Since the 16th century, intrepid explorers like Cook, Peary and Amundsen have braved ice and uncertainty in pursuit of this mythical point. Today, aboard PONANT’s groundbreaking hybrid LNG-powered Le Commandant Charcot, the world’s only luxury icebreaker, you have the rare opportunity to follow in their wake, but with a distinctly modern edge.

Departing from Spitsbergen, your 15-night’svoyage cuts through a constantly shifting polar world sculpted by wind, ice and light. Along the way, you may encounter iconic Arctic wildlife such as polar bears, seals and even whales, as the raw majesty of nature takes centre stage.

For those seeking deeper immersion, a range of guided activities invites you to truly engage with the environment. Kayak across glassy polar waters, join expert-led hikes on the ice, or, for the truly bold, take the ultimate plunge into the frigid Arctic Ocean, a rite of passage at the top of the world.

Guided by a team of naturalists, historians and seasoned polar experts, the ship navigates the drifting ice floe with care and humility, pressing onward toward the planet’s northernmost point.

This is polar exploration at its boldest, reimagined through the lens of refinement.

Le Commandant Charcot offers effortless comfort in Earth’s most extreme latitudes, delivering an experience that is both luxurious and responsible. As the world’s first hybrid-electric polar exploration vessel powered by liquefied natural gas, it stands as a pioneer in sustainable travel, purpose-built to minimise environmental impact while supporting onboard scientific research.

On board, every detail reflects the spirit of French art de vivre. Indulge in the only Alain Ducasse culinary experience at sea, unwind in the Spa by Biologique Recherche, and relax within interiors crafted by Studio Jean-Philippe Nuel, all while voyaging through some of the planet’s most remote and powerful landscapes.

And when you reach 90 degrees north, raise a glass of Champagne in celebration. You have arrived at the top of the world.

This is more than a voyage. It is the pinnacle of polar exploration, elevated by French elegance, purposeful innovation and the thrill of true discovery.