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At the Genesis of the French Polar Expeditions

At the Genesis of the French Polar Expeditions

From AUD $22,000

Description

PONANT invites you to experience the exceptional by discovering the east coast of Greenland in Spring, during a brand-new 11 day cruise. In this season, where a thick layer of ice protects access to the shores and the day stretches into infinity, you will have a unique opportunity to venture into an extremely remote part of the world, source of fascination to generations of explorers.

Aboard the Commandant-Charcot, the first hybrid electric polar exploration ship, you will brave the elements to reach the region of Ammassalik. Between immense glaciers, winding fjords carrying gigantic icebergs, polar caps and thick patches of ice floe, you will discover a nature enhanced by the special luminosity of the midnight sun. In this season, the sun’s rays lie level with the horizon diffusing a magical palette of blue, magenta, purple and pink.

Then you will continue sailing ever further north until you reach the coast of Blosseville. This wild region of jagged peaks was identified in 1833 by Commander Blosseville during a voyage that caused his disappearance and that of his crew: an enigmatic wreck that would lead to one of the biggest French exploration missions two years later.

Relive this period in the history of sailing during this unique cruise which will take you to the heart of this hostile but sublime realm of ice.

Trip Name
At the Genesis of the French Polar Expeditions
Days
11
Overview
Vessel Type: Polar Luxury Expedition Passenger Capacity: 135 cabins 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 REYKJAVÍK
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.
Day 2 - Day 2 AT SEA
During your day at sea, make the most of the many services and activities on board. Treat yourself to a moment of relaxation in the spa or stay in shape in the fitness centre. Depending on the season, let yourself be tempted by the swimming pool or a spot of sunbathing. This day without a port of call will also be an opportunity to enjoy the conferences or shows proposed on board, to do some shopping in the boutique or to meet the PONANT photographers in their dedicated space. As for lovers of the open sea, they will be able to visit the ship’s upper deck to admire the spectacle of the waves and perhaps be lucky enough to observe marine species. A truly enchanted interlude, combining comfort, rest and entertainment.
Day 3 - Days 3 - 5 AMMASSALIK REGION (GREENLAND)
Still almost unknown just a century ago, the east coast of Greenland remains the most authentic and majestic region. Here, the alpine mountains merge intimately with the sea, while the fjords are adorned with high snow-capped peaks and drifting icebergs. Follow in the wake of Captain Jean-Baptiste Charcot’s famous ship, the Pourquoi Pas?, which set off with its crew to discover Ammassalik, a small island of primitive and wild beauty where the Inuit people chose to live. The name of this island is a reference to the capelin, a small flamboyant silver coloured fish, whose presence in the thousands announces to inhabitants the return of spring. A surprising discovery in a spectacular setting.
Day 4 - Days 6 - 9 BLOSSEVILLE COAST
Aboard your ship, follow in the footsteps of Jules Poret de Blosseville, a French explorer and sailor. In 1833, aboard La Lilloise, he set off to discover this isolated and unexplored part of eastern Greenland and gave French names to various sites on the coast. The adventure probably has an unfortunate outcome, since the crew was never found. This uninhabited territory, which now bears his name, lies to the south of Scoresby Sund. Surrounded by ice, icebergs and pieces of pack ice, Blosseville Coast is one of these wild and hard-to-reach places that very few people are lucky enough to explore.
Day 5 - Day 10 AT SEA
During your day at sea, make the most of the many services and activities on board. Treat yourself to a moment of relaxation in the spa or stay in shape in the fitness centre. Depending on the season, let yourself be tempted by the swimming pool or a spot of sunbathing. This day without a port of call will also be an opportunity to enjoy the conferences or shows proposed on board, to do some shopping in the boutique or to meet the PONANT photographers in their dedicated space. As for lovers of the open sea, they will be able to visit the ship’s upper deck to admire the spectacle of the waves and perhaps be lucky enough to observe marine species. A truly enchanted interlude, combining comfort, rest and entertainment.
Day 6 - Day 11 REYKJAVÍK
Disembarkation.
Day 7 - Please note:
We are privileged guests in these extreme lands where we are at the mercy of weather and ice conditions. The itinerary, landings on certain sites and the observation of certain wildlife cannot be guaranteed. They vary from day to day, making each PONANT cruise a unique experience. The Captain and the Expedition Leader will make every effort to ensure that your experience is as rich as possible, while complying with the safety rules and instructions imposed by the AECO.

Trip Dates

StartEndPrice FromRoom Type
14-06-202124-06-2021AUD $22,000PRESTIGE STATEROOM DECK 6
14-06-202124-06-2021AUD $22,460PRESTIGE STATEROOM DECK 7
14-06-202124-06-2021AUD $69,890OWNER'S SUITE
14-06-202124-06-2021AUD $22,910PRESTIGE STATEROOM DECK 8
14-06-202124-06-2021AUD $27,700PRIVILEGE STATEROOM DECK 6
14-06-202124-06-2021AUD $28,850PRIVILEGE STATEROOM DECK 7
14-06-202124-06-2021AUD $29,980PRIVILEGE STATEROOM DECK 8
14-06-202124-06-2021AUD $39,100PRESTIGE SUITE DECK 7
14-06-202124-06-2021AUD $40,240PRESTIGE SUITE DECK 8
14-06-202124-06-2021AUD $42,530PRIVILEGE SUITE
14-06-202124-06-2021AUD $60,770SUITE DUPLEX

Inclusions

    • Set off on the trail of the great explorers who in the past attempted to approach the eastern coast of Greenland, a region that long remained isolated as it was hard to reach.
    • Outings and shore visits in ZodiacR inflatables with the naturalists.
    • Hiking opportunity.
    • Explore the east coast of Greenland and its still pristine territories upon which the French explorers Jules de Blosseville, Jean-Baptiste Charcot and Paul-Emile Victor, set foot in the past.
    • Meeting the Inuit people.
    • Landscapes: alpine landscapes, polar ice cap, fjords populated with gigantic icebergs, a coastline torn by glaciers, patches of ice floe drift ing from the North Pole.
    • Wildlife: polar bears, seals, Arctic foxes and hares, sea birds.

Map