%3Aformat(webp)%2Fprovider%2F20ae4497-8be7-4bc6-97f9-cee70a7c09db-0436-o220522_greenland_polar_raid-ponant-julien-fabro.jpeg&w=1920&q=75)
Best Price Guarantee
Best Price Guarantee
Length
18 Days
Ship category
Luxury
Ship type
Large Ship
Capacity
245 Passengers
%3Aformat(webp)%2Fprovider%2F20ae4497-8be7-4bc6-97f9-cee70a7c09db-0436-o220522_greenland_polar_raid-ponant-julien-fabro.jpeg&w=1920&q=75)
%3Aformat(webp)%2Fprovider%2Ff9a1a47d-63c7-496b-9ac1-1780bdca823f-n-0208_o220122_larsen-b-studioponant-morgane-monneret.jpeg&w=1920&q=75)
%3Aformat(webp)%2Fprovider%2Fd70e8097-4a3b-4ce2-84ec-1ff10634f72b-n-0568_o020222_baie-de-pleneau-studioponant-morgane-monneret.jpeg&w=1920&q=75)
Le Commandant Charcot is not just an expedition ship, she feels like a floating basecamp in the heart of the polar world. This extraordinary hybrid-electric vessel takes you farther than most ships can go, while still wrapping you in full comfort and elegance. Designed for true exploration, she brings you into the Arctic and Antarctic in a way that feels intimate, quiet, and deeply immersive, all from the warmth of beautifully designed spaces, panoramic lounges, and spacious suites that feel like your own private retreat at the edge of the world. … Read more about Le Commandant Charcot
%3Aformat(webp)%2Fservice%2F107f4507-42d2-468c-9473-33bb051560b1-uper-decks-balcony-stateroom.webp&w=1920&q=75)
%3Aformat(webp)%2Fservice%2Faaa0de81-8a06-4358-abf4-4b5fd5a55a8b-deluxe-suite-2.webp&w=1920&q=75)
%3Aformat(webp)%2Fservice%2Fbc308c69-e64c-4eb2-a4dd-7eafc1067ed5-privilege.webp&w=1920&q=75)
%3Aformat(webp)%2Fservice%2Fdbf07d1a-f98d-49c1-986b-b712e9311b57-presite2.webp&w=1920&q=75)
%3Aformat(webp)%2Fservice%2F133b3705-42dd-420f-9119-85472e320e95-lower-deck-balcony-stateroom.webp&w=1920&q=75)
%3Aformat(webp)%2Fservice%2F3df754da-25fe-47e7-a40c-61f71f1b21af-grand-suite.webp&w=1920&q=75)
%3Aformat(webp)%2Fservice%2F037b5dd6-5e6c-44bd-9949-f80117a469fd-du1.webp&w=1920&q=75)
%3Aformat(webp)%2Fservice%2F5243027e-79c6-4dc0-9c65-32980f3ad875-o1.webp&w=1920&q=75)
Bar
Mudroom
Expedition Parka
Pool
Zodiac Fleet
Observation Lounge
Spa
Doctor on board
Sauna
Library
Internet/Wifi
Restaurant
Life on board Le Commandant Charcot is also about pleasure, sharing, and unforgettable dining moments in the middle of the ice. The culinary experience is truly exceptional, led by French savoir-faire and elevated gastronomy.
The highlight is Le Nuna, the only Alain Ducasse restaurant at sea, offering an outstanding menu specially created by the Michelin-starred chef. Guests can enjoy some of his signature dishes in an intimate, refined setting, surrounded by the polar world outside. Every detail reflects elegance and French art de vivre, from Ligne Roset furniture, to Bernardaud porcelain, and Elne glassware, making each à la carte breakfast, lunch, and dinner feel truly special.
For a more relaxed atmosphere, Sila (The Sky) welcomes guests in a bright 320 m² space designed for comfort and conviviality. Here, breakfast, generous buffet lunches, and themed dinners are served in a warm and easygoing setting — perfect after a day of exploration in the Arctic or Antarctic.
Dining on board is not just about food, but about moments: sharing stories, watching drifting ice through panoramic windows, and enjoying world-class cuisine in one of the most remote places on Earth.
When booking online, you can choose the option to "Upgrade to single occupancy". This will guarantee you the whole cabin to yourself, for an additional fee. If you don't select this option, then another traveler of the same sex might be placed into the same cabin with you. Exceptions may apply.
17 nights aboard Le Commandant Charcot.
Expedition leadership, lectures and guiding.
All meals aboard the ship.
Scheduled Zodiac outings, shore landings, pack-ice activities and other expedition activities, subject to weather, ice and safety conditions.
Transfer and flight from Longyearbyen to Paris as specified by the operator.
Port fees and expedition-related taxes where specified by the operator.
Pre-departure information and use of expedition equipment as provided on board.
International or domestic flights not explicitly listed as included.
Travel insurance, including emergency medical evacuation cover.
Visa, passport and vaccination costs.
Transfers, accommodation and meals not explicitly listed as included.
Personal expenses, laundry, communications and crew gratuities.
Optional paid activities or equipment not stated as included.
This voyage is presented in collaboration with The Explorers Club and may feature Peter Hillary; guest participation is subject to the operator's programme.
Ice, weather and safety govern the route. Landings, wildlife and the North Pole objective are expedition possibilities, not guarantees.
The East Greenland section includes remote, sparsely inhabited landscapes and a possible encounter with local Inuit traditions in the Ittoqqortoormiit region.
The ship arrives in Longyearbyen on the final morning; disembarkation follows after breakfast.
After completing your booking, you will receive an invoice from your travel specialist by email. A deposit of 30% of the trip price is required to secure your booking. Payment can be made through bank transfer or by credit card through a secure payment link.
Full payment is expected 30 days before your trip. Payment can be made in installments.
Long-haul flights and the on-the-ground program generate 5.4 t CO₂e on this trip. Polartours regularly measures and monitors the carbon footprint of its journeys and actively reduces emissions through sustainable travel design: no unnecessary flights, fewer feeder flights, integration of rail and public transport, and promoting longer stays for a more balanced relationship between travel distance and impact.
From 2018 to 2024, we supported carbon reduction projects equivalent to the emissions generated. Recognizing the limits of traditional offsetting, we now focus on active environmental protection through our own rainforest project, Forest Guardians.
More information on our climate and environmental responsibility: https://www.venturatravel.org/impact
All cruises in the polar regions operate to itineraries that are more-or-less fixed. We say "more or less", because wildlife (breeding, seasonality) and weather always play an important role in routing. Most cruises will offer a range of land-based and water-based activities that you will enjoy at various points in your cruise, including:
All boats carry English speaking, scientifically trained guides. They will lead you on your excursions, allowing you to learn as much as possible about the unique wildlife and habitats of the Polar Regions.
Choosing the right ship for a cruise to Antarctica or the Arctic seems difficult, but it doesn't have to be. Our fleet is over 30 vessels, we are sure that there is the perfect one for you. Please, follow these simple steps, and you will be able to find your ideal ship:
In addition: We work with responsible partners who provide a great experience for their passengers. All of our providers are committed to sustainability and to preserving the beauty of the polar regions. You don’t need to worry about the impact of your cruise, because we’ve already taken care of it.
We love to help people find their dream vacation to the Arctic and Antarctic. Whether you give us a call, contact us via email, or use our website inquiry form, one of our Polar travel experts will be more than happy to answer any questions, recommend ships and itineraries, and walk you through the whole process!
Step 1: Find your perfect trip. If you have already started looking for Polar Cruises, you will have quickly noticed that the sheer amount of options can be quite overwhelming. To help you navigate the countless departures and itineraries that our fleet offers, we have put together a great filter page for Antarctic and Arctic Expedition Cruises. Use this page to filter all trips by price, date, ship category, and even destinations you wish to visit. We update all dates, prices, and availabilities daily, and are proud to host what is doubtlessly the world's most complete collection of information.
Step 2: Found something you love? We'll hold your spaces, free of charge! If you find a cruise you like, you can either inquire directly with us or make an unbinding booking online. We will then reach out to the shipowners to put a hold on your spaces for a limited time, free of charge. Once we have confirmed your block with the ship, we will send you a written confirmation of your reservation and include full payment details in an invoice. Typically, we are able to hold unpaid reservations for up to 1 week*. This gives us time to clarify all your remaining questions, and also ensures that no other passengers can book your spaces, while we continue our conversation.
Step 3: Confirm your booking. In order to confirm your booking, we ask for a deposit payment. You can pay via bank transfer or credit card. Keep in mind, that we can only hold your spaces for a limited amount of time. If we don't receive your payment after this time, we can no longer guarantee that the places will be available or that the price won't increase. To prevent disappointment, we will automatically cancel your reservation if we don't receive your deposit by the due date stated on your booking reservation.
Step 4: Booking confirmation & Payment. As soon as we have received your deposit and a completed passenger information form, we will be pleased to send your booking confirmation and updated invoice, along with your trip itinerary, important information, and other great tips for your cruise.
Step 5: Final payment. In your initial invoice, we will define a final payment date by when you need to pay us the remaining amount of your trip. Once we have received your final payment we'll send you your cruise documents and voucher. As your trip approaches, we make sure to pass along all necessary information, so you feel super prepared and stress-free.
*For last-minute bookings, we might not be able to hold your spaces for so long. We will also require the full payment of your cruise upon booking.
An expedition cruise to Antarctica or the Arctic is a big deal! Most people plan for this type of trip at least 8 months in advance. This means the earlier you book, the better chance you'll have to reserve your prefered cabins. Early bird discounts are also popular and a great way to get 10-30% off your cruise.
Most expedition cruises offer optional activities like camping and kayaking, but the spaces are limited. A cruise with 120 passengers can have only 10-15 spaces for kayaking. These are reserved on a first come first served basis. The earlier you book, the higher your chance of grabbing a spot.
Even though last minute deals do occur, keep in mind that the airline prices will be much higher if you purchase them last minute. You may save a few hundred on your cruise, but you may end up paying the most for airfare.
Price
Upon Request
Explore East Greenland's Blosseville Coast and the Ittoqqortoormiit region.
Navigate through pack ice towards the Geographic North Pole.
Experience Greenlandic fjords, ice and Inuit traditions with the expedition team.
Explore northwest Spitsbergen by Zodiac and on foot when conditions allow.
Best Price Guarantee: Find a better price elsewhere, and we’ll match it.
Polar Expedition Specialists: We focus exclusively on polar voyages, with advice rooted in real, firsthand expertise.
Travel that gives back: Every booking directly funds our mission to protect and restore global rainforests.
This 18-day expedition links Reykjavík, the east coast of Greenland, the Geographic North Pole and northwest Spitsbergen aboard Le Commandant Charcot. In collaboration with The Explorers Club, the voyage can also feature the mountaineer Peter Hillary, whose polar and high-altitude experience adds a distinctive voice to the lectures on board.
The route begins with Greenland's remote Blosseville Coast and the Ittoqqortoormiit region, then follows the ice north towards 90 degrees North. After the North Pole, the expedition turns towards northwest Spitsbergen, where glaciers, fjords, seabirds, seals, whales and the possibility of polar bears shape the final days before Longyearbyen.
The programme is deliberately flexible. Ice, weather, wildlife, local access and safety determine the final order of navigation and outings. Zodiac cruises, shore visits, pack-ice experiences, kayaking, hiking or snowshoeing and a polar plunge may all be possible, but none can be guaranteed.
Keep in mind this is an expedition cruise, so your itinerary will depend greatly on the weather, amount of ice and wildlife breeding behavior.
%3Aformat(webp)%2Fprovider%2Fce9992b4-a8cd-40f7-a7cd-bc18f2ec5571-256_-o300422_storo-island_kayak-ponant-daniel-ernst.jpeg&w=1920&q=75)

%3Aformat(webp)%2Fheader_media%2F4523ca0f-4ee2-4143-8cb2-c7d78b559cd7-greenland_uummanaaq_viewvillage.jpg&w=1920&q=75)
The uninhabited Blosseville Coast lies south of Scoresby Sound, a remote landscape of ice, icebergs, pack ice and changing light. Zodiac cruising or a shore visit may be possible, allowing the expedition team to explore a coast few travellers ever reach.
%3Aformat(webp)%2Fprovider%2Fed1a3fac-733a-45d3-b4a2-ca96a6839805-38charcot-tri21-100627-ponant-gilles-trillar-d.jpeg&w=1920&q=75)

%3Aformat(webp)%2Fheader_media%2F4523ca0f-4ee2-4143-8cb2-c7d78b559cd7-greenland_uummanaaq_viewvillage.jpg&w=1920&q=75)
Sail north along one of the world's most isolated coasts, between drifting ice and blue icebergs. The ship's observation decks bring the changing structure of the ice close, while the team searches for safe opportunities to explore farther.
%3Aformat(webp)%2Fprovider%2F58174e9d-7327-4143-916c-e750b99550e5-22-rm_00020_cc150523_le_commandant_charcot_ice_-ponant-photo-ambassador-ian-dawson-copy.jpeg&w=1920&q=75)
The ship approaches the pack ice, where smooth floes, pressure ridges and open leads create a constantly changing route. The Captain and Expedition Leader choose passages according to ice conditions, safety and the need to respect fast ice.
%3Aformat(webp)%2Fprovider%2F2197feb3-b0d9-42c4-89c3-1a82393700a6-6_polar-plunge_cdt-charcot-studioponant-olivier-blaud.jpeg&w=1920&q=75)
Continue towards the Geographic North Pole through a landscape that shifts with wind, currents and pressure. Lectures and observation help explain the sea ice, while any activity on or near the ice remains subject to strict safety and conservation decisions.
%3Aformat(webp)%2Fprovider%2Fce9992b4-a8cd-40f7-a7cd-bc18f2ec5571-256_-o300422_storo-island_kayak-ponant-daniel-ernst.jpeg&w=1920&q=75)
A further day in the pack ice offers time to observe the fine details of the polar environment: open water between floes, compressed ridges, distant wildlife and the changing Arctic light. This is expedition travel at its most elemental.
%3Aformat(webp)%2Fprovider%2F8214c352-b43f-415c-95ba-5f5397f20e37-258_-o300422_storo-island_kayak-ponant-daniel-ernst.jpeg&w=1920&q=75)
%3Aformat(webp)%2F6a8b7d34-cd47-4d91-a86d-6999b79dd180-north-pole4.webp&w=1920&q=75)
%3Aformat(webp)%2F4dbc39d4-a308-4024-bc32-31c57e48f0fa-north-pole2.webp&w=1920&q=75)
The expedition reaches towards 90 degrees North, the Geographic North Pole. Permanently covered in drifting sea ice and far from land, this point has drawn explorers for generations. The time spent here will depend on navigation and conditions, but the setting is extraordinary in any case.
%3Aformat(webp)%2Fprovider%2F2f78c148-5c12-4ad9-9ced-0b3a1650e503-19dec17h17m29s_hanusse-bay-ponant-mlouagie_mkl_0728.jpeg&w=1920&q=75)
Turn south from the North Pole through the pack ice. The return route is shaped by the ice in front of the ship, not by a fixed line on the map. The expedition team continues to interpret the landscape and look for wildlife that depends on the ice edge.
%3Aformat(webp)%2Fprovider%2Fed1a3fac-733a-45d3-b4a2-ca96a6839805-38charcot-tri21-100627-ponant-gilles-trillar-d.jpeg&w=1920&q=75)
Continue across the drifting ice. Seals, seabirds and cetaceans may appear, while the great silence and scale of the ice remain the main attraction. Every observation is a privilege rather than a promise, and the ship keeps a respectful distance from wildlife.
%3Aformat(webp)%2Fprovider%2F58174e9d-7327-4143-916c-e750b99550e5-22-rm_00020_cc150523_le_commandant_charcot_ice_-ponant-photo-ambassador-ian-dawson-copy.jpeg&w=1920&q=75)
The vessel continues towards Svalbard, following the channels that conditions make available. The expedition team may offer lectures, deck observations and activities where safe, but the programme changes with the environment.
%3Aformat(webp)%2Fprovider%2F2197feb3-b0d9-42c4-89c3-1a82393700a6-6_polar-plunge_cdt-charcot-studioponant-olivier-blaud.jpeg&w=1920&q=75)


Northwest Spitsbergen brings a new scale of landscape: jagged mountains, glacier fronts, fjords and islands. If the route allows, Zodiac cruises and shore activities reveal the contrast between Greenland's broad ice landscapes and Svalbard's sharper coastal forms.
%3Aformat(webp)%2Fprovider%2Fce9992b4-a8cd-40f7-a7cd-bc18f2ec5571-256_-o300422_storo-island_kayak-ponant-daniel-ernst.jpeg&w=1920&q=75)


Explore the fjords of northwest Spitsbergen by Zodiac or on foot when conditions permit. The expedition team may look for seals, walrus, seabirds, whales, Arctic foxes, reindeer and polar bears, with every encounter dependent on wildlife behaviour and safe access.
%3Aformat(webp)%2Fprovider%2F8214c352-b43f-415c-95ba-5f5397f20e37-258_-o300422_storo-island_kayak-ponant-daniel-ernst.jpeg&w=1920&q=75)


Continue exploring the north-western Svalbard landscape. Ice, light and wildlife determine the day's best opportunity, whether that means a landing, a Zodiac cruise along a glacier front or time watching the coast from the ship.
%3Aformat(webp)%2Fprovider%2F2f78c148-5c12-4ad9-9ced-0b3a1650e503-19dec17h17m29s_hanusse-bay-ponant-mlouagie_mkl_0728.jpeg&w=1920&q=75)

%3Aformat(webp)%2Fday_detail%2Fa43e6bcc-6858-498d-9e75-7be32b01c9a3-e4a9dc13-ea43-4ae9-81fd-3602725ac567_1_105_c.jpeg&w=1920&q=75)
The ship reaches Longyearbyen, Svalbard's northernmost town and the gateway to the archipelago. After the remote ice and Greenland coast, the settlement offers a practical final evening before disembarkation.