The Geographic North Pole
Pack-ice expedition from Spitsbergen
Joining you on board

Cindy Miller Hopkins
American photographer and Ponant photo ambassador, specialist in polar and Arctic landscapes. Her images have shaped the visual language of expedition cruising. On board she shares technique and eye - from composition in low Arctic light to capturing wildlife at distance - and accompanies the photographic outings.
Foto: © PONANT
Longyearbyen
16 nights
Longyearbyen
The Route
The exact route is set by the expedition team on site, depending on ice and weather:
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Longyearbyen · Embarkation
Longyearbyen auf Spitzbergen ist die nördlichste Stadt der Welt (78° N). Die ehemalige Kohlebergwerkssiedlung ist heute Tor zur Arktis – Hundeschlitten, Polarlichter im Winter, Mitternachtssonne im Sommer und das Svalbard Global Seed Vault als Saatgut-Tresor.

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North Pole
The geographic North Pole (90° N) lies in the middle of the Arctic Ocean, in about 4,200 metres of water. All meridians converge here; every direction is south. Only a handful of vessels worldwide (nuclear icebreakers, Le Commandant Charcot) reach the Pole, crossing dense multi-year pack ice often several metres thick. On board, the moment is usually marked by an ice picnic on the floe, with possible sightings of polar bears, seals and the pole star directly overhead.

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Longyearbyen · Disembarkation
Destination
Le Commandant Charcot
Le Commandant Charcot is the world's only luxury icebreaker carrying passengers. PC2 ice class, LNG hybrid propulsion, 270 guests. The ship reaches the geographic North Pole and penetrates deep into Antarctic pack ice - places previously reserved for research icebreakers.
In the Arctic, Le Commandant Charcot sails to the geographic North Pole and through the Northwest Passage - expeditions to areas no other passenger ship can reach.
The Ship
Cabins
Owner Suite
Die grösste Kategorie an Bord. Geräumiger Wohnbereich, separater Schlafraum, ausgelegt für bis zu sechs Personen oder als Premium-Rückzugsort für Paare. Eine eigene private Terrasse als zentrales Highlight - auf der Le Commandant Charcot exklusiv den beiden Top-Kategorien (Owner Suite und Duplex Suite) vorbehalten.
Ausstattung: Private Terrasse + Balkon, Klimaanlage, Minibar, Nespresso, Bose-Bluetooth-Lautsprecher, Diptyque-Pflegeprodukte, Safe, WLAN, 24-Stunden-Roomservice, Concierge-Service.
Duplex Suite
Zwei-Etagen-Suite mit eindrucksvollem Raumgefühl: Wohnbereich und separater Schlafraum auf zwei Ebenen, verbunden durch eine Innentreppe. Eine der beiden Top-Kategorien an Bord, die eine eigene private Terrasse statt nur eines Balkons bietet - die zweite ist die Owner Suite.
Ausstattung: Private Terrasse + Balkon, Klimaanlage, Minibar, Nespresso, Bose-Bluetooth-Lautsprecher, Diptyque-Pflegeprodukte, Safe, WLAN, 24-Stunden-Roomservice, Concierge-Service.
Privilege Suite
Geräumige Suite mit Wohnbereich, separatem Schlafraum und großzügigem Balkon. Privilegierte Lage im Wohndeck-Bereich, für anspruchsvolle Reisende und längere Reisen.
Ausstattung: Privater Balkon, Klimaanlage, Minibar, Nespresso, Bose-Bluetooth-Lautsprecher, Diptyque-Pflegeprodukte, Safe, WLAN, 24-Stunden-Roomservice, Concierge-Service.
Prestige Suite
Suite mit separatem Wohn- und Schlafbereich, doppelt so groß wie eine Standardkabine. Privater Balkon. Geeignet für Familien oder zwei Reisende mit Wunsch nach mehr Raum.
Ausstattung: Privater Balkon, Klimaanlage, Minibar, Nespresso, Bose-Bluetooth-Lautsprecher, Diptyque-Pflegeprodukte, Safe, WLAN, 24-Stunden-Roomservice, Concierge-Service.
Grand Suite
Großzügige Suite mit separatem Wohnraum, Schlafraum und geraeumigem Balkon. 42 m² Wohnfläche - eine der raumtechnisch starken Kategorien der Le Commandant Charcot oberhalb der Prestige Suite.
Ausstattung: Privater Balkon, Klimaanlage, Minibar, Nespresso, Bose-Bluetooth-Lautsprecher, Diptyque-Pflegeprodukte, elektronischer Safe, WLAN, 24-Stunden-Roomservice, Concierge-Service.
Deluxe Suite
Geräumige Außenkabine mit klar abgegrenztem Wohn- und Schlafbereich, privater Balkon. 28 m² Wohnfläche für zwei Personen, ideal für laengere Reisen mit mehr Raum als die Standard-Stateroom.
Ausstattung: Privater Balkon, Klimaanlage, Minibar, Nespresso, Bose-Bluetooth-Lautsprecher, Diptyque-Pflegeprodukte, elektronischer Safe, WLAN, 24-Stunden-Roomservice, Concierge-Service.
Privilege Stateroom
Außenkabine mit privatem Balkon auf den oberen Decks. 20 m² Wohnfläche für bis zu zwei Personen. Skandinavisch-ruhige Designsprache von Jean-Philippe Nuel - Naturmaterialien, gedeckte Farben.
Ausstattung: Privater Balkon, Klimaanlage, Minibar, Nespresso, Bose-Bluetooth-Lautsprecher, Diptyque-Pflegeprodukte, elektronischer Safe, WLAN, 24-Stunden-Roomservice.
Prestige Stateroom
Außenkabine mit privatem Balkon auf einem unteren Deck. 20 m² Wohnfläche für bis zu zwei Personen. Skandinavisch-ruhige Designsprache von Jean-Philippe Nuel - Naturmaterialien, gedeckte Farben.
Ausstattung: Privater Balkon, Klimaanlage, Minibar, Nespresso, Bose-Bluetooth-Lautsprecher, Diptyque-Pflegeprodukte, elektronischer Safe, WLAN, 24-Stunden-Roomservice.
Included in this package voyage
This voyage is a complete travel package – flights, hotel and transfers are included.
- Included package (Ponant):
- - Includes flight Paris/Longyearbyen + transfers + flight Longyearbyen/Paris
- Included in the on-board price:
- - Full board with French gourmet cuisine
- - All beverages on board (open bar)
- - Gratuities for the crew
- - WLAN an Bord
- - 24/7 concierge service
- - Landings by Zodiac, kayak and snowshoe equipment
- - Complete expedition programme
Prices shown are per person in a twin cabin, including all package services listed above. Individual supplements on request.
Standard inclusions of the ship voyage
On board
- Full board in gourmet and À-la-carte restaurants
- Afternoon tea and pastries
- Open bar: water, soft drinks, wines, champagne, spirits, beers, coffee and tea
- Minibar in cabin, regularly refilled
- 24-hour cabin service
- All gratuities for crew and service staff
- Complimentary WiFi onboard (standard usage)
- Butler service (in higher suite categories on select ships)
- Zodiac excursions with experienced guides (on Expedition voyages)
- Expert lectures by scientists, marine biologists and historians
- Water sports equipment: kayaks, stand-up paddling, snorkelling gear (subject to weather and region)
Not included
- Flights
- Travel to/from ship (transfers, pre- or post-programmes)
- Some special shore excursions
- Spa treatments
Frequently asked questions
How do I book this voyage?
Send us a non-binding enquiry via the form on this page. Our team replies personally within 24 hours with availability, cabin options and a tailored offer. No enquiry fee, no upfront payment.
What is included in the price?
The base price per person (twin cabin) includes the cabin in your chosen category, full board, all port fees and the onboard programme. Flights and transfers are quoted separately. 16 nights from EUR 37.230 p.p. With Ponant, selected wines and beverages at meals are included.
How many guests sail on the Le Commandant Charcot?
A maximum of 245 guests - extraordinarily intimate compared to standard cruise ships. The high crew-to-guest ratio ensures personal attention throughout the voyage.
Can the itinerary change?
Yes - all itineraries are subject to weather, port availability and the captain's decisions. This is part of the charm of small-ship cruising: flexibility allows for unexpected discoveries.
Are there specials for early bookers or solo travellers?
Yes. Early bookers receive discounts for timely booking. Solo travellers often benefit from a reduced or waived single supplement. Simply mention your preferences in the enquiry.
Is my booking protected?
Yes. As a German tour operator, ivent-sailing provides a travel protection certificate (Reisesicherungsschein) under German law. Your payment is fully insured.
What about flights and transfers?
Flights and transfers are included in this package voyage. You will find all included services in the "Package" section.
Are there shore excursions?
Yes. All cruise lines offer shore excursions - from guided cultural tours to nature experiences. The concepts vary by fleet. We are happy to provide details on available excursions for your chosen voyage.
What water sports and activities are available?
Depending on the ship and route: snorkelling, kayaking, stand-up paddling, diving, and Zodiac landings (on expedition voyages). Many ships have a marina platform for direct access to the water. We will be happy to tell you exactly what is available on your voyage.
Non-binding enquiry
Your enquiry reaches a person familiar with this voyage and ship.