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Q’s founder, Rob Clabbers, and Managing Advisor, David Lauwers, had the opportunity to experience this remarkable journey aboard Ponant’s Le Commandant Charcot, traveling through the High Arctic to 90° North. Rob’s experience, along with his perspective on North Pole travel, will be featured in Travel + Leisure’s adventure issue.

The journey was a reminder of why expedition travel can be so compelling. The destination may be extraordinary, but choosing the right ship, itinerary and time to travel can make an enormous difference in the experience.

Luxury Expedition Travel, Elevated

Le Commandant Charcot is unlike a conventional cruise ship. The world’s only luxury hybrid icebreaker, purpose-built for polar exploration, she combines serious expedition capabilities with the refined accommodations, dining and service expected of a luxury French cruise line.

A North Pole voyage is about much more than reaching 90° North. The journey itself is part of the experience: traveling through the Arctic, watching the changing ice conditions, searching for wildlife and experiencing an environment that very few travelers will ever see firsthand.

And when the ship finally reaches the Geographic North Pole, there is something extraordinary about stepping outside and realizing that every direction from that point is south.

Firsthand Expertise Matters

At Q Cruise + Travel, luxury cruising and expedition travel are at the heart of what we do.

Both Rob and David have personally traveled on more than 150 cruises and expeditions, including journeys to Antarctica, the Arctic and the North Pole. That firsthand experience allows our team to help clients look beyond the brochure and consider the details that can genuinely influence a trip.

We can help with:

• Selecting the right Ponant ship, expedition and itinerary
• Comparing North Pole and other Arctic voyages
• Evaluating suite and cabin choices
• Coordinating flights, hotels and pre- or post-cruise arrangements
• Arranging a complete journey around the expedition
• Providing personal guidance before departure and support throughout the planning process

Our goal is not simply to book a cruise. It is to help create the right journey for each client.

Considering the North Pole?

For travelers intrigued by the idea of standing at the top of the world, we would be pleased to talk through what a North Pole expedition is really like, including what to expect aboard Le Commandant Charcot and whether this type of voyage is the right fit for you.

Q Cruise + Travel will also have access to additional savings on select North Pole and other Ponant sailings. Availability and applicable offers can vary by voyage, so we encourage travelers to contact us.

Even if the North Pole is not on your list, Ponant offers expedition and luxury voyages to remarkable destinations around the world, and we can help identify the itinerary and experience that best matches the way you want to travel.

Let Our Experience Guide Yours

Being featured in Travel + Leisure for a journey as remarkable as the North Pole is especially meaningful. But what matters most is being able to bring that experience back to our clients.

If you are considering the North Pole, Antarctica, the Arctic or another luxury expedition, Q Cruise + Travel can help you navigate the choices and plan the journey from beginning to end.

Contact Q Cruise + Travel to learn more about North Pole expeditions aboard Le Commandant Charcot, current Ponant opportunities and additional savings available through our agency.