Luxury Expedition
Le Commandant Charcot - 270 Guests
THE GEOGRAPHIC NORTH POLE
16-day expedition cruise to the North Pole

Push the limits of sailing with this exceptional 16-day expedition cruise to the Geographic North Pole. To reach this mythical point covered by ice floe all year round, 700 km away from any emerged land, you will board Le Commandant Charcot, the first hybrid electric polar exploration vessel.

Setting sail from Spitzbergen, you will enjoy an unforgettable maritime experience at the heart of sumptuous landscapes that are constantly evolving according to changes in the ice and the light. This itinerary, which lends itself perfectly to the observation of the wildlife, particularly rich at this time of the year, will take you as far as the pack ice. Then you will slowly progress to the heart of this silent world, frozen by the extreme cold, in the direction of the Grail of all polar explorers: the North Pole!

As the ice floe is constantly drifting, driven together by currents and winds, you too must keep moving if you want to remain on our planet's most northernmost point.

 

 

HIGHLIGHTS

  • With featured guest Donna Urquhart, Australian ultra-marathon runner, pain scientist and physiotherapist and Cindy Miller Hopkins, American Photo Ambassador.
  • An exploration into the almost inaccessible Weddell Sea, in search of majestic emperor penguins, amidst immaculate and dreamlike landscapes.
  • Outings and shore visits in a zodiac inflatable with a reinforced team of naturalist guides.
  • 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.
  • Conferences and information meetings on board with our passionate experts, specialists in the fauna, flora and history of the polar regions.
  • Landscapes: immense glaciers, table top icebergs, immersion in the heart of the ice floes.
  • Wildlife: the possibility to observe emperor, Adelie, chinstrap and gentoo penguins; Weddell, leopard and crabeater seals; humpback and orcas.
  • Many activities: kayaking, hiking or snowshoeing, polar plunge without suit. Discover all the activities in the ‘Ponant Activities’ tab.
  • For your comfort, your cruise package includes an overnight in Santiago the day before embarkation, transfers and flights Santiago/Ushuaia (for details, see the ‘Included in your cruise’ tab).

DATES / RATES

Rates are listed per person in USD. Promotional offers are not reflected in the rates below.
Start DateEnd DateStarting from
Jul 22, 2025Aug 06, 202550,930
Aug 06, 2025Aug 21, 202550,930
Jul 12, 2026Jul 27, 202641,920
Jul 27, 2026Aug 11, 202641,920
Aug 11, 2026Aug 26, 202641,920
Aug 27, 2026Sep 11, 202641,920
Mandatory Transfer Package Details:

For your serenity, PONANT selects a flight and organizes the transfer between the airport and the port. This package is included in your cruise fare.

Embarkation day Paris/Longyearbyen

Flight Paris/Longyearbyen selected by PONANT.

Approximate flight duration: 4h30

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 -

This programme includes:

  • Flight Paris/Longyearbyen selected by PONANT in economy class.
  • Transfer mentioned in the programme.
  • English-speaking assistance.

This programme does not include:

  • Personal expenses.
  • Any other service not mentioned in the programme.

Note:

  • Flight included in the programme is as of today, operated in economy class, on a European airline.
  • Due to limited local transportation resources, waiting might be generated.
  • For passengers in transit in Paris, we recommend staying one night in Paris before this flight.
  • Programme and flight schedule are subject to change without prior notice.
Rates are listed per person in USD. Promotional offers are not reflected in the rates below.
Start DateEnd DateStarting from
Jul 22, 2025Aug 06, 202550,930
Aug 06, 2025Aug 21, 202550,930
Jul 12, 2026Jul 27, 202641,920
Jul 27, 2026Aug 11, 202641,920
Aug 11, 2026Aug 26, 202641,920
Aug 27, 2026Sep 11, 202641,920
Mandatory Transfer Package Details:

For your serenity, PONANT selects a flight and organizes the transfer between the airport and the port. This package is included in your cruise fare.

Embarkation day Paris/Longyearbyen

Flight Paris/Longyearbyen selected by PONANT.

Approximate flight duration: 4h30

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 -

This programme includes:

  • Flight Paris/Longyearbyen selected by PONANT in economy class.
  • Transfer mentioned in the programme.
  • English-speaking assistance.

This programme does not include:

  • Personal expenses.
  • Any other service not mentioned in the programme.

Note:

  • Flight included in the programme is as of today, operated in economy class, on a European airline.
  • Due to limited local transportation resources, waiting might be generated.
  • For passengers in transit in Paris, we recommend staying one night in Paris before this flight.
  • Programme and flight schedule are subject to change without prior notice.


ITINERARY

Day 1 : Longyearbyen, Spitsbergen
Longyearbyen is the capital of the Norwegian Svalbard archipelago, located on Svalbard’s main island, and is the northernmost territorial capital on the planet. With winter temperatures dropping to below 40°C, the landscapes of this mining town are simply breathtaking. The glaciers, the mountains stretching as far as the eye can see and the untouched nature, make you feel like you’re in completely unexplored territory.

Day 2 : At sea along Spitsbergen
The largest island in the Svalbard archipelago, its name meaning “pointed mountains” in German, Spitsbergen is the last piece of land before the Arctic ice floe. Aboard your ship, you will sail along the extremely spectacular coastline of this icy land. Between millennial glaciers and rugged mountains, you will discover a jagged coastline, hollowed-out by fjords. A unique setting, the refuge of a particularly rich avifauna, offering you the possibility of taking fabulous photographs from the deck of your ship.

Day 3-7 : Navigating through the sea ice
Enjoy the absolutely unique experience of sailing to the heart of the ice floe, this vast expanse of virgin, immaculate ice. The landscapes are constantly changing, shifting from a smooth, flat wilderness to a chaos of ice, then to channels of open water. Your ship will sail along these naturally open channels and through the areas where the frozen layer is thinnest, offering you the chance to experience magic maritime moments in the midst of drifting sea ice. It will also often be an opportunity to see a particular kind of fauna, totally dependent on the ice floe.

Day 8 : Geographic North Pole
Defined by a 90° North latitude, the Geographic North Pole lies on the Earth’s rotational axis, at the intersection of all meridians. Plunged into darkness for six months of the year, then lit by the sun for the following six months, this mythical site, permanently covered in ice and remote from any land, has fascinated generations of explorers. So far, only a very few people have ever reached it: an exploit which is now accessible to you aboard Le Commandant Charcot.

Day 9-13 : Navigating through the sea ice
Enjoy the absolutely unique experience of sailing to the heart of the ice floe, this vast expanse of virgin, immaculate ice. The landscapes are constantly changing, shifting from a smooth, flat wilderness to a chaos of ice, then to channels of open water. Your ship will sail along these naturally open channels and through the areas where the frozen layer is thinnest, offering you the chance to experience magic maritime moments in the midst of drifting sea ice. It will also often be an opportunity to see a particular kind of fauna, totally dependent on the ice floe.

Day 14-15 : At sea along Spitsbergen
The largest island in the Svalbard archipelago, its name meaning “pointed mountains” in German, Spitsbergen is the last piece of land before the Arctic ice floe. Aboard your ship, you will sail along the extremely spectacular coastline of this icy land. Between millennial glaciers and rugged mountains, you will discover a jagged coastline, hollowed-out by fjords. A unique setting, the refuge of a particularly rich avifauna, offering you the possibility of taking fabulous photographs from the deck of your ship.

Day 16 : Longyearbyen, Spitsbergen
Longyearbyen is the capital of the Norwegian Svalbard archipelago, located on Svalbard’s main island, and is the northernmost territorial capital on the planet. With winter temperatures dropping to below 40°C, the landscapes of this mining town are simply breathtaking. The glaciers, the mountains stretching as far as the eye can see and the untouched nature, make you feel like you’re in completely unexplored territory.

Le Commandant Charcot (Luxury Expedition, 270-guests)

Le Commandant-Charcot welcomes you to an intimate and refined atmosphere. Equipped with just 135 staterooms including 31 suites with balconies and outside views, the ship offers outstanding gastronomy in its two restaurants, relaxation in the indoor pool surrounded by its winter garden, relaxation in the well-being area with sauna and Snow Room... Like on a private yacht, each of our guests is unique.

(Click image to view Ship details)

WHAT'S INCLUDED

For your serenity, PONANT selects flights and organises transfers between the airport and the port (and vice-versa). This package is included in your cruise fare.

Embarkation day - Paris/Longyearbyen

Flight Paris/Longyearbyen selected by PONANT.
Approximate flight duration: 4 h 30

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 - Longyearbyen/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 Longyearbyen/Paris selected by PONANT.
Flight Longyearbyen/Paris selected by PONANT.
Approximate flight duration: 4 h 30

We highly recommend you stay one night in Paris after this flight.

This programme includes:
  • Flight Paris/Longyearbyen and Longyearbyen/Paris selected by PONANT in economy class.
  • Transfers mentioned in the programme.
  • English-speaking assistance.
This programme does not include:
  • Personal expenses.
  • Any other service not mentioned in the programme.
Please note:
  • Flights included in the programme are as of today, operated in economy class, on a European airline.
  • Due to limited local transportation resources, waiting might be generated.
  • For passengers in transit in Paris, we recommend staying one night in Paris before and after these flights.
  • Programme and flight schedule are subject to change without prior notice.

ADVENTURE OPTIONS :
  • Hiking Or Snowshoeing
  • Kayaking - Le Commandant Charcot
  • Polar plunge


 

Contact Epic Polar!
We can assist in finding you the right trip, and provide exclusive discounts not advertised on our site. Find out more by completing the form or call toll free USA 1 888 423 4535 or Mobile/WhatsApp +1 604 970 0165
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DISCLAIMER: Rates are per person and subject to change.
   





Email:
info@epicpolar.com
Phone:
1 888 423 4535 (U.S.)
 
Mobile
WhatsApp +1 604 970 0165
Address:
Epic Polar, Inc.
850 New Burton Road,
Suite 201
Dover, Delaware 19904
USA



ANTARCTICA
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ARCTIC
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