Overview
As summer begins, the snow and the ice still envelop the landscapes of read more these northern lands. On your way, you will discover the Ittoqqortoormiit region with its extreme climate. This territory shelters the northernmost community of Greenland, among which are the pole's last hunters. You will then set sail towards the Northeast Greenland National Park, a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve and a dreamlike world where magically coloured alpine landscapes mingle with immense glaciers and icebergs of astonishing forms revealing their immerged and blue-tinged volumes beneath the surface of the dark waters.
In the beginning of summer, the solid and powerful sea ice remains in charge of the visitors who venture out to it. It is the perfect time to observe the exceptional Arctic wildlife that it shelters. The polar bear is king here. You will perhaps admire, roaming this white desert, a solitary male in search of the ideal hunting or fishing spot, or a mother teaching her cub the secrets of survival.
Before sailing to Murmansk, Le Commandant Charcot will attempt to reach, with humility, the north of the national park and the remote shores of Île-de-France, discovered in 1905 by the Duke of Orléans and characterised by the thick ice pack that covers it, coming from the North Pole, a result of the Transpolar Drift. A voyage in search of meaning, at the boundaries of the known world. 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 coastal 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.
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.
Ittoqqortoormiit is one of the remotest inhabited places in the world. It is bordered to the south by the vast Greenland National Park, which, at 18,000km, is the largest national park in the world. To the northwest is the world’s deepest multi-branched fjord system, Scoresby Sound.
Covered with ice and snow for nine months of the year, you will be able to discover the ancestral way of life of the last hunters of the polar region. As soon as the thickness of the ice floe allows, they set out on the trail of walruses, seals, narwhals, musk ox and polar bears, travelling by traditional dog sleds.
Covering an area of around one million square kilometres, almost half the island, the North-East Greenland National Park, the largest national park in the world, is a particularly isolated region. Cut off for many months of the year by the ice floe, it is renowned for its pristine nature and rich wildlife.
The craggy coastline, formed by gigantic fjords, is 18,000 km in total and includes both the highest parts of the Northern Hemisphere’s largest ice cap and the world’s northernmost area of land.
During your journey at sea, make the most of the many services and activities on board. Treat yourself to a moment of relaxation in the spa or stay in shape in the fitness centre. Depending on the season, let yourself be tempted by the swimming pool or a spot of sunbathing.
This journey without a port of call will also be an opportunity to enjoy the conferences or shows proposed on board, depending on the activities offered, or to do some shopping in the boutique or to meet the Ponant photographers in their dedicated space. As for lovers of the open sea, they will be able to visit the ship’s upper deck to admire the spectacle of the waves and perhaps be lucky enough to observe marine species. A truly enchanted interlude, combining comfort, rest and entertainment.
Located along the coastline of Kola Bay, Murmansk is the largest city north of the Arctic Circle. Known as 'The City of Heroes,' due to its outstanding heroism during WWII, the city offers several interesting museums and a beautiful surrounding landscape of hills overlooking the Murmansk Fjord. Ships will dock at the cruise terminal.
Top Things to Do in Murmansk:
- visit Alyosha, the WWII monument
- admire the gold-domed Orthodox Church
- tour the NS Lenin, a nuclear icebreaker
- visit the Oceanarium
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
Prices & Dates
There are currently no departures available on this cruise. Either it's the end of the season and new departures will be released shortly, or this itinerary has been changed and is not operating this season. Feel free to contact us for information about when next seasons dates will be released or click here to view general release dates for all destinations.
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.
