As the only high polar exploration vessel capable of navigating through the ice in the depth of the boreal winter, Le Commandant Charcot unlocks a rare opportunity to explore territories otherwise unreachable during this season.
From the Baltic Sea to the shores of the St. Lawrence River, Canada, passing through Norway and Greenland, Ponant Explorations unveils 16 departures from October 2026 to March 2027.
During the Winter 2026-2027 season, Le Commandant Charcot offers an exclusive exploration of the Great North, where the long polar night reveals a magical landscape of frozen Norwegian fjords, illuminated Baltic cities, and serene snow-covered shores, accompanied by belugas and rorquals near Svalbard and colorful fishing villages along the St. Lawrence River's ice floes. Through PONANT EXPLORATIONS' strong relationships with local communities, guests can also immerse themselves in the winter customs of the Mi'kmaq, Innu, Sámi, and Inuit peoples, while engaging in activities like snowshoeing through the boreal forest, dog sledding, reindeer sleigh rides, and ice fishing. This time of year also provides the unmatched opportunity to witness the mesmerizing northern lights dance across the sky. As the only high polar exploration vessel of its kind, Le Commandant Charcot combines a PC2 polar-class hull capable of traversing multi-year ice floes with an environmentally conscious hybrid propulsion system, offering a unique blend of innovation, comfort, and safety for experiencing the heart of the Arctic winter.
From majestic fjords and glaciers in the Great North and winter traditions in the Baltic Sea to a PONANT EXLORATIONS exclusive experience along the St. Lawrence River, highlights of the Winter 2026-2027 season include:
Polar Nights: From the North Cape to Spitsbergen
A journey above the Arctic Circle, when the sun fades at the beginning of the long polar night. Between fjords and glaciers, a visit to the North Cape, encounters with local communities, whale, seal, and seabird watching, and the search for the Northern Lights.
Departing October 14-24, 2026 | 11 days-10 nights.
Starting from $15,110 per person. Find out more about the voyage here.
Polar Lights: From North Cape to the Lofoten Islands
Along Norway’s northern coast, from North Cape to the Lofoten Islands, the fading autumn light heralds the arrival of winter and the beginning of the northern lights season. Highlights include immersion in wild landscapes and authentic encounters with the Sámi people. A special feature: photo ambassador Ian Dawson on board, offering workshops and personalized guidance.
Departing October 24-November 1, 2026 | 9 days-8 nights.
Starting from $11,390 per person. Find out more about the voyage here.
The Gulf of Bothnia, at the Gateway to the Arctic
From the elegant streets of Helsinki and Stockholm to the pristine wilderness of Swedish and Finnish Lapland, this journey combines cultural discoveries with thrilling winter activities as it explores the Gulf of Bothnia. The itinerary includes stops at UNESCO World Heritage sites like Rauma's wooden old town and the opportunity to glide through snow-covered forests on a dogsled or showshoe, before culminating at the enchanting winter wonderland of Kemi, where you can visit an ethereal snow castle and cross the Arctic Circle to Santa Claus Village of Rovaniemi.
Two departures from Helsinki-Kemi available on December 22, 2026 and January 7, 2027.
Two departures from Kemi-Helsinki available on December 30, 2026 and January 15, 2027.
9 days-8 nights.
Starting from $11,770 per person. Find out more about the voyages here.
Baltic Bliss & Winter Wonders
Experience the magic of local winter traditions as the Baltic cities prepare for the holiday season. Sailing roundtrip from Helsinki, the journey through Scandinavian and Baltic cities including Visby, Gdansk, Riga, and Tallinn, all illuminated by festive lights and featuring traditions, concerts, markets, and culinary discoveries.
Two departures available on November 24 and December 12, 2026 | 10 days-9 nights.
Starting from $10,250 per person. Find out more about the voyages here.
The St. Lawrence River in the Heart of the Boreal Winter
Discover the St. Lawrence River in winter, an exclusive PONANT EXPLORATIONS experience, sailing from Québec to the La Baie Fjord (Saguenay). This journey will venture west through the Gaspé Peninsula, where guests can snowshoe in Forillon National Park, and explore the Magic Forest with its thousands of snow-covered conifers. Further ports of call include Saint Pierre Island and Québec’s Magdalen Islands.
Two departures available on February 13 and February 27, 2027 | 15 days-14 nights.
Starting from $25,850 per person. Find out more about the voyages here.
From the St Lawrence to Greenland, the Last Moments of Winter
From the snowy boreal forest of Canada to the ice-covered fjords of Greenland, this is an exclusive PONANT EXPLORATIONS experience as the boreal winter unfolds into spring. The two week-long voyage will witness breathtaking landscapes as Le Commandant Charcot sails from Québec to Nuuk, Greenland and include encounters with Mi’kmaq and Inuit communities to learn about their culture and way of life in traditional villages.
Departing March 13-27, 2027 | 15 days-14 nights.
Starting from $22,380 per person. Find out more about the voyage here.
