VACAYA North Pole Expedition
August 5, 2028
to
August 17, 2028
Ponant Cruises
-
Le Commandant Charcot
The Details
VACAYA’s North Pole Expedition 2028 is a highly exclusive 12-night LGBTQ+ expedition cruise that sails roundtrip from Longyearbyen, Norway, from August 5-17, 2028. The voyage takes guests aboard Le Commandant Charcot, the world's only luxury icebreaker capable of reaching the Geographic North Pole (90° North) through thick, multi-year Arctic ice. VACAYA positions this as one of the rarest travel experiences on Earth, noting that only a tiny fraction of humanity has ever reached the North Pole.
The centerpiece of the journey is the opportunity to spend two full days at the Geographic North Pole, an achievement few travelers ever experience. Guests will travel through the Arctic pack ice while watching constantly changing polar landscapes of glaciers, ice floes, and open leads of water. The expedition emphasizes true exploration over traditional cruising, allowing participants to visit one of the planet's most remote and inaccessible regions.
Adventure plays a major role in the itinerary. Depending on weather and ice conditions, guests may participate in activities such as kayaking among ice floes, guided hikes, snowshoeing, Zodiac excursions, and even a polar plunge into near-freezing Arctic waters. The ship carries 20 naturalist guides, specialized expedition staff, an ice pilot, and photographers who help guests fully experience and document the Arctic environment.
While the expedition focuses on exploration, the ship itself provides a luxury experience. Le Commandant Charcot features upscale accommodations, multiple restaurants, a spa, sauna, indoor pool, observation lounges, fitness facilities, and gourmet dining, including cuisine associated with renowned French culinary brands and chef Alain Ducasse. Guests also enjoy included beverages, Wi-Fi, entertainment, wellness facilities, and premium service throughout the voyage.
Beyond luxury and adventure, the trip highlights environmental awareness and polar education. The vessel supports scientific research through onboard laboratories and partnerships with research organizations, while its hybrid LNG-electric propulsion system is designed to reduce environmental impact. VACAYA describes this expedition as a historic, community-focused journey that combines exploration, education, luxury, and the unique opportunity to stand at the very top of the world.
The Details
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Additional Information
Vacation Offered By:
VACAYA
Operated By:
Ponant Cruises
Vessel/Resort:
Le Commandant Charcot
Built:
Last Refurb/Dry Dock:
Floor/Deck Count:
Guest Count:
A little bit more....
See What's Available at a Glance
**If a room status does not show above, it is because all the rooms of that "status" have been cleared of that status.
Sleeps Up To
2
2 Guests p/p
$30,747
Accommodation Information
Room Category
PR6, PR7, PR8
Room in SqFt
215
Balcony in SqFt
53
Solo Cost
$61,494
3 Guests p/p
N/A
4 Guests p/p
N/A
5 Guests p/p
N/A
6 Guests p/p
N/A
Roommate Share
Vendor Does Not Offer
Decks/Floors
6
Description
In addition to the services provided to all our suites and staterooms:
Private balcony
Panoramic sliding window
One king-size bed (180 x 190 cm) or two single beds (90 x 190 cm)
Bathroom with shower
110V American / 220V European
24-hour room service
The Prestige Stateroom is the standard accommodation category aboard Le Commandant Charcot, offering a comfortable and upscale base for polar exploration while still including a private balcony and premium amenities.
Accommodation Information
Room Category
PR6, PR7, PR8
Room in SqFt
215
Balcony in SqFt
53
Solo Cost
$63,112
3 Guests p/p
N/A
4 Guests p/p
N/A
5 Guests p/p
N/A
6 Guests p/p
N/A
Roommate Share
Vendor Does Not Offer
Decks/Floors
7
Description
In addition to the services provided to all our suites and staterooms:
Private balcony
Panoramic sliding window
One king-size bed (180 x 190 cm) or two single beds (90 x 190 cm)
Bathroom with shower
110V American / 220V European
24-hour room service
The Prestige Stateroom is the standard accommodation category aboard Le Commandant Charcot, offering a comfortable and upscale base for polar exploration while still including a private balcony and premium amenities.
Accommodation Information
Room Category
PR6, PR7, PR8
Room in SqFt
215
Balcony in SqFt
53
Solo Cost
$63,530
3 Guests p/p
N/A
4 Guests p/p
N/A
5 Guests p/p
N/A
6 Guests p/p
N/A
Roommate Share
Vendor Does Not Offer
Decks/Floors
8
Description
In addition to the services provided to all our suites and staterooms:
Private balcony
Panoramic sliding window
One king-size bed (180 x 190 cm) or two single beds (90 x 190 cm)
Bathroom with shower
110V American / 220V European
24-hour room service
The Prestige Stateroom is the standard accommodation category aboard Le Commandant Charcot, offering a comfortable and upscale base for polar exploration while still including a private balcony and premium amenities.
Accommodation Information
Room Category
DS6, DS7, DS8
Room in SqFt
310
Balcony in SqFt
53
Solo Cost
$69,994
3 Guests p/p
N/A
4 Guests p/p
N/A
5 Guests p/p
N/A
6 Guests p/p
N/A
Roommate Share
Vendor Does Not Offer
Decks/Floors
6
Description
In addition to the services provided to all our suites and staterooms:
Private balcony
Panoramic sliding window
One king-size bed (180 x 190 cm) or two single beds (90 x 190 cm)
Bathroom with shower
110V American / 220V European
24-hour room service
The Deluxe Suite is a step up from the Prestige Stateroom, offering additional space and a sitting area while maintaining the same elegant, expedition-focused design found throughout Le Commandant Charcot.
Accommodation Information
Room Category
DS6, DS7, DS8
Room in SqFt
310
Balcony in SqFt
53
Solo Cost
$72,154
3 Guests p/p
N/A
4 Guests p/p
N/A
5 Guests p/p
N/A
6 Guests p/p
N/A
Roommate Share
Vendor Does Not Offer
Decks/Floors
7
Description
In addition to the services provided to all our suites and staterooms:
Private balcony
Panoramic sliding window
One king-size bed (180 x 190 cm) or two single beds (90 x 190 cm)
Bathroom with shower
110V American / 220V European
24-hour room service
The Deluxe Suite is a step up from the Prestige Stateroom, offering additional space and a sitting area while maintaining the same elegant, expedition-focused design found throughout Le Commandant Charcot.
Accommodation Information
Room Category
DS6, DS7, DS8
Room in SqFt
310
Balcony in SqFt
53
Solo Cost
$72,564
3 Guests p/p
N/A
4 Guests p/p
N/A
5 Guests p/p
N/A
6 Guests p/p
N/A
Roommate Share
Vendor Does Not Offer
Decks/Floors
8
Description
In addition to the services provided to all our suites and staterooms:
Private balcony
Panoramic sliding window
One king-size bed (180 x 190 cm) or two single beds (90 x 190 cm)
Bathroom with shower
110V American / 220V European
24-hour room servic
The Deluxe Suite is a step up from the Prestige Stateroom, offering additional space and a sitting area while maintaining the same elegant, expedition-focused design found throughout Le Commandant Charcot.
Accommodation Information
Room Category
PS8
Room in SqFt
416
Balcony in SqFt
TBD
Solo Cost
$91,584
3 Guests p/p
$35,852
4 Guests p/p
$30,882
5 Guests p/p
N/A
6 Guests p/p
N/A
Roommate Share
Vendor Does Not Offer
Decks/Floors
6
Description
In addition to the services provided to all our suites and staterooms:
Butler service
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
Private balcony
Two pairs of Swarvoski CL Companion 10 x 30 binoculars
110V American / 220V European
24-hour room service
The Privilege Suite is one of the premium suite categories aboard Le Commandant Charcot, offering significantly more space than the Deluxe Suite and Prestige Stateroom, along with separate living and sleeping areas for added comfort on longer expeditions.
Accommodation Information
Room Category
GPS6
Room in SqFt
452
Balcony in SqFt
53
Solo Cost
$97,974
3 Guests p/p
$37,982
4 Guests p/p
N/A
5 Guests p/p
N/A
6 Guests p/p
N/A
Roommate Share
Vendor Does Not Offer
Decks/Floors
6
Description
In addition to the services provided to all our suites and staterooms:
Private balcony
Panoramic sliding window
One king-size bed (180 x 190 cm) or two single beds (90 x 190 cm)
Bathroom with shower
110V American / 220V European
24-hour room service
The Grand Suite is a premium accommodation category on Le Commandant Charcot, offering more space and enhanced amenities than the Deluxe Suite, while remaining a step below the larger Privilege, Duplex, and Owner's Suites. It is ideal for travelers seeking additional comfort and suite-level privileges during polar expeditions.
Accommodation Information
Room Category
DUS6
Room in SqFt
1,011
Balcony in SqFt
TBD
Solo Cost
$167,194
3 Guests p/p
$60,955
4 Guests p/p
$49,634
5 Guests p/p
N/A
6 Guests p/p
N/A
Roommate Share
Vendor Does Not Offer
Decks/Floors
6
Description
In addition to the services provided to all our suites and staterooms:
Butler service
A lounge with sofa bed, armchair, and sliding courtesy door
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
Private balcony: outdoor lounge with sofa and armchairs, jacuzzi
Two pairs of Swarvoski CL Companion 10 x 30 binoculars
110V American / 220V European
24-hour room service
The Duplex Suite is one of the most exclusive accommodations aboard Le Commandant Charcot. Spanning two levels, it offers a residential feel with substantially more space than the Grand or Privilege Suites and includes a private terrace with its own hot tub.
Accommodation Information
Room Category
N/A
Room in SqFt
1,238
Balcony in SqFt
115
Solo Cost
$212,994
3 Guests p/p
$76,322
4 Guests p/p
$61,234
5 Guests p/p
TBD
6 Guests p/p
N/A
Roommate Share
Vendor Does Not Offer
Decks/Floors
6
Description
In addition to the services provided to all our suites and staterooms:
Butler service
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
Private balcony: 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
110V American / 220V European
24-hour room service
The Owner's Suite is the most luxurious accommodation aboard Ponant's Le Commandant Charcot, the world's first luxury polar exploration icebreaker. Located aft on Deck 8, it is designed for travelers who want maximum space, privacy, and premium service while exploring destinations such as the Arctic, Antarctic, and the North Pole.
Additional Information
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