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Arrive
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Day 1 Charter flight Paris to Longyearbyen & embarkation
Your journey begins in Paris today where you will take a charter flight to Longyearbyen, capital of Norway's Svalbard archipelago. From Longyearbyen airport you will be transferred to the port to board your luxurious expedition cruise, which sets sail in the early evening. Settle into your cabin and then enjoy a delicious first dinner onboard.
Overnight: Le Commandant Charcot Arctic
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Day 2 Cruising along the Spitsbergen coast
From Longyearbyen the ship sails north along the western coast of Spitsbergen. The largest island in Svalbard, Spitsbergen presents opportunities to enjoy some of the Arctic's most iconic landscapes and marine life. The influence of the Gulf Stream reduces sea ice here, meaning you can sail relatively close to the coastline, taking in panoramas of breathtaking granite peaks, mighty fjords and ancient glaciers. We recommend spending as much time as possible out on deck to take full advantage of these spectacular vistas. You can always warm up afterwards in the ship's fabulous spa and heated pool.
Overnight: Le Commandant Charcot Arctic
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Day 3 - 7 Navigating the ice floes
Having reached the top of Spitsbergen, the ship now charts a course north into the ice floes. All that stands between you and the North Pole is a pristine land of dazzling ice. Vast ice floes are intersected by narrow channels through which the ship can sail, and the ever-changing landscape is simply breathtaking. Again, we recommend getting out on deck as much as possible to immerse yourself in these captivating panoramas, and perhaps catch glimpses of notorious Arctic dwellers such as seals, skuas, Atlantic walrus and maybe even the elusive Polar Bear.
Overnight: Le Commandant Charcot Arctic
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Day 8 Geographic North Pole
The prize for the previous day's sea ice navigation is one that very few get to experience - the Geographic North Pole. At a latitude of 90° North, this is the northernmost point of our planet, lying on the Earth's rotational axis and spending six months of the year plunged in complete darkness. If conditions allow, you will disembark to walk on the thick ice at the point where all lines of longitude converge, and truly stand in the footsteps of the great explorers.
Overnight: Le Commandant Charcot Arctic
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Day 9 - 13 Sailing south through the ice floes
Sailing south in the direction of Svalbard, you will once again be able to spend time contemplating the ethereal landscapes of vast tapestries of gleaming ice floes which shimmer in the 24-hour daylight. Enjoy the passing scenery from the comfort of a heated armchair out on deck or over hot chocolate in the panoramic lounge. The onboard expedition team will also deliver a range of fascinating presentations on Arctic marine life, Polar history and the ongoing research carried out by the scientists who accompany each voyage.
Overnight: Le Commandant Charcot Arctic
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Day 14 - 15 At sea along Spitsbergen
As you finally clear the ice floes and approach Svalbard, you may well wish to venture out on deck to catch your first glimpse of land in days. The soaring mountains of Spitsbergen gradually come in to sight and during the next two days you can take full advantage of any Arctic wildlife spotting opportunities.
Overnight: Le Commandant Charcot Arctic
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Day 16 Disembark in Longyearbyen
By morning you will have reached Longyearbyen. Disembark after a final breakfast onboard, and transfer to the airport for your charter flight back to Paris.
Overnight: Le Commandant Charcot Arctic
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Depart
