Don't miss
At the so called heart of the city, Huset has long been the centre for culture and community. Go there for great food and to sample one of the largest wine cellars in Europe!
From Longyearbyen to Longyearbyen
The Geographic North Pole
From Longyearbyen to Longyearbyen
The Geographic North Pole
Voyage Itinerary
1 September
Setting sail from Longyearbyen
This is the world's northernmost city and the base for tourism in Svalbard. A bit quirky, as you would expect from somewhere that spends four months of the year in near darkness, Longyearbyen doesn't take long to explore. Its brightly coloured wooden houses are built on stilts, as the ground in Svalbard is permafrost. When you enter a building, you are normally asked to remove your shoes, and leave your gun at the door. Gun carrying is more or less essential for the locals, as with 3,000 local hungry polar bears, it is said that you never know when you might need protection. That said, we visited safely without a gun!
2 September
Svalbard and Jan Mayen: Spitsbergen
Spitsbergen is the largest island in the Svalbard archipelago, a land of snowy peaks, frozen tundra and glassy seas. You’ll likely have no fixed itinerary here, due to the unpredictable nature of an Arctic expedition; be prepared to drop everything and rush up to the top deck for the chance of a polar bear sighting!
3 September to 5 September - At sea
6 September to 7 September
: The North Pole
Few people can say that they have stood at the one earthly spot where every direction is south! Crushing through the ice, admiring soaring seabirds and the stunning Arctic scenery, your voyage will be an extraordinary experience indeed.
8 September to 10 September - At sea
11 September
Svalbard and Jan Mayen: Ny Ålesund
Ny Ålesund is one of the northernmost permanently inhabited settlements in the world, on the remote and inhospitable northwest coast of Spitsbergen. Once an important coal mining centre, this tiny town is now mostly home to scientists and researchers studying the Arctic.
12 September
Svalbard and Jan Mayen: Spitsbergen
Spitsbergen is the largest island in the Svalbard archipelago, a land of snowy peaks, frozen tundra and glassy seas. You’ll likely have no fixed itinerary here, due to the unpredictable nature of an Arctic expedition; be prepared to drop everything and rush up to the top deck for the chance of a polar bear sighting!
13 September
Arriving in Longyearbyen
Longyearbyen is the largest settlement in Svalbard, remotely located in the high Norwegian Arctic, and originally built as a mining town. The locals continue to make the best of this hostile environment, and brightly painted wooden buildings line the main street. The surrounding area is breathtakingly beautiful.
Our tip
Don’t die here – it’s illegal. There have been no new burials for over 70 years, because the permafrost prevents bodies from decomposing.
The ship
Le Commandant Charcot
- Capacity:
- 245 Guests
- Crew:
- 215 Staff
- Style:
- This may be the world's most luxurious icebreaker, blending contemporary decor with a refined French flair.
The world's first electric hybrid polar expedition ship, Le Commandant Charcot may be the most exciting addition yet to the Ponant fleet.
What we love
Jean-Baptiste Charcot was a true polar pioneer, and Ponant's icebreaker explores the parts of the Arctic and Antarctica that other expedition vessels can't reach. On board you can expect Ponant's customary French flair, and the ship is also designed to have a minimal effect on the environment, with technological innovations such as hybrid propulsion and an advanced waste water treatment system.
inclusions
- All meals in all venues
- Tea, coffee, soft drinks and alcoholic beverages
- Unlimited use of the Fitness Centre
- Zodiac outings and landings
- Complimentary WiFi
Tailor-make your trip
Ways to make it better
Where to stay in Longyearbyen
There’s really not much choice! Go for the Radisson Blu.
Explore Spitsbergen
Travel out of Longyearbyen by snow scooter or dog sled to take a look at the amazing scenery and hunt for wildlife.
How can we help?
Our frequently asked questions
From cruise tips to travel protection, here are some of our most-asked questions
visit our faqs
Will I save by booking with Mundy Cruising?
Absolutely. You'll save money and time by booking with us rather than directly with the cruise line and enjoy more flexibility in your travel arrangements. We have access to preferential rates and exclusive offers, and we offer expert advice on how to get the best value.
Can you help with pre and post-cruise arrangements?
From flights and transfers to hotels and tours, we can help with all your travel needs to make sure your trip is exceptional. What's more, we are members of ABTA and also offer full ATOL protection, not to mention a 24hr emergency contact, so we offer complete peace of mind.
What are the benefits of a small luxury ship?
Because small ships are able to reach smaller ports of call and provide a higher level of service than their big ship counterparts, we believe that small ship cruising is the very best way to travel. Usually they offer more space per person, and an attentive team to make sure you have the very best experience. Small ship cruising offers the very best of the best.
cruise news
Latest news and travel inspiration
News, trip reports, cruising advice and industry insight brought to you from our expert team.
Why Mundy?
Who we are
Founded in 1970, we have sold more luxury cruises for more years than anyone else in the UK.
Mundy Cruising was the very first cruise specialist in the UK. We have been making the best cruise holidays even better since 1970.
How? Simply by offering our clients more expertise, more personal service, more unique ideas, more fascinating add-ons, more fabulous freebies and more peace of mind.
We're happy to do all of that over the phone. But if you prefer to chat face to face, why not visit us at our comfortable offices on London's High Holborn - we'd be delighted to see you.
