Small Ship
Ushuaia - Ushuaia
Dec 10 - Dec 20 2024
10 Nights
Price from per person
£8,407
Starting from per person
Select cruise date
This classic North Pole cruise sails from Spitsbergen's breathtaking landscapes and untamed wilderness through the icy realms of the Arctic Ocean in a quest to reach the most northerly point on Earth. Follow in the footsteps of intrepid explorers such as Amundsen, Nobile Cook and Perry and explore this enigmatic polar world only witnessed by a privileged few.
Embark on the world's only luxury icebreaker, Le Commandant Charcot, with a best-in-class expedition team and explore this epic and breathtaking polar wilderness for yourself. Enjoy time on deck navigating through ever-shifting ice floes with excellent chances to see wildlife, including polar bears.
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.
As the largest island in the Svalbard archipelago, Spitsbergen earned its name, which translates to "pointed mountains" in German. Positioned as the final frontier before the Arctic ice floe, this icy land promises a breathtaking journey. Aboard your vessel, you'll navigate the extraordinarily dramatic coastline of Spitsbergen. Amidst millennium-old glaciers and rugged peaks, a serrated shoreline carved by majestic fjords unfolds before you. This distinctive setting serves as a sanctuary for a remarkably diverse birdlife, presenting you with the opportunity to capture stunning photographs from the deck of your ship. Embark on exploring Spitsbergen, where the meeting of pointed mountains and frigid waters creates a tableau of unparalleled natural wonders.
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.
As we sail south, illuminated by the midnight sun, the spiky mountain tops of Spitsbergen, from which its name originates, will appear again on the horizon. Svalbard has over 2000 captivating glaciers, and its mineral-rich waters attract a variety of whale species, including humpbacks and belugas. These final days are perfect for relaxing and enjoying a sauna with spectacular views.
We return to Longyearbyen in the early morning hours and bathe in its perpetual daylight. After disembarkation, a transfer will take you to the airport for your return flight. After take-off, you will be greeted with a final epic view of the mountains as you fly over this Arctic paradise - a perfect farewell to a once-in-a-lifetime experience.
Arrival early morning
Disembarkation at 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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If you have any questions, please don’t hesitate to ask our Travel Experience Team.
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