| Arctic winter for Ponant’s Le Commandant

PONANT’S Le Commandant Charcot, the only high polar icebreaker cruise vessel, is returning to the Arctic for the 2026-27 winter season.

There will be 16 departures from Oct 2026 to Mar 2027, exploring the Baltic Sea, the St. Lawrence River, Norway, and Greenland, experiencing moments in the heart of the Arctic winter seen by few.

A diverse range of activities are scheduled, including snowshoeing through the boreal forest, dog sledding or reindeer sleigh rides, and spotting the northern lights.

One of the highlights of the season will be ‘The Gulf of Bothnia, on the Gateway to the Arctic’ cruise, between Sweden and Finland.

The itinerary includes winter activities such as ice fishing in the boreal forest, as well as visits to historic cities like Rauma.

The eight-night cruise departs four times between 22 Dec 2026 and 15 Jan 2027.

There is also ‘The St. Lawrence River in the Heart of the Boreal Winter’ voyage, which cruises from Quebec to La Baie.

This 14-night trip departs twice, on 13 and 27 Feb.

“This season, Le Commandant Charcot takes on a full winter journey in the north, embodying her spirit of exploration with itineraries centred around ice and snow,” Captain Patrick Marchesseau said. MS