PONANT Intros Shorter North Pole Itinerary
by Dori Saltzman
Photo: PONANT-Benjamin Hardman
In response to growing demand for Arctic exploration, but recognizing that not everyone has two weeks or more to commit to an expedition sailing, PONANT EXPLORATIONS is introducing a new 12-night itinerary to the North Pole in 2027.
The sailings, onboard luxury icebreaker Le Commandant Charcot, are designed to allow time-pressed travelers to experience the full magnitude of Arctic exploration in a shorter time frame.
“Unique among polar expeditions, this journey to the Geographic North Pole offers an unparalleled opportunity to experience the Arctic as few ever have,” said Samuel Chamberlain, CEO of PONANT EXPLORATIONS GROUP, Americas. “Over the past 15 months, we’ve worked closely with our deployment team to thoughtfully design a 12-night itinerary that will appeal to this market.”
Departing from Longyearbyen, the ship will sail the coasts of Spitsbergen before navigating the ever-shifting ice floe enroute to the Geographic North Pole. Highlights include the quest to reach 90° North; wildlife viewings of polar bears, whales, and more; a visit to Ny-Ålesund, a remote research outpost; and more.
The itinerary will be available four times in 2027: July 27, Aug. 8, Aug. 20, and Sept. 1.
All expeditions include roundtrip airfare from Paris to Longyearbyen and transfers.
