Le Commandant Charcot, Ponant’s pioneering hybrid-electric icebreaker, offers a unique blend of luxury and exploration. Designed for polar voyages, this French-flagged ship accommodates 245 guests, delivering a sophisticated yet accessible journey with eco-conscious innovation.
Visitors can anticipate a journey that balances luxury with adventure. Social spaces like the Main Lounge encourage connection, while private balconies and quiet lounges offer solitude. The ship’s icebreaking capabilities allow access to remote polar regions, enhancing the exploration aspect of the cruise. Le Commandant Charcot delivers a refined and innovative experience, blending French elegance with sustainable exploration.
Reception Areas: A Stylish Welcome
Guests are greeted on Deck 5 by a 177-square-metre reception area, featuring a concierge desk, expedition desk, and boutique selling clothing, jewellery, and adventure gear. The space, adorned with muted blues and contemporary furnishings, creates a calm and inviting atmosphere. Accessible facilities ensure ease for all passengers, while attentive staff provide prompt assistance, setting a refined tone for the voyage.
Dining: French Gastronomy Meets Global Flavours
Le Commandant Charcot’s dining venues offer a refined culinary experience. Nuna, the main restaurant on Deck 5, seats all guests and serves à la carte French and international cuisine, with breakfast and lunch buffets featuring fresh salads and pastries, and table-served dinners. Sila, the outdoor grill on Deck 9, offers casual buffet lunches and themed dinners inspired by global cuisines. Complimentary beverages, including wine, beer, and champagne, accompany meals, with vegetarian and gluten-free options available.
Entertainment: Engaging and Diverse
The ship’s entertainment caters to a range of interests. The 276-seat theatre on Deck 5, equipped with advanced audio-visual systems, hosts lectures by naturalists, film screenings, and live performances, including music and dance. The Blue Eye lounge, an innovative underwater space below the waterline, features porthole windows and digital screens displaying live marine footage, offering a serene connection to the sea. The Observatory Lounge on Deck 9 provides a library, board games, and occasional piano sessions, while the Main Lounge offers live music and social evenings.
Accommodation: Comfort and Sophistication
The ship’s 123 staterooms and suites, ranging from 215 to 1,011 square feet, are designed for comfort. All feature private balconies or terraces, king-size beds (convertible to twins), and en-suite bathrooms with Diptyque toiletries. Suites, such as the Duplex and Owner’s Suite, offer separate lounges, bathtubs, and butler service. Amenities include flat-screen TVs, minibars, complimentary Wi-Fi, and 24-hour room service, ensuring a restful retreat with ocean views.
Hospitality: Attentive and Personalised
With a near 1:1 crew-to-guest ratio, the crew delivers exceptional service. Guests benefit from 24-hour room service, a concierge for spa and excursion bookings, and butler service for suites. The Ponant app provides easy access to daily schedules and reservations. Complimentary open-bar beverages, including premium spirits, and unlimited Wi-Fi create a welcoming environment, ensuring every detail is handled with care.
Standout Features
Le Commandant Charcot excels with its eco-friendly design, using liquefied natural gas and hybrid propulsion to reduce emissions. The Blue Eye lounge offers a unique underwater perspective, while two heated pools—an indoor pool with a skylight and the outdoor Blue Lagoon—provide relaxation with scenic views. The Deck 9 spa features a sauna, massage cabins, and a hair salon, while the marina platform enables water activities like kayaking in select destinations
