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Le Commandant Charcot - 270 Guests

Disko Bay: Meeting The Inuit & Discovering The Unknown

Reykjavík - Nuuk

Through PONANT’s alliance with The Explorers Club, this voyage will feature explorer, storm chaser & TV presenter George Kourounis. George has spent 25 years documenting extreme forces of nature and natural phenomena around the globe including tornadoes, hurricanes, volcanoes, floods, and the effects of climate change. He is frequently seen showcasing nature’s fury on television programs worldwide; best known for having hosted the TV series “Angry Planet” he also co-hosted “Storm Hunters” for The Weather Network and is a regular on-camera contributor for “Strange Evidence” & “What on Earth?” on Science Channel. He’s appeared in programs for National Geographic, Discovery, Smithsonian Channel, Netflix, and most of the major TV networks.

Equipped with specialized laboratories onboard Le Commandant Charcot, Explorers Club Science Grantees will provide invaluable firsthand knowledge, delving into their ongoing research.

With featured guest Ian Dawson, British Photo Ambassador.

It is spring in Greenland. The snow is everywhere and covers a landscape whose apparent monotony reveals unexpected reliefs. For the very first time for a ship, Le Commandant Charcot will humbly progress towards Baffin Bay and ice-covered villages, inaccessible to traditional ships during this early period. During a 16-day journey of exploration, you will sail to the magnificent icy Disko Bay, home to the largest icebergs in the northern hemisphere. From unforgettable experiences to warm encounters, in the cosy atmosphere of an exceptional ship, take the time to enjoy moments of intense emotion and unsuspected discoveries.  

Shaped for polar exploration, Le Commandant Charcot will make its way amongst fragments of drifting and broken-up ice floe, before approaching Inuit villages encircled by ice. During this spring season, following the long winter night, sailing the western Greenlandic coast holds the promise of moments of wonder, of fantastic surprises, provided by the uncertainty, which, always, gives the orders here. As we are taught by Inuit wisdom, only the present moment matters. As you progress towards Baffin Bay, the ice wi


 

 

HIGHLIGHTS

  • Through PONANT’s alliance with The Explorers Club, this voyage will feature explorer, storm chaser & TV presenter George Kourounis.
  • With featured guest Ian Dawson, British Photo Ambassador.
  • An all-new journey of exploration on the south-western coast of Greenland and in Baffin Bay, a PONANT exclusive thanks to Le Commandant Charcot, the only ship capable of sailing in this region at this time of year.
  • Take the time to discover the extraordinary landscapes of these lands and to share unique moments with the local Inuit communities.
  • The eye and the advice of our photo ambassador, a privileged opportunity to immortalise your trip with, in the programme: workshops, conferences and personalized advice to improve your photographic skills.
  • Outings and shore visits with a reinforced team of naturalist-guides.
  • The exploration of the broken-up ice floe in Baffin Bay, the discovery of Inuit villages caught in the ice, and the incredible Disko Bay, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and its immense frozen and ice-covered icebergs.  
  • The immersive and authentic encounter with two local Greenlandic communities for two timeless days, in villages that are only accessible to Le Commandant Charcot at this period of the year.
  • The possibility of seeing the wildlife of the Far North, in particular, polar bears, Arctic foxes, Ivory gulls, ringed seals and many cetaceans (belugas, narwhals, bowhead whales).
  • The possibility of witnessing the fabulous spectacle of the Northern Lights in Disko Bay.
  • Many activities*: dog sledding, kayaking, hiking or snowshoeing, ice fishing.

DATES / RATES

Rates are listed per person
Start DateEnd DateFrom EURFrom USD
Mar 21, 2025Apr 05, 202527,740 28,617
Apr 17, 2025May 02, 202527,740 28,617
Rates are listed per person
Start DateEnd DateFrom EURFrom USD
Mar 21, 2025Apr 05, 202527,740 28,617
Apr 17, 2025May 02, 202527,740 28,617

ITINERARY

Day 1 : Reykjavík
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.

Day 2 : At sea aboard Le Commandant Charcot
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.

Day 3 : King Frederick VI Coast
As you sail along the shores of the King Frederick VI Coast, icebergs in various sculpted shapes will appear. The northern waters here are dotted with pieces of floating ice and form a dreamlike landscape. The snowy mountains, ice-covered fjords and small islands that edge the Greenlandic coastline magnify this setting that you will sail along during an exceptional cruise.

Day 4 : Cape Farvel Passage
At the southern tip of Greenland, where the North Atlantic Ocean and the Labrador Sea meet, sail in the heart of the Cape Farewell passage. The waves crash against the stem of the ship as you advance in the waters of the Far North. Observing cetaceans and admiring the southern lands on the horizon will be a highlight of your trip.

Day 5 : Nanortalik
In the Greenlandic municipality of Kujalleq, you will explore the Inuit village of Nanortalik. A few hundred kilometres from the southern tip of Greenland, it is one of the island’s southernmost locations. Fishing is the main economic resource for its inhabitants, with whom you will be able to share an unforgettable moment. While a coat of snow still covers the landscapes, enjoy winter activities and discover Inuit traditions.

Day 6 : Narsaq Fjord
In the Greenlandic municipality of Kujalleq, you will explore the Inuit village of Nanortalik. A few hundred kilometres from the southern tip of Greenland, it is one of the island’s southernmost locations. Fishing is the main economic resource for its inhabitants, with whom you will be able to share an unforgettable moment. While a coat of snow still covers the landscapes, enjoy winter activities and discover Inuit traditions.

Day 7 : Baffin Bay exploration
At winter’s end, venture to the ice-covered shores of the Inuit village of Narsaq. The pioneering spirit and a taste for exploration will posses you as you progress towards this small, typically Greenlander commune. Nestling in the heart of majestic scenery, it will welcome you in a setting dominated by snowy mountains. The multicoloured façades of the houses offer a magical decor and will fill you with wonderment. You will visit the village, partake in polar treks and enjoy local performances, all of which will enable you to discover how these inhabitants live at the end of winter and help you absorb the Greenlandic philosophy.

Day 8-9 : Sisimiut
In the icy waters of Baffin Bay, you will sail into the heart of the scattered sea floe. You will be captivated by icebergs in dreamlike shapes as your ship takes you into the ice of the Far North. Everything comes in shades of white here and, if you watch closely, you may get a glimpse of the lord of this kingdom, the polar bear, wandering this environment in search of food.. The polar light gives a shine to the water and the ice floe that you sail along as you explore Baffin Bay, leaving you with memories of unforgettable moments.

Day 10-11 : Disko Bay
To the east of Baffin Bay, discover Disko Bay, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, where the icebergs produced by the Ilulissat Icefjord are caught in the ice of the northern winter at this time of year. From your ship, admire the majestic ballet of these ice giants, frozen into dreamlike and extraordinary forms. 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.

Day 12-13 : Qeqertarsuaq
On the southern coast of Disko Island, Qeqertarsuaq is one of just two small villages on this island the size of Corsica. Its isolation makes it an observation post popular among naturalists since the beginning of polar exploration and the set-up, in 1906, of the Arctic Centre research facility. You will have the chance to explore the natural wonders of Greenland, meet its wildlife such as the humpback whale and contemplate the basaltic organ landscapes that offer pure moments of wonder for you. In the heart of this spectacular and fragile nature, enjoy the breath-taking views of the grandiose and varied landscapes of Disko Island and Disko Bay.

Day 14 : Baffin Bay exploration
In the icy waters of Baffin Bay, you will sail into the heart of the scattered sea floe. You will be captivated by icebergs in dreamlike shapes as your ship takes you into the ice of the Far North. Everything comes in shades of white here and, if you watch closely, you may get a glimpse of the lord of this kingdom, the polar bear, wandering this environment in search of food.. The polar light gives a shine to the water and the ice floe that you sail along as you explore Baffin Bay, leaving you with memories of unforgettable moments.

Day 16 : Nuuk
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.

Le Commandant Charcot (Luxury Expedition, 270-guests)

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

(Click image to view Ship details)

WHAT'S INCLUDED

  • Flight Paris/Longyearbyen and Longyearbyen/Paris selected by PONANT in economy class.
  • Transfers mentioned in the programme.
  • English-speaking assistance.
Excluded from this voyage:
  • Personal expenses.
  • Any other service not mentioned in the programme.

ADVENTURE OPTIONS :
  • Hiking Or Snowshoeing
  • Kayaking - Le Commandant Charcot
  • Polar plunge


 
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DISCLAIMER: Rates are per person, subject to availability and can change at any time