Prestige Stateroom Deck 6
20% Ponant Bonus
20 m²
2
With featured guest Ian Dawson, British Photo Ambassador.
Winter is silently approaching, and near the Arctic Circle daylight is slowly fading, giving way to the long twilight that precedes the darkness. From the welcoming comfort of Le Commandant Charcot, take time to discover the shores of Norway, including the breathtaking Lofoten archipelago. See the North Cape, the tip of mainland Europe, and explore the rugged coastline at the edge of the Arctic and the natural sanctuaries of Norway: dolomite cliffs, an archaeological site dating from the Bronze Age, pine forests, and Lapland, home to the Sami, one of Europe's last indigenous communities.
The itinerary may be altered based on port approvals and to comply with applicable government regulations The sailing programme, shore visits, activities and wildlife sightings cannot be guaranteed and are subject to weather conditions.
Ref : TN0545 - CC241026
The northern coast of Norway, from North Cape to the Lofoten Islands, aboard Le Commandant Charcot, a warm and refined cocoon opening out onto the exterior. Fishing villages, the magnificent landscapes of...
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To make sure things run smoothly, PONANT has included certain elements before and after your cruise as part of the price.
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Ian Dawson
Ian Dawson is a photographer whose work is guided by a lifelong fascination with the planet’s most remote and fragile environments. A fine art graduate, he has built an international career as a photojournalist, picture editor, and filmmaker, producing work for The Sunday Times, BBC, The Wall Street Journal, Vogue, and many other leading publications. His assignments have ranged widely—from conflict zones and royal tours to wildlife and environmental reportage.
An award-winning press photographer represented by Getty Images, Ian now focuses on the polar regions, where he documents people, wildlife, and landscapes at the frontlines of environmental change. His approach is grounded in quiet observation and respectful engagement, aiming to bear witness rather than impose narrative.
In 2021, Ian was appointed a Photo Ambassador for PONANT expedition cruises. His ongoing polar work will soon be published in a fine-art book created in collaboration with fellow photographer Sue Flood, and will feature in exhibitions in Norway, France, New Zealand, the UK, and the USA.
Ian is a member of the Guild of Picture Editors, The Alpine Club, and The Explorers Club. In 2025, he was made a Fellow of the Royal Geographical Society in recognition of his contributions to visual storytelling and geographic knowledge.
Alongside his photographic work, Ian has volunteered for over two decades with Scottish Mountain Rescue, a commitment recognised with the Diamond and Platinum Jubilee Medals from Her Late Majesty Queen Elizabeth II. When not travelling, he lives with his family in Scotland’s Loch Lomond & The Trossachs National Park.
Language spoken: English
Photo credit: Sue Flood
Clothing tips:
INSULATING BASE LAYER AND WATERPROOF OUTER LAYER :
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:
For men :
Officer’s evening:
For all cruises longer than 8 nights, 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:
For men:
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:
WATERPROOF OUTER LAYER:
HEALTH CARE:
OUTFITS ON BOARD:
ACCESSORIES:
PONANT activities
Embarkation 24/10/2026 From 3:30 pm to 4:30 pm
Departure 24/10/2026 at 5:30 pm
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.
Arrival 25/10/2026
Departure 25/10/2026
If you feel like you have arrived at the end of the world in Honningsvåg, it is because this is the case. Halfway between Oslo and the North Pole, it competes with Hammerfest for the status of “the northernmost town in Continental Europe”. Colourful houses light up this charming and typically Norwegian fishing port nestled in the hollows of the region’s mountainous terrain. Travellers come to stay in the village to go to the North Cape. At the end of the road, you will see the globe that indicates that you are at the very end of Europe. At this point, only the Svalbard archipelago separates you from the North Pole. There is sea as far as the eye can see. The Northern Lights, the view of the immense cliff plunging into the sea, the thousands of puffins, gannets and cormorants that spin around you: everything here is grandiose.
Arrival 26/10/2026
Departure 26/10/2026
Halfway between Norway and Spitsbergen, you will sail not far from the coastlines of Bjørnøya, the southernmost island of Svalbard. From your ship, observe this isolated piece of land discovered in 1596 by the Dutch navigator Willem Barents, then looking for the Northwest Passage. Following a tough fight between a polar bear and the members of the expedition, he dubbed the place Bear Island. Regularly covered by a thick layer of fog, Bjørnøya shelters a meteorological station built in 1923, which is still in operation. Declared a nature reserve in 2002, the island is above all home to an enormous colony of sea birds: skuas, guillemots, puffins, Tridactyl gulls, petrels, gulls and little auks all coexist here.
Arrival 27/10/2026
Departure 27/10/2026
Beyond the Arctic Circle, Alta, in the far north of Norway, is the biggest city in Finnmark county. Alta will reveal itself to you at the end of the eponymous fjord, Altafjorden. The region offers a mix of forest, mountainous and coastal landscapes. It is on the verge of obtaining the “sustainable destination” label, a national label awarded to destinations that are committed to a sustainable approach to tourism for the long term. Alta invites you to experience unique moments, whether meeting the Sami people ─ reindeer herders who have ancestral traditions and yet embrace modernity ─ or during walks, snowshoe hikes or dog sledding, depending on the season.
Arrival 28/10/2026
Departure 28/10/2026
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.
Arrival 29/10/2026
Departure 29/10/2026
Beyond the Arctic Circle, north of the Norwegian Sea and at the gateway to the Vesterålen archipelago and the sumptuous Lofoten islands, surprising Harstad enjoys an extraordinary natural setting. A favoured destination for its gentle way of life, the small town and surrounding area are a concentrate of the northern Norway’s finest features: majestic coniferous forests, rugged mountains, bewitching fjords and preserved archipelagos. As inhospitable as they are magnificent, these lands still bear traces of the Bronze Age. For example, work tools, jewels and cairns sheltering many tombs that date back several millennia have been discovered during archaeological excavations.
Arrival 30/10/2026
Departure 30/10/2026
Way beyond the Arctic Circle, Lofoten Islands are truly considered to be in “another world”. A jewel of nature in its most pristine state, this archipelago with its jagged coastline offers you majestic settings of high alpine summits, sandy beaches, green prairies and fjords of a deep blue, where countless bird colonies make their nests. Whether you visit Å, or Nusjford, listed by UNESCO, enjoy authentic and memorable moments.
Arrival 31/10/2026
Disembarkation 1/11/2026 at 8:00 am
Beyond the Arctic Circle, you will discover Narvik, nestling in the heart of impressive mountains that plunge into the Ofotfjord. It is on the verge of obtaining the “sustainable destination” label, a national label awarded to destinations that are committed to a sustainable approach to tourism for the long term. You will be mesmerised by its scenery. From Narvik, it is possible to take the Ofoten Line towards Sweden. This historic railway once linked the mineral-rich mines of Kiruna in Sweden to the ice-free port of Narvik. You will experience unique moments whether meeting the Sami people ─ reindeer herders who have ancestral traditions and yet embrace modernity.
For your serenity, PONANT selects a flight and organises the transfer between the airport and the port. This package is included in your cruise fare.
Embarkation day - Paris/Tromso
Flight Paris/Tromso selected by PONANT.
Approximate flight duration: 4 h 30.
We highly recommend you arrive in Paris the day before this flight.
We suggest you to be at the check-in counter 2 hours before departure.
Meet & greet at the airport by our local English-speaking representative.
Transfer to the pier for embarkation.
- Cruise aboard your cruise ship –
Disembarkation. Meet and greet at the port by our local English-speaking representative. Transfer to the airport in time for check-in of flight Narvik/Paris selected by PONANT. Flight Narvik/Paris selected by PONANT. Approximate flight duration: 4 h 00. We highly recommend you stay one night in Paris after this flight.
This programme includes:
This programme does not include:
Please note:
Timeless
With one included excursion per day and per guest, and the presence of expert lecturers on board, Timeless Explorations blend cultural curiosity, immersive experiences, and serene relaxation. A refined way to journey far from the everyday, both in mind and in spirit.
The full program of all excursions, both included and optional, is available eight months prior to departure. Reservations open approximately two months before departure.
Photo ambassadors
Sharpen your eye and capture the ephemeral! Head out to sea and develop your visual senses alongside our photo ambassadors. The on-board photo ambassadors are committed and renowned professionals who will share their passion and expertise during workshops offered on board or on shore, photography-based discussions and conferences. A recurring theme of PONANT cruises is the sharing of knowledge and culture: this serves to support and highlight our openness to the world. With the help of the photo ambassadors, you will truly participate in your exploration. Take the time to feel and to observe the world around you and keep a lasting imprint of the fleeting moments and intense emotions experienced during this cruise.