Guest of Honour 
Polar Expedition 
Free solo supplement 
Photo ambassadors 
The Explorers Club 
Prestige Stateroom Deck 6
30% Ponant Bonus
20 m²
2
The Northwest Passage
Reykjavík - Nome, Alaska
Dates:
12/8/2024
to
5/9/2024
days
nights on board
FLIGHT NOME/SEATTLE + TRANSFER
Through PONANT’s alliance with The Explorers Club, this voyage will feature David Borish, a social scientist and documentary filmmaker who is pushing the boundaries of the use of audiovisual methods to explore and understand the relationships between humans and animals in the Arctic and Subarctic.
With the presence of Ian Dawson and Sue Flood, British Photo Ambassadors.
Explore the expanse of the Arctic world during extraordinary polar odyssey from Iceland to Alaska, via the mythical Northwest Passage. The greatest explorers long coveted travelling from the Atlantic Ocean to the Pacific Ocean via the Far North route before Roald Amundsen accomplished the feat during his expedition from 1903 to 1906. Although this crossing is now legendary, PONANT invites you to go even further, aboard Le Commandant Charcot, by sailing along a virtually unexplored maritime route.
Like a perfect prelude to your discovery of the polar world, the latest addition to the PONANT fleet will first take you on a magnificent ascent up the west coast of Greenland to the majestic Disko Bay. A UNESCO World Heritage Site, it will reveal itself to you between its mythical glacier and the graceful dance of monumental icebergs.
Next, you will enter the Northwest Passage via Lancaster Sound then through the ice of McClure Strait. Following in the wake of one of the most mythical sagas in polar exploration, the ship will progress through to Banks Island, and gradually immerse you in a constantly changing world of ice. The infinity of the ice floe will unveil itself, moving, treating the eyes to beauties sculpted by nature and enhanced by the changing light. Aboard Le Commandant Charcot, a luxurious setting designed to navigate in extreme zones, you will continue into the Beaufort Sea and explore landscapes that are inaccessible to traditional ships. The ice covering reshapes the relief and reveals an incredible sensorial experience for the modern-day explorers.
Your immersion in the northern world will also lead you to encounter the Inuit people for special moments of sharing based on their traditions. In the heart of the ice or at the confluence of the currents, there where all is pristine and wild, nature reigns supreme and an encounter with a polar bear is always a wonderful experience.
Beyond the Arctic Circle, your senses will further be ignited as the sight of the glistening ice floes, blue-tinged glaciers, rugged mountain chains and rolling tundra captivates you. Long fantasised about before being discovered at the beginning of the 20th century, the Northwest Passage promises you a trip that is synonymous with going back to basics.
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 fast 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 : RN045 - CC120824
Your itinerary
Through PONANT’s alliance with The Explorers Club, this voyage will feature David Borish, a social scientist and documentary filmmaker who is pushing the boundaries of the use of audiovisual methods to...
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Your trip in detail
Our guest of honour
David Borish
"I am thrilled to join PONANT guests on the Northwest Passage expedition, as it presents a unique opportunity to witness an enormous range of the Arctic's stunning landscapes, communities, and wildlife. I hope to enhance the journey by providing insights about the cultural and conservation contexts of the region and will aim to foster enriching discussions and experiences for travelers."
David Borish
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Complete your trip
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Included in your cruise
To make sure things run smoothly, PONANT has included certain elements before and after your cruise as part of the price.
Shore Excursions, Overlands & Pre/Post Programmes
To complete your voyage, PONANT can organise a range of shore excursions, pre & post cruise activities and packages, plus transfers.
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LE PAUL GAUGUIN
LE JACQUES-CARTIER
30/1/2024 to the 8/2/2024
- New
L'AUSTRAL
11/3/2024 to the 26/3/2024
L'AUSTRAL
LE COMMANDANT CHARCOT
*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
- Concierge Service: tailor-made and fully customisable services, from your reservation until you return from your trip
- Glazed private balcony for all our staterooms and suites
- Terrace for the Duplex suites and the Owner's suite
- 24-hour room service
- Inclusive Wifi internet access (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
- 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
Sue Flood
Sue Flood is an award-winning photographer, filmmaker and public speaker. Her work takes her all over the world but she has a special passion for the wildlife and icy beauty of the Polar regions and is one of the very few women who chooses to return again and again to Earth’s harshest and most demanding environments.
A zoology graduate, Sue spent 11 years with the BBC Natural History Unit, working on series including The Blue Planet and Planet Earth as well as the Disneynature movie Earth with Sir David Attenborough, before turning her focus to photography. Her images have appeared in National Geographic, BBC Wildlife, Geo and other distinguished publications. Her most recent book is Emperor, The Perfect Penguin with a foreword by Sir Michael Palin.
Sue’s work has won multiple awards and in recognition of her photographic achievements, Sue was invited to meet Her Majesty The Queen at Buckingham Palace. In May 2022 Sue received an Honorary Master of Science degree from The University of Chester.
Her adventures in the Arctic and Antarctic include diving with narwhals and leopard seals, living with Inuit hunters on the floe edge and camping for several weeks in Antarctica’s most southerly emperor penguin colony.
Sue is a member of the Explorers Club, a Fellow of the Royal Geographical Society, Royal Photographic Society and of the North American Nature Photography Association.
When she is not in some far-flung location, Sue lives on the edge of the Snowdonia National Park in North Wales.
Sue is honoured to have been appointed as one of Ponant’s Photo Ambassadors.
Language spoken: English
Photo credit: Ian Dawson
Ian Dawson
Ponant Photo Ambassador, Ian, is an award-winning photographer, film maker and guide with a passion for the remote regions of our planet.
A fine art graduate, he has spent his career in the national media, both as a photojournalist and picture editor. He has covered everything from conflict, travel, the Royal Family and celebrities of stage and screen and many other commissions.
When not guiding for Ponant in the Arctic and Antarctic, his love of high and cold places regularly takes him mountaineering around the world. He is a member of The Alpine Club (the world’s first mountaineering club founded in 1857).
He has been active within Scottish Mountain Rescue for over 20 years as a medic with responsibility for training. He was recognised for his work in this field having been awarded both The Queen’s Diamond & Platinum Jubilee Medals.
Ian is a member of the Guild of Picture Editors, the British Association of Ski Patrollers, the Royal Photographic Society and the UK Mountain Leader Board. His photographic work is represented by Getty Images.
When not sharing his love of wild places, Ian lives with his family in the Loch Lomond and Trossachs National Park, Scotland.
Language spoken: English.
Photo credit: Sue Flood.
Subject to withdrawal in case of force majeure
David Borish
David Borish is a social researcher and documentary filmmaker pushing the boundaries of using audio-visual methodologies to explore and understand relationships between humans and wildlife across the Arctic and Subarctic. He was named as one of the Explorer’s Club’s annual “50 People Changing the World That the World Needs to Know About” class for 2023. As part of his PhD, Borish worked with Inuit communities across the Nunatsiavut and NunatuKavut regions of Canada to create HERD: Inuit Voices on Caribou, a research-based documentary film all about a 99% decline of a caribou population and what that means for community food security, identity, mental health, and overall well-being. The film has been broadcasted on CBC in Canada, has been screened at more than 15 international film festivals. Borish is now working in partnership with Inuit wildlife co-management boards and other community partners to document and share Inuit knowledge, observations, and experiences with polar bears across Nunavut, Nunavik (Northern Quebec), and Nunatsiavut (Labrador). The aim is to create a repository of knowledge about the cultural and ecological dimensions of polar bear management from the people who live alongside this apex predator. Borish has also worked as an instructor for the Harvard Youth Summit on Climate, Equity and Health; a visual educator for National Geographic Student Expeditions in Iceland and Alaska; a digital storytelling facilitator for youth in Iceland; and is a co-founder of Boardball, a new sport that makes volleyball more accessible.
Language spoke: English
Photo credit: The Explorers Club
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:
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:
- 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
- Hiking shoes
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 plunge
Let yourself be seduced by the unrivalled sensations of being surrounded by cold water. Weather and ice conditions willing, you will have opportunities to undertake a unique experience during a polar plunge wearing just your swimming costume, in the middle of the ice. You will be be filled with intense emotions and will fully appreciate the energy boost when warming up after the swim!*
*with limited places available
Kayaking - Le Commandant Charcot
You will make the most of the sailing opportunities and weather and ice conditions to glide along 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 craft 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 most of your adventure on the White Continent or in the Far North.*
*with limited places available
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 a hole on the ice floe or on frozen lakes and try to catch fish using an ancestral method. You will make the most of weather and ice opportunities to practice this unusual activity, which will equally delight fans of game fishing and those who are curious to make new discoveries.*
*with limited places available
Hiking or snowshoeing
During shore landings, depending on the ecological resilience of the biome, 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, you will make the most of the opportunities provided by the weather and ice conditions. When the itineraries allow, you’ll put on snowshoes* to set off like the explorers of old and discover areas that have barely known Man.
*with limited places available
The Explorers Club
The Explorers Club was founded in New York City in 1904 by a group of the world's leading explorers of the time. It is a multidisciplinary, not-for-profit organization dedicated to scientific exploration of land, sea, air, and space. It supports science research and education and has over 3,500 members around the world. Explorers linked to the greatest discoveries, such as Neil Armstrong, Jane Goodall, Edmund Hillary or Roald Amundsen, are among its eminent members.
During this voyage, a member of The Explorers Club will provide enrichment through lectures and activities on board, at sea, and during shore visits. You will have the opportunity to engage with these agents of change throughout your journey.
David Borish
David Borish is a social researcher and documentary filmmaker pushing the boundaries of using audio-visual methodologies to explore and understand relationships between humans and wildlife across the Arctic and Subarctic. He was named as one of the Explorer’s Club’s annual “50 People Changing the World That the World Needs to Know About” class for 2023. As part of his PhD, Borish worked with Inuit communities across the Nunatsiavut and NunatuKavut regions of Canada to create HERD: Inuit Voices on Caribou, a research-based documentary film all about a 99% decline of a caribou population and what that means for community food security, identity, mental health, and overall well-being. The film has been broadcasted on CBC in Canada, has been screened at more than 15 international film festivals. Borish is now working in partnership with Inuit wildlife co-management boards and other community partners to document and share Inuit knowledge, observations, and experiences with polar bears across Nunavut, Nunavik (Northern Quebec), and Nunatsiavut (Labrador). The aim is to create a repository of knowledge about the cultural and ecological dimensions of polar bear management from the people who live alongside this apex predator. Borish has also worked as an instructor for the Harvard Youth Summit on Climate, Equity and Health; a visual educator for National Geographic Student Expeditions in Iceland and Alaska; a digital storytelling facilitator for youth in Iceland; and is a co-founder of Boardball, a new sport that makes volleyball more accessible.
Language spoke: English
Photo credit: The Explorers Club
Subject to withdrawal in case of force majeure
Highlights
- Through PONANT’s alliance with The Explorers Club, this voyage will feature David Borish, a social scientist and documentary filmmaker who is pushing the boundaries of the use of audiovisual methods to explore and understand the relationships between humans and animals in the Arctic and Subarctic.
- With the presence of Ian Dawson and Sue Flood, British Photo Ambassadors.
- The eye and the advice of our photo ambassador, a privileged opportunity to immortalise your trip with, in the programme: workshops, conferences and personalized advice to improve your photographic skills.
- The crossing of the Northwest Passage by a unique maritime route, long coveted by the great explorers, only accessible thanks to Le Commandant Charcot, capable of sailing into the very heart of the ice.
- Enjoy the unique comfort of Commander Charcot during days of exploration on board, where time stands still in the middle of the ice floe, in the special silence of the polar desert.
- The west coast of Greenland, between traditional villages, glaciers and monumental icebergs.
- Meeting the Inuit communities of the west coast of Greenland.
- Discovery of Nuuk, the capital of Greenland.
- An exploration into the heart of the ice in the Northwest Passage and the contemplation of sublime reliefs of unspoiled and immaculate landscapes, which are constantly changing.
- Landscapes: icy channels, fjords, vast expanses of ice floe, icerbergs (Disko Bay), myriads of jagged islands, blue-toned glaciers, mountain chains, vertiginous walls, expanses of tundra.
- Fauna: Arctic foxes, sea birds, belugas, bowhead whales, walruses and the possibility of seeing polar bears.
- Brand-new activities: kayaking, hiking or snowshoeing, ice fishing, polar plunge.
Ports of Call & Excursions
12 August 2024 - Reykjavík
Embarkation 12/8/2024 From 4:00 pm to 5:00 pm
Departure 12/8/2024 at 6:00 pm
Iceland’s capital stretches along the edge of a vast bay in the west of the country. Perlan, the “Pearl of Reykjavík”, a museum located on ’Oskjuhlið hill, offers a panoramic view of the lush, green landscapes. A little further, one can easily spot the signpost showing the way to the evangelical Hallgrímskirkja church, and to the historical centre where one can stroll along the Skólavördustígur and the Laugavegur, two lively streets with charming small shops. For some relaxation just outside of the city, visitors have the opportunity to visit the Reykjanes peninsula and its famous thermal lagoons of the Blue Lagoon.
13 August 2024 14 August 2024 - Sailing through the Denmark Strait
Arrival 13/8/2024
Departure 14/8/2024
Lying between Greenland and Iceland, the Denmark Strait was crossed for the first time by theVikings in the late 10th century, during Erik the Red’s expeditions. In the Second World War, its waters were the theatre of a battle between the Kriegsmarine and the Royal Navy, on 24 May 1941. In the wintertime, extremely dense pack ice forms along the Greenlandic coasts and, while the Transpolar Drift sweeps icebergs along throughout the year, the strait is generally clear of ice during the summer. In the depths of the strait lies the world’s largest waterfall, an undersea cataract formed by the difference in temperature between the cold waters of the Greenland Sea and the warmer waters of the Irminger Sea. Numerous cetacean species thrive in this rich ecosystem.
15 August 2024 - Prins Christian Sund
Arrival 15/8/2024
Departure 15/8/2024
Your ship glides silently towards the Greenland coast, in a setting punctuated by pointed peaks and majestic glaciers… You are on the verge of crossing the Prins Christian Sund, a narrow channel that stretches out and zigzags over some one hundred kilometres between Greenland’s south-east and south-west. Fall under the spell of the primitive beauty of these unique landscapes, including rocky cliffs and waterfalls that are fed by the ice sheet and plunge into the icy waters. Here, bearded seals love to lie on the floating ice to soak up the sunshine.
16 August 2024 - Aappilattoq (Augpilatok)
Arrival 16/8/2024
Departure 16/8/2024
Aappilattoq (Augpilatok), is a small Inuit village of around one hundred inhabitants, whose name means “sea anemone” in Greenlandic. Located in a mountainous region inaccessible by road, its picturesque, colourful houses stretch out to the southern tip of Greenland, on the banks of the spectacular Prince Christian Sound. Some one hundred kilometres long, the sound connects the Labrador Sea to the Irminger Sea, meandering through stunning landscapes such as majestic glaciers, craggy peaks, and rocky cliffs with waterfalls fed by the ice sheet. This region was uninhabited in the 19th century. The village was created in the 1920s and the main activities revolve around hunting, fishing and livestock farming.
17 August 2024 - Nuuk
Arrival 17/8/2024
Departure 17/8/2024
When Erik Le Rouge, the exiled Norse chief, landed on the coast of Nuuk, he found a fertile and welcoming land dotted with fjords. He settled there with a group of his former countrymen, and the Norse remained the principal inhabitants until, over a period of 500 years, their population declined and gave way to the Inuit. Nuuk is situated at the mouth of one of the largest networks of fjords in the world, where the waters never freeze. The town spreads gently out towards the Davis Strait and enjoys an historic center that is particularly rich in national heritage. The vivid reds, blues, greens and yellows of the houses are a lively contrast to the somber waters of Greenland and serve to lift the spirits of the locals during the Winter months.
18 August 2024 - At sea aboard Le Commandant Charcot
Arrival 18/8/2024
Departure 18/8/2024
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.
19 August 2024 - Disko Bay
Arrival 19/8/2024
Departure 19/8/2024
To the east of Baffin Bay, discover Disko Bay, scattered with countless icebergs produced by the Ilulissat Icefjord, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. From your ship, admire the majestic ballet of these ice giants as they slowly drift across the dark waters. This site is a natural marvel of Greenland, and is also renowned as an observation point for the region’s many humpback whales. The encounters with wild fauna and stunning landscapes in the heart of this spectacular and fragile nature will be pure moments of wonder for you.
20 August 2024 - At sea aboard Le Commandant Charcot
Arrival 20/8/2024
Departure 20/8/2024
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.
21 August 2024 - Pond Inlet, Nunavut
Arrival 21/8/2024
Departure 21/8/2024
On Baffin Island, located in northern Canada at the mouth of the famous NorthWest Passage, there is a small Inuit settlement at the very bounds of infinity. To get there, cross the Arctic Circle, the imaginary line that separates man from lands of mystery and wonder. It’s not so much the way of life that sets Pond Inlet’s inhabitants apart, so much as the setting. Snow-capped mountains, fjords and glaciers combine in a dazzling natural environment that fills space and expands time. Some discoveries change you forever: this is one of them.
22 August 2024 - Lancaster Sound
Arrival 22/8/2024
Departure 22/8/2024
Between Devon Island and Baffin Island, in the Canadian territory of Nunavut, Lancaster Sound forms part of the Northwest Passage, a shipping route crossing the Canadian Arctic Archipelago, along the northern coast of North America. Coveted for almost 300 years, it saw several expeditions including the fatal one led by John Franklin, seen for the last time near Lancaster Sound in August 1845. Many colonies of cetaceans, polar bears and seabirds have taken up residence in or near these nourishing waters at the confluence of the currents. Situated in Inuit territory, the Sound is the subject of plans to create a marine conservation area intended to protect this rich ecosystem and its inhabitants.
23 August 2024 - Devon Island, Nunavut
Arrival 23/8/2024
Departure 23/8/2024
Located in Baffin Bay, Devon Island is part of the Canadian Arctic Archipelago. Anchored on the Arctic Cordillera, its rocky surface, similar to that of Mars, is of great interest to scientists. Robert Bylot and William Baffin were the first Europeans to sight Devon Island in 1616 but it would be mapped two centuries later by the British sailor William E. Parry, who named it after the eponymous English region. Around 1920, the Hudson's Bay Company set up a fur-trading outpost there, until the departure of the Inuits in 1936. A new attempt to populate it was made at the beginning of the 1950s. Only a few buildings in ruins, vestiges of that time, remain today.
24 August 2024 - Beechey Island, Nunavut
Arrival 24/8/2024
Departure 24/8/2024
Beechey Island, at the eastern end of Resolute Bay, will call to mind some of the most important moments of Franklin’s expedition. Sir John set off in 1845 in search of the mythical Northwest Passage and was forced to take shelter in Erebus Harbour for two long years, while he waited for the ice floes to recede and allow him a way through. It is a spectacular location; seeing the three wooden grave markers, bleached by the sun (indicating the burial places of at least three of Captain Franklin’s men) and visiting the memorial that has been erected in memory of Franklin and his men can only reinforce the hushed sense of reverence. If the surrounding wilderness impresses us, the ochre and yellows of the rocky desert soften the landscape.
25 August 2024 27 August 2024 - Exploring sea ice of Northwest Passage
Arrival 25/8/2024
Departure 27/8/2024
At the far north of the American continent, in the most northerly part of the Arctic archipelago, the Northwest Passage is the shortest waterway between the Atlantic and the Pacific Oceans. Its crossing has been coveted since the 15th century and Roald Amundsen was the first to do so in 1906. Blocked by thick ice floe for most of the year, to date only a lucky few have managed to sail from one side to the other. The crossing of this little-mapped and little-explored region is a challenge worthy of Le Commandant Charcot, which was designed to sail in extreme environments. Sheltered in its refined and protective setting, you will make the most of this exploration of the ice with the inimitable appeal of the first time: just like the first explorers, you will sail in its channels sculpted by glacial erosion and discover spectacular landscapes, made up of craggy terrain and monumental fjords. You will be able to measure the privilege of undertaking such an exploration in the light of the experience’s rarity.
28 August 2024 29 August 2024 - Banks Island
Arrival 28/8/2024
Departure 29/8/2024
Located in the north of Canadian archipelago of the Northwest Territories, Banks Island, also known as Banks Land offers landscapes that are as sumptuous as they are spectacular. The island, covering some 70,000 km², offers a landscape of hills and valleys as well as sheer cliffs and canyons, a result of the glacial erosion. To the north of the island, the Aulavik National Park is home to a very rich wildlife mainly consisting of Arctic wolves, muskox, caribou, Arctic foxes, lemmings and many varieties of birds.
30 August 2024 2 September 2024 - Exploring sea ice in Beaufort Sea
Arrival 30/8/2024
Departure 2/9/2024
Bordering the north coasts of Alaska and Canada, the Beaufort Sea was feared for centuries because of its extreme climatic conditions. Covered for most of the year with a thick layer of ice, and unexplored until 1914, this part of the Arctic Ocean, named in honour of the British Admiral Francis Beaufort, will reveal its magnificent icy landscapes to you. With a bit of luck, maybe you will cross the path of some polar bears, since the region is renowned for sheltering the Lord of the Arctic.
3 September 2024 - Sailing in Beaufort Sea
Arrival 3/9/2024
Departure 3/9/2024
Delimited by the entrance to the Northwest Passage and the Amundsen Gulf to the east and by Canada’s Yukon and Northwest Territories to the west, the Beaufort Sea makes up part of the – almost – inaccessible Arctic Ocean. Due to its extreme weather conditions, it was not explored until 1914, by the Canadian explorer Vilhjalmur Stefansson. However, it was named after Francis Beaufort, a British admiral and hydrographer. You will sail on these remote waters strewn with a mosaic of ice resulting from sea-ice breakup. Surrounded by this stunning scenery, you may spot a few belugas and bowhead whales, established in colonies in the region.
4 September 2024 - Crossing the Bering Strait
Arrival 4/9/2024
Departure 4/9/2024
You will cross the Bering Strait, a 90-km (56-mile) wide maritime channel between eastern Siberia and Alaska, named after the Danish explorer Vitus Bering. You will sail this strait that people once used to walk across, during the last glaciations, from Asia to North America. The transfer of Alaska to the Unites States by the Russians, in 1867, turned the Strait into a significant geostrategic site nicknamed the “Ice Curtain” during the Cold War. Delineated in 1990, the border between the two countries is located in the middle of the Strait, between the two Diomede Islands, making one of them Russian and the other American. During your crossing, favourable conditions will be conducive to a moving encounter with wildlife, attracted by these nourishing waters.
5 September 2024 - Nome, Alaska
Arrival 5/9/2024
Disembarkation 5/9/2024 at 8:00 am
Located along the Bering Strait at the westernmost point of Alaska, Nome offers the rustic charm of a former gold-mining town, set in the middle of magnificent wilderness. As you weave in and out of the brightly coloured houses, you will discover the pioneering legacy that still marks local traditions. Fishing, reindeer rearing, sledge-racing... People here live from their manual labour. The surrounding plains provide stunning vantage points for observing Arctic fauna.
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 NOME/SEATTLE + TRANSFER
For your serenity, PONANT selects a flight and organises the transfer between the port and the airport. This package is included in your cruise fare.
Disembarkation Day - Nome/Seattle
Disembarkation.
Meet and greet at the port by our local English-speaking representative.
Transfer to the airport in time for check-in for the PONANT selected flight from Nome to Seattle.
Flight Nome/Seattle selected by PONANT.
Approximate flight duration: 5 hours.
We highly recommend you stay one night in Seattle after this flight
This programme includes:
- Flight Nome/Seattle selected by PONANT in economy class.
- The transfer mentioned in the programme.
- English-speaking assistance.
This programme does not include:
- Tips for the driver and local guide.
- Personal expenses.
- Any other service not mentioned in the programme.
Please note:
- The flight included in the programme to this date, operated in economy class.
- Due to limited local transportation resources, waiting might be generated.
- For passengers in transit in Seattle, we recommend staying one night in Seattle after this flight.
- Programme and flight schedule are subject to change without prior notice.
Polar Expedition
Realise your dream of adventure in the polar regions ! 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.
Free solo supplement
FREE SOLO SUPPLEMENT *
*The supplement for single usage of a double cabin is waived, according to availability and staterooms categories.
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.
The Explorers Club
PONANT and The Explorers Club are coming together in the name of driving deeper discovery and promoting scientific enrichment among the next generation of explorers. The weeks-long expeditions will whisk travelers to the world’s most remote parts, these journeys are enriched by the participation of expert members of The Explorers Club. They will share their experiences with you during on-board conferences and will invite you to participate in their research by offering activities on board, at sea or out of the ship. These new explorers will fascinate you with their tales.
Shore excursions, Pre/Post & Overlands
TRANSFER TO THE PIER OF REYKJAVIK
Travel with peace of mind as PONANT organises your transfer between the airport and your port of embarkation.
Reykjavik
Meet at Keflavík international airport in the Arrival hall. Look for PONANT sign. You will be greeted by our local representative off the flight selected by PONANT.
You will depart the airport and be directly transferred to the pier to embark on your ship.
Your programme includes:
-
Transfer as mentioned in the programme.
-
English speaking assistance.
Your programme does not include:
-
Tips for the driver and local guide.
-
Personal expenses.
-
Other services not mentioned in the programme.
To know your PONANT flight schedule, please contact your travel agent; it is also indicated on your electronic ticket included in your travel documents.
Total : AU$240
Price is per person, based on double occupancy, based on availability.
ICELAND AT A GLANCE
PONANT converts your transfer into a restful stopover as you enjoy a relaxing day in a pleasant and comfortable setting.
Reykjavik, Iceland
Meet and greet at the airport arrival hall. Look for PONANT sign. You will be greeted by our local representative off the PONANT selected flight.
Group transfer from the pier to the Parliament hotel, Curio Collection by Hilton 4*, located in the heart of Reykjavik. the hotel is conveniently positioned next to the iconic Icelandic Parliament, Alþingi, and directly across from Austurvollur. Within a mere five-minute walk of Reykjavik Cathedral, the Harpa concert hall, and the city hall, making it an ideal location to explore the city's major attractions.
Check-in day-use.
In the afternoon, you will be transferred to the port of Reykjavik, to embark on board your ship.
Your hotel:
The Parliament hotel, Curio Collection by Hilton 4*, captures the essence of Reykjavik in a multifaceted manner. While each aspect remains true to the Curio Collection's core values of providing comfort, sophistication, curiosity, a sense of belonging, and a unique experience.
Superior category rooms are also available, subject to availability and at an additional cost. Contact your travel agent for further informations.
Your programme includes:
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1 day-use at the four-star The Parliament hotel, Curio Collection by Hilton, local standards (or similar).
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Group transfer by coach from the airport to the hotel as mentioned in the programme.
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Group transfer from the hotel to the airport as mentioned in the programme.
Your programme does not include:
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Tips and gratuities.
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All personal expenses (beverages, meals, sightseeing, etc.).
-
Other services not mentioned in the programme.
Please note:
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We recommend you bring along a small bag with a change of clothing.
-
It is imperative that your flight departure details are communicated at least 30 days prior to the beginning of your cruise, in order to secure the proper private transfer.
Contact of your hotel:
Parliament hotel, Curio Collection by Hilton
Thorvaldsenstraeti 2-6,
101 Reykjavik
Iceland
Telephone number: +354 513 3000
To know your PONANT flight schedule, please contact your travel agent; it is also indicated on your electronic ticket included in your travel documents.
Total : AU$2,050
Price is per person, based on double occupancy, based on availability.
RELAX AT THE BLUE LAGOON (2 NIGHTS)
Enhance your cruise and extend your trip with a carefully designed programme.
Day 1 - Reykjavik
Meet at Reykjavik Airport in the Arrival Hall. Look for PONANT sign. You will be greeted by our local representative off the flight selected by PONANT or any other flight (provided that you have previously communicated your flight schedule to your travel agent).
You will be transferred to the Retreat Blue lagoon 5*.
Afternoon at leisure.
Dinner at the hotel restaurant.
Overnight at the hotel.
Optional activity: Tastes of Iceland, dinner at Moss restaurant
Treat yourself to a taste immersion with the Moss restaurant cuisine, recommended by the 2020 Michelin Guide.
Reinventing the Icelandic cuisine, the chef Aggi Sverrisson will offer you a 7 courses dinner with wine paring that you could savour contemplating the volcanic horizon.
Please note: on certain date the optional activity may be operated on day 2.
Day – 2 Reykjavik
After breakfast, unwind on a full day of relaxation at the Retreat Blue Lagoon 5*. Relax amidst the geothermal wonders of Iceland. Immerse yourself in the soothing waters of the Blue Lagoon, known for its healing properties and breathtaking views.
Lunch and dinner at the hotel restaurant.
Optional activity: Wine tasting in the lava cave
Enjoy an exclusive moment by tasting the wine selection of the Moss restaurant's sommelier.
Inside this three meters deep in the earth subterranean sanctuary, surrounded by frozen-in-time lava that erupted in the year 1226, you will spend a timeless and unforgettable experience.
Overnight at the hotel.
Day – 3 Reykjavik
After breakfast and check-out, you’ll be transferred to a local restaurant.
Following lunch, venture into the heart of Reykjavik’s vibrant culture and architecture along Laugavegur Street. Stroll, shops for unique souvenir or simply revel in the local atmosphere.
You will then be transferred to the pier of Reykjavik to embark on board your ship.
Your hotel:
Nestled against the stunning backdrop of Iceland's natural wonders, the Retreat Blue Lagoon 5* stands as a beacon of indulgence and relaxation. Here, every detail has been meticulously curated to provide an unparalleled retreat experience that rejuvenates the body and soothes the soul.
Your programme includes:
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2-night accommodation in Junior Suite at the Retreat Blue Lagoon hotel, 5* local standards (or similar), breakfast included
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Meal as mentioned in the programme.
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Beverage package during meals (bottled water + 1 soft drink or 1 glass of wine or 1 local beer and 1 coffee or tea.)
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Transfers, visits, and entrance fees as mentioned in the programme.
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The services of o local English-speaking guide.
Your programme does not include:
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Personal expenses.
-
Visa if necessary
-
Tips for the driver and local guide
-
Optional activity: Wine tasting in the lava cave
-
Optional activity: Tastes of Iceland, dinner at Moss restaurant
-
Early check-in and late check-out.
-
Other services not mentioned in the programme.
Please note:
-
It is imperative that the details of your departure flight are provided to your travel agent, no later than 30 days before the start date of your cruise, to secure the proper private transfer.
-
Official hotel check-in time is 3:00pm.
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Official hotel check-out time is 11:00am
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On certain date the optional activity “Tastes of Iceland, dinner at Moss restaurant” may be operated on day 2
Contacts of your hotel:
Retreat Blue Lagoon hotel
Nordurljosavegur 11,
240 Grindavík,
Iceland
Telephone number: +354 420 8700
Duration and order of the visit may vary. To know your PONANT flight schedule, please contact your travel agent; it is also indicated on your electronic ticket included in your travel document.
Total : AU$2,360
Price is per person, based on double occupancy, based on availability.
OVERNIGHT IN SEATTLE (1 NIGHT)
Enhance your cruise and extend your trip with a carefully designed programme.
Day 1 – Alaska/Seattle
Meet and greet upon arrival of the flight Nome/Seattle selected by PONANT by our local representative.
You will be transferred to the historic hotel Fairmont Olympic 4*.
Check-in your room.
Diner will be served at the restaurant of the hotel.
Overnight.
Day 2 - Seattle
Breakfast.
You will then be transferred to the airport in time for check-in for the PONANT selected flight or any other flight (provided that you have previously communicated your flight schedule to your travel agent).
Your hotel:
Built in 1924, the recently renovated Fairmont Olympic 5* Hotel is listed on the National Register of Historic Places and was renovated in early 2021. Ideally located in downtown Seattle, it offers nearly a century of luxury service standards, while melding classic elegance with mid-century modern room décor. The hotel offers two restaurants, an indoor pool, a hot tub and a fitness centre.
Upgraded rooms are also available depending on availability and on a supplement basis. Contact your travel professional for further detail.
Your programme includes:
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1-night accommodation in Junior Suite at the Fairmont Olympic 4*, (or similar), breakfast included.
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Transfers as mentioned in the programme.
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The services of a local English-speaking guide.
-
A hospitality desk at the hotel on your day of arrival and departure.
Your programme does not include:
-
Tips for the driver and local guide.
-
Personal expenses.
-
Visa if necessary.
-
Other services not mentioned in the programme.
-
Early check-in and late check-out.
Please note:
-
It is imperative that the details of your departure flight are provided to your travel agent, no later than 30 days before the start date of your cruise, to secure the proper private transfer.
-
Official hotel check-out time is 11:00 a.m.
-
Early check-in or late check-out might be available depending on availability and on a supplement basis.
Contact of your hotel:
Fairmont Olympic
411 University Street
Seattle, WA 98101, USA
Telephone: +1 206 621 1700
To know your PONANT flight schedule, please contact your travel agent; it is also indicated on your electronic ticket included in your travel documents.
Total : AU$1,490
Price is per person, based on double occupancy, based on availability.