The Northwest Passage Icebreaker Cruise

Nestled on the edge of an expansive bay in the western part of the country, Iceland's capital unfolds its charms. The "Pearl of Reykjavík," Perlan, stands as a museum situated atop 'Oskjuhlið hill, providing a sweeping vista of the verdant landscapes below. Not far away, a signpost guides you to the iconic Hallgrímskirkja church and the historic centre, inviting leisurely strolls along the vibrant Skólavördustígur and Laugavegur streets, adorned with charming boutiques. For a tranquil retreat just beyond the city, visitors can explore the Reykjanes peninsula and indulge in the renowned thermal lagoons of the Blue Lagoon.

Embarkation from 16:00 to 17:00

Departure at 18:00

Spanning the waters between Greenland and Iceland, the Denmark Strait became a historic passage first navigated by the Vikings in the late 10th century during the expeditions of Erik the Red. In the Second World War annals, the strait witnessed a significant naval battle between the Kriegsmarine and the Royal Navy on May 24, 1941. During winter, the coasts of Greenland are enveloped in extremely dense pack ice, while the Transpolar Drift carries icebergs along the strait throughout the year. However, in the summer, the strait generally remains free of ice.

Beneath the surface of the strait lies the world's largest waterfall, an undersea cataract formed by the temperature contrast between the cold waters of the Greenland Sea and the warmer waters of the Irminger Sea. This region hosts a diverse and thriving ecosystem, providing a habitat for numerous cetacean species.

Your ship gracefully approaches the coast of Greenland, surrounded by a backdrop adorned with sharp peaks and grand glaciers. Prepare to embark on a journey through the enchanting Prins Christian Sund, a narrow channel that meanders over approximately one hundred kilometres between the southeast and southwest of Greenland. Succumb to the allure of the raw beauty present in these distinctive landscapes, featuring rocky cliffs and waterfalls nourished by the expansive ice sheet cascading into the frigid waters below. This is a realm where bearded seals find solace, reclining on floating ice to bask in the warmth of the sunshine.

Aappilattoq (Augpilatok) is a quaint Inuit village with a population of around one hundred residents, and its name translates to "sea anemone" in Greenlandic. Nestled in a mountainous area inaccessible by road, this charming village boasts picturesque and vibrant houses that extend to the southern tip of Greenland along the banks of the breathtaking Prince Christian Sound. The sound, stretching approximately one hundred kilometres, links the Labrador Sea to the Irminger Sea, meandering through mesmerising landscapes adorned with majestic glaciers, craggy peaks, and rocky cliffs featuring waterfalls nourished by the expansive ice sheet.

Uninhabited in the 19th century, this region came to life in the 1920s with the creation of the village, which has since become a hub for activities centred around hunting, fishing, and livestock farming. Aappilattoq stands as a testament to the harmonious coexistence of its residents with the stunning natural surroundings.

Upon his arrival on the coast of Nuuk, Erik Le Rouge, the exiled Norse chief, discovered a bountiful and hospitable land adorned with fjords. Choosing to settle with a group of his compatriots, the Norse became the primary inhabitants, maintaining their presence for 500 years until a gradual decline paved the way for the Inuit community. Nuuk graces the mouth of one of the world's largest fjord networks, where the waters remain unfrozen. The town gracefully extends toward the Davis Strait and boasts a historic centre brimming with national heritage.

In winter, when the sombre waters of Greenland prevail, the vivid reds, blues, greens, and yellows of the houses emerge as a lively contrast, uplifting the locals' spirits. Nuuk stands as a testament to the cultural richness and historical significance embedded in the heart of Greenland.

Embark on extraordinary moments aboard Le Commandant Charcot, the pioneering luxury polar exploration vessel and the inaugural PC2-class polar cruise ship with the ability to navigate deep into the heart of ice-covered seas and oceans—regions typically off-limits to conventional ships due to frozen conditions. Le Commandant Charcot is equipped with cutting-edge oceanographic and scientific instruments meticulously chosen by experts.

Seize the opportunity to engage in on-board lectures and discussions with these specialists, gaining deeper insights into the polar regions. Join in advancing scientific research and collectively unveil the mysteries these captivating destinations have yet to disclose. Let the journey on Le Commandant Charcot be a unique blend of luxury and exploration, offering a glimpse into the uncharted realms of the polar wonders.

Explore Disko Bay, located east of Baffin Bay, adorned with numerous icebergs sculpted by the Ilulissat Icefjord, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Witness the majestic ballet of these colossal ice giants from the deck of your ship as they gracefully drift across the dark waters.

Recognized as a natural marvel of Greenland, Disko Bay is also celebrated as a prime vantage point for observing the region's abundant humpback whales. Encounters with untamed wildlife and captivating landscapes within this spectacular and delicate environment promise to be moments of pure wonder for you.

As we depart the magnificent coast of West Greenland, spend time indulging in Le Commandement Charcot's outstanding facilities. Enjoy the view of the ice from the heated outdoor lagoon, and spend time in the indoor pool, relaxation areas or sauna.

During your time at sea, our team of naturalists and scientists will undertake presentations in the ship's theatre and share their knowledge with you, ready for our next destination, Arctic Canada.

Nestled on Baffin Island, situated in northern Canada at the entrance of the renowned Northwest Passage, lies a small Inuit settlement at the farthest reaches of infinity. To reach this destination, one must traverse the Arctic Circle—a symbolic boundary that separates humanity from the lands of mystery and marvel.

It's not merely the way of life that distinguishes the residents of Pond Inlet but rather the awe-inspiring backdrop surrounding them. Snow-capped mountains, fjords, and glaciers converge in a breathtaking natural panorama that transcends space and stretches time. Some discoveries have the power to alter you indefinitely, and this is undeniably one of them.

Situated between Devon Island and Baffin Island in the Canadian territory of Nunavut, Lancaster Sound is a pivotal component of the Northwest Passage—an essential shipping route traversing the Canadian Arctic Archipelago along the northern coast of North America. Coveted for nearly three centuries, it has witnessed various expeditions, including the ill-fated one led by John Franklin, who was last seen near Lancaster Sound in August 1845. Numerous colonies of cetaceans, polar bears, and seabirds have established their homes in or around these nourishing waters at the convergence of vital currents.

Located within Inuit territory, Lancaster Sound is the focal point of initiatives to establish a marine conservation area to safeguard this vibrant ecosystem and its inhabitants from the impacts of human activities.

Devon Island in Baffin Bay is integral to the Canadian Arctic Archipelago. Anchored within the Arctic Cordillera, its rocky terrain, reminiscent of Mars, holds significant fascination for scientists. In 1616, Robert Bylot and William Baffin became the first Europeans to spot Devon Island. Still, it wasn't until two centuries later that British sailor William E. Parry mapped it, naming it after the eponymous English region.

In the early 1920s, the Hudson's Bay Company established a fur-trading outpost on the island, which saw the departure of the Inuits in 1936. A renewed effort to inhabit the island was made in the early 1950s. Today, only a few dilapidated buildings, remnants of that era, stand as witnesses to its history.

Beechey Island, situated at the eastern terminus of Resolute Bay, evokes poignant memories from Franklin's expedition. In 1845, Sir John embarked on a quest for the mythical Northwest Passage and found refuge in Erebus Harbour for two years, patiently awaiting the recession of ice floes to forge a path forward.

The site is nothing short of spectacular; the three weathered wooden grave markers, sun-bleached and signifying the resting places of at least three of Captain Franklin's men, alongside the memorial honouring Franklin and his crew, create an atmosphere of profound reverence. While the surrounding wilderness leaves a lasting impression, the ochre and yellows of the rocky desert tenderly soften the landscape.

Located at the northernmost point of the American continent, within the Arctic archipelago, the Northwest Passage is the shortest water route linking the Atlantic and Pacific Oceans. Coveted since the 15th century, Roald Amundsen achieved the historic crossing in 1906. This passage, often obstructed by thick ice floes for most of the year, has only been successfully navigated by a fortunate few. The journey through this sparsely mapped and little-explored region presents a challenge ideally suited for Le Commandant Charcot, meticulously designed for navigation in extreme environments.

Within the refined and protective confines of Le Commandant Charcot, you will fully embrace the exploration of the ice with the unparalleled allure of a first-time experience. Like the early explorers, you will navigate through channels sculpted by glacial erosion, unveiling spectacular landscapes characterised by rugged terrain and monumental fjords. The rare privilege of undertaking such an exploration will become evident as you immerse yourself in the remarkable scarcity of this experience.

Nestled in the northern expanse of the Canadian archipelago in the Northwest Territories, Banks Island, also referred to as Banks Land, presents landscapes that seamlessly blend sumptuousness with spectacle. Encompassing an area of approximately 70,000 km², the island unfolds a panorama of hills, valleys, towering cliffs, and canyons sculpted by glacial erosion.

The northern reaches of the island host a remarkably diverse wildlife population, featuring Arctic wolves, muskoxen, caribou, Arctic foxes, lemmings, and an array of bird species.

Lining the northern coasts of Alaska and Canada, the Beaufort Sea, long dreaded for its harsh climatic conditions, remained in mystery for centuries. Enshrouded in a thick layer of ice for most of the year, this segment of the Arctic Ocean, christened in tribute to the British Admiral Francis Beaufort, remained unexplored until 1914. Now, the Beaufort Sea beckons to unveil its magnificent icy landscapes. With a stroke of luck, you might chance upon the majestic presence of polar bears, as the region is renowned for harbouring the Lords of the Arctic.

Bounded by the entrance to the Northwest Passage and the Amundsen Gulf to the east and Canada's Yukon and Northwest Territories to the west, the Beaufort Sea constitutes a part of the nearly inaccessible Arctic Ocean. Owing to its extreme weather conditions, it remained unexplored until 1914, when Canadian explorer Vilhjalmur Stefansson undertook the challenge.

Nevertheless, it bears the name of Francis Beaufort, a distinguished British admiral and hydrographer. Navigating these remote waters, adorned with a mosaic of ice resulting from the breakup of sea ice, you will be surrounded by this breathtaking scenery, where sightings of belugas and bowhead whales forming colonies in the region may grace your journey.

Embark on a journey across the Bering Strait, a maritime channel spanning 90 kilometres (56 miles) between eastern Siberia and Alaska, bearing the name of Danish explorer Vitus Bering. Once traversed on foot during the last glaciations, this strait served as a pathway from Asia to North America.

The Russians' transfer of Alaska to the United States in 1867 elevated the strait to a crucial geostrategic site, earning the moniker "Ice Curtain" during the Cold War. Defined in 1990, the border between the two countries lies in the middle of the strait, between the two Diomede Islands—one Russian and the other American. Your crossing promises favourable conditions, fostering poignant encounters with wildlife drawn to the nourishing waters of this significant passage.

Positioned along the Bering Strait, at the westernmost point of Alaska, Nome presents the quaint allure of a former gold-mining town nestled in the heart of breathtaking wilderness. Wandering through the vibrantly coloured houses, you'll unearth the enduring legacy of the pioneering spirit that continues to shape local traditions. Life in Nome revolves around manual labour, encompassing fishing, reindeer rearing, and sledge racing. The expansive plains that envelop the town offer remarkable vantage points for observing the diverse Arctic fauna that inhabits the region.

Disembarkation at 08:00