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By Destinations Editor
OCTOBER 10, 2026

ExplorEarth · In partnership with Swoop Arctic

The ultimate adventure.The North Pole by
luxury expedition ship.

To truly understand an expedition cruise to 90° North, speak to one of the few experts who has been there. Alex Mudd of Swoop Arctic, an ExplorEarth approved partner, returned from the North Pole in July 2026.

Explore Alex’s journey

Le Commandant Charcot · The Geographic North Pole

ExplorEarth approved partner · Swoop Arctic

Le Commandant Charcot · The North Pole

The journey to 90° North.

Trace the route from Svalbard to the top of the world, or explore a journey that also takes in Greenland.

Alex Mudd of Swoop Arctic, an ExplorEarth approved partner, completed this Svalbard round trip in July 2026. The photographs on this map are his.

Alex’s North Pole voyageAlex Mudd’s North Pole voyage, traced from his supplied map. The red line travels north from Longyearbyen to the Geographic North Pole. The blue line returns farther east and explores northern Svalbard and its straits before reaching Longyearbyen. Paris is an off-map flight connection. This is not a navigational track. GREENLAND SVALBARD ICELAND Arctic Ocean NORWAY

Flying from Paris to Longyearbyen

A polar bear walking towards the camera across snow-covered sea ice, above a strip of blue water.
Taken on iPhone by Alex
Outward · to the North Pole Return · via Svalbard Illustrative sailing route Flight connection Alex’s log · hover or tap

Alex’s route is traced from his supplied voyage map. Future routes depend on ice, weather and the selected departure. Paris is shown as an off-map flight connection. Photo and video locations are illustrative.

Terrain and coastlines: Natural Earth. This is not a sea-ice chart.

Le Commandant Charcot · PONANT

The ship that gets you there

Reaching the North Pole asks something extraordinary of a ship. Le Commandant Charcot combines the capability of a Polar Class 2 icebreaker with the comfort, dining and service of a luxury expedition voyage.

Le Commandant Charcot sailing through polar ice
Le Commandant Charcot · © PONANT / Julien Fabro
Built for the ice. Designed for the journey.

Polar exploration, with a remarkable place to return to

On Alex’s voyage, travelling through the sea ice was a highlight in itself. This is a ship designed for deep polar exploration, with sheltered spaces to watch the Arctic unfold and a hotel experience that makes the time aboard part of the adventure.

PC2
Polar Class 2
icebreaker
245
Maximum guest
capacity
215
Crew members
aboard
Explore the ship in detail
Nuna restaurant aboard Le Commandant Charcot
© PONANT / Gilles Trillard
The table

Two restaurants.
A taste of France.

Nuna brings Alain Ducasse’s cuisine to the polar journey, while Sila offers a more relaxed setting. Food, wine and attentive service are part of the appeal Alex describes in his account of life aboard.

A Deluxe Suite aboard Le Commandant Charcot
© Studio PONANT / Morgane Monneret
Your own space

A room with
an Arctic outlook

Choose from balcony staterooms and a range of suites, with private space to relax between time outside. Swoop can explain the cabin categories and help you choose the location and layout that suit you.

The Anori observation lounge aboard Le Commandant Charcot
© PONANT / Gilles Trillard
Between adventures

Stay close
to the landscape

Watch the changing ice from the observation lounge or head out onto the promenade deck. Settle into a comfortable seat and keep watching the Arctic as the ship continues north.

The indoor pool and loungers beneath a glass roof aboard Le Commandant Charcot
© PONANT / Gilles Trillard
The indoor pool

Warmth beyond
the ice

The indoor pool and surrounding loungers offer a sheltered place to unwind between time on deck. Beneath the glass roof, you can take a swim or enjoy a quieter moment as the expedition continues north.

Alex’s four highlights · July 2026

Why go to the North Pole on Le Commandant Charcot?

Alex’s four highlights capture the appeal: the ice, the wildlife, the moment at 90° North and the experiences along the way. Charcot brings them together with the comfort and service of a luxury expedition ship.

Le Commandant Charcot travelling through polar sea ice
© PONANT / Julien Fabro
The journey is part of the achievement

A world that changes with every mile

Travelling through the ice was the first of Alex’s four highlights. Watch the changing light, open leads and shifting floes as the ship makes its way north. Charcot’s icebreaking capability puts this landscape at the heart of the voyage, with views from the deck and the warmth of the ship.

Each voyage is shaped by ice and weather. The route, arrival at the Pole, ice landings, activities and wildlife sightings depend on conditions and the captain’s and expedition team’s decisions.

Your specialist booking partner

Find your North Pole expedition with Swoop Arctic

Swoop’s Arctic specialists can help you choose the right Le Commandant Charcot departure and plan the journey around it.

Le Commandant Charcot in Arctic sea ice
Alex’s North Pole journey · July 2026

First-hand Arctic knowledgeTalk through regions, seasons and expedition life.
The right Charcot voyageCompare routes, departure dates and cabins.
Price Match PromiseAsk Swoop about matching a lower price for the same trip.
Support beyond bookingGet help preparing for your Arctic journey.
Enquire with Swoop Arctic

Tell us about your North Pole plans

Share when you would like to travel and what you hope to experience. An Arctic specialist will help you find a suitable Le Commandant Charcot departure.