VACAYA North Pole Expedition 2028
12 nights · 6 ports · Le Commandant Charcot
As a pure LGBTQIA+ full charter, VACAYA ventures to the geographic North Pole – 90° North, the highest point on earth. From Longyearbyen on Spitsbergen, the luxury icebreaker Le Commandant Charcot sets sail from Ponant through the pack ice to the Pole. In twelve nights, it goes through arctic wilderness of ice floes and endless midnight sun, with stops such as Ny-Ålesund on Spitsbergen, before the journey back ends in Longyearbyen.
Itinerary
The northernmost city in the world on Svalbard is your starting point for Arctic expeditions. Surrounded by glaciers and tundra, you're more likely to encounter polar bear warning signs than trees.
On this expedition, you'll glide along the Arctic coast of Svalbard, past towering glaciers, rugged mountains, and wildlife including polar bears, walruses, and seabirds.
As you sail through the Arctic pack ice, you'll experience the rugged silence of the far north as the ship makes its way through endless ice floes and glittering polar landscapes.
At the geographic North Pole, you'll reach the northernmost point on Earth, where all longitudes meet, surrounded by endless pack ice and arctic silence.
One of the northernmost settlements in the world on Spitsbergen now serves as an international research station. You'll experience arctic tundra, glaciers, and rich bird colonies.
The northernmost city in the world on Svalbard is your starting point for Arctic expeditions. Surrounded by glaciers and tundra, you're more likely to encounter polar bear warning signs than trees.
Cabins
Theme nights & highlights
VACAYA North Pole Expedition 2028 on video
The ship · Le Commandant Charcot
Le Commandant Charcot is the flagship of Ponant's expedition fleet and the only passenger ship in the world with a polar class PC2 icebreaker hull – built to sail through thick, multi-year pack ice where normal expedition ships can't reach.
For queer travelers, the ship is best known for the charter trips of the operator VACAYA, which charters Le Commandant Charcot for exclusive LGBTQ+ expeditions to Antarctica and the polar regions - each as pure community trips with its own program of nature tours, Zodiac excursions and sociable on-board life instead of a classic party atmosphere.
Outside of these charter trips, the ship operates as a regular Ponant expedition ship with a mixed, mostly French-influenced clientele. If you are looking for an LGBTQ+ charter trip, you have to look specifically for the corresponding dates of VACAYA.
Frequently asked questions
How does an LGBT cruise differ from a regular one?
As a rule the entire ship is chartered — a 100% queer crowd with its own programme of DJs, drag shows and themed parties.
What is usually included?
Cabin, full board, entertainment and pool are mostly included. Premium drinks, spa and shore excursions are usually charged separately.
Is the trip suitable for solo travellers?
Yes — the solo share is high on many trips, and there are often dedicated solo meet-ups on board.
What are the cancellation terms?
That depends on the operator. You will find the exact deadlines and conditions directly with the provider.
What about safety when docking in restrictive countries?
The operators are careful about route choices. At controversial ports, shore excursions are curated thoughtfully.
- Period
- 05.08.2028 – 17.08.2028
- Duration
- 12 nights
- Ship
- Le Commandant Charcot
- Region
- Arctic / North Pole
Direct with the operator
VACAYA
VACAYA charters entire ships and resorts for the entire LGBTQIA+ community and its allies. Instead of a men-only party cruise, VACAYA deliberately focuses on more inclusive and relaxed: high-quality, community-oriented, with parties as well as quieter moments.
Last reviewed: 31. July 2026