A Typical Day on Le Commandant Charcot Is Anything but Typical

PONANT’s luxury icebreaker Le Commandant Charcot takes you places other ships cannot reach. We go for adventure, to be sure, but we also go because we believe the most powerful way to promote conservation of the world’s most fragile ecosystems is to immerse our guests so deeply into these incredible destinations that they feel inspired to become wilderness and cultural ambassadors back home. Here, we share highlights of our Northeast Greenland’s Unexplored Sea Ice to show you what we mean.

In the early spring, a thick belt of pack ice renders Greenland’s breathtaking eastern coast completely inaccessible to traditional ships. But thanks to our luxury icebreaker and its Polar Class 2 hull – the only ship of its kind in the world – we can bring you here on one seamless and utterly comfortable voyage. No other travelers are here, and the tranquil waters and coastline are ideal for exploring in their truest and purest form. What does adventure look like on board the world’s only luxury icebreaker? 

Waking to the Promise of Incredible Discovery

As you awaken in your luxuriously appointed suite, step out onto your private balcony to breathe in the crisp air. Or better yet, get in a brisk stroll on the promenade deck, taking a moment on one of the heated benches to absorb the vastness of the icy wilderness. Excitement hangs in the air, enhanced when you step up to one of the Swarovski Optik spotting scopes and zoom in on a pair of walruses lounging on the glittering pack ice.  

First, there’s the pleasure of breakfast. In Sila – our elegant, sun-bathed dining room – panoramic views through floor-to-ceiling windows showcase the untouched beauty of the metallic blue seas and the white wilderness beyond. As you dine on eggs, cheeses, waffles, fresh detox juice, and freshly baked bread prepared by an onboard French baker, it occurs to you that your dining experience is as superb as the vistas outside.

The Height of Polar Exploration 

You’ll experience those vistas up close during an array of excursions throughout your expedition. Simply choose from those that interest you most. Depending on local conditions, they’ll be offered in the morning or afternoon.

Exploration by Zodiac. Climb into our Zodiac craft, purpose-built to navigate this icy expanse. You suit up in your water-resistant parka and boots (provided by PONANT) and step in as the Arctic waters lap at the hull. It’s thrilling to sit so close to the sea’s surface, surrounded by ice patches bobbing on the waves and giant beryl-blue icebergs drifting in the distance. As your skilled pilot motors you away from the ship into open water, you are surrounded by a mesmerizing and infinite polar whiteness. You raise your binoculars to look for polar bears, walruses, or the telltale spout from a whale about to breach.

 Kayaking. Dip your oar into the sea, propelling yourself at a rhythmic pace. Water sloshes and swirls with each stroke and it feels invigorating to interact with the Arctic so intimately. You navigate toward the coast, where soaring alpine peaks pierce the sky. Pausing a few minutes from paddling, you cannot remember experiencing such stillness, silence, and awe. You listen: to your breathing, to the lilting water, to the peace and tranquility of the Arctic.

Polar plunge. No encounter with Arctic waters compares to a polar plunge. You confess you’ve been nervous about this, but those who dove in before you have assured you it’s one of life’s most revitalizing experiences. Your expedition leaders have been watching for ideal conditions and, at last, they attach a tether to your harness and escort you down the gangway. Then it’s 3-2-1-dive! And you perform your best cannonball. The verdict? Bracing and exhilarating! 

Snowshoeing or hiking. Exploring on land, or even the pack ice, you see the textured contours of Greenland up close. Pearly-white snow blankets the shore, though some dark rock peeks through under the spring sun. During your walk, you learn that 83% of Greenland is cloaked in the Arctic’s largest ice cap and the massive island is home to the largest national park in the world – Northeast Greenland National Park. You take it all in: snow glitters like diamonds in the low sunshine, crunching under the weight of your snowshoes or boots. Imposing massifs reach to the heavens, draped in ice. And you scan all around you for sightings of musk oxen, polar bears, Arctic fox, or hare. 

Ice fishing. Then, a decidedly more relaxing outing. You accompany your guide onto an ice floe or a frozen lake. He finds the perfect spot for ice fishing and drills a hole to the water below. You bait and cast your lines … and wait for the tug of Arctic char, grayling, or trout. Your experienced partner kneels beside the hole and leans over it to cast a shadow on the circular hole. Sunlight, he says, may signal the fish that a hunter is near and you don’t want to spook them. It’s a tip from indigenous ancestors, he says. Whether you catch anything or not, a fish dinner awaits – and you feel akin to the Inuit, many of whom continue this tradition.

On Board, Comfort and Extravagance

When you’re not out exploring the great white wilderness, you’ll be sampling the many luxuries on board Le Commandant Charcot. At our Nuan Wellness Lounge, indulge in a massage and linger in the sauna and the snow cabin, where gently falling flakes rejuvenate you. Savor lunch in our gastronomic restaurant, Nuna. Like in all onboard dining venues, our chefs are Alain Ducasse-trained and are eager to showcase their culinary talents.

In your free time, soak in the outdoor heated outdoor pool – the Blue Lagoon – warmed by the ship’s energy recuperation system, and keep an eye open for more wildlife. After, have a stroll inside, admiring our 300 beautiful ornaments and works of art and the digital work of artist Miguel Chevalier.

Regardless of how you spent your day, gather in our ship’s lounge with your fellow travelers to recap as lilting piano sonatas lend a relaxed ambience. The expedition team shares their latest insights and experiences, and you feel united by your shared explorations and cultural connections. Captivated, you sip a carefully crafted cocktail or a fine glass of wine from the ship’s world-class collection.

And then … dinner. An exquisite way to end every exquisite day. More Alain Ducasse masterpieces and more stellar wine. And again, your glance is drawn out the expansive windows. The Midnight Sun hangs low over the horizon, casting shadows across the distant water and bathing Le Commandant Charcot in a warm glow. Soon, you will retire for the day to your elegantly appointed suite and begin new adventures tomorrow. But first, dessert.

Experience the natural and cultural wonders of the poles on board Le Commandant Charcot for yourself. We look forward to welcoming you!

Embark on an epic Polar Expedition, from the North to the South Pole.