Inuit spring of Ammassalik | Le Commandant Charcot | IExpedition

Inuit spring of Ammassalik

  • Overview

    After the long winter, a thick coat of ice preserves the shores of the East coast of Greenland. These shores have long been coveted by the great explorers and approaching them means being in tune with powerful yet fragile nature; only the present matters here. 

    Expedition Highlights

    • Exploring the region of Ammassalik, on board or on the ice floe, from alpine terrain to landscapes of ice sculpted by the elements.
    The Blosseville Coast and its ice cap that comes straight from the North Pole.

    • The landscapes: alpine landscapes, polar ice cap, winding fjords, icebergs caught in the ice, calving glaciers, patches of ice floe drifting from the North Pole, compression ridges, broken-up ice floe. 
    The wildlife: blue whales, humpback whales, polar bears, seals, sea birds.

    • Many brand-new activities: dog sledding, kayaking, hiking or snowshoeing, ice fishing, polar diving.

    Duration: 11 days
    Passengers: 245 passengers
    Embarkation Point: Reykjavík
    Disembarkation Point: Reykjavík
    Physical rating: Soft Adventure
    Fly/Cruise: Cruise only
    Single Supplement: 2.0x twin rate or share options
  • Itinerary
    • 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 - Sailing Through The Denmark Strait

      Lying between Greenland and Iceland, the Denmark Strait was crossed for the first time by theVikings in the late 10th century, during Erik the Red’s expeditions. In the Second World War, its waters were the theatre of a battle between the Kriegsmarine and the Royal Navy, on 24 May 1941. In the wintertime, extremely dense pack ice forms along the Greenlandic coasts and, while the Transpolar Drift sweeps icebergs along throughout the year, the strait is generally clear of ice during the summer. In the depths of the strait lies the world’s largest waterfall, an undersea cataract formed by the difference in temperature between the cold waters of the Greenland Sea and the warmer waters of the Irminger Sea. Numerous cetacean species thrive in this rich ecosystem.

    • Day 3/8 - Exploration Of Ammassalik Region

      Still relatively unknown just a century ago, the east coast of Greenland remains the most authentic and majestic region in the Arctic. Explore this part of the world where the alpine mountains merge intimately with the sea and the fjords are adorned with high, snow-capped peaks and icebergs drifting or trapped in the pack ice. You will slowly immerse yourself in the heart of frozen landscapes of surreal beauty. The infinite variety of textures in the different types of ice creates an ever-changing scenery. Follow in the wake of the famous Pourquoi Pas?, the ship of Captain Jean-Baptiste Charcot who set off with his crew in 1934 to land Paul-Émile Victor in Ammassalik. A small island of primitive and wild beauty, for his first ethnographic mission, during which he would study the Ammassalimiut, a little-known Inuit community. In this deceptively frozen landscape, the silence is broken only by the sounds of dogs and the grating of sled runners against the ice. You will receive a warm welcome in villages still protected by the fast ice. You will have the opportunity to discover the Inuit culture’s ancestral traditions during joyous and authentic moments shared with the communities.

    • Day 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 10 - Sailing Through The Denmark Strait

      Lying between Greenland and Iceland, the Denmark Strait was crossed for the first time by theVikings in the late 10th century, during Erik the Red’s expeditions. In the Second World War, its waters were the theatre of a battle between the Kriegsmarine and the Royal Navy, on 24 May 1941. In the wintertime, extremely dense pack ice forms along the Greenlandic coasts and, while the Transpolar Drift sweeps icebergs along throughout the year, the strait is generally clear of ice during the summer. In the depths of the strait lies the world’s largest waterfall, an undersea cataract formed by the difference in temperature between the cold waters of the Greenland Sea and the warmer waters of the Irminger Sea. Numerous cetacean species thrive in this rich ecosystem

    • Day 11 - 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

    Please consider that our voyages are expeditionary in nature. This means, that there are no concrete itineraries, your captain and expedition leader will utilise their vast experience to chart the best course for your expedition depending on the climatic and environmental conditions. Mentioned highlights and wildlife cannot be guaranteed.

  • Adventure Activities

    Dog Sledding

    Try out a practice that dates back to 6,000 years before our era. Faithful companions to the Inuit who made their use widespread in around 1000 AD, sled dogs have also accompanied trappers in the American Far North and explorers on their most extraordinary expeditions. Led with a deft hand by their master and your local guide, the dogs will take you across enchanting landscapes during a magical ride. You will make the most of weather and ice opportunities to experience this traditional transport and explore the ice floe. This is the ideal way to discover the ice sheet; you will hear only the noise of the sled’s runners sliding across the ice, the dogs’ paws in the snow and the orders given by the Inuit. Let yourself be lulled by the magic of the moment. *
    *with limited places available

    Included

    Nordic Skiing Polar Trek (2 Days/1 Night)

    Enjoy a unique and all-new experience in the heart of the Far North. Leave the cocoon of Le Commandant Charcot for two days and one night for a Nordic skiing polar trek in a small group and autonomously. In the middle of the ice floe, give yourself the possibility of total immersion in the polar nature, accompanied by your local Greenlandic guides, camping in the very heart of the vastness. During this timeless adventure, contemplation and serenity will reward your efforts, and the extraordinary experience will create moments of conviviality and sharing.*
    *limited number of places

    USD$ 1,054 per person

    Fishing

    What better place than the icy Arctic regions to practice ice fishing? Assisted by the naturalist guides, you will look for the perfect spot to cut a hole on the ice floe or on frozen lakes and try to catch fish using an ancestral method. You will make the most of weather and ice opportunities to practice this unusual activity, which will equally delight fans of game fishing and those who are curious to make new discoveries.*

    *with limited places available

    Included

    Polar Plunge

    Let yourself be seduced by the unrivalled sensations of being surrounded by cold water. Weather and ice conditions willing, you will have opportunities to undertake a unique experience during a polar plunge wearing just your swimming costume, in the middle of the ice. You will be be filled with intense emotions and will fully appreciate the energy boost when warming up after the swim!*
    *with limited places available

    Included

    Kayaking

    You will make the most of the sailing opportunities and weather and ice conditions to glide along on the clear waters or between the ice floes and get as close as possible to the immaculate nature of the poles. Supervised by licenced expert guides, you will try your hand in a kayak- a craft favoured by the Inuits for at least 4,000 years. The kayak was initially used for hunting and fishing; for you, it will be a means of making the most of your adventure on the White Continent or in the Far North.*
    *with limited places available

    Included

    Hiking

    During shore landings, depending on the ecological resilience of the biome, we will propose hikes at different levels, in the company of your experienced naturalist guides. From a simple stroll along the coast to walks lasting several hours to reach particular viewpoints or historical sites, you will make the most of the opportunities provided by the weather and ice conditions. When the itineraries allow, you’ll put on snowshoes* to set off like the explorers of old and discover areas that have barely known Man.
    *with limited places available

    Included
  • Inclusions
    Inclusions / Exclusions

    Included in your Expedition

    - Accommodation in stateroom
    - The full meal plan
    - The Open Bar: beginning with boarding, and during the duration of the cruise, a wide selection of drinks (mineral water, soft drinks, wine, beer, Charles Heidsieck champagne, spirits, coffee, tea) is served on request and at any time of the day. Certain premium alcoholic beverages on the menu are not included in the Open Bar
    - Free Wi-Fi internet access 24 hours a day
    - Access to all the common areas: on board our sister ships and Ponant Explorers (fitness room, steam room, hair salon, swimming pool (sea water, heated), solarium, lounges, theater, boutique & leisure area.), on board of our three-masted Le Ponant (Solarium of 400 m², marina, lounge, Boutique & leisure area.)
    - Activities offered during expedition cruises

    Not included in your Expedition

    - Other meals and services not mentioned in the programme.
    - Personal expenses.
    - Tips for the local guide.
  • Map
    6137053
  • Gallery
  • Vessel

    With Le Commandant Charcot, PONANT has imagined and envisaged the cruise voyage of tomorrow. The latest addition to the fleet will take you following in the footsteps of the great polar explorers in refined surroundings complete with the kind of luxury services never before offered in the farthest reaches of the southern and northern hemispheres. 

    Features & Facilities
    Key Facts
    Luxury star rating:
    Guests #: 245
    Crew #: 215
    Ice Class: PC2
    Speed: 15
    Refurbished:
    Technical Specs
    Year built: 2022
    Length: 492m
    Width: 92
    Draft:
    Tonnage: 31757
    Registry:
    Elec Outlets:
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Ready to book your expedition?

We understand that the trip of a lifetime takes planning, so we make the financial commitments easy to manage.

  • Confirm your booking today with just USD$ 1,000 per passenger.
  • Pay your 25% deposit 5 day later.
  • Final payment due 120 days prior to departure.
Le Commandant Charcot | Prestige Stateroom Deck 6

Prestige Stateroom Deck 6

06 May 2024 - 16 May 2024
• A king-size bed (180 x 200 cm) or two single beds (90 x 200 cm) • A bathroom with shower • A panoramic sliding bay window • A 5 m² glazed private balcony
USD$ 17,625pp
USD$ 17,625pp
Le Commandant Charcot | PRESTIGE STATEROOM DECK 7

Prestige Stateroom Deck 7

06 May 2024 - 16 May 2024
• A king-size bed (180 x 200 cm) or two single beds (90 x 200 cm) • A bathroom with shower • A panoramic sliding bay window • A 5 m² glazed private balcony
USD$ 17,979pp
USD$ 17,979pp
Le Commandant Charcot | Prestige Stateroom Deck 8

Prestige Stateroom Deck 8

06 May 2024 - 16 May 2024
• A king-size bed (180 x 200 cm) or two single beds (90 x 200 cm) • A bathroom with shower • A panoramic sliding bay window • A 5 m² glazed private balcony
USD$ 18,332pp
USD$ 18,332pp
Le Commandant Charcot | Deluxe Suite Deck 6

Deluxe Suite Deck 6

06 May 2024 - 16 May 2024
• A lounge area with chaise longue and two armchairs • A king-size bed (180 x 200 cm) or two single beds (90 x 200 cm) • A bathroom with shower • A panoramic sliding bay window • A 5 m² glazed private balcony
USD$ 18,849pp
USD$ 18,849pp
Le Commandant Charcot | Deluxe Suite Deck 7

Deluxe Suite Deck 7

06 May 2024 - 16 May 2024
• A lounge area with chaise longue and two armchairs • A king-size bed (180 x 200 cm) or two single beds (90 x 200 cm) • A bathroom with shower • A panoramic sliding bay window • A 5 m² glazed private balcony
USD$ 19,733pp
USD$ 19,733pp
Le Commandant Charcot | Deluxe Suite Deck 8

Deluxe Suite Deck 8

06 May 2024 - 16 May 2024
• A lounge area with chaise longue and two armchairs • A king-size bed (180 x 200 cm) or two single beds (90 x 200 cm) • A bathroom with shower • A panoramic sliding bay window • A 5 m² glazed private balcony
USD$ 20,434pp
USD$ 20,434pp
Le Commandant Charcot | Prestige Suite Deck 7

Prestige Suite Deck 7

06 May 2024 - 16 May 2024
• A lounge with sofa, armchair, TV and sliding courtesy door • A king-size bed (180 x 200 cm) or two single beds (90 x 200 cm) • Two bathrooms with shower • Two panoramic sliding bay windows • A 10 m² glazed private balcony
USD$ 26,390pp
USD$ 26,390pp
Le Commandant Charcot | Prestige Suite Deck 8

Prestige Suite Deck 8

06 May 2024 - 16 May 2024
• A lounge with sofa, armchair, TV and sliding courtesy door • A king-size bed (180 x 200 cm) or two single beds (90 x 200 cm) • Two bathrooms with shower • Two panoramic sliding bay windows • A 10 m² glazed private balcony
USD$ 27,274pp
USD$ 27,274pp
Le Commandant Charcot | Grand Prestige Suite Deck 6

Grand Prestige Suite

06 May 2024 - 16 May 2024
• Priority boarding • Champagne and fruit basket upon arrival • Butler service • An assortment of sweet or savoury canapés and fruit basket every day • A lounge area with chaise longue and second TV • A Samsung tablet connected to Wifi • A king-size bed (180 x 200 cm) or two single beds (90 x 200 cm) • A bathroom with shower and Balneo bathtub • A panoramic sliding bay window • A 5 m² glazed private balcony • Two pairs of Swarvoski CL Companion 10 x 30 binoculars
USD$ 28,145pp
USD$ 28,145pp
Le Commandant Charcot | Privilege Suite Deck 8

Privilege Suite Deck 8

06 May 2024 - 16 May 2024
• Priority boarding • Champagne and fruit basket upon arrival • Butler service • An assortment of sweet or savoury canapés and fruit basket every day • A lounge with sofa bed, armchair, and sliding courtesy door • A Samsung tablet connected to Wifi • A bedroom with king-size bed (180 x 200 cm) or two single beds (90 x 200 cm) • A bathroom with shower and Balneo bathtub • Two panoramic sliding doors and rectangular porthole • A 12.5 m² glazed private balcony • Two pairs of Swarvoski CL Companion 10 x 30 binoculars
USD$ 29,899pp
USD$ 29,899pp
Le Commandant Charcot | Duplex Suite Deck 6

Duplex Suite

06 May 2024 - 16 May 2024
• Private return transfer • Priority boarding • Champagne and fruit basket upon arrival • Butler service • An assortment of sweet or savoury canapés and a basket of fruit every day • A lounge with armchairs, sofa bed, steam fireplace and TV • A dining room with a 6-seater table • A minibar with RIEDEL crystal glasses • A Samsung tablet connected to Wi-Fi • A bedroom with king-size bed (180 x 200 cm) or two single beds (90 x 200 cm) and TV • A bathroom with shower and balneo bathtub • Five panoramic windows and a glazed panoramic swing door • A private 26 m² terrace: outdoor lounge with sofa and armchairs, jacuzzi • Two pairs of Swarvoski CL Companion 10 x 30 binoculars
USD$ 41,303pp
USD$ 41,303pp