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Le Commandant Charcot: a new chapter in the saga of polar exploration

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Discover the log of the newest member of the PONANT fleet

Read on to learn more about the development Le Commandant Charcot, the first hybrid-electric advanced polar exploration cruise ship designed to sail right to the heart of the polar regions while respecting the natural environment. Hear about building and designing the ship, plotting the itineraries and developing unique, authentic and unforgettable experiences and activities.

A vessel designed for advanced polar exploration

Commandant Charcot, navire d’exploration polaire
This is a story of people, vision, design, passion and respect for the environment, a story of the scientific and maritime exploration of the Poles. The story of this new ship is nothing if not unusual, and it is well worth telling. Let’s meet those who brought Le Commandant Charcot to life, from its architecture and design to its technical innovations.

  • Discover how Le Commandant Charcot was designed to magnify the polar regions with elegance and power, large windows, and light-filled, energising on-board areas. Its designers share the story and its first passengers their impressions on the spot.
  • Meet the people who will be at the ship’s helm, ready to share an unusual adventure with the crew and passengers exploring the Poles.

Out-of-this-world navigation

Commandant Charcot, navire d’exploration polaire

The polar adventure of Le Commandant Charcot is a blank page that is being written collectively, combining maritime and scientific expertise and cooperation with local populations. Its single goal is to sail in the wake of the greatest explorers, to places few have ventured before, exploring beyond the known world.

  • In the Arctic, on the northeast coast of Greenland, Scoresby Sund, the world’s largest fjord, is a haven for wildlife that coexists with the country’s most isolated community: Ittoqqortoormiit.
  • Sheet ice, icebergs, polynyas, and more. As you prepare to sail to the very heart of the Poles, do you know all there is to know about polar ice? Now’s the time to check! 

The Poles like never before

Chiens de Traîneau en milieu polaire
Sail through the ice and feel the thrill of adventure as you explore a new world, as untouched distant lands come into view. Exploring aboard Le Commandant Charcot is an immersive experience that enables you to discover the authentic soul of the Poles.

  • Why do Emperor penguins make turtle formations? And are polar bears really white? Get ready to meet the lords of Antarctica and the Arctic.
  • Snowshoeing on the ice, contemplating the immaculate landscapes and wildlife as you paddle a kayak, gaining an insight into scientific research by collecting data on cetaceans for the Happywhale application, and more: connect with the polar environment and discover all its benefits.
  • Meet the Inuit population when their villages are surrounded by sea ice offers a unique opportunity to immerse yourself in an age-old culture that has managed to adapt to this extreme environment.
  • Share the emotion and the vision of polar enthusiasts, such as Luc Jacquet, the filmmaker of March of the Penguins, fascinated by the magnetic power of the White Continent.

Experts ready for a unique journey

Groupe de guide de haute montagne

A cruise aboard Le Commandant Charcot is a unique and authentic experience. Every single detail, every encounter, every extra mile we go to has been carefully thought out and planned. Slip behind the scenes to discover how we have woven our tapestry of magnificent experiences.

  • Le Commandant Charcot is home to the first Alain Ducasse cruise-ship restaurant: accompany the PONANT chefs to Monaco as they immerse themselves in the world of this celebrated explorer of flavours.

Find out more:

Photos credits: © Daphné Buiron / © Nicolas Dubreuil / © Studio PONANT : Olivier Blaud / © PONANT / © iStock / © iStock-Philip Richter

Navire d'exploration polaire se reflétant sur l'eau

Reach the absolute

Polar exploration goes one step further aboard Le Commandant Charcot

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