ponant — and an Arctic destination in its own right. It's famous for its northern lights and ...
PONANT Reviews
Excellent Opera cruise on Ponant L'Austral. This was our first cruise on Ponant and Ponant far surpasses the "suite experience" on any other cruise line. The opera events weer intimate and incredible to have 6 professional opera singer with us for a week. The dining was fantastic every day. The quality is very high. The crew all knew our ...
Ponant Arctic Cruise Reviews (2023 UPDATED): Ratings of Ponant Cruises
1-5 of 5 Ponant Arctic Cruise Reviews. 90.0 North Once in a lifetime. Review for aArctic Cruise onArctic Cruise on
Ponant Arctic Cruise Reviews (2022 UPDATED): Ratings of Ponant Cruises
Ponant Arctic Cruises: Read 10 Ponant Arctic cruise reviews. Find great deals, tips and tricks on Cruise Critic to help plan your cruise.
Ponant Le Boreal Cruise: Expert Review (2023)
Our expert Ponant Ponant Le Boreal review breaks down deck plans, the best rooms, dining, and more. ... Children are a rarity on the ship's expedition cruises to Antarctica and the Arctic.
Arctic Cruises
In the heart of the ice of the Far North and the primary forests of Alaska, the Arctic unveils its majestic landscapes. Colossal icebergs drift in deafening silence, glaciers alternate with the ice floe, impressive geysers and volcanos reach towards the sky, and the lakes, rivers and conifer forests stretch as far as the eye can see… All are home to exceptional fauna.
Polar bears and luxury on Ponant Arctic cruise
The midnight sun and polar bears meet on a remarkable voyage aboard the world's most luxurious expedition ship in July 2018. Ponant's 264-guest Le Boreal will sail the extraordinary Svalbard region in Norway for a 12-night Arctic cruise, offering a once in a lifetime opportunity to see the spectacular landscape and wildlife up close. In July the
Luxury Arctic Cruises & Expeditions 2024/25
Explore the Arctic in luxury in 2024 and 2025 with PONANT. Discover luxury cruises expeditions to the Arctic's breathtaking landscapes and wildlife.
Arctic Cruises
In the heart of the ice of the Far North and the primary forests of Alaska, the Arctic unveils its majestic landscapes. Colossal icebergs drift in deafening silence, glaciers alternate with the ice floe, impressive geysers and volcanos reach towards the sky, and the lakes, rivers and conifer forests stretch as far as the eye can see… All are home to exceptional fauna.
Ponant Arctic Cruise Reviews
1-10 of 30 Ponant Arctic Cruise Reviews. 90.0 North Once in a lifetime. Review for aArctic Cruise on Le Commandant Charcot. 2SailingNomads. 10+ Cruises • Age 60s. The only ship of this capability and what an opportunity so we had to take advantage of it. The following describes the actual experience we had.
Cruise the Arctic with Ponant
Each year PONANT offers more than 400 awe-inspiring cruises, calling at over 450 ports on all seven continents. From Zodiac® landings in Antarctica to hikes in the Arctic; from immersion in Japanese culture and revisiting classic Europe, to the natural beauty of the Seychelles, PONANT presents these destinations through a new lens.
The 5 best Arctic cruise itineraries, from someone who has tried them all
Who goes there: Most major expedition cruise operators, including Ponant, Hurtigruten, Silversea, Seabourn and Adventure Canada (a specialist in Canadian Arctic trips), offer sailings that transit ...
Ponant L'Austral Arctic Cruise Reviews (2022 UPDATED): Cruise Ratings
Ponant L'Austral Arctic Cruises: Read 7 Ponant L'Austral Arctic cruise reviews. Find great deals, tips and tricks on Cruise Critic to help plan your cruise.
PONANT cruise reviews : testimonials and customer reviews
I was incredibly lucky to be able to explore the Antarctic aboard Le Lyrial. The luxury of this Expedition cruise was the real 5-star comfort with a personal touch: a truly French way of life.Comfortable staterooms, gastronomic dining and particularly attentive service from the staff all helped guests to enjoy themselves. Not forgetting the professionalism of the naturalist guides both during ...
Thoughts on Ponant L'Austral Cruise Ship to Arctic
Hello, Looking for thoughts (pros/cons) from anyone that has taken Ponant's L'Austral ship to the Arctic recently, and specifically, on how the cruise is for a senior citizen (safety on expeditions, doctor on board, rough seas (?), etc.).. Also any input (pros/cons) on the Ponant chartered flight from Paris to Longyearbyen. I read one old review calling the chartered flight "budget", but have ...
An unforgettable luxury cruise in the Arctic!
A luxury cruise and gastronomy: exceptional cuisine for an exceptional expedition. To enhance your journey, PONANT has partnered with Ducasse Conseil to offer you the most refined, upscale gastronomy on board its ships. At the helm in the kitchen, its seasoned chefs work passionately with exceptional products to serve you healthy, elegant and gourmet dishes, different every day and enhanced ...
Ponant L'Austral Cruise Reviews
This is a journal of our February 27-March 12, 2024, "Exploring the Chilean Fjords" land/expedition package on the Ponant L'Austral. The package includes one night at a 5-star hotel in ...
Ponant Arctic Excursions
The naturalists are the best part of any expedition cruise and both lines were great there. I will say that the hikes offered by Ponant in Corsica were faster-paced than what Silversea usually does. The Ponant Explorers are new ships which are very slick. There are some pictures in the Corsica review of Le Bellot.
Cruise Transarctic, the quest for the two North Poles from ...
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.
Ponant All Inclusive? And Pnant vs Silver Sea, Seabourn ...
I found Ponant to be more similar to SS than different. The main difference would be that Ponant had perhaps fewer dining choices (menus had 3-4 choices as opposed to SS where you may have more options). But both offer a very good product. I did a detailed day by day review of our Ponant cruise on these boards.
Ponant Alaska Cruise Reviews (2022 UPDATED): Ratings of Ponant Cruises
Ponant Alaska Cruises: Read 12 Ponant Alaska cruise reviews. Find great deals, tips and tricks on Cruise Critic to help plan your cruise. ... The cruise was titled Fire and Ice in the Arctic and ...
How does Ponant compare to SS Expedition cruises?
We are considering a Ponant expedition from Singapore to Darwin next November (23 Nov - 4 Dec 2020; Voyage E231120). It looks like a cool itinerary, passing through a number of ports in Indonesia, with stops in Borneo for Orangutans, and Komodo (though not sure what's going on there with the park closure - just one island, or more).
10 Luxury Cruise Lines That Will Make You Want to Ditch Plane ...
Ponant has a fleet of 13 luxury cruise ships with destinations dotting the globe. The award-winning French cruise line is beloved for its tailor-made voyages, in which guests have access to myriad ...
25 BEST Norway Cruises 2024 (Prices
70% off a 2nd Sailor: Available on all voyages including 2025 & 2026 ; Free balcony upgrades on most sailings through 2026; Experience our growing fleet, featuring the debut of Brilliant Lady

The most epic cruise ever? What it's like traveling to the North Pole on a luxury icebreaker

Editor's Note

A rare voyage

The journey north

Experiencing the ice

Arriving at the North Pole

A day at the North Pole

Around the world

Luxury in the Arctic

A final taste of the ice

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The Arctic Cruises

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reasons to discover the Arctic

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Watching whales in Greenland

Following the tracks of the polar bears in Spitsbergen

Admiring the Kirkjufell Volcano in Iceland

Visiting the Aleutian Islands

Traversing the Northwest Passage like a real explorer

Discovering the Sea of Okhotsk

Sailing in Baffin Bay

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The Arctic Cruises

Explore our list of 94 cruises

reasons to discover the Arctic

Must-dos — the Arctic

Explore the Arctic

3 reasons to discover the Arctic

To meet the local communities

To discover grandiose nature

To follow in the footsteps of the great explorers

Watching whales in Greenland

Following the tracks of the polar bears in Spitsbergen

Admiring the Kirkjufell Volcano in Iceland

Visiting the Aleutian Islands

Traversing the Northwest Passage like a real explorer

Discovering the Sea of Okhotsk

Sailing in Baffin Bay

Our cruises The Arctic

Ponant brochures