EXPEDITION CRUISE

Disko Bay: Meeting the Inuit & Discovering the Unknown

All departures of this trip

CRUISE ID # PONANTCC220528

Nuuk (Godthaab) TO Reykjavík

Disko Bay: Meeting the Inuit & Discovering the Unknown
Disko Bay: Meeting the Inuit & Discovering the Unknown
Disko Bay: Meeting the Inuit & Discovering the Unknown
Disko Bay: Meeting the Inuit & Discovering the Unknown
Disko Bay: Meeting the Inuit & Discovering the Unknown
Disko Bay: Meeting the Inuit & Discovering the Unknown
Disko Bay: Meeting the Inuit & Discovering the Unknown
No Single Supplement
In collaboration with an organization renowned for supporting science research, education, and trailblazing expeditions around the world, this unique voyage will feature special guests from The Explorers Club to share onboard lectures, exploration stories, and scientific research throughout your journey. Explore the wild lands of Greenland's south-west coast, where snow covers landscapes of raw and surprising beauty. Aboard Le Commandant Charcot, a state-of-the-art cocoon designed for exploration, you will have access to lands that traditional ships cannot reach.

As you sail across Baffin Bay, the ever-changing ice will reveal its secrets, creating a magical spectacle in Disko Bay, where majestic icebergs drift slowly across the dark waters. This spring, you will receive a warm welcome in the Inuit villages, where community members will spend time with you and share their traditions, imbuing your journey with wisdom and intense emotion. Finally, set a course for the even more remote east coast, for an immersion in the heart of the spectacular Tingmiarmiut Fjord, where sheer cliffs and glaciers plunge into deep waters, followed by the discovery of Tasiilaq, the charming capital of eastern Greenland.

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 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
TRIP STARTS ON
May 22, 2028
SHIP SAILS ON
May 22, 2028
HOTEL NIGHTS
Pre-Cruise: 0, Post-Cruise: 0
SHIP
Le Commandant Charcot
TRIP ENDS ON
June 06, 2028
STOPS
18 Stops, 3 Countries
CRUISE NIGHTS
15
OPERATOR
PONANT EXPLORATIONS
FROM: 

$27,460

WITH SPECIAL SAVINGS APPLIED

FARES SHOWN ARE PER GUEST

Suites & Fares

CHOOSE START DATE 

: May 22, 2028

 
STEP 1: CHOOSE YOUR PREFERRED DEAL
Cruise Fare
No Single Supplement
View Suites

Itinerary

18 Ports
3 Countries

Nuuk, meaning “the cape”, was Greenland’s first town (1728). Started as a fort and later mission and trading post some 240 kilometers south of the Arctic Circle, it is the current capital. Almost 30% of Greenland’s population lives in the town. Not only does Nuuk have great natural beauty in its vicinity, but there are Inuit ruins, Hans Egede’s home, the parliament, and the Church of our Saviour as well. The Greenlandic National Museum has an outstanding collection of Greenlandic traditional dresses, as well as the famous Qilakitsoq mummies. The Katuaq Cultural Center’s building was inspired by the undulating Northern Lights and can house 10% of Nuuk’s inhabitants.

Day
Two
Arrival
May 23, 2028
Port
Baffin Bay, Nunavut, Canada
Day
Three
Arrival
May 24, 2028
Port
Baffin Bay, Nunavut, Canada
Day
Four
Arrival
May 25, 2028
Port
Disko Bay, Greenland
Day
Five
Arrival
May 26, 2028
Port
Disko Bay, Greenland

Located just north of the Arctic Circle, Sisimiut is the northernmost town in Greenland where the port remains free of ice in the winter. Yet it is also the southernmost town where there is enough snow and ice to drive a dogsled in winter and spring. In Sisimiut, travelling by sled has been the primary means of winter transportation for centuries. In fact, the area has been inhabited for approximately 4,500 years. Modern Sisimiut is the largest business center in the north of Greenland, and is one of the fastest growing Greenlandic cities. Commercial fishing is the lead economy in the town‘s thriving industrial base.

Located just north of the Arctic Circle, Sisimiut is the northernmost town in Greenland where the port remains free of ice in the winter. Yet it is also the southernmost town where there is enough snow and ice to drive a dogsled in winter and spring. In Sisimiut, travelling by sled has been the primary means of winter transportation for centuries. In fact, the area has been inhabited for approximately 4,500 years. Modern Sisimiut is the largest business center in the north of Greenland, and is one of the fastest growing Greenlandic cities. Commercial fishing is the lead economy in the town‘s thriving industrial base.

Day
Eight
Arrival
May 29, 2028
Port
Baffin Bay, Nunavut, Canada

The largest town in southern Greenland, Qaqortoq has been inhabited since prehistoric times. Upon arrival in this charming southern Greenland enclave, it's easy to see why. Qaqortoq rises quite steeply over the fjord system around the city, offering breath-taking panoramic vistas of the surrounding mountains, deep, blue sea, Lake Tasersuag, icebergs in the bay, and pastoral backcountry. Although the earliest signs of ancient civilization in Qaqortoq date back 4,300 years, Qaqortoq is known to have been inhabited by Norse and Inuit settlers in the 10th and 12th centuries, and the present-day town was founded in 1774. In the years since, Qaqortoq has evolved into a seaport and trading hub for fish and shrimp processing, tanning, fur production, and ship maintenance and repair.

Uunartoq is a small island in South Greenland a short distance east of what once was considered the largest settlement in Greenland. The island has hot springs that were renowned as far back as the days of the Norse for their healing effects. Three naturally heated streams have been channeled to flow into a knee-deep and stone-lined pool. While one unwinds by soaking in the steaming waters, one can watch icebergs that either clog the fjord to the north or come floating by.

Aappilattoq is a small settlement near the western end of Prins Christian Sund in southwestern Greenland. In the local Greenlandic language the name means, "sea anemone". This small village of 130 inhabitants, hidden behind a prominent rock, offers a good insight into the life of Greenlandic Inuit. A stroll through the village will reveal a small school and a church, along with the likely possibility of seeing a polar bear skin drying in the wind behind a local dwelling. People have lived off the land in the area around Aappilattoq since the 19th century. The tradition continues today as most people here hunt and fish to make a living.

The transit through the Sound is one of this voyage’s highlights. Connecting the Labrador Sea with the Irminger Seat, Prince Christian Sound or “Prins Christian Sund” in Danish is named after Prince (later King) Christian VII (1749-1808). 100 km (60 miles ), long and at times just 500 m (1500 ft) wide, this majestic and spectacular fiord throws you back into a Viking era – flanked by soaring snow-topped mountains, rock-strewn cliffs and rolling hills, it is as if time has stood still and one easily forgets that this is the 21st century. As you marvel at the sheer size of the mountains that surround you, with the Arctic waters lapping deceptively at the hull, revel in the silence enveloping you. Icebergs float serenely by, carrying with them the ages of time. Be sure to wear warm clothing as this is one spectacle that you do not want to miss.

Day
Eleven
Arrival
June 01, 2028
Port
Sermilik, Greenland
Day
Twelve
Arrival
June 02, 2028
Port
Timmiarmiut Fjord
Day
Thirteen
Arrival
June 03, 2028
Port
Day at Sea

Discover the east coast of Greenland, where the alpine mountains merge closely with the sea, and 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. The name of this island is a reference to the capelin, a small silver coloured fish, whose presence announces to inhabitants the return of spring. This small island offers a spectacular and wild setting where the Inuit people chose to live. Set off to meet the inhabitants of this remote region, with deep-rooted traditions, and discover the Inuit culture.

Day
Fifteen
Arrival
June 05, 2028
Port
Day at Sea

Sprawling Reykjavík, the nation's nerve center and government seat, is home to half the island's population. On a bay overlooked by proud Mt. Esja (pronounced eh-shyuh), with its ever-changing hues, Reykjavík presents a colorful sight, its concrete houses painted in light colors and topped by vibrant red, blue, and green roofs. In contrast to the almost treeless countryside, Reykjavík has many tall, native birches, rowans, and willows, as well as imported aspen, pines, and spruces.Reykjavík's name comes from the Icelandic words for smoke, reykur, and bay, vík. In AD 874, Norseman Ingólfur Arnarson saw Iceland rising out of the misty sea and came ashore at a bay eerily shrouded with plumes of steam from nearby hot springs. Today most of the houses in Reykjavík are heated by near-boiling water from the hot springs. Natural heating avoids air pollution; there's no smoke around. You may notice, however, that the hot water brings a slight sulfur smell to the bathroom.Prices are easily on a par with other major European cities. A practical option is to purchase a Reykjavík City Card at the Tourist Information Center or at the Reykjavík Youth Hostel. This card permits unlimited bus usage and admission to any of the city's seven pools, the Family Park and Zoo, and city museums. The cards are valid for one (ISK 3,300), two (ISK 4,400), or three days (ISK 4,900), and they pay for themselves after three or four uses a day. Even lacking the City Card, paying admission (ISK 500, or ISK 250 for seniors and people with disabilities) to one of the city art museums (Hafnarhús, Kjarvalsstaðir, or Ásmundarsafn) gets you free same-day admission to the other two.

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About the Ship

Name

Le Commandant Charcot

Operator

PONANT EXPLORATIONS

Le Commandant Charcot is the first hybrid electric and liquefied natural gas polar exploration vessel, the result of a more responsible design never seen before in the polar environment.

Ship Facts
cabin count
123
capacity
245
crew count
215
deck count
6
currency
EUR onboard
gross tonnage
31757
language
fr+en
launch year
2021
length
150m
speed
15kts
wheelchair count
No Data
width
28m

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DINING

To provide exceptional culinary experiences at sea is the challenge taken up by the company's chefs, accompanied by the teams of Alain Ducasse and Ducasse Conseil during each journey. An invitation to extend the exploration.

Exceptional tables

Intimate atmosphere or panoramic views, fine dining is making its way to the sea. On board Le Commandant Charcot, book your table at Nuna, the only Alain Ducasse restaurant at sea.

Tastings

Caviar from Maison Kaviari, Pata Negra from Berman Ibéricos, macarons from Pierre Hermé, butter and cheeses from Bordier, olive oil from Château Virant, Valrhona chocolate, pastries and bread prepared on board, gourmet afternoon tea, culinary demonstrations... every day, let yourself be surprised by gourmet moments.

Nuna (The Earth) - Gastronomic Restaurant

The Nuna, the one and only Alain Ducasse restaurant at sea, offers an excellent menu specially designed by the Michelin-starred chef, featuring some of his signature dishes.

Ligne Roset furniture, French Bernardaud porcelain and Elne glassware bring elegance and refinement to your à la carte breakfast, lunch, and dinner.

Sila (the sky, outside) - Restaurant

In a more relaxed atmosphere, a bright 320 m² restaurant welcomes you for your breakfast, buffet lunches and themed dinners.

Inneq (the fire) - Open-air bar

At the outdoor bar, a varied and refined selection of sweet and savoury international cuisine, as well as a permanent menu, are available throughout the day (11am–6pm).

Room Service

Whether you want to fully enjoy your cabin for breakfast, savor a peaceful snack in the middle of the day, or have your meal in complete privacy, room service is at your disposal. Treat yourself to a moment of indulgence and enjoy a diverse menu available at any time of day and night.

Entertainment

Elegance, intimacy, openness to the polar environment... Share your passion for exploration while relaxing in the ship's lounges.

Enjoy a cocktail while admiring the ice sparkling under the last rays of the day. A moment of serenity and exchange that enhances shared memories.

The Main Lounge

Enjoy a relaxing time in the grand lounge with a warm musical atmosphere or access the Cigar Lounge, one of the most exclusive spaces on the ship.

The Anori Observatory

Browse through some of the books dedicated to travel available in the observatory lounge's luminous library.

The Illu Shop

An extension of the journey and the ship, la Boutique ILLU offers an exclusive shopping experience with ready-to-wear and technical gear for polar adventures (Swarovski Optik, Garmin, Vuarnet, Feelfree, Columbia, Arctic Edge), classic products to treat yourself (Eric Bompard, 727Sailbags, Le Minor, children’s collection, jewelry, luxury BRIONI), unique souvenirs and adventure novels. Hours follow the voyage schedule, including days at sea, and....

Heated Indoor Swimming Pool

Bathed in natural light thanks to large windows, the pool offers a breathtaking view of the polar landscapes. An unforgettable swimming experience.

Promenade Deck

Fitness session, meditation, Nordic walking along the uninterrupted promenade bridge, face to face with the immensity from the bow of the ship... The awakening of the senses is heightened in the heart of the polar world.

The Theatre - Kita

Comfortably seated, you can attend conferences given by the guests and teams of naturalists, as well as the various shows, concerts and performances organised by professional dancers and musicians on board.

Music and dance

Opera, jazz, piano recitals, concerts or ballets at sea or on land: musical cruises and dance cruises offer privileged experiences, in small groups, alongside prestigious partners, such as Radio Classique ....

PONANT Studio

A photography and videography team escort you throughout your trip. These professionals capture the most beautiful moments of your cruise, which you can share with family and friends upon your return. Meet them on DECK 5 (DECK 6 on the PONANT Explorers ships) at the photo/video area, where you can also order souvenir pictures and videos.

Reception

If you have not made a pre-booking before your cruise, you can book your excursions on board during one of the daily opening times of the excursion desk (timetables available in your daily program). It is only possible to pre-book one excursion per port day. If you would like to book a second excursion on the same day, please contact the excursion desk to check availability.

Cigar Lounge

The Cigar Lounge is located on Deck 5.

Health And Fitness

Well-being

On board Le Commandant Charcot, exploration is synonymous with Nordic ritual and communion with the polar environment.

The awakening of the senses

Meet at the wellness area for a detox cocktail at the heated indoor pool bar or try the experience of combining the benefits of the spa, sauna, and snow cabin.

Spa

Enjoy exclusive treatments inspired by the natural treasures of the poles. The professional skincare products from Biologique Recherche for the skin and body, and Davines for the hair, combine innovation, customization, and commitment to the planet: formulas tailored to each individual and the extreme polar environment, natural and fair trade ingredients, fight against plastic pollution.

Sauna

At the heart of Nordic traditions, the gentle heat of the sauna provides a moment of serenity after a day of exploration, while enjoying the spectacular landscapes.

Snow cabin

Experience an authentic polar ritual by going from the sauna to the snow cabin. A moment that revitalizes the body and mind, reserved for adventurers.

Fitness Centre

The fitness room offers a wide range of exercises suitable for all levels to train facing magnificent views.

The Hairdressing Salon

Each product has been crafted using the most advanced cosmetic technologies and natural ingredients. Developed and packaged while minimising the environmental impact, Davines® products are inspired by the Sustainable Beauty ideal, an inseparable unit between Beauty and Being. During your cruise, treat your hair to a unique beauty experience. Our expert stylist will do an in-depth analysis of your hair and recommend the most appropriate treatme....

Blue Lagoon Baths

Relax in front of polar landscapes in the waters of the Blue Lagoon, heated between 27 and 37°C thanks to the energy recovery generated by the ship's propulsion.

Enrichment

Marvel at the sun rising over the pristine glaciers of Spitsbergen, set out to discover the mysteries of Scotland, enjoy enriching encounters in Alaska∘ or just relax, take your time, and choose a sun kissed journey through the Mediterranean.

The trip of a lifetime, a romantic getaway or a family holiday: cruising the PONANT EXPLORATIONS way allows∘ you the freedom to organise your Odyssey∘ as a unique experience and tailor it according to your desires. Whether you have the spirit of a refined adventurer, a meditative mind or you love the great outdoors, PONANT EXPLORATIONS will fulfil all your travel desires.

Take the time to extend the pleasure of a stay in a country before boarding your yacht, get to the heart of a culture or simply have fun for a while: the guides, lecturers and travel advisers are there to assist you. Music, golf, gastronomy; from port to port, the themed cruises allow passengers∘ to live their hobby to the full - or to discover a new one.

Carefully designed itineraries, quality guest speakers, attentive service: for more than 25 years, on land and at sea, or teams and their crews have been there to help you get the most out of your cruise.

Excursions

There are many ways to see the world. But to truly discover it? Unexplored shores, authentic encounters, iconic wildlife... Our experts imagine the most beautiful travel stories for you.

Unforgettable moments

Holding your breath to better perceive that of a distant whale, stepping foot on Antarctica for the first time, watching through binoculars the passage of a polar bear in the Arctic, marvelling at the splendour of the M....

Deep Polar Exploration

Kangerlussuaq, Grundarfjördur, Longyearbyen, Kivitoo... If there are city and village names that evoke the Far North, they are indeed those of Greenland, Iceland, Norway, and Canada. Icebergs, ice seas, volcanoes, polar bears: going on a cruise in the Arctic is letting oneself be carried away into a world where man is a spectator of a sovereign nature.

3 reasons to explore the Arctic

It is said to be mythical, at leas....

Experts by your side

Captains, expedition leaders, experienced naturalist guides, lecturers, wildlife photographers, personalities from the world of art, science, culture and gastronomy... Experts share their passions with you on board or on land.

Captains

Your captain is responsible for ensuring the smooth running of your journey on board. An expert in navigating polar or tropical waters, their announcements punctuate your day. And when wildlif....

UNIQUE FEATURES


USEFUL TO KNOW
Laundry

Your staterllm attendant is at your disposal to provide a laundry service. It takes 24 to 48 hours to wash and iron your clothes. Only an ironing service can be provided on the same day. Dry cleaning is not possible, so we kindly ask you to only give us clothes that can be washed with water.

** These services are chargeable and billed directly to your cabin account. 

Smoking Policy

Ships are non-smoking, even on accommodation balconies. Smoking is only allowed in designated outdoor areas of the ship.

Power Adapters

Electrical plug adapters are provided on board, they are available at the reception.

Are the electrical outlets on board compliant with European standards?

Yes, the alternating current 220 volts 50 Hertz is distributed through outlets compliant with European standards. The electricity on board is in 220 volts AC (European standard) and 110 volts AC (North American standard). For safety reasons, the use of hair straighteners ....

Age Restrictions

Children under one (1 year old / 12 months) are not permitted on PONANT EXPLORATIONS cruises.

On Classic cruises, children are permitted from one (1 year old), with a maximum of five children aged one to six (1 to 6 years old) on board each voyage.

Children aged four years and older are welcome at the Kids’ Club when the service is offered on board.

On Expedition cruises, children are accepted from the age of six (6 years), a....

Languages

The languages spoken on board are French and English. The signage is in French and English. On some cruises, crew members also speak other languages.

Telephone

A satellite telephone system is at your disposal for contacting anyone, anywhere in the world. The cost of the call is added to the stateroom account (€6/minute). Calls that you receive can be transferred directly to your stateroom or to any other communal area on the ship. To receive or send faxes, please see Reception.

Wi-Fi

You have free Wi-Fi internet access on board all ships (cabins and common areas). On the Sisterships (L'Austral, Le Lyrial, The Boréal, Le Soléal), one or more computers are available to you in the leisure areas. Thanks to the Starlink network provided by Marlink, PONANT EXPLORATIONS GROUP guarantees you quality Wi-Fi access, regardless of the location and navigation conditions.

Medical Facilities

There is a doctor on board available to the passengers on all our ships:

The schedules of consultation are listed each day in the log book (emergency consultation 24/7).

The Sisterships, PONANT Explorers and Le Commandant Charcot also have a hospital for any small surgery.

During the excursions, the passengers are accompanied by a doctor or a nurse.

There is a fee for consultations on board . The price may vary accordin....

Guests with reduced mobility

Only the Sisterships, the PONANT Explorers, Paul Gauguin and Le Commandant Charcot have been designed to accommodate passengers with reduced mobility.

Staterooms specially designed on board the Sisterships, decks 3 (307), 4 (407) and 5 (509) 3 c for two people aged 18. in a wheelchair, with a double bed (180 x 200) cm) or two single beds (90 x 200 shower and toilet in the bathroom as well as a balcony of 4  2 (only for cabins on the deck....

Packing Tips

Technical Accessories

We recommend that you bring a ski mask, sunglasses, walking sticks, a waterproof backpack, binoculars, a technical watch, a mosquito net for the face (in the Arctic), and a waterproof pouch. These accessories are also available for purchase at the onboard shop.

Dress Code

Dress Code

We recommend wearing casual and elegant outfits, cocktail attire for gala evenings, and white or black and white attire for the Officers' evening. Shorts and bermudas are not allowed in the evening at gourmet restaurants.

Expedition Cruise

For an expedition cruise, pack practical clothing and comfortable shoes. During your polar cruises, a polar parka in your size will be provided and boots in your si....

The Travellers Code of Ethics

Each of us can contribute to building a better world. Travelling aboard Le Commandant Charcot means committing to leaving a minimal footprint, in line with the values we defend and share in this code of ethics. In polar regions, the expedition team will provide you with guidance for ensuring compliance with the IAATO and AECO regulations, the organisations that govern these regions. 

BEFORE THE TRIP

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Included on Every Cruise

A complete offer (excluding Spirit of PONANT and La Désirade¹)

SERVICES INCLUDED ON ALL OUR CRUISES

  • Full board from arrival to departure day
  • High-end gastronomy in all restaurants
  • All drinks in restaurants, bars and minibars. All drinks are included² (selection of champagnes, wines and spirits, beers, cocktails, water, soft drinks, hot drinks)
  • 24-hour room service
  • Butler service for certa....
Special Diets

If you follow a specific diet (vegetarian, diabetic, low calorie, gluten-free, allergy...), it is essential to specify it when making your reservation. You will then receive adapted menus throughout your cruise.

Solo Travelling

Every season, we offer a wide range of cruises with 'no single supplement': you thus benefit from a double stateroom to yourself, at no extra cost. The onboard atmosphere is conducive to meeting and interacting with other guests, and the crew ensures your well-being and integration on board. Discover the cruises by consulting the single page offered.

PONANT App

Our app accompanies you in your preparations and during your stay on board. Find the services offered and the information that facilitates your journey.

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Thanks to its app, PONANT accompanies you in your travel preparations, and then during your stay on board. Find our services and information that will make your cruise even easier.

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