PONANT EXPLORATIONS, a specialist in polar expeditions, is expanding its Arctic program with over 35 departures scheduled between May and October 2028. Operating four vessels in the region, the company offers one of the most extensive ranges of Arctic itineraries on the market reaffirming its long-standing expertise in polar travel.
Discover a diverse collection of expedition experiences across some of the Arctic’s most remote and captivating regions.
The Geographic North Pole
From June to September 2028.
Eight departures aboard Le Commandant Charcot, the world’s only luxury icebreaker and the only ship of its kind capable of reaching the Geographic North Pole (90°N) with return flights between Paris and Longyearbyen included.
Highlights:
- Sailing through the heart of the pack ice and along the fjords and glaciers of Svalbard.
- An 18-night voyage combining a visit to the North Pole with two exclusive stops in northern Greenland.
- Polar activities: outings and shore visits in a rubber dinghy, landing on the ice, kayaking, hiking or snowshoeing and polar plunging.
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Greenland, the Baffin Sea and the Northwest Passage
From May to August 2028
Explore remote and rarely visited polar regions, including the legendary Northwest Passage and the Greenlandic High Arctic aboard Le Commandant Charcot from May onwards, the only cruise ship capable of navigating these regions so early in the season.
Highlights:
- The Thule region and Disko Bay, home to the largest icebergs in the northern hemisphere.
- Encounters with Inuit communities in their villages.
- The chance to spot wildlife: polar bears, cetaceans and more.
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Svalbard
From June to July 2028
Discover Spitsbergen across a range of itineraries from the classic seven-night voyage showcasing the region’s highlights in June to a full circumnavigation in July, an itinerary not offered since 2021, including access to the protected nature reserves of north-east and south-east Svalbard.
Highlights:
- The chance to spot wildlife: polar bears, Svalbard reindeer, arctic foxes, walruses, seabirds and cetaceans.
- The activities are included and led by naturalist guides: outings and shore visits in a rubber dinghy, hikes, and an introduction to the history of Spitsbergen.
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Iceland
From June to July 2028
Discover Iceland through immersive, 100% Icelandic itineraries featuring visits to the unspoilt islands of Grímsey and Heimaey with one included excursion per guest, per day.
Highlights:
- The opportunity to explore Reykjavik over a full day.
- Iceland’s landscapes: fjords, volcanic plateaus, basalt columns, geysers and waterfalls.
- Wildlife: puffins, arctic foxes, Icelandic horses, humpback whales, orcas.
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North America
From August to October 2028
Gain deeper insight into each destination through included excursions led by local experts and immersive activities guided by PONANT’s experienced naturalist team.
Highlights:
- UNESCO World Heritage Sites: L’Anse aux Meadows, Quebec, Lunenburg and Gros Morne National Park.
- Stopovers at stunning locations: Saint Pierre and Miquelon, Montréal, Eastport (where the first French settlers arrived in the New World), Martha’s Vineyard (summer residence of US presidents).
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Serenity Policy
Exceptional booking conditions
For any new booking made between 1 April and 31 August 2026, guests may modify or postpone their cruise, free of charge, to a departure within the same year or earlier*. *Full details in the Terms & Conditions.
