With featured guest Ian Dawson, British Photo Ambassador.


Winter is silently approaching, and near the Arctic Circle daylight is slowly fading, giving way to the long twilight that precedes the darkness. From the welcoming comfort of Le Commandant Charcot, take time to discover the shores of Norway, including the breathtaking Lofoten archipelago. See the North Cape, the tip of mainland Europe, and explore the rugged coastline at the edge of the Arctic and the natural sanctuaries of Norway: dolomite cliffs, an archaeological site dating from the Bronze Age, pine forests, and Lapland, home to the Sami, one of Europe's last indigenous communities.


Highlights


• With featured guest Ian Dawson, British Photo Ambassador.

• A PONANT Explorations journey into the heart of Norway’s northern coasts, from the North Cape to the Lofoten Islands, as daylight fades with the approach of winter.

• The keen eye and sound advice of our photo ambassador, a special opportunity to immortalise your journey with a programme of workshops, lectures, and personalised advice to improve your photographic skills.

• Aboard Le Commandant Charcot, a warm and refined cocoon that opens onto the exterior enjoy a unique experience in complete communion with the surrounding landscape.

• Immerse yourself in the coastline, the fishing villages, and the magnificent landscapes of Norwegian Lapland.

• Discover the Lofoten archipelago, a jewel offering wild nature and a Viking heritage.

• Varied landscapes: archipelagos, coastal panoramas, snow-covered peaks and expanses home to reindeer and seabirds.

• The possibility of observing the spellbinding Northern Lights.

• Enjoy one included excursion* per person per stop during your cruise, from a selection curated by our destination experts.

• Sail to the North Cape, an emblematic site and the northernmost point of continental Europe.

In the north of the Arctic circle you’ll discover Tromsø, a secluded town located in the county of Troms. Norwegians call it the “Paris of the north”. You’ll soon see why when you discover its extensive neoclassical architectural heritage. A stunning example is the Arctic cathedral, a major monument whose stylistic purity echoes the outline of the mountains surrounding the town.

If you feel like you have arrived at the end of the world in Honningsvåg, it is because this is the case. Halfway between Oslo and the North Pole, it competes with Hammerfest for the status of “the northernmost town in Continental Europe”. Colourful houses light up this charming and typically Norwegian fishing port nestled in the hollows of the region’s mountainous terrain. Travellers come to stay in the village to go to the North Cape. At the end of the road, you will see the globe that indicates that you are at the very end of Europe. At this point, only the Svalbard archipelago separates you from the North Pole. There is sea as far as the eye can see. The Northern Lights, the view of the immense cliff plunging into the sea, the thousands of puffins, gannets and cormorants that spin around you: everything here is grandiose.

Halfway between Norway and Spitsbergen, you will sail not far from the coastlines of Bjørnøya, the southernmost island of Svalbard. From your ship, observe this isolated piece of land discovered in 1596 by the Dutch navigator Willem Barents, then looking for the Northwest Passage. Following a tough fight between a polar bear and the members of the expedition, he dubbed the place Bear Island. Regularly covered by a thick layer of fog, Bjørnøya shelters a meteorological station built in 1923, which is still in operation. Declared a nature reserve in 2002, the island is above all home to an enormous colony of sea birds: skuas, guillemots, puffins, Tridactyl gulls, petrels, gulls and little auks all coexist here.

Beyond the Arctic Circle, Alta, in the far north of Norway, is the biggest city in Finnmark county. Alta will reveal itself to you at the end of the eponymous fjord, Altafjorden. The region offers a mix of forest, mountainous and coastal landscapes. It is on the verge of obtaining the “sustainable destination” label, a national label awarded to destinations that are committed to a sustainable approach to tourism for the long term. Alta invites you to experience unique moments, whether meeting the Sami people ─ reindeer herders who have ancestral traditions and yet embrace modernity ─ or during walks, snowshoe hikes or dog sledding, depending on the season.

In the north of the Arctic circle you’ll discover Tromsø, a secluded town located in the county of Troms. Norwegians call it the “Paris of the north”. You’ll soon see why when you discover its extensive neoclassical architectural heritage. A stunning example is the Arctic cathedral, a major monument whose stylistic purity echoes the outline of the mountains surrounding the town.

Beyond the Arctic Circle, north of the Norwegian Sea and at the gateway to the Vesterålen archipelago and the sumptuous Lofoten islands, surprising Harstad enjoys an extraordinary natural setting. A favoured destination for its gentle way of life, the small town and surrounding area are a concentrate of the northern Norway’s finest features: majestic coniferous forests, rugged mountains, bewitching fjords and preserved archipelagos. As inhospitable as they are magnificent, these lands still bear traces of the Bronze Age. For example, work tools, jewels and cairns sheltering many tombs that date back several millennia have been discovered during archaeological excavations.

Way beyond the Arctic Circle, Lofoten Islands are truly considered to be in “another world”. A jewel of nature in its most pristine state, this archipelago with its jagged coastline offers you majestic settings of high alpine summits, sandy beaches, green prairies and fjords of a deep blue, where countless bird colonies make their nests. Whether you visit Å, or Nusjford, listed by UNESCO, enjoy authentic and memorable moments.

Beyond the Arctic Circle, you will discover Narvik, nestling in the heart of impressive mountains that plunge into the Ofotfjord. It is on the verge of obtaining the “sustainable destination” label, a national label awarded to destinations that are committed to a sustainable approach to tourism for the long term. You will be mesmerised by its scenery. From Narvik, it is possible to take the Ofoten Line towards Sweden. This historic railway once linked the mineral-rich mines of Kiruna in Sweden to the ice-free port of Narvik. You will experience unique moments whether meeting the Sami people ─ reindeer herders who have ancestral traditions and yet embrace modernity.

The itinerary may be altered based on port approvals and to comply with applicable government regulations  The sailing programme, shore visits, activities and wildlife sightings cannot be guaranteed and are subject to weather conditions.

Prestige Stateroom Deck 6

$15,740 AUD pp
Prestige Stateroom Deck 6
Area : 20 m² Capacity :up to 2 passengers per cabin 5 m² private balcony Shower Individually-controlled airconditioning Stateroom layout: king-size bed or twin beds - communicating staterooms available Minibar - 24hr room service Flat screen satellite TV Video on demand IPod™ docks Safe French bath products Dressing table with hairdryer Direct line telephone 110V American (two flat pins)/220V European (round sockets with two round pins) Internet access Wifi.

Prestige Stateroom Deck 7

$15,990 AUD pp
Prestige Stateroom Deck 7
Area : 20 m² Capacity :up to 2 passengers per cabin 5 m² private balcony Shower Individually-controlled airconditioning Stateroom layout: king-size bed or twin beds - communicating staterooms available Minibar - 24hr room service Flat screen satellite TV Video on demand IPod™ docks Safe French bath products Dressing table with hairdryer Direct line telephone 110V American (two flat pins)/220V European (round sockets with two round pins) Internet access Wifi.

Prestige Stateroom Deck 8

$16,260 AUD pp
Prestige Stateroom Deck 8
Area : 20 m² Capacity :up to 2 passengers per cabin 5 m² private balcony Shower Individually-controlled airconditioning Stateroom layout: king-size bed or twin beds - communicating staterooms available Minibar - 24hr room service Flat screen satellite TV Video on demand IPod™ docks Safe French bath products Dressing table with hairdryer Direct line telephone 110V American (two flat pins)/220V European (round sockets with two round pins) Internet access Wifi.

Deluxe Suite Deck 6

$16,630 AUD pp
Deluxe Suite Deck 6
Area : 28 m² Capacity :2 passengers per cabin Private balcony for all our cabins and suites Terrace for the Duplex suites and the Owner's suite Individually-controlled airconditioning Stateroom layout: king-size bed, or twin beds, communicating staterooms available, children welcome Minibar - 24hr room service Satellite TV channels (availability dependent on navigation); selection of videos on demand Bose™ Bluetooth speaker Safe Selection of Dyptique Paris top-of-the-line bath products. Dressing table, bath robes, Hairdryer Direct line telephone 110V American (two flat pins)/220V European (round sockets with two round pins) Internet access Wifi : Satellite reception (availability dependent on navigation and latitude)

Deluxe Suite Deck 7

$17,280 AUD pp
Deluxe Suite Deck 7
Area : 28 m² Capacity :2 passengers per cabin Private balcony for all our cabins and suites Terrace for the Duplex suites and the Owner's suite Individually-controlled airconditioning Stateroom layout: king-size bed, or twin beds, communicating staterooms available, children welcome Minibar - 24hr room service Satellite TV channels (availability dependent on navigation); selection of videos on demand Bose™ Bluetooth speaker Safe Selection of Dyptique Paris top-of-the-line bath products. Dressing table, bath robes, Hairdryer Direct line telephone 110V American (two flat pins)/220V European (round sockets with two round pins) Internet access Wifi : Satellite reception (availability dependent on navigation and latitude)

Deluxe Suite Deck 8

$17,780 AUD pp
Deluxe Suite Deck 8
Area : 28 m² Capacity :2 passengers per cabin Private balcony for all our cabins and suites Terrace for the Duplex suites and the Owner's suite Individually-controlled airconditioning Stateroom layout: king-size bed, or twin beds, communicating staterooms available, children welcome Minibar - 24hr room service Satellite TV channels (availability dependent on navigation); selection of videos on demand Bose™ Bluetooth speaker Safe Selection of Dyptique Paris top-of-the-line bath products. Dressing table, bath robes, Hairdryer Direct line telephone 110V American (two flat pins)/220V European (round sockets with two round pins) Internet access Wifi : Satellite reception (availability dependent on navigation and latitude)

Prestige Suite Deck 7

$22,130 AUD pp
Prestige Suite Deck 7
Area : 40 m² Capacity :up to 4 passengers per cabin 10 m² private balcony 2 Showers Individually-controlled airconditioning Stateroom layout: king-size bed or twin beds - communicating staterooms available Minibar - 24hr room service Flat screen satellite TV Video on demand IPod™ docks Safe French bath products Dressing table with hairdryer Direct line telephone 110V American (two flat pins)/220V European (round sockets with two round pins) Internet access Wifi.

Prestige Suite Deck 8

$22,760 AUD pp
Prestige Suite Deck 8
Area : 40 m² Capacity :up to 4 passengers per cabin 10 m² private balcony 2 Showers Individually-controlled airconditioning Stateroom layout: king-size bed or twin beds - communicating staterooms available Minibar - 24hr room service Flat screen satellite TV Video on demand IPod™ docks Safe French bath products Dressing table with hairdryer Direct line telephone 110V American (two flat pins)/220V European (round sockets with two round pins) Internet access Wifi.

Grand Prestige Suite

$23,400 AUD pp
Grand Prestige Suite
Area : 42 m² Capacity :2 passengers per cabin Private balcony for all our cabins and suites Terrace for the Duplex suites and the Owner's suite Individually-controlled airconditioning Stateroom layout: king-size bed, or twin beds, communicating staterooms available, children welcome Minibar - 24hr room service Satellite TV channels (availability dependent on navigation); selection of videos on demand Bose™ Bluetooth speaker Safe Selection of Dyptique Paris top-of-the-line bath products. Dressing table, bath robes, Hairdryer Direct line telephone 110V American (two flat pins)/220V European (round sockets with two round pins) Internet access Wifi : Satellite reception (availability dependent on navigation and latitude) Butler service and priority boarding : Owner’s Suite, Duplex Suites, Privilege Suites and Grand Prestige Suites

Privilege Suite Deck 8

$24,670 AUD pp
Privilege Suite Deck 8
Area : 48 m² Capacity :up to 4 passengers per cabin 12.5 m² private balcony Shower & Balneo bathtub Butler service Individually-controlled airconditioning Stateroom layout: king-size bed or twin beds - communicating staterooms available Minibar - 24hr room service Flat screen satellite TV Video on demand IPod™ docks Safe French bath products Dressing table with hairdryer Direct line telephone 110V American (two flat pins)/220V European (round sockets with two round pins) Internet access Wifi.

Duplex Suite

$32,960 AUD pp
Duplex Suite
Area : 48 m² Capacity :up to 4 passengers per cabin 26 m² private balcony with jacuzzi Shower & Balneo bathtub Butler service Individually-controlled airconditioning Stateroom layout: king-size bed or twin beds - communicating staterooms available Minibar - 24hr room service Flat screen satellite TV Video on demand IPod™ docks Safe French bath products Dressing table with hairdryer Direct line telephone 110V American (two flat pins)/220V European (round sockets with two round pins) Internet access Wifi.

Vessel Type: Polar Luxury Expedition

Passenger Capacity: 135 cabins

Length: 149.9 meters

Built: 2018/2019

Be the first aboard Le Commandant-Charcot, the world's luxury polar exploration vessel, and enjoy a unique sailing experience in the Arctic or Antarctic!

With its hybrid propulsion combining liquefied natural gas (LNG) and electric generators, Le Commandant-Charcot has been designed to minimise the environmental impact of travel to the furthest latitudes. 

The decoration of the ship, imagined by two internationally renowned design and architecture firms - the studio of Jean-Philippe Nuel and Wilmotte & Associés - is designed to be in harmony with the environment. The approach is contemporary with the desire to create a warm and elegant setting; stone, wood and leather recall the natural environment in which the ship is sailing.

Equipped with just 135 staterooms including 31 suites with balconies and outside views, Le Commandant-Charcot welcomes you in an intimate and refined atmosphere. Outstanding gastronomy in the 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.

PUBLIC AREAS

Le Commandant-Charcot has many common areas that are designed and equipped to meet all of your needs while preserving the intimacy of each passenger.

A 177 m² reception area includes: A reception/concierge desk, An expeditions desk, The ship’s administrative services, The sales office, manned by our Hospitality & Travel Manager officer, Our boutique which sells clothing, jewellery, beauty products, postcards and various accessories, The image & photo desk.

The different lounges: A 302 m² main lounge including a 28 m² cigar lounge, a tea corner and a bar, with live music on selected evenings, A 400 m² panoramic bar and lounge, An open-air Bar.

The recreation spaces 

Fitness & Beauty Corner: Fitness room: Elliptic, running machines, bicycles... 

Beauty Corner: Hairdresser, Massage rooms, Sauna, Snow Room, Nail Shop.

Pool area: Indoor Pool and winter garden - Outdoor Pool

Theatre: Capacity: 270-276 - Main show room for conferences and live entertainment on selected evenings - State-of-the-art audio and video technology.

Leisure area: Public areas - Library - Medical centre.

16 Zodiac®.

Cabin layout for Le Commandant-Charcot

Special Offers

Online prices reflect the current brochure fare savings of up to 30%. Prices may change based on demand. Terms and conditions apply. This special offer is subject to availability. Please contact us for more details.

Inclusions


• Accommodation in stateroom,
• The full meal plan,
• The Open Bar: beginning with boarding, and during the duration of the cruise, a wide selection of drinks (mineral water, soft drinks, wine, beer, champagne, spirits, coffee, tea) is served on request and at any time of the day. Certain premium alcoholic beverages on the menu are not included in the Open Bar,
• Free Wi-Fi internet access 24 hours a day*,
• Activities offered during expedition cruises (see section "Expedition cruises"),
• Access to all the common areas:
on board our sister ships and Ponant Explorers: fitness room, steam room, hair salon, swimming pool (sea water, heated), solarium, lounges, theater, boutique & leisure area.
• On board of our three-masted Le Ponant: Solarium of 400 m², marina, lounge, Boutique & leisure area.
__________
• FLIGHT PARIS/TROMSO + TRANSFERS

Exclusions


• Flights other than those mentioned in the itinerary
• Travel insurance
• Passport and visa costs if applicable
• Premium beverages package (Can be purchased on board)
• Optional Excursions where applicable
• Spa treatments on board
• Pre and post cruise accommodation unless otherwise stated
• Transfers unless specified
• Gratuities
Le Commandant-Charcot
Scandinavia Luxury ExpeditionLuxury Expedition
9 Days from
$1,749 AUD per day

or call us on

NZ Freephone
0800 945 3327

AUS Freephone
1800 107 715

to help you make your reservation

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