This week, we visit with our friends from PONANT EXPLORATIONS to preview an exciting voyage for those of you who have done it all. Your adventure will take place on Le Commandant Charcot, the only luxury icebreaker capable of reaching the Geographic North Pole. What’s on tap? 12-night North Pole departures that are going to sell out quickly. Plus, there’s more, so read on and start getting excited!
Overview
For Those Who’ve Done It All: Why This Ship, This Voyage & Why Now
PONANT EXPLORATIONS’ Le Commandant Charcot is the world’s only luxury icebreaker designed to reach the Geographic North Pole. While other companies sail to the broader Arctic region, only Le Commandant Charcot is engineered to navigate through multiyear pack ice up to eight feet thick, reaching 90° North with guests in complete comfort and style.
Robb Report writes, “Luxury, engineering, and once-in-a-lifetime access combined into one six-star vessel…Other ships may cruise the Arctic. Charcot goes to the North Pole—and gets you there in luxury.”
Cruise Critic writes, “With its Polar Class 2 designation, the ship can delve deeper into arctic waters than PONANT’s four ice-class ships.”
The cruise review site continues, “At 492 feet long and 92 feet wide, the 123-stateroom vessel is larger than the line’s other ships (while maintaining a 1:1.1 crew-to-guest ratio, creating space for amenities not typically found on expedition cruisers.”
Some other interesting points from Cruise Critic: “Sustainability is a focus. It’s the first hybrid-electric polar-exploration ship partially powered by eco-friendlier liquified natural gas (LNG). You won’t find plastic water bottles anywhere onboard – even the drinking straws are glass. Drinking water comes from an onboard desalinization system. Among other innovations: a system for recovering waste heat, and an advanced wastewater treatment system.”
Now Available: Streamlined 12-night North Pole itineraries, designed for lifelong learners, adventure-seekers, and discerning travelers who crave authenticity, exclusivity, and undeniable luxury – without the usual three-week time commitment typically required for North Pole voyages. Read more here.
What Sets Le Commandant Charcot Apart:
- First of Its Kind: Only luxury vessel capable of reaching the Geographic North Pole
- Icebreaking Power: PC2-class hull handles extreme polar conditions
- Small Ship, High Touch: 245 guests with a 1:1.1 crew-to-guest ratio
- Efficient Access: New 12-night voyages to the North Pole now available
Recognition & Awards:
- Condé Nast Traveler: Gold List – Best Cruise Ships in the World
- Cruise Critic: Best of the Arctic (2023 & 2024)
- TIME Magazine: World’s Greatest Places
- Porthole: Best Antarctic Cruise
Accommodations
Where Ice Meets Indulgence: Signature Suites and Elevated Accommodations
Designed to feel like a boutique hotel at sea, every suite includes a private balcony. The ship’s 123 suites and staterooms serve as private sanctuaries, each designed to maintain a connection with the spectacular surroundings through private terraces and panoramic views.
Cruise Critic writes, “The entry-level Prestige Staterooms, at 215-square feet (plus another 53 square feet on the balcony), are quite spacious. Niceties in all rooms include WiFi, 24-hour room service, super-luxe Diptyque Paris bath products, bathrobes, slippers, a hairdryer, minibar stocked with juices, soft drinks and spirits, a Nespresso coffee maker, a Bose Bluetooth speaker and individually controlled thermostats. All staterooms and suites have roomy glass showers (some suites add a separate Balneo bathtub) and, in the French tradition, the toilet is tucked within its own doored compartment.”
Travel + Leisure’s Paul Brady, who sailed on the ship, says, “Duplex Suites are, to my mind, the most impressive on the ship with double-height windows overlooking the stern, private hot tubs, soaking bathtubs, water-vapor fireplaces, and huge beds that face the horizon.”
Owner’s Suite
The 1,237-square-feet Owner’s Suite includes a living/dining area with steam fireplace and bar, dining for six. There’s a separate bedroom, walk-in dressing room, oversize bathroom with separate shower and Balneo bathtub with an ocean view.
The 2,002-square-feet wrap around deck includes al fresco dining, loungers, and a hot tub.
Duplex Suites
The 1,011-square-feet Duplex Suites offer a 280-square-feet terrace with hot tub. There’s a living/dining area with in-suite dining for six. The upstairs bedroom includes an oversized bathroom with separate Balneo bathtub and shower, plus a walk-in dressing room. Best of all are the spectacular panoramic views from the floor-to-ceiling windows.
Privilege Suites
The 516-square feet Privilege Suites include a 140-square-feet balcony, living area separated from the bedroom, and master bathroom with separate shower, Balneo bathtub, and walk-in closet.
Explore all the accommodations here.
Dining & Bars
Dining That Travels Beyond Expectation: Alain Ducasse Brings French Art de Vivre to the Ice
Dining aboard Le Commandant Charcot is orchestrated by Ducasse Conseil, blending haute cuisine with regionally inspired flavors and sustainability.
Travel + Leisure’s Brady notes, “There are two restaurants on the Charcot, the more formal Nuna and the more casual Sila. Nuna is billed by PONANT as the only Alain Ducasse restaurant at sea, and the food served during my trip was worthy of the chef’s endorsement. The ever-changing menus mixed classic French techniques with contemporary flavors, with many plant-forward choices that I ended up skipping in favor of dishes such as lobster with beets and hibiscus; veal tartare with haricot verts; prawn ravioli with carrot and ginger.”
He adds, “The other dining option is Sila, where food is displayed buffet style but served by a marvelous crew, on custom porcelain from the French brand Pillivuyt. In fact, to call it a buffet at all might unfairly malign just how good the food on offer is.”
Nuna: Fine dining restaurant with access to the ship’s second bridge
Sila: Casual venue with buffet breakfast/lunch and themed dinners
Inneq Bar: Open-air lounge with hot drinks, curated cocktails, and light fare
Explore the restaurants here.
Spas, Fitness, Pools, & Commons Areas
Recharge at the Top of the World: Spa, Fitness & Wellness in the Polar Circle
The wellness areas on board Le Commandant Charcot take on a new dimension. These spaces, designed by Jean-Michel Wilmotte, combine design and comfort, and have been created with expert know-how using responsible brands.
Spa Manager Chloé says, “We wanted to create a sensory journey in connection with the Conservatory, which is home to the heated indoor pool and the Detox Bar. The curves are very soft and understated, and exotic materials have been used, like the raw Carrara marble with pearlescent reflections in the treatment rooms, or the black marble in the relaxation area.”
- Spa treatments with ice views and signature rituals
- Indoor pool, Snow Room, sauna, and relaxation areas
- Yoga, Pilates, personal training, and water aerobics
- Onboard Juice Bar for cold-pressed recovery blends
- Lounges & Culture in the Ice
- Blue Lagoon: Outdoor heated pool (80–98°F) surrounded by snow and ice
- Inneq Lounge: Heated chairs and panoramic views of the aurora borealis
- Observation Lounges: Wildlife spotting with naturalists on hand
- Onboard Art Gallery: Over 300 curated works from 40+ global artists
Discover the common areas here.
Activities, Entertainment & Enrichment
Immersive by Nature: Hands-On Exploration, Guided by Experts
Le Commandant Charcot’s expedition team is composed of around 20 experts. It constitutes one of the best guest-to-staff ratios found on any voyage of this kind. Biologists, naturalists, engineers, glaciologists, and geologists, these experts in the polar regions will be on hand to ensure the safety of all your activities and experiences and to share their passion for the poles.
They will be by your side throughout your voyage of discovery, providing key insights to help you get the most out of the encounters with fauna, flora and local populations that await you, and helping you better understand the stakes and challenges involved in preserving this natural and cultural heritage.
Expedition Leaders: Alongside the captain, the expedition leader is the main person responsible for managing and coordinating the exploration aspect of the cruise. They supervise the team of naturalist guides, ensure the safety of the organized activities offered, and tailor and adapt the experiences, thus ensuring the full richness of these fascinating ecosystems is revealed in all its glory.
Naturalist Guides: A team of naturalist guides trained in supervising activities in polar environments will be by your side every day to interpret and explain everything about these largely unexplored ecosystems, both onboard the ship and during onshore activities.
Scientific Coordinator: On board, the scientific coordinator manages the spaces designed and set up specifically for hosting scientists and their equipment. In parallel with this, they also organize laboratory tours and conferences with the purpose of raising awareness about the stakes and challenges involved in protecting the polar world, thus providing special moments of communication and interaction with researchers.
Deep Polar Exploration Aboard Le Commandant Charcot Includes:
- Zodiac landings and guided walks on the pack ice
- Sea kayaking, ice fishing, polar plunge club
- Dog sledding and skijoring in select destinations
- Onboard science lab participation and research demos
- Photography workshops with professional ambassadors
- Daily briefings from naturalists and polar researchers
- Guest experts from The Explorers Club on select sailings
- Lectures, film screenings, and informal evening talks
- Cultural exchanges in Arctic villages (where applicable)
Learn more here.
Key Itineraries
Itineraries to the Ends of the Earth
While we are focused on Le Commandant Charcot, it’s worth noting, Condé Nast Traveler writes, “No matter the itinerary or vessel, one can expect elegant spaces and accommodations, well-versed onboard guides and naturalists, and superb French gastronomy.”
It adds, “PONANT EXPLORATIONS is a (proudly) French luxury outfitter with itineraries on all seven continents, from tropical Indian Ocean sails to Arctic expeditions. Though it operates a dozen ships and has gained an international following, their voyages remain intimate; even the passenger count for their ocean liners clocks under 300.”
Key Itineraries
- New – Geographic North Pole – 12 Nights: A streamlined, expertly paced expedition to 90° North—only possible aboard Le Commandant Charcot. This is the fastest and most comfortable way to reach the top of the Earth. More here.
- Geographic & Magnetic North Pole Voyages – 15–20 Nights: The only ship designed to take you to both poles on one voyage. Experience a true polar achievement aboard the only luxury vessel equipped to do it. More here.
Other Iconic Routes Aboard Le Commandant Charcot
- Greenland & Svalbard: Explore Greenland and Spitsbergen in a thrilling Arctic adventure: dramatic fjords, rugged glaciers, towering icebergs, polar wildlife encounters—and pristine wilderness at the top of the world. More here.
- Northern Europe & Scandinavia: Discover the Baltics’ enchanting Nordic coastlines, charming historic ports, and peaceful sea voyages. More here.
- Antarctica & Weddell Sea: Experience Antarctica’s awe-inspiring wilderness: sail through the remote Weddell Sea, witness majestic emperor penguin colonies, and marvel at towering icebergs and pristine glacial landscapes. More here.
- St. Lawrence in Winter: Discover the heart of winter along North America’s St. Lawrence River: frozen expanses, snow shrouded boreal forests, charming Quebecois villages, ice scarred harbors, and serene, breathtaking Arctic like beauty. More here.
VIP Contact
Visit: us.ponant.com or call +1.844.656.3786