The writer Jørn Riel described the polar night as a “a world apart, […] unique and fascinating, where nature reigns supreme and men keep a low profile.” When the northern winter approaches, the sun hardly rises over the horizon any more: let yourself be guided towards a new temporality, the moment when a long dusk stretches out after the day, until the polar night which will extend until mid-February 2027 in Svalbard. From the delicious comfort of Le Commandant Charcot sailing from the jagged coastlines of Norway to the ice-covered reliefs of Spitsbergen, dive into the heart of landscapes lit by powdered hues and set off in search of the exhilarating spectacle of the Northern Lights and share unique moments, just a stone’s throw away from the emblematic North Cape in Lapland, with the Sami, one of Europe’s last indigenous communities.

  • A PONANT Explorations journey above the Arctic Circle, featuring mineral splendours and encounters with Nordic communities.
  • Aboard Le Commandant Charcot, a warm and refined cocoon opening to the exterior enjoy a unique experience in complete communion with the surrounding scenery.
  • Bid farewell to the sun in the fjords of Spitsbergen, at the beginning of the long polar night.
  • Reach the North Cape, an emblematic site and the northernmost point of continental Europe.
  • The possibility of observing the enchanting show of the Northern Lights.
  • Make the most of winter activities* (hikes, visiting the North Cape from Honningsvag, etc.) led by your naturalist guides and local guides.
  • Varied landscapes, coastal panoramas, tundra, dolomite cliffs, majestic fjords, ancient glaciers.
  • Wildlife: bears, reindeer, blue whales, minke whales, orca.

Le Commandant-Charcot

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... Read More

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Pricing

Depart: 14 October, 2026 Return: 24 October, 2026