Follow in the wake of the pioneers of polar exploration and be among the first people in the world to undertake a transarctic crossing in search of the Geographic North Pole. Set sail aboard your comfortable and stylish vessel, Le Commandant Charcot, from Nome, Alaska across the Beaufort Sea and discover some of the Arctic's secrets during a dedicated research mission at the highest point of the North. This is a unique experience of ice navigation, from the comfort of your sturdy ice-breaker ship, sailing through the heart of the ice floes in the hope of reaching the elusive magnetic and Geographical North Poles, before continuing on to Svalbard. In Svalbard, you will find Europe's largest ice cap in the protected Soraust-Svalbard Nature Reserve. The landscape is made up of jagged mountains, fjords and glaciers and sheer cliffs that reach down to the waters below. It's a wildlife haven for birdlife and marine mammals including walrus, whales and polar bears. There will be plenty of time on the tundra exploring this wildlife-rich haven on your daily Zodiac excursions and landings ashore.
Breakfast: 20
Lunch: 19
Dinner: 20
Expedition Crew
Naturalist(s)
Le Commandant Charcot
M/V Greg Mortimer
Zodiac
20 nights premium boat
Relaxed
Itineraries on some departure dates may differ, please select the itinerary that you wish to explore.
Located along the Bering Strait at the westernmost point of Alaska, Nome offers the rustic charm of a former gold-mining town, set in the middle of magnificent wilderness. As you weave in and out of the brightly coloured houses, you will discover the pioneering legacy that still marks local traditions. Fishing, reindeer rearing, sledge-racing... People here live from their manual labour. The surrounding plains provide stunning vantage points for observing Arctic fauna.
Embarkation 06/09/2024 from 16:00 to 17:00
Departure 06/09/2024 at 18:00
Grade: Premium Boat
Bordering the north coasts of Alaska and Canada, the Beaufort Sea was feared for centuries because of its extreme climatic conditions. Covered for most of the year with a thick layer of ice, and unexplored until 1914, this part of the Arctic Ocean, named in honour of the British Admiral Francis Beaufort, will reveal its magnificent icy landscapes to you. With a bit of luck, maybe you will cross the path of some polar bears, since the region is renowned for sheltering the Lord of the Arctic.
Take time out on deck to soak up the icy seascape all around you.
With a bit of luck, we might cross the path of some polar bears as this region is renowned for sheltering the King of the Arctic.
Spend time familiarising yourself with the ship facilities, enjoy the sauna or a relaxing massage.
Enjoy informative lectures from our Expedition crew who will guide you through the wildlife of this region
On your days at sea, there is plenty to enjoy on board the ship, including the pool area and the incredible food served at meal times, your expedition team will update you daily on the ship's course and point out any wildlife sightings along the way.
There will be more engaging talks delivered by our experienced naturalist guides and historian, learn about the pioneering attempts to traverse this region by the early explorers of nearly a century ago.
Enjoy the frozen wilderness as we forge deeper through the ice in search of the North Pole.
The convergence point for the field lines of the Earth's magnetic field, the Magnetic North Pole attracts the magnetic needle of the compass. While the Geographic North Pole is the Earth's northernmost fixed point, marking the intersection of the Globe's rotation axis with the Earth's surface, the Magnetic North Pole moves over time. In fact, it is linked to the Earth's magnetic field which originates in the Earth's outer core, which is made up of molten metal and is subject to convection movements. Localised for the first time in 1831, in the Canadian Arctic, it has since moved towards Siberia and thus, has become closer to the Geographic North Pole. We set off in search of the Magnetic North Pole and if luck is on our side, we'll attempt to reach it!
We continue across the sea ice, aiming for the Geographical 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 have ever reached it: an exploit which is now accessible to you aboard Le Commandant Charcot.
Enjoy the absolutely unique experience of sailing to the heart of the ice floe, this vast expanse of untouched, immaculate ice. The landscapes are constantly changing, shifting from a smooth, flat wilderness to a chaos of ice, then to channels of open water.
Your ship will sail along the naturally open channels and through the areas where the frozen layer is thinnest, offering you the chance to experience magic maritime moments in the midst of drifting sea ice.
There will also often be an opportunity to see some Arctic wildlife, dependent on the ice conditions.
The Nordaust-Svalbard Nature Reserve has been protecting the northernmost and coldest part of the archipelago, Nordaustlandet (North East Land), since 1973. This vast polar desert covered by two ice caps is the second largest island in the Svalbard archipelago. Protected by the Gulf Stream, the fjords and cliffs in the west and north are home to large colonies of birds and walruses. The landscapes in the colder east and south are dominated by imposing glaciers that calve majestic icebergs in the vast Hinlopen Strait. Large colonies of thick-billed murres have taken up residence on the sheer cliffs, depending on nesting and migration periods. You may even get the chance to see a bear or an Arctic fox roaming in the vicinity.
Sailing in the Hinlopen Strait, in the heart of the Arctic Ocean, between the Norwegian islands of Spitsbergen and Nordaustlandet promises an unforgettable experience. This territory of the Nordaust-Svalbard Nature Reserve offers breathtaking panoramas, with magnificent basalt formations and the ice cap stretching as far as the eye can see, diving into the sea. The shore line cut by the fjords moving inland composes a magical landscape in which icebergs float here and there, the result of the calving of the surrounding glaciers. This place, today a popular spot to observe the seabirds nesting in the enormous cliffs, polar bears and walruses, was once intrinsically linked to the history of the whalers who frequented the region from the 17th century. Indeed, it was one of them, Thijmen Jacobsz Hinlopen, then director of a Dutch whaling company, who gave the strait its name. Later on, Russian trappers, European explorers, scientists and even mountaineers roamed this region, as hostile as it is sublime.
The Soraust-Svalbard Nature Reserve is the second largest protected area in Norway. Established in 1973, this nature conservation area stretching over more than 21,000 km2 will offer you stunning panoramas including coastal landscapes, rocky islets, mountain plateaux, vast tundra plains, and ice floes. With a little luck, you will be able to observe a wide variety of seabirds, given the site is listed as an Important Bird Area, as well as cetaceans, Svalbard reindeer, or even Arctic foxes. Among other things, Edgeoya Island is renowned for providing shelter to a number of polar bears during the breeding season.
Nestling between millennial glaciers and carved mountains, and considered to be "the crown of Arctic Norway", Spitsbergen is a place that never sees the night. Your ship will take you closer to this fascinating archipelago and, more particularly, the Hornsund fjord. Considered to be Svalbard's southernmost fjord, it is especially reputed to be its most stunning: at the end of its vast bay, 8 great glaciers slowly make their way down to the sea before giving way to the many icebergs elegantly drifting along its cold and mysterious waters.
The vast Isfjorden is one of the main fjords in Svalbard. These different branches reach the heart of the island of Spitsbergen. Located deep inside the Billejforden, the Nordenskiöld Glacier with its front of ice, nearly 5 km wide, is one of the most spectacular in the Svalbard Archipelago. You will perhaps have the opportunity to discover the ghost town of Pyramiden. Constructed at the foot of a mountain in the form of a pyramid, this former mining town, founded by Sweden at the beginning of the 20th century before being sold a few years later to the Soviet Union, and abandoned in 1998, has conserved all the buildings from its glory days, when it lived off coal mining.
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 below 40°C, 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, make you feel like you're in completely unexplored territory.
There are great variations in the altitude and terrain of the areas visited and this is reflected in the temperatures. Desert areas can be extremely hot in the summer months (49°), though temperatures can drop dramatically at night. The mountains are cooler and wetter especially in the north of the Rockies. At the beginning and end of the season there may still be some snow around in the high passes and it can be cold, whereas in mid-summer the day time temperatures can soar.
-9
2 Pin Flat
English
Kayaking, Polar Plunge, hiking or snowshoeing
INSULATED BASE LAYER: Wool or thermolactyl technical underwear Polar or technical jacket - supplied on board for you to keep Polar sweater or sweatshirt Silk or wool glove liners Wool leggings Warm hiking socks Winter shoes (with a wool lining) WATERPROOF OUTER LAYER: Waterproof over-trousers - Mandatory Waterproof parka - Offered on board (not available in children's sizes) Windbreaker - Mandatory A warm woollen hat covering your ears Polar or woollen neck warmer Waterproof technical gloves HEALTH CARE: Sunscreen Lip protection balm Mosquito repellent, anti-itch balm and mosquito head net (Greenland) Medications and prescriptions OUTFITS ON BOARD: Casual outfits for the day Smarter outfits for dinners Elegant outfits for Gala evenings White or black and white outfit ACCESSORIES: Highly protective sunglasses Binoculars Walking poles Small waterproof backpack Swimsuit (for the spa on board) Gym wear (fitness) Battery charger and memory cards for your camera Mobile phone charger Clothing tips: INSULATING BASE LAYER AND WATERPROOF OUTER LAYER : Water-resistant parka - offered on board (not children sizes ; in case of consecutive voyages, only one complimentary parka). Comfortable trousers : classic winter trousers, warm cotton tracksuit or wool leggings. Waterproof and wind proof over-trousers - MANDATORY. Windbreaker Winter trousers with waterproof over-trousers are the ideal combination : water-resistance and flexibility of trousers are essential and imperative. Pullover, sweat-shirt or fleece jacket. Woollen or thermolactyl underwear. Woolen or fleece neck-warmer, woollen or fleece ear muffs or warm hat (avoid scarves as they do not stay in place) - MANDATORY Wool or silk under gloves, flexible technical and waterproof gloves. Thick warm socks (ideally woollen). Winter shoes (with a wool lining). Ideal clothes for life on board: During the days spent on board, you are advised to wear comfortable clothes or casual outfits. The entire ship is air-conditioned, so a light sweater, a light jacket or a shawl may be necessary. When moving about in the public areas of the ship and the decks, light but comfortable shoes are recommended. Informal evening: In the evening, you are advised to wear smart-casual attire, especially when dining in our restaurants where wearing shorts and tee-shirts is not allowed. For women: Simple dress Skirt or trousers Blouse Polo For men : Pleated trousers or chinos Sports jacket Shirt Polo Officer's evening: For all trips longer than 8 nights, an Officer's Evening with a white dress code may be organized. Therefore, we encourage you to bring a stylish white outfit for the occasion (otherwise black and white). Gala evening: During the trip, two gala evenings will be organised on board. Thus, we recommend that you bring one or two formal outfits. For women: Cocktail attire or evening dress (if you wish to) For men: Dark suit. Tie recommended, possibly bow tie (if you wish to)
Complimentary waterproof boots will be supplied on-board. Also ensure you take comfortable shoes for relaxing on-board.
15Kg
One main piece of baggage and daypack. Remember you are expected to carry your own luggage so don't overload yourself.
Sunglasses and sun cream Insect repellant Personal toiletries Books/reading material Camera and memory cards Seasickness remedy Walking poles (optional)
Le Commandant Charcot, M/V Greg Mortimer, Zodiac
Le Commandant Charcot is a newly-built, state-of-the-art, hybrid, Icebreaker ship. It is the very first hybrid-electric polar exploration ship powered by liquified natural gas and has been built with the greatest attention to detail in terms of safety and respect for the environment. In refined surroundings, complete with luxurious extras, this fine and sturdy vessel will transport you into the domain of the great polar explorers. Each of the common areas have been designed with discreet luxury and have been carefully planned so that all spaces are open to the extraordinary polar landscapes and scenery. There are seven cabin types available, ranging from Stateroom cabins to the Owner's Suite, all providing en-suite facilities, spacious comfort and balconies to enjoy the passing views. The wellness area offers a variety of treatments and has an indoor swimming pool, sauna and snow room, which can be enjoyed over the sea days or after a busy day of exploration.
Equipped with 123 suites and staterooms with private balcony or terrace, Le Commandant Charcot offers 7 cabin varieties to suit all passenger needs. Prices on the website are based on the lead-in cabin type which is s Prestige Stateroom (decks 6,7 and 8), comprising of a king- size bed(or two single beds), a bathroom with shower, a panoramic sliding bay window and a 5m² glazed private balcony. Other cabin types are as follows:- Prestige Stateroom (decks 6,7 and 8) - 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 Deluxe Suite (decks 6,7 and 8) - 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 Prestige Suite (decks 7 and 8) - 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 Grand Prestige Suite (deck 6) - 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 Privelege Suite (deck 8) - 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 Duplex Suite (deck 6) - 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 Owner's Suite - Private return transfer - Priority boarding - Champagne and fruit basket upon arrival - Butler service - An assortment of sweet or savoury canapés and fruit basket every day - A bedroom with king-size bed (180 x 200 cm) or two single beds (90 x 200 cm) - A living room with armchairs, two sofa beds, steam fireplace, and second TV - A desk and bookcase - A Samsung tablet connected to Wifi - A dining room with a 6-seater table - A minibar with RIEDEL crystal glasses - A bathroom with shower and Balneo bathtub - A one-hour spa treatments per person (for 2 people) in the well-being space, chosen from the facial and body treatments on offer - A private 186 m² terrace: outdoor lounge with deckchairs, hot tub, two sofas, and dining table - Two panoramic sliding bay windows - Two pairs of Swarvoski CL Companion 10 x 30 binoculars - A Swarovski Optik ST VISTA telescope
Meals are served in the large, spacious dining room with an open seating arrangement, perfect for swapping stories with your extended expedition family. A range of courses is offered at each meal time and you can enjoy a variety of wines, beers and soft drinks which are included within the voyage cost. Complimentary coffee, tea and snacks are available throughout the day, as well as drinks from the bar. Nuna - the 484 m² gastronomic restaurant at the rear of deck 5, can seat all the ship's passengers at a single sitting, offering an a la carte dining experience at breakfast, lunch and dinner. The ship's second bridge is located at the back of the restaurant: behind its large windows, you will have a front row seat to observe the crew during their operations. Sila - in a more relaxed atmosphere, a 320 m² restaurant located at deck 9 will welcome you for your breakfasts, buffet lunches and themed dinners. This restaurant takes a maximum of 142 people. Inneq - At the open-air bar, you can enjoy a varied and refined range of international sweet and savoury dishes throughout the day (11 am-6 pm) as well as a something from its everyday menu. Capacity is fixed at 62 for dining.
Can you drink the water? It is generally possible to drink the local tap water, therefore to reduce the need for single-use plastic bottles we recommend you bring a refillable water bottle with you. Your leader will advise you on refill points each day.
We strongly recommend that you check your government's travel advisory for up-to-date information and advice about your destination's safety and security, entry requirements, health, local laws and customs. Relevant government website links for UK, US, Canadian, Australian and New Zealand citizens are available on our Travel Safety page. If you'd like some inital information on country-specific entry requirements, such as visas or any health declaration forms, please refer to our Entry Requirements page. The services and information on this page are provided by a third party, and so we will still recommend that you cross check this against your government website for the latest advice.
Please note that some countries require proof of parental consent when travelling overseas with under 18s. Please check requirements with the relevant embassy or consular office well in advance of travel if this applies to your party.
Once your booking has been confirmed we guarantee the price will not increase, whatever the circumstances. However, please note that if you voluntarily make any changes to your booking including changing your trip or departure date, any additional costs or charges incurred will not be covered. Before booking please ensure you have read our important tour pricing information.Booking Conditions
Before booking your Explore trip, please ensure that you read both our Essential Information and Booking Conditions.
Customers who have chosen to book on the ‘Land Only’ arrangements of our tour, please ensure that you have checked your tour specific ‘Joining Instructions’ prior to booking your own travel arrangements. Your joining instructions can be found below in the dates and prices information. You may also be eligible for the Free Explore Transfer.
Customers booked on the ‘Land Only’ arrangements will receive a Free Transfer, provided you arrive and depart on the tour only itinerary start and end dates. The complimentary transfers will be arranged from the Explore designated airport or train station to your trips joining point, and then back from the ending point to the designated airport or train station. Generally the airport or station that Explore have selected will be the one that is closest to the town or city where the trip starts, or the one nearest to the joining point. It will be either an airport or train station but not both. The exception to this rule is customers who are booked on a tour where the joining and ending point is at the designated airport or train station.
Free transfers are not available for Polar customers.
If you are not eligible for the Free Transfer then you will need to make your own way through to the joining and ending point. On a majority of our tours Explore will be able to provide a private transfer at an additional cost. Please ask for a quote at the time of booking. For more information regarding the Explore Free Transfer click here
It is a condition of booking with Explore that you have adequate valid travel insurance. It is your responsibility to arrange appropriate travel insurance and ensure you have read and understood the full terms and conditions of your travel insurance policy to ensure that you are covered for all activities you intend to undertake whilst on the tour, including all optional activities. Your Insurance Policy must fully cover you for medical expenses and emergency repatriation to your home country. Please ensure your policy includes medical emergency helicopter evacuation in the event of illness or injury and covers the entire duration of your holiday. If you are trekking at altitude please ensure that there is no upper altitude limit which may limit or exclude cover for your trip. The cost of many of our Polar Voyages will exceed the capped amount covered by standard insurance premiums and you will be required to pay an additional premium to cover the full value of your trip. Please ensure that you are covered for the full amount of your holiday cost, as insufficient cover could invalidate a claim under the policy. Medical and repatriation insurance cover is not mandatory for UK residents who are travelling on trips within the United Kingdom. Read more information about what travel insurance is required.
Explore can arrange your flights for you, to make joining and leaving our trips easy. Read more about them here.
You are able to book this tour on a 'land only' basis or as a ‘flight inclusive’ package. Your flight inclusive package will be fully protected by the Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) ATOL protection scheme.
We have a good selection of flights not only from London but from many regional airports around the UK allowing us to compare fares between scheduled carriers as well as low cost and charter airlines. Our dedicated flights team will match the best flight options to your arrival and departure airport.
On our website we display the price of the tour only. Please call us or select the flight option during the online checkout to receive a quote for a flight inclusive package. To avoid paying supplements or to secure your preferred flight option, we recommend booking as early as possible, especially for peak travel dates.
Nothing compulsory, we recommend protection against typhoid, tetanus, diphtheria, polio and hepatitis A. Please check the latest requirements with your travel clinic or doctor prior to departure. The above is not an exhaustive list. Information regarding vaccinations and travel health advice can be found by on the NaTHNaC website and from your local healthcare provider. Visa and vaccination requirements are subject to change and should be confirmed by you before travelling.