Arctic 2028: Ponant Opens Sales for Epic Far North Voyages

Arctic 2028: Ponant Opens Sales for Epic Far North Voyages

If the words “Far North” make your pulse quicken just a little, Ponant’s freshly opened Arctic 2028 season is going to be very hard to resist. With more than 35 departures between May and October 2028, four small expedition ships and routes that run from the Geographic North Pole all the way to North America’s historic coasts, this is one of the most comprehensive Arctic programs on the market.

Bookings are now open, and for once, “once‑in‑a‑lifetime” doesn’t feel like an exaggeration. You can explore the full collection directly with Ponant on their Arctic page here.

Why Ponant’s Arctic 2028 Season Stands Out

Ponant EXPLORATIONS has been quietly building serious polar credibility for years, and the 2028 Arctic program is where that experience really shows. Between May and October 2028, four expedition vessels will operate in the region, offering one of the widest ranges of Arctic itineraries currently available.

The collection spans:

• The Geographic North Pole aboard icebreaker Le Commandant Charcot
• Greenland, Baffin Bay and the legendary Northwest Passage
• Classic and in‑depth Svalbard (Spitsbergen) expeditions
• Immersive, 100% Iceland itineraries
• Late‑season North America voyages in Canada and the northeastern USA

Across the board, these are true expedition voyages: small‑ship, guided by naturalists, and designed to get you off the vessel and into the ice, fjords and local communities as much as possible.

You can browse Ponant’s official Arctic offering here: Ponant Arctic cruises.

Reach the Geographic North Pole in Comfort

Let’s start with the big one: the Geographic North Pole (90°N). From June to September 2028, Ponant will run eight departures aboard Le Commandant Charcot, still the world’s only luxury icebreaker capable of taking guests all the way to the top of the planet.

Key highlights include:

• Sailing through the heart of the Arctic pack ice, plus fjords and glaciers around Svalbard
• An extended 18‑night voyage that combines reaching the North Pole with two exclusive calls in northern Greenland
• Classic polar activities: Zodiac outings, landings on the ice, kayaking, hiking or snowshoeing, and the all‑important polar plunge for the brave

Return flights between Paris and Longyearbyen are included on these North Pole departures, helping to simplify the logistics of getting to such a remote embarkation point.

To dig into the details, Ponant has a dedicated North Pole page: Le Commandant Charcot at the North Pole.

Greenland, Baffin Sea and the Northwest Passage

If your polar daydreams lean towards icebergs, Inuit communities and big, wild landscapes, the Greenland and Northwest Passage program will be the sweet spot. From May to August 2028, Ponant will send Le Commandant Charcot and her sister ships into:

• Greenland’s High Arctic, including the Thule region and Disko Bay, home to some of the largest icebergs in the northern hemisphere
• Baffin Bay and sections of the Northwest Passage, in areas that only an ice‑capable expedition ship can access early in the season
• Remote communities where you can meet Inuit hosts in their villages and learn about life in the Arctic today

These sailings are also prime territory for wildlife: think polar bears, various cetaceans and rich birdlife along the ice edge and coastal cliffs.

Sample Greenland and High Arctic options are listed here: Ponant Greenland voyages 2028.

Classic Svalbard, From Highlights to Full Circumnavigation

Svalbard is often where people fall in love with the Arctic for life, and Ponant’s 2028 plan treats it with the respect it deserves. From June to July 2028, guests can choose from:

• A classic seven‑night Spitsbergen highlights voyage in June, ideal for first‑time Arctic travellers
• A more ambitious full circumnavigation of Spitsbergen in July, including access to the protected nature reserves in north‑east and south‑east Svalbard—a route Ponant has not offered since 2021

Expect:

• High chances of polar bear sightings, plus Svalbard reindeer, Arctic foxes, walruses, seabirds and whales
• Included activities led by naturalist guides: Zodiac outings, shore landings, hikes and introductions to the layered history of Spitsbergen[cruisepassenger.com]

You can explore the Svalbard line‑up here: Spitsbergen expeditions 2028.

Iceland: Land of Fire, Ice and Daily Excursions

From June to July 2028, Ponant will also offer a series of 100% Icelandic itineraries. These voyages focus squarely on the country’s dramatic landscapes and coastal communities, including calls to the unspoilt islands of Grímsey and Heimaey.

A few standout features:

• Time to explore Reykjavik over a full day
• A grand tour of fjords, volcanic plateaus, basalt columns, geysers and waterfalls
• Superb wildlife watching, from puffins and Arctic foxes to Icelandic horses, humpbacks and orcas
• One included excursion per guest, per day, so you’re never left wondering what to do ashore[recommend]

Full details are on Ponant’s Iceland page: Iceland expeditions 2028

North America: History, Harbours and UNESCO Icons

Rounding out the 2028 Arctic‑adjacent program, Ponant will sail a series of North America voyages from August to October 2028. These are designed for travellers who like their expedition with a side of history and culture.

Look out for:

• UNESCO World Heritage Sites such as L’Anse aux Meadows, Québec, Lunenburg and Gros Morne National Park
• Characterful stopovers in places like Saint Pierre and Miquelon, Montréal, Eastport (one of the first French landing points in the New World) and Martha’s Vineyard, long favoured as a summer retreat for US presidents
• Included excursions led by local experts, plus immersive activities with Ponant’s onboard naturalist team, connecting the coastal scenery to the stories behind it

For itineraries and dates, see:

Is Ponant’s Arctic 2028 Right for You?

If you like the idea of expedition cruising but still want your espresso just so and your cabin to feel more boutique hotel than basic bunk, Ponant’s Arctic 2028 season is worth a serious look. Between ice‑breaking to the North Pole, quiet encounters with Inuit hosts, circumnavigations in Svalbard and daily excursions in Iceland and North America, there’s a lot of ways to write your own Far North story.

You can explore the full program and current offers on Ponant’s official site: Ponant Arctic 2028 cruises.