north pole trip from norway

Take a Luxury Icebreaker

To the north pole, a true bucket list tour - the voyage of a lifetime, 2025 and 2025 dates available at up to 30% off..

We've been on this voyage - bring all your questions!

From $42,800 per person.

Space is limited. Inquire today for best cabin selection

Travelling solo? We have single travelers looking to share on this itinerary.

The Geographic North Pole

And scoresby sound.

Be one of the very few people on the planet to stand on top of the world at the geographic North Pole!

Enroute you will enjoy stops in Svalbard, the wildlife capital of the Arctic, for chances to see Polar Bears, Whales, Walrus and bird life and picturesque Scoresby Sound, in Eastern Greenland.

Join the Adventure of a lifetime today

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Join us aboard the Commandant Charcot

Only 250 guests.

Polar Class 2.

The most luxurious Icebreaker in the world.

Ponant's brand-new ship, the Commandant Charcot has been designed to journey where no other luxury expedition ship has dared with unprecedented access to the most remote regions of the planet in style and comfort. The Commandant-Charcot is also the very first hybrid-electric polar exploration ship powered by liquefied natural gas and electric batteries resulting is 25% less carbon, 85% less nitrogen oxide and 95% less fine particle emissions.

All is included on your expedition, including return flights from Paris to Tromso, Norway - where the voyage begins. All you need to purchase is your international flights and your travel insurance.

For more information on this ship, please click here. 

An All-Inclusive Arctic Experience

All excursions.

All excursions are included on this trip of a lifetime. Zodiac cruises, hikes, wildlife watching and more.

Flight from Paris to Longyearbyen

We include the return flight from Paris to Longyearbyen for the start of the voyage.

Expedition Gear

Your Parka and boots are provided onboard. No need to pack bulky jackets and heavy boots. The parka is yours to keep.

Fine Dining and Drinks

Enjoy French-inspired dining and service onboard and a selection of top-shelf wines and spirits.

Room Service

Seriously - 24-hour room service is also included in your fare. Enjoy some late night snacks or breakfast in bed.

Five-Star Luxury

With a decadent spa, heated lagoon, sauna with a view, and snow room - your time onboard will be as great as on shore.

North Pole and Scoresby Sound

Up to 15% off

July 26 - August 11

September 26 - October 12

North Pole and Svalbard

Up to 30% off

July 22 - August 6

August 6 - 21

August 21 - September 5

Transarctic - Quest for Two Poles

2024/5 dates.

Up to 25% off

September 6-26, 2024

September 9-25, 2025

YOUR 2024 ITINERARY (2024)*

DAY 1: LONGYEARBYEN, SPITSBERGEN

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.

DAY 2: AT SEA ALONG SPITSBERGEN

The largest island in the Svalbard archipelago, its name meaning “pointed mountains” in German, Spitsbergen is the last piece of land before the Arctic ice floe. Aboard your ship, you will sail along the extremely spectacular coastline of this icy land. Between millennial glaciers and rugged mountains, you will discover a jagged coastline, hollowed-out by fjords. A unique setting, the refuge of a particularly rich avifauna, offering you the possibility of taking fabulous photographs from the deck of your ship.

Days 3-7: SAILING ICE FLOES

Enjoy the absolutely unique experience of sailing to the heart of the ice floe, this vast expanse of virgin, 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 these 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. It will also often be an opportunity to see a particular kind of fauna, totally dependent on the ice floe.

DAY 8: THE GEOGRAPHIC NORTH POLE

Defined by 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 people have ever reached it: an exploit which is now accessible to you aboard Le Commandant Charcot.

DAYS 9-10: NAVIGATING THROUGH SEA ICE

DAY 11: AT SEA ABOARD LE COMMANDANT CHARCOT

Spend exceptional moments sailing aboard Le Commandant Charcot, the world’s first luxury polar exploration vessel and the first PC2-class polar cruise ship capable of sailing into the very heart of the ice, on seas and oceans which the frozen conditions render inaccessible to ordinary ships. Le Commandant Charcot is fitted with oceanographic and scientific equipment selected by a committee of experts. Take advantage of the on-board lectures and opportunities for discussion with these specialists to learn more about the poles. Participate in furthering scientific research with PONANT and let us discover together what these fascinating destinations have yet to reveal to us.

DAY 12 - SAILING ICE FLOES ALONG GREENLAND

The north-east of Greenland is renowned for being home to one of the oldest and thickest layers of ice on the planet. Aboard your ship, you will have the unique opportunity of sailing to the heart of this icy wilderness, many thousands of years old, and will travel along one of the world's most isolated coasts, between drifting ice and blue icebergs.

DAY 13 - SCORESBY SOUND

Covering an area of 13,700 km2 (5,290 mi2), Scoresby Sound is the largest and deepest fjord system in the world. Named after the explorer and whale hunter William Scoresby, who mapped the region in 1822, it opens onto the Greenland Sea to the north of the Blosseville Coast. This wild and desert region offers untouched panoramas of infinite beauty, with high snow-capped peaks rising tall alongside icebergs immersed in clear, blue-tinged waters. Rode Fjord and its cliffs coloured red by iron ore provide a fascinating setting you will not want to miss. Discovering these stunning places in the wake of great explorers like Captain Charcot, who was deeply attached to the land of the Inuit, inspires a profound reverence.

DAY 14 - ITTOQQORTOORMIIT REGION

On the East coast of Greenland, in the Ittoqqortoormiit region, you will have the rare opportunity of immersing yourself in the heart of isolated scenery and exploring the beauty of its landscapes. The high alpine mountains stand out in the sky, revealing dark rock edges. The region is home to the longest fjord system in the world, Scoresby Sound. On the edge of the fjord, the eponymous village is considered one of the most remote inhabited places in the world. The colourful houses, so typical of Greenland, dot the landscape with small red, yellow and blue patches that stand out against the surrounding arid landscape. Immersing yourself in this region will allow you to discover the ancestral way of life of the last hunters of the polar region. This will be a veritable deep-dive into the lives of the Arctic’s inhabitants.

DAY 15 - AT SEA ABOARD LE COMMANDANT CHARCOT

DAY 16 - SAILING THROUGH THE DENMARK STRAIT

Lying between Greenland and Iceland, the Denmark Strait was crossed for the first time by theVikings in the late 10th century, during Erik the Red’s expeditions. In the Second World War, its waters were the theatre of a battle between the Kriegsmarine and the Royal Navy, on 24 May 1941. In the wintertime, extremely dense pack ice forms along the Greenlandic coasts and, while the Transpolar Drift sweeps icebergs along throughout the year, the strait is generally clear of ice during the summer. In the depths of the strait lies the world’s largest waterfall, an undersea cataract formed by the difference in temperature between the cold waters of the Greenland Sea and the warmer waters of the Irminger Sea. Numerous cetacean species thrive in this rich ecosystem.

DAY 17 - REYKJAVÍK

Iceland’s capital stretches along the edge of a vast bay in the west of the country. Perlan, the “Pearl of Reykjavík”, a museum located on ’Oskjuhlið hill, offers a panoramic view of the lush, green landscapes. A little further, one can easily spot the signpost showing the way to the evangelical Hallgrímskirkja church, and to the historical centre where one can stroll along the Skólavördustígur and the Laugavegur, two lively streets with charming small shops. For some relaxation just outside of the city, visitors have the opportunity to visit the Reykjanes peninsula and its famous thermal lagoons of the Blue Lagoon.

* The 2025 Itinerary does not include scheduled stops in Greenland and instead spends time in Svalbard on return if time permits.

Prestige Stateroom

Priced from $42,800.

Located on decks 6-8

Deluxe Suite

Priced from $45,500, prestige suite, priced from $62,900.

Located on decks 7 & 8

Grand Prestige Suite

Priced from $65,950.

Located on deck 6

Duplex Suite

Priced from $94,890.

Located on deck 6 + 7

Owner's Suite

Priced from $126,490.

Located on deck 8

* Please note the above prices are per person, based on double occupancy and may change periodically. Ponant generally starts with a 30% Early Booking Discount and reduces the discount as the ship fills.

See more voyages aboard the Charcot

Find Emperor Penguins in Antarctica, visit Greenland or sail the Northwest Passage in luxury.

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The Polar Adventure Company - with over 50 combined years of polar experience our Arctic and Antarctic experts will help you find your voyage of a lifetime. Our polar trips are offered at the same price as the ship or tour operator, there will never be a price difference and you won’t pay more when traveling with us. What you will get, however, is unparalleled access to over 1,500 polar experiences, each carefully curated from the world's best polar operators in order to ensure you have the best travel options.

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The Geographic North Pole

Longyearbyen, spitsbergen - longyearbyen, spitsbergen, dates: 07/07/2025 to  22/07/2025.

Guest of Honour

• With featured guest Sue Flood, British Photo Ambassador.

Head for 90 degrees North! Since the 16th century, the greatest expeditions have constantly tried to reach the North Pole . This mythical geographic point inspires and attracts as much as it fascinates dreamers and conquerors seeking out the other side of the world.

What if Le Commandant Charcot achieved this absolute pinnacle adventure by enabling you, perhaps, to tread on this virtually unattainable point?

Following in the wake of Frederick Cook, Robert Edwin Peary or Roald Amundsen, who were among the many who fought to achieve this elusive goal, you will be part of the chosen few ones to attempt the odyssey, 700 km (435 miles) from any land .

From Spitsbergen , you will head towards the north to sail the waters at the edges of the Earth, towards landscapes that change constantly according to the ice and the plays of light. Nature reigns supreme here, sheltering exceptional wildlife that you will perhaps be lucky enough to see as your journey progresses: polar bears, seals or even whales! Your exploration of this silent world, frozen by the cold, will continue as you attempt to reach the Grail of all polar explorers: the North Pole!

Swept by the winds and the currents, the ice floe is constantly drifting and the Captain of your ship will manoeuvre carefully and with great humility in an attempt to reach the northernmost point of our planet.

Find out more about the world of  Le Commandant Charcot  here!

We are privileged guests in these extreme lands where we are at the mercy of weather and ice conditions. Our navigation, mainly in the fjords, will be determined by the type of ice we come across; as the coastal ice must be preserved, we will take this into account from day to day in our itineraries. The sailing programme, outings, activities and observation of fauna cannot be guaranteed and are subject to weather and ice conditions. The experiences are unique and vary from day to day and for each departure. The Captain and the Expedition Leader will make every effort to ensure that your experience is as rich as possible, while respecting safety instructions and regulations imposed by the AECO.

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Be among the few people in the world to go in search of the Geographic North Pole! Enjoy the unique experience of sailing through the heart of the ice floe and the opportunities to observe the endless variety...

Your trip in detail

Your ship le commandant charcot.

PONANT activities

Important trip details

+33 (0)4 91 36 41 60 (or contact your travel agent)

Our guest of honour

Photo Ambassador

Choose your stateroom

Prestige Stateroom Deck 6  

Fully booked 30% Ponant Bonus

Prestige Stateroom Deck 7  

Prestige Stateroom Deck 8  

Deluxe Suite Deck 6  

Deluxe Suite Deck 7  

Deluxe Suite Deck 8  

Prestige Suite Deck 7  

Prestige Suite Deck 8  

Grand Prestige Suite Deck 6  

Privilege Suite Deck 8  

Duplex Suite Deck 6  

Owner's Suite  

Complete your trip

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*Price is per person, based on double occupancy, based on availability, and subject to change at any time. The category of stateroom to which this price applies may no longer be available.

Services provided

• Concierge Service: tailor-made and fully customisable services, from your reservation until you return from your trip
• Glazed private balcony for all our staterooms and suites
• Terrace for the Duplex suites and the Owner's suite
• 24-hour room service
• Inclusive Wifi internet access (availability dependent on navigation and latitude)
• Individually-controlled air conditioning
• Dressing room with shelves and closet
• Dressing table and hairdryer
• Dyptique Paris top-of-the-line bath products
• Nespresso coffee maker and boiler
• Electronic safe
• Direct line telephone
• Bose Bluetooth speaker
• Flat screen TV, international channels (availability dependent on navigation) and videos on demand
• 110V American (two flat pins)/220V European (round sockets with two round pins)
• 3 ADA staterooms

Select your stateroom category

Stateroom size

• - than 25 m²
• + than 25 m²

Prestige Stateroom Deck 6

30% Ponant Bonus

Prestige Stateroom Deck 7

Prestige Stateroom Deck 8

Deluxe Suite Deck 6

Deluxe Suite Deck 7

Deluxe Suite Deck 8

Prestige Suite Deck 7

Prestige Suite Deck 8

Grand Prestige Suite Deck 6

Privilege Suite Deck 8

Duplex Suite Deck 6

Owner's Suite

Sue Flood is an award-winning photographer, filmmaker and public speaker. Her work takes her all over the world but she has a special passion for the wildlife and icy beauty of the Polar regions and is one of the very few women who chooses to return again and again to Earth’s harshest and most demanding environments.

A zoology graduate, Sue spent 11 years with the BBC Natural History Unit, working on series including The Blue Planet and Planet Earth as well as the Disneynature movie Earth with Sir David Attenborough, before turning her focus to photography. Her images have appeared in National Geographic, BBC Wildlife, Geo and other distinguished publications. Her most recent book is Emperor, The Perfect Penguin with a foreword by Sir Michael Palin.

Sue’s work has won multiple awards and in recognition of her photographic achievements, Sue was invited to meet Her Majesty The Queen at Buckingham Palace. In May 2022 Sue received an Honorary Master of Science degree from The University of Chester.

Her adventures in the Arctic and Antarctic include diving with narwhals and leopard seals, living with Inuit hunters on the floe edge and camping for several weeks in Antarctica’s most southerly emperor penguin colony.

Sue is a member of the Explorers Club, a Fellow of the Royal Geographical Society, Royal Photographic Society and of the North American Nature Photography Association.  

When she is not in some far-flung location, Sue lives on the edge of the Snowdonia National Park in North Wales.

Sue is honoured to have been appointed as one of Ponant’s Photo Ambassadors.

Language spoken: English

Photo credit: Ian Dawson

Boarding conditions and passenger travel abilities

We invite you to read our boarding conditions and passenger travel abilities by clicking here . 

Any new reservation implies the acceptance of these conditions.

To guarantee your entry into one or several countries, you must ensure that you comply with the formalities and health requirements specific to each destination. In just a few clicks on our online search engine, find all the formalities you must complete prior to your departure (visas, entry authorisations for each country, vaccinations, etc.).

The international situation can change rapidly, so be sure to check this information regularly prior to your departure. However, please note that we always recommend our guests contact the relevant national immigration and customs and border control authorities directly to find out what rules apply to their specific situation. PONANT is not responsible for any decisions made by guests based on the information provided by the online search engine.

The information below is current but subject to change at any time without advance notice from government authorities. Please consult your respective government agencies for visa and health information.

Passport valid for at least six (6) months beyond the completion of your trip. Passport must contain at least two completely clear, blank, unused visa pages for each visa required, not including any amendment pages. Visa pages with stains or ink from other pages in the passport are not usable. Guests who deviate from the scheduled embarkation or disembarkation port should research the foreign entry requirements for the port country. Due to government regulations, regrettably, Ponant will have to deny boarding to any guest who fails to obtain the appropriate travel documentation for this trip.

Activities : please note that for polar plunge , an EKG (electrocardiogram) by your general practitioner will be required. 

Also, for persons under 18 wishing to take part in this activity as well as kayaking , a sworn statement from the parents or legal guardians that they are able to swim will be asked. A parent or legal guardian must be present at the time of the activity.

List of items prohibited on board

To guarantee the safety and well-being of our guests, certain items are strictly prohibited on board. Should you have one of these products or objects in your possession, they will be confiscated immediately and will not be transported on the ship. When an item transported aboard is considered illegal, the relevant authorities will be notified systematically.

Click here  for the full list of items prohibited on board. 

Warning about the use of drones : the use of drones aboard PONANT ships, whether they are sailing at sea, at a port of call or anchored, is strictly forbidden. The use of drones on land in the Arctic and Antarctic regions is also strictly forbidden by international polar regulations. In other regions, it may be possible to use drones on land if permission has been obtained from the relevant authorities of each country and each region travelled through, as well as a pilot’s licence that should be obtained from your home country. Passengers are responsible for obtaining these permits; they should be able to present them at all times. Passengers who do not obtain these authorisations expose themselves to the risk of legal proceedings.

Expedition programmes include activities such as zodiac outings and landings (sometimes with "wet landing"), moderate walks to more active hikes, all accompanied by your expedition team of naturalist guides.

Ports of call, visited sites, outings and landings will depend on weather conditions, position of ice, winds and the state of the sea. These can force a change of plans at any time. The Captain and the Expedition Leader may at any time cancel or stop any activity, or even modify the itinerary. The final itinerary will be confirmed by the Captain, who will take into account the touristic quality of the sites and above all, the safety of the passengers. His decision will be based on advice from experts and authorities.

Travelling to polar/isolated regions is an exhilarating experience in remote areas: please remember that you are far from modern hospitals with full medical facilities, thus evacuation is extremely expensive. Without adequate medical coverage, all expenses will have to be immediately paid with your personal funds. We urge you to subscribe to full coverage insurance, choose your insurance company very carefully, be extremely vigilant and ensure your insurance is fully comprehensive, especially if you are insured by your credit card. PONANT offers an insurance contract with extensive guarantees, please contact us for more information.

Clothing tips:

• A PONANT polar water-resistant parka is offered on board for all departures with an Expedition programme (no children sizes, in case of consecutive cruises, only one complimentary parka).
• Half calf rubber boots with non-slip soles, which will allow you to go ashore in 20 cm of cold water, keeping your feet dry for walks and visits on steep paths. Boot rental will be offered onboard (for adults only) on Expedition cruises.
• Comfortable trousers: classic Winter trousers, warm cotton tracksuit, wool leggings
• Waterproof and windproof over-trousers – MANDATORY
• Winter trousers with waterproof over trousers are the ideal combination: water-resistance and comfort of trousers are essential
• Pullover, sweat-shirt or fleece jacket
• Woollen or thermolactyl Thermal underwear
• A warm hat, woollen ear muffs or fleece ear muffs, fleece or woollen neck warmer (avoid scarves that do not stay in place)- MANDATORY
• Wool or silk glove liners, water-resistant and supple gloves
• Thick warm socks (ideally woollen)

Accessories:

• Small waterproof backpack (to protect your camera from water).
• Binoculars (strongly recommended for wildlife viewing).
• Highly protective sunglasses.
• Walking poles (highly recommended).

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.

• Simple dress
• Skirt or trousers
• Pleated trousers or chinos
• Sports jacket

Officer’s evening:

For all cruises 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 cruise, two gala evenings will be organised on board. Thus, we recommend that you bring one or two formal outfits.

• Cocktail attire
• Evening dress (if you wish to)
• Tie recommended, possibly bow tie (if you wish to)

A small shop is available on board offering a wide range of outfits, jewellery, leather goods and many accessories.

A laundry service (washing/ironing) is available on board, but unfortunately there are no dry cleaning services. For safety reasons, your cabin is not equipped with an iron.

INSULATED BASE LAYER:

• Wool or thermolactyl technical underwear
• Polar or technical jacket
• Polar sweater or sweatshirt
• Silk or wool glove liners
• Wool leggings
• Warm hiking socks

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
• Hiking shoes

HEALTH CARE:

• 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
• 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

Polar water activities

Experience the unrivalled sensations of immersion in cold water. Whether you take a polar plunge in a swimsuit or a dip in a dry-suit* that allows you to float, you will enjoy a unique experience in an exceptional setting, surrounded by ice. Feel intense thrills and enjoy the energy boost you get as your body warms back up after the swim!

*with limited places available

Kayaking - Le Commandant Charcot

You will make the most of the sailing opportunities and weather and ice conditions to glide along on the clear waters or between the ice floes and get as close as possible to the immaculate nature of the poles. Supervised by licenced expert guides, you will try your hand in a kayak- a craft favoured by the Inuits for at least 4,000 years.  The kayak was initially used for hunting and fishing; for you, it will be a means of making the most of your adventure on the White Continent or in the Far North.*

Ice fishing

What better place than the icy Arctic regions to practice ice fishing? Assisted by the naturalist guides, you will look for the perfect spot to cut a hole on the ice floe or on frozen lakes and try to catch fish using an ancestral method. You will make the most of weather and ice opportunities to practice this unusual activity, which will equally delight fans of game fishing and those who are curious to make new discoveries.*

Hiking or snowshoeing

During shore landings, depending on the ecological resilience of the biome, we will propose hikes at different levels, in the company of your experienced naturalist guides. From a simple stroll along the coast to walks lasting several hours to reach particular viewpoints or historical sites, you will make the most of the opportunities provided by the weather and ice conditions. When the itineraries allow, you’ll put on snowshoes* to set off like the explorers of old and discover areas that have barely known Man.

• Be among the few people in the world to go in search of the Geographic North Pole!
• Enjoy the unique experience of sailing through the heart of the ice floe and the opportunities to observe the endless variety of forms and states of the ice, in the silence and respect of the landscapes through which you travel through.
• The eye and the sound advice of our photo ambassador, a privileged opportunity to immortalise your journey with, on the programme: workshops, lectures and customised advice to improve your photographic skills.
• Landscapes: ice floes. In Spitsbergen, jagged mountains, steep-sided valleys, sheer cliffs, gigantic glaciers.  Wildlife: polar bears, Northern fulmar, ivory gull, seals, whales.
• Many brand-new activities*: kayaking, hiking or snowshoeing, polar plunge.

*Subject to weather and ice conditions and to sailing opportunities

Ports of Call & Excursions

7 July 2025 - Longyearbyen, Spitsbergen

Embarkation 07/07/2025 from 16:00 to 17:00 Departure 07/07/2025 at 18:00

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.

8 July 2025 - At sea along Spitsbergen

Arrival 08/07/2025 Departure 08/07/2025

The largest island in the Svalbard archipelago, its name meaning “pointed mountains” in German, Spitsbergen is the last piece of land before the Arctic ice floe. Aboard your ship, you will sail along the extremely spectacular coastline of this icy land. Between millennial glaciers and rugged mountains , you will discover a jagged coastline, hollowed-out by fjords . A unique setting, the refuge of a particularly rich avifauna, offering you the possibility of taking fabulous photographs from the deck of your ship.

9 July 2025   13 July 2025 - Navigating through the sea ice

Arrival 09/07/2025 Departure 13/07/2025

Enjoy the absolutely unique experience of sailing to the heart of the ice floe , this vast expanse of virgin, 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 these 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. It will also often be an opportunity to see a particular kind of fauna, totally dependent on the ice floe.

14 July 2025 - Geographic North Pole

Arrival 14/07/2025 Departure 14/07/2025

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 people have ever reached it: an exploit which is now accessible to you aboard Le  Commandant Charcot .

15 July 2025   19 July 2025 - Navigating through the sea ice

Arrival 15/07/2025 Departure 19/07/2025

20 July 2025   21 July 2025 - At sea along Spitsbergen

Arrival 20/07/2025 Departure 21/07/2025

22 July 2025 - Longyearbyen, Spitsbergen

Arrival 22/07/2025 early morning Disembarkation 22/07/2025 at 08:00

Le Commandant Charcot

With Le Commandant Charcot , PONANT has imagined and envisaged the cruise voyage of tomorrow . The latest addition to the fleet will take you following in the footsteps of the great polar explorers in refined surroundings complete with the kind of luxury services never before offered in the farthest reaches of the southern and northern hemispheres. 

The indoor swimming pool, the conservatory, the panoramic restaurant, the Blue Lagoon outdoor restaurant, the Main Lounge, the Observation Lounge, the lobby… Each of the common areas has been designed to both convey French-style discreet luxury and arouse wonder and amazement. The common thread running through all their designs is the desire to allow the light to penetrate and open everything up the extraordinary polar landscapes and scenery. This very first hybrid-electric polar exploration ship powered by LNG has been designed with the greatest attention to detail in terms of safety and respect for the environment . 

Find out more about Le Commandant Charcot

Make your dreams of adventure come true, explore the boundaries of the world, and discover wild and legendary territories. The icy immensity of Antarctica, the constantly changing glaciers and icebergs of the North Pole, the mysterious mists of the North European coastlines, the most remote fjords on the planet… Every destination unveils unrivalled landscapes, home to increasingly varied fauna. Our team of naturalist-guides will share their knowledge with you during varied lectures about the history of the great explorations, geology and climatology, the fauna and flora, and will invite you to share special moments with the local populations.

North Pole Tours

We have a wide selection of North Pole cruise and tours. Take this trip to the top of the world where you will have an ultimate experience aboard our hand picked vessels. Along the journey you will encounter rookeries of Arctic birds, walruses and seals. Polar bears might get curious enough to approach and examine your vessel from a very close distance. Join this spectacular trip and it will sure become an unforgettable journey of a lifetime!

The great frozen North, the Arctic region is made up of parts of various countries including Greenland, Norway, Iceland, Sweden, Finland, Russia, Canada, and USA (Alaska). A cruise to the Arctic is a memorable experience, and our tour packages aboard hand-selected vessels will ensure that you receive the most enjoyable experience possible.

Many people venture to the Arctic in hope of seeing the majestic polar bear, but other Wildlife you can encounter include Arctic hare, lemming, reindeer, ox, and giant moose. Scan the snow for signs of the Arctic fox and snowy owl, or for the ocean witness narwhal, walrus, seal, whales and orca.

When you visit the Arctic you are stepping back in time into one of the most inhospitable environments on earth. Eclipse Travel officers a wide range of cruise options to help give you the best vantage point to enjoy the breathtaking scenery for Glaciers, Icebergs, and the strange experience of midnight Sun. Crushing through pack ice, the journey can take as long as a week, serving only to heighten your anticipation for this once in a lifetime trip to the North Pole. Whichever Arctic cruise you choose you’ll be sure to have an unforgettable journey.

The Geographic North Pole & Scoresby Sound

Push the boundaries of navigation and set sail for 90 degrees North! During this exceptional polar exploration, you will go…

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North Pole Cruises

A North Pole cruise is the ultimate Arctic expedition that only a select few embark upon each year. Seeking to add your name to the short list of adventurers who have made it to the top? Read on.

Travel to the North Pole requires a purpose-built expedition ship, an experienced polar crew and intrepid guests with the time and money required to obtain this privileged experience. Getting to the North Pole, at 90 degrees North, you will join an exclusive club of travelers who have reached the top of the world. AdventureSmith Explorations have been there ourselves and bring our firsthand experience to you. Our North Pole expedition cruise experts will help you achieve your dream of a cruise to the North Pole.  

ON THIS PAGE – North Pole Cruises: Can You Go to the North Pole? A Brief History of North Pole Expeditions North Pole Cruises & Ships How to Travel to the North Pole What Can You See & Do at the North Pole The Best Time to Visit the North Pole How Much Does it Cost to Travel to the North Pole? More Arctic Resources The Best North Pole Expedition Cruises

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Keep on top of North Pole travel updates .

Can You Go to the North Pole?

Can you visit the North Pole in 2024 and 2025? Yes, there are North Pole expedition cruises to take you there. In fact, the North Pole has never been more accessible to travelers.

A new fleet of luxury expedition ships with ice-strengthened hulls voyage to the North Pole in safety and comfort. An older fleet of Russian icebreakers, converted for use in tourism, is currently on hold.

Our Arctic cruise experts have cruised to the North Pole ( read our review of the experience ), and we have the expertise to get you there. 

A Brief History of North Pole Expeditions

The history of North Pole expeditions is long, exhilarating and sometimes tragic. Early explorers understood that the North Pole was in a sea, and it might be reached through the ice during summer. Throughout the 1800-1900s, explorers attempted and claimed to reach the North Pole. There is a long history of North Pole expeditions via airplanes, airships, dogsleds, skis, submarines and surface ships with unsubstantiated and credible claims of success.

The first ship to reach the North Pole was the Russian nuclear-powered icebreaker Arktika in August 1977. In 1991, the first group of travelers reached the North Pole aboard a converted research icebreaker via the Northeast Passage across the Russian Arctic.

At first, North Pole cruises were a novelty trip, occurring every couple of years. As expedition cruising has gained popularity and Arctic ice has retreated, cruises to the North Pole have become a consistent offering. North Pole ships, routes and embarkation points vary from year to year. Our experts will help you determine the best expedition for your interests, ability and budget.

What it’s Like? Our Experts Have Been

North Pole Cruises & Ships

Obviously, it takes a specific type of vessel to endure polar extremes, break through multi-year sea ice and reach the geographic pole at 90 degrees North. Traditionally, North Pole cruises operated aboard nuclear-powered Russian icebreakers.

For many years the Yamal and 50 Years of Victory icebreaker were the workhorses of the North Pole cruise industry. Owned by the Russian government, they were chartered by polar expedition companies specifically for North Pole cruises. Cruises to the North Pole aboard Russian icebreakers are currently on hold.

The newly launched Le Commandant Charcot is an extraordinary, next-generation expedition cruise ship. Her PC2 ice class rating is the highest of any purpose-built expedition ship. Hybrid electric and liquid natural gas propulsion is the first of its kind. Aboard the Charcot, you can travel to the North Pole in comfort and style, representing the future of North Pole cruising.

In 2024, Charcot operates two new North Pole itineraries: Charcot Transarctic attempts to reach both the Magnetic and the Geographic North Poles, and Charcot North Pole & Scoresby Sound adds a visit to Greenland. In 2025, Charcot brings back its classic North Pole Expedition route, offering shorter departures round-trip from Longyearbyen, Svalbard. We expect more ships to schedule this unique route in the future, so check this page often or sign up for our newsletter . 

VIEW ALL NORTH POLE CRUISES

See the full list of itinerary options.

How to Travel to the North Pole

Wondering how to get to the North Pole? By expedition ship, unless you are among a handful of endurance athletes who’d dog sled or ski!

Russian icebreaker North Pole expedition ships depart from the port of Murmansk. From Murmansk, ships sail north out of Kola Bay about 1,400 miles to the North Pole. Cruises from Murmansk stop in Franz Josef Land in search of polar bears and arctic wildlife. Cruises aboard Russian ships are currently on hold, but in the past averaged 13 to 14 days.

Cruises to the North Pole also operate from Svalbard, Norway, over an average of 17 days. The geographic North Pole lies only 500 miles north of Spitsbergen, the largest island in Svalbard. To embark a North Pole cruise in Svalbard, travelers must fly from Olso, Norway, to Longyearbyen. Round-trip cruises from Svalbard include an exploration of the archipelago including searching for polar bears, walrus and other arctic animals . 

The ultimate North Pole expedition begins in Nome, Alaska and cruises across the top of the globe, attempting to reach both the Geographic and the Magnetic North Poles, before ending in Svalbard.

Another long voyage starts in Svalbard, visits the geographic North Pole, then cruises to Greenland and explores it’s eastern coast, before cruising to Iceland . For this Iceland North Pole cruise, travelers embark in Longyearbyen, Norway, and disembark in Reykjavik, Iceland. Reykjavik offers flights to Europe and North America, making this a popular option. This extraordinary cruise visits all of the Arctic travel highlights travelers seek.

Any cruise to the North Pole will include many days at sea, navigating through ice floes. The vast expanse of virgin ice is unusual at first. Then your eyes adjust to a constantly changing landscape, shifting from smooth flat wilderness to a chaotic jumble of ice formations, then to channels of open water. Seek out a particular kind of wildlife, totally dependent on the ice floe. 

What Can You See & Do at the North Pole?

Upon arrival at the geographic North Pole, there is no signpost or landmark to identify the achievement. The ship’s navigational equipment will indicate 90 degrees north. Provided there is enough ice, the ship will stop, and guests will have a chance to disembark directly onto the sea ice. Much celebration and fanfare will take place.

In the past, some ships offered a hot air balloon ride or helicopter rides above the ice along the way. Ice fishing is another possible activity, as are various stations to participate in citizen science and a polar plunge where you can cheer on fellow guests who brave the world’s iciest water. Read more about what AdventureSmith’s experts did at the North Pole .

But most guests are content to stand on the top of the world, walk on the ice and take pictures to document the momentous achievement. You have reached the top of the world. Anywhere you gaze, you are looking south. Massive icebergs are surrounded by a horizon that seems to go on forever. The vacant blue of the wide sky looks over a sea of ice. The scale and silence is vast and humbling. A cruise to the North Pole puts life in perspective. 

What wildlife is there to see on a cruise to the North Pole? Guests will have chances to see polar bears, walrus and other arctic animals. Prior to entering the ice there is a chance to see whales and other marine life. Visits to Svalbard , Greenland and/or Iceland on select North Pole cruise itineraries are rich in birdlife, wildlife, marine life and stunning scenery. Older North Pole cruise routes even touched down on the rarely visited Russian Arctic archipelago of Franz Josef Land, where interesting geological features, such as the mysterious stone spheres on Champ Island, columnar basalt cliffs of Rubini Rock and the northernmost point of land in the Eastern Hemisphere can be found.

The Best Time to Visit the North Pole

North Pole cruises operate during a short season that begins in mid-June and ends in mid-August each summer. This is the time when frozen sea ice is at its minimum, allowing the possibility that icebreaker ships can reach the geographic North Pole. During this time, 24-hour midnight sun shines and arctic wildlife is the most active. 

How Much Does it Cost to Travel to the North Pole?

No doubt, it is expensive to travel to the North Pole. North Pole cruise prices historically started at $30,000 per person, with luxury cruises starting at $57,000 per person with suites costing $58,000 up to $184,000 per person.

Why do people invest so much money on a North Pole trip? Few people can claim to have visited the North Pole. It is the ultimate nature and adventure travel achievement. Motivations range from checking it off your bucket list, an extraordinary photographic expedition or a once-in-a-lifetime feat. There is even an exclusive group for whom North Pole trips call them back over and over.  

Ask anyone who has traveled to the North Pole and they will tell you, it is absolutely worth it. 

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MORE ARCTIC RESOURCES : Arctic Cruises Iceland Cruises Greenland Cruises Svalbard Cruises Northern Lights Cruises Arctic Tours Arctic Expedition Trips Arctic Animals Arctic Cruise Deals Arctic Trip Reviews

Find the Best North Pole Cruise

How to best get to the North Pole? With our expertise and selection. Browse the best North Pole cruises below. Our crew has been to the North Pole aboard expedition ships, and we help clients to research, book and prepare for their North Pole cruise. Each year there are only a handful of trips to the North Pole. So, the best North Pole expedition cruise is the one you are on.  

Crush through pack ice and reach the North Pole in luxury, aboard the 245-guest, modern, hybrid-electric ship Le Commandant Charcot. With the ease of round-trip charter flights from Paris, this North Pole expedition will not disappoint.

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100+ combined years of experience, 7 continents explored, decades of expedition cruising around the world & here to help you find & book your dream trip.

Need Help Finding Your North Pole Cruise?

Our experts have been to the top of the world and will answer all your questions about North Pole tours. We will help you decide which cruise to North Pole is right for you and provide advice on how to prepare for your voyage. Find more details about the North Pole expedition ships that have icebreaker status to reach the top of the world below, as well as more Arctic travel resources. Or contact our experts to begin planning your North Pole expedition today.

Hear from Adventure Specialist Taylor Cranney about what it’s really like at the North Pole in this review of her trip. See her impressions from 16 days at sea and who might be cut out for an expedition of this caliber.

Le Commandant Charcot, carrying 200-245 guests, is a sophisticated, luxury expedition ship cruising the Arctic & Antarctic. Her hybrid electric engine, powered by liquefied natural gas, is the first of its kind. And her activity options, including ice fishing, offer a unique polar experience, rounded out by a French-inspired onboard atmosphere.

Get expert insight on the record-breaking ship Le Commandant Charcot. Our specialist was aboard for more than two weeks and reviews everything from the cabins to the crew and programming.

Contact Us - North Pole Cruises

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North Pole Flight

“I also appreciate all the "extra" touches you used to make us much more entertained, comfortable and happy; especially the golf, dogsledding, skiing, treats, cheeses, and of course the wine and Grand Khaan vodka. The stories are fun to tell and it was all made so much better due to your wonderful organization and cheerful leadership. I had the best time....ever!” 

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Yes, it's possible to travel to the North Pole!  We've been guiding flights to the North Pole for nearly 30 years and it's one of our most popular North Pole tours. This polar expedition begins in the bustling Arctic village of Longyearbyen, Norway, which is accessible via Oslo by commercial air. From Longyearbyen we'll fly to the Barneo Icecamp, a drifting basecamp that will act as our home away from home while we are on the ice. "Camp Barneo" is one of the most unique basecamps in the world and the ideal base for this North Pole trip. After an orientation at Barneo we'll fly by helicopter to 90 degrees North - the Geographic North Pole. This 20-45 minute flight over the pack ice offers a glimpse into an environment that is rapidly changing. Ice extends as far as you can see in any direction. Pressure ridges and open water leads crisscross the frozen seascape. Upon landing at the North Pole you'll be able to explore the immediate area, take photos, meditate, celebrate, call home and bear witness to this remarkable place where the world literally comes together. It's beautiful and extreme, yet fragile and demanding of our respect and care. After spending time at the North Pole we'll return to the Barneo Basecamp for a night under the midnight sun in the comfort of heated tents. Then it's back to Longyearbyen, Norway where civilization awaits along with opportunities to explore this Arctic paradise. 

Dates & Rates

2024 Dates: 

Tentatively April 14 -17 , 2024

2024 Price: TBD

2023 pricing €25,500 per person

Inclusions:

Pre-expedition assistance with all your Long yearbyen bookings (accommodations, special activities, etc.)

Pick up at the Longyearbyen airport and transfer to hotel

Accommodations and meals at the Barneo Basecamp

Use of our Satellite phone to call make a call from the North Pole

Custom North Pole certificate and award

"Ready-to-give" North Pole Powerpoint presentation for your personal use. 

A 25% deposit will hold your space. Payment in full is due by December 1, 2021. Must arrive in Longyearbyen at least one full day prior to the first expedition activities.

Pre Expedition: Arrive in Longyearbyen.

The morning is yours to explore Longyearbyen or participate in a guided snowmobile or dogsled tour (ask us for recommendations). In the afternoon we'll check your gear if we haven't already so you have time to visit stores for anylast minute necessities.  A pre-flight briefing is scheduled for the early evening. 

Weather permitting, you'll fly to 89 degrees North and touchdown at the Barneo Ice Camp. You'll be invited into the heated tents and welcomed to Barneo. This is one of the most unusual basecamps in the world and its precise location various with the drifting ice. Your trip to the North Pole will take place via MI-8 helicopter that is stationed at Barneo. The 20-40 minute flight will land you as close as possible to the geographic North Pole, where all time zones converge and every direction is south. A  celebration will ensue, including champagne toasts, photographs to document your arrival and a call home from the top of the world. The duration of our visit is largely determined by weather conditions and will likely last between 45 minutes to 2 hours.

Read the full itinerary here.

Qualifications

Our North Pole Flights are for people who want to experience the North Pole, but don't have the time, energy or funding to do a full expedition.

People on our flights have ranged in age from 1 to 81 years! This North Pole tour requires that you can climb several stairs into and out of the plane as well as being able to walk across the uneven terrain of the pack ice. We can assist you as necessary.

Please  contact us  with further questions!

Upon registration, you will receive a comprehensive gear guide that explains the importance of each item as well as gear recommendations from our past participants. Please contact us for more information about your personal gear and group gear for this expedition.

Several items on our equipment checklist are available from our store. 

North Pole Flight Video

More pictures.

RElated Blog Posts

• Oct 11, 2022

All Expeditions Share These Three Phases - Expeditionary Phase

• Sep 28, 2022

All Expeditions Share These Three Phases - Preparatory Phase

• Sep 13, 2022

Being Recognized By Heads Of State

• Sep 9, 2022

Ask The Expert - How Your Expedition Can Make A Difference

• Sep 1, 2022

Briefing For Entry Into A More Harsh Environment by Morgan Hite

• Jul 20, 2022

Staying Comfortable In Extreme Conditions

Additional Videos

North Pole Last Degree Ski Details

North Pole Dogsledding with PolarExplorers

The Beauty of the North Pole.mp4

North Pole Flight - Everything You Need To Know

2018 Top of the World!

Skiing to the North Pole. Think you could handle the full North Pole ski expedition?

PolarExplorers North Pole Last Degree Ski Expedition Movie

Polar Explorers - North Pole Dog Sled Expedition 1993

This incredible adventure for the chosen few starts in Murmansk, Russia. Here you embark the nuclear-powered icebreaker 50 Years of Victory for a roundtrip voyage to the geographic North Pole. Anticipation heightens as the mighty ship smashes through the frozen Arctic Ocean toward the top of the world. Helicopter tours is also part of the adventure. Plus you visit Frans Josef Land with Arctic Wildlife, including walruses and polar bears.

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Iceland & Norway’s Arctic Explorer

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Iceland & Norway’s Arctic Explorer Map

Call on distant northern shores

Discover life in the far north during a voyage across the Arctic Circle and along the distant shores of Norway and Iceland. Marvel at the rugged beauty of Geiranger, visit the former Hanseatic League city of Bergen and admire Honningsvåg’s remote North Cape. Enjoy an overnight stay in Longyearbyen, home to more polar bears than people, and call at Tromsø, Norway’s most northernly city.

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Pricing that covers everything guests need—and nothing they do not.

To learn more about each port of call and our included as well as optional excursions, click on the individual days below.

Itinerary and shore excursions are subject to change and may vary by departure.

More features, services and excursions included

One complimentary shore excursion in every port of call

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Complimentary access to The Nordic Spa & Fitness Center.

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Your Stateroom Includes:

King-size Viking Explorer Bed with luxury linen

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Large private bathroom with spacious glass-enclosed shower, heated floor, anti-fog mirror & hair dryer

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More days means more to discover, with extension packages you can add before or after your Viking cruise or cruisetour. Enjoy additional days to explore your embarkation or disembarkation city, or see a new destination altogether with a choice of exciting cities. Pre & Post Cruise Extensions vary by itinerary and are subject to change.

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On this itinerary, your Viking Resident Historian is delivering the following iconic lectures:

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Viking Resident Historian

As part of our onboard cultural enrichment program and commitment to destination-focused learning, our Viking Resident Historian faculty provides guests with lectures and roundtable discussions on the arts, architecture, music and culture of upcoming ports and various aspects of world history.

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NORTH POLE  | Arctic

North pole travel guide, share expedition.

Expedition Meets in: Longyearbyen, Spitsbergen, Svalbard, Norway Currency: Norwegian Krone Population of Svalbard Approximately 3,000 Official Language: Norwegian Season: Annually in April

Things you Need to Know:

Tourist visas.

Uniquely, while the Norwegian archipelago of Svalbard, located in the High Arctic, is part of the Kingdom of Norway it is an entirely visa-free zone meaning anyone can live and work in Svalbard.

However, you might need a visa to transit/stopover in mainland Norway.  Make sure this is a double-entry visa so you can return to mainland Norway/the Schengen area after your trip to Svalbard. Speak to your travel agent to understand what your visa requirements are. 

Even if you are an EU citizen who normally travels to Norway using just your European ID card, you must still bring a valid passport to prove your identity. Everyone travelling in and out of Svalbard must be able to prove their identity with a passport and they check in numerous times before you get on the plane.

Getting there

While Svalbard is geographically closer to the North Pole than to Norway, it is not as difficult or inaccessible as you might think. It is surprisingly straightforward and easy to get there with regular flights from Oslo and Tromsø. Svalbard only has one airport at Longyearbyen and flying time from Oslo is 3 hours, 2 from Tromsø.

Norwegian airlines has approximately 3 weekly flights to Longyearbyen throughout the year which increases in peak season, March – August. SAS airlines has daily flights to Longyearbyen throughout the year, via Tromsø. In peak season, the number of flights increases to several flights per day, some of them directly from Oslo. These can however be at odd times and you may find yourself arriving at midnight or needing to layover in Oslo to meet your connecting flights. It is still worth booking these flights early as they can fill up quickly.

There is no boat service or ferry service to Svalbard except for the cruise ships.

Getting Around in Longyearbyen

Longyearbyen is only small so you can walk around downtown easily. There are no street names here, just 40km of paved roads. During the Polar Summer, you can borrow bicycles at the Tourist Information Centre. There are two taxi companies who can also get you around town, into the valley, to the airport and Nybyen and a car hire company called Arctic Autorent which is located at the airport.

The airport shuttle is extremely convenient as it stops at all the hotels and guesthouses and corresponds with all arrivals and departures. You need to pay in Norwegian kroner or by credit card as the shuttle does not accept foreign currency.

They say there are are more snowmobiles than people, and it’s the main choice of transport during the winter for the locals.

How to Dress in Svalbard

It’s important to dress appropriately in the High Arctic with frostbite being one of the most common injuries in Svalbard. The weather can change very quickly at any time of the year.  Strong winds make the actual temperature lower than the measured temperature. You can expect the average temperature for the summer months (mid-May to September) to be around 3 – 7 ˚C.

Bring a warm parka, windproof jacket and woollen underwear, as well as mittens and a hat. The terrain in Svalbard is uneven and rocky so you will need waterproof and solid walking shoes/mountain boots. In the summer, snow and ice melt leads to increased levels in rivers and streams so if you plan on any hikes, bring rubber boots and/or gaiters for crossings.

You can buy clothes and other equipment at the many sports stores in town at tax-free prices.

You should also bring indoor shoes/slippers or warm socks. It is tradition to take off your shoes when visiting someone’s home and when entering hotels/accommodation, shops and offices. This dates back to the when coal mines were in the middle of the settlement and by taking off your shoes, you avoided dragging coal dust into the houses, hotels and shops. Most places who request you to take off your shoes offer slippers.

Safety in Svalbard

Safety while travelling in Svalbard is a little different to other destinations – The climate is rough, the weather can change rapidly and polar bears outnumber people.

Good preparation and a conservative approach is key in order to maximise your enjoyment in Svalbard whilst minimizing these risks.

It is critical if you are venturing out of town to go with professional and local tour operators. Arctic Guides are well qualified to take care of your safety. They are able to assess weather conditions, avalanche risk, ice conditions, polar bea risk and a range of other factors. Further, guides leading tours outside of the safe zone in Longyearbyen always bring the required equipment for polar bear protection, as well as long range communication systems.

Keep in mind that you should not venture out from the settlements in Svalbard without being properly equipped or qualified. In Longyearbyen there is a safe-zone within which you do not have to carry any equipment for polar bear protection. You can get a free copy of the safe zone map from the tourist information office in Longyearbyen. In fact, it is illegal to leave town without a gun (and knowing how to use it!) It is also illegal to kill bears unless it’s absolutely unavoidable.

It’s an old custom to leave your home unlocked in Svalbard (& crime is almost non-existent here) so if a bear shows up unexpectedly you always have somewhere to retreat but chances of running into a bear in town are extremely low! If a bear is spotted anywhere near people or town it is usually chased away by helicopter and EVERY effort is made to avoid encounters.

There is a public hospital in Longyearbyen but everyone has to pay for consultation/admission at the hospital. This also applies to citizens of the Nordic countries. It is important to have appropriate trip insurance with medical coverage in case you need to receive medical treatment.

Things to Do in Svalbard

Most people like to extend their trip a little bit (3-4days) after their expedition to do some sightseeing in Svalbard as there’s lots to see and do.

Summer Activities include:

• Dog-sleeding (on wheels!)
• Wildlife viewing
• Boat trips (best for seeing Polar Bears)
• Visit Barentsburg & Pyramiden
• Coal mine tour

Money & Tipping

Being part of Norway, the currency in Svalbard is Norwegian Krone (NOK) but you don’t really need much cash as everyone takes credit card. (If you are travelling from outside of Europe, make sure your card has a chip and a 4 digit pin – ideally a VISA or mastercard as these are accepted everywhere) If you need cash, you can take some out at the Longyearbyen Centre. There is no where to exchange money so you either need Kroner or credit card. 

Svalbard is exempt from VAT and all goods are tax free!

Tipping is not common in Norway but of course, will be  appreciated. People working in the service industry make a decent wage, meaning they aren’t reliant on tips to subsidize their income so keep it for exceptional service. There isn’t a standard amount to tip but rounding up your bill to the nearest 10 or 100 NOK is a great way to show your gratitude.

Tipping your Last Degree Expedition Ski Guide is customary but optional.

Norway uses the standard Euro plug socket with two round prongs so you can use adapter types C or F. You might like to consider purchasing a reliable universal adapter that gives you all the options. Also it’s VERY important to note that Norway operates on 220V. If this differs from your home, buy a voltage converter to avoid frying your devices! For instance the standard voltage in the US is 120V and some older devices won’t handle a 220V supply. We suggest bringing a power strip with you (that you will leave in Longyearbyen while on expedition) if you have multiple devices you would like to charge meaning you’ll only need one adapter.

Tap water in Norway is always safe to drink and the local water in Longyearbyen is filtered from the lake and is excellent quality, so fill up your reusable bottle and enjoy!

Staying Connected & Wifi

Wifi is readily available in Svalbard and almost every cafe and restaurant will have access points and hotels in Longyearbyen offer free wifi and have fairly speedy connection considering you’re in a remote part of the world! If you have a Norwegian SIM card or roaming, you will also have service on your phone.

Vaccinations

Travellers going to any destination should be up to date with routine vaccination courses and boosters. These vaccinations include for example measles-mumps-rubella (MMR) vaccine and diphtheria-tetanus-polio vaccine.

Consult your doctor or travel clinic in your home country for updated information on immunisations specific for Norway.

Consider getting a vaccination for rabies which has been recorded in foxes, seals and reindeer in Svalbard.

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Is going to the North Pole efficiently possible from Norway - Norway Forum

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fjords will be covered by flight train and coastal day boat.

June or early September.

8 replies to this topic

We have only time to answer serious questions

Google around for such tours - https://www.hurtigruten.com/en-gb/expeditions/ is on of them.

Could you please clarify your question. Where are you going , when and how many?

I think it used to be somehow possible from northern Russia.

https://us.ponant.com/the-arctic-the-geographic-north-pole-cc060825-12

Perhaps by Russian helicopter or special aircraft. Price? 10,000 dollars? 100,000 dollars? No clue.

Purpose of going to the north pole? There is nothing but ice and snow.

Give White Desert a call. They might be able to help you out for $$$

https://white-desert.com/

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The 5 best Arctic cruise itineraries, from someone who has tried them all

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There is an emptiness to the Arctic that is mesmerizing.

Traveling across it by ship, you’ll encounter patches of snow-covered ice that stretch for miles, an endlessly white landscape punctured only by the occassional seabird and, if you’re lucky, the sight of a far-off polar bear.

In some parts of the Arctic, there are rocky islands so windswept and desolate that you’d think you’re on the moon; in other areas, there are islands covered with the most spectacularly beautiful mountains and glaciers. The common theme between them all is that they are rarely visited by humans.

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Not that there aren’t any humans in the Arctic. There are some, including Inuit who have lived in the region for centuries. But huge swaths of the Arctic lack a human presence, and the wildlife is equally sparse. Spotting the most famous denizens of the Arctic — the polar bear and the Arctic fox — is a rare moment to treasure.

As someone lucky enough to have traveled by ship to almost every corner of the Arctic over nearly 30 years as a cruise writer, I can say that the region is one of my favorite places to visit — maybe my very favorite. But it’s not for everyone. It offers a subtle sort of beauty that reveals itself slowly.

Depending on the itinerary, an Arctic cruise might include days of bumping through icy waters covered by a fog so soupy that all you see out the window is a light greyish bubble all around. For all you know, you could be in a simulation.

But give the Arctic a chance, and it can be life-changing.

If you’re unsure how to begin thinking of which Arctic itinerary might be the right choice, take a look at my picks for the five best Arctic cruise itineraries, chosen after a lifetime of trying just about every possible route in the region. As is typical for Arctic sailings, they are all itineraries that can only be done on polar-class expedition cruise ships — a specialized type of small, hardy cruise vessel built for polar travel and carrying its own landing craft for exploring.

A circumnavigation of Spitsbergen

If you only have time for one Arctic cruise, this is the one I recommend. Consider it a sort of “greatest hits of the Arctic” itinerary. You’ll get a little taste of everything the Arctic has to offer on a single, relatively easy-to-do sailing as short as a week or 10 nights.

On a voyage around Spitsbergen, the biggest of a cluster of rugged islands that make up the Svalbard archipelago, you’ll likely see many of the Arctic’s best-known wildlife — polar bears, whales (if you’re lucky), walruses, and giant colonies of Brunnich’s guillemots and other Arctic birds — over the course of a few days. Compared to some places in the Arctic, this region is relatively rich with wildlife.

Related: TPG’s ultimate guide to expedition cruising

Spitsbergen is also about as scenic a place as you’ll find in the Arctic, covered in mountains and glaciers. It’s easily accessible by air through Longyearbyen, a settlement of about 2,500 people on the island’s west side.

Located 600 miles north of the northernmost tip of Norway, which administers the Svalbard archipelago, Spitsbergen is also home to a few cultural oddities. Barentsburg is a semi-abandoned mining town operated by Russia under the terms of a century-old treaty, and Ny Alesund is a small mining camp that has been turned into a scientific research station. Spitsbergen itineraries sometimes include visits to both.

Ny Alesand, notably, was the spot where legendary explorer Roald Amundsen set off on a record-setting expedition flight to the North Pole by airship in 1926. Visitors to the outpost can see the still-standing remnants of the expedition, which include a tower that held the airship before it departed and a telegraph hut that broadcast news of the flight to the world.

Who goes there: Norway-based Hurtigruten is the best-known brand for Spitsbergen circumnavigations. It offers voyages out of Longyearbyen every summer. Most other expedition cruise operators, including Lindblad Expeditions and Seabourn, offer sailings to just a portion of Spitsbergen (usually the north and west coasts) combined with stops in Iceland and/or Greenland.

The west coast of Greenland

If you want to see icebergs and glaciers on a truly epic scale, a voyage along Greenland’s west coast should be your pick.

It is home to what are, without a doubt, some of the world’s most spectacular glaciers and snow-topped mountains.

On a trip down the west coast of Greenland, you will sail past huge icebergs that have shorn off the massive Greenland ice sheet on your way to visit at least a few of the coast’s colorful Arctic settlements.

These settlements, notably, include Ilulissat, site of an iceberg-jammed fjord that is a marvel of the northern hemisphere.

Related: 8 things you need to know about Arctic cruises

If you’re lucky during a visit to Ilulissat, you’ll get to do two amazing things. One is to hike to an overlook near the town that reveals a massive pile-up of giant ice blocks that are slowly flowing down the fjord from a glacier. The other is a Zodiac ride to get close to some of the biggest icebergs that are stuck in the bay just offshore.

It is a landscape of icebergs at a scale that you can’t imagine until you see it.

Who goes there: Seabourn, Lindblad, Silversea Cruises , Ponant , Viking and several other expedition cruise companies offer sailings down the west coast of Greenland. These voyages often include a visit to the eastern side of Canada’s Northwest Passage or Iceland.

The Northwest Passage

For cruisers who love the history of exploration, a trip across the Canadian Arctic’s Northwest Passage might be the ultimate Arctic adventure. That’s because it offers a chance to follow in the footsteps of some of the greatest polar explorers of the 18th and 19th centuries, for whom finding the long-hidden Arctic route between Europe and Asia was one of the biggest (and deadliest) challenges of the age.

Stretching more than 2,000 miles from the Davis Strait near Greenland to the Bering Strait off Alaska, the still-often-iced-in Northwest Passage famously swallowed up the two-ship, 128-man Franklin Expedition of 1845 (a massive and massively equipped British exploratory party that disappeared into the ice, never to be seen again), as well as other explorers. It was finally conquered in 1903 by Norwegian explorer Roald Amundsen — who also was the first human to reach the South Pole.

Until just the last couple of decades, traveling through the Northwest Passage remained almost as daunting as it was during Franklin and Amundsen’s time. But rapidly shrinking ice coverage across the Arctic, driven by global warming, has been making it more accessible. In recent years, half a dozen expedition ships or more have sailed into the passage annually during the warmest summer months.

Still, even now, only a handful of the hardiest expedition vessels make a full transit of the Northwest Passage in any given year, while other vessels only offer partial transits.

Related: I loved my 1st Arctic cruise — here’s why

Note that the Northwest Passage is a relatively desolate part of the Arctic. A typical landing by Zodiac during a trip across the passageway might bring a visit to a forlorn, windswept island covered in boggy fields of lichen-covered rocks and low-lying grasses. That is, if the island isn’t covered in drifting snow.

But such trips also include stops at iconic historic sites related to the region’s early explorers. These include the ruins of the last known camp of the Franklin Expedition at snowy Beechey Island and the remnants of a short-lived Hudson’s Bay Company outpost on Somerset Island.

Stops at Inuit settlements such as Arctic Bay and Gjoa Haven are also common.

Who goes there: Most major expedition cruise operators, including Ponant, Hurtigruten, Silversea, Seabourn and Adventure Canada (a specialist in Canadian Arctic trips), offer sailings that transit at least part of the Northwest Passage. Complete crossings are rare.

The North Pole

When it comes to bragging rights, it’s hard to argue that any trip to the Arctic tops an expedition cruise to the North Pole.

The first undisputed expedition to reach the North Pole wasn’t until 1926, when a team of explorers led by Roald Amundsen overflew the destination on the airship Norge. Even today, few humans have ever visited the northernmost point in the world — some put the number at just a few thousand.

Since the 1990s, working (and spartan) Russian icebreakers chartered by expedition travel companies have occasionally taken tourists in small groups to the world’s northernmost spot. But since 2022, adventure-seekers have a more upscale option for a trip to 90 degrees north: A voyage on Le Commandant Charcot — the first built-for-tourists icebreaker.

Operated by Ponant, a French company known for upscale expedition cruises to far-off places, the 245-passenger ship is the first and only built-for-tourists cruise vessel capable of traveling to the most remote, ice-filled parts of the polar regions, including the North Pole.

Related: I just snowshoed at the North Pole — here’s how you can, too

Named for a famed French explorer, Le Commandant Charcot is unlike any other vessel that has traveled across the polar ice cap. It has all the elements of the most elegant hotels on land: spacious suites, stylish lounges, fine dining (including a restaurant with a menu designed by Michelin-starred chef Alain Ducasse) and a spa.

In other words, you’ll not just be traveling to the North Pole, you’ll be traveling to the North Pole in high-end comfort.

Who goes there: The only way for an American to reach the North Pole by ship is aboard the new Le Commandant Charcot, which is operating three or four trips to the destination each summer. A Russian icebreaker that expedition travel companies have chartered in the past for such voyages, the 50 Years of Victory, still is occasionally making the trips, but it is not bookable for now by travelers from the United States and most other Western countries.

The Northeast Passage

A voyage across the Arctic’s Northeast Passage is surely the most off-the-beaten-path Arctic cruise you can do — even more off-the-beaten-path than a trip to the North Pole.

Rarely offered and typically about 30 days long, these are true explorers’ journeys across the almost unvisited Arctic territory that stretches across the top of Russia from Arctic Norway to Alaska.

These sailings cross five frigid seas — the Barents, Kara, Laptev, East Siberian and Chukchi — that in some parts traditionally freeze over during much of the year and only partially thaw during the late summer. Along the way, sometimes spread apart by hundreds of miles, are glacier-topped, often mountainous archipelagos and island groups that passengers can explore during Zodiac landings.

Highlights of these trips include seeing the Arctic’s iconic wildlife — polar bears, Arctic fox, walrus, seals and musk ox — and historic sites related to the region’s early exploration. Among them is Cape Amundsen, where you can still see the ruins of a small stone hut built by the Norwegian explorer Roald Amundsen during a failed attempt to reach the North Pole. Amundsen’s ship became stuck in the ice at the Cape for more than a year.

Only true icebreakers or the toughest ice-strengthened expedition cruise ships can make a Northeast Passage journey. Historically, they have occurred only occasionally. (I was on what was only the fourth voyage by any expedition cruise ship across the Northeast Passage, and that was as recently as 2018.)

Alas, for now, such trips are on hold, due to Russia’s invasion of Ukraine. The invasion has brought all cruising to Russia by Western companies to a halt. But, in theory, these expeditions could resume in the coming years.

Who goes there: While Northeast Passage voyages are on hold for now, the trips traditionally have been offered by Hapag-Lloyd Cruises, an upscale German cruise brand that was a pioneer of expedition cruises in the Russian Arctic, and New Zealand-based Heritage Expeditions. The latter company traditionally chartered an ice-class Russian research vessel that can hold 50 people, the Akademik Shokalskiy, for the trips.

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Editorial Disclaimer: Opinions expressed here are the author’s alone, not those of any bank, credit card issuer, airlines or hotel chain, and have not been reviewed, approved or otherwise endorsed by any of these entities.