Join Jann Porter on
A&K’s Inaugural North Pole Expedition Cruise:
The Ultimate Frontier on Le Commandant Charcot,
the world's only
Luxury Icebreaker from 12 to 29 July 2024
Embark on the ultimate expedition to an Arctic frontier like no other as A&K’s award-winning team leads the way. Surrounded by magical ice floes and the stillness of a little-explored world lies the ultimate Arctic frontier — the geographic North Pole.
Discover this one-of-a-kind wilderness on A&K’s inaugural North Pole expedition, kayaking through open Arctic channels, venturing to the ice edge to encounter seldom-seen wildlife and exploring the coast of Svalbard, home to jagged mountains, giant glaciers and the elusive polar bear.
The North Pole has been a source of inspiration, fascination and attraction since the dawn of time. Following in the footsteps of the explorers who once tried to approach these elusive parts, where the infinite ice floes unfold and 700 kilometres (435 miles) from any land, you are part of the chosen few to attempt the odyssey.
From Spitsbergen, you will sail the northern waters, at the edges of the Earth, where the landscapes change constantly according to the ice and the plays of light. Nature reigns supreme here, sheltering abundant wildlife including polar bears, Arctic foxes, seals and whales.
Herewith a brief outline of the North Pole Expedition from 12 to 29 July 2024:
12 July: Meet in Oslo, Norway with Welcome briefing & dinner
13 July: Charter flight from Oslo to Longyearbyen, Svalbard
13 to 28 July: Cruise on Le Commandant Charcot including Svalbard, navigation through sea ice and the Geographic North Pole
28 July: Arrive Longyearbyen and charter flight to Oslo
29 July: Depart Oslo
The prices and itinerary are still being finalised but early booking is essential for this incredible expedition.
A fully refundable Goodwill Deposit of $2 500.00 per person is required to make a provisional booking.
Once the itinerary and pricing is finalised, you’ll have 7 days to decide if you’d like to go ahead with the booking or if you’d prefer a full refund.
Le Commandant Charcot
has a guest capacity of 235 (limited to 199 on this charter)
and is an extraordinary ship
Cruise on Le Commandant-Charcot, the world’s first luxury polar exploration vessel powered by liquefied natural gas. Discover new and unique experiences whilst enjoying unprecedented luxury and comfort by leading international polar expedition designers.
The polar experience is further enhanced through exceptional facilities such as the Blue Lagoon, an outdoor pool heated by recuperated energy; the Snowroom, an invigorating snow bath to use immediately after the sauna; and the circular promenade deck equipped with heated benches and spotting scopes.
Le Commandant Charcot provides a rare and exceptional ambiance for every guest welcomed onboard and reinforces the feeling of sailing on a private yacht.
All suites / staterooms have a private balcony or terrace.
At the rear of decks 6 and 7 are four stunning 94 m² (1,011 ft²) Duplex Suites equipped with private terraces and jacuzzis.
The breathtaking 115 m² (1,237 ft²) Suite de l’Armateur (Owner’s Suite) on deck 8 features wide sliding glass doors offering stunning panoramic views and opening out onto a 186 m² (2,002 ft²) private terrace.
Gastronomy
Chef Alain Ducasse and his team offer contemporary French cuisine of the highest standard. These artists align culinary know-how and cutting-edge kitchen technology to bring dishes worthy of the world’s top restaurants to the sea.
Environmentally Friendly Exploration
Le Commandant Charcot is paving the way as the first deep polar exploration cruise ship that’s equipped with a hybrid liquefied natural gas propulsion system (currently the cleanest energy available). With the use of the latest green technologies this minimises the impact of your polar odyssey on the planet and makes a positive contribution to the people and lands that you visit.
The ship has many facilities on board for scientific research as it’s equipped with its own laboratories and a host of scientific researchers in disciplines such as glaciology, oceanography, marine biology, climatology, and the social sciences.
Saskia Travert, a naturalist guide aboard Le Commandant Charcot, has been to the geographic North Pole more than 25 times and these are her comments about this exceptional experience, a pleasure that never pales:
“Every time I go back there, the landscape is different. There are no mountains, there’s no solid ground, it’s just the ice pack as far as the eye can see. And an ice pack in very different states.
The panorama is so unlike anything else, and it changes, depending on the weather conditions. It’s mysterious in the fog, and sparkling white in the sunshine. You can see ivory gulls, black-legged kittiwakes and dovekies fishing between the ice floes, ringed seals, and sometimes even a polar bear.
The reflex action I always have before leaving the North Pole is to be alone, and to close my eyes so I can make the most of that time. Few people on this Earth will be fortunate enough to have such an experience. And I am very much aware of that.”
It’s a privilege to explore the polar regions and I do hope that you’ll join me on this incredible voyage of discovery. Allow yourself to be transported to a world where man is simply a spectator and nature reigns supreme.
Let me know if it’s a trip you’re interested in so that we can secure your accommodation of choice while we discuss it.
We look forward to hearing from you and helping you plan your ideal holiday – 021 434 9394
