Prestige Stateroom Deck 6
20% Ponant Bonus
215 ft²
2
With featured guest Nicolas Tolstoï, French photo ambassador.
After the long winter, a thick coat of ice preserves the shores of the East coast of Greenland. These shores have long been coveted by the great explorers and approaching them means being in tune with powerful yet fragile nature; only the present matters here. Aboard Le Commandant Charcot, designed for polar exploration, you will explore the hypnotic and icy landscapes of the Ammassalik and Blosseville regions. You will respectfully access these exceptional lands, which are inaccessible to traditional ships during the spring. The uncertainty here offers surprises and immaqa (perhaps, in Inuktitut) moments frozen in time. As is taught by Inuit wisdom, life thrives on the present moment.
The colourful traditional houses make the isolated villages stand out in the surrounding whiteness. The Inuit (men, in Inuktitut) follow the rhythm of the changing seasons and the ice, as they perpetuate their traditions, such as hunting on dog sleds. An outing alongside the last hunters of the polar region will have you intoxicated by various sensations aboard this ancient means of transport. Among the first outside visitors of the season, you will be warmly welcomed by the community. During privileged exchanges mixed with joyful and authentic moments, you will learn about the village customs on the ice floe. Inuit hospitality is no myth, it is given in the warmth of a look or an exchanged smile.
As the midnight sun illuminates the white desert and the calving glaciers, you will walk through different states and forms of ice, a constantly evolving spectacle. Aboard Le Commandant Charcot or on the ice floe, you will have opportunities for exploration among the fields of ice and the scenery of the hummocks that are as sublime as they are chaotic. You will enjoy an outing by kayak or zodiac in a polynya (area of open water surrounded by ice), or a polar hike to approach the icebergs caught in the ice floe. From the enveloping refuge of the ship, you will be able to admire a flock of eiders flying above the horizon, a majestic blue whale hugging the waves, or the great nanuk – the polar bear – and its impressive silhouette.
On the East coast of Greenland, all notions of time and distance are forgotten. The only thing that counts is the intensity of the moment spent in the heart of the ice. “Delight in what comes up”, as Sylvain Tesson wrote in The Velvet Queen.
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 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 : CC040525
With featured guest Nicolas Tolstoï, French photo ambassador. Exclusive: the possibility of taking part in a 2-day/1-night Nordic skiing polar trek, a unique and all-new experience. See the information...
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For more peace of mind, PONANT selects stays and flights then takes care of your transfers for your trip as well as shore visits before and after the cruise.
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*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.
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Nicolas Tolstoï
Nicolas Tolstoy is originally a marine biologist and scientific diver who has devoted part of his life to research for various institutes. After working in this field for several years, an expedition to Antarctica marked a decisive turning point in his career, revealing his passion for expedition cruises.
Since then, he has spent the last 14 years of his life as a naturalist guide and lecturer, accompanying travellers through polar and remote regions. However, his real passion is nature photography, an interest that goes back to his childhood.
His photographic career began with a particular interest in underwater photography, a discipline that gave him a solid technical grounding. Over time, he broadened his skills to capture landscapes, particularly in polar environments.
He has had the opportunity to take part in numerous exhibitions and to win several awards for photographic composition. He has also collaborated with renowned photographic agencies such as Gamma Rapho and Naturagency. His work is currently represented by Perspectives Studio, an art gallery specialising in photography.
As a PONANT Ambassador Photographer, he has the privilege of sharing his photographic knowledge and techniques with passengers on expedition cruises. He puts his photography skills at their disposal, as well as his expertise as an expedition guide and wildlife specialist. His aim is to provide an enriching and memorable experience on board, while continuing to explore and capture the beauty of our natural world.
Languages spoken: French and English
Photo credit: Nicolas Tolstoï
This cruise include activities such as zodiac outings and landings (sometimes with "wet landing"), moderate walks to more active hikes, all accompanied 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:
Accessories:
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
Nordic skiing polar trek (2 days/1 night)
Enjoy a unique and all-new experience in the heart of the Far North. Leave the cocoon of Le Commandant Charcot for two days and one night for a Nordic skiing polar trek in a small group and autonomously. In the middle of the ice floe, give yourself the possibility of total immersion in the polar nature, accompanied by your local Greenlandic guides, camping in the very heart of the vastness. During this timeless adventure, contemplation and serenity will reward your efforts, and the extraordinary experience will create moments of conviviality and sharing.*
*Optional paid-for activity, limited number of places
Dog sledding
Try out a practice that dates back to 6,000 years before our era. Faithful companions to the Inuit who made their use widespread in around 1000 AD, sled dogs have also accompanied trappers in the American Far North and explorers on their most extraordinary expeditions. Led with a deft hand by their master and your local guide, the dogs will take you across enchanting landscapes during a magical ride. You will make the most of weather and ice opportunities to experience this traditional transport and explore the ice floe. This is the ideal way to discover the ice sheet; you will hear only the noise of the sled’s runners sliding across the ice, the dogs’ paws in the snow and the orders given by the Inuit. Let yourself be lulled by the magic of the moment. *
*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
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
*Subject to weather and ice conditions and to sailing opportunities
The activities mentioned are given as examples, the programme of activities will be fine-tuned as the departure of your cruise approaches and will be available on the website.
Embarkation 5/4/2025 from 4:00 PM to 5:00 PM
Departure 5/4/2025 at 10:00 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.
Arrival 5/5/2025
Departure 5/5/2025
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.
Arrival 5/6/2025
Departure 5/11/2025
Still relatively unknown just a century ago, the east coast of Greenland remains the most authentic and majestic region in the Arctic. Explore this part of the world where the alpine mountains merge intimately with the sea and the fjords are adorned with high, snow-capped peaks and icebergs drifting or trapped in the pack ice. You will slowly immerse yourself in the heart of frozen landscapes of surreal beauty. The infinite variety of textures in the different types of ice creates an ever-changing scenery. Follow in the wake of the famous Pourquoi Pas?, the ship of Captain Jean-Baptiste Charcot who set off with his crew in 1934 to land Paul-Émile Victor in Ammassalik. A small island of primitive and wild beauty, for his first ethnographic mission, during which he would study the Ammassalimiut, a little-known Inuit community. In this deceptively frozen landscape, the silence is broken only by the sounds of dogs and the grating of sled runners against the ice. You will receive a warm welcome in villages still protected by the fast ice. You will have the opportunity to discover the Inuit culture’s ancestral traditions during joyous and authentic moments shared with the communities.
Arrival 5/12/2025
Departure 5/12/2025
Aboard your ship, follow in the footsteps of Jules Poret de Blosseville, a French explorer and sailor. In 1833, aboard La Lilloise, he set off to discover this isolated and unexplored part of eastern Greenland and gave French names to various sites on the coast. The adventure probably has an unfortunate outcome, since the crew was never found. This uninhabited territory, which now bears his name, lies to the south of Scoresby Sund. Surrounded by ice, icebergs and pieces of pack ice, Blosseville Coast is one of these wild and hard-to-reach places that very few people are lucky enough to explore.
Arrival 5/13/2025
Departure 5/13/2025
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.
Arrival 5/14/2025 early morning
Disembarkation 5/14/2025 at 8:00 AM
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.
Polar Expedition
Make your dreams of adventure come true, explore the boundaries of the world, and discover wild and legendary territories. The icy immensity of Antarctica, the constantly changing glaciers and icebergs of the North Pole, the mysterious mists of the North European coastlines, the most remote fjords on the planet… Every destination unveils unrivalled landscapes, home to increasingly varied fauna. Our team of naturalist-guides will share their knowledge with you during varied lectures about the history of the great explorations, geology and climatology, the fauna and flora, and will invite you to share special moments with the local populations.
No single supplement
FREE SINGLE SUPPLEMENT *
*The supplement for single usage of a double cabin is waived, according to availability and staterooms categories.
Skiing polar trek
Aspiring to be a polar explorer, immersing yourself in wild and powerful nature, taking the time to contemplate the harmonious show put on by the world… Enjoy a unique and all-new experience in the heart of the Far North: during two days and one night, leave the cocoon of Le Commandant Charcot for a Nordic skiing polar trek* in a small group and autonomously. Experience a moment suspended in time where nature reigns supreme and humbles us.
*Optional paid-for activity, limited number of places
Shore excursions, Pre/Post & Overlands
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:
Your programme does not include:
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 : $180
Price is per person, based on double occupancy, based on availability.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.
Upgraded rooms are also available depending on availability and on a supplement basis. Contact your travel professional for further detail.
Your programme includes:
Your programme does not include:
Please note:
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 : $4,500
Price is per person, based on double occupancy, based on availability.Aspiring to be a polar explorer, immersing yourself in wild and powerful nature, taking the time to contemplate the harmonious show put on by the world… PONANT offers this timeless experience in collaboration with the local Inuits. For two days and one night, in a small group, experience a moment suspended in time, autonomously, in a place where nature reigns supreme and humbles us.
This morning, as the reassuring silhouette of Le Commandant Charcot disappears behind you, adventure and the unknown appear on the horizon. With your skis on, you will slowly glide over the ice floe with its thousand shades of white. The perception of time is no longer the same in the vastness of the polar desert. Accompanied by your three Greenlandic guides, you will begin to understand their philosophy: immaqa – meaning perhaps - will become your motto. Perhaps you will observe the fascinating fauna of the Far North, perhaps you will come across hunters on your path, or perhaps the weather and the ice will reshuffle the deck… The past no longer exists, the future has only little importance, and only the present moment matters.
The physical effort you expend to arrive in the heart of the ice floe will transform your apprehensiveness and expectation into an incomparable and marvellous feeling of fulfilment. In this surreal setting, the experience becomes mystical. The sensations cannot be described, they are lived - and intensely so. The breaks that punctuate your progress will all be moments of conviviality and sharing, those of a friendship that only wild and hostile nature can create between humans. You will hear about Inuit culture and its traditions from your three Greenlandic guides who will enthusiastically share their daily lives with you as well as this territory they know so well.
In the distance, the pitched tents of your base camp will welcome you for a timeless evening and night. Your immersion in Inuit lands continues with a dinner featuring local colour. As time goes by, tongues will loosen, stories will be swapped, and memories and emotions will be shared. Those who wish to further immerse themselves in local life will be able to guard the campsite and do a shift with the local guides to keep an eye out for the Nanuk. The lord of the ice, the polar bear, is never very far away here. At this time of the year when the sun never sets, the polar light offers its finest nuances during this night, which no longer falls.
After an exceptional night in the heart of nature, the soft boreal light illuminates the landscape with rare beauty. It is now time to return to the cocoon of Le Commandant Charcot, your head filled with dreams, with enough memories to last you a lifetime.
This experience includes:
Important information about this experience:
Total : $1,090
Price is per person, based on double occupancy, based on availability.Travel with peace of mind as PONANT organises your transfer between your port of disembarkation and the airport.
Reykjavik
After disembarkation procedures are completed, you will be greeted at the port by our local English-speaking representative.
You will then be transferred to the international airport of Keflavík in time for check-in for the PONANT selected flight.
Your programme includes:
Your programme does not include:
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 : $180
Price is per person, based on double occupancy, based on availability.Day 1 - Reykjavik
After disembarkation procedures are completed, you will be greeted at the port by our local representative.
First you will be transferred to the historic Thingvellir National Park, a place that intertwines geological marvels with significant historical importance. Traverse the remarkable Almannagjá rift valley, where the convergence of the North American and Eurasian tectonic plates is showcased... Learn about the park's historical significance as the site of Iceland's ancient parliamentary assembly while soaking in the awe-inspiring vistas.
A short drive to Gullfoss waterfall, one of Iceland's most iconic waterfalls. As the Hvítá River cascades in two tiers into a rugged canyon in a display of sheer natural power.
Your journey continues to the Geysir geothermal area. Observe as the Strokkur geyser erupts, sending boiling water skyward in a display of Earth's inner forces. Learn about the underlying geothermal processes that power these geysers and contribute to Iceland's renewable energy efforts.
You will then be transfer to a local restaurant for lunch.
Your last stop is at Hellisheiði Geothermal Power Plant, a testament to Iceland's global leadership in clean and sustainable energy utilization. With over 90% of Icelandic homes heated by geothermal energy, this is a profound aspect of the nation's identity. The Hellisheidi Power Plant combines a high tech exhibition, experienced guides and a look into this aspect of daily life in Iceland. An impressive building with magnificent views over the surrounding lavafields and pillars of geothermal steam.
In the late afternoon, you will check-in to the Iceland Parliament Hotel, Curio Collection by Hilton 4*.
Dinner at the hotel restaurant.
Overnight at the hotel.
Day 2 - Reykjavik
After breakfast and check-out, time at leisure depending on your flight schedule.
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:
Nestled in the heart of Reykjavik, the Iceland Parliament Hotel offers a unique vantage point, granting you effortless access to the city's iconic landmarks, bustling streets, and cultural gems. The hotel boasts a fusion of modern luxury and historical allure. Each room is a testament to this blend, where contemporary furnishings seamlessly intertwine with the past. Drawing inspiration from Iceland's natural hues, the décor spans a palette from earthy tones to serene blues, creating an atmosphere that is simultaneously inviting and invigorating.
Upgraded rooms are also available depending on availability and on a supplement basis. Contact your travel professional for further detail.
Your programme includes:
Your programme does not include:
Please note:
Contact of your hotel:
Iceland Parliament Hotel, Curio Collection by Hilton 4*
Thorvaldsenstraeti 2-6, 101
Reykjavík,
Iceland
Telephone number: +354 513 3000
Duration and order of the visits 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 documents.
Total : $1,160
Price is per person, based on double occupancy, based on availability.