With featured guests Nicolas Dubreuil, French explorer and specialist in the polar regions,, founder of the polar consultancy and expert company SEDNA, which also helped to design this unique itinerary, and expedition leader.
And Sue Flood, British Photo Ambassador.
Spring is in full swing in western Greenland! Time seems to stand still in these high latitudes. The ice floe goes through all states: from ice desert to drifting patches, sometimes it slowly breaks up, creating channels of open water used by narwhals and belugas during their migration. The last guardians of the pole of this distant region, harnessed to their dog sleds, criss-cross the icy expanse against a backdrop of snow-covered summits of jagged mountains and monumental icebergs stuck in the ice floe.
Once again, Le Commandant Charcot opens the way to new horizons and invites you to experience a timeless odyssey. During this 13-day PONANT exclusive, explore the frozen shores of the western Greenlandic coast and live like one of the last hunters in this region, which is one of the wildest and most remote of the planet. The special moments spent with the community of Kullorsuaq, the hardest-to-access village in the region, will teach you about Inuit wisdom: powerful nature reigns supreme and encourages humility, as suggested by the Greenlandic word imaqa. Here, life thrives on the present moment and the notion of time and space is redefined.
As you sail along the frozen shores of western Greenland, there will be wonder everywhere! In Disko Bay, the show becomes dreamlike, the majestic icebergs float like cathedrals of ice slowly drifting on dark waters. Carried by the breath of this pristine nature, you will sail through this desert of ice to arrive in the village of Kullorsuaq, accessible in this season only with Le Commandant Charcot. At the entrance to the mythical Melville Bay, enjoy four unforgettable days. A rare moment in this typical Greenlandic village, where you will fall under the charm of its inhabitants’ generosity, sharing and hospitality. Listen to the tales and legends of these last guardians of the pole. Share and discuss the knowledge of these outstanding ice hunters and help them make items that are vital for their day-to-day life, like the sled, kayak and harpoons. Enjoy various dog sled rides – the only means of transport allowed during this season - a polar plunge, snorkelling with wetsuits in the middle of the ice, or a session of ice fishing on the ice floe.
You will then set sail south. In the heart of the ice floe, you will explore the icy vastness of Baffin Bay. You are privileged to arrive on this white desert where you will be able to discover this place like no other during a polar trek or a ski trip. Perhaps you will be luck enough to glimpse the silhouette of the legendary polar bear, the lord of the manor, roaming this environment in search of the perfect spot for hunting or fishing. Here, the Arctic unveils its poetic soul, a place where the grandeur of nature combines with the heritage of the exploration and wisdom of the indigenous peoples.
- With featured guests Nicolas Dubreuil, French explorer and specialist in the polar regions, and founder of the polar consultancy and expert company SEDNA, which also helped to design this unique itinerary and Sue Flood, British Photo Ambassador.
- An all-new, timeless journey along the western coast of Greenland sailing in the magnificent Disko Bay, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, as well as in the ice-covered Baffin Bay, a PONANT exclusive.
- A total immersion with Kullorsuaq’s Inuit community, who are considered to be the last guardians of the High Arctic, at the entrance to the mythical Melville Bay.
- The presence of Nicolas Dubreuil, French explorer and specialist in the polar regions, and founder of the polar consultancy and expert company SEDNA, which also helped to design this unique itinerary.
- Inuit guides coming aboard throughout the cruise to share their ancestral knowledge.
- The eye and the sound advice of our photo ambassador, a privileged opportunity to immortalise your journey with, on the programme: workshops, lectures and customised advice to improve your photographic skills.
- Aboard LeCommandant Charcot, a polar exploration ship opening to the exterior, take time with these unique moments of exploration and observation, in the silence and respect of fragile landscapes and encountered species.
- Outings and shore visits with a reinforced team of naturalist-guides, the hunters of Kullorsuaq and Inuit guides.
- Numerous activities in a winter setting*: “Ponant” kayaking, hiking or snowshoeing, polar plunge.
A range of unique experiences and activities curated by the polar experts and consultants at SEDNA: dog sledding, discovering traditional activities on the ice and the traditional way of life in Kullorsuaq, heading out in a traditional Inuit kayak*, snorkelling amid the ice floes in a drysuit*, skiing and pulka polar treks, opportunities to participate in different camps, dedicated to science, to narwhals and belugas*, to life on the ice (opportunity for ice fishing)*, and optional paid activities, such as spending a night in a traditional Inuit tent on the ice floe at the Nunanutaat sacred site, but also nights spent in expedition tents in various camps on the ice floe or the opportunity to sleep in typical Greenlandic houses in the village of Kullorsuaq.
- The discovery of the exceptional spectacle offered by the second-largest polar ice cap on the planet.
- Possibility of spotting narwhals, belugas, polar bears, Arctic foxes, ringed seals, Ivory gulls.
- Landscapes: vast expanses, endless ice floes, polar caps, monumental icebergs stuck in the ice floe.
Prices quoted here are often dependent on currency fluctuations. Please check with (01432 507450 or info@small-cruise-ships.com) for the very latest price, which may well be cheaper than the one advertised here.
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.
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.
Well beyond the Arctic Circle, in the majestic landscapes of Greenland’s Northwest, you will find the village of Kullorsuaq, the last bastion of Greenland’s traditional hunters. Here is where you will find Greenland’s true character… Vast mineral expanses, sumptuous mountains, impressive glaciers and, above all, the local population which still lives off fishing and seal or bear hunting. Hospitality and respect for nature are essential elements in the daily lives of these men, who live an austere life. When we drop anchor in this remote part of the world, set off to discover these friendly people who are also talented craftsmen, deftly sewing the furs and skins of marine mammals. This will be a unique and authentic experience.
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. This fascinating animal finds its food in the heart of the ice, so this is where you have more chances of spotting it. The polar light gives a shine to the ice floe that you sail along as you explore Baffin Bay, leaving you with memories of unforgettable moments.
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.
We are privileged guests in these extreme lands, where we are at the mercy of the weather and the ice conditions. Our commitment to respecting this environment imposes certain rules of conduct upon us. Our navigation, mainly in the fjords, will be determined by the type of ice we come across; as the coastal ice must be preserved, we will take this factor into account from day to day in our itineraries. The sailing program, shore visits, activities and observation of fauna cannot be guaranteed and are subject to weather and ice conditions. These experiences are unique and vary from day to day and for each departure. The Captain and the Expedition Leader will make every effort to ensure that your experience is as rich as possible, while complying with applicable safety rules and AECO regulations.
Le Commandant-Charcot
| Cabins and suites | 135 |
|---|---|
| Built | 2019 - 2020 |
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, designed 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 include 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 Zodiacs on board.
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