Ponant Explorations’ upcoming itinerary ventures to the North Pole in less time than ever.
For even the most well traveled, the Geographic North Pole often remains Earth’s final frontier – an extraordinarily remote location, reserved for a few. And, if you are one those able to venture this far north, a typical expedition would take upwards of a month to complete. For the time conscious traveler, Ponant Expeditions – international leader in exploration cruises – has introduced a series of 12-night explorations, designed to showcase the majesty of this secluded part of the world in a more succinct way.
Departing in summer 2027, these journeys are made possible by Ponant Explorations’ Le Commandant Charcot ship – the world’s only luxury ice breaker vessel. Launched in 2022, when it made history as the first passenger ship to reach the Geographic North Pole, it has Polar Class 2 classification, allowing it to navigate the region’s famously unpredictable ice floes with relative ease.
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The roundtrip commences from Longyearbyen, in Norway’s Svalbard archipelago, and will traverse through the North Sea’s packed ice on its journey toward 90-degree North. The most northerly point on Earth, 90-degree North is permanently ice covered and entirely sunlit for half of the year. Few will ever witness it for themselves. En route, guests will witness rare species, such as polar bears, seals, and seabirds; glimpse awe-inspiring Arctic landscapes; and try their hand at adrenaline pumping activities including Zodiac outings, snow shoeing, and polar plunging.
And, while many explorer vessels forego comfort in the name of adventure, Ponant Explorations ensures guests need not compromise. Closer in character to a private yacht than a cruise ship, Le Commandant Charcot is an all-suite vessel. Among its top keys are four split-level suites, each with their own private terrace and Jacuzzi, and the Owner’s Suite, which features a separate dining room, a lounge, and a 2,000-sq-ft outdoor terrace. Guests can also indulge in all-inclusive world-class dining at Nuna, the only Alain Ducasse restaurant at sea, a cocooning wellness area with indoor and outdoor pools, and a high-end shopping boutique. A staff-to-guest ratio of nearly 1:1 means service is dedicated and personalized.
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In line with Ponant Explorations’ aims to become net zero by 2050, Le Commandant Charcot has been designed as one of the most sustainable ships to operate in the Polar regions. It features a hybrid propulsion system for reduced emissions and battery mode for silent wildlife viewing. Each voyage will also host a scientist onboard, and guests have access to a multitude of labs and lectures during their trip. While visiting polar regions will also conjure questions surrounding environmental responsibility, to visit them with Ponant Explorations is to help become a custodian of sustainable travel.
Ponant’s 12-night Le Commandant Charcot Polar expeditions will depart July 27, August 8, August 20, and September 1, 2027. Find out more here.
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