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Crossing the Northwest Passage

5 questions to Captain Étienne Garcia

A Captain on board PONANT vessels, Étienne Garcia regularly takes passengers through the iconic Northwest Passage to discover its history, landscapes and fascinating fauna.

Which route exactly will we take when we take the Northwest Passage?

The Northwest Passage can be crossed using various routes. Which one we choose depends exclusively on the ice conditions . The historical route is the one that goes south via the Bellot Strait , with a stopover at Gjoa Haven , Roald Amundsen’s wintering place in the early 20th century. This hamlet of Nunavut now has a population of around 1,000. The crossing between Greenland and Alaska takes around 20 days. Obviously, it is important to be aware of the ice conditions at the beginning and end of the Northwest Passage where the ice can drift and block the passage. Another important parameter is the choice of the route, which depends on the accuracy of the maps . 

The search for this passage marked maritime history. What is the experience like for a captain like you with a passion for seafaring?

It is, of course, a highlight of the trip: “ Sailing in the wake of the great explorers ”, Roald Amundsen in particular, who left his mark during these two years of wintering. As a sailor, and with much humility, I cannot help but be proud of enabling passengers to “relive” this amazing period of maritime history. I had the privilege of being in command of Le Soléal , the first French vessel to cross the Northwest Passage, in 2013: it holds powerful memories for me.

What are the highlights of this crossing?

The landscapes and the highlights change throughout the cruise. We begin in Greenland with its giant icebergs and a magical encounter with our Inuit friends in isolated villages such as Kullorsuaq. Then, we will enter the Northwest Passage itself. From the Lancaster Strait to the north of Baffin Island, we undertake an historic route of which Amundsen and Bellot are the icons. This will take us to the Bering Strait , crossing the international date line between the USA/Alaska and far eastern Russia: what an experience!

Is this destination particularly interesting for observing the wildlife of the Arctic?

Throughout this maritime adventure, we will have the opportunity to see wildlife that will provide us with unique experiences: belugas and narwhals if you are lucky, whales and even the kings of the Arctic, polar bears on an ice floe (a plate formed by a fragment of sea ice – Ed ), in the water, or on a stony scree. Each time it is a new experience, a gift from nature!

Photos credits : © Studio PONANT/Nathalie Michel /Olivier Blaud / Julien Fabro / Noemie Watel / Laurence Fischer

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The 5 best Arctic cruise itineraries, from someone who has tried them all

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There is an emptiness to the Arctic that is mesmerizing.

Traveling across it by ship, you’ll encounter patches of snow-covered ice that stretch for miles, an endlessly white landscape punctured only by the occassional seabird and, if you’re lucky, the sight of a far-off polar bear.

In some parts of the Arctic, there are rocky islands so windswept and desolate that you’d think you’re on the moon; in other areas, there are islands covered with the most spectacularly beautiful mountains and glaciers. The common theme between them all is that they are rarely visited by humans.

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Not that there aren’t any humans in the Arctic. There are some, including Inuit who have lived in the region for centuries. But huge swaths of the Arctic lack a human presence, and the wildlife is equally sparse. Spotting the most famous denizens of the Arctic — the polar bear and the Arctic fox — is a rare moment to treasure.

As someone lucky enough to have traveled by ship to almost every corner of the Arctic over nearly 30 years as a cruise writer, I can say that the region is one of my favorite places to visit — maybe my very favorite. But it’s not for everyone. It offers a subtle sort of beauty that reveals itself slowly.

Depending on the itinerary, an Arctic cruise might include days of bumping through icy waters covered by a fog so soupy that all you see out the window is a light greyish bubble all around. For all you know, you could be in a simulation.

But give the Arctic a chance, and it can be life-changing.

If you’re unsure how to begin thinking of which Arctic itinerary might be the right choice, take a look at my picks for the five best Arctic cruise itineraries, chosen after a lifetime of trying just about every possible route in the region. As is typical for Arctic sailings, they are all itineraries that can only be done on polar-class expedition cruise ships — a specialized type of small, hardy cruise vessel built for polar travel and carrying its own landing craft for exploring.

A circumnavigation of Spitsbergen

If you only have time for one Arctic cruise, this is the one I recommend. Consider it a sort of “greatest hits of the Arctic” itinerary. You’ll get a little taste of everything the Arctic has to offer on a single, relatively easy-to-do sailing as short as a week or 10 nights.

On a voyage around Spitsbergen, the biggest of a cluster of rugged islands that make up the Svalbard archipelago, you’ll likely see many of the Arctic’s best-known wildlife — polar bears, whales (if you’re lucky), walruses, and giant colonies of Brunnich’s guillemots and other Arctic birds — over the course of a few days. Compared to some places in the Arctic, this region is relatively rich with wildlife.

Related: TPG’s ultimate guide to expedition cruising

Spitsbergen is also about as scenic a place as you’ll find in the Arctic, covered in mountains and glaciers. It’s easily accessible by air through Longyearbyen, a settlement of about 2,500 people on the island’s west side.

Located 600 miles north of the northernmost tip of Norway, which administers the Svalbard archipelago, Spitsbergen is also home to a few cultural oddities. Barentsburg is a semi-abandoned mining town operated by Russia under the terms of a century-old treaty, and Ny Alesund is a small mining camp that has been turned into a scientific research station. Spitsbergen itineraries sometimes include visits to both.

Ny Alesand, notably, was the spot where legendary explorer Roald Amundsen set off on a record-setting expedition flight to the North Pole by airship in 1926. Visitors to the outpost can see the still-standing remnants of the expedition, which include a tower that held the airship before it departed and a telegraph hut that broadcast news of the flight to the world.

Who goes there: Norway-based Hurtigruten is the best-known brand for Spitsbergen circumnavigations. It offers voyages out of Longyearbyen every summer. Most other expedition cruise operators, including Lindblad Expeditions and Seabourn, offer sailings to just a portion of Spitsbergen (usually the north and west coasts) combined with stops in Iceland and/or Greenland.

The west coast of Greenland

If you want to see icebergs and glaciers on a truly epic scale, a voyage along Greenland’s west coast should be your pick.

It is home to what are, without a doubt, some of the world’s most spectacular glaciers and snow-topped mountains.

On a trip down the west coast of Greenland, you will sail past huge icebergs that have shorn off the massive Greenland ice sheet on your way to visit at least a few of the coast’s colorful Arctic settlements.

These settlements, notably, include Ilulissat, site of an iceberg-jammed fjord that is a marvel of the northern hemisphere.

Related: 8 things you need to know about Arctic cruises

If you’re lucky during a visit to Ilulissat, you’ll get to do two amazing things. One is to hike to an overlook near the town that reveals a massive pile-up of giant ice blocks that are slowly flowing down the fjord from a glacier. The other is a Zodiac ride to get close to some of the biggest icebergs that are stuck in the bay just offshore.

It is a landscape of icebergs at a scale that you can’t imagine until you see it.

Who goes there: Seabourn, Lindblad, Silversea Cruises , Ponant , Viking and several other expedition cruise companies offer sailings down the west coast of Greenland. These voyages often include a visit to the eastern side of Canada’s Northwest Passage or Iceland.

The Northwest Passage

For cruisers who love the history of exploration, a trip across the Canadian Arctic’s Northwest Passage might be the ultimate Arctic adventure. That’s because it offers a chance to follow in the footsteps of some of the greatest polar explorers of the 18th and 19th centuries, for whom finding the long-hidden Arctic route between Europe and Asia was one of the biggest (and deadliest) challenges of the age.

Stretching more than 2,000 miles from the Davis Strait near Greenland to the Bering Strait off Alaska, the still-often-iced-in Northwest Passage famously swallowed up the two-ship, 128-man Franklin Expedition of 1845 (a massive and massively equipped British exploratory party that disappeared into the ice, never to be seen again), as well as other explorers. It was finally conquered in 1903 by Norwegian explorer Roald Amundsen — who also was the first human to reach the South Pole.

Until just the last couple of decades, traveling through the Northwest Passage remained almost as daunting as it was during Franklin and Amundsen’s time. But rapidly shrinking ice coverage across the Arctic, driven by global warming, has been making it more accessible. In recent years, half a dozen expedition ships or more have sailed into the passage annually during the warmest summer months.

Still, even now, only a handful of the hardiest expedition vessels make a full transit of the Northwest Passage in any given year, while other vessels only offer partial transits.

Related: I loved my 1st Arctic cruise — here’s why

Note that the Northwest Passage is a relatively desolate part of the Arctic. A typical landing by Zodiac during a trip across the passageway might bring a visit to a forlorn, windswept island covered in boggy fields of lichen-covered rocks and low-lying grasses. That is, if the island isn’t covered in drifting snow.

But such trips also include stops at iconic historic sites related to the region’s early explorers. These include the ruins of the last known camp of the Franklin Expedition at snowy Beechey Island and the remnants of a short-lived Hudson’s Bay Company outpost on Somerset Island.

Stops at Inuit settlements such as Arctic Bay and Gjoa Haven are also common.

Who goes there: Most major expedition cruise operators, including Ponant, Hurtigruten, Silversea, Seabourn and Adventure Canada (a specialist in Canadian Arctic trips), offer sailings that transit at least part of the Northwest Passage. Complete crossings are rare.

The North Pole

When it comes to bragging rights, it’s hard to argue that any trip to the Arctic tops an expedition cruise to the North Pole.

The first undisputed expedition to reach the North Pole wasn’t until 1926, when a team of explorers led by Roald Amundsen overflew the destination on the airship Norge. Even today, few humans have ever visited the northernmost point in the world — some put the number at just a few thousand.

Since the 1990s, working (and spartan) Russian icebreakers chartered by expedition travel companies have occasionally taken tourists in small groups to the world’s northernmost spot. But since 2022, adventure-seekers have a more upscale option for a trip to 90 degrees north: A voyage on Le Commandant Charcot — the first built-for-tourists icebreaker.

Operated by Ponant, a French company known for upscale expedition cruises to far-off places, the 245-passenger ship is the first and only built-for-tourists cruise vessel capable of traveling to the most remote, ice-filled parts of the polar regions, including the North Pole.

Related: I just snowshoed at the North Pole — here’s how you can, too

Named for a famed French explorer, Le Commandant Charcot is unlike any other vessel that has traveled across the polar ice cap. It has all the elements of the most elegant hotels on land: spacious suites, stylish lounges, fine dining (including a restaurant with a menu designed by Michelin-starred chef Alain Ducasse) and a spa.

In other words, you’ll not just be traveling to the North Pole, you’ll be traveling to the North Pole in high-end comfort.

Who goes there: The only way for an American to reach the North Pole by ship is aboard the new Le Commandant Charcot, which is operating three or four trips to the destination each summer. A Russian icebreaker that expedition travel companies have chartered in the past for such voyages, the 50 Years of Victory, still is occasionally making the trips, but it is not bookable for now by travelers from the United States and most other Western countries.

The Northeast Passage

A voyage across the Arctic’s Northeast Passage is surely the most off-the-beaten-path Arctic cruise you can do — even more off-the-beaten-path than a trip to the North Pole.

Rarely offered and typically about 30 days long, these are true explorers’ journeys across the almost unvisited Arctic territory that stretches across the top of Russia from Arctic Norway to Alaska.

These sailings cross five frigid seas — the Barents, Kara, Laptev, East Siberian and Chukchi — that in some parts traditionally freeze over during much of the year and only partially thaw during the late summer. Along the way, sometimes spread apart by hundreds of miles, are glacier-topped, often mountainous archipelagos and island groups that passengers can explore during Zodiac landings.

Highlights of these trips include seeing the Arctic’s iconic wildlife — polar bears, Arctic fox, walrus, seals and musk ox — and historic sites related to the region’s early exploration. Among them is Cape Amundsen, where you can still see the ruins of a small stone hut built by the Norwegian explorer Roald Amundsen during a failed attempt to reach the North Pole. Amundsen’s ship became stuck in the ice at the Cape for more than a year.

Only true icebreakers or the toughest ice-strengthened expedition cruise ships can make a Northeast Passage journey. Historically, they have occurred only occasionally. (I was on what was only the fourth voyage by any expedition cruise ship across the Northeast Passage, and that was as recently as 2018.)

Alas, for now, such trips are on hold, due to Russia’s invasion of Ukraine. The invasion has brought all cruising to Russia by Western companies to a halt. But, in theory, these expeditions could resume in the coming years.

Who goes there: While Northeast Passage voyages are on hold for now, the trips traditionally have been offered by Hapag-Lloyd Cruises, an upscale German cruise brand that was a pioneer of expedition cruises in the Russian Arctic, and New Zealand-based Heritage Expeditions. The latter company traditionally chartered an ice-class Russian research vessel that can hold 50 people, the Akademik Shokalskiy, for the trips.

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An expedition following the route of the Northeast Passage, which lies inside the Arctic Circle, is an expedition offering a flavour of mystery and the unknown. Ice-bound for much of the year, few ships are capable of tackling this legendary sea route, with its islands and deserted shores forming natural sanctuaries that are home to an extraordinary range of wildlife and peoples who still follow ancient traditions.

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Essential highlights

Sailing from Norway to Alaska via the archipelagos of Siberia and the Bering Strait, along the taiga-, tundra-, ice field- and glacier-covered and fjord-filled coastlines of the Northeast Passage , is an amazing Arctic voyage : an expedition through a world of volcanic mountain landscapes, polar deserts and Siberian expanses, punctuated with unforgettable encounters with local communities and featuring an extremely rich range of wildlife, including polar bears, walruses, seals, seabirds, polar foxes, lemmings and reindeer.

History of the Northeast Passage

The Northeast Passage , which includes the Northern Sea Route, is a strategic shipping route linking Europe to northern Asia. The first attempts to navigate this route were made in the 16th century, with the exploits of Admundsen also playing a part in the epic saga of its exploration.

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How to get to the North Pole

Contemplating the beauty of polar landscapes

Located beyond the Arctic Circle and lying between the Kara Sea and the Laptev Sea, the archipelagos of Novaya Zemlya, Severnaya Zemlya and Franz Josef Land stand like guardians of the icy Arctic Ocean. The mountainous volcanic and erosion-sculpted shores of these islands lie partly covered by ice caps and boast majestic glaciers at their edges. In the sea off Severnay Zemlya, icebergs drift slowly by in a bewitching silent ballet.

Admirer la biodiversité arctique de l’île Wrangel

Elle est située bien au-delà du cercle polaire arctique et pourtant, l’ île Wrangel est loin d’afficher les paysages immaculés auxquels on pourrait s’attendre. Épargnée par la glace pendant l'âge glaciaire du quaternaire, elle a conservé une biodiversité exceptionnelle . Ses paysages de toundra abritent plus de 400 espèces et sous-espèces de plantes vasculaires, soit deux fois plus que sur d’autres territoires arctiques comparables. Plus de 100 espèces d’oiseaux migrateurs viennent y nicher, la baleine grise y trouve de quoi se nourrir, la plus grande population de morses du Pacifique, soit quelque 100 000 individus, s’y rassemble… Une richesse classée au patrimoine mondial de l’Unesco depuis 2004.

Rencontrer le peuple tchouktche

Les Tchouktches se désignent eux-mêmes sous le nom de Lygoravetlalt : le vrai peuple. Ces habitants de l’Extrême-Orient russe tiennent d’ailleurs à préserver leur unicité malgré une forte acculturation. Éleveurs de rennes dans les terres ou chasseurs-pêcheurs sur les côtés du détroit de Béring, les Tchouktches ont réussi à perpétuer un mode mis à mal par le régime soviétique. Danses folkloriques ou cérémonies chamaniques, ils sont fiers de leurs traditions et les partagent avec plaisir.

Discover Tromso, the gateway to the Arctic

The small Norwegian town of Tromso has grown up and developed at extreme latitudes beyond the Arctic Circle . A former fishing port and starting point for polar expeditions, it still continues to attract explorers and scientists from all over the world today. Both one of the best places to see the Northern Lights and an important centre for polar research, Tromso is home to a polar museum housing a large collection of items belonging to the famed Norwegian Arctic and Antarctic explorer Roald Amundsen , as well as an iconic church of futuristic architectural design.

A historical and international epic

1553 : on the initiative of Sebastian Cabot, governor of the Company of Merchant Adventurers, an English expedition made up of three ships sets sail towards the northeast in search of a new route to China that would provide ships with a way of avoiding Iberian control of shipping traffic. The ship commanded by Richard Chancellor is the only to survive the expedition, eventually reaching the White Sea. 1556 : Stephen Burrough, former captain on the ship commanded by Richard Chancellor, reaches New Zealand. Sometime around 1550-1597 : Dutchman Willem Barents (sometimes spelled Barentsz) renews the search and subsequently rounds the northern end of Novaya Zemlya. 1725-1741 : sailing under the orders of Tsar Peter the Great, the Dane Vitus Bering discovers the strait between Siberia and America that today still bears his name. 1873 : an Austro-Hungarian expedition to the North Pole led by explorers Julius von Payer and Karl Weyprecht discovers a new archipelago, which they name in honour of Franz Josef I, Emperor of the Austro-Hungarian Empire. 1879 : the Finn Baron Adolf Erik Nordenskjöld (1832-1901) discovers the Northeast Passage on board La Vega , a 45-metre whaleboat, which ends up having to overwinter for ten months before crossing the Bering Strait. 1913-1914 : Boris Andreyevich Vilkitski (1885-1961) discovers the present-day archipelago of Severnaya Zemlya during a hydrographic survey expedition. Initially named "Emperor Nicholas II Land" in honour of the Tsar of Russia, it is later renamed Severnaya Zemlya in 1928. 1918-1920 : Roald Amundsen, pioneer of the Northwest Passage (1903-1906) and the first man to reach the South Pole in December 1911, sets sail from Oslo on 25 June 1918 aboard the Maud in an attempt to navigate along the Northern Sea Route. Blocked by ice in September, he overwinters for twenty-two long months, during which he breaks an arm and suffers an attack by a bear, before finally reaching Nome on 27 July 1920. 1932 : Professor Otto Schmidt leads the first expedition to sail the Northern Sea Route without stopping to overwinter. 1935 : The Northern Sea Route is officially opened for trade use.

The Northeast Passage in figures

Located between latitudes 70° and 80° North and extending over 4,500 km between the Barent, Kara, Laptev, East Siberian and Chukchi seas, the Northern Sea Route, or Northeast Passage, is the shortest route between Europe and northern Asia. It reduces the distance travelled by 5,000–7,000 km (3,100–4,350 miles) and voyage times by one to two weeks, making it up to 30 percent shorter and 40 percent faster than other sea routes (namely the Northwest Passage and the Suez and Panama canals).

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The Northwest Passage

Reykjavík - nome, alaska, dates: 12/08/2024 to  05/09/2024.

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FLIGHT NOME/SEATTLE + TRANSFER

• Through PONANT’s alliance with The Explorers Club, this voyage will feature English-Speaker David Borish, a social scientist and documentary filmmaker who is pushing the boundaries of the use of audiovisual methods to explore and understand the relationships between humans and animals in the Arctic and Subarctic. We are also joined by The Explorers Club French-Speaker Ghislain Bardout who has advanced expertise in deep polar diving expeditions, on behalf of his organization, Under The Pole’s mission, focused on scientific discovery and raising awareness.
• With the presence of Ian Dawson and Sue Flood, British Photo Ambassadors.

Explore the expanse of the Arctic world during extraordinary polar odyssey from  Iceland  to  Alaska , via the mythical  Northwest Passage . The greatest explorers long coveted travelling from the Atlantic Ocean to the Pacific Ocean via the Far North route before Roald Amundsen accomplished the feat during his expedition from 1903 to 1906. Although this crossing is now legendary, PONANT invites you to go even further, aboard Le Commandant Charcot , by sailing along a virtually unexplored maritime route .

Like a perfect prelude to your discovery of the polar world, the latest addition to the PONANT fleet will first take you on a magnificent ascent up the west coast of Greenland to the majestic Disko Bay . A UNESCO World Heritage Site , it will reveal itself to you between its mythical glacier and the graceful dance of monumental icebergs.

Next, you will enter the Northwest Passage via Lancaster Sound then through the ice of McClure Strait . Following in the wake of one of the most mythical sagas in polar exploration, the ship will progress through to Banks Island, and gradually immerse you in a constantly changing world of ice. The infinity of the ice floe will unveil itself, moving, treating the eyes to beauties sculpted by nature and enhanced by the changing light. Aboard Le Commandant Charcot , a luxurious setting designed to navigate in extreme zones, you will continue into the Beaufort Sea and explore landscapes that are inaccessible to traditional ships. The ice covering reshapes the relief and reveals an incredible sensorial experience for the modern-day explorers.

Your immersion in the northern world will also lead you to encounter the Inuit people for special moments of sharing based on their traditions. In the heart of the ice or at the confluence of the currents, there where all is pristine and wild, nature reigns supreme and an encounter with a polar bear is always a wonderful experience.

Beyond the  Arctic Circle , your senses will further be ignited as the sight of the  glistening ice floes ,  blue-tinged glaciers ,  rugged mountain chains  and  rolling tundra  captivates you. Long fantasised about before being discovered at the beginning of the 20th century, the Northwest Passage promises you a trip that is synonymous with going back to basics.

Find out more about the world of  Le Commandant Charcot  here!

We are privileged guests in these extreme lands where we are at the mercy of weather and ice conditions. Our navigation, mainly in the fjords, will be determined by the type of ice we come across; as the fast ice must be preserved, we will take this factor into account from day to day in our itineraries. The sailing programme, outings, activities and observation of fauna cannot be guaranteed and are subject to weather and ice conditions. The 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 respecting safety instructions and regulations imposed by the AECO.

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Our guest of honour

David Borish

"I am thrilled to join PONANT guests on the Northwest Passage expedition, as it presents a unique opportunity to witness an enormous range of the Arctic's stunning landscapes, communities, and wildlife. I hope to enhance the journey by providing insights about the cultural and conservation contexts of the region and will aim to foster enriching discussions and experiences for travelers."

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Additional services For more peace of mind, PONANT selects stays and flights then takes care of your transfers for your trip as well as shore visits before and after the cruise.

Additional services

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*Price is per person, based on double occupancy, based on availability, and subject to change at any time. The category of stateroom to which this price applies may no longer be available.

Services provided

• Concierge Service: tailor-made and fully customisable services, from your reservation until you return from your trip
• Glazed private balcony for all our staterooms and suites
• Terrace for the Duplex suites and the Owner's suite
• 24-hour room service
• Inclusive Wifi internet access (availability dependent on navigation and latitude)
• Individually-controlled air conditioning
• Dressing room with shelves and closet
• Dressing table and hairdryer
• Dyptique Paris top-of-the-line bath products
• Nespresso coffee maker and boiler
• Electronic safe
• Direct line telephone
• Bose Bluetooth speaker
• Flat screen TV, international channels (availability dependent on navigation) and videos on demand
• 110V American (two flat pins)/220V European (round sockets with two round pins)
• 3 ADA staterooms

Select your stateroom category

Stateroom size

• - than 25 m²
• + than 25 m²

Prestige Stateroom Deck 6

25% Ponant Bonus

Prestige Stateroom Deck 7

Prestige Stateroom Deck 8

Deluxe Suite Deck 6

Deluxe Suite Deck 7

Deluxe Suite Deck 8

Prestige Suite Deck 7

Prestige Suite Deck 8

Grand Prestige Suite Deck 6

Privilege Suite Deck 8

Duplex Suite Deck 6

Owner's Suite

David Borish is a social researcher and documentary filmmaker pushing the boundaries of using audio-visual methodologies to explore and understand relationships between humans and wildlife across the Arctic and Subarctic. He was named as one of the Explorer’s Club’s annual “50 People Changing the World That the World Needs to Know About” class for 2023. As part of his PhD, Borish worked with Inuit communities across the Nunatsiavut and NunatuKavut regions of Canada to create HERD: Inuit Voices on Caribou , a research-based documentary film all about a 99% decline of a caribou population and what that means for community food security, identity, mental health, and overall well-being. The film has been broadcasted on CBC in Canada, has been screened at more than 15 international film festivals. Borish is now working in partnership with Inuit wildlife co-management boards and other community partners to document and share Inuit knowledge, observations, and experiences with polar bears across Nunavut, Nunavik (Northern Quebec), and Nunatsiavut (Labrador). The aim is to create a repository of knowledge about the cultural and ecological dimensions of polar bear management from the people who live alongside this apex predator. Borish has also worked as an instructor for the Harvard Youth Summit on Climate, Equity and Health; a visual educator for National Geographic Student Expeditions in Iceland and Alaska; a digital storytelling facilitator for youth in Iceland; and is a co-founder of Boardball, a new sport that makes volleyball more accessible. 

Language spoke: English

Photo credit: The Explorers Club

Ghislain Bardout

Having always been inspired by the great outdoors, in particular by polar regions, mountains and the ocean’s depth, with an affinity for science materialised by engineering studies in EPFL (Polytechnique school in Lausanne, Switzerland), he takes the plunge in 2006 into exploration at Jean-Louis Etienne’s side. As an avid underwater cameraman, carried by a strong curiosity and concerned by human impact on the planet, he conceives the first Under The Pole expedition in 2007, to explore the icefield of the North Pole’s region from the ocean’s side. Over 16 years and 4 large programs as head of Under The Pole , he has led together with his wife Emmanuelle dozen of expeditions and spent many years on the field throughout seasons, mostly in the Arctic, in Greenland, Spitsbergen, Canada and Alaska. Thus, he has acquired an advanced expertise in polar expeditions, in deep and polar scientific diving and brought structure and development to Under The Pole ’s missions, focused on scientific discovery and raising awareness. Since 2021 and under the frame of the United Nations decade for the Oceans (2021-2030), he co-leads the Under The Pole IV - DeepLife program dedicated to study and conservation of coastal deep ecosystems (30-200 m).

Languages spoken: French and English.

Photo credit: ARR

Ari Koeppel

Dr. Ari Koeppel is a Postdoctoral UMBC/CRESST II Research Associate at NASA Goddard Spaceflight Center working to enhance our understanding of land surface processes via remote sensing on Mars and Earth. Dr. Koeppel holds a B.A. in Engineering Physics from Dartmouth College, a M.Sc. in Geology from the City College of New York, and a Ph.D. in Astronomy and Planetary Science from Northern Arizona University. Dr. Koeppel’s work on mission science has included roles with the Mars Science Laboratory Curiosity Rover, 2001 Mars Odyssey Thermal Emission Imaging System, and EscaPADE Visible and Infrared Observation System teams and he is currently working on the Mars 2020 Perseverance Rover team to analyze surface-atmosphere exchange on Mars. He is also using Mars analog data from Earth and building models to study permafrost processes and the modern water cycle on Mars.

Language spoken: English

Photo credit: PC NAU

Christopher Edwards

Christopher S. Edwards is an Associate Professor of Planetary Science at Northern Arizona University. He is a science team member and Instrument Scientist for the Emirates Mars Infrared Spectrometer on the Emirates Mars Mission “Hope”, a Participating Scientist on the Mars Science Laboratory Curiosity Rover, a Participating Scientist on the OSIRIS-Rex mission to Bennu, a Co-Investigator on the Lunar Trailblazer mission and has worked on numerous other Mars missions including the 2001 Mars Odyssey Thermal Emission Imaging System. His research focuses on the composition, physical properties and processes, and morphology of planetary surfaces, with an emphasis on rocky bodies including the Earth. A major element of his research has been the design and development of infrared remote sensing instruments for use in space, the laboratory and for fieldwork.

Photo credit: Laurie Rogers NAU

Ponant Photo Ambassador, Ian, is an award-winning photographer, film maker and guide with a passion for the remote regions of our planet. 

A fine art graduate, he has spent his career in the national media, both as a photojournalist and picture editor. He has covered everything from conflict, travel, the Royal Family and celebrities of stage and screen and many other commissions.

When not guiding for Ponant in the Arctic and Antarctic, his love of high and cold places regularly takes him mountaineering around the world. He is a member of The Alpine Club (the world’s first mountaineering club founded in 1857). 

He has been active within Scottish Mountain Rescue for over 20 years as a medic with responsibility for training. He was recognised for his work in this field having been awarded both The Queen’s Diamond & Platinum Jubilee Medals.

Ian is a member of the Guild of Picture Editors, the British Association of Ski Patrollers, the Royal Photographic Society and the UK Mountain Leader Board. His photographic work is represented by Getty Images.

When not sharing his love of wild places, Ian lives with his family in the Loch Lomond and Trossachs National Park, Scotland.

Language spoken: English.

Photo credit: Sue Flood.

Sue Flood is an award-winning photographer, filmmaker and public speaker. Her work takes her all over the world but she has a special passion for the wildlife and icy beauty of the Polar regions and is one of the very few women who chooses to return again and again to Earth’s harshest and most demanding environments.

A zoology graduate, Sue spent 11 years with the BBC Natural History Unit, working on series including The Blue Planet and Planet Earth as well as the Disneynature movie Earth with Sir David Attenborough, before turning her focus to photography. Her images have appeared in National Geographic, BBC Wildlife, Geo and other distinguished publications. Her most recent book is Emperor, The Perfect Penguin with a foreword by Sir Michael Palin.

Sue’s work has won multiple awards and in recognition of her photographic achievements, Sue was invited to meet Her Majesty The Queen at Buckingham Palace. In May 2022 Sue received an Honorary Master of Science degree from The University of Chester.

Her adventures in the Arctic and Antarctic include diving with narwhals and leopard seals, living with Inuit hunters on the floe edge and camping for several weeks in Antarctica’s most southerly emperor penguin colony.

Sue is a member of the Explorers Club, a Fellow of the Royal Geographical Society, Royal Photographic Society and of the North American Nature Photography Association.  

When she is not in some far-flung location, Sue lives on the edge of the Snowdonia National Park in North Wales.

Sue is honoured to have been appointed as one of Ponant’s Photo Ambassadors.

Photo credit: Ian Dawson

Subject to withdrawal in case of force majeure

Boarding conditions and passenger travel abilities

We invite you to read our boarding conditions and passenger travel abilities by clicking here . 

Any new reservation implies the acceptance of these conditions.

COVID-19 health formalities are subject to change. For information in real time, click here .

Please note that , due to the current global health situation, this itinerary and the overland packages may need to be altered based on port approvals and to comply with applicable government regulations at the time of your trip.

For greater peace of mind, we highly recommend booking your overland packages and pre- and post-cruise flights through PONANT. The effectiveness of our protocols, our cutting-edge medical equipment and the smaller size of our ships enable us to offer a maximum level of safety so you can relax and enjoy your cruise. 

To guarantee your entry into one or several countries, you must ensure that you comply with the formalities and health requirements specific to each destination. In just a few clicks on our online search engine, find all the formalities you must complete prior to your departure (visas, entry authorisations for each country, vaccinations, etc.).

The international situation can change rapidly, so be sure to check this information regularly prior to your departure. However, please note that we always recommend our guests contact the relevant national immigration and customs and border control authorities directly to find out what rules apply to their specific situation. PONANT is not responsible for any decisions made by guests based on the information provided by the online search engine.

The information below is current but subject to change at any time without advance notice from government authorities. Please consult your respective government agencies for visa and health information.

Passport valid for at least six (6) months beyond the completion of your trip. Passport must contain at least two completely clear, blank, unused visa pages for each visa required, not including any amendment pages. Visa pages with stains or ink from other pages in the passport are not usable. Guests who deviate from the scheduled embarkation or disembarkation port should research the foreign entry requirements for the port country. Due to government regulations, regrettably, Ponant will have to deny boarding to any guest who fails to obtain the appropriate travel documentation for this trip.

Activities : please note that for polar plunge , an EKG (electrocardiogram) by your general practitioner will be required. 

Also, for persons under 18 wishing to take part in this activity as well as kayaking , a sworn statement from the parents or legal guardians that they are able to swim will be asked. A parent or legal guardian must be present at the time of the activity.

Canada : travel by sea - The eTA is not required for US, Australian and British citizens. Other nationalities: a Visa may be required, please contact Canada consulate website for details. http://www.canada.ca/en/index.html

USA : Depending on your nationality, an ESTA or Visa may be required. Please contact USA consulate website for details. A copy of your visa or ESTA must be sent to PONANT at the very latest 45 days prior to your cruise date. In case the ESTA is sufficient to enter the USA, we also ask you to keep a copy of your ESTA with your passport throughout the duration of your trip.

Please note,  if you have travelled or lived in countries such as: Cuba (on or after 12 January 2021), Iran, Iraq, Sudan, Yemen, Somalia, Libya, Syria or North Korea, then this constitutes a valid reason for the US Department of Homeland Security to deny your ESTA . In this event, you must apply to an ambassy for a category B1/B2 visa to travel to the United States. The visa processing time is several months.  

If you already have an ESTA (valid for 2 years), we ask you to check its status up until the day of departure by clicking on “CHECK ESTA STATUS” on the website https://esta.cbp.dhs.gov . We also ask that you print it out and keep it with your passport throughout your trip.  

A “FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS” page is available on the same website https://esta.cbp.dhs.gov/faq to help you with your procedures.  

Iceland: as of 01/01/2024, Iceland has reintroduced the tourist tax, newly extended to cruise passengers in response to the social and environmental impact of tourism.

We inform you that this new tax, amounting to ISK 1,000 per cabin and per night spent on Icelandic territory, will be charged on board at the end of the cruise and paid to the port authorities.

List of items prohibited on board

To guarantee the safety and well-being of our guests, certain items are strictly prohibited on board. Should you have one of these products or objects in your possession, they will be confiscated immediately and will not be transported on the ship. When an item transported aboard is considered illegal, the relevant authorities will be notified systematically.

Click here  for the full list of items prohibited on board. 

Warning about the use of drones : the use of drones aboard PONANT ships, whether they are sailing at sea, at a port of call or anchored, is strictly forbidden. The use of drones on land in the Arctic and Antarctic regions is also strictly forbidden by international polar regulations. In other regions, it may be possible to use drones on land if permission has been obtained from the relevant authorities of each country and each region travelled through, as well as a pilot’s licence that should be obtained from your home country. Passengers are responsible for obtaining these permits; they should be able to present them at all times. Passengers who do not obtain these authorisations expose themselves to the risk of legal proceedings.

Expedition programmes include activities such as zodiac outings and landings (sometimes with "wet landing"), moderate walks to more active hikes, all accompanied by your expedition team of naturalist guides.

Ports of call, visited sites, outings and landings will depend on weather conditions, position of ice, winds and the state of the sea. These can force a change of plans at any time. The Captain and the Expedition Leader may at any time cancel or stop any activity, or even modify the itinerary. The final itinerary will be confirmed by the Captain, who will take into account the touristic quality of the sites and above all, the safety of the passengers. His decision will be based on advice from experts and authorities.

Travelling to polar/isolated regions is an exhilarating experience in remote areas: please remember that you are far from modern hospitals with full medical facilities, thus evacuation is extremely expensive. Without adequate medical coverage, all expenses will have to be immediately paid with your personal funds. We urge you to subscribe to full coverage insurance, choose your insurance company very carefully, be extremely vigilant and ensure your insurance is fully comprehensive, especially if you are insured by your credit card. PONANT offers an insurance contract with extensive guarantees, please contact us for more information.

Clothing tips:

• A PONANT polar water-resistant parka is offered on board for all departures with an Expedition programme (no children sizes, in case of consecutive cruises, only one complimentary parka).
• Half calf rubber boots with non-slip soles, which will allow you to go ashore in 20 cm of cold water, keeping your feet dry for walks and visits on steep paths. Boot rental will be offered onboard (for adults only) on Expedition cruises.
• Comfortable trousers: classic Winter trousers, warm cotton tracksuit, wool leggings
• Waterproof and windproof over-trousers – MANDATORY
• Winter trousers with waterproof over trousers are the ideal combination: water-resistance and comfort of trousers are essential
• Pullover, sweat-shirt or fleece jacket
• Woollen or thermolactyl Thermal underwear
• A warm hat, woollen ear muffs or fleece ear muffs, fleece or woollen neck warmer (avoid scarves that do not stay in place)- MANDATORY
• Wool or silk glove liners, water-resistant and supple gloves
• Thick warm socks (ideally woollen)

Accessories:

• Small waterproof backpack (to protect your camera from water).
• Binoculars (strongly recommended for wildlife viewing).
• Highly protective sunglasses.
• Walking poles (highly recommended).

Ideal clothes for life on board:

During the days spent on board, you are advised to wear comfortable clothes or casual outfits. The entire ship is air-conditioned, so a light sweater, a light jacket or a shawl may be necessary. When moving about in the public areas of the ship and the decks, light but comfortable shoes are recommended.

Informal evening:

In the evening, you are advised to wear smart-casual attire, especially when dining in our restaurants where wearing shorts and tee-shirts is not allowed.

• Simple dress
• Skirt or trousers
• Pleated trousers or chinos
• Sports jacket

Officer’s evening:

For all cruises longer than 8 nights, an Officer’s Evening with a white dress code may be organized. Therefore, we encourage you to bring a stylish white outfit for the occasion (otherwise black and white).

Gala evening:

During the cruise, two gala evenings will be organised on board. Thus, we recommend that you bring one or two formal outfits.

• Cocktail attire
• Evening dress (if you wish to)
• Tie recommended, possibly bow tie (if you wish to)

A small shop is available on board offering a wide range of outfits, jewellery, leather goods and many accessories.

A laundry service (washing/ironing) is available on board, but unfortunately there are no dry cleaning services. For safety reasons, your cabin is not equipped with an iron.

INSULATED BASE LAYER:

• Wool or thermolactyl technical underwear
• Polar or technical jacket
• Polar sweater or sweatshirt
• Silk or wool glove liners
• Wool leggings
• Warm hiking socks

WATERPROOF OUTER LAYER:

• Waterproof over-trousers - Mandatory
• Waterproof parka - Offered on board (not available in children’s sizes)
• Windbreaker – Mandatory
• A warm woollen hat covering your ears
• Polar or woollen neck warmer
• Waterproof technical gloves
• Hiking shoes

HEALTH CARE:

• Lip protection balm
• Mosquito repellent, anti-itch balm and mosquito head net (Greenland)
• Medications and prescriptions

OUTFITS ON BOARD:

• Casual outfits for the day
• Smarter outfits for dinners
• Elegant outfits for Gala evenings
• White or black and white outfit

ACCESSORIES:

• Highly protective sunglasses
• Walking poles
• Small waterproof backpack
• Swimsuit (for the spa on board)
• Gym wear (fitness)
• Battery charger and memory cards for your camera
• Mobile phone charger

Polar plunge

Let yourself be seduced by the unrivalled sensations of being surrounded by cold water. Weather and ice conditions willing, you will have opportunities to undertake a unique experience during a polar plunge wearing just your swimming costume, in the middle of the ice. You will be be filled with intense emotions and will fully appreciate the energy boost when warming up after the swim!*

*with limited places available

Kayaking - Le Commandant Charcot

You will make the most of the sailing opportunities and weather and ice conditions to glide along on the clear waters or between the ice floes and get as close as possible to the immaculate nature of the poles. Supervised by licenced expert guides, you will try your hand in a kayak- a craft favoured by the Inuits for at least 4,000 years.  The kayak was initially used for hunting and fishing; for you, it will be a means of making the most of your adventure on the White Continent or in the Far North.*

Ice fishing

What better place than the icy Arctic regions to practice ice fishing? Assisted by the naturalist guides, you will look for the perfect spot to cut a hole on the ice floe or on frozen lakes and try to catch fish using an ancestral method. You will make the most of weather and ice opportunities to practice this unusual activity, which will equally delight fans of game fishing and those who are curious to make new discoveries.*

Hiking or snowshoeing

During shore landings, depending on the ecological resilience of the biome, we will propose hikes at different levels, in the company of your experienced naturalist guides. From a simple stroll along the coast to walks lasting several hours to reach particular viewpoints or historical sites, you will make the most of the opportunities provided by the weather and ice conditions. When the itineraries allow, you’ll put on snowshoes* to set off like the explorers of old and discover areas that have barely known Man.

The Explorers Club was founded in New York City in 1904 by a group of the world's leading explorers of the time. It is a multidisciplinary, not-for-profit organization dedicated to scientific exploration of land, sea, air, and space. It supports science research and education and has over 3,500 members around the world. Explorers linked to the greatest discoveries, such as Neil Armstrong, Jane Goodall, Edmund Hillary or Roald Amundsen, are among its eminent members.

During this voyage, a member of The Explorers Club will provide enrichment through lectures and activities on board, at sea, and during shore visits. You will have the opportunity to engage with these agents of change throughout your journey.

• The eye and the advice of our photo ambassador, a privileged opportunity to immortalise your trip with, in the programme: workshops, conferences and personalized advice to improve your photographic skills.
• The crossing of the Northwest Passage by a unique maritime route, long coveted by the great explorers, only accessible thanks to Le Commandant Charcot , capable of sailing into the very heart of the ice.
• Enjoy the unique comfort of Commander Charcot during days of exploration on board, where time stands still in the middle of the ice floe, in the special silence of the polar desert.
• The west coast of Greenland, between traditional villages, glaciers and monumental icebergs.
• Meeting the Inuit communities of the west coast of Greenland.
• Discovery of Nuuk, the capital of Greenland.
• An exploration into the heart of the ice in the Northwest Passage and the contemplation of sublime reliefs of unspoiled and immaculate landscapes, which are constantly changing.
• Landscapes: icy channels, fjords, vast expanses of ice floe, icerbergs (Disko Bay), myriads of jagged islands, blue-toned glaciers, mountain chains, vertiginous walls, expanses of tundra.
• Fauna: Arctic foxes, sea birds, belugas, bowhead whales, walruses and the possibility of seeing polar bears.
• Brand-new activities: kayaking, hiking or snowshoeing, ice fishing, polar plunge.

Ports of Call & Excursions

12 August 2024 - Reykjavík

Embarkation 12/08/2024 from 15:30 to 17:30 Departure 12/08/2024 at 18:00

Iceland’s capital stretches along the edge of a vast bay in the west of the country. Perlan , the “Pearl of Reykjavík”, a museum located on ’Oskjuhlið hill, offers a panoramic view of the lush, green landscapes. A little further, one can easily spot the signpost showing the way to the evangelical  Hallgrímskirkja  church, and to the historical centre where one can stroll along the Skólavördustígur and the Laugavegur, two lively streets with charming small shops. For some relaxation just outside of the city, visitors have the opportunity to visit the Reykjanes peninsula and its famous thermal lagoons of the  Blue Lagoon .

13 August 2024   14 August 2024 - Sailing through the Denmark Strait

Arrival 13/08/2024 Departure 14/08/2024

Lying between Greenland and Iceland, the Denmark Strait was crossed for the first time by theVikings in the late 10th century, during Erik the Red’s expeditions. In the Second World War, its waters were the theatre of a battle between the Kriegsmarine and the Royal Navy, on 24 May 1941. In the wintertime, extremely dense pack ice forms along the Greenlandic coasts and, while the Transpolar Drift sweeps icebergs along throughout the year, the strait is generally clear of ice during the summer. In the depths of the strait lies the world’s largest waterfall, an undersea cataract formed by the difference in temperature between the cold waters of the Greenland Sea and the warmer waters of the Irminger Sea. Numerous cetacean species thrive in this rich ecosystem.

15 August 2024 - Prins Christian Sund

Arrival 15/08/2024 Departure 15/08/2024

Your ship glides silently towards the Greenland coast, in a setting punctuated by pointed peaks and majestic glaciers… You are on the verge of crossing the Prins Christian Sund , a narrow channel that stretches out and zigzags over some one hundred kilometres between Greenland’s south-east and south-west. Fall under the spell of the primitive beauty of these unique landscapes, including rocky cliffs and waterfalls that are fed by the ice sheet and plunge into the icy waters. Here, bearded seals love to lie on the floating ice to soak up the sunshine.

16 August 2024 - Aappilattoq (Augpilatok)

Arrival 16/08/2024 Departure 16/08/2024

Aappilattoq (Augpilatok) , is a small Inuit village of around one hundred inhabitants, whose name means “sea anemone” in Greenlandic. Located in a mountainous region inaccessible by road, its picturesque, colourful houses stretch out to the southern tip of Greenland, on the banks of the spectacular Prince Christian Sound . Some one hundred kilometres long, the sound connects the Labrador Sea to the Irminger Sea, meandering through stunning landscapes such as majestic glaciers, craggy peaks, and rocky cliffs with waterfalls fed by the ice sheet. This region was uninhabited in the 19th century. The village was created in the 1920s and the main activities revolve around hunting, fishing and livestock farming.

17 August 2024 - Nuuk

Arrival 17/08/2024 Departure 17/08/2024

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.

18 August 2024 - At sea aboard Le Commandant Charcot

Arrival 18/08/2024 Departure 18/08/2024

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.

19 August 2024 - Disko Bay

Arrival 19/08/2024 Departure 19/08/2024

To the east of Baffin Bay, discover Disko Bay , scattered with countless icebergs produced by the Ilulissat Icefjord, a UNESCO World Heritage Site . From your ship, admire the majestic ballet of these ice giants as they slowly drift across the dark waters. This site is a natural marvel of Greenland, and is also renowned as an observation point for the region’s many humpback whales. The encounters with wild fauna and stunning landscapes in the heart of this spectacular and fragile nature will be pure moments of wonder for you.

20 August 2024 - At sea aboard Le Commandant Charcot

Arrival 20/08/2024 Departure 20/08/2024

21 August 2024 - Pond Inlet, Nunavut

Arrival 21/08/2024 Departure 21/08/2024

On  Baffin Island , located in northern Canada at the mouth of the famous NorthWest Passage, there is a small Inuit settlement at the very bounds of infinity. To get there, cross the Arctic Circle , the imaginary line that separates man from lands of mystery and wonder. It’s not so much the way of life that sets Pond Inlet’s inhabitants apart, so much as the setting. Snow-capped mountains, fjords and glaciers combine in a dazzling natural environment that fills space and expands time. Some discoveries change you forever: this is one of them.

22 August 2024 - Sailing in the Lancaster Sound

Arrival 22/08/2024 Departure 22/08/2024

Between  Devon Island  and  Baffin Island , in the Canadian territory of Nunavut,  Lancaster Sound  forms part of the  Northwest   Passage , a shipping route crossing the Canadian Arctic Archipelago, along the northern coast of North America. Coveted for almost 300 years, it saw several expeditions including the fatal one led by John Franklin, seen for the last time near Lancaster Sound in August 1845. Many colonies of cetaceans, polar bears and seabirds have taken up residence in or near these nourishing waters at the confluence of the currents. Situated in Inuit territory, the Sound is the subject of plans to create a marine conservation area intended to protect this rich ecosystem and its inhabitants.

23 August 2024 - Devon Island, Nunavut

Arrival 23/08/2024 Departure 23/08/2024

Located in Baffin Bay, Devon Island is part of the Canadian Arctic Archipelago. Anchored on the Arctic Cordillera, its rocky surface, similar to that of Mars, is of great interest to scientists. Robert Bylot and William Baffin were the first Europeans to sight Devon Island in 1616 but it would be mapped two centuries later by the British sailor William E. Parry, who named it after the eponymous English region. Around 1920, the Hudson's Bay Company set up a fur-trading outpost there, until the departure of the Inuits in 1936. A new attempt to populate it was made at the beginning of the 1950s. Only a few buildings in ruins, vestiges of that time, remain today.

24 August 2024 - Beechey Island, Nunavut

Arrival 24/08/2024 Departure 24/08/2024

Beechey Island , at the eastern end of Resolute Bay, will call to mind some of the most important moments of Franklin’s expedition. Sir John set off in 1845 in search of the mythical Northwest Passage and was forced to take shelter in Erebus Harbour for two long years, while he waited for the ice floes to recede and allow him a way through. It is a spectacular location; seeing the three wooden grave markers, bleached by the sun (indicating the burial places of at least three of Captain Franklin’s men) and visiting the memorial that has been erected in memory of Franklin and his men can only reinforce the hushed sense of reverence. If the surrounding wilderness impresses us, the ochre and yellows of the rocky desert soften the landscape.

25 August 2024   27 August 2024 - Exploring sea ice of Northwest Passage

Arrival 25/08/2024 Departure 27/08/2024

At the far north of the American continent, in the most northerly part of the Arctic archipelago, the Northwest Passage is the shortest waterway between the Atlantic and the Pacific Oceans. Its crossing has been coveted since the 15th century and Roald Amundsen was the first to do so in 1906. Blocked by thick ice floe for most of the year, to date only a lucky few have managed to sail from one side to the other. The crossing of this little-mapped and little-explored region is a challenge worthy of Le Commandant Charcot , which was designed to sail in extreme environments. Sheltered in its refined and protective setting, you will make the most of this exploration of the ice with the inimitable appeal of the first time: just like the first explorers, you will sail in its channels sculpted by glacial erosion and discover  spectacular landscapes , made up of  craggy terrain  and  monumental fjords . You will be able to measure the privilege of undertaking such an exploration in the light of the experience’s rarity.

28 August 2024   29 August 2024 - Banks Island

Arrival 28/08/2024 Departure 29/08/2024

Located in the north of Canadian archipelago of the Northwest Territories, Banks Island, also known as Banks Land offers landscapes that are as sumptuous as they are spectacular. The island, covering some 70,000 km², offers a landscape of hills and valleys as well as sheer cliffs and canyons, a result of the glacial erosion. The north of the island, is home to a very rich wildlife mainly consisting of Arctic wolves, muskox, caribou, Arctic foxes, lemmings and many varieties of birds.

30 August 2024   2 September 2024 - Exploring sea ice in Beaufort Sea

Arrival 30/08/2024 Departure 02/09/2024

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 honour 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.

3 September 2024 - Sailing in Beaufort Sea

Arrival 03/09/2024 Departure 03/09/2024

Delimited by the entrance to the Northwest Passage and the Amundsen Gulf to the east and by Canada’s Yukon and Northwest Territories to the west, the Beaufort Sea makes up part of the – almost – inaccessible Arctic Ocean . Due to its extreme weather conditions, it was not explored until 1914, by the Canadian explorer Vilhjalmur Stefansson . However, it was named after Francis Beaufort , a British admiral and hydrographer. You will sail on these remote waters strewn with a mosaic of ice resulting from sea-ice breakup . Surrounded by this stunning scenery, you may spot a few belugas and bowhead whales , established in colonies in the region. 

4 September 2024 - Crossing the Bering Strait

Arrival 04/09/2024 Departure 04/09/2024

You will cross the Bering Strait, a 90-km (56-mile) wide maritime channel between eastern Siberia and Alaska, named after the Danish explorer Vitus Bering. You will sail this strait that people once used to walk across, during the last glaciations, from Asia to North America. The transfer of Alaska to the Unites States by the Russians, in 1867, turned the Strait into a significant geostrategic site nicknamed the “Ice Curtain” during the Cold War. Delineated in 1990, the border between the two countries is located in the middle of the Strait, between the two Diomede Islands , making one of them Russian and the other American. During your crossing, favourable conditions will be conducive to a moving encounter with wildlife, attracted by these nourishing waters.

5 September 2024 - Nome, Alaska

Arrival 05/09/2024 Disembarkation 05/09/2024 at 08:00

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 labour. The surrounding plains provide stunning vantage points for observing Arctic fauna.

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The Ice Fjord by the sea

As your ship will be at anchoring, you will board small local boats directly from the ship.

First, you will cruise along the coast to discover Ilulissat and its coloured houses, and then get to the open-sea to reach the ice fjord, the Isfjord. The small boats will slide on the calm waters of the Disko Bay, by clearing its way between the small ice packs.

You will perhaps see the boats of some fishermen and seal hunters. Then, huge white masses with bluish glints and deep caverns will appear… icebergs! The vision is imposing and gripping!

At the end of this navigation among the ices, you will go back to your ship.

• For this excursion and like everywhere else in Greenland, we recommend you wear comfortable shoes, a wind and waterproof jacket, a hat and sunglasses and to take a warm pullover and an insect repellent. Please be aware that this excursion is submitted to weather and ice conditions.

Le Commandant Charcot

With Le Commandant Charcot , PONANT 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 . 

Find out more about Le Commandant Charcot

For your serenity, PONANT selects a flight and organises the transfer between the port and the airport. This package is included in your cruise fare.

Disembarkation Day - Nome/Seattle

Disembarkation.

Meet and greet at the port by our local English-speaking representative.

Transfer to the airport in time for check-in for the PONANT selected flight from Nome to Seattle.

Flight Nome/Seattle selected by PONANT.

Approximate flight duration: 5 hours.

We highly recommend you stay one night in Seattle after this flight

This programme includes:

• Flight Nome/Seattle selected by PONANT in economy class.
• The transfer mentioned in the programme.
• English-speaking assistance.

This programme does not include:

• Tips for the driver and local guide.
• Personal expenses.
• Any other service not mentioned in the programme.

Please note:

• The flight included in the programme to this date, operated in economy class.
• Due to limited local transportation resources, waiting might be generated.
• For passengers in transit in Seattle, we recommend staying one night in Seattle after this flight.
• Programme and flight schedule are subject to change without prior notice.

Make your dreams of adventure come true, explore the boundaries of the world, and discover wild and legendary territories. The icy immensity of Antarctica, the constantly changing glaciers and icebergs of the North Pole, the mysterious mists of the North European coastlines, the most remote fjords on the planet… Every destination unveils unrivalled landscapes, home to increasingly varied fauna. Our team of naturalist-guides will share their knowledge with you during varied lectures about the history of the great explorations, geology and climatology, the fauna and flora, and will invite you to share special moments with the local populations.

FREE SINGLE SUPPLEMENT *

*The supplement for single usage of a double cabin is waived, according to availability and staterooms categories.

Our Travel Concierge service is designed to make your trip an unforgettable one by offering services precisely tailored to your individual needs. These include private transfers, access to airport waiting lounges, home services during your absence and personalised stopovers.

Our Travel Concierge team is ready to help with the smallest details of your trip, so you can leave home care-free and enjoy the voyage with complete peace of mind.

Discover all the concierge services by clicking here .

Looking forward to accompanying you,

PONANT Travel Concierge Team

Sharpen your eye and capture the ephemeral! Head out to sea and develop your visual senses alongside our photo ambassadors . The on-board photo ambassadors are committed and renowned professionals who will share their passion and expertise during workshops offered on board or on shore, photography-based discussions and conferences. A recurring theme of PONANT cruises is the sharing of knowledge and culture: this serves to support and highlight our openness to the world. With the help of the photo ambassadors, you will truly participate in your exploration. Take the time to feel and to observe the world around you and keep a lasting imprint of the fleeting moments and intense emotions experienced during this cruise.

PONANT and The Explorers Club are coming together in the name of driving deeper discovery and promoting scientific enrichment among the next generation of explorers. The weeks-long expeditions will whisk travelers to the world’s most remote parts, these journeys are enriched by the participation of expert members of The Explorers Club. They will share their experiences with you during on-board conferences and will invite you to participate in their research by offering activities on board, at sea or out of the ship. These new explorers will fascinate you with their tales.

Shore excursions, Pre/Post & Overlands

12/08/2024 - TRANSFER TO THE PIER OF REYKJAVIK

12/08/2024 - ICELAND AT A GLANCE

10/08/2024 - RELAX AT THE BLUE LAGOON (2 NIGHTS)

19/08/2024 - HELICOPTER FLIGHT OVER THE GLACIER

05/09/2024 - OVERNIGHT IN SEATTLE (1 NIGHT)

12/08/2024 - FLIGHTS FROM/TO PARIS + TRANSFER TO THE PIER OF REYKJAVIK (PRE) + OVERNIGHT IN SEATTLE (1 NIGHT) (POST)

TRANSFER TO THE PIER OF REYKJAVIK

Travel with peace of mind as PONANT organises your transfer between the airport and your port of embarkation.

Meet at Keflavík international airport in the Arrival hall. Look for PONANT sign. You will be greeted by our local representative off the flight selected by PONANT.

You will depart the airport and be directly transferred to the pier to embark on your ship.

Your programme includes:

• Transfer as mentioned in the programme.
• English speaking assistance.

Your programme does not include:

• Other services not mentioned in the programme. 

To know your PONANT flight schedule, please contact your travel agent; it is also indicated on your electronic ticket included in your travel documents.

Total : 150 €

ICELAND AT A GLANCE

PONANT converts your transfer into a restful stopover as you enjoy a relaxing day in a pleasant and comfortable setting.

Reykjavik, Iceland

Meet and greet at the airport arrival hall. Look for PONANT sign. You will be greeted by our local representative off the PONANT selected flight.

Group transfer from the pier to the Parliament hotel, Curio Collection by Hilton 4*, located in the heart of Reykjavik. the hotel is conveniently positioned next to the iconic Icelandic Parliament, Alþingi, and directly across from Austurvollur. Within a mere five-minute walk of Reykjavik Cathedral, the Harpa concert hall, and the city hall, making it an ideal location to explore the city's major attractions.

Check-in day-use.

In the afternoon, you will be transferred to the port of Reykjavik, to embark on board your ship.

Your hotel:

The Parliament hotel, Curio Collection by Hilton 4*, captures the essence of Reykjavik in a multifaceted manner. While each aspect remains true to the Curio Collection's core values of providing comfort, sophistication, curiosity, a sense of belonging, and a unique experience.

Superior category rooms are also available, subject to availability and at an additional cost. Contact your travel agent for further informations.

• 1 day-use at the four-star The Parliament hotel, Curio Collection by Hilton , local standards (or similar).
• Group transfer by coach from the airport to the hotel as mentioned in the programme.
• Group transfer from the hotel to the airport as mentioned in the programme.
• Hospitality desk at the hotel with English speaking assistance. 
•  Tips and gratuities.
•  All personal expenses (beverages, meals, sightseeing, etc.).
•  Other services not mentioned in the programme.
•  We recommend you bring along a small bag with a change of clothing.
•  It is imperative that your flight departure details are communicated at least 30 days prior to the beginning of your cruise, in order to secure the proper private transfer.

Contact of your hotel:

Parliament hotel, Curio Collection by Hilton Thorvaldsenstraeti 2-6, 101 Reykjavik Iceland Telephone number: +354 513 3000

 To know your PONANT flight schedule, please contact your travel agent; it is also indicated on your electronic ticket included in your travel documents.

Total : 1.280 €

RELAX AT THE BLUE LAGOON (2 NIGHTS)

Enhance your cruise and extend your trip with a carefully designed programme.

Day 1 - Reykjavik

Meet at Reykjavik Airport in the Arrival Hall. Look for PONANT sign. You will be greeted by our local representative off the flight selected by PONANT or any other flight (provided that you have previously communicated your flight schedule to your travel agent).

You will be transferred to the Retreat Blue lagoon 5*.

Afternoon at leisure.

Dinner at the hotel restaurant.

Overnight at the hotel.

Optional activity: Tastes of Iceland, dinner at Moss restaurant Treat yourself to a taste immersion with the Moss restaurant cuisine, recommended by the 2020 Michelin Guide. Reinventing the Icelandic cuisine, the chef Aggi Sverrisson will offer you a 7 courses dinner with wine paring that you could savour contemplating the volcanic horizon.

Please note: on certain date the optional activity may be operated on day 2.

Day – 2 Reykjavik

After breakfast, unwind on a full day of relaxation at the Retreat Blue Lagoon 5*. Relax amidst the geothermal wonders of Iceland. Immerse yourself in the soothing waters of the Blue Lagoon, known for its healing properties and breathtaking views.

Lunch and dinner at the hotel restaurant.

Optional activity: Wine tasting in the lava cave Enjoy an exclusive moment by tasting the wine selection of the Moss restaurant's sommelier. Inside this three meters deep in the earth subterranean sanctuary, surrounded by frozen-in-time lava that erupted in the year 1226, you will spend a timeless and unforgettable experience.

Day – 3 Reykjavik

After breakfast and check-out, you’ll be transferred to a local restaurant.

Following lunch, venture into the heart of Reykjavik’s vibrant culture and architecture along Laugavegur Street. Stroll, shops for unique souvenir or simply revel in the local atmosphere.

You will then be transferred to the pier of Reykjavik to embark on board your ship.

Nestled against the stunning backdrop of Iceland's natural wonders, the Retreat Blue Lagoon 5* stands as a beacon of indulgence and relaxation. Here, every detail has been meticulously curated to provide an unparalleled retreat experience that rejuvenates the body and soothes the soul.

Upgraded rooms are also available depending on availability and on a supplement basis. Contact your travel professional for further detail.

• 2-night accommodation in Junior Suite at the Retreat Blue Lagoon hotel, 5* local standards (or similar), breakfast included
• Meal as mentioned in the programme.
• Beverage package during meals (bottled water + 1 soft drink or 1 glass of wine or 1 local beer and 1 coffee or tea.)
• Transfers, visits, and entrance fees as mentioned in the programme.
• The services of o local English-speaking guide.
• Visa if necessary
• Tips for the driver and local guide
• Optional activity: Wine tasting in the lava cave
• Optional activity: Tastes of Iceland, dinner at Moss restaurant
• Early check-in and late check-out.
• Other services not mentioned in the programme.
• It is imperative that the details of your departure flight are provided to your travel agent, no later than 30 days before the start date of your cruise, to secure the proper private transfer.
• Official hotel check-in time is 3:00pm.
• Official hotel check-out time is 11:00am
• On certain date the optional activity “Tastes of Iceland, dinner at Moss restaurant” may be operated on day 2

Contacts of your hotel:

Retreat Blue Lagoon hotel Nordurljosavegur 11, 240 Grindavík, Iceland Telephone number: +354 420 8700

Duration and order of the visit may vary. To know your PONANT flight schedule, please contact your travel agent; it is also indicated on your electronic ticket included in your travel document.

Total : 3.310 €

HELICOPTER FLIGHT OVER THE GLACIER

This overland must be prebooked and prepaid at least 60 days prior to your cruise. Any reservation made after this deadline will be confirmed on-board based on availability. A minimum of participants must be booked in order to operate this tour. 100 % of total cost will be billed for cancellations made less than 60 days before departure.

From the quay, you will get to the airport by coach. The helicopters used are generally Bell 212 with 10 seats each or S-61 Sikorsky with 18 seats.

A helicopter trip in Greenland is an unforgettable experience! On board these helicopters, you will be able to experience the spectacular scenery of Disko Bay and the chance to see the ice fjord and ice cap in the most exclusive way. The ice fjord and the glacier make up a world-class area of outstanding natural beauty, as a result the fjord was added to UNESCO's World Heritage List in 2004. The figures speak for themselves: the glacier is more than 1,160 sq. miles ( 3,000 km 2 )  in area and calves about 40 cubic kilometres of ice every year. The ice from the glaciers thus totally dominates the sea in large parts of Disko Bay and in the sea west of Greenland.

From the air, the big floating icebergs become tiny, white cotton wads on a blue surface. When the helicopter flies above the ice sheet there is an exceptional view of the head of the glacier, where the icebergs are created, and of the enormous expanse of ice. The flight back takes place at low altitude through the ice fjord, which is densely populated with enormous icebergs.

• This excursion includes a 1-hour flight. Like everywhere else in Greenland, we recommend you wear comfortable shoes, a wind and waterproof jacket, a hat and sunglasses and to take a warm sweater and insect repellent. Please be aware that this excursion is obviously completely subject to weather conditions and that the number of seats is limited. The seat assignment will be done by the local pilot. Unfortunately, seats cannot be preassigned.

Duration of excursions are given as a guide only. The order of the visits may be reversed.

Total : 700 €

OVERNIGHT IN SEATTLE (1 NIGHT)

Day 1 – Alaska/Seattle

Meet and greet upon arrival of the flight Nome/Seattle selected by PONANT by our local representative.

You will be transferred to the historic hotel Fairmont Olympic 4*.

Check-in your room.

Diner will be served at the restaurant of the hotel.

Day 2 - Seattle

You will then be transferred to the airport in time for check-in for the PONANT selected flight or any other flight (provided that you have previously communicated your flight schedule to your travel agent).

Built in 1924, the recently renovated Fairmont Olympic 5* Hotel is listed on the National Register of Historic Places and was renovated in early 2021. Ideally located in downtown Seattle, it offers nearly a century of luxury service standards, while melding classic elegance with mid-century modern room décor. The hotel offers two restaurants, an indoor pool, a hot tub and a fitness centre. Upgraded rooms are also available depending on availability and on a supplement basis. Contact your travel professional for further detail.

• 1-night accommodation in Junior Suite at the Fairmont Olympic 4*, (or similar), breakfast included.
• Transfers as mentioned in the programme.
• The services of a local English-speaking guide.
• A hospitality desk at the hotel on your day of arrival and departure.
• Visa if necessary.
• Official hotel check-out time is 11:00 a.m.
• Early check-in or late check-out might be available depending on availability and on a supplement basis.

Fairmont Olympic

411 University Street

Seattle, WA 98101, USA

Telephone: +1 206 621 1700

Total : 930 €

FLIGHTS FROM/TO PARIS + TRANSFER TO THE PIER OF REYKJAVIK (PRE) + OVERNIGHT IN SEATTLE (1 NIGHT) (POST)

Total : 2.945 €

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• The Northwest Passage Reykjavík - Nome, Alaska

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The Northwest Passage

Reykjavík - nome, alaska, dates: 12/08/2024 to  05/09/2024.

Guest of Honour

The Travel Concierge service

Photo ambassadors

FLIGHT NOME/SEATTLE + TRANSFER

• Through PONANT’s alliance with The Explorers Club, this voyage will feature English-Speaker David Borish, a social scientist and documentary filmmaker who is pushing the boundaries of the use of audiovisual methods to explore and understand the relationships between humans and animals in the Arctic and Subarctic. We are also joined by The Explorers Club French-Speaker Ghislain Bardout who has advanced expertise in deep polar diving expeditions, on behalf of his organization, Under The Pole’s mission, focused on scientific discovery and raising awareness.
• With the presence of Ian Dawson and Sue Flood, British Photo Ambassadors.

Explore the expanse of the Arctic world during extraordinary polar odyssey from  Iceland  to  Alaska , via the mythical  Northwest Passage . The greatest explorers long coveted travelling from the Atlantic Ocean to the Pacific Ocean via the Far North route before Roald Amundsen accomplished the feat during his expedition from 1903 to 1906. Although this crossing is now legendary, PONANT invites you to go even further, aboard Le Commandant Charcot , by sailing along a virtually unexplored maritime route .

Like a perfect prelude to your discovery of the polar world, the latest addition to the PONANT fleet will first take you on a magnificent ascent up the west coast of Greenland to the majestic Disko Bay . A UNESCO World Heritage Site , it will reveal itself to you between its mythical glacier and the graceful dance of monumental icebergs.

Next, you will enter the Northwest Passage via Lancaster Sound then through the ice of McClure Strait . Following in the wake of one of the most mythical sagas in polar exploration, the ship will progress through to Banks Island, and gradually immerse you in a constantly changing world of ice. The infinity of the ice floe will unveil itself, moving, treating the eyes to beauties sculpted by nature and enhanced by the changing light. Aboard Le Commandant Charcot , a luxurious setting designed to navigate in extreme zones, you will continue into the Beaufort Sea and explore landscapes that are inaccessible to traditional ships. The ice covering reshapes the relief and reveals an incredible sensorial experience for the modern-day explorers.

Your immersion in the northern world will also lead you to encounter the Inuit people for special moments of sharing based on their traditions. In the heart of the ice or at the confluence of the currents, there where all is pristine and wild, nature reigns supreme and an encounter with a polar bear is always a wonderful experience.

Beyond the  Arctic Circle , your senses will further be ignited as the sight of the  glistening ice floes ,  blue-tinged glaciers ,  rugged mountain chains  and  rolling tundra  captivates you. Long fantasised about before being discovered at the beginning of the 20th century, the Northwest Passage promises you a trip that is synonymous with going back to basics.

Find out more about the world of  Le Commandant Charcot  here!

We are privileged guests in these extreme lands where we are at the mercy of weather and ice conditions. Our navigation, mainly in the fjords, will be determined by the type of ice we come across; as the fast ice must be preserved, we will take this factor into account from day to day in our itineraries. The sailing programme, outings, activities and observation of fauna cannot be guaranteed and are subject to weather and ice conditions. The 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 respecting safety instructions and regulations imposed by the AECO.

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Your itinerary

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Through PONANT’s alliance with The Explorers Club, this voyage will feature English-Speaker David Borish, a social scientist and documentary filmmaker who is pushing the boundaries of the use of audiovisual...

Your trip in detail

Your ship le commandant charcot, guest speaker(s).

PONANT activities

Included in your cruise

Important trip details

416 15 47 81 34 (or contact your travel agent)

Our guest of honour

David Borish

"I am thrilled to join PONANT guests on the Northwest Passage expedition, as it presents a unique opportunity to witness an enormous range of the Arctic's stunning landscapes, communities, and wildlife. I hope to enhance the journey by providing insights about the cultural and conservation contexts of the region and will aim to foster enriching discussions and experiences for travelers."

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Choose your stateroom.

Prestige Stateroom Deck 6  

Fully booked 25% Ponant Bonus

Prestige Stateroom Deck 7  

From 42.180 € per person 25% Ponant Bonus

Prestige Stateroom Deck 8  

From 42.960 € per person 25% Ponant Bonus

Deluxe Suite Deck 6  

From 44.130 € per person 25% Ponant Bonus

Deluxe Suite Deck 7  

From 46.080 € per person 25% Ponant Bonus

Deluxe Suite Deck 8  

From 47.640 € per person 25% Ponant Bonus

Prestige Suite Deck 7  

From 60.870 € per person 25% Ponant Bonus

Prestige Suite Deck 8  

From 62.810 € per person 25% Ponant Bonus

Grand Prestige Suite Deck 6  

From 64.760 € per person 25% Ponant Bonus

Privilege Suite Deck 8  

From 68.650 € per person 25% Ponant Bonus

Duplex Suite Deck 6  

From 93.950 € per person 25% Ponant Bonus

Owner's Suite  

Fully booked

Complete your trip

Included in your cruise For more peace of mind, PONANT organizes your trip before or after the cruise. This package is included in the price of your cruise.

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Additional services For more peace of mind, PONANT selects stays and flights then takes care of your transfers for your trip as well as shore visits before and after the cruise.

Additional services

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*Price is per person, based on double occupancy, based on availability, and subject to change at any time. The category of stateroom to which this price applies may no longer be available.

Services provided

• Concierge Service: tailor-made and fully customisable services, from your reservation until you return from your trip
• Glazed private balcony for all our staterooms and suites
• Terrace for the Duplex suites and the Owner's suite
• 24-hour room service
• Inclusive Wifi internet access (availability dependent on navigation and latitude)
• Individually-controlled air conditioning
• Dressing room with shelves and closet
• Dressing table and hairdryer
• Dyptique Paris top-of-the-line bath products
• Nespresso coffee maker and boiler
• Electronic safe
• Direct line telephone
• Bose Bluetooth speaker
• Flat screen TV, international channels (availability dependent on navigation) and videos on demand
• 110V American (two flat pins)/220V European (round sockets with two round pins)
• 3 ADA staterooms

Select your stateroom category

Stateroom size

• - than 25 m²
• + than 25 m²

Prestige Stateroom Deck 6

25% Ponant Bonus

Prestige Stateroom Deck 7

Prestige Stateroom Deck 8

Deluxe Suite Deck 6

Deluxe Suite Deck 7

Deluxe Suite Deck 8

Prestige Suite Deck 7

Prestige Suite Deck 8

Grand Prestige Suite Deck 6

Privilege Suite Deck 8

Duplex Suite Deck 6

Owner's Suite

David Borish is a social researcher and documentary filmmaker pushing the boundaries of using audio-visual methodologies to explore and understand relationships between humans and wildlife across the Arctic and Subarctic. He was named as one of the Explorer’s Club’s annual “50 People Changing the World That the World Needs to Know About” class for 2023. As part of his PhD, Borish worked with Inuit communities across the Nunatsiavut and NunatuKavut regions of Canada to create HERD: Inuit Voices on Caribou , a research-based documentary film all about a 99% decline of a caribou population and what that means for community food security, identity, mental health, and overall well-being. The film has been broadcasted on CBC in Canada, has been screened at more than 15 international film festivals. Borish is now working in partnership with Inuit wildlife co-management boards and other community partners to document and share Inuit knowledge, observations, and experiences with polar bears across Nunavut, Nunavik (Northern Quebec), and Nunatsiavut (Labrador). The aim is to create a repository of knowledge about the cultural and ecological dimensions of polar bear management from the people who live alongside this apex predator. Borish has also worked as an instructor for the Harvard Youth Summit on Climate, Equity and Health; a visual educator for National Geographic Student Expeditions in Iceland and Alaska; a digital storytelling facilitator for youth in Iceland; and is a co-founder of Boardball, a new sport that makes volleyball more accessible. 

Language spoke: English

Photo credit: The Explorers Club

Ghislain Bardout

Having always been inspired by the great outdoors, in particular by polar regions, mountains and the ocean’s depth, with an affinity for science materialised by engineering studies in EPFL (Polytechnique school in Lausanne, Switzerland), he takes the plunge in 2006 into exploration at Jean-Louis Etienne’s side. As an avid underwater cameraman, carried by a strong curiosity and concerned by human impact on the planet, he conceives the first Under The Pole expedition in 2007, to explore the icefield of the North Pole’s region from the ocean’s side. Over 16 years and 4 large programs as head of Under The Pole , he has led together with his wife Emmanuelle dozen of expeditions and spent many years on the field throughout seasons, mostly in the Arctic, in Greenland, Spitsbergen, Canada and Alaska. Thus, he has acquired an advanced expertise in polar expeditions, in deep and polar scientific diving and brought structure and development to Under The Pole ’s missions, focused on scientific discovery and raising awareness. Since 2021 and under the frame of the United Nations decade for the Oceans (2021-2030), he co-leads the Under The Pole IV - DeepLife program dedicated to study and conservation of coastal deep ecosystems (30-200 m).

Languages spoken: French and English.

Photo credit: ARR

Ari Koeppel

Dr. Ari Koeppel is a Postdoctoral UMBC/CRESST II Research Associate at NASA Goddard Spaceflight Center working to enhance our understanding of land surface processes via remote sensing on Mars and Earth. Dr. Koeppel holds a B.A. in Engineering Physics from Dartmouth College, a M.Sc. in Geology from the City College of New York, and a Ph.D. in Astronomy and Planetary Science from Northern Arizona University. Dr. Koeppel’s work on mission science has included roles with the Mars Science Laboratory Curiosity Rover, 2001 Mars Odyssey Thermal Emission Imaging System, and EscaPADE Visible and Infrared Observation System teams and he is currently working on the Mars 2020 Perseverance Rover team to analyze surface-atmosphere exchange on Mars. He is also using Mars analog data from Earth and building models to study permafrost processes and the modern water cycle on Mars.

Language spoken: English

Photo credit: PC NAU

Christopher Edwards

Christopher S. Edwards is an Associate Professor of Planetary Science at Northern Arizona University. He is a science team member and Instrument Scientist for the Emirates Mars Infrared Spectrometer on the Emirates Mars Mission “Hope”, a Participating Scientist on the Mars Science Laboratory Curiosity Rover, a Participating Scientist on the OSIRIS-Rex mission to Bennu, a Co-Investigator on the Lunar Trailblazer mission and has worked on numerous other Mars missions including the 2001 Mars Odyssey Thermal Emission Imaging System. His research focuses on the composition, physical properties and processes, and morphology of planetary surfaces, with an emphasis on rocky bodies including the Earth. A major element of his research has been the design and development of infrared remote sensing instruments for use in space, the laboratory and for fieldwork.

Photo credit: Laurie Rogers NAU

Ponant Photo Ambassador, Ian, is an award-winning photographer, film maker and guide with a passion for the remote regions of our planet. 

A fine art graduate, he has spent his career in the national media, both as a photojournalist and picture editor. He has covered everything from conflict, travel, the Royal Family and celebrities of stage and screen and many other commissions.

When not guiding for Ponant in the Arctic and Antarctic, his love of high and cold places regularly takes him mountaineering around the world. He is a member of The Alpine Club (the world’s first mountaineering club founded in 1857). 

He has been active within Scottish Mountain Rescue for over 20 years as a medic with responsibility for training. He was recognised for his work in this field having been awarded both The Queen’s Diamond & Platinum Jubilee Medals.

Ian is a member of the Guild of Picture Editors, the British Association of Ski Patrollers, the Royal Photographic Society and the UK Mountain Leader Board. His photographic work is represented by Getty Images.

When not sharing his love of wild places, Ian lives with his family in the Loch Lomond and Trossachs National Park, Scotland.

Language spoken: English.

Photo credit: Sue Flood.

Sue Flood is an award-winning photographer, filmmaker and public speaker. Her work takes her all over the world but she has a special passion for the wildlife and icy beauty of the Polar regions and is one of the very few women who chooses to return again and again to Earth’s harshest and most demanding environments.

A zoology graduate, Sue spent 11 years with the BBC Natural History Unit, working on series including The Blue Planet and Planet Earth as well as the Disneynature movie Earth with Sir David Attenborough, before turning her focus to photography. Her images have appeared in National Geographic, BBC Wildlife, Geo and other distinguished publications. Her most recent book is Emperor, The Perfect Penguin with a foreword by Sir Michael Palin.

Sue’s work has won multiple awards and in recognition of her photographic achievements, Sue was invited to meet Her Majesty The Queen at Buckingham Palace. In May 2022 Sue received an Honorary Master of Science degree from The University of Chester.

Her adventures in the Arctic and Antarctic include diving with narwhals and leopard seals, living with Inuit hunters on the floe edge and camping for several weeks in Antarctica’s most southerly emperor penguin colony.

Sue is a member of the Explorers Club, a Fellow of the Royal Geographical Society, Royal Photographic Society and of the North American Nature Photography Association.  

When she is not in some far-flung location, Sue lives on the edge of the Snowdonia National Park in North Wales.

Sue is honoured to have been appointed as one of Ponant’s Photo Ambassadors.

Photo credit: Ian Dawson

Subject to withdrawal in case of force majeure

Boarding conditions and passenger travel abilities

We invite you to read our boarding conditions and passenger travel abilities by clicking here . 

Any new reservation implies the acceptance of these conditions.

COVID-19 health formalities are subject to change. For information in real time, click here .

Please note that , due to the current global health situation, this itinerary and the overland packages may need to be altered based on port approvals and to comply with applicable government regulations at the time of your trip.

For greater peace of mind, we highly recommend booking your overland packages and pre- and post-cruise flights through PONANT. The effectiveness of our protocols, our cutting-edge medical equipment and the smaller size of our ships enable us to offer a maximum level of safety so you can relax and enjoy your cruise. 

To guarantee your entry into one or several countries, you must ensure that you comply with the formalities and health requirements specific to each destination. In just a few clicks on our online search engine, find all the formalities you must complete prior to your departure (visas, entry authorisations for each country, vaccinations, etc.).

The international situation can change rapidly, so be sure to check this information regularly prior to your departure. However, please note that we always recommend our guests contact the relevant national immigration and customs and border control authorities directly to find out what rules apply to their specific situation. PONANT is not responsible for any decisions made by guests based on the information provided by the online search engine.

The information below is current but subject to change at any time without advance notice from government authorities. Please consult your respective government agencies for visa and health information.

Passport valid for at least six (6) months beyond the completion of your trip. Passport must contain at least two completely clear, blank, unused visa pages for each visa required, not including any amendment pages. Visa pages with stains or ink from other pages in the passport are not usable. Guests who deviate from the scheduled embarkation or disembarkation port should research the foreign entry requirements for the port country. Due to government regulations, regrettably, Ponant will have to deny boarding to any guest who fails to obtain the appropriate travel documentation for this trip.

Activities : please note that for polar plunge , an EKG (electrocardiogram) by your general practitioner will be required. 

Also, for persons under 18 wishing to take part in this activity as well as kayaking , a sworn statement from the parents or legal guardians that they are able to swim will be asked. A parent or legal guardian must be present at the time of the activity.

Canada : travel by sea - The eTA is not required for US, Australian and British citizens. Other nationalities: a Visa may be required, please contact Canada consulate website for details. http://www.canada.ca/en/index.html

USA : Depending on your nationality, an ESTA or Visa may be required. Please contact USA consulate website for details. A copy of your visa or ESTA must be sent to PONANT at the very latest 45 days prior to your cruise date. In case the ESTA is sufficient to enter the USA, we also ask you to keep a copy of your ESTA with your passport throughout the duration of your trip.

Please note,  if you have travelled or lived in countries such as: Cuba (on or after 12 January 2021), Iran, Iraq, Sudan, Yemen, Somalia, Libya, Syria or North Korea, then this constitutes a valid reason for the US Department of Homeland Security to deny your ESTA . In this event, you must apply to an ambassy for a category B1/B2 visa to travel to the United States. The visa processing time is several months.  

If you already have an ESTA (valid for 2 years), we ask you to check its status up until the day of departure by clicking on “CHECK ESTA STATUS” on the website https://esta.cbp.dhs.gov . We also ask that you print it out and keep it with your passport throughout your trip.  

A “FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS” page is available on the same website https://esta.cbp.dhs.gov/faq to help you with your procedures.  

Iceland: as of 01/01/2024, Iceland has reintroduced the tourist tax, newly extended to cruise passengers in response to the social and environmental impact of tourism.

We inform you that this new tax, amounting to ISK 1,000 per cabin and per night spent on Icelandic territory, will be charged on board at the end of the cruise and paid to the port authorities.

List of items prohibited on board

To guarantee the safety and well-being of our guests, certain items are strictly prohibited on board. Should you have one of these products or objects in your possession, they will be confiscated immediately and will not be transported on the ship. When an item transported aboard is considered illegal, the relevant authorities will be notified systematically.

Click here  for the full list of items prohibited on board. 

Warning about the use of drones : the use of drones aboard PONANT ships, whether they are sailing at sea, at a port of call or anchored, is strictly forbidden. The use of drones on land in the Arctic and Antarctic regions is also strictly forbidden by international polar regulations. In other regions, it may be possible to use drones on land if permission has been obtained from the relevant authorities of each country and each region travelled through, as well as a pilot’s licence that should be obtained from your home country. Passengers are responsible for obtaining these permits; they should be able to present them at all times. Passengers who do not obtain these authorisations expose themselves to the risk of legal proceedings.

Expedition programmes include activities such as zodiac outings and landings (sometimes with "wet landing"), moderate walks to more active hikes, all accompanied by your expedition team of naturalist guides.

Ports of call, visited sites, outings and landings will depend on weather conditions, position of ice, winds and the state of the sea. These can force a change of plans at any time. The Captain and the Expedition Leader may at any time cancel or stop any activity, or even modify the itinerary. The final itinerary will be confirmed by the Captain, who will take into account the touristic quality of the sites and above all, the safety of the passengers. His decision will be based on advice from experts and authorities.

Travelling to polar/isolated regions is an exhilarating experience in remote areas: please remember that you are far from modern hospitals with full medical facilities, thus evacuation is extremely expensive. Without adequate medical coverage, all expenses will have to be immediately paid with your personal funds. We urge you to subscribe to full coverage insurance, choose your insurance company very carefully, be extremely vigilant and ensure your insurance is fully comprehensive, especially if you are insured by your credit card. PONANT offers an insurance contract with extensive guarantees, please contact us for more information.

Clothing tips:

• A PONANT polar water-resistant parka is offered on board for all departures with an Expedition programme (no children sizes, in case of consecutive cruises, only one complimentary parka).
• Half calf rubber boots with non-slip soles, which will allow you to go ashore in 20 cm of cold water, keeping your feet dry for walks and visits on steep paths. Boot rental will be offered onboard (for adults only) on Expedition cruises.
• Comfortable trousers: classic Winter trousers, warm cotton tracksuit, wool leggings
• Waterproof and windproof over-trousers – MANDATORY
• Winter trousers with waterproof over trousers are the ideal combination: water-resistance and comfort of trousers are essential
• Pullover, sweat-shirt or fleece jacket
• Woollen or thermolactyl Thermal underwear
• A warm hat, woollen ear muffs or fleece ear muffs, fleece or woollen neck warmer (avoid scarves that do not stay in place)- MANDATORY
• Wool or silk glove liners, water-resistant and supple gloves
• Thick warm socks (ideally woollen)

Accessories:

• Small waterproof backpack (to protect your camera from water).
• Binoculars (strongly recommended for wildlife viewing).
• Highly protective sunglasses.
• Walking poles (highly recommended).

Ideal clothes for life on board:

During the days spent on board, you are advised to wear comfortable clothes or casual outfits. The entire ship is air-conditioned, so a light sweater, a light jacket or a shawl may be necessary. When moving about in the public areas of the ship and the decks, light but comfortable shoes are recommended.

Informal evening:

In the evening, you are advised to wear smart-casual attire, especially when dining in our restaurants where wearing shorts and tee-shirts is not allowed.

• Simple dress
• Skirt or trousers
• Pleated trousers or chinos
• Sports jacket

Officer’s evening:

For all cruises longer than 8 nights, an Officer’s Evening with a white dress code may be organized. Therefore, we encourage you to bring a stylish white outfit for the occasion (otherwise black and white).

Gala evening:

During the cruise, two gala evenings will be organised on board. Thus, we recommend that you bring one or two formal outfits.

• Cocktail attire
• Evening dress (if you wish to)
• Tie recommended, possibly bow tie (if you wish to)

A small shop is available on board offering a wide range of outfits, jewellery, leather goods and many accessories.

A laundry service (washing/ironing) is available on board, but unfortunately there are no dry cleaning services. For safety reasons, your cabin is not equipped with an iron.

INSULATED BASE LAYER:

• Wool or thermolactyl technical underwear
• Polar or technical jacket
• Polar sweater or sweatshirt
• Silk or wool glove liners
• Wool leggings
• Warm hiking socks

WATERPROOF OUTER LAYER:

• Waterproof over-trousers - Mandatory
• Waterproof parka - Offered on board (not available in children’s sizes)
• Windbreaker – Mandatory
• A warm woollen hat covering your ears
• Polar or woollen neck warmer
• Waterproof technical gloves
• Hiking shoes

HEALTH CARE:

• Lip protection balm
• Mosquito repellent, anti-itch balm and mosquito head net (Greenland)
• Medications and prescriptions

OUTFITS ON BOARD:

• Casual outfits for the day
• Smarter outfits for dinners
• Elegant outfits for Gala evenings
• White or black and white outfit

ACCESSORIES:

• Highly protective sunglasses
• Walking poles
• Small waterproof backpack
• Swimsuit (for the spa on board)
• Gym wear (fitness)
• Battery charger and memory cards for your camera
• Mobile phone charger

Polar plunge

Let yourself be seduced by the unrivalled sensations of being surrounded by cold water. Weather and ice conditions willing, you will have opportunities to undertake a unique experience during a polar plunge wearing just your swimming costume, in the middle of the ice. You will be be filled with intense emotions and will fully appreciate the energy boost when warming up after the swim!*

*with limited places available

Kayaking - Le Commandant Charcot

You will make the most of the sailing opportunities and weather and ice conditions to glide along on the clear waters or between the ice floes and get as close as possible to the immaculate nature of the poles. Supervised by licenced expert guides, you will try your hand in a kayak- a craft favoured by the Inuits for at least 4,000 years.  The kayak was initially used for hunting and fishing; for you, it will be a means of making the most of your adventure on the White Continent or in the Far North.*

Ice fishing

What better place than the icy Arctic regions to practice ice fishing? Assisted by the naturalist guides, you will look for the perfect spot to cut a hole on the ice floe or on frozen lakes and try to catch fish using an ancestral method. You will make the most of weather and ice opportunities to practice this unusual activity, which will equally delight fans of game fishing and those who are curious to make new discoveries.*

Hiking or snowshoeing

During shore landings, depending on the ecological resilience of the biome, we will propose hikes at different levels, in the company of your experienced naturalist guides. From a simple stroll along the coast to walks lasting several hours to reach particular viewpoints or historical sites, you will make the most of the opportunities provided by the weather and ice conditions. When the itineraries allow, you’ll put on snowshoes* to set off like the explorers of old and discover areas that have barely known Man.

The Explorers Club was founded in New York City in 1904 by a group of the world's leading explorers of the time. It is a multidisciplinary, not-for-profit organization dedicated to scientific exploration of land, sea, air, and space. It supports science research and education and has over 3,500 members around the world. Explorers linked to the greatest discoveries, such as Neil Armstrong, Jane Goodall, Edmund Hillary or Roald Amundsen, are among its eminent members.

During this voyage, a member of The Explorers Club will provide enrichment through lectures and activities on board, at sea, and during shore visits. You will have the opportunity to engage with these agents of change throughout your journey.

• The eye and the advice of our photo ambassador, a privileged opportunity to immortalise your trip with, in the programme: workshops, conferences and personalized advice to improve your photographic skills.
• The crossing of the Northwest Passage by a unique maritime route, long coveted by the great explorers, only accessible thanks to Le Commandant Charcot , capable of sailing into the very heart of the ice.
• Enjoy the unique comfort of Commander Charcot during days of exploration on board, where time stands still in the middle of the ice floe, in the special silence of the polar desert.
• The west coast of Greenland, between traditional villages, glaciers and monumental icebergs.
• Meeting the Inuit communities of the west coast of Greenland.
• Discovery of Nuuk, the capital of Greenland.
• An exploration into the heart of the ice in the Northwest Passage and the contemplation of sublime reliefs of unspoiled and immaculate landscapes, which are constantly changing.
• Landscapes: icy channels, fjords, vast expanses of ice floe, icerbergs (Disko Bay), myriads of jagged islands, blue-toned glaciers, mountain chains, vertiginous walls, expanses of tundra.
• Fauna: Arctic foxes, sea birds, belugas, bowhead whales, walruses and the possibility of seeing polar bears.
• Brand-new activities: kayaking, hiking or snowshoeing, ice fishing, polar plunge.

Ports of Call & Excursions

12 August 2024 - Reykjavík

Embarkation 12/08/2024 from 15:30 to 17:30 Departure 12/08/2024 at 18:00

Iceland’s capital stretches along the edge of a vast bay in the west of the country. Perlan , the “Pearl of Reykjavík”, a museum located on ’Oskjuhlið hill, offers a panoramic view of the lush, green landscapes. A little further, one can easily spot the signpost showing the way to the evangelical  Hallgrímskirkja  church, and to the historical centre where one can stroll along the Skólavördustígur and the Laugavegur, two lively streets with charming small shops. For some relaxation just outside of the city, visitors have the opportunity to visit the Reykjanes peninsula and its famous thermal lagoons of the  Blue Lagoon .

13 August 2024   14 August 2024 - Sailing through the Denmark Strait

Arrival 13/08/2024 Departure 14/08/2024

Lying between Greenland and Iceland, the Denmark Strait was crossed for the first time by theVikings in the late 10th century, during Erik the Red’s expeditions. In the Second World War, its waters were the theatre of a battle between the Kriegsmarine and the Royal Navy, on 24 May 1941. In the wintertime, extremely dense pack ice forms along the Greenlandic coasts and, while the Transpolar Drift sweeps icebergs along throughout the year, the strait is generally clear of ice during the summer. In the depths of the strait lies the world’s largest waterfall, an undersea cataract formed by the difference in temperature between the cold waters of the Greenland Sea and the warmer waters of the Irminger Sea. Numerous cetacean species thrive in this rich ecosystem.

15 August 2024 - Prins Christian Sund

Arrival 15/08/2024 Departure 15/08/2024

Your ship glides silently towards the Greenland coast, in a setting punctuated by pointed peaks and majestic glaciers… You are on the verge of crossing the Prins Christian Sund , a narrow channel that stretches out and zigzags over some one hundred kilometres between Greenland’s south-east and south-west. Fall under the spell of the primitive beauty of these unique landscapes, including rocky cliffs and waterfalls that are fed by the ice sheet and plunge into the icy waters. Here, bearded seals love to lie on the floating ice to soak up the sunshine.

16 August 2024 - Aappilattoq (Augpilatok)

Arrival 16/08/2024 Departure 16/08/2024

Aappilattoq (Augpilatok) , is a small Inuit village of around one hundred inhabitants, whose name means “sea anemone” in Greenlandic. Located in a mountainous region inaccessible by road, its picturesque, colourful houses stretch out to the southern tip of Greenland, on the banks of the spectacular Prince Christian Sound . Some one hundred kilometres long, the sound connects the Labrador Sea to the Irminger Sea, meandering through stunning landscapes such as majestic glaciers, craggy peaks, and rocky cliffs with waterfalls fed by the ice sheet. This region was uninhabited in the 19th century. The village was created in the 1920s and the main activities revolve around hunting, fishing and livestock farming.

17 August 2024 - Nuuk

Arrival 17/08/2024 Departure 17/08/2024

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.

18 August 2024 - At sea aboard Le Commandant Charcot

Arrival 18/08/2024 Departure 18/08/2024

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.

19 August 2024 - Disko Bay

Arrival 19/08/2024 Departure 19/08/2024

To the east of Baffin Bay, discover Disko Bay , scattered with countless icebergs produced by the Ilulissat Icefjord, a UNESCO World Heritage Site . From your ship, admire the majestic ballet of these ice giants as they slowly drift across the dark waters. This site is a natural marvel of Greenland, and is also renowned as an observation point for the region’s many humpback whales. The encounters with wild fauna and stunning landscapes in the heart of this spectacular and fragile nature will be pure moments of wonder for you.

20 August 2024 - At sea aboard Le Commandant Charcot

Arrival 20/08/2024 Departure 20/08/2024

21 August 2024 - Pond Inlet, Nunavut

Arrival 21/08/2024 Departure 21/08/2024

On  Baffin Island , located in northern Canada at the mouth of the famous NorthWest Passage, there is a small Inuit settlement at the very bounds of infinity. To get there, cross the Arctic Circle , the imaginary line that separates man from lands of mystery and wonder. It’s not so much the way of life that sets Pond Inlet’s inhabitants apart, so much as the setting. Snow-capped mountains, fjords and glaciers combine in a dazzling natural environment that fills space and expands time. Some discoveries change you forever: this is one of them.

22 August 2024 - Sailing in the Lancaster Sound

Arrival 22/08/2024 Departure 22/08/2024

Between  Devon Island  and  Baffin Island , in the Canadian territory of Nunavut,  Lancaster Sound  forms part of the  Northwest   Passage , a shipping route crossing the Canadian Arctic Archipelago, along the northern coast of North America. Coveted for almost 300 years, it saw several expeditions including the fatal one led by John Franklin, seen for the last time near Lancaster Sound in August 1845. Many colonies of cetaceans, polar bears and seabirds have taken up residence in or near these nourishing waters at the confluence of the currents. Situated in Inuit territory, the Sound is the subject of plans to create a marine conservation area intended to protect this rich ecosystem and its inhabitants.

23 August 2024 - Devon Island, Nunavut

Arrival 23/08/2024 Departure 23/08/2024

Located in Baffin Bay, Devon Island is part of the Canadian Arctic Archipelago. Anchored on the Arctic Cordillera, its rocky surface, similar to that of Mars, is of great interest to scientists. Robert Bylot and William Baffin were the first Europeans to sight Devon Island in 1616 but it would be mapped two centuries later by the British sailor William E. Parry, who named it after the eponymous English region. Around 1920, the Hudson's Bay Company set up a fur-trading outpost there, until the departure of the Inuits in 1936. A new attempt to populate it was made at the beginning of the 1950s. Only a few buildings in ruins, vestiges of that time, remain today.

24 August 2024 - Beechey Island, Nunavut

Arrival 24/08/2024 Departure 24/08/2024

Beechey Island , at the eastern end of Resolute Bay, will call to mind some of the most important moments of Franklin’s expedition. Sir John set off in 1845 in search of the mythical Northwest Passage and was forced to take shelter in Erebus Harbour for two long years, while he waited for the ice floes to recede and allow him a way through. It is a spectacular location; seeing the three wooden grave markers, bleached by the sun (indicating the burial places of at least three of Captain Franklin’s men) and visiting the memorial that has been erected in memory of Franklin and his men can only reinforce the hushed sense of reverence. If the surrounding wilderness impresses us, the ochre and yellows of the rocky desert soften the landscape.

25 August 2024   27 August 2024 - Exploring sea ice of Northwest Passage

Arrival 25/08/2024 Departure 27/08/2024

At the far north of the American continent, in the most northerly part of the Arctic archipelago, the Northwest Passage is the shortest waterway between the Atlantic and the Pacific Oceans. Its crossing has been coveted since the 15th century and Roald Amundsen was the first to do so in 1906. Blocked by thick ice floe for most of the year, to date only a lucky few have managed to sail from one side to the other. The crossing of this little-mapped and little-explored region is a challenge worthy of Le Commandant Charcot , which was designed to sail in extreme environments. Sheltered in its refined and protective setting, you will make the most of this exploration of the ice with the inimitable appeal of the first time: just like the first explorers, you will sail in its channels sculpted by glacial erosion and discover  spectacular landscapes , made up of  craggy terrain  and  monumental fjords . You will be able to measure the privilege of undertaking such an exploration in the light of the experience’s rarity.

28 August 2024   29 August 2024 - Banks Island

Arrival 28/08/2024 Departure 29/08/2024

Located in the north of Canadian archipelago of the Northwest Territories, Banks Island, also known as Banks Land offers landscapes that are as sumptuous as they are spectacular. The island, covering some 70,000 km², offers a landscape of hills and valleys as well as sheer cliffs and canyons, a result of the glacial erosion. The north of the island, is home to a very rich wildlife mainly consisting of Arctic wolves, muskox, caribou, Arctic foxes, lemmings and many varieties of birds.

30 August 2024   2 September 2024 - Exploring sea ice in Beaufort Sea

Arrival 30/08/2024 Departure 02/09/2024

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 honour 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.

3 September 2024 - Sailing in Beaufort Sea

Arrival 03/09/2024 Departure 03/09/2024

Delimited by the entrance to the Northwest Passage and the Amundsen Gulf to the east and by Canada’s Yukon and Northwest Territories to the west, the Beaufort Sea makes up part of the – almost – inaccessible Arctic Ocean . Due to its extreme weather conditions, it was not explored until 1914, by the Canadian explorer Vilhjalmur Stefansson . However, it was named after Francis Beaufort , a British admiral and hydrographer. You will sail on these remote waters strewn with a mosaic of ice resulting from sea-ice breakup . Surrounded by this stunning scenery, you may spot a few belugas and bowhead whales , established in colonies in the region. 

4 September 2024 - Crossing the Bering Strait

Arrival 04/09/2024 Departure 04/09/2024

You will cross the Bering Strait, a 90-km (56-mile) wide maritime channel between eastern Siberia and Alaska, named after the Danish explorer Vitus Bering. You will sail this strait that people once used to walk across, during the last glaciations, from Asia to North America. The transfer of Alaska to the Unites States by the Russians, in 1867, turned the Strait into a significant geostrategic site nicknamed the “Ice Curtain” during the Cold War. Delineated in 1990, the border between the two countries is located in the middle of the Strait, between the two Diomede Islands , making one of them Russian and the other American. During your crossing, favourable conditions will be conducive to a moving encounter with wildlife, attracted by these nourishing waters.

5 September 2024 - Nome, Alaska

Arrival 05/09/2024 Disembarkation 05/09/2024 at 08:00

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 labour. The surrounding plains provide stunning vantage points for observing Arctic fauna.

View all excursions

The Ice Fjord by the sea

As your ship will be at anchoring, you will board small local boats directly from the ship.

First, you will cruise along the coast to discover Ilulissat and its coloured houses, and then get to the open-sea to reach the ice fjord, the Isfjord. The small boats will slide on the calm waters of the Disko Bay, by clearing its way between the small ice packs.

You will perhaps see the boats of some fishermen and seal hunters. Then, huge white masses with bluish glints and deep caverns will appear… icebergs! The vision is imposing and gripping!

At the end of this navigation among the ices, you will go back to your ship.

• For this excursion and like everywhere else in Greenland, we recommend you wear comfortable shoes, a wind and waterproof jacket, a hat and sunglasses and to take a warm pullover and an insect repellent. Please be aware that this excursion is submitted to weather and ice conditions.

Le Commandant Charcot

With Le Commandant Charcot , PONANT 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 . 

Find out more about Le Commandant Charcot

For your serenity, PONANT selects a flight and organises the transfer between the port and the airport. This package is included in your cruise fare.

Disembarkation Day - Nome/Seattle

Disembarkation.

Meet and greet at the port by our local English-speaking representative.

Transfer to the airport in time for check-in for the PONANT selected flight from Nome to Seattle.

Flight Nome/Seattle selected by PONANT.

Approximate flight duration: 5 hours.

We highly recommend you stay one night in Seattle after this flight

This programme includes:

• Flight Nome/Seattle selected by PONANT in economy class.
• The transfer mentioned in the programme.
• English-speaking assistance.

This programme does not include:

• Tips for the driver and local guide.
• Personal expenses.
• Any other service not mentioned in the programme.

Please note:

• The flight included in the programme to this date, operated in economy class.
• Due to limited local transportation resources, waiting might be generated.
• For passengers in transit in Seattle, we recommend staying one night in Seattle after this flight.
• Programme and flight schedule are subject to change without prior notice.

Make your dreams of adventure come true, explore the boundaries of the world, and discover wild and legendary territories. The icy immensity of Antarctica, the constantly changing glaciers and icebergs of the North Pole, the mysterious mists of the North European coastlines, the most remote fjords on the planet… Every destination unveils unrivalled landscapes, home to increasingly varied fauna. Our team of naturalist-guides will share their knowledge with you during varied lectures about the history of the great explorations, geology and climatology, the fauna and flora, and will invite you to share special moments with the local populations.

FREE SINGLE SUPPLEMENT *

*The supplement for single usage of a double cabin is waived, according to availability and staterooms categories.

Our Travel Concierge service is designed to make your trip an unforgettable one by offering services precisely tailored to your individual needs. These include private transfers, access to airport waiting lounges, home services during your absence and personalised stopovers.

Our Travel Concierge team is ready to help with the smallest details of your trip, so you can leave home care-free and enjoy the voyage with complete peace of mind.

Discover all the concierge services by clicking here .

Looking forward to accompanying you,

PONANT Travel Concierge Team

Sharpen your eye and capture the ephemeral! Head out to sea and develop your visual senses alongside our photo ambassadors . The on-board photo ambassadors are committed and renowned professionals who will share their passion and expertise during workshops offered on board or on shore, photography-based discussions and conferences. A recurring theme of PONANT cruises is the sharing of knowledge and culture: this serves to support and highlight our openness to the world. With the help of the photo ambassadors, you will truly participate in your exploration. Take the time to feel and to observe the world around you and keep a lasting imprint of the fleeting moments and intense emotions experienced during this cruise.

PONANT and The Explorers Club are coming together in the name of driving deeper discovery and promoting scientific enrichment among the next generation of explorers. The weeks-long expeditions will whisk travelers to the world’s most remote parts, these journeys are enriched by the participation of expert members of The Explorers Club. They will share their experiences with you during on-board conferences and will invite you to participate in their research by offering activities on board, at sea or out of the ship. These new explorers will fascinate you with their tales.

Shore excursions, Pre/Post & Overlands

12/08/2024 - TRANSFER TO THE PIER OF REYKJAVIK

12/08/2024 - ICELAND AT A GLANCE

10/08/2024 - RELAX AT THE BLUE LAGOON (2 NIGHTS)

19/08/2024 - HELICOPTER FLIGHT OVER THE GLACIER

05/09/2024 - OVERNIGHT IN SEATTLE (1 NIGHT)

12/08/2024 - FLIGHTS FROM/TO PARIS + TRANSFER TO THE PIER OF REYKJAVIK (PRE) + OVERNIGHT IN SEATTLE (1 NIGHT) (POST)

TRANSFER TO THE PIER OF REYKJAVIK

Travel with peace of mind as PONANT organises your transfer between the airport and your port of embarkation.

Meet at Keflavík international airport in the Arrival hall. Look for PONANT sign. You will be greeted by our local representative off the flight selected by PONANT.

You will depart the airport and be directly transferred to the pier to embark on your ship.

Your programme includes:

• Transfer as mentioned in the programme.
• English speaking assistance.

Your programme does not include:

• Other services not mentioned in the programme. 

To know your PONANT flight schedule, please contact your travel agent; it is also indicated on your electronic ticket included in your travel documents.

Total : 150 €

ICELAND AT A GLANCE

PONANT converts your transfer into a restful stopover as you enjoy a relaxing day in a pleasant and comfortable setting.

Reykjavik, Iceland

Meet and greet at the airport arrival hall. Look for PONANT sign. You will be greeted by our local representative off the PONANT selected flight.

Group transfer from the pier to the Parliament hotel, Curio Collection by Hilton 4*, located in the heart of Reykjavik. the hotel is conveniently positioned next to the iconic Icelandic Parliament, Alþingi, and directly across from Austurvollur. Within a mere five-minute walk of Reykjavik Cathedral, the Harpa concert hall, and the city hall, making it an ideal location to explore the city's major attractions.

Check-in day-use.

In the afternoon, you will be transferred to the port of Reykjavik, to embark on board your ship.

Your hotel:

The Parliament hotel, Curio Collection by Hilton 4*, captures the essence of Reykjavik in a multifaceted manner. While each aspect remains true to the Curio Collection's core values of providing comfort, sophistication, curiosity, a sense of belonging, and a unique experience.

Superior category rooms are also available, subject to availability and at an additional cost. Contact your travel agent for further informations.

• 1 day-use at the four-star The Parliament hotel, Curio Collection by Hilton , local standards (or similar).
• Group transfer by coach from the airport to the hotel as mentioned in the programme.
• Group transfer from the hotel to the airport as mentioned in the programme.
• Hospitality desk at the hotel with English speaking assistance. 
•  Tips and gratuities.
•  All personal expenses (beverages, meals, sightseeing, etc.).
•  Other services not mentioned in the programme.
•  We recommend you bring along a small bag with a change of clothing.
•  It is imperative that your flight departure details are communicated at least 30 days prior to the beginning of your cruise, in order to secure the proper private transfer.

Contact of your hotel:

Parliament hotel, Curio Collection by Hilton Thorvaldsenstraeti 2-6, 101 Reykjavik Iceland Telephone number: +354 513 3000

 To know your PONANT flight schedule, please contact your travel agent; it is also indicated on your electronic ticket included in your travel documents.

Total : 1.280 €

RELAX AT THE BLUE LAGOON (2 NIGHTS)

Enhance your cruise and extend your trip with a carefully designed programme.

Day 1 - Reykjavik

Meet at Reykjavik Airport in the Arrival Hall. Look for PONANT sign. You will be greeted by our local representative off the flight selected by PONANT or any other flight (provided that you have previously communicated your flight schedule to your travel agent).

You will be transferred to the Retreat Blue lagoon 5*.

Afternoon at leisure.

Dinner at the hotel restaurant.

Overnight at the hotel.

Optional activity: Tastes of Iceland, dinner at Moss restaurant Treat yourself to a taste immersion with the Moss restaurant cuisine, recommended by the 2020 Michelin Guide. Reinventing the Icelandic cuisine, the chef Aggi Sverrisson will offer you a 7 courses dinner with wine paring that you could savour contemplating the volcanic horizon.

Please note: on certain date the optional activity may be operated on day 2.

Day – 2 Reykjavik

After breakfast, unwind on a full day of relaxation at the Retreat Blue Lagoon 5*. Relax amidst the geothermal wonders of Iceland. Immerse yourself in the soothing waters of the Blue Lagoon, known for its healing properties and breathtaking views.

Lunch and dinner at the hotel restaurant.

Optional activity: Wine tasting in the lava cave Enjoy an exclusive moment by tasting the wine selection of the Moss restaurant's sommelier. Inside this three meters deep in the earth subterranean sanctuary, surrounded by frozen-in-time lava that erupted in the year 1226, you will spend a timeless and unforgettable experience.

Day – 3 Reykjavik

After breakfast and check-out, you’ll be transferred to a local restaurant.

Following lunch, venture into the heart of Reykjavik’s vibrant culture and architecture along Laugavegur Street. Stroll, shops for unique souvenir or simply revel in the local atmosphere.

You will then be transferred to the pier of Reykjavik to embark on board your ship.

Nestled against the stunning backdrop of Iceland's natural wonders, the Retreat Blue Lagoon 5* stands as a beacon of indulgence and relaxation. Here, every detail has been meticulously curated to provide an unparalleled retreat experience that rejuvenates the body and soothes the soul.

Upgraded rooms are also available depending on availability and on a supplement basis. Contact your travel professional for further detail.

• 2-night accommodation in Junior Suite at the Retreat Blue Lagoon hotel, 5* local standards (or similar), breakfast included
• Meal as mentioned in the programme.
• Beverage package during meals (bottled water + 1 soft drink or 1 glass of wine or 1 local beer and 1 coffee or tea.)
• Transfers, visits, and entrance fees as mentioned in the programme.
• The services of o local English-speaking guide.
• Visa if necessary
• Tips for the driver and local guide
• Optional activity: Wine tasting in the lava cave
• Optional activity: Tastes of Iceland, dinner at Moss restaurant
• Early check-in and late check-out.
• Other services not mentioned in the programme.
• It is imperative that the details of your departure flight are provided to your travel agent, no later than 30 days before the start date of your cruise, to secure the proper private transfer.
• Official hotel check-in time is 3:00pm.
• Official hotel check-out time is 11:00am
• On certain date the optional activity “Tastes of Iceland, dinner at Moss restaurant” may be operated on day 2

Contacts of your hotel:

Retreat Blue Lagoon hotel Nordurljosavegur 11, 240 Grindavík, Iceland Telephone number: +354 420 8700

Duration and order of the visit may vary. To know your PONANT flight schedule, please contact your travel agent; it is also indicated on your electronic ticket included in your travel document.

Total : 3.310 €

HELICOPTER FLIGHT OVER THE GLACIER

This overland must be prebooked and prepaid at least 60 days prior to your cruise. Any reservation made after this deadline will be confirmed on-board based on availability. A minimum of participants must be booked in order to operate this tour. 100 % of total cost will be billed for cancellations made less than 60 days before departure.

From the quay, you will get to the airport by coach. The helicopters used are generally Bell 212 with 10 seats each or S-61 Sikorsky with 18 seats.

A helicopter trip in Greenland is an unforgettable experience! On board these helicopters, you will be able to experience the spectacular scenery of Disko Bay and the chance to see the ice fjord and ice cap in the most exclusive way. The ice fjord and the glacier make up a world-class area of outstanding natural beauty, as a result the fjord was added to UNESCO's World Heritage List in 2004. The figures speak for themselves: the glacier is more than 1,160 sq. miles ( 3,000 km 2 )  in area and calves about 40 cubic kilometres of ice every year. The ice from the glaciers thus totally dominates the sea in large parts of Disko Bay and in the sea west of Greenland.

From the air, the big floating icebergs become tiny, white cotton wads on a blue surface. When the helicopter flies above the ice sheet there is an exceptional view of the head of the glacier, where the icebergs are created, and of the enormous expanse of ice. The flight back takes place at low altitude through the ice fjord, which is densely populated with enormous icebergs.

• This excursion includes a 1-hour flight. Like everywhere else in Greenland, we recommend you wear comfortable shoes, a wind and waterproof jacket, a hat and sunglasses and to take a warm sweater and insect repellent. Please be aware that this excursion is obviously completely subject to weather conditions and that the number of seats is limited. The seat assignment will be done by the local pilot. Unfortunately, seats cannot be preassigned.

Duration of excursions are given as a guide only. The order of the visits may be reversed.

Total : 700 €

OVERNIGHT IN SEATTLE (1 NIGHT)

Day 1 – Alaska/Seattle

Meet and greet upon arrival of the flight Nome/Seattle selected by PONANT by our local representative.

You will be transferred to the historic hotel Fairmont Olympic 4*.

Check-in your room.

Diner will be served at the restaurant of the hotel.

Day 2 - Seattle

You will then be transferred to the airport in time for check-in for the PONANT selected flight or any other flight (provided that you have previously communicated your flight schedule to your travel agent).

Built in 1924, the recently renovated Fairmont Olympic 5* Hotel is listed on the National Register of Historic Places and was renovated in early 2021. Ideally located in downtown Seattle, it offers nearly a century of luxury service standards, while melding classic elegance with mid-century modern room décor. The hotel offers two restaurants, an indoor pool, a hot tub and a fitness centre. Upgraded rooms are also available depending on availability and on a supplement basis. Contact your travel professional for further detail.

• 1-night accommodation in Junior Suite at the Fairmont Olympic 4*, (or similar), breakfast included.
• Transfers as mentioned in the programme.
• The services of a local English-speaking guide.
• A hospitality desk at the hotel on your day of arrival and departure.
• Visa if necessary.
• Official hotel check-out time is 11:00 a.m.
• Early check-in or late check-out might be available depending on availability and on a supplement basis.

Fairmont Olympic

411 University Street

Seattle, WA 98101, USA

Telephone: +1 206 621 1700

Total : 930 €

FLIGHTS FROM/TO PARIS + TRANSFER TO THE PIER OF REYKJAVIK (PRE) + OVERNIGHT IN SEATTLE (1 NIGHT) (POST)

Total : 2.945 €

Turn Your Curiosity Into Discovery

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40 facts about elektrostal.

Written by Lanette Mayes

Modified & Updated: 02 Mar 2024

Reviewed by Jessica Corbett

Elektrostal is a vibrant city located in the Moscow Oblast region of Russia. With a rich history, stunning architecture, and a thriving community, Elektrostal is a city that has much to offer. Whether you are a history buff, nature enthusiast, or simply curious about different cultures, Elektrostal is sure to captivate you.

This article will provide you with 40 fascinating facts about Elektrostal, giving you a better understanding of why this city is worth exploring. From its origins as an industrial hub to its modern-day charm, we will delve into the various aspects that make Elektrostal a unique and must-visit destination.

So, join us as we uncover the hidden treasures of Elektrostal and discover what makes this city a true gem in the heart of Russia.

Key Takeaways:

• Elektrostal, known as the “Motor City of Russia,” is a vibrant and growing city with a rich industrial history, offering diverse cultural experiences and a strong commitment to environmental sustainability.
• With its convenient location near Moscow, Elektrostal provides a picturesque landscape, vibrant nightlife, and a range of recreational activities, making it an ideal destination for residents and visitors alike.

Known as the “Motor City of Russia.”

Elektrostal, a city located in the Moscow Oblast region of Russia, earned the nickname “Motor City” due to its significant involvement in the automotive industry.

Home to the Elektrostal Metallurgical Plant.

Elektrostal is renowned for its metallurgical plant, which has been producing high-quality steel and alloys since its establishment in 1916.

Boasts a rich industrial heritage.

Elektrostal has a long history of industrial development, contributing to the growth and progress of the region.

Founded in 1916.

The city of Elektrostal was founded in 1916 as a result of the construction of the Elektrostal Metallurgical Plant.

Located approximately 50 kilometers east of Moscow.

Elektrostal is situated in close proximity to the Russian capital, making it easily accessible for both residents and visitors.

Known for its vibrant cultural scene.

Elektrostal is home to several cultural institutions, including museums, theaters, and art galleries that showcase the city’s rich artistic heritage.

A popular destination for nature lovers.

Surrounded by picturesque landscapes and forests, Elektrostal offers ample opportunities for outdoor activities such as hiking, camping, and birdwatching.

Hosts the annual Elektrostal City Day celebrations.

Every year, Elektrostal organizes festive events and activities to celebrate its founding, bringing together residents and visitors in a spirit of unity and joy.

Has a population of approximately 160,000 people.

Elektrostal is home to a diverse and vibrant community of around 160,000 residents, contributing to its dynamic atmosphere.

Boasts excellent education facilities.

The city is known for its well-established educational institutions, providing quality education to students of all ages.

A center for scientific research and innovation.

Elektrostal serves as an important hub for scientific research, particularly in the fields of metallurgy, materials science, and engineering.

Surrounded by picturesque lakes.

The city is blessed with numerous beautiful lakes, offering scenic views and recreational opportunities for locals and visitors alike.

Well-connected transportation system.

Elektrostal benefits from an efficient transportation network, including highways, railways, and public transportation options, ensuring convenient travel within and beyond the city.

Famous for its traditional Russian cuisine.

Food enthusiasts can indulge in authentic Russian dishes at numerous restaurants and cafes scattered throughout Elektrostal.

Home to notable architectural landmarks.

Elektrostal boasts impressive architecture, including the Church of the Transfiguration of the Lord and the Elektrostal Palace of Culture.

Offers a wide range of recreational facilities.

Residents and visitors can enjoy various recreational activities, such as sports complexes, swimming pools, and fitness centers, enhancing the overall quality of life.

Provides a high standard of healthcare.

Elektrostal is equipped with modern medical facilities, ensuring residents have access to quality healthcare services.

Home to the Elektrostal History Museum.

The Elektrostal History Museum showcases the city’s fascinating past through exhibitions and displays.

A hub for sports enthusiasts.

Elektrostal is passionate about sports, with numerous stadiums, arenas, and sports clubs offering opportunities for athletes and spectators.

Celebrates diverse cultural festivals.

Throughout the year, Elektrostal hosts a variety of cultural festivals, celebrating different ethnicities, traditions, and art forms.

Electric power played a significant role in its early development.

Elektrostal owes its name and initial growth to the establishment of electric power stations and the utilization of electricity in the industrial sector.

Boasts a thriving economy.

The city’s strong industrial base, coupled with its strategic location near Moscow, has contributed to Elektrostal’s prosperous economic status.

Houses the Elektrostal Drama Theater.

The Elektrostal Drama Theater is a cultural centerpiece, attracting theater enthusiasts from far and wide.

Popular destination for winter sports.

Elektrostal’s proximity to ski resorts and winter sport facilities makes it a favorite destination for skiing, snowboarding, and other winter activities.

Promotes environmental sustainability.

Elektrostal prioritizes environmental protection and sustainability, implementing initiatives to reduce pollution and preserve natural resources.

Home to renowned educational institutions.

Elektrostal is known for its prestigious schools and universities, offering a wide range of academic programs to students.

Committed to cultural preservation.

The city values its cultural heritage and takes active steps to preserve and promote traditional customs, crafts, and arts.

Hosts an annual International Film Festival.

The Elektrostal International Film Festival attracts filmmakers and cinema enthusiasts from around the world, showcasing a diverse range of films.

Encourages entrepreneurship and innovation.

Elektrostal supports aspiring entrepreneurs and fosters a culture of innovation, providing opportunities for startups and business development.

Offers a range of housing options.

Elektrostal provides diverse housing options, including apartments, houses, and residential complexes, catering to different lifestyles and budgets.

Home to notable sports teams.

Elektrostal is proud of its sports legacy, with several successful sports teams competing at regional and national levels.

Boasts a vibrant nightlife scene.

Residents and visitors can enjoy a lively nightlife in Elektrostal, with numerous bars, clubs, and entertainment venues.

Promotes cultural exchange and international relations.

Elektrostal actively engages in international partnerships, cultural exchanges, and diplomatic collaborations to foster global connections.

Surrounded by beautiful nature reserves.

Nearby nature reserves, such as the Barybino Forest and Luchinskoye Lake, offer opportunities for nature enthusiasts to explore and appreciate the region’s biodiversity.

Commemorates historical events.

The city pays tribute to significant historical events through memorials, monuments, and exhibitions, ensuring the preservation of collective memory.

Promotes sports and youth development.

Elektrostal invests in sports infrastructure and programs to encourage youth participation, health, and physical fitness.

Hosts annual cultural and artistic festivals.

Throughout the year, Elektrostal celebrates its cultural diversity through festivals dedicated to music, dance, art, and theater.

Provides a picturesque landscape for photography enthusiasts.

The city’s scenic beauty, architectural landmarks, and natural surroundings make it a paradise for photographers.

Connects to Moscow via a direct train line.

The convenient train connection between Elektrostal and Moscow makes commuting between the two cities effortless.

A city with a bright future.

Elektrostal continues to grow and develop, aiming to become a model city in terms of infrastructure, sustainability, and quality of life for its residents.

In conclusion, Elektrostal is a fascinating city with a rich history and a vibrant present. From its origins as a center of steel production to its modern-day status as a hub for education and industry, Elektrostal has plenty to offer both residents and visitors. With its beautiful parks, cultural attractions, and proximity to Moscow, there is no shortage of things to see and do in this dynamic city. Whether you’re interested in exploring its historical landmarks, enjoying outdoor activities, or immersing yourself in the local culture, Elektrostal has something for everyone. So, next time you find yourself in the Moscow region, don’t miss the opportunity to discover the hidden gems of Elektrostal.

Q: What is the population of Elektrostal?

A: As of the latest data, the population of Elektrostal is approximately XXXX.

Q: How far is Elektrostal from Moscow?

A: Elektrostal is located approximately XX kilometers away from Moscow.

Q: Are there any famous landmarks in Elektrostal?

A: Yes, Elektrostal is home to several notable landmarks, including XXXX and XXXX.

Q: What industries are prominent in Elektrostal?

A: Elektrostal is known for its steel production industry and is also a center for engineering and manufacturing.

Q: Are there any universities or educational institutions in Elektrostal?

A: Yes, Elektrostal is home to XXXX University and several other educational institutions.

Q: What are some popular outdoor activities in Elektrostal?

A: Elektrostal offers several outdoor activities, such as hiking, cycling, and picnicking in its beautiful parks.

Q: Is Elektrostal well-connected in terms of transportation?

A: Yes, Elektrostal has good transportation links, including trains and buses, making it easily accessible from nearby cities.

Q: Are there any annual events or festivals in Elektrostal?

A: Yes, Elektrostal hosts various events and festivals throughout the year, including XXXX and XXXX.

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