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Peregrine Travel Centre

From the Northern Lights to the Polar Night Icebreaker Cruise

From the Northern Lights to the Polar Night Icebreaker Cruise

From AUD $24,660

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Description

With featured guest Ian Dawson, British Photo Ambassador.

The writer Jørn Riel described the polar night as a “a world apart, […] unique and fascinating, where nature reigns supreme and men keep a low profile.” When the northern winter approaches, the sun hardly rises over the horizon any more: experience an all-new PONANT journey and let yourself be guided towards a new temporality, the moment when a long dusk stretches out after the day. From the jagged coastlines of Norway to the ice-covered reliefs of Spitsbergen, dive into the heart of landscapes lit by powdered hues and set off in search of the exhilarating spectacle of the Northern Lights.

Aboard Le Commandant Charcot, a warm cocoon, savour the discreet and refined comfort of its spaces opening out onto the world. From the Blue Lagoon pool, the Observatory Lounge or the uninterrupted outside promenade deck, you will appreciate the splendour of the winter panoramas over the Arctic Circle.

You will set sail towards the shores of continental Norway at the edge of the Arctic Ocean: welcome to Lapland! Very close to the emblematic North Cape, the northernmost point of Europe, sovereign nature delivers geological marvels in the heart of a fjord – a preserved island, dolomites and rocky rises formed during the last glaciation. The Sami, reindeer farmers and one of the last European indigenous people, live between rugged shores and snow-capped peaks, remarkable coastal cities and large wild expanses, in the Lapland territory. During warm encounters, you will discover their cultural traditions and their way of life, in harmony with the elements. Immerse yourself in nature and, while the night overtakes the day, set off to chase the Northern Lights.

On this exclusive PONANT itinerary, your ship will continue on its path north, towards the coastlines of Spitsbergen. From this territory at the end of the world, you will explore majestic fjords and admire ancient glaciers and alpine peaks, at dusk. Here, the sun takes its leave, giving way to the long polar night, steeped in mystery and source of many Nordic myths.

Make the most of the rarity of daylight, experience close up the fleeting dusk and delight in the majestic landscapes before the long winter night.

Trip Name
From the Northern Lights to the Polar Night Icebreaker Cruise
Days
12
Overview
Vessel Type: Polar Luxury Expedition Passenger Capacity: 135 cabins Length: 149.9 meters Built: 2018/2019 Be the first aboard Le Commandant-Charcot, the world's luxury polar exploration vessel, and enjoy a unique sailing experience in the Arctic or Antarctic! With its hybrid propulsion combining liquefied natural gas (LNG) and electric generators, Le Commandant-Charcot has been designed to minimise the environmental impact of travel to the furthest latitudes.  The decoration of the ship, imagined by two internationally renowned design and architecture firms - the studio of Jean-Philippe Nuel and Wilmotte & Associés - is designed to be in harmony with the environment. The approach is contemporary with the desire to create a warm and elegant setting; stone, wood and leather recall the natural environment in which the ship is sailing. Equipped with just 135 staterooms including 31 suites with balconies and outside views, Le Commandant-Charcot welcomes you in an intimate and refined atmosphere. Outstanding gastronomy in the two restaurants, relaxation in the indoor pool surrounded by its winter garden, relaxation in the well-being area with sauna and Snow Room... Like on a private yacht, each of our guests is unique. PUBLIC AREAS Le Commandant-Charcot has many common areas that are designed and equipped to meet all of your needs while preserving the intimacy of each passenger. A 177 m² reception area includes: A reception/concierge desk, An expeditions desk, The ship’s administrative services, The sales office, manned by our Hospitality & Travel Manager officer, Our boutique which sells clothing, jewellery, beauty products, postcards and various accessories, The image & photo desk. The different lounges: A 302 m² main lounge including a 28 m² cigar lounge, a tea corner and a bar, with live music on selected evenings, A 400 m² panoramic bar and lounge, An open-air Bar. The recreation spaces  Fitness & Beauty Corner: Fitness room: Elliptic, running machines, bicycles...  Beauty Corner: Hairdresser, Massage rooms, Sauna, Snow Room, Nail Shop. Pool area: Indoor Pool and winter garden - Outdoor Pool Theatre: Capacity: 270-276 - Main show room for conferences and live entertainment on selected evenings - State-of-the-art audio and video technology. Leisure area: Public areas - Library - Medical centre. 16 Zodiac®.

Itinerary



Day 1 - Day 1 TROMSO
In the north of the Arctic circle you’ll discover Tromsø, a secluded town located in the county of Troms. Norwegians call it the “Paris of the north”. You’ll soon see why when you discover its extensive neoclassical architectural heritage. A stunning example is the Arctic cathedral, a major monument whose stylistic purity echoes the outline of the mountains surrounding the town.
Day 2 - Day 2 ALTA
Beyond the Arctic Circle, Alta, in the far north of Norway, is the biggest city in Finnmark county. Renowned for the beauty of its Northern Lights, the town will reveal itself in the hollow of the eponymous fjord, ”Altafjord”. Between the forest scenery and immaculate landscapes, you will have the opportunity to experience unique moments meeting the Sami people, reindeer herders with ancestral traditions. Chasing the Northern Lights is also an activity on the programme.
Day 3 - Day 3 TROMSO
In the north of the Arctic circle you’ll discover Tromsø, a secluded town located in the county of Troms. Norwegians call it the “Paris of the north”. You’ll soon see why when you discover its extensive neoclassical architectural heritage. A stunning example is the Arctic cathedral, a major monument whose stylistic purity echoes the outline of the mountains surrounding the town.
Day 4 - Day 4 HAMMERFEST
Hammerfest, located on the north-western coast of the island of Kvaloya, beyond the 70th parallel north, is often considered the northernmost town in the world. Conserved in an immaculate natural setting, this charming fishing port enjoys a rich history, as is evidenced by various vestiges dating back to the Stone Age, Napoleonic wars or the Second World War. During your port of call, you will have the opportunity to discover the Struve Geodetic Arc, a chain of triangulations stretching across Europe from Hammerfest to the Black Sea, and the first technical and scientific object to become a UNESCO World Heritage Site. You will also have the opportunity to visit the Reconstruction Museum, meet the Sami people, or visit the Royal and Ancient Polar Bear Society, an emblematic spot in Hammerfest.
Day 5 - Day 5 SAILING ALONG BJORNOYA (BEAR ISLAND)
Halfway between Norway and Spitsbergen, you will sail not far from the coastlines of Bjørnøya, the southernmost island of Svalbard. From your ship, observe this isolated piece of land discovered in 1596 by the Dutch navigator Willem Barents, then looking for the Northwest Passage. Following a tough fight between a polar bear and the members of the expedition, he dubbed the place Bear Island. Regularly covered by a thick layer of fog, Bjørnøya shelters ameteorological station built in 1923, which is still in operation. Declared a nature reserve in 2002, the island is above all home to an enormous colony of sea birds during summer.
Day 6 - Day 6 HORNSUND
Considered Spitsbergen’s southernmost fjord, Hornsund is famous as one of the first places to have been visited in the region. In 1610, the British explorer Jonas Poole named it thus, after one of the members of his crew brought him a reindeer antler. Shortly afterwards, the first whalers settled in the region and contributed to shaping its history. As you move deeper into this fjord, whose total length is 30 kilometres (19 miles), you will find yourselves immersed in the beauty of the surrounding mountains, in the mystery emerging from these small drifting icebergs, and in the glory of this gigantic glacier standing proudly before you.
Day 7 - Day 7 LONGYEARBYEN, SPITSBERGEN
Longyearbyen is the capital of the Norwegian Svalbard archipelago, located on Svalbard’s main island, and is the northernmost territorial capital on the planet. With winter temperatures dropping to below 40°C, the landscapes of this mining town are simply breathtaking. The glaciers, the mountains stretching as far as the eye can see and the untouched nature, make you feel like you’re in completely unexplored territory.
Day 8 - Day 8 BELLSUND, SPITSBERGEN
You will head towards the Bellsund fjord, to follow the traces of the first explorers, arriving from the Norwegian coasts, or those of the many trappers in search of game and trophies. Surprisingly rich in wildlife, the branches of the fjord separate to form two distinct valleys. Give free rein to your imagination in the heart of this majestic natural environment, where time seems to stand still.
Day 9 - Day 9 SAILING ALONG BJORNOYA (BEAR ISLAND)
Halfway between Norway and Spitsbergen, you will sail not far from the coastlines of Bjørnøya, the southernmost island of Svalbard. From your ship, observe this isolated piece of land discovered in 1596 by the Dutch navigator Willem Barents, then looking for the Northwest Passage. Following a tough fight between a polar bear and the members of the expedition, he dubbed the place Bear Island. Regularly covered by a thick layer of fog, Bjørnøya shelters ameteorological station built in 1923, which is still in operation. Declared a nature reserve in 2002, the island is above all home to an enormous colony of sea birds during summer.
Day 10 - Day 10 HONNINGSVAG
If you feel like you have arrived at the end of the world in Honningsvåg, it is because this is the case. Halfway between Oslo and the North Pole, it competes with Hammerfest for the status of “the northernmost town in Continental Europe”. Colourful houses light up this charming and typically Norwegian fishing port nestled in the hollows of the region’s mountainous terrain. Travellers come to stay in the village to go to the North Cape. At the end of the road, you will see the globe that indicates that you are at the very end of Europe. At this point, only the Svalbard archipelago separates you from the North Pole. There is sea as far as the eye can see. The Northern Lights, the view of the immense cliff plunging into the sea, the thousands of puffins, gannets and cormorants that spin around you: everything here is grandiose.
Day 11 - Day 11 REINOYA ISLAND & LAKSELV
The small Reinoya Island, measuring scarcely 3.35 km2 (1.3 square miles), will welcome you for an unforgettable moment in the very heart of the Porsangerfjorden. Although this nature reserve is not very big, it boasts many treasures. Here, wild nature can be discovered in the greatest tranquillity. Contemplate the island’s geology, rendered so particular by the whiteness of the dolomite, and the thousand-year-old traces of the last ice age during a hike or a Zodiac outing.
Day 12 - Day 12 LAKSELV
Discover Lakselv, whose name means “Salmon River”, lying at the end of the immense Porsangerfjorden. As its name indicates, this small village is renowned for the salmon fishing in the waters of its river, which are brimming with this fish and others. The village is ideally located, offering privileged access to the surrounding magnificent nature. In particular, it retains traces of the last ice age in Trollholmsund, where dolomites with dreamlike silhouettes can be seen. Do not miss this extraordinary sight!
Day 13 - Please Note:
The itinerary is subject to modifications. On board, the sailing programme, outings and activities cannot be guaranteed and are subject to weather conditions.

Trip Dates

StartEndPrice FromRoom Type
18-10-202429-10-2024AUD $24,660Prestige Stateroom Deck 6
18-10-202429-10-2024AUD $25,090Prestige Stateroom Deck 7
18-10-202429-10-2024AUD $54,710Suite Duplex
18-10-202429-10-2024AUD $64,730Owner's Suite
18-10-202429-10-2024AUD $25,540Prestige Stateroom Deck 8
18-10-202429-10-2024AUD $26,210Deluxe Suite Deck 6
18-10-202429-10-2024AUD $27,320Deluxe Suite Deck 7
18-10-202429-10-2024AUD $28,210Deluxe Suite Deck 8
18-10-202429-10-2024AUD $35,780Prestige Suite Deck 7
18-10-202429-10-2024AUD $36,900Prestige Suite Deck 8
18-10-202429-10-2024AUD $38,010Grand Prestige Suite
18-10-202429-10-2024AUD $40,250Privilege Suite Deck 8

Inclusions

    • With featured guest Ian Dawson, British Photo Ambassador.
    • The eye and the advice of our photo ambassador, a privileged opportunity to immortalise your trip with, in the programme: workshops, conferences and personalised advice to improve your photographic skills.
    • An absolutely unprecedented PONANT journey above the Arctic Circle, from the northern coastlines of Norway in the dusk and in the fjords of Spitsbergen at the beginning of the long polar night, featuring mineral splendours and encounters with Nordic communities.
    • Outings and shore visits in a Zodiac® dinghy (only in Spitsbergen) with a reinforced team of naturalist-guides.
    • Aboard Le Commandant Charcot, a warm and refined cocoon opening to the exterior enjoy a unique experience in complete communion with the surrounding scenery.
    • Bid farewell to the sun in the fjords of Spitsbergen, at the beginning of the long polar night.
    • Reach the North Cape, an emblematic site and the northernmost point of Europe.
    • Activities during the unique winter season: kayaking, encounters and discovering Sami culture and communities, visiting a fishing village, chasing the Northern Lights, and more.
    • The possibility of admiring the unique colours of the Northern Lights rippling across the sky.
    • Varied landscapes, coastal panoramas, tundra, dolomite cliffs, majestic fjords and ancient glaciers.

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