Journey to the end of the Earth

Ben Groundwater

May 13, 2022 – 3.18pm

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Enjoy a luxury expedition to a place few people ever get to visit: the geographic North Pole.

The North Pole looms large in the imagination, a magical location that so few people ever get to visit. That’s no exaggeration, either: PONANT’s newest luxury expedition vessel Le Commandant Charcot is the only tourism ship able to visit the geographic North Pole. Take your place aboard this ship and you will be one of a tiny number of people who can say they’ve truly been to the top of the world.

Le Commandant Charcot offers an unmatched luxury North Pole adventure. PONANT

There’s more to this trip than bragging rights, of course. This is an incredible journey, a 16-day expedition from Longyearbyen in Spitzbergen in the far north of Norway to the geographic North Pole, cutting through ice floes and sailing through Arctic splendour, spotting wildlife, and experiencing the peace and the silence of this incredibly isolated part of the world.

“The geographic North Pole is a destination like no other,” says Sandrine Erwin-Rose, PONANT’s Expedition Operations Manager. “Le Commandant Charcot cuts through the ice with ease to reach the Pole. There may be some fauna along the way, such as Polar Bears; however, the appeal is definitely in being the only tourism ship able to reach this destination.”

The journey begins in Spitzbergen, itself an Arctic wonderland with plenty to keep passengers enthralled as the Commandant Charcot turns north. This is the place to spot the famous fauna in this area, as well as settle in to life on board the ship.

“As the largest island in the Svalbard archipelago, Spitzbergen has a variety of wildlife and history which will appeal to guests,” says Erwin-Rose. “Visiting the world’s northern-most town of Ny- Ålesund is a highlight – this town was once the departure point for many expeditions to the North Pole.

Le Commandant Charcot combines the best of French luxury and expert polar guidance. PONANT

“Glaciers dominate the landscape here, and guests will have the opportunity to view these stunning structures from the ship and from the fleet of zodiac boats. Polar bears, walruses and whales rule this stunning, wild and remote part of Norway and an encounter with these is always a very special event.”

Spitzbergen is the last piece of land before the Arctic ice floes begin – once you bid goodbye to its jagged coastline and millennia-old glaciers there’s nothing but ice and ocean before your expedition reaches the geographic North Pole. This is a time to watch transfixed as the Commandant Charcot cuts through the ice, making its way ever north, until finally you make it to 90 degrees north latitude, the very top of the Earth’s rotational axis.

The geographic North Pole is covered in ice year-round – it’s permanently dark for six months, and then permanently light for the rest of the year. It’s a place that has fascinated explorers and held an almost mythical presence for so many others, an area of deep quiet, and a true bucket-list experience to visit.

And then, of course, it’s time to turn back for Spitzbergen and enjoy time on board Le Commandant Charcot. This vessel is essentially a five-star cocoon that moves with you to some of the world’s most remote and amazing locations. The ship is the first hybrid electric luxury polar exploration vessel, where there’s so much to enjoy and experience.

The service is five-star luxury, with French flair, from the sumptuous dining options to the elegant interior design. Guests can have a spa treatment or a sauna, relax with a book and a cup of coffee in the observatory lounge, or get involved with some of the numerous activities organised by the cruise director. And there are, of course, lectures by the expedition team, as well as regular excursions aboard the zodiac boats.

“The expertise of the expedition team ensures that guests have a fully immersive experience,” says Erwin-Rose, “with detailed explanations of the environment, whether on shore or out on the Zodiacs.”

There are so many highlights on this expedition – though there’s nothing else quite like that unique and exhilarating moment when you make it to the end of the Earth.

Click here to discover more about Le Commandant Charcot, or call 1300 737 178 (Australia), 0800 767 018 (New Zealand) for more information or to order a brochure.