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.

During your cruise, discover Ny-Ålesund, a former mining town that has been transformed into a scientific base. Founded in 1916, this small town was the departure point for many Arctic expeditions, including those of the famous explorer Roald Amundsen. Don't miss a visit to the museum and its famous post office, considered to be the most northerly in the world!

A kingdom of contrasts and natural marvels dotted with islands and peninsulas, northwest Spitsbergen fascinates with its preserved beauty. On these pristine lands, infinity unveils itself, treating the eyes to beauty sculpted by nature and enhanced by the changing light. The fjords bathed by icy waters, the jagged mountains and the imposing glaciers stand majestically before you, like monumental sculptures. In these lands, where souls are filled with deep serenity, only the murmur of broken ice, bearing mysteries and legends, disturbs the calmness. Aboard our Zodiacs and in the company of naturalist-guides, get as close as possible to this unique fauna and discover this centre for scientific expedition departures. In the distance, majestic whales glide silently through the glacial waters, whereas seals, walrus and Arctic foxes add a playful touch of life. As Svalbard reindeer wander the vast expanses, Arctic terns liven up the polar sky with their gracious flight and polar bears, which you may be lucky enough to see, patrol magnificently along the icy shores.

Your captain will sail right up to the limit of the ice, to the edge of the ice floe. Weather conditions and state of the ice allowing, you will be able to go out in a zodiac dinghy for a unique experience in the middle of these floating slabs of ice. In addition to this grandiose journey through the middle of these floes with their cut and blue-tinged edges, sometimes over 2 metres thick, it is also often an opportunity to see a particular kind of fauna, totally dependent on the ice floe: birds, seals and polar bears.

The Nordaust-Svalbard Nature Reserve has been protecting the northernmost and coldest part of the archipelago, Nordaustlandet (North East Land), since 1973. This vast polar desert covered by two ice caps is the second largest island in the Svalbard archipelago. Protected by the Gulf Stream, the fjords and cliffs in the west and north are home to large colonies of birds and walruses. The landscapes in the colder east and south are dominated by imposing glaciers that calve majestic icebergs in the vast Hinlopen Strait. Large colonies of thick-billed murres have taken up residence on the sheer cliffs*. You may even get the chance to see a bear or an Arctic fox roaming in the vicinity. *depending on nesting and migration period

The Søraust-Svalbard Nature Reserve is the second largest protected area in Norway. Established in 1973, this nature conservation area stretching over more than 21,000 km2 will offer you stunning panoramas including coastal landscapes, rocky islets, mountain plateaux, vast tundra plains, and ice floes. With a little luck, you will be able to observe a wide variety of seabirds, given the site is listed as an Important Bird Area, as well as cetaceans, Svalbard reindeer, or even Arctic foxes. Among other things, Edgeoya Island is renowned for providing shelter to a number of polar bears during the breeding season.

A kingdom of contrasts and natural marvels dotted with islands and peninsulas, northwest Spitsbergen fascinates with its preserved beauty. On these pristine lands, infinity unveils itself, treating the eyes to beauty sculpted by nature and enhanced by the changing light. The fjords bathed by icy waters, the jagged mountains and the imposing glaciers stand majestically before you, like monumental sculptures. In these lands, where souls are filled with deep serenity, only the murmur of broken ice, bearing mysteries and legends, disturbs the calmness. Aboard our Zodiacs and in the company of naturalist-guides, get as close as possible to this unique fauna and discover this centre for scientific expedition departures. In the distance, majestic whales glide silently through the glacial waters, whereas seals, walrus and Arctic foxes add a playful touch of life. As Svalbard reindeer wander the vast expanses, Arctic terns liven up the polar sky with their gracious flight and polar bears, which you may be lucky enough to see, patrol magnificently along the icy shores.

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.

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.

1 available excursion

EXTENSION : Scenic Helicopter flight over Reykjavik

During your journey at sea, make the most of the many services and activities on board. Treat yourself to a moment of relaxation in the spa or stay in shape in the fitness centre. Depending on the season, let yourself be tempted by the swimming pool or a spot of sunbathing. This journey without a port of call will also be an opportunity to enjoy the conferences or shows proposed on board, depending on the activities offered, or to do some shopping in the boutique or to meet the PONANT photographers in their dedicated space. As for lovers of the open sea, they will be able to visit the ship’s upper deck to admire the spectacle of the waves and perhaps be lucky enough to observe marine species. A truly enchanted interlude, combining comfort, rest and entertainment.

In Tasiilaq, on Ammassalik Island, follow in the wake of Captain Jean-Baptiste Charcot’s famous ship, the Pourquoi Pas ?, which set off with its crew in 1935 to discover this small island of primitive and wild beauty that remained unexplored until the end of the 19th century. Along with Ittoqqortoormiit, a village with 500 inhabitants located at the entrance of the Scoresby Sound, the village of Tasiilaq and its surroundings, 800 kilometres (500 miles) further north, are the only inhabited areas on the east coast of Greenland. The name of this island is a reference to the capelin, a small flamboyant silver-coloured fish whose presence in the thousands announces to inhabitants the return of spring. A surprising discovery in a spectacular setting.

Located on the south-eastern coast of Greenland, the Timmiarmiut Fjord opens onto a world of vertiginous alpine mountains whose jagged peaks rise to over 2,000 metres (6,560 ft) and plunge directly into the icy waters below. Lined by active glaciers and both extremely remote and rarely visited, Timmiarmiut embodies the very essence of polar exploration. In this pristine, untouched environment, you may be fortunate enough to spot a polar bear.

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.

Around you, a grassy meadow filled with flowers stretches out, dotted with imposing granite rocks. A few semi-wild sheep and horses greet you; they are the only inhabitants of this place surrounded by beautiful mountains. You are in Hvalsø, in the heart of the fertile lands in Greenland’s south. During the 10th century, this site was colonised by the Vikings, who established a large community here. When your ship calls at these lands brimming with history, you will see the ruins of a church whose remains are still very well preserved. It was most likely built in the 14th century. It has lost its timber roof, but its four stone walls continue to stand proudly as a moving relic of a long-gone era.

Nestling on the southern tip of Greenland, Igaliku offers a peaceful panorama, dominated by high snow-capped mountains and vibrant valleys of flowers on fine days. Home to the first Viking agricultural settlements, this bucolic village houses the remains of the Garðar religious site, a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

The Narsarsuaq region is a veritable Arctic jewel, famous for its majestic landscapes and its historic and cultural treasures. Fall under the spell of the untamed power of this region’s deep fjords, between sheer cliffs and impressive summits, during a Zodiac cruise on the Bredefjord. You will navigate among the icebergs with their fascinating shapes and blue tones, or set off to explore the neighbouring island for a total immersion in this grandiose nature. You will also discover the local history and culture by visiting the remarkably well-preserved Viking vestiges - evidence of a rich past and a reminder that they were the first to discover Greenland in 942 (Erik the Red) - or the charming village of Qassiarsuk, where you will learn more about the way of life of local communities.

Bathed by the waters of the Labrador Sea, the small town of Paamiut offers an ideal gateway for exploring deep fjords and discovering a wild, unspoilt natural environment. Where gentle hills meet the Arctic tundra and rocky shores, the landscape opens out into seemingly endless vistas. In this almost sacred silence, snow buntings, great northern divers and seals find refuge. Marvel at the raw beauty of the surroundings during a hike or an excursion across these calm waters by inflatable dinghy.

Your ship glides slowly along the water towards the west coast of Greenland, to enter Evighedsfjorden, just a few kilometres south of Kangerlussuaq. Evighedsfjorden means “the fjord of Eternity”, and for good reason: just when you think you’ve reached the end of this stretch of sea measuring over 100 kilometres in length, it seems to go on forever, as though to bring even more pleasure to those sailing in it. The spectacular scenery ranges from glaciers to tundra with an abundant flora, and jagged cliffs where numerous bird species have taken up residence. Take the time to observe the white-tailed eagles and the colonies of seagulls and black-legged kittiwakes flying overhead in the area.

During your journey at sea, make the most of the many services and activities on board. Treat yourself to a moment of relaxation in the spa or stay in shape in the fitness centre. Depending on the season, let yourself be tempted by the swimming pool or a spot of sunbathing. This journey without a port of call will also be an opportunity to enjoy the conferences or shows proposed on board, depending on the activities offered, or to do some shopping in the boutique or to meet the PONANT photographers in their dedicated space. As for lovers of the open sea, they will be able to visit the ship’s upper deck to admire the spectacle of the waves and perhaps be lucky enough to observe marine species. A truly enchanted interlude, combining comfort, rest and entertainment.

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.

Located a few kilometres away from the Arctic Circle, the Nooralaq peninsula features raw and untamed beauty. Nature reigns supreme here, with the tundra stretching as far as the eye can see, decked out in various forms of flora and inhabited by Greenland’s emblematic fauna — snow buntings, common ravens, reindeer, musk oxen, and the discreet Arctic fox. The heights of Nooralaq afford sublime panoramas over the Itteleq fjord, whose water reflects the moving skies of the Far North.

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.

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.

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.

Aboard your ship, follow in the footsteps of Jules Poret de Blosseville, a French explorer and sailor. In 1833, he set off to discover this isolated and unexplored part of eastern Greenland aboard La Lilloise, an adventure with a fatal outcome. The uninhabited territory that bears his name lies to the south of Scoresby Sound. Surrounded by ice, icebergs and pack ice - thin or thick, flat or pronounced - as far as the eye can see, Blosseville Coast is a wild and distant place to which very few people have access. Exploring it means a slow immersion into the heart of a frozen, almost unreal desert, where the variations in light transform one’s perception of the landscape. In the kingdom of the polar bears, Le Commandant Charcot, a silent ship open to the exterior, will offer exceptional moments observing Arctic wildlife, through a series of encounters.

On the East coast of Greenland, in the Ittoqqortoormiit region that is covered with snow and ice for nine months of the year, you will have the rare opportunity of immersing yourself in the heart of an isolated territory and exploring the beauty of its infinite polar whiteness. The high alpine mountains punctuate the sky and gradually reveal their dark rock edges beneath a coat of snow. Located at the entrance to the longest system of fjords in the world, sits the village of Ittoqqortoormiit, one of the northernmost inhabited places on the East coast. Its name means ‘great house’ in Greenlandic and it is home to the last hunters of the polar region, whose ancestral way of life you will encounter. As soon as the thickness of the ice floe allows it, the hunters set out on the trail of walruses, seals, narwhals, musk oxen and polar bears, travelling by traditional dog sleds. On these expanses of immaculate snow, the silence is broken only by the sounds of the dogs, the grating of a sled coming back from a run or of footsteps on the ice. You will discover Inuit traditions through privileged and festive moments on the ice floe and in the village.

The north-east of Greenland is renowned for being home to one of the oldest and thickest layers of ice on the planet. Aboard your ship, you will have the unique opportunity of sailing to the heart of this icy wilderness, many thousands of years old, and will travel along one of the world's most isolated coasts, between drifting ice and blue icebergs.

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.

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.

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.

A kingdom of contrasts and natural marvels dotted with islands and peninsulas, northwest Spitsbergen fascinates with its preserved beauty. On these pristine lands, infinity unveils itself, treating the eyes to beauty sculpted by nature and enhanced by the changing light. The fjords bathed by icy waters, the jagged mountains and the imposing glaciers stand majestically before you, like monumental sculptures. In these lands, where souls are filled with deep serenity, only the murmur of broken ice, bearing mysteries and legends, disturbs the calmness. Aboard our Zodiacs and in the company of naturalist-guides, get as close as possible to this unique fauna and discover this centre for scientific expedition departures. In the distance, majestic whales glide silently through the glacial waters, whereas seals, walrus and Arctic foxes add a playful touch of life. As Svalbard reindeer wander the vast expanses, Arctic terns liven up the polar sky with their gracious flight and polar bears, which you may be lucky enough to see, patrol magnificently along the icy shores.

Set sail for southwest Spitsbergen, immerse yourself in this environment unlike any other and explore its unexpected riches. In this natural sanctuary, the polar light combines with the changing weather of the Arctic, a big blue sky, the horizon scattered with clouds, the enveloping mist erasing the border between the land and the sea. Follow in the footsteps of the first explorers and admire the majestic fjords and glaciers sculpting the breathtaking landscapes, their icy waters shimmering beneath the midnight sun. The fjords, veritable cathedrals of ice, reveal their millennial secrets, while the glaciers, like sleeping giants, move slowly towards the sea, setting free sparkling icebergs. On the water, you might spot belugas and rorquals, while on the shores, seals and Arctic foxes add a touch of mystery to this living tableau, where the steep cliffs become breeding grounds for thousands of seabirds, like guillemots. Southwest Spitsbergen is an ode to nature in its rawest and purest form.

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.