Sail on the world’s only luxury icebreaker Le Commandant Charcot and embark on an extraordinary voyage to the northernmost reaches of the globe witnessed by very few. Chart a course towards the elusive Geographic North Pole, navigating through ever-shifting ice floes with great chances to sight wildlife including polar bears.
After reaching the North Pole This expedition will sail south through the icy expanse of the Transpolar Drift, tracing the stunning contours of Greenland. Discover the hidden treasures of the Ittoqqortoormiit region, one of Greenland’s most remote settlements, amidst majestic fjords and immersive interactions with the Inuit culture.
Join us on an incredible journey as we set sail from Longyearbyen, the capital of the Svalbard archipelago, located on Svalbard's main island. We'll depart at 18:00, starting our adventure into the Arctic wilderness. Longyearbyen, the northernmost territorial capital on the planet, welcomes us with its captivating landscapes. The town, often blanketed in winter temperatures below -40 °C, is surrounded by breathtaking glaciers, vast mountain ranges, and pristine natural beauty that makes you feel like you're exploring an undiscovered world.
Today, we continue our voyage along Spitsbergen, the largest island in the Svalbard archipelago, where the name translates to "pointed mountains" in German. This rugged land, the last terrain before the Arctic ice floes, offers spectacular scenery. As we sail along its striking coastline, you'll witness millennial glaciers, imposing mountains, and winding fjords. Keep your camera ready to capture the rich birdlife and the beauty of this untouched wilderness from the comfort of your ship.
For the next five days, we will experience the unique sensation of sailing through the heart of the ice floe. The vast, pristine ice unfolds before us, its landscapes ever-changing. From smooth, flat expanses to chaotic ice formations and open water channels, we'll navigate through these natural pathways and the thinnest layers of frozen sea. Along the way, look for the extraordinary Arctic fauna that thrives in this environment, utterly dependent on the ice floe.
Today, we reach the Geographic North Pole, defined by its 90° North latitude. This mythical site, positioned on the Earth's rotational axis, lies isolated and permanently covered in ice. Only a select few explorers have ever set foot here, and now it's your turn to witness this remote wonder aboard Le Commandant Charcot.
Once again, we venture into the heart of the ice floe, immersing ourselves in the vast, unspoiled ice. The ever-changing landscapes offer a spectacle ranging from serene, flat expanses to intricate mazes of ice and open water channels. Watch for the unique Arctic wildlife that calls this ice floe home.
Enjoy a day at sea aboard the world's first luxury polar exploration vessel. Fitted with advanced oceanographic and scientific equipment, the ship offers opportunities to learn about polar regions through onboard lectures and discussions with experts. Participate in scientific research and uncover the hidden mysteries of these captivating destinations.
We explore the northeast of Greenland, home to one of the oldest and thickest ice layers on Earth. Our ship takes us into the heart of this ancient, icy wilderness, offering views of the world's most isolated coastlines, where drifting ice and blue icebergs create a surreal landscape.
Today, we visit Scoresby Sound, the largest and deepest fjord system in the world. This wild and remote region boasts awe-inspiring vistas of snow-capped peaks and crystal-clear waters, where icebergs float majestically. Rode Fjord, with its cliffs colored by iron ore, adds to the region's mystique, following in the wake of legendary explorers like Captain Charcot.
Immerse yourself in the heart of the Ittoqqortoormiit region on the east coast of Greenland. This isolated and rugged landscape features high alpine mountains and the world's longest fjord system, Scoresby Sound. Explore the eponymous village, considered one of the most remote inhabited places globally, with its colorful houses standing out against the arid backdrop. This journey offers a deep dive into the lives of the Arctic's inhabitants.
Enjoy another day at sea aboard Le Commandant Charcot, a vessel dedicated to luxury polar exploration. Engage with oceanographic and scientific experts through lectures and discussions, contributing to ongoing scientific research in these fascinating regions.
As we sail through the Denmark Strait, located between Greenland and Iceland, we follow in the footsteps of Vikings and explore this historically rich waterway. In addition to its intriguing history, this area is known for the world's largest underwater waterfall, formed by the temperature difference between the Greenland Sea and the Irminger Sea. Keep an eye out for diverse cetacean species that thrive in this ecosystem.
Our journey concludes in ReykjavÃk, Iceland's capital. With its breathtaking bay views, iconic Perlan museum, and the distinctive HallgrÃmskirkja church, ReykjavÃk offers a blend of natural beauty and charm. Take a stroll along lively streets like SkólavördustÃgur and Laugavegur, or relax in the famous thermal lagoons of the Blue Lagoon on the Reykjanes peninsula. It's the perfect end to an unforgettable expedition.
Arrival: early morning
Disembarkation: 08:00
Discover the art of embracing the natural elements, where you'll seize every opportunity provided by the ever-changing weather and ice conditions to navigate the crystal-clear polar waters. Under the expert guidance of licensed professionals, you'll embark on a kayaking adventure, a craft cherished by the Inuit people for over four millennia. Initially designed for hunting and fishing, the kayak now becomes your gateway to immersing yourself in the unspoiled wonders of polar regions, whether it's the White Continent or the enchanting Far North.*
*Optional activity with limited available spots. Please enquire with our Travel Experience Team at the time of booking.
Amid our shore landings, you'll have the chance to join our seasoned naturalist guides for hiking expeditions of varying difficulty levels based on the ecological resilience of the unique biome. These excursions may range from leisurely coastal strolls to extended treks lasting several hours, taking you to breathtaking viewpoints and historic sites. You'll seize the moment, adapting your journey to the prevailing weather and ice conditions. And when our itineraries permit, donning snowshoes* will transport you into the footsteps of early explorers, unlocking the uncharted corners that have remained largely untouched by mankind.
*Optional activity with limited available spots. Please enquire with our Travel Experience Team at the time of booking.
Exploring by Zodiac is an integral part of any expedition cruise. Led by a team of outstanding guides and naturalists, Zodiacs are a fantastic and intimate way to experience the pristine polar environment up close. When the conditions permit, the Zodiacs are launched, and you can enjoy a cruise or shore landing, experience close encounters with wildlife, and get up close to the magnificent ice formations. It's a perfect way to absorb the pristine nature fully.
Zodiac cruises are included as part of the experience on all expedition cruises, and no booking is required.
Prepare to be captivated by the unparalleled experience of plunging into frigid waters. Weather and ice conditions permitting, you'll have unique opportunities to partake in a polar plunge while clad only in your swimwear, right in the heart of the icy realm. The intense rush of emotions and the invigorating warmth that follows will leave you with unforgettable memories, reenergizing you for the journey ahead.*
*Please keep in mind that there are limited spots available for this daring adventure.
Introducing the majestic Le Commandant Charcot, the world's first luxury icebreaker. Imagine exploring the seldom visited furthest reaches of the polar regions in comfort levels never seen before on an icebreaker. Her unique icebreaking PC2 Polar Class 2 Hull allows it to explore captivating destinations locked in by sea ice from the North Pole to the frozen seas of East Greenland and Antarctica, which are off-limits to standard expedition ships. The onboard experience is second to none, with fine dining, an outdoor heated lagoon and sumptuous ensuite cabins with verandas. With a team of onboard expedition experts, Le Commandant Charcot is perfect for adventurers and connoisseurs looking to explore the unexplored in safety and style.
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