Overview
With the presence of Mike Louagie, photo ambassador.
After the long winter, a thick coat of ice preserves the shores of the East coast of Greenland . These shores have long been coveted by the great explorers and them approaching means being in tune with powerful yet fragile nature; only the present matters here.
Aboard Le Commandant Charcot , designed for polar exploration, you will explore the hypnotic and icy landscapes of the Ammassalik and Blosseville regions . You will respectfully access these exceptional lands, which are inaccessible to traditional ships during the spring. The uncertainty here offers surprises and immaqa (perhaps, in Inuktitut) moments frozen in time. As is taught by Inuit wisdom, life thrives on the present moment.
The colorful traditional houses make the isolated villages stand out in the surrounding whiteness. The Inuit (men , in Inuktitut) follow the rhythm of the changing seasons and the ice, as they perpetuate their traditions, such as hunting on dog sleds. An outing alongside the last hunters of the polar region will have you intoxicated by various sensations aboard this ancient means of transport. Among the first outside visitors of the season, you will be warmly welcomed by the community. During privileged exchanges mixed with joyful and authentic moments, you will learn about the village customs on the ice floe. Inuit hospitality is no myth, it is given in the warmth of a look or an exchanged smile.
As the midnight sun illuminates the white desert and the calving glaciers, you will walk through different states and forms of ice, a constantly evolving spectacle. Aboard Le Commandant Charcot or on the ice floe, you will have opportunities for exploration among the fields of ice and the scenery of the hummocks that are as sublime as they are chaotic. You will enjoy an outing by kayak or zodiac in a polynya (area of open water surrounded by ice), or a polar hike to approach the icebergs caught in the ice floe. From the enveloping refuge of the ship, you will be able to admire a flock of eiders flying above the horizon, a majestic blue whale hugging the waves, or the great nanuk – the polar bear – and its impressive silhouette.
On the East coast of Greenland, all notions of time and distance are forgotten. The only thing that counts is the intensity of the moment spent in the heart of the ice. “Delight in what comes up”, as Sylvain Tesson wrote in The Velvet Queen.
Cruise Itinerary
Reykjavik, the vibrant capital of Iceland, offers a blend of natural beauty and cultural richness. Begin your day exploring the striking Hallgrímskirkja church, with its panoramic city views from the tower. Wander through the colorful streets of the Old Harbor, where you can find quirky shops, cozy cafes, and stunning views of Mount Esja.
Don't miss the Harpa Concert Hall, an architectural marvel on the waterfront, or a visit to the National Museum for a deep dive into Icelandic history. Recharge at one of Reykjavik's many geothermal pools, like the Blue Lagoon, just a short drive from the city. Wrap up your visit with a stroll along the scenic Sun Voyager sculpture, capturing the spirit of adventure and discovery.
Spend exceptional moments sailing aboard Le Commandant Charcot, the world’s first luxury polar exploration vessel and the first PC2-class polar cruise ship capable of sailing into the very heart of the ice, on seas and oceans which the frozen conditions render inaccessible to ordinary ships. Le Commandant Charcot is fitted with oceanographic and scientific equipment selected by a committee of experts.
Take advantage of the on-board lectures and opportunities for discussion with these specialists to learn more about the poles. Participate in furthering scientific research with PONANT and let us discover together what these fascinating destinations have yet to reveal to us.
Still almost unknown just a century ago, the east coast of Greenland remains the most authentic and majestic region. Here, the alpine mountains merge intimately with the sea, while the fjords are adorned with high snow-capped peaks and drifting icebergs.
Ammassalik is a small island of primitive and wild beauty where the Inuit people chose to live.
Tasiilaq, with its colourful houses, is the only settlement on the island and it offers wonderful hiking opportunities with beautiful views. Ships will anchor offshore and tender guests to the town.
Follow in the footsteps of Jules Poret de Blosseville, a French explorer and sailor. In 1833 he set off to discover this isolated and unexplored part of eastern Greenland and gave French names to various sites on the coast. The adventure had an unfortunate outcome, as the crew were never found.
This uninhabited territory, which now bears his name, lies to the south of Scoresby Sund. Surrounded by ice, icebergs and pieces of pack ice, Blosseville Coast is one of these wild and hard-to-reach places that very few people are lucky enough to explore.
Reykjavik, the vibrant capital of Iceland, offers a blend of natural beauty and cultural richness. Begin your day exploring the striking Hallgrímskirkja church, with its panoramic city views from the tower. Wander through the colorful streets of the Old Harbor, where you can find quirky shops, cozy cafes, and stunning views of Mount Esja.
Don't miss the Harpa Concert Hall, an architectural marvel on the waterfront, or a visit to the National Museum for a deep dive into Icelandic history. Recharge at one of Reykjavik's many geothermal pools, like the Blue Lagoon, just a short drive from the city. Wrap up your visit with a stroll along the scenic Sun Voyager sculpture, capturing the spirit of adventure and discovery.
Reykjavik, the vibrant capital of Iceland, offers a blend of natural beauty and cultural richness. Begin your day exploring the striking Hallgrímskirkja church, with its panoramic city views from the tower. Wander through the colorful streets of the Old Harbor, where you can find quirky shops, cozy cafes, and stunning views of Mount Esja.
Don't miss the Harpa Concert Hall, an architectural marvel on the waterfront, or a visit to the National Museum for a deep dive into Icelandic history. Recharge at one of Reykjavik's many geothermal pools, like the Blue Lagoon, just a short drive from the city. Wrap up your visit with a stroll along the scenic Sun Voyager sculpture, capturing the spirit of adventure and discovery.
Life Onboard Le Commandant-Charcot
Le Commandant Charcot offers guests small ship luxury expeditions with unique hybrid powered clean technology. Read more
Choose your home away from home from 135 elegantly appointed outward facing staterooms and suites. Read more
From the indoor heated pool to the Snow Room and Fitness Centre, relax and rejuvenate as you cruise. Read more
Combining space for events and cosy corners you will enjoy the social ambience in the luxury lounge. Read more
Built for the environment, you will leave no trace when you break the ice on a polar expedition. Read more
The French crew will welcome you aboard and ensure your comfort and wellbeing is paramount throughout your voyage. Read more
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Ponant Winter Inspiring Voyages (2025-26)
USD Tour & cruises prices are per person. Prices shown have savings applied, are subject to availability and may be withdrawn at any time without notice. Pricing and trip details are correct at this point in time, however are subject to confirmation at the time of booking and are subject to change by Ponant. For cruise itineraries, cabin images are sourced from the cruise-line and should be treated as indicative only. Cabin inclusions, upholsteries and room layout may differ to the image(s) shown depending on the ship selected and your sailing dates.
