It seems like every polar cruise line is looking for a way to stand out in the market. Polar Latitudes just revealed you can now work as a scientist in Antarctica on a unique voyage, and SeaDream Yacht Club will take you from Antarctica to the Arctic over an 88-day journey. Now, French cruise line PONANT is making their mark by being the first luxury ship to reach the true North Pole.
The new polar exploration vessel, Le Commandant Charcot, will launch in 2021 taking passengers to the Geographic North Pole. During the 16-day voyage, you will sail from Spitzbergen to the planet’s most northernmost point, which is covered by ice floe year-round.
Along the way, you’ll get to see wild Arctic animals like polar bears, Arctic foxes, Svalbard reindeer, and walruses, as well as diverse landscapes such as icebergs and the polar ice cap. Guests will also have the opportunity to make shore visits in Zodiacs with naturalists and go on hikes as they cruise as far as the pack ice allows.
While the terrain might be wild, the onboard experience is five-star. There are 135 staterooms including 31 suites with balconies and outside views, fine dining available in the two restaurants, an indoor pool surrounded by a winter garden, a spa with floor-to-ceiling windows and sauna all outfitted with sleek modern furnishings and decor.
Of course, the best part of the voyage is having the bragging rights of being among the few people in the world who have reached the Geographic North Pole lying at a latitude of 90 degrees north.
The ship, which is the first hybrid electric polar exploration vessel, will also go to some places in Antarctica that have been visited less than people who have traveled to the moon. PONANT is also launching two new ships next year: Le Bellot in April 2020 and Le Jacques Cartier in July 2020. This is the last two ships of the Explorer series, each with an underwater lounge.
Three sailings are currently available for booking in July and August of 2021. Pricing starts at $29,100 per person based on double occupancy.
