PONANT EXPLORATIONS has launched sales for its Arctic 2028 season, unveiling one of its most extensive polar programs to date with more than 35 departures operating between May and October 2028.
The expanded season will see four ships deployed across some of the Arctic’s most remote and sought-after destinations, including Greenland, Svalbard, Iceland, North America, the Northwest Passage and the Geographic North Pole.
Leading the program are eight departures aboard Le Commandant Charcot, the world’s only luxury icebreaker and the only passenger vessel capable of reaching the Geographic North Pole (90°N) while delivering a luxury expedition experience.
The voyages, operating between June and September 2028, highlight PONANT’s growing focus on ultra-remote expedition travel as demand for polar cruising continues to strengthen globally.
Guests sailing aboard Le Commandant Charcot will journey through the heart of the Arctic pack ice and the dramatic fjords of Svalbard, with select 18-night itineraries combining a visit to the North Pole with exclusive calls in northern Greenland.
The voyages also include a range of expedition activities such as Zodiac outings, shore landings on the ice, kayaking, hiking, snowshoeing and the increasingly popular polar plunge.
Other explorations
Beyond the North Pole, PONANT is expanding its offering across Greenland, the Baffin Sea and the legendary Northwest Passage.
Operating from May through August 2028, these voyages will allow travellers to access regions that are typically difficult to reach early in the season. Highlights include Greenland’s Thule region, the iceberg-filled waters of Disko Bay and opportunities to engage with Inuit communities while exploring some of the Arctic’s most isolated landscapes.
Wildlife encounters remain a major drawcard, with guests potentially spotting polar bears, whales and other Arctic species throughout the voyages.
Svalbard also features prominently in the 2028 collection, with departures ranging from classic seven-night expeditions through to a full circumnavigation of the archipelago.
The latter marks the return of a route not offered by the company since 2021 and includes access to the protected nature reserves of north-east and south-east Svalbard. Guests can expect opportunities to encounter polar bears, walruses, Arctic foxes, reindeer, seabirds and whales, accompanied by expert naturalist guides.
Introductory itineraries
For travellers seeking a softer introduction to the region, PONANT is offering dedicated Iceland itineraries throughout June and July 2028.
The voyages focus exclusively on Iceland and include visits to lesser-known destinations such as Grímsey and Heimaey. Each guest will receive one included shore excursion per day, providing opportunities to explore the country’s volcanic landscapes, waterfalls, geysers and abundant wildlife, including puffins, Arctic foxes and humpback whales.
The Arctic program also extends into North America, with departures from August through October 2028.
These itineraries combine cultural immersion with natural exploration, featuring UNESCO World Heritage-listed sites including L’Anse aux Meadows, Quebec, Lunenburg and Gros Morne National Park. Ports of call include Saint Pierre and Miquelon, Montréal, Eastport and Martha’s Vineyard.
To encourage forward bookings, PONANT’s Serenity Policy remains available for new reservations made between 1 April and 31 August 2026, allowing guests to modify or postpone their voyage free of charge to another departure within the same year or earlier.
The release of the Arctic 2028 season further cements PONANT’s position in the premium expedition sector as competition intensifies among cruise lines targeting the growing polar travel market.
