Northern Europe, Scandinavia
Polar Lights Cruise: From North Cape to the Lofoten Islands
With featured guest Ian Dawson, British Photo Ambassador.
Winter is silently approaching and the day is slowly withdrawing near the Arctic Circle, making way for a long dusk pre-empting the darkness. Take the time to discover the Norwegian fjords and the sumptuous Lofoten archipelago, in the morning light or at dusk. The moment is perfect for a sensitive experience, if ever there were one, and for exploring this seasonal temporality like somewhere completely new.
The warm refuge of Le Commandant Charcot will open the doors for you to an all-new journey on the cusp of winter and invites you to explore the magnificent panoramas from the uninterrupted outside promenade deck, the Blue Lagoon pool or the Observatory Lounge. Appreciate the discreet and refined comfort of its spaces opening out onto the exterior and enjoy moments in complete communion with the elements.
Experience first-hand the North Cape, the summit of Europe, and explore the rugged shores of the edges of the Arctic and the natural sanctuaries of Norway: dolomite cliffs shaped by the last glaciation, an archaeological site dating from the Bronze Age, majestic fjords, remarkable coastal cities, fishing villages and coniferous forests. During this journey above the Arctic Circle, you will discover Lapland, home to the Sami, who are reindeer farmers and one of the last European indigenous people. During warm encounters, you will discover their cultural traditions and their way of life, in harmony with the elements. Immerse yourself in nature and, as the night overtakes the day, set off to chase the Northern Lights.
Amidst these distant landscapes, the Lofoten archipelago reveals itself, and is quite captivating. Can we conceive of a spectacle that is more fascinating than the undulating and coloured veil of the Northern Lights observed in the heart of these marvellous islands? The Swedish Impressionist artist, Anna Boberg (1864-1935) understood. She discovered the Lofoten Islands in 1901 and continued to return there over 33 years, finding the archipelago to be a great place from which to observe the Northern Lights. Her paintings give them a poetic, lyrical and almost mystic vision, celebrating the beauty of the setting.
Be like this passionate painter and allow the beauty of the journey soak in as the sky enshrouds the landscapes with surreal light.
Winter is silently approaching and the day is slowly withdrawing near the Arctic Circle, making way for a long dusk pre-empting the darkness. Take the time to discover the Norwegian fjords and the sumptuous Lofoten archipelago, in the morning light or at dusk. The moment is perfect for a sensitive experience, if ever there were one, and for exploring this seasonal temporality like somewhere completely new.
The warm refuge of Le Commandant Charcot will open the doors for you to an all-new journey on the cusp of winter and invites you to explore the magnificent panoramas from the uninterrupted outside promenade deck, the Blue Lagoon pool or the Observatory Lounge. Appreciate the discreet and refined comfort of its spaces opening out onto the exterior and enjoy moments in complete communion with the elements.
Experience first-hand the North Cape, the summit of Europe, and explore the rugged shores of the edges of the Arctic and the natural sanctuaries of Norway: dolomite cliffs shaped by the last glaciation, an archaeological site dating from the Bronze Age, majestic fjords, remarkable coastal cities, fishing villages and coniferous forests. During this journey above the Arctic Circle, you will discover Lapland, home to the Sami, who are reindeer farmers and one of the last European indigenous people. During warm encounters, you will discover their cultural traditions and their way of life, in harmony with the elements. Immerse yourself in nature and, as the night overtakes the day, set off to chase the Northern Lights.
Amidst these distant landscapes, the Lofoten archipelago reveals itself, and is quite captivating. Can we conceive of a spectacle that is more fascinating than the undulating and coloured veil of the Northern Lights observed in the heart of these marvellous islands? The Swedish Impressionist artist, Anna Boberg (1864-1935) understood. She discovered the Lofoten Islands in 1901 and continued to return there over 33 years, finding the archipelago to be a great place from which to observe the Northern Lights. Her paintings give them a poetic, lyrical and almost mystic vision, celebrating the beauty of the setting.
Be like this passionate painter and allow the beauty of the journey soak in as the sky enshrouds the landscapes with surreal light.
Discover Lakselv, whose name means “Salmon River”, lying at the end of the immense Porsangerfjorden. As its name indicates, this small village is renowned for the salmon fishing in the waters of its river, which are brimming with this fish and others. The village is ideally located, offering privileged access to the surrounding magnificent nature. In particular, it retains traces of the last ice age in Trollholmsund, where dolomites with dreamlike silhouettes can be seen. Do not miss this extraordinary sight!
If you feel like you have arrived at the end of the world in Honningsvåg, it is because this is the case. Halfway between Oslo and the North Pole, it competes with Hammerfest for the status of “the northernmost town in Continental Europe”. Colourful houses light up this charming and typically Norwegian fishing port nestled in the hollows of the region’s mountainous terrain. Travellers come to stay in the village to go to the North Cape. At the end of the road, you will see the globe that indicates that you are at the very end of Europe. At this point, only the Svalbard archipelago separates you from the North Pole. There is sea as far as the eye can see. The Northern Lights, the view of the immense cliff plunging into the sea, the thousands of puffins, gannets and cormorants that spin around you: everything here is grandiose.
Halfway between Norway and Spitsbergen, you will sail not far from the coastlines of Bjørnøya, the southernmost island of Svalbard. From your ship, observe this isolated piece of land discovered in 1596 by the Dutch navigator Willem Barents, then looking for the Northwest Passage. Following a tough fight between a polar bear and the members of the expedition, he dubbed the place Bear Island. Regularly covered by a thick layer of fog, Bjørnøya shelters ameteorological station built in 1923, which is still in operation. Declared a nature reserve in 2002, the island is above all home to an enormous colony of sea birds during summer.
Hammerfest, located on the north-western coast of the island of Kvaloya, beyond the 70th parallel north, is often considered the northernmost town in the world. Conserved in an immaculate natural setting, this charming fishing port enjoys a rich history, as is evidenced by various vestiges dating back to the Stone Age, Napoleonic wars or the Second World War. During your port of call, you will have the opportunity to discover the Struve Geodetic Arc, a chain of triangulations stretching across Europe from Hammerfest to the Black Sea, and the first technical and scientific object to become a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
In the north of the Arctic circle you’ll discover Tromsø, a secluded town located in the county of Troms. Norwegians call it the “Paris of the north”. You’ll soon see why when you discover its extensive neoclassical architectural heritage. A stunning example is the Arctic cathedral, a major monument whose stylistic purity echoes the outline of the mountains surrounding the town.
Beyond the Arctic Circle, north of the Norwegian Sea and at the gateway to the Vesterålen archipelago and the sumptuous Lofoten islands, surprising Harstad enjoys an extraordinary natural setting. A favoured destination for its gentle way of life, the small town and surrounding area are a concentrate of the northern Norway’s finest features: majestic coniferous forests, rugged mountains, bewitching fjords and preserved archipelagos. As inhospitable as they are magnificent, these lands still bear traces of the Bronze Age. For example, work tools, jewels and cairns sheltering many tombs that date back several millennia have been discovered during archaeological excavations. Profitez également d’une visite de l’église médiévale de Trondenes, le bâtiment médiéval le plus au nord du monde, qui date du XIIIe siècle et raconte l’histoire méconnu de l’Eglise de Norvège.
Are you attracted by the force of the elements, by the world’s end, by untamed landscapes? Welcome to the Lofoten Islands, an archipelago moored in the Norwegian Sea, beyond the Arctic Circle. Here, you will sail in majestic decors of alpine summits, sandy coves, sharp peaks emerging from the sea and deep-blue fjords rippling with fish. The small town of Leknes is on Vestvagoy Island. All around you are the jagged shapes of mountains, and bays that empty and fill with the tides. During this port of call, you will be able to hike or partake in other open-air activities to ensure that you really appreciate all the region’s natural treasures. You will set off to meet the Vikings at the Lofotr Viking Museum and reach the small fishing port of Henningsvær, which is picturesque and lively, with its cafés, art gallery and modern art museum.
Beyond the Arctic Circle, you will discover Narvik, nestling in the heart of impressive mountains that plunge into the Ofotfjord. It is on the verge of obtaining the “sustainable destination” label, a national label awarded to destinations that are committed to a sustainable approach to tourism for the long term. You will be mesmerised by its scenery. From Narvik, it is possible to take the Ofoten Line towards Sweden. This historic railway once linked the mineral-rich mines of Kiruna in Sweden to the ice-free port of Narvik.
The itinerary is subject to modifications. On board, the sailing programme, outings and activities cannot be guaranteed and are subject to weather conditions.
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Prestige Stateroom Deck 6
$21,080 AUD pp
Area : 20 m²
Capacity :up to 2 passengers per cabin
5 m² private balcony
Shower
Individually-controlled airconditioning
Stateroom layout: king-size bed or twin beds - communicating staterooms available
Minibar - 24hr room service
Flat screen satellite TV
Video on demand
IPod™ docks
Safe
French bath products
Dressing table with hairdryer
Direct line telephone
110V American (two flat pins)/220V European (round sockets with two round pins)
Internet access Wifi.
Prestige Stateroom Deck 7
$21,440 AUD pp
Area : 20 m²
Capacity :up to 2 passengers per cabin
5 m² private balcony
Shower
Individually-controlled airconditioning
Stateroom layout: king-size bed or twin beds - communicating staterooms available
Minibar - 24hr room service
Flat screen satellite TV
Video on demand
IPod™ docks
Safe
French bath products
Dressing table with hairdryer
Direct line telephone
110V American (two flat pins)/220V European (round sockets with two round pins)
Internet access Wifi.
Prestige Stateroom Deck 8
$21,800 AUD pp
Area : 20 m²
Capacity :up to 2 passengers per cabin
5 m² private balcony
Shower
Individually-controlled airconditioning
Stateroom layout: king-size bed or twin beds - communicating staterooms available
Minibar - 24hr room service
Flat screen satellite TV
Video on demand
IPod™ docks
Safe
French bath products
Dressing table with hairdryer
Direct line telephone
110V American (two flat pins)/220V European (round sockets with two round pins)
Internet access Wifi.
Deluxe Suite Deck 6
$22,350 AUD pp
Area : 28 m²
Capacity :2 passengers per cabin
Private balcony for all our cabins and suites
Terrace for the Duplex suites and the Owner's suite
Individually-controlled airconditioning
Stateroom layout: king-size bed, or twin beds, communicating staterooms available, children welcome
Minibar - 24hr room service
Satellite TV channels (availability dependent on navigation); selection of videos on demand
Bose™ Bluetooth speaker
Safe
Selection of Dyptique Paris top-of-the-line bath products.
Dressing table, bath robes, Hairdryer
Direct line telephone
110V American (two flat pins)/220V European (round sockets with two round pins)
Internet access Wifi : Satellite reception (availability dependent on navigation and latitude)
Deluxe Suite Deck 7
$23,260 AUD pp
Area : 28 m²
Capacity :2 passengers per cabin
Private balcony for all our cabins and suites
Terrace for the Duplex suites and the Owner's suite
Individually-controlled airconditioning
Stateroom layout: king-size bed, or twin beds, communicating staterooms available, children welcome
Minibar - 24hr room service
Satellite TV channels (availability dependent on navigation); selection of videos on demand
Bose™ Bluetooth speaker
Safe
Selection of Dyptique Paris top-of-the-line bath products.
Dressing table, bath robes, Hairdryer
Direct line telephone
110V American (two flat pins)/220V European (round sockets with two round pins)
Internet access Wifi : Satellite reception (availability dependent on navigation and latitude)
Deluxe Suite Deck 8
$24,000 AUD pp
Area : 28 m²
Capacity :2 passengers per cabin
Private balcony for all our cabins and suites
Terrace for the Duplex suites and the Owner's suite
Individually-controlled airconditioning
Stateroom layout: king-size bed, or twin beds, communicating staterooms available, children welcome
Minibar - 24hr room service
Satellite TV channels (availability dependent on navigation); selection of videos on demand
Bose™ Bluetooth speaker
Safe
Selection of Dyptique Paris top-of-the-line bath products.
Dressing table, bath robes, Hairdryer
Direct line telephone
110V American (two flat pins)/220V European (round sockets with two round pins)
Internet access Wifi : Satellite reception (availability dependent on navigation and latitude)
Prestige Suite Deck 7
$30,190 AUD pp
Area : 40 m²
Capacity :up to 4 passengers per cabin
10 m² private balcony
2 Showers
Individually-controlled airconditioning
Stateroom layout: king-size bed or twin beds - communicating staterooms available
Minibar - 24hr room service
Flat screen satellite TV
Video on demand
IPod™ docks
Safe
French bath products
Dressing table with hairdryer
Direct line telephone
110V American (two flat pins)/220V European (round sockets with two round pins)
Internet access Wifi.
Prestige Suite Deck 8
$31,100 AUD pp
Area : 40 m²
Capacity :up to 4 passengers per cabin
10 m² private balcony
2 Showers
Individually-controlled airconditioning
Stateroom layout: king-size bed or twin beds - communicating staterooms available
Minibar - 24hr room service
Flat screen satellite TV
Video on demand
IPod™ docks
Safe
French bath products
Dressing table with hairdryer
Direct line telephone
110V American (two flat pins)/220V European (round sockets with two round pins)
Internet access Wifi.
Grand Prestige Suite
$32,010 AUD pp
Area : 42 m²
Capacity :2 passengers per cabin
Private balcony for all our cabins and suites
Terrace for the Duplex suites and the Owner's suite
Individually-controlled airconditioning
Stateroom layout: king-size bed, or twin beds, communicating staterooms available, children welcome
Minibar - 24hr room service
Satellite TV channels (availability dependent on navigation); selection of videos on demand
Bose™ Bluetooth speaker
Safe
Selection of Dyptique Paris top-of-the-line bath products.
Dressing table, bath robes, Hairdryer
Direct line telephone
110V American (two flat pins)/220V European (round sockets with two round pins)
Internet access Wifi : Satellite reception (availability dependent on navigation and latitude)
Butler service and priority boarding : Owner’s Suite, Duplex Suites, Privilege Suites and Grand Prestige Suites
Privilege Suite Deck 8
$33,820 AUD pp
Area : 48 m²
Capacity :up to 4 passengers per cabin
12.5 m² private balcony
Shower & Balneo bathtub
Butler service
Individually-controlled airconditioning
Stateroom layout: king-size bed or twin beds - communicating staterooms available
Minibar - 24hr room service
Flat screen satellite TV
Video on demand
IPod™ docks
Safe
French bath products
Dressing table with hairdryer
Direct line telephone
110V American (two flat pins)/220V European (round sockets with two round pins)
Internet access Wifi.
Suite Duplex
$45,660 AUD pp
Area : 48 m²
Capacity :up to 4 passengers per cabin
26 m² private balcony with jacuzzi
Shower & Balneo bathtub
Butler service
Individually-controlled airconditioning
Stateroom layout: king-size bed or twin beds - communicating staterooms available
Minibar - 24hr room service
Flat screen satellite TV
Video on demand
IPod™ docks
Safe
French bath products
Dressing table with hairdryer
Direct line telephone
110V American (two flat pins)/220V European (round sockets with two round pins)
Internet access Wifi.
Owner's Suite
$53,870 AUD pp
Area : 114 m²
Capacity :up to 2 passengers per cabin
186 m² private balcony with jacuzzi
Shower & Balneo bathtub
Butler service
Individually-controlled airconditioning
Stateroom layout: king-size bed or twin beds - communicating staterooms available
Minibar - 24hr room service
Flat screen satellite TV
Video on demand
IPod™ docks
Safe
French bath products
Dressing table with hairdryer
Direct line telephone
110V American (two flat pins)/220V European (round sockets with two round pins)
Internet access Wifi.
Additional charges:
Port Taxes and Fees: 670 AUD pp
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 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: 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 Zodiac®.
Special Offers
Up to 30% OFF! Prices online do not show the discounted rates. Terms and Conditions apply, special offer is subject to availability, please contact us for more details.
Inclusions
• Voyage on board in selected cabin category
• All meals while on board
• Non-alcoholic and Alcoholic beverages included (Excluding Premium Brands)
• Free wifi (Subject to coverage)
• Expedition cruises include excursions and zodiac cruises
• Some shore excursions are included, depending on the voyage destination
• FLIGHT PARIS/LAKSELV + TRANSFERS + FLIGHT NARVIK/PARIS
Exclusions
• Flights other than those mentioned in the itinerary
• Travel insurance
• Passport and visa costs if applicable
• Premium beverages package (Can be purchased on board)
• Optional Excursions where applicable
• Spa treatments on board
• Pre and post cruise accommodation unless otherwise stated
• Transfers unless specified
• Gratuities
Luxury Expedition
10 Days from
$21,080 AUD pp
Highlights
• With featured guest Ian Dawson, British Photo Ambassador.• The eye and the advice of our photo ambassador, a privileged opportunity to immortalise your trip with, in the programme: workshops, conferences and personalised advice to improve your photographic skills.
• An all-new PONANT journey into the heart of the northern coastlines of Norway, from the North Cape to the Lofoten Islands, while the light starts to fade on the approach to winter: an immersion into sumptuous scenery in another temporality.
• Outings and shore visits with a team of naturalist-guides.
• Aboard Le Commandant Charcot, a warm and refined cocoon opening to the exterior enjoy a unique experience in complete communion with the surrounding scenery.
• An immersion amidst the shores and fishing villages and the magnificent landscapes of Norwegian Lapland.
• Discovering the Lofoten archipelago, a real wonder of wild nature, and its Viking heritage.
• The possibility of admiring the unique colours of the Northern Lights rippling across the sky.
• Activities during the unique winter season: kayaking, the Lofoten Islands on horseback, tastings of local produce, encounters with Sami communities, hiking, chasing the Northern Lights, and more.
• Reach the North Cape, an emblematic site and the northernmost point of Europe.
• Varied landscapes: archipelagos, coastal panoramas, boreal forests, snow-covered peaks and expanses (in the north of Sweden and Finland), home to reindeer and seabirds.
Our Associates Include
