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Disko Bay: Meeting the Inuit & Discovering the Unknown

Disko Bay: Meeting the Inuit & Discovering the Unknown

About This Cruise

Explore the wild lands of Greenland's south-west coast, where snow covers landscapes of raw and surprising beauty. Aboard Le Commandant Charcot, a state-of-the-art cocoon designed for exploration, you will have access to lands that traditional ships cannot reach. As you sail across Baffin Bay, the ever-changing ice will reveal its secrets, creating a magical spectacle in Disko Bay, where majestic icebergs drift slowly across the dark waters. This spring, you will receive a warm welcome in the Inuit villages, where community members will spend time with you and share their traditions, imbuing your journey with wisdom and intense emotion.

We are privileged guests in these extreme lands where we are at the mercy of weather and ice conditions.?Our navigation, mainly in the fjords, will be determined by the type of ice we come across; as the fast ice?must?be?preserved, we will take this into account from day to day in our itineraries.?The sailing programme, outings, activities and observation of fauna cannot be guaranteed and are subject to weather and ice conditions. The experiences are unique and vary from day to day and for each departure.?The Captain and the Expedition Leader will make every effort to ensure that your experience is as rich as possible, while respecting safety instructions and regulations imposed by the AECO.

Who Is This Cruise For?

  • Adults only

    Le Commandant Charcot is an adults-only ship

  • Couples

    An adults-only atmosphere made for two

  • Over 50s

    Refined, unhurried cruising with enrichment on board

  • Solo travellers

    Low or no single supplement on selected cabins

Type

Ocean, Luxury

Ship

Le Commandant Charcot

Departure Date

28 April 2027

Cruise Line

PONANT EXPLORATIONS

Duration

15 Nights

Select Your Cabin Type
Select your cabin type
Call Us at (01) 554 1010

Itinerary

Greenland

Nuuk (Godthaab)

Nuuk, meaning “the cape”, was Greenland’s first town (1728). Started as a fort and later mission and trading post some 240 kilometers south of the Arctic Circle, it is the current capital. Almost 30% of Greenland’s population lives in the town. Not only does Nuuk have great natural beauty in its vicinity, but there are Inuit ruins, Hans Egede’s home, the parliament, and the Church of our Saviour as well. The Greenlandic National Museum has an outstanding collection of Greenlandic traditional dresses, as well as the famous Qilakitsoq mummies. The Katuaq Cultural Center’s building was inspired by the undulating Northern Lights and can house 10% of Nuuk’s inhabitants.

Canada

Baffin Bay, Nunavut

No summary for this day yet.

Canada

Baffin Bay, Nunavut

No summary for this day yet.

Greenland

Disko Bay

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Greenland

Disko Bay

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Greenland

Disko Bay

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Greenland

Sisimiut (Holsteinsborg)

Located just north of the Arctic Circle, Sisimiut is the northernmost town in Greenland where the port remains free of ice in the winter. Yet it is also the southernmost town where there is enough snow and ice to drive a dogsled in winter and spring. In Sisimiut, travelling by sled has been the primary means of winter transportation for centuries. In fact, the area has been inhabited for approximately 4,500 years. Modern Sisimiut is the largest business center in the north of Greenland, and is one of the fastest growing Greenlandic cities. Commercial fishing is the lead economy in the town‘s thriving industrial base.

Greenland

Sisimiut (Holsteinsborg)

Located just north of the Arctic Circle, Sisimiut is the northernmost town in Greenland where the port remains free of ice in the winter. Yet it is also the southernmost town where there is enough snow and ice to drive a dogsled in winter and spring. In Sisimiut, travelling by sled has been the primary means of winter transportation for centuries. In fact, the area has been inhabited for approximately 4,500 years. Modern Sisimiut is the largest business center in the north of Greenland, and is one of the fastest growing Greenlandic cities. Commercial fishing is the lead economy in the town‘s thriving industrial base.

Canada

Baffin Bay, Nunavut

No summary for this day yet.

Greenland

Narsarsuaq

No summary for this day yet.

Greenland

Qaqortoq (Julianehaab)

The largest town in southern Greenland, Qaqortoq has been inhabited since prehistoric times. Upon arrival in this charming southern Greenland enclave, it's easy to see why. Qaqortoq rises quite steeply over the fjord system around the city, offering breath-taking panoramic vistas of the surrounding mountains, deep, blue sea, Lake Tasersuag, icebergs in the bay, and pastoral backcountry. Although the earliest signs of ancient civilization in Qaqortoq date back 4,300 years, Qaqortoq is known to have been inhabited by Norse and Inuit settlers in the 10th and 12th centuries, and the present-day town was founded in 1774. In the years since, Qaqortoq has evolved into a seaport and trading hub for fish and shrimp processing, tanning, fur production, and ship maintenance and repair.

Greenland

Uunartoq Qeqertaq

Uunartoq is a small island in South Greenland a short distance east of what once was considered the largest settlement in Greenland. The island has hot springs that were renowned as far back as the days of the Norse for their healing effects. Three naturally heated streams have been channeled to flow into a knee-deep and stone-lined pool. While one unwinds by soaking in the steaming waters, one can watch icebergs that either clog the fjord to the north or come floating by.

Greenland

Aappilattoq

Aappilattoq is a small settlement near the western end of Prins Christian Sund in southwestern Greenland. In the local Greenlandic language the name means, "sea anemone". This small village of 130 inhabitants, hidden behind a prominent rock, offers a good insight into the life of Greenlandic Inuit. A stroll through the village will reveal a small school and a church, along with the likely possibility of seeing a polar bear skin drying in the wind behind a local dwelling. People have lived off the land in the area around Aappilattoq since the 19th century. The tradition continues today as most people here hunt and fish to make a living.

Greenland

Prince Christian Sound

The transit through the Sound is one of this voyage’s highlights. Connecting the Labrador Sea with the Irminger Seat, Prince Christian Sound or “Prins Christian Sund” in Danish is named after Prince (later King) Christian VII (1749-1808). 100 km (60 miles ), long and at times just 500 m (1500 ft) wide, this majestic and spectacular fiord throws you back into a Viking era – flanked by soaring snow-topped mountains, rock-strewn cliffs and rolling hills, it is as if time has stood still and one easily forgets that this is the 21st century. As you marvel at the sheer size of the mountains that surround you, with the Arctic waters lapping deceptively at the hull, revel in the silence enveloping you. Icebergs float serenely by, carrying with them the ages of time. Be sure to wear warm clothing as this is one spectacle that you do not want to miss.

Greenland

Prince Christian Sound

The transit through the Sound is one of this voyage’s highlights. Connecting the Labrador Sea with the Irminger Seat, Prince Christian Sound or “Prins Christian Sund” in Danish is named after Prince (later King) Christian VII (1749-1808). 100 km (60 miles ), long and at times just 500 m (1500 ft) wide, this majestic and spectacular fiord throws you back into a Viking era – flanked by soaring snow-topped mountains, rock-strewn cliffs and rolling hills, it is as if time has stood still and one easily forgets that this is the 21st century. As you marvel at the sheer size of the mountains that surround you, with the Arctic waters lapping deceptively at the hull, revel in the silence enveloping you. Icebergs float serenely by, carrying with them the ages of time. Be sure to wear warm clothing as this is one spectacle that you do not want to miss.

Greenland

Sermilik

No summary for this day yet.

No summary for this day yet.

No summary for this day yet.

Iceland

Reykjavík

Sprawling Reykjavík, the nation's nerve center and government seat, is home to half the island's population. On a bay overlooked by proud Mt. Esja (pronounced eh-shyuh), with its ever-changing hues, Reykjavík presents a colorful sight, its concrete houses painted in light colors and topped by vibrant red, blue, and green roofs. In contrast to the almost treeless countryside, Reykjavík has many tall, native birches, rowans, and willows, as well as imported aspen, pines, and spruces.Reykjavík's name comes from the Icelandic words for smoke, reykur, and bay, vík. In AD 874, Norseman Ingólfur Arnarson saw Iceland rising out of the misty sea and came ashore at a bay eerily shrouded with plumes of steam from nearby hot springs. Today most of the houses in Reykjavík are heated by near-boiling water from the hot springs. Natural heating avoids air pollution; there's no smoke around. You may notice, however, that the hot water brings a slight sulfur smell to the bathroom.Prices are easily on a par with other major European cities. A practical option is to purchase a Reykjavík City Card at the Tourist Information Center or at the Reykjavík Youth Hostel. This card permits unlimited bus usage and admission to any of the city's seven pools, the Family Park and Zoo, and city museums. The cards are valid for one (ISK 3,300), two (ISK 4,400), or three days (ISK 4,900), and they pay for themselves after three or four uses a day. Even lacking the City Card, paying admission (ISK 500, or ISK 250 for seniors and people with disabilities) to one of the city art museums (Hafnarhús, Kjarvalsstaðir, or Ásmundarsafn) gets you free same-day admission to the other two.

Overview

Explore the wild lands of Greenland's south-west coast, where snow covers landscapes of raw and surprising beauty. Aboard Le Commandant Charcot, a state-of-the-art cocoon designed for exploration, you will have access to lands that traditional ships cannot reach. As you sail across Baffin Bay, the ever-changing ice will reveal its secrets, creating a magical spectacle in Disko Bay, where majestic icebergs drift slowly across the dark waters. This spring, you will receive a warm welcome in the Inuit villages, where community members will spend time with you and share their traditions, imbuing your journey with wisdom and intense emotion.

We are privileged guests in these extreme lands where we are at the mercy of weather and ice conditions.?Our navigation, mainly in the fjords, will be determined by the type of ice we come across; as the fast ice?must?be?preserved, we will take this into account from day to day in our itineraries.?The sailing programme, outings, activities and observation of fauna cannot be guaranteed and are subject to weather and ice conditions. The experiences are unique and vary from day to day and for each departure.?The Captain and the Expedition Leader will make every effort to ensure that your experience is as rich as possible, while respecting safety instructions and regulations imposed by the AECO.

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Suite

Owner's Suite

In addition to the common services provided to all our suites and staterooms:

  • Private return transfer
  • Priority boarding (depending on port of embarkation)
  • Champagne and fruit basket upon arrival
  • Butler service
  • A fruit basket every day
  • A bedroom with king-size bed (180 x 200 cm) or two single beds (90 x 200 cm)
  • A living room with armchairs, two sofa beds, steam fireplace, and second TV
  • A desk and bookcase
  • A Samsung tablet connected to Wifi
  • A dining room with a 6-seater table
  • A minibar with RIEDEL crystal glasses
  • A bathroom with shower and Balneo bathtub
  • A one-hour spa treatments per person (for 2 people) in the well-being space, chosen from the facial and body treatments on offer
  • A private 186 m² terrace: outdoor lounge with deckchairs, hot tub, two sofas, and dining table
  • Two panoramic sliding bay windows
  • Two pairs of Swarvoski CL Companion 10 x 30 binoculars
  • A Swarovski Optik ST VISTA telescope

Included in all staterooms

  • A private balcony
  • Minibar
  • Diptyque Paris top-of-the-line bath products
  • Bose Bluetooth speaker
  • Individually-controlled air conditioning
  • Nespresso coffee maker and boiler
  • Dressing room with shelves and closet
  • 110V American / 220V European
  • Dressing table and hairdryer
  • Direct line telephone
  • Three ADA staterooms
  • 24-hour room service
  • Electronic safe
  • Concierge Service: tailor-made and fully customisable services, from your reservation until you return from your trip
  • Terrace for the Duplex Suites and the Owner's Suite
  • Flat screen TV, international channels and videos on demand
  • Inclusive Wifi internet

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Suite

Duplex Suite

In addition to the common services provided to all our suites and staterooms:

  • Private return transfer
  • Priority boarding (depending on port of embarkation)
  • Champagne and fruit basket upon arrival
  • Butler service
  • A fruit basket every day
  • A lounge with armchairs, sofa bed, steam fireplace and TV
  • A dining room with a 6-seater table
  • A minibar with RIEDEL crystal glasses
  • A Samsung tablet connected to Wi-Fi
  • A bedroom with king-size bed (180 x 200 cm) or two single beds (90 x 200 cm) and TV
  • A bathroom with shower and balneo bathtub
  • Five panoramic windows and a glazed panoramic swing door
  • A private 26 m² terrace: outdoor lounge with sofa and armchairs, jacuzzi
  • Two pairs of Swarvoski CL Companion 10 x 30 binoculars

Included in all staterooms

  • A private balcony
  • Minibar
  • Diptyque Paris top-of-the-line bath products
  • Bose Bluetooth speaker
  • Individually-controlled air conditioning
  • Nespresso coffee maker and boiler
  • Dressing room with shelves and closet
  • 110V American / 220V European
  • Dressing table and hairdryer
  • Direct line telephone
  • Three ADA staterooms
  • 24-hour room service
  • Electronic safe
  • Concierge Service: tailor-made and fully customisable services, from your reservation until you return from your trip
  • Terrace for the Duplex Suites and the Owner's Suite
  • Flat screen TV, international channels and videos on demand
  • Inclusive Wifi internet

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Suite

Privilege Suite

In addition to the common services provided to all our suites and staterooms:

  • Priority boarding (depending on port of embarkation)
  • Champagne and fruit basket upon arrival
  • Butler service
  • A fruit basket every day
  • A lounge with sofa bed, armchair, and sliding courtesy door
  • A Samsung tablet connected to Wifi
  • A bedroom with king-size bed (180 x 200 cm) or two single beds (90 x 200 cm)
  • A bathroom with shower and Balneo bathtub
  • Two panoramic sliding doors and rectangular porthole
  • A 12.5 m² glazed private balcony
  • Two pairs of Swarvoski CL Companion 10 x 30 binoculars

Included in all staterooms

  • A private balcony
  • Minibar
  • Diptyque Paris top-of-the-line bath products
  • Bose Bluetooth speaker
  • Individually-controlled air conditioning
  • Nespresso coffee maker and boiler
  • Dressing room with shelves and closet
  • 110V American / 220V European
  • Dressing table and hairdryer
  • Direct line telephone
  • Three ADA staterooms
  • 24-hour room service
  • Electronic safe
  • Concierge Service: tailor-made and fully customisable services, from your reservation until you return from your trip
  • Terrace for the Duplex Suites and the Owner's Suite
  • Flat screen TV, international channels and videos on demand
  • Inclusive Wifi internet

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Suite

Grand Suite

In addition to the common services provided to all our suites and staterooms:

  • Priority boarding (depending on port of embarkation)
  • Champagne and fruit basket upon arrival
  • Butler service
  • A fruit basket every day
  • A lounge area with chaise longue and second TV
  • A Samsung tablet connected to Wifi
  • A king-size bed (180 x 200 cm) or two single beds (90 x 200 cm)
  • A bathroom with shower and Balneo bathtub
  • A panoramic sliding bay window
  • A 5 m² glazed private balcony
  • Two pairs of Swarvoski CL Companion 10 x 30 binoculars

Included in all staterooms

  • A private balcony
  • Minibar
  • Diptyque Paris top-of-the-line bath products
  • Bose Bluetooth speaker
  • Individually-controlled air conditioning
  • Nespresso coffee maker and boiler
  • Dressing room with shelves and closet
  • 110V American / 220V European
  • Dressing table and hairdryer
  • Direct line telephone
  • Three ADA staterooms
  • 24-hour room service
  • Electronic safe
  • Concierge Service: tailor-made and fully customisable services, from your reservation until you return from your trip
  • Terrace for the Duplex Suites and the Owner's Suite
  • Flat screen TV, international channels and videos on demand
  • Inclusive Wifi internet

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Suite

Prestige Suite

In addition to the common services provided to all our suites and staterooms:

  • A 107 ft² glazed private balcony balcony
  • Two bathrooms with shower
  • Two sliding panoramic windows
  • Living room with sofa, armchair, TV, and courtesy sliding door
  • One bedroom with king-size bed (180 x 190 cm) or two single beds (90 x 190 cm)

Included in all staterooms

  • A private balcony
  • Minibar
  • Diptyque Paris top-of-the-line bath products
  • Bose Bluetooth speaker
  • Individually-controlled air conditioning
  • Nespresso coffee maker and boiler
  • Dressing room with shelves and closet
  • 110V American / 220V European
  • Dressing table and hairdryer
  • Direct line telephone
  • Three ADA staterooms
  • 24-hour room service
  • Electronic safe
  • Concierge Service: tailor-made and fully customisable services, from your reservation until you return from your trip
  • Terrace for the Duplex Suites and the Owner's Suite
  • Flat screen TV, international channels and videos on demand
  • Inclusive Wifi internet

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Suite

Deluxe Suite

In addition to the common services provided to all our suites and staterooms:

  • A 53 ft² glazed private balcony balcony
  • Panoramic sliding window
  • Lounge area with chaise lounge and two armchairs
  • One king-size bed (180 x 190 cm) or two single beds (90 x 190 cm)
  • Bathroom with shower

Included in all staterooms

  • A private balcony
  • Minibar
  • Diptyque Paris top-of-the-line bath products
  • Bose Bluetooth speaker
  • Individually-controlled air conditioning
  • Nespresso coffee maker and boiler
  • Dressing room with shelves and closet
  • 110V American / 220V European
  • Dressing table and hairdryer
  • Direct line telephone
  • Three ADA staterooms
  • 24-hour room service
  • Electronic safe
  • Concierge Service: tailor-made and fully customisable services, from your reservation until you return from your trip
  • Terrace for the Duplex Suites and the Owner's Suite
  • Flat screen TV, international channels and videos on demand
  • Inclusive Wifi internet

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Balcony

Upper Decks Balcony Stateroom

In addition to the common services provided to all our suites and staterooms:

  • A 53 ft² glazed private balcony balcony
  • Panoramic sliding window
  • One king-size bed (180 x 190 cm) or two single beds (90 x 190 cm)
  • Bathroom with shower

Included in all staterooms

  • A private balcony
  • Minibar
  • Diptyque Paris top-of-the-line bath products
  • Bose Bluetooth speaker
  • Individually-controlled air conditioning
  • Nespresso coffee maker and boiler
  • Dressing room with shelves and closet
  • 110V American / 220V European
  • Dressing table and hairdryer
  • Direct line telephone
  • Three ADA staterooms
  • 24-hour room service
  • Electronic safe
  • Concierge Service: tailor-made and fully customisable services, from your reservation until you return from your trip
  • Terrace for the Duplex Suites and the Owner's Suite
  • Flat screen TV, international channels and videos on demand
  • Inclusive Wifi internet

Suite

Lower Deck Balcony Stateroom

In addition to the common services provided to all our suites and staterooms:

  • A king-size bed (180 x 200 cm) or two single beds (90 x 200 cm)
  • A bathroom with shower
  • A panoramic sliding bay window
  • A 5 m² glazed private balcony

Included in all staterooms

  • A private balcony
  • Minibar
  • Diptyque Paris top-of-the-line bath products
  • Bose Bluetooth speaker
  • Individually-controlled air conditioning
  • Nespresso coffee maker and boiler
  • Dressing room with shelves and closet
  • 110V American / 220V European
  • Dressing table and hairdryer
  • Direct line telephone
  • Three ADA staterooms
  • 24-hour room service
  • Electronic safe
  • Concierge Service: tailor-made and fully customisable services, from your reservation until you return from your trip
  • Terrace for the Duplex Suites and the Owner's Suite
  • Flat screen TV, international channels and videos on demand
  • Inclusive Wifi internet


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international

Nuna (The Earth) - Gastronomic Restaurant

The Nuna, the one and only Alain Ducasse restaurant at sea, offers an excellent menu specially designed by the Michelin-starred chef, featuring some of his signature dishes.

Ligne Roset furniture, French Bernardaud porcelain and Elne glassware bring elegance and refinement to your à la carte breakfast, lunch, and dinner.

varies

Sila (the sky, outside) - Restaurant

In a more relaxed atmosphere, a bright 320 m² restaurant welcomes you for your breakfast, buffet lunches and themed dinners.

varies

Inneq (the fire) - Open-air bar

At the outdoor bar, a varied and refined selection of sweet and savoury international cuisine, as well as a permanent menu, are available throughout the day (11am–6pm).

room

Room Service

Whether you want to fully enjoy your cabin for breakfast, savor a peaceful snack in the middle of the day, or have your meal in complete privacy, room service is at your disposal. Treat yourself to a moment of indulgence and enjoy a diverse menu available at any time of day and night.

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Lounge, Bar, Smoking Lounge, Musicians

The Main Lounge

Enjoy a relaxing time in the grand lounge with a warm musical atmosphere or access the Cigar Lounge, one of the most exclusive spaces on the ship.

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Lounge, Bar, Observation Point

The Anori Observatory

Browse through some of the books dedicated to travel available in the observatory lounge's luminous library.

Shop

The Illu Shop

An extension of the journey and the ship, la Boutique ILLU offers an exclusive shopping experience with ready-to-wear and technical gear for polar adventures (Swarovski Optik, Garmin, Vuarnet, Feelfree, Columbia, Arctic Edge), classic products to treat yourself (Eric Bompard, 727Sailbags, Le Minor, children’s collection, jewelry, luxury BRIONI), unique souvenirs and adventure novels. Hours follow the voyage schedule, including days at sea, and all purchases on board are tax-free.

Pool Deck

Heated Indoor Swimming Pool

Bathed in natural light thanks to large windows, the pool offers a breathtaking view of the polar landscapes. An unforgettable swimming experience.

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Observation Point

Promenade Deck

Fitness session, meditation, Nordic walking along the uninterrupted promenade bridge, face to face with the immensity from the bow of the ship... The awakening of the senses is heightened in the heart of the polar world.

Theatre

The Theatre - Kita

Comfortably seated, you can attend conferences given by the guests and teams of naturalists, as well as the various shows, concerts and performances organised by professional dancers and musicians on board.

Music and dance

Opera, jazz, piano recitals, concerts or ballets at sea or on land: musical cruises and dance cruises offer privileged experiences, in small groups, alongside prestigious partners, such as Radio Classique or the Paris National Opera and talented artists of international renown.

Art and literature

Share high-quality moments and attend conferences by curators from national and international museums, women and men from the world of culture, renowned writers, actors and philosophers. They discuss their passion during conferences or private visits. Experience the opportunity to open up to new perspectives.

Studio, Photographers

PONANT Studio

A photography and videography team escort you throughout your trip. These professionals capture the most beautiful moments of your cruise, which you can share with family and friends upon your return. Meet them on DECK 5 (DECK 6 on the PONANT Explorers ships) at the photo/video area, where you can also order souvenir pictures and videos.

Reception

Reception

If you have not made a pre-booking before your cruise, you can book your excursions on board during one of the daily opening times of the excursion desk (timetables available in your daily program). It is only possible to pre-book one excursion per port day. If you would like to book a second excursion on the same day, please contact the excursion desk to check availability.

Smoking Lounge

Cigar Lounge

The Cigar Lounge is located on Deck 5.

Spa, Wellness

Spa

Enjoy exclusive treatments inspired by the natural treasures of the poles. The professional skincare products from Biologique Recherche for the skin and body, and Davines for the hair, combine innovation, customization, and commitment to the planet: formulas tailored to each individual and the extreme polar environment, natural and fair trade ingredients, fight against plastic pollution.

Sauna

Sauna

At the heart of Nordic traditions, the gentle heat of the sauna provides a moment of serenity after a day of exploration, while enjoying the spectacular landscapes.

Spa, Exclusive, Wellness

Snow cabin

Experience an authentic polar ritual by going from the sauna to the snow cabin. A moment that revitalizes the body and mind, reserved for adventurers.

Gym

Fitness Centre

The fitness room offers a wide range of exercises suitable for all levels to train facing magnificent views.

Salon

The Hairdressing Salon

Each product has been crafted using the most advanced cosmetic technologies and natural ingredients. Developed and packaged while minimising the environmental impact, Davines® products are inspired by the Sustainable Beauty ideal, an inseparable unit between Beauty and Being. During your cruise, treat your hair to a unique beauty experience. Our expert stylist will do an in-depth analysis of your hair and recommend the most appropriate treatment.

Pool, Whirlpool/Jacuzzi

Blue Lagoon Baths

Relax in front of polar landscapes in the waters of the Blue Lagoon, heated between 27 and 37°C thanks to the energy recovery generated by the ship's propulsion.