Polar Expedition 
Prestige Stateroom Deck 6
25% Ponant Bonus
20 m2
2
- New
The icy archipelagos of the High Arctic
Murmansk - Tromso
Dates:
22/06/2023
to
10/07/2023
days
nights on board
FLIGHT PARIS/MURMANSK + TRANSFERS + FLIGHT TROMSO/PARIS
Through this exceptional odyssey to the ice-covered archipelagos of the Russian High Arctic,you will come to a profound understanding of the meaning of the word exploration .
Novaya Zemlya, Severnaya Zemlya and Franz Josef Land, unknown territories and extraordinary treasures of the Barents and Kara Seas: where the inaccessible becomes a possibility, these spaces represent an infinite reserve of emotions and sensations in the light of our imaginations.
Aboard Le Commandant Charcot, a reassuring cocoon, the interior spaces open onto the beauty of the exterior landscapes. This ship, designed specifically to explore the polar regions, provides you with the rare opportunity to explore biodiversity sanctuaries and discover emblematic sites in polar history at a time of year when traditional cruise ships are unable to access them.
From Murmansk, the largest Arctic port, you will reach Novaya Zemlya, located in the shallow waters of the Barents Sea, where many cetaceans live. The arc-shaped archipelago, an extension of the Ural Mountains, is a shelter for Arctic wildlife. Moments of rare and intense emotions are made possible, at this time of the year, by the silent capacities of your ship.
A little further east, you will experience instants of pure wonder in the immense polar desert of Severnaya Zemlya, one of the last archipelagos discovered by man and Russia’s largest natural reserve. The huge expanses of stone broken up by the frost and sculpted by the wind, make way for infinite panoramas of ice with spectacular reliefs. The polar bear is king here. You might witness, 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.
Franz Josef Land is volcanic in origin and will surprise you with its landscapes shaped by glacial erosion. This natural sanctuary covered in ice shelters rich biodiversity and is part of the Russian Arctic National Park. You will explore this unspoiled territory following in the traces of the early-20th-century American and Russian polar expeditions.
This is a journey of initiation during which you will also understand exploring as becoming aware of the ultimate privilege of arriving at the boundaries of the world as well as of the necessity of preserving them.
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.
Ref : MT2045 - CC220623
Your itinerary
Be among the first, in this season, to explore the remote archipelagos of the Russian High Arctic, inaccessible to traditional cruise ships. Outings and shore visits in a zodiac inflatable or hovercraft* with...
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Your trip in detail
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Complete your trip
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Included in your cruise
For more peace of mind, PONANT organizes your trip before or after the cruise. This package is included in the price of your cruise.
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LE JACQUES-CARTIER
- New
LE COMMANDANT CHARCOT
L'AUSTRAL
04/11/2022 to the 20/11/2022
- New
LE LAPEROUSE
09/11/2022 to the 23/11/2022
LE LYRIAL
*Price is per person, based on double occupancy, based on availability, and subject to change at any time. The category of stateroom to which this price applies may no longer be available.
Services provided
- Glazed private balcony for all our staterooms and suites
- Terrace for the Duplex suites and the Owner's suite
- 24hr room service
- Inclusive Internet access Wi-Fi (availability dependent on navigation and latitude)
- Individually-controlled air conditioning
- Dressing room with shelves and closet
- Dressing table and hairdryer
- Dyptique Paris top-of-the-line bath products
- Minibar included
- Nespresso coffee maker and boiler
- Electronic safe
- Direct line telephone
- Bose Bluetooth speaker
- Flat screen TV, international channels (availability dependent on navigation) and videos on demand
- 110V American (two flat pins)/220V European (round sockets with two round pins)
- 3 ADA staterooms
Select your stateroom category
Expedition programmes include activities such as Zodiac® outings and landings (sometimes with "wet landing"), moderate walks to more active hikes, all accompanied by your expedition team of naturalist guides.
Ports of call, visited sites, outings and landings will depend on weather conditions, position of ice, winds and the state of the sea. These can force a change of plans at any time. The Captain and the Expedition Leader may at any time cancel or stop any activity, or even modify the itinerary. The final itinerary will be confirmed by the Captain, who will take into account the touristic quality of the sites and above all, the safety of the passengers. His decision will be based on advice from experts and authorities.
Travelling to polar/isolated regions is an exhilarating experience in remote areas: please remember that you are far from modern hospitals with full medical facilities, thus evacuation is extremely expensive. Without adequate medical coverage, all expenses will have to be immediately paid with your personal funds. We urge you to subscribe to full coverage insurance, choose your insurance company very carefully, be extremely vigilant and ensure your insurance is fully comprehensive, especially if you are insured by your credit card. PONANT offers an insurance contract with extensive guarantees, please contact us for more information.
Clothing tips:
- A PONANT polar water-resistant parka is offered on board for all departures with an Expedition programme (no children sizes, in case of consecutive cruises, only one complimentary parka).
- Half calf rubber boots with non-slip soles, which will allow you to go ashore in 20 cm of cold water, keeping your feet dry for walks and visits on steep paths. Boot rental will be offered onboard (for adults only) on Expedition cruises.
- Comfortable trousers: classic Winter trousers, warm cotton tracksuit, wool leggings
- Waterproof and windproof over-trousers – MANDATORY
- Winter trousers with waterproof over trousers are the ideal combination: water-resistance and comfort of trousers are essential
- Pullover, sweat-shirt or fleece jacket
- Woollen or thermolactyl Thermal underwear
- A warm hat, woollen ear muffs or fleece ear muffs, fleece or woollen neck warmer (avoid scarves that do not stay in place)- MANDATORY
- Wool or silk glove liners, water-resistant and supple gloves
- Thick warm socks (ideally woollen)
Accessories:
- Small waterproof backpack (to protect your camera from water).
- Binoculars (strongly recommended for wildlife viewing).
- Highly protective sunglasses.
- Walking poles (highly recommended).
Ideal clothes for life on board:
During the days spent on board, you are advised to wear comfortable clothes or casual outfits. The entire ship is air-conditioned, so a light sweater, a light jacket or a shawl may be necessary. When moving about in the public areas of the ship and the decks, light but comfortable shoes are recommended.
Informal evening:
In the evening, you are advised to wear smart-casual attire, especially when dining in our restaurants where wearing shorts and tee-shirts is not allowed.
For women:
- Simple dress
- Skirt or trousers
- Blouse
- Polo
For men:
- Pleated trousers or chinos
- Sports jacket
- Shirt
- Polo
Officer’s evening:
Depending on the itinerary and the program of your cruise, an Officer’s Evening with a white dress code may be organized. Therefore, we encourage you to bring a stylish white outfit for the occasion (otherwise black and white).
Gala evening:
During the cruise, two gala evenings will be organised on board. Thus, we recommend that you bring one or two formal outfits.
For women:
- Cocktail attire
- Evening dress (if you wish to)
For men:
- Dark suit
- Tie recommended, possibly bow tie (if you wish to)
SHOP:
A small shop is available on board offering a wide range of outfits, jewellery, leather goods and many accessories.
A laundry service (washing/ironing) is available on board, but unfortunately there are no dry cleaning services. For safety reasons, your cabin is not equipped with an iron.
INSULATED BASE LAYER:
- Wool or thermolactyl technical underwear
- Polar or technical jacket
- Polar sweater or sweatshirt
- Silk or wool glove liners
- Wool leggings
- Warm hiking socks
WATERPROOF OUTER LAYER:
- Waterproof over-trousers - Mandatory
- Waterproof parka - Offered on board (not available in children’s sizes)
- Windbreaker – Mandatory
- A warm woollen hat covering your ears
- Polar or woollen neck warmer
- Waterproof technical gloves
HEALTH CARE:
- Sunscreen
- Lip protection balm
- Mosquito repellent, anti-itch balm and mosquito head net (Greenland)
- Medications and prescriptions
OUTFITS ON BOARD:
- Casual outfits for the day
- Smarter outfits for dinners
- Elegant outfits for Gala evenings
- White or black and white outfit
ACCESSORIES:
- Highly protective sunglasses
- Binoculars
- Walking poles
- Small waterproof backpack
- Swimsuit (for the spa on board)
- Gym wear (fitness)
- Battery charger and memory cards for your camera
- Mobile phone charger
PONANT activities
Polar water activities
Experience the unrivalled sensations of immersion in cold water. Whether you take a polar plunge in a swimsuit or a dip in a dry-suit* that allows you to float, you will enjoy a unique experience in an exceptional setting, surrounded by ice. Feel intense thrills and enjoy the energy boost you get as your body warms back up after the swim!
*with limited places available
Kayaking - Le Commandant Charcot
Glide on the clear waters or between the ice floes and get as close as possible to the immaculate nature of the poles. Supervised by licenced expert guides, you will try your hand in a kayak, a boat that has been favoured by the Inuits for at least 4,000 years. The kayak was initially used for hunting and fishing; for you, it will be a means of making the very most of your adventure on the White Continent or in the Far North.*
*with limited places available
Hiking or snowshoeing
During each shore landing, depending on the ecological resilience of the biome encountered, we will propose hikes at different levels, in the company of your experienced naturalist guides: from a simple stroll along the coast to walks lasting several hours to reach particular viewpoints or historical sites. When the itineraries allow it, you’ll put on snowshoes* to set off, like the explorers of old, to discover areas that have barely known Man.
*with limited places available
Participative science
Le Commandant Charcot is fitted with the most modern oceanographic equipment and all the facilities necessary to accompany a scientific team in its research. Guided by naturalists trained in participatory science, you will thus have the opportunity to make a direct contribution to the global scientific effort. Assist research by taking part in a turbidity study using a Secchi disk, counting wildlife, studying the state of the pack ice or taking water samples: thanks to simple protocols, you’ll be able to discover part of the scientific adventure in the polar regions and contribute to improving the knowledge of biodiversity, marine mammals or glaciology and better understand Climate/Ecosystem/Man interactions.
Ice fishing
What better place than the icy Arctic regions to practice ice fishing? Assisted by the naturalist guides, you will look for the perfect spot to cut your hole on the ice floe or on frozen lakes and try to catch fish using an ancestral method. This activity off the beaten path will equally delight fans of sports fishing and those who are curious for new discoveries.*
*with limited places available
Highlights
- Be among the first, in this season, to explore the remote archipelagos of the Russian High Arctic, inaccessible to traditional cruise ships.
- Outings and shore visits in a zodiac inflatable or hovercraft* with a reinforced team of naturalist-guides.
- Retrace the history of American and Russian polar exploration at the beginning of the 20th century.
- Explore the Northern Territories, a polar desert discovered at the beginning of the 20th century.
- Discovering the Russian Arctic National Park, a refuge for biodiversity, in particular home to the largest colony of birds in the Northern Hemisphere.
- Landscapes: expanses of stone split by the frost, volcanic rocks, basalt formations, ice floe, glaciers, icebergs, alpine landscapes, fjords.
- Wildlife: polar bears, walruses, seals, seabirds, arctic foxes, whales, belugas, rorquals.
- Many brand-new activities: kayaking, hiking or snowshoeing, ice fishing, polar plunge, ice floating, dog sledding, participative science.
*Subject to the regulation in force.
Ports of Call & Excursions
22 June 2023 - Murmansk
Embarkation 22/06/2023 from 18:00 to 19:00
Departure 22/06/2023 at 20:00
Along the coastline of Kola Bay, in the Barents Sea, discover Murmansk, the world’s largest city located above the Arctic Circle. Time seems to stand still in these parts, which are subjected to extreme cold and plunged into darkness for several weeks. Between its former warehouses, the vestiges of the port’s significant commercial and military activity during the past century, and its Stalinist architecture, the city presents an austere silhouette at first sight: this characteristic is in total contrast with the majestic beauty of the surrounding landscapes made up of the hills overlooking the Murmansk fjord.
23 June 2023 24 June 2023 - At sea aboard Le Commandant Charcot
Arrival 23/06/2023
Departure 24/06/2023
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.
25 June 2023 - Exploration of Novaya Zemlya
Arrival 25/06/2023
Departure 25/06/2023
North of Siberia, discover Novaya Zemlya, whose name means “new land” in Russian. Bordered by the Barents and Kara Seas, this mountainous archipelago located in the extension of the Urals, is home to very rich polar fauna in spite of its particularly harsh climatic conditions. Maybe you will be lucky enough to spot fin whales, Beluga whales or bowhead whales, all of which live in these waters. Moreover, the far north of the region is part of the Russian Arctic National Park, a veritable Arctic sanctuary with many polar bears and walruses. In these parts, you’ll also be able to admire majestic glaciers, including the impressive Severny Island ice cap, which covers almost 40% of this spit of land. Aboard Le Commandant Charcot, in the precious and protective setting of this ship designed to sail in the polar environment, you will explore Novaya Zemlya during a particularly precocious and hostile season. You will be able to fully appreciate the rarity of the moment and the primacy of the experience.
26 June 2023 27 June 2023 - At sea aboard Le Commandant Charcot
Arrival 26/06/2023
Departure 27/06/2023
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.
28 June 2023 30 June 2023 - Exploration of Northern Land Archipelago
Arrival 28/06/2023
Departure 30/06/2023
Identified and mapped only at the beginning of the 20th century, Severnaya Zemlya (Northern Land) is the last archipelago to be discovered in the world, at this time. Located near the northern coast of Russia, but protected by a thick ice floe, the site is particularly difficult to reach and relatively unexplored. The Cape Baranova hydro-meteorological station on site observes the impact of climate change on the natural environment of the High Arctic. An immense polar desert made up of many glaciers and huge rocky expanses, this group of islands offers exceptional landscapes and possesses the largest glacial expanse in the country. As you approach the coastline, admire the silent ballet of the icebergs. Le Commandant Charcot offers new possibilities. Aboard this ship designed for polar exploration, you will humbly reach the remote landscapes of Severnaya Zemlya, inaccessible to traditional cruise ships during this precocious and hostile season.
1 July 2023 - At sea aboard Le Commandant Charcot
Arrival 01/07/2023
Departure 01/07/2023
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.
2 July 2023 5 July 2023 - Exploration of Franz Josef Land
Arrival 02/07/2023
Departure 05/07/2023
Lost in the heart of the Russian Arctic, Franz Josef Land rises up, imposing and majestic, out of the icy waters of the Barents Sea. The volcanic archipelago was named in honour of the Austrian-Hungarian Emperor Franz Joseph I of Austria and offers up sumptuous landscapes sculpted by glacial erosion. Particularly difficult to reach because of the ice floe and still completely unknown until 150 years ago, this group of islands remains relatively unexplored today. Home to extremely rich wild life, it was declared a natural sanctuary and is today part of the Russian Arctic National Park. Aboard Le Commandant Charcot, designed to sail in extreme environments, your exploration of Franz Josef Land will take the form of slow and silent movement into the heart of the ice at a time of year that is inaccessible to traditional ships. There is a very specific appeal in being the only ones in the archipelago in this season and you will be able to appreciate the rarity of the moment. The ballet of the seabirds, come to nest in the archipelago, will accompany you, and perhaps you will be lucky enough to observe a polar bear, the ruler of the keep, criss-crossing its territory.
6 July 2023 9 July 2023 - At sea aboard Le Commandant Charcot
Arrival 06/07/2023
Departure 09/07/2023
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.
10 July 2023 - Tromso
Arrival 10/07/2023 early morning
Disembarkation 10/07/2023 at 07:00
In the north of the Arctic circle you’ll discover Tromsø, a secluded town located in the county of Troms. Norwegians call it the “Paris of the north”. You’ll soon see why when you discover its extensive neoclassical architectural heritage. A stunning example is the Arctic cathedral, a major monument whose stylistic purity echoes the outline of the mountains surrounding the town.
Le Commandant Charcot
With Le Commandant Charcot, PONANT has imagined and envisaged the cruise voyage of tomorrow. The latest addition to the fleet will take you following in the footsteps of the great polar explorers in refined surroundings complete with the kind of luxury services never before offered in the farthest reaches of the southern and northern hemispheres.
The indoor swimming pool, the conservatory, the panoramic restaurant, the Blue Lagoon outdoor restaurant, the Main Lounge, the Observation Lounge, the lobby… Each of the common areas has been designed to both convey French-style discreet luxury and arouse wonder and amazement. The common thread running through all their designs is the desire to allow the light to penetrate and open everything up the extraordinary polar landscapes and scenery.
This very first hybrid-electric polar exploration ship powered by LNG has been designed with the greatest attention to detail in terms of safety and respect for the environment.
Up to 245 Guests
123 staterooms & suites
215 crew members
Spa
2 restaurants
Decks
FLIGHT PARIS/MURMANSK + TRANSFERS + FLIGHT TROMSO/PARIS
For your serenity, PONANT selects flights and organises transfers between the airport and the port. This package is included in your cruise fare.
Embarkation day - Paris/Murmansk
Flight Paris/Murmansk selected by PONANT.
Approximate flight duration: 4 h
We suggest you to be at the check-in counter 2 hours before departure.
We highly recommend you arrive in Paris the day before this flight.
Meet & greet at the airport by our local English-speaking representative.
Transfer to the pier for embarkation.
- Cruise aboard your ship -
Disembarkation Day - Tromso/Paris
Disembarkation
Meet and greet at the port by our local English-speaking representative.
Transfer to the airport in time for check-in of flight Tromso/Paris selected by PONANT.
Flight Tromso/Paris selected by PONANT.
Approximate flight duration: 4 h
We highly recommend you stay one night in Paris after this flight.
This programme includes:
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Flights Paris/Murmansk and Tromso/Paris selected by PONANT in economy class.
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Transfers mentioned in the programme.
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English-speaking assistance.
This programme does not include:
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Personal expenses.
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Any other service not mentioned in the programme.
Please note:
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Flights included in the programme are as of today, operated in economy class, on a European airline.
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Due to limited local transportation resources, waiting might be generated.
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For passengers in transit in Paris, we recommend staying one night in Paris before and after these flights.
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Programme and flight schedule are subject to change without prior notice.
Polar Expedition
Realise your dream of adventure in the polar regions ! From your ship’s deck, aboard a Zodiac® inflatable or from land, discover the icy vastness and the fauna of Antarctica (humpback whales, seals, penguins and more) or the Arctic's fjords, glaciers and icebergs in shifting colours, not to mention the polar bears, the variety of wildlife and the special moments shared with the locals. Our team of naturalist guides share their knowledge with you during varied lectures about the fauna, the flora, the history of great explorations, geology and climatology. Thanks to its conscientiousness and to the responsible approach that is its hallmark, PONANT has been a leader and expert in cruises to these destinations for more than 20 years.