Aerial view of Le Commandant Charcot polar expedition ship stopped in the ice with guests ashore during a Ross Sea expedition.
Lone polar bear with white fur walks over snow & ice at dusk, seen on a Charcot North Pole Expedition cruise.
Aerial view of modern expedition ship with dark blue hull, white upper decks & helicopter pad on its bow, parked in ice at the North Pole.
North Pole traveler in orange jacket snowshoes in a windswept area with Le Commandant Charcot polar ship in the distance.
Tandem kayakers in red boats paddle glassy water among small icebergs at dusk on an Arctic cruise near the North Pole.
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Polar Regions Arctic Cruise

Le Commandant Charcot North Pole Expedition

Push the limits of sailing with this exceptional 16-day expedition cruise to the Geographic North Pole. Reach this mythical point covered by ice floe all year round, over 430 miles away from any emerged land, aboard Le Commandant Charcot, with up to 200 guests aboard her Arctic cruises. This modern, hybrid-electric ship is the world’s first luxury icebreaker, blending sustainability, gastronomy, wellness, entertainment, science and active programming with French flair. And with a variety of included activities—such as kayaking, citizen science and ice fishing—this expedition to the Top of the World will not disappoint.

Your expedition begins in Paris, France, where you will enjoy the ease of a charter flight to Longyearbyen arranged just for your expedition. Then set sail from Spitsbergen and enjoy an unforgettable maritime experience at the heart of sumptuous landscapes that are constantly evolving according to changes in the ice and the light. Your time at sea will be unparalleled with the incredible navigation capabilities of Le Commandant Charcot, the first Polar Class 2 icebreaker and first hybrid-electric polar exploration ship powered by liquified natural gas. Upon the ship’s launch in 2021, her equipment exceeded criteria used in both the tourism industry and the military.

This itinerary, which lends itself perfectly to the observation of the wildlife, particularly rich at this time of the year, will take you as far as the pack ice. Then slowly progress to the heart of this silent world, frozen by the extreme cold, in the direction of the Grail of all polar explorers: the North Pole! Beware though, as the ice floe is constantly drifting, driven together by currents and winds, the ship must keep moving to remain on the planet’s most northernmost point.

Read on for details about this trip, or learn more about AdventureSmith’s North Pole cruises, Arctic cruises, Svalbard cruises and Arctic land trips.



Itinerary

16-Day The Geographic North Pole Itinerary

The main Geographic North Pole expedition operates round-trip from Paris, France, with days at sea along Svalbard and the Arctic ice floe, and a day spent exploring the Geographic North Pole.

Route map of Le Commandant Charcot North Pole Expedition, with round-trip flights between Paris & Longyearbyen & time sailing beside Spitsbergen.
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Day 1
Fly Paris, France, to Longyearbyen, Spitsbergen & Embark

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 -104°F, 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, provide the feeling of being in completely unexplored territory.

Accommodations

Le Commandant Charcot

Meals

dinner

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Day 2
At Sea

The largest island in the Svalbard archipelago, its name meaning “pointed mountains” in German, Spitsbergen is the last piece of land before the Arctic ice floe. Sail along the extremely spectacular coastline of this icy land. Between millennial glaciers and rugged mountains, discover a jagged coastline, hollowed-out by fjords. This unique setting, the refuge of a particularly rich avifauna, offers the possibility of taking fabulous photographs from the deck of the ship.

Accommodations

Le Commandant Charcot

Meals

breakfast, lunch, dinner

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Days 3 - 7
Sailing Ice Floes

Enjoy the absolutely unique experience of sailing to the heart of the ice floe, this vast expanse of virgin, immaculate ice. The landscapes are constantly changing, shifting from a smooth, flat wilderness to a chaos of ice, then to channels of open water. Sail along these naturally open channels and through the areas where the frozen layer is thinnest, offering the chance to experience magic maritime moments in the midst of drifting sea ice. It will also often be an opportunity to see a particular kind of fauna, totally dependent on the ice floe.

Accommodations

Le Commandant Charcot

Meals

breakfast, lunch, dinner

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Day 8
Geographic North Pole

Defined by a 90° North latitude, the Geographic North Pole lies on the Earth’s rotational axis, at the intersection of all meridians. Plunged into darkness for six months of the year, then lit by the sun for the following six months, this mythical site, permanently covered in ice and remote from any land, has fascinated generations of explorers. So far, only a very few people have ever reached it: an exploit which is now accessible aboard your ship.

Accommodations

Le Commandant Charcot

Meals

breakfast, lunch, dinner

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Days 9 - 13
Sailing Ice Floes

Enjoy the absolutely unique experience of sailing to the heart of the ice floe, this vast expanse of virgin, immaculate ice. The landscapes are constantly changing, shifting from a smooth, flat wilderness to a chaos of ice, then to channels of open water. Sail along these naturally open channels and through the areas where the frozen layer is thinnest, offering the chance to experience magic maritime moments in the midst of drifting sea ice. It will also often be an opportunity to see a particular kind of fauna, totally dependent on the ice floe.

Accommodations

Le Commandant Charcot

Meals

breakfast, lunch, dinner

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Days 14 - 15
At Sea

The largest island in the Svalbard archipelago, its name meaning “pointed mountains” in German, Spitsbergen is the last piece of land before the Arctic ice floe. Sail along the extremely spectacular coastline of this icy land. Between millennial glaciers and rugged mountains, discover a jagged coastline, hollowed-out by fjords. This unique setting, the refuge of a particularly rich avifauna, offers the possibility of taking fabulous photographs from the deck of the ship.

Accommodations

Le Commandant Charcot

Meals

breakfast, lunch, dinner

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Day 16
Disembark Longyearbyen, Spitsbergen, Fly to Paris, France & Depart

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 -104°F, 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, provide the feeling of being in completely unexplored territory.

Accommodations

n/a

Meals

breakfast

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Details
Inclusions, Terms & Notes

Included

Charter flights between Paris, France, and Longyearbyen, Spitsbergen; all meals while on board the ship; captain’s welcome cocktail and gala dinner; “open bar” (pouring wines, house champagne, alcohol except premium brands); evening entertainment and events; room service; highly qualified bilingual French/English expedition team; lectures presented by the expedition team; Zodiac and shore excursions; park entry fees into protected areas; complimentary unlimited Wifi on board; port fees and taxes (except for child passengers–see Families & Children); gratuities; activities indicated in cruise documents.

Exclusions

Other meals and services not mentioned in the program; optional add-on excursions or packages; ground services before or after the cruise; visa expenses; possible immigration reciprocity taxes; gratuities for the local guide; luggage handling; beverages beyond those in Inclusions; laundry, hair salon, spa treatments, onboard medical consultations and other personal charges; cancellation, luggage, assistance, repatriation, medical and insurance of any kind.

Payment & Cancellation

In order to confirm this trip, a deposit of 25% of the total trip cost is required per person at time of booking. The balance of the trip price is due 90 days before the departure date. Special holiday payment and cancellation terms apply. Guests who must cancel their trip for any reason must do so in writing. Standard cancellations beyond 14 days after booking confirmation are subject to the following per-person penalties, based on number of days prior to departure:
365 days or more – $250
364 to 211 days – 10% of total trip cost
210 to 91 days – 100% of deposit
90 to 0 days – 100% of total trip cost

Terms & Conditions

This trip is subject to AdventureSmith Explorations Terms and Conditions. Please read this information carefully and call us if you have any questions. A Traveler Information Form, which includes a release of liability, must be completed and signed by all travelers. Your Adventure Specialist will send you a unique link to complete this form along with a packing list and extensive pre-departure and travel insurance information upon booking confirmation.

Arrival & Departure

The main Commandant Charcot North Pole Expedition begins and ends in Paris, France (CDG). We highly recommend arriving one day prior to your trip start date in case of any flight delay, cancellation or lost luggage issues. Recommended flight arrival and departure times are specific to each voyage; consult your Adventure Specialist for guidelines relating to your departure. If you would like assistance with international flights, please visit our Booking Flights resource page.

Internal Flights

Round-trip Economy class group charter flights between Longyearbyen, Spitsbergen, and Paris, France, are included with this trip’s itinerary. The charter flights are unique per departure and details will be confirmed in advance. There is a luggage limit of 50 lbs (23 kg) checked luggage and 18 lbs (8 kg) cabin baggage for Economy class. Additional Economy class baggage allotment can be requested and purchased and is based on availability. Business Class seating is available upon request and may incur an additional charge. The luggage limit for business class is two 50 lbs (23 kg) checked luggage and 22 lbs (10 kg) cabin baggage.

Activities

Various optional, included activities may be available on your main Commandant Charcot North Pole Expedition: kayaking, citizen science, polar plunge, walking, hiking, ice fishing and snowshoeing. Additional activities include practicing photography, Zodiac cruising and shore-based excursions. In addition to these off-ship excursions, a multitude of onboard activities keep guests engaged, including live music, dance and theater; spa treatments; exercise and stretching classes; specialty food, wine and cocktail tastings; organized games; and lectures by guides and possible special guests.

Room Configuration

Select double-occupancy cabins may be available for single occupancy with a single supplement fee. This supplement may vary depending on cabin category and remaining availability per departure. A willing-to-share program is not available. Triple and quadruple rates may be available in select cabin categories; contact AdventureSmith for details.

Families & Children

Children 8 years and older at time of travel are welcomed on this expedition. Children under 18 years old at time of travel may receive special discounts when sharing a cabin with two full-fare adults. A child sharing a cabin with a single adult is considered to be a paying adult. Contact AdventureSmith for details.

Travel Insurance

On Commandant Charcot, an EKG (electrocardiogram) is required from the doctor of any guest who wishes to participate in the polar plunge (where available). A medical form for all travelers is required for every departure. Travelers are also highly encouraged to have full and adequate travel insurance covering the risks of cancellation, assistance being required, emergency medical evacuation and repatriation, damages to and loss of baggage, and medical expenses. In addition, we highly recommend our travelers protect their investment with travel insurance that includes trip cancellation and other benefits. Our partners at Travelex Insurance offer a variety of plans and policies to fit every trip and budget. For best value and coverage for pre-existing medical conditions, consider purchasing a policy at time of booking. Learn more about travel insurance or get a free quote.

Itinerary Notes

Read this itinerary as a guide only; the exact route and program varies according to ice, weather conditions, wildlife encountered and the captain’s discretion. Flexibility is the key to the success of any Arctic expedition.

Rates & Dates

Cruise Rates & Dates

Rates are variable per remaining availability and are subject to change. Please contact AdventureSmith for the most up-to-date pricing.

Jul 22 - Aug 06, 2025
Le Commandant Charcot • 16 days
From $47270USD
Per Person
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Aug 06 - Aug 21, 2025
Le Commandant Charcot • 16 days
From $47270USD
Per Person
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Jul 12 - Jul 27, 2026
Le Commandant Charcot • 16 days
From $41920USD
Per Person
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Jul 27 - Aug 11, 2026
Le Commandant Charcot • 16 days
From $41920USD
Per Person
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Aug 11 - Aug 26, 2026
Le Commandant Charcot • 16 days
From $41920USD
Per Person
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Aug 27 - Sep 11, 2026
Le Commandant Charcot • 16 days
From $41920USD
Per Person
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Accommodation

Learn About the Luxury Hybrid Electric Ship on Your Itinerary

Expedition Ship
Le Commandant Charcot

Le Commandant Charcot, carrying 200-245 guests, is a sophisticated, luxury expedition ship cruising the Arctic & Antarctic. Her hybrid electric engine, powered by liquefied natural gas, is the first of its kind. And her activity options, including ice fishing, offer a unique polar experience, rounded out by a French-inspired onboard atmosphere.

Deal

Current Deals on This Trip

Add to Wishlist
Offer expires February 13th, 2025
No Single Supplement On Select Le Commandant Charcot Cruises

Solo travelers save aboard the luxury Le Commandant Charcot. Explore the High Arctic and the single supplement will be waived.

Expert Reviews

Reviews from Our Experts So You Know What to Expect

Taylor Cranney • December 2nd, 2022
Expert Review: Going to the North Pole

Hear from Adventure Specialist Taylor Cranney about what it’s really like at the North Pole in this review of her trip. See her impressions from 16 days at sea and who might be cut out for an expedition of this caliber.

Lauren Pilholski • October 25th, 2022
Expert Aboard: Le Commandant Charcot Ship Review

Get expert insight on the record-breaking ship Le Commandant Charcot. Our specialist was aboard for more than two weeks and reviews everything from the cabins to the crew and programming.

Book with the confidence that comes from experience.

100+ combined years of experience, 7 continents explored, decades of expedition cruising around the world & here to help you find & book your dream trip.

Extend Your Trip

Additional Travel Options Before or After Your Cruise

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15 - 15 Day Cruise
Le Commandant Charcot Northeast Greenland's Unexplored Sea Ice

Embark a 245-guest hybrid electric luxury polar ship to explore northeast Greenland over 15 days. Follow in the path of famous explorers. discover the largest national park in the world, seek out polar bears and crush through thick spring pack ice.

Special Offer
From $26030USD
May Jun
Add to Wishlist
8 - 8 Day Cruise
Icelandic Mosaic Cruise

Board a luxury French expedition ship to sail Iceland's western coast over 8 days on this romantic Iceland cruise operating round-trip from Reykjavik.

Special Offer
From $6640USD
Jun Jul Aug
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