Immersive polar experiences
Kayaking, snowshoeing, polar diving or swimming in a wet suit, zodiac exploration, dog sledding: explore the polar world through total immersion.
Charcot moments
Le Commandant Charcot is equipped with the kinds of spaces never before seen in the PONANT fleet, spaces designed to wonderfully enhance the onboard environment and extend the polar experience to every moment of the day. Both enveloping and at the same time open to the exterior, the atmosphere of wellbeing these spaces offer emanates from the meticulous detail and delicateness of the exquisitely sensory-awakening materials used.
All-round 360° connection with the polar environment
Begin the day with a fitness or meditation session, or alternatively go for a stroll around the ship on the promenade deck, taking time out to spend a relaxing break on one of the heated benches as you do so and enjoying the opportunity to watch wildlife through the two Swarovski Optik spotting scopes. From the prow, experience the unforgettable sensation of being all alone in the vast immensity around you.
A gourmet start to the day
Savour the delights of a richly varied gastronomic breakfast in the soothing polar light. Choose from a range of hot drinks, Lenôtre pastries baked on board, bread made freshly each day by our own French baker, home-made cakes and muffins, pancakes, waffles, eggs, cheeses, cold cuts, detox juices, and more.
Morning
Midday
Awaken the senses
Head to the wellness space for a detox cocktail and the chance to lie back and relax in front of the panoramic windows; enjoy the pleasures of the indoor pool heated to 32°C; or settle down comfortably in one of the hanging seats in the wellness space and admire the wonders of the icy landscapes after a traditional Nordic experience at the spa, the sauna and the snow cabin.
Lunch in style
Admire the view of the polar environment as you lunch in the softly muted ambiance of the gastronomic restaurant Nuna; basque in the sun's rays at the ship's other restaurant, Sila; or alternatively, enjoy the more casual and relaxed atmosphere offered by the open-air bar. Choose from a range of French and international cuisine served à la carte or as a buffet, fine wines recommended by the sommelier, and signature dishes by Alain Ducasse in the form of vegetable and lobster cookpots showcasing the delights of the sea and natural produce.
Learn all about the ice
The evolution of the climate in the polar regions, the formation of icebergs, the ice pack and the frozen sea in all their different states: unlock some of the mysteries of the Far North and the White Continent through the knowledge and expertise of Antoine Viot (a geological engineer specialising in Svalbard) and glaciologist and climatologist Julien Alex.
Afternoon
Tea time
The magical otherwordly wonder of the polar environment
After a briefing by the expedition team, head off to explore the banks, shores and icy expanses aboard a Zodiac inflatable boat, a hovercraft or a more traditional form of transport such as a kayak, a dog sled or just a simple pair of snow shoes, and connect with the authentic essence of the poles. Collect valuable data for use in polar research as part of citizen science sessions conducted on board or during off-board excursions.
Soft landing
Return to the ship and warm yourself up around the brazier while you enjoy an afternoon tea of truffle "Croque Charcot" or one of the sweet or savoury treats available throughout the day at the Inneq bar, and take advantage of the pleasures of the Blue Lagoon, with its water heated to between 27°C and 37°C by the ship's energy recuperation system.
Artistic interlude
Continue your exploration on board by going for a stroll to explore the 300 ornaments and works of art decorating the ship's interior spaces; contemplate and admire the monumental digital work by artist Migeul Chevalier adorning the Atrium skylight; and let yourself be transported by the musical creations of Michel Redolfi.
Polar impressions
Discuss your experiences or browse the pages of the most beautiful works available on the poles as you enjoy an apéritif in the main lounge or in the observation lounge. Encounters with wildlife experienced from the decks of the ship or during off-board excursions, first impressions of the poles, the majesty of the scenery: each moment lived is an invitation to share and to continue the voyage in order to fully enjoy every extraordinary instant of this mesmerizing journey.
Evening
24h/24
A made-to-measure end to the evening
After your gastronomic dinner at the Nuna restaurant, enjoy the opportunity to listen to a Chopin impromptu interpreted by the onboard pianist in one of the two lounges, or watch a performance or projection in the theatre. Cigar aficionados have the option of the Cigar Lounge – one of the ship's most exclusive spaces – where they can enjoy the delights of a selection of fine cigars and premium spirits.
The PONANT App
After booking your cruise, download the PONANT app from the Apple Store or Google Play. It will support you throughout your voyage. Before your cruise, get practical information about how to pack your bag, the composition of the team on board, pre-book your excursions, etc. During your trip, enjoy daily highlights of your cruise, make an appointment with the spa, order the photos from the cruise and book your excursions.
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Sail with Confidence
An eco-friendly sailing
PONANT’s latest addition to the fleet, Le Commandant Charcot - the very first luxury hybrid electric polar exploration ship powered by liquified natural gas, is the epitome of responsible and sustainable sailing. Safe and low impact polar navigation is her area of expertise, taking advantage of the latest innovations and even developing new, market-leading technologies and solutions to make Le Commandant Charcot one of the most advanced polar vessels at sea today.
Exceptional suites and staterooms
Equipped with 123 suites and staterooms with private balcony or terrace, Le Commandant Charcot is fully in keeping with the PONANT philosophy: to provide a rare and exceptional ambiance for every passenger welcomed onboard and reinforce the feeling and sense of sailing on a private yacht. At the rear of decks 6 and 7 are four stunning 94 m² (1,011 ft²) split-level suites equipped with private terraces and jacuzzis.
The breathtaking 115 m² (1,237 ft²) Suite de l’Armateur (Shipowner's Suite) on deck 8 features wide sliding glass doors offering stunning panoramic views and opening out onto a 186 m² (2,002 ft²) private terrace.
An eco-friendly sailing
PONANT’s latest addition to the fleet, Le Commandant Charcot - the very first luxury hybrid electric polar exploration ship powered by liquified natural gas, is the epitome of responsible and sustainable sailing. Safe and low impact polar navigation is her area of expertise, taking advantage of the latest innovations and even developing new, market-leading technologies and solutions to make Le Commandant Charcot one of the most advanced polar vessels at sea today.
AZIPODS
The world's most powerful propulsion pods, providing safety and exceptional 360° manoeuvring ability in the ice.
LIQUIFIED NATURAL GAS (LNG)
Only ship in the world that is genuinely autonomous for a period of one and a half months using LNG thanks to 2x 4,500 m3 tanks.
ELECTRIC POWER
Largest battery bank ever installed on a cruise ship. Zero emissions and quiet sailing in electric mode in protected areas.
RESPECTFUL TOWARDS ECOSYSTEMS
Shell and sea creature detectors, electronic positioning system without the need for anchoring, ballast water processing, reduced noise and vibrations.
PC2 SHELL
Only passenger ship in the world with a PC2 polar class shell, ensuring total safety and the ability to travel through channels inaccessible to other expedition ships.
ELECTRICAL QUAY CONNECTION
in ports that are equipped.
RECYCLED ENERGY
Blue Lagoon baths and benches on the promenade deck heated by recycled energy generated by the ship’s propulsion.
WASTE REDUCTION
Onboard production and bottling of drinking water in glass containers, supply and provision of stainless steel flasks, elimination of single-use plastics.
CONTROLLED ENERGY CONSUMPTION
Optimisation of navigation routes, energy management systems, ship speed limitation.
CERTIFICATION
Clean Ship label awarded by the Bureau Veritas guaranteeing reduced atmospheric emissions and water and waste processing.
LOW EMISSIONS
25% less carbon emissions, 85% less nitrogen oxide emissions and 95% less fine particle emissions.
AZIPODS
The world's most powerful propulsion pods, providing safety and exceptional 360° manoeuvring ability in the ice.
LIQUIFIED NATURAL GAS (LNG)
Only ship in the world that is genuinely autonomous for a period of one and a half months using LNG thanks to 2x 4,500 m3 tanks.
ELECTRIC POWER
Largest battery bank ever installed on a cruise ship. Zero emissions and quiet sailing in electric mode in protected areas.
RESPECTFUL TOWARDS ECOSYSTEMS
Shell and sea creature detectors, electronic positioning system without the need for anchoring, ballast water processing, reduced noise and vibrations.
PC2 SHELL
Only passenger ship in the world with a PC2 polar class shell, ensuring total safety and the ability to travel through channels inaccessible to other expedition ships.
ELECTRICAL QUAY CONNECTION
in ports that are equipped.
RECYCLED ENERGY
Blue Lagoon baths and benches on the promenade deck heated by recycled energy generated by the ship’s propulsion.
RÉDUCTION DES DÉCHETS
Onboard production and bottling of drinking water in glass containers, supply and provision of stainless steel flasks, elimination of single-use plastics.
CONTROLLED ENERGY CONSUMPTION
Optimisation of navigation routes, energy management systems, ship speed limitation.
CERTIFICATION
Clean Ship label awarded by the Bureau Veritas guaranteeing reduced atmospheric emissions and water and waste processing.
LOW EMISSIONS
25% less carbon emissions, 85% less nitrogen oxide emissions and 95% less fine particle emissions.
Matthieu Petiteau,
Director of New Construction at PONANT
We had to imagine, develop and design everything from A to Z. No ship like Le Commandant Charcot had ever seen the light of day. Going to such privileged environments without limiting our impact as much as possible was out of the question.
The art of polar navigation
Le Commandant Charcot is the world's first passenger ship to be fitted with a Polar Class 2 (PC2) hull. This gives it the ability to sail between the sheets of drifting sea ice and reach the most remote and isolated regions, when conditions allow. Protecting the polar ecosystems and the coastal sea ice – a vital habitat for marine wildlife – is our priority. Expertise, innovation, humility before nature, cooperation with local peoples and ensuring a minimal impact on the environment are the fundamental concepts behind responsible exploration.
Etienne Garcia and Patrick Marchesseau,
Captains onboard Commandant Charcot
Le Commandant Charcot is both an extraordinary vessel and a safe and comfortable ship. It's a sailor's dream; an outstanding accomplishment You simply could not do better when it comes to sailing in polar regions; though to minimise our impact as far as possible, we explore these regions with a tremendous sense of humility.
Pioneer of safety regulations in the polar regions
The rescue and safety equipment developed and designed from scratch by PONANT for Le Commandant Charcot (Ice Cube, group survival kit, floating polar shelters and survival suits) currently exceed the existing safety criteria established by the tourism industry as well as the military, raise the bar for maritime safety and standards in polar tourism, and help experts across the world to devise new safety strategies
Ecosystem-friendly landing protocols
Our approach is also based on a carefully considered choice of itineraries, the drafting of a specific environmental brief for each sensitive region or area, a code of conduct for passengers, and of course, a zero tolerance policy regarding the impact we leave behind when we travel through an area.
PONANT is a member of IAATO (the International Association of Antarctic Tour Operators) and AECO, (the International Association of Expedition Cruise Operators for Responsible, Environmentally Friendly and Safe Tourism), two organisations responsible for regulating tourism activities in Antarctica and the Arctic. Our itineraries and protocols in the polar regions are designed in accordance with the directives issued by these organisations, which stipulate the maximum number of passengers allowed to disembark and the specific conduct to be followed (i.e. maximum wildlife approach distances; briefings for passengers, crew and expedition personnel; the level of Antarctic experience of expedition personnel; and emergency and medical evacuation plans).
Featured cruises
LE COMMANDANT CHARCOT
LE COMMANDANT CHARCOT
*$300 reduction per passenger with the code BWELCOM. Offer valid for all new bookings of your first cruise with PONANT. Non-retroactive offer, not applicable on Ocean Voyages, cannot be combined with other special offers and may be modified and/or cancelled without prior notice. This offer is also valid for use with your usual travel agency.