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Transarctic, The Quest for the Two North Poles - Commandant Charcot

Icy FPO

Traverse the Arctic via the North Pole, sailing a never-traveled transpolar maritime route in a luxury icebreaker. Join researchers and naturalists to explore unique ecosystems and the evolving polar world.

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SPECIAL OFFER

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9.0*

ECO SCORE

245

PASSENGERS

21

DAYS

3/5

ACTIVITY LEVEL

The Arctic: Drink It In

Welcome Aboard the

Offer

Le Commandant Charcot

Like a pioneer, you will cross the ice-covered landscapes of the Arctic by sea. During your exploration, you will discover the research projects that are part of the scientific mission taking place on board. This is a unique opportunity to clarify your knowledge alongside a multi-disciplinary team of around twenty researchers on board, to understand their investigations and closely follow their work. Also accompanied by our expert naturalists, you will discover unique ecosystems while sharpening your perception of the polar world and comprehending the stakes of their transformation. With your senses awakened, with the ice floe as your travel companion, you will move through an ever-changing environment, its hypnotic panoramas of raw beauty sculpted by sea winds and plays on light. In the heart of the drifting ice, you will savour the constantly renewed poetry of the elements.
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    • This is a rare opportunity to tick two North Poles off your bucket list, as you visit the Geographic North Pole and travel in search of the elusive Magnetic North Pole, which moves over time!
    • With the right weather conditions, you may have the chance to catch a glimpse of the dazzling Northern lights near the Bering Strait.
    • This ship offers absolutely stunning comfort, so you’ll enjoy fine dining and deluxe amenities while floating in a vast expanse of sparkling ice and extreme cold.

Travel Curator’s Insights:

SPECIAL OFFER:

Book now for 20% off June - September 2025 voyages!

Rates:
From $49,990 per person

In September, the sea ice is at its minimum extent, making it more accessible for exploration. Wildlife activity is still high, with opportunities to see polar bears and seals as they prepare for the upcoming winter.

Inquire for specific dates.

September;
Hover here for more information.

Departures:

Trip Sustainability Awards 

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Carbon

Optimizes the daily speed in order to reduce fuel consumption by 30%

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Water

Ships equipped with freshwater purification systems that convert seawater into drinking water.

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Waste

Has eliminated use of single-use plastic bottles and straws

Itinerary 

Day 1: Nome, Alaska

Located along the Bering Strait at the westernmost point of Alaska, Nome offers the rustic charm of a former gold-mining town, set in the middle of magnificent wilderness. As you weave in and out of the brightly coloured houses, you will discover the pioneering legacy that still marks local traditions. Fishing, reindeer rearing, sledge-racing... People here live from their manual labor. The surrounding plains provide stunning vantage points for observing Arctic fauna.


Days 2-9: Exploring Sea Ice in Beaufort Sea

Bordering the north coasts of Alaska and Canada, the Beaufort Sea was feared for centuries because of its extreme climatic conditions. Covered for most of the year with a thick layer of ice, and unexplored until 1914, this part of the Arctic Ocean, named in honor of the British Admiral Francis Beaufort, will reveal its magnificent icy landscapes to you. With a bit of luck, maybe you will cross the path of some polar bears, since the region is renowned for sheltering the Lord of the Arctic.


Day 10: Magnetic North Pole

The convergence point for the field lines of the Earth's magnetic field, the Magnetic North Pole attracts the magnetic needle of the compass. While the Geographic North Pole is the Earth’s northernmost fixed point, marking the intersection of the Globe's rotation axis with the Earth’s surface, the Magnetic North Pole moves over time. In fact, it is linked to the Earth's magnetic field which originates in the Earth's outer core, which is made up of molten metal and is subject to convection movements. Localized for the first time in 1831, in the Canadian Arctic, it has since moved towards Siberia and thus become closer to the Geographic North Pole. Set off in search of the Magnetic North Pole, try to get closer to it and, if luck allows it, attempt to reach it!


Day 11: Exploring Sea Ice in Beaufort Sea

Bordering the north coasts of Alaska and Canada, the Beaufort Sea was feared for centuries because of its extreme climatic conditions. Covered for most of the year with a thick layer of ice, and unexplored until 1914, this part of the Arctic Ocean, named in honor of the British Admiral Francis Beaufort, will reveal its magnificent icy landscapes to you. With a bit of luck, maybe you will cross the path of some polar bears, since the region is renowned for sheltering the Lord of the Arctic.

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Day 12: Geographic North Pole

Defined by a 90° North latitude, the Geographic North Pole lies on the Earth’s rotational axis, at the intersection of all meridians. Plunged into darkness for six months of the year, then lit by the sun for the following six months, this mythical site, permanently covered in ice and remote from any land, has fascinated generations of explorers. So far, only a very few people have ever reached it: an exploit which is now accessible to you aboard Le Commandant Charcot.


Days 13-15: Navigating Through The Sea Ice

Enjoy the absolutely unique experience of sailing to the heart of the ice floe, this vast expanse of virgin, immaculate ice. The landscapes are constantly changing, shifting from a smooth, flat wilderness to a chaos of ice, then to channels of open water. Your ship will sail along these naturally open channels and through the areas where the frozen layer is thinnest, offering you the chance to experience magic maritime moments in the midst of drifting sea ice. It will also often be an opportunity to see a particular kind of fauna, totally dependent on the ice floe.


Day 16: Storoya, Svalbard


Day 17: Sailing in the Hinlopen Strait

Sailing in the Hinlopen Strait, in the heart of the Arctic Ocean, between the Norwegian islands of Spitsbergen and Nordaustlandet promises an unforgettable experience. This territory of the Nordaust-Svalbard Nature Reserve offers breathtaking panoramas, with magnificent basalt formations and the ice cap stretching as far as the eye can see, diving into the sea. The shore line cut by the fjords moving inland composes a magical landscape in which icebergs float here and there, the result of the calving of the surrounding glaciers. This place, today a popular spot to observe the seabirds nesting in the enormous cliffs, polar bears and walruses, was once intrinsically linked to the history of the whalers who frequented the region from the 17th century. Indeed, it was one of them, Thijmen Jacobsz Hinlopen, then director of a Dutch whaling company, who gave the strait its name. Later on, Russian trappers, European explorers, scientists and even mountaineers roamed this region, as hostile as it is sublime.

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Day 18: Soraust-Svalbard Nature Reserve

The Søraust-Svalbard Nature Reserve is the second largest protected area in Norway. Established in 1973, this nature conservation area stretching over more than 21,000 km² will offer you stunning panoramas including coastal landscapes, rocky islets, mountain plateaux, vast tundra plains, and ice floes. With a little luck, you will be able to observe a wide variety of seabirds, given the site is listed as an Important Bird Area, as well as cetaceans, Svalbard reindeer, or even Arctic foxes. Among other things, Edgeoya Island is renowned for providing shelter to a number of polar bears during the breeding season.


Day 19: Hornsund

Nestling between millennial glaciers and carved mountains, and considered to be “the crown of Arctic Norway”, Spitsbergen is a place that never sees the night. Your ship will take you closer to this fascinating archipelago and, more particularly, the Hornsund fjord. Considered to be Svalbard’s southernmost fjord, it is especially reputed to be its most stunning: at the end of its vast bay, 8 great glaciers slowly make their way down to the sea before giving way to the many icebergs elegantly drifting along its cold and mysterious waters.


Day 20: Isfjorden

The vast Isfjorden is one of the main fjords in Svalbard. These different branches reach the heart of the island of Spitsbergen. Located deep inside the Billejforden, the Nordenskiöld Glacier with its front of ice, nearly 5 km wide, is one of the most spectacular in the Svalbard Archipelago. You will perhaps have the opportunity to discover the ghost town of Pyramiden. Constructed at the foot of a mountain in the form of a pyramid, this former mining town, founded by Sweden at the beginning of the 20th century before being sold a few years later to the Soviet Union, and abandoned in 1998, has conserved all the buildings from its glory days, when it lived off coal mining.


Day 21: Longyearbyen, Spitsbergen

Longyearbyen is the capital of the Norwegian Svalbard archipelago, located on Svalbard’s main island, and is the northernmost territorial capital on the planet. With winter temperatures dropping to below 40°C, the landscapes of this mining town are simply breathtaking. The glaciers, the mountains stretching as far as the eye can see and the untouched nature, make you feel like you’re in completely unexplored territory.

Le Commandant Charcot

With Le Commandant Charcot, this operator has imagined and envisaged the cruise voyage of tomorrow. The latest addition to the fleet will take you following in the footsteps of the great polar explorers in refined surroundings complete with the kind of luxury services never before offered in the farthest reaches of the southern and northern hemispheres.

The indoor swimming pool, the conservatory, the panoramic restaurant, the Blue Lagoon outdoor restaurant, the Main Lounge, the Observation Lounge, the lobby… Each of the common areas has been designed to both convey French-style discreet luxury and arouse wonder and amazement. The common thread running through all their designs is the desire to allow the light to penetrate and open everything up the extraordinary polar landscapes and scenery.

This very first hybrid-electric polar exploration ship powered by LNG has been designed with the greatest attention to detail in terms of safety and respect for the environment.

Capacity: 245 Guests
Cabins: 120
Specialists: Seasoned Expedition Leader, Highly Experienced Naturalists, Expert Crew


ACHIEVEMENTS 

Cruise Critics Editors’ Picks 2022
Cruise Critics Editors’ Picks 2023
Condé Nast #1 Best Expedition Ship Line 2022

"Le Commandant Charcot is a magnificent luxury icebreaker, currently the only passenger icebreaker in the world. She can crash through thick sea ice in locations where ice-strengthened ships are forced to find alternate routes. In addition to her ice breaking capabilities, she offers exquisite dining and top-notch amenities. For those who seek a 5-star hotel experience on the water in addition to the highest level of adventure, Le Commandant Charcot is an ideal choice. Each suite includes a private glazed balcony so you can easily have a private moment with the vast polar regions around you. Add an expert expedition staff to these levels of luxury and adventure, and you’ll find Charcot is hard to beat."

Wild Nectar

Life On Board

Deck Plan

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Questions?

Rates

Rates
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PRESTIGE STATEROOM DECK 6

A king-size bed (180 x 200 cm) or two single beds (90 x 200 cm), bathroom with shower, panoramic sliding bay window, and a 5 m² glazed private balcony.

From in USD:

$49,990pp

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DELUXE SUITE DECK 6

A lounge area with chaise lounge and two armchairs, king-size bed (180 x 200 cm) or two single beds (90 x 200 cm),a bathroom with shower, panoramic sliding bay window, and a 5 m² glazed private balcony.

From in USD:

$53,160pp

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PRESTIGE SUITE DECK 7

A lounge with sofa, armchair, TV and sliding courtesy door, a king-size bed (180 x 200 cm) or two single beds (90 x 200 cm), two bathrooms with shower, two panoramic sliding bay windows, and a 10 m² glazed private balcony.

From in USD:

$72,610pp

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PRIVILEGE SUITE DECK 8

Priority boarding with champagne and fruit basket upon arrival + butler service & an assortment of sweet or savoury canapés and fruit basket every day; lounge area with chaise lounge and second TV; Samsung tablet connected to Wifi; a king-size bed or two single beds; bathroom with shower and Balneo bathtub, 2 panoramic sliding doors and rectangular porthole, 12.5 m² glazed private balcony.

From in USD:

$81,660pp

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PRESTIGE STATEROOM DECK 7

A king-size bed (180 x 200 cm) or two single beds (90 x 200 cm), bathroom with shower, panoramic sliding bay window, and a 5 m² glazed private balcony.

From in USD:

$50,890pp

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DELUXE SUITE DECK 7

A lounge area with chaise lounge and two armchairs, king-size bed (180 x 200 cm) or two single beds (90 x 200 cm),a bathroom with shower, panoramic sliding bay window, and a 5 m² glazed private balcony.

From in USD:

$55,420pp

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PRESTIGE SUITE DECK 8

A lounge with sofa, armchair, TV and sliding courtesy door, a king-size bed (180 x 200 cm) or two single beds (90 x 200 cm), two bathrooms with shower, two panoramic sliding bay windows, and a 10 m² glazed private balcony.

From in USD:

$74,870pp

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DUPLEX SUITE DECK 6

Priority boarding with champagne and fruit basket upon arrival + butler service & an assortment of sweet or savoury canapés and fruit basket every day; lounge area with armchairs, sofa bed, steam fireplace and TV; Samsung tablet connected to Wifi; a king-size bed or two single beds ; bathroom with shower and Balneo bathtub, five panoramic windows, private 26 m² terrace: outdoor lounge with sofa and armchairs, jacuzzi.

From in USD:

$111,070pp

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PRESTIGE STATEROOM DECK 8

A king-size bed (180 x 200 cm) or two single beds (90 x 200 cm), bathroom with shower, panoramic sliding bay window, and a 5 m² glazed private balcony.

From in USD:

$51,800pp

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DELUXE SUITE DECK 8

A lounge area with chaise lounge and two armchairs, king-size bed (180 x 200 cm) or two single beds (90 x 200 cm),a bathroom with shower, panoramic sliding bay window, and a 5 m² glazed private balcony.

From in USD:

$57,220pp

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GRAND PRESTIGE SUITE DECK 6

Priority boarding + butler service; lounge area with chaise lounge and second TV; a king-size bed or two single beds; bathroom with shower and Balneo bathtub, a panoramic sliding bay window, 5 m² glazed private balcony.

From in USD:

$77,140pp

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OWNER'S SUITE

Priority boarding with champagne and fruit basket upon arrival + butler service & an assortment of sweet or savoury canapés and fruit basket every day; king-size bed or two single beds; living room with armchairs, two sofa beds, steam fireplace, and second TV; a desk & bookcase, dining room, two panoramic sliding bay windows; private 186 m² terrace: outdoor lounge with deckchairs, hot tub, two sofas, and dining table.

From in USD:

$173,350pp

The North Pole is a full-on bucket list adventure and only an icebreaker like the Commandant Charcot can deliver you in style to this farthest of geographical locations. Opportunities for wildlife viewing and deep contemplation abound on this once-in-a-lifetime trip. You’ll take it to say you did it, and then you’ll have your mind blown along the way!

Joy Martinello, Founder

Questions?

Cancelation

What’s Included & Cancellation Policy:

WHAT'S INCLUDED:
Includes 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, Charles Heidsieck champagne, spirits, coffee, tea) is served on request and at any time of the day; free Wi-Fi internet access 24 hours a day; activities offered during expedition cruises; outings and disembarkations by Zodiac inflatable boat; all port taxes; access to all the common areas: fitness room, steam room, hair salon, swimming pool (sea water, heated), solarium, lounges, theater, boutique & leisure area

NOT INCLUDED:
•telephone service
•certain premium alcoholic beverages on the menu are not included in the Open Bar
•spa fees
•visa applications and fees
•private fitness classes
•laundry service
•tips for staff, drivers, and local guides
•personal expenses
•any other service not mentioned in the program

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