The Great Polar Cruise

DAY 1 | Paris > Longyearbyen (Spitsbergen)

Private direct flight to Longyearbyen. Bus excursion in Adventdalen, then free time in the city.

DAY 2 | Hornsund

Southern Spitsbergen is renowned for its landscapes, featuring a peak with 12 glaciers known as Hornsundtid. The fjord is one of the most historically significant places. Ten glaciers flow into the sea, and polar bears, seals, and walruses are commonly seen.

DAY 3 and 4 | Northeast Greenland Sea Ice

We will spend several hours navigating close to and within the sea ice along the Northeast coast of Greenland, searching for polar bears, seals, ivory gulls, and whales.

DAY 5 | Sabine Islands and Pendulum – Haystack – Shannon (?)

We will explore the remains of the Inuit people who once inhabited this coast and learn about the tragic polar expeditions around the old trappers’ huts. Giant tabular icebergs from the North of Greenland drift by in the sea. Our navigations towards Dove Bay will depend on weather and ice conditions.

DAYS 6 to 8 | Emperor Franz Joseph Fjord – Bontekoe

In the fjords, we will cruise along the coast of the “painted rocks,” sedimentary formations from the primary age. Musk oxen are often spotted in these fjords filled with icebergs and surrounded by spectacular cliffs.

DAYS 9 à 12 | Scoresby Sund, Ittoqqortoormiit

We will navigate through the world’s largest fjord, with giant icebergs providing a stunning backdrop to the magnificent landscapes. Disembarkation, guided tours, and free time in the village of Ittoqqortoormiit. Glacial fronts, spectacular scenery, excursions in the tundra, and iceberg fields will be our daily experiences in the labyrinth of these magnificent fjords. Musk oxen, Arctic hares, and seals are commonly encountered.

DAY 13 | Constable Point – Reykjavik (Iceland)

Private flight to Iceland and its capital, Reykjavik, where we will spend the evening. Dinner and overnight stay at the hotel.

DAY 14| Reykjavik

Return flight according to your arrangements.

©Photos-Grands Espaces

THE OCEAN NOVA

The polar ship par excellence

✔ Only 70 to 75 passengers

✔ Unparalleled polar experience in the Arctic and Antarctica

✔ 8 Zodiacs on board and nine French-speaking expedition guides for a true university of the Far North

✔ A panoramic lounge and conference room that enhances the reputation of the ship

With a length of 73 meters and a width of 11 meters, a draft of 4 meters, it has an ice class A1-B1 and is served by a crew of 38. This robust polar vessel offers remarkable comfort, combining efficiency and elegance, with the exceptional expertise of Grands Espaces providing the distinctive mark of exploration cruises for 72 privileged passengers. It features a wide gangway for easy access to the Zodiacs.

The ship is equipped with facilities that far exceed environmental regulations, allowing it to reduce its ecological impact: state-of-the-art smoke filters, on-board waste treatment, propulsion solely using light fuel, which is less polluting, and engines enabling the lowest consumption per passenger. This consumption also leads to complete carbon offsetting, making this ship carbon-neutral.

THE EXPLORER

The polar ship par excellence

✔ Only 12 passengers

✔ Unmatched experience provided by Christian Kempf, a polar expert, and Marco Coppola, a naval architect specialized in exploration yachts

✔ Outstanding maneuverability

✔ Completely redesigned in 2020-2021 to minimize its environmental impact and offer high-quality service, leveraging its spacious layout.

With a length of 46.5 meters and an exceptional width of 10.5 meters, this robust and stable vessel is designed for high seas and icy conditions. It features a low draft (2.9m), reinforced hull for beaching, and state-of-the-art sonar and communication equipment, making it operational in all seas.

Its diesel-electric engines, generating 1700 HP, provide a cruising speed of 8 knots. Adapted for high seas and ice, the ship allows great exploration flexibility with its onboard equipment, combining comfort, refinement, and efficiency. The yacht is served by a crew of 8 people, and Grands Espaces employs 2 lecturers on board. You will appreciate its spacious panoramic lounge, sauna, jacuzzi, and fitness area for relaxation after zodiac outings. The Bridge Deck features a panoramic lounge that opens to the rear for observation.

The cabins, ranging from 14 to 17 square meters, include individual suites, suites, and cabins with twin or double beds. Onboard, there is no packaging, and plastic bottle use is limited. Grands Espaces provides a water bottle. All cleaning products are Cosmebio and Eurobio certified. Strict waste sorting is implemented, and low sulfur marine diesel (LS-MGO) with a 0.1% sulfur content is used, minimizing fuel consumption through adapted cruising speeds.