Le Commandant Charcot : Our cruise deals 2025 - 2026

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Le Commandant Charcot, launched in 2021, is a hybrid polar exploration vessel operated by the luxury cruise line Ponant. It is the first cruise ship ever to reach the geographic North Pole and is designed to push the boundaries of navigation in the planet’s most remote regions. Measuring 492 ft in length with 9 decks, it can accommodate up to 245 passengers served by 215 crew members, ensuring an exceptional ratio that guarantees five-star service. Powered by liquefied natural gas (LNG), Le Commandant Charcot combines environmental responsibility with outstanding polar exploration—all without compromising on comfort.

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Le Commandant Charcot

Itinerary : Helsinki, Stockholm, Visby, Gdansk, Riga, Talinn, Helsinki

Ponant
Le Commandant Charcot
On-board meals included
Le Commandant Charcot

2 other departures

Le Commandant Charcot

10 d

Balcony Stateroom

Helsinki

11/24/2026

from

US$9,920

French luxury
Complimentary unlimited wifi connection
Prestige & luxury service included
Drinks included
On-board meals included

Other departures:

03-12 Dec 2026

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Itinerary : Reykjavik, Ammassalik, Blosseville Coast, Reykjavik

Ponant
Le Commandant Charcot
On-board meals included
Le Commandant Charcot

1 other departures

Le Commandant Charcot

11 d

Balcony Stateroom

Reykjavik

5/15/2027

from

US$21,103

French luxury
Complimentary unlimited wifi connection
Prestige & luxury service included
Drinks included
On-board meals included

Other departures:

04 May 2026

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Itinerary : Montreal, Quebec City, La Baie, Gaspe, Golfe du saint laurent, St Pierre and Miquelon, Golfe du saint laurent, Brook corner, Golfe du saint laurent, Seven - Islands, Saint Laurent, Montreal

Ponant
Le Commandant Charcot
On-board meals included
Le Commandant Charcot

1 other departures

Le Commandant Charcot

15 d

Balcony Stateroom

Montreal

2/27/2027

from

US$25,177

French luxury
Complimentary unlimited wifi connection
Prestige & luxury service included
Drinks included
On-board meals included

Other departures:

13 Feb 2027

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Itinerary : Ushuaia, Drake passage, Antarctic, The Gullet, Charcot Islands, Bellingshausen Sea, Marguerite Bay, Pourquoi Pas Island, Antarctic Peninsula, Drake passage, Ushuaia

Ponant
Le Commandant Charcot
On-board meals included
Le Commandant Charcot

Le Commandant Charcot

15 d

Balcony Stateroom

Ushuaia

12/6/2025

from

US$28,590

French luxury
Complimentary unlimited wifi connection
Prestige & luxury service included
Drinks included
On-board meals included
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Itinerary : Reykjavik, Blosseville Coast, Ittoqqortoormiit, North eastern Greenland, Blosseville Coast, Reykjavik

Ponant
Le Commandant Charcot
On-board meals included
Le Commandant Charcot

Le Commandant Charcot

15 d

Balcony Stateroom

Reykjavik

5/25/2027

from

US$29,310

French luxury
Complimentary unlimited wifi connection
Prestige & luxury service included
Drinks included
On-board meals included
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Itinerary : Ushuaia, Drake passage, Northern Antarctic Peninsula, Weddell Sea, Drake passage, Ushuaia

Ponant
Le Commandant Charcot
On-board meals included
Le Commandant Charcot

Le Commandant Charcot

13 d

Balcony Stateroom

Ushuaia

11/24/2025

from

US$32,215

French luxury
Complimentary unlimited wifi connection
Prestige & luxury service included
Drinks included
On-board meals included
View offers

Itinerary : Reykjavik, Blosseville Coast, Ittoqqortoormiit, North eastern Greenland, Blosseville Coast, Reykjavik

Ponant
Le Commandant Charcot
On-board meals included
Le Commandant Charcot

Le Commandant Charcot

15 d

Suite

Reykjavik

5/14/2026

from

US$57,970

French luxury
Complimentary unlimited wifi connection
Prestige & luxury service included
Drinks included
On-board meals included
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Itinerary : Brest, Reykjavik

Ponant
Le Commandant Charcot
On-board meals included
Le Commandant Charcot

Le Commandant Charcot

5 d

Balcony Stateroom

Brest

4/30/2026

from

US$3,944

French luxury
Complimentary unlimited wifi connection
Prestige & luxury service included
Drinks included
On-board meals included
View offers

Itinerary : Bergen, Lysefjord, Eigersund, Kristiansand, Skagen, Visby, Stockholm, Talinn, Helsinki

Ponant
Le Commandant Charcot
On-board meals included
Le Commandant Charcot

Le Commandant Charcot

11 d

Balcony Stateroom

Bergen

11/14/2026

from

US$11,030

French luxury
Complimentary unlimited wifi connection
Prestige & luxury service included
Drinks included
On-board meals included
View offers

Itinerary : Bergen, Montreal

Ponant
Le Commandant Charcot
On-board meals included
Le Commandant Charcot

Le Commandant Charcot

12 d

Balcony Stateroom

Bergen

2/2/2027

from

US$11,774

French luxury
Complimentary unlimited wifi connection
Prestige & luxury service included
Drinks included
On-board meals included
View offers

Itinerary : Helsinki, Talinn, Stockholm, Visby, Skagen, Kristiansand, Eigersund, Lysefjord, Bergen

Ponant
Le Commandant Charcot
On-board meals included
Le Commandant Charcot

Le Commandant Charcot

11 d

Balcony Stateroom

Helsinki

1/23/2027

from

US$13,238

French luxury
Complimentary unlimited wifi connection
Prestige & luxury service included
Drinks included
On-board meals included
View offers

Itinerary : Cape Town, Brest

Ponant
Le Commandant Charcot
On-board meals included
Le Commandant Charcot

Le Commandant Charcot

21 d

Balcony Stateroom

Cape Town

3/17/2026

from

US$15,671

French luxury
Complimentary unlimited wifi connection
Prestige & luxury service included
Drinks included
On-board meals included
View offers

Itinerary : Reykjavik, Ittoqqortoormiit, Scoresbysund, Northeast Greenland National Park, North West National Park of Spitzberg, Longyearbyen, Tromso

Ponant
Le Commandant Charcot
On-board meals included
Le Commandant Charcot

Le Commandant Charcot

17 d

Balcony Stateroom

Reykjavik

9/28/2026

from

US$32,274

French luxury
Complimentary unlimited wifi connection
Prestige & luxury service included
Drinks included
On-board meals included
View offers

Itinerary : Longyearbyen, South Spitsbergen National Park, North West National Park of Spitzberg, North Pole, Ittoqqortoormiit, Blosseville Coast, Reykjavik

Ponant
Le Commandant Charcot
On-board meals included
Le Commandant Charcot

Le Commandant Charcot

17 d

Balcony Stateroom

Longyearbyen

9/11/2026

from

US$59,754

French luxury
Complimentary unlimited wifi connection
Prestige & luxury service included
Drinks included
On-board meals included
View offers

Itinerary : Ushuaia, Drake passage, Antarctic, Charcot Islands, Bellingshausen Sea, Amundsen Sea, Marie Byrd Land, date, East Antarctica, Ross Sea, Balleny Islands, Hobart

Ponant
Le Commandant Charcot
On-board meals included
Le Commandant Charcot

Le Commandant Charcot

30 d

Balcony Stateroom

Ushuaia

1/17/2026

from

US$68,658

French luxury
Complimentary unlimited wifi connection
Prestige & luxury service included
Drinks included
On-board meals included
View offers

Itinerary : Hobart, Adélie Land (Antarctica), North Pole, Adélie Land (Antarctica), Wilkes Land, Along Shackleton Ice Shelf, Queen Mary Land, French Southern and Antarctic Lands, Cape Town

Ponant
Le Commandant Charcot
On-board meals included
Le Commandant Charcot

Le Commandant Charcot

29 d

Suite

Hobart

2/17/2026

from

US$73,263

French luxury
Complimentary unlimited wifi connection
Prestige & luxury service included
Drinks included
On-board meals included
View offers

Ship staterooms

Learn more about Le Commandant Charcot

 

 

Why choose Le Commandant Charcot for an expedition cruise

 

A pioneering vessel in eco-responsible cruising

Le Commandant Charcot is the first hybrid electric polar exploration ship powered by LNG. This technology significantly reduces CO₂ and fine particle emissions, thereby minimizing the environmental impact of its polar expedition cruises.

 

The only cruise ship to reach unexplored polar regions

Thanks to its PC2 ice-class reinforced hull, Le Commandant Charcot is capable of navigating multi-year ice, granting access to remote and uncharted polar areas—such as the far reaches of Antarctica or the geographic North Pole, which it reached for the first time in 2021, making it the inaugural cruise ship to achieve this feat.

 

Unique experiences like kayaking among icebergs and polar plunges

Passengers can enjoy immersive activities such as kayaking among icebergs, polar diving in dry suits right at the edge of the sea ice, polar plunges, and even a memorable night spent on the ice, for a complete immersion in the polar environment.

 

Captivating daily lectures by onboard experts

Each day, experts in polar sciences host engaging lectures, providing passengers with a deep understanding of polar ecosystems, their biodiversity, and current environmental challenges, thereby enriching the exploration experience.

 

A gourmet dining experience that elevates every stage of the cruise

The Nuna restaurant, the sole gastronomic venue by Alain Ducasse at sea, offers contemporary French haute cuisine that incorporates local produce and reflects the surrounding nature, providing passengers with an exquisite culinary journey.

 

A harmonious design that blends indoor and outdoor spaces

Le Commandant Charcot features a fluid and luminous architecture designed by architects Jean-Michel Wilmotte and Jean-Philippe Nuel. It seamlessly connects comfortable indoor areas with breathtaking polar panoramas through expansive windows and clean, minimalist lines, ensuring a total immersion in the surrounding nature.

 

Five-star comfort tailored for polar expeditions

Le Commandant Charcot provides five-star comfort designed for polar adventures. Its 123 spacious cabins and suites—each featuring a private balcony or terrace—offer stunning views of the polar landscapes. A state-of-the-art spa, a panoramic lounge, and elegant relaxation areas guarantee luxurious comfort even in the most isolated environments.

 

An outdoor heated pool at the heart of polar landscapes

Enjoy a unique open-air heated pool that offers breathtaking views of vast icy expanses, operated using an eco-responsible energy recovery system.

 

 

Cabins and luxurious suites onboard Le Commandant Charcot

 

Prestige Cabin

The Prestige Cabins, with a size of 215 sq. ft, are located on decks 6, 7, and 8. They feature a private balcony of 54 sq. ft, high-quality bedding with either a double bed or two twin beds, individual climate control, a minibar, satellite TV, an electronic safe, a dressing table with a hairdryer, and a bathroom with a shower equipped with premium Diptyque Paris bath products.

 

Deluxe Suite

The Deluxe Suites, measuring 302 sq. ft, are situated on decks 6, 7, and 8. They offer a private balcony of 54 sq. ft, a living area, a luxurious bedroom with a double bed or two twin beds, a bathroom with a shower, as well as a minibar and a Nespresso coffee machine.

 

Prestige Suite

The Prestige Suites, spanning 431 sq. ft, are located on decks 7 and 8. They come with a private balcony of 108 sq. ft, a separate living room, a bedroom with either a king-size bed or two twin beds, and a bathroom with a shower along with high-end amenities similar to those in the Cabine Prestige.

 

Grand Prestige Suite

The Grand Prestige Suites, covering 452 sq. ft, are located on deck 6. They include a private balcony of 86 sq. ft, a spacious living room, a bedroom with a king-size bed, a bathroom with a whirlpool tub and a separate shower, and exclusive perks such as butler service, a minibar, a Nespresso coffee machine, two pairs of Swarovski binoculars, a fruit basket, and a bottle of champagne upon arrival.

 

Privilege Suite

The Privilege Suites, with a size of 517 sq. ft, are found on decks 6 and 8. They offer a private balcony of 140 sq. ft, a separate living room, a bedroom with either a king-size bed or two twin beds, a bathroom with a whirlpool tub and a separate shower, and premium services including priority boarding, butler service, a minibar, a Nespresso coffee machine, two pairs of Swarovski binoculars, as well as a complimentary fruit basket and a bottle of champagne on arrival.

 

Duplex Suite

The Duplex Suites, covering 1,012 sq. ft, are located at the rear of decks 6 and 7. These two-level suites feature a private terrace of 280 sq. ft with a jacuzzi, a spacious living area, an upper-level bedroom with a king-size bed, a bathroom with double sinks, a whirlpool tub, and a shower, two pairs of Swarovski binoculars, and high-end services such as priority boarding, butler service, and a minibar cabinet with RIEDEL crystal glassware, ensuring an exceptional cruising experience. A fruit basket and a bottle of champagne are provided upon arrival.

 

Owner’s Suite

The Owner’s Suites, the largest on board at 1,237 sq. ft, is located on deck 8. It boasts a vast private terrace of 2,001 sq. ft with a jacuzzi, large picture windows offering panoramic views, an elegant living room, an office with a library, a bedroom with a king-size bed, a bathroom with double sinks, a whirlpool tub and a separate shower, two pairs of binoculars, and a Swarovski spyglass. Its exclusive advantages include priority boarding, butler service, and a one-hour personal wellness treatment per passenger, ensuring an unrivaled experience at sea. Upon arrival, a fruit basket accompanied by a bottle of champagne is presented.

 

 

Exceptional dining, relaxation, and polar adventures on Le Commandant Charcot

 

Exceptional cuisine by Alain Ducasse

On board Le Commandant Charcot, the Nuna restaurant takes culinary artistry to new heights. Created by the Michelin-starred chef Alain Ducasse, this unique at-sea gastronomic experience marries refinement with an immersion into the polar environment. Every meal, crafted to awaken the senses, highlights flavors through a careful selection of fresh, local products—often inspired by the polar regions traversed. In an elegant and intimate setting, attentive service and meticulous presentation transform each dinner into a celebration of luxury and cuisine.

 

Bars and lounges offering spectacular panoramas

Le Commandant Charcot features several refined relaxation spaces where passengers can admire majestic glaciers, endless sea ice, and towering icebergs while enjoying a hot beverage or a carefully crafted cocktail. With a library and a bar, the Salon Observatoire Anori provides a calm and comfortable setting ideal for contemplation, thanks to its large picture windows framing glaciers and ice fields. The Lounge Panoramique, with its 360° views, is the perfect spot to savor a cocktail or aperitif in an elegant atmosphere while watching the northern lights or slowly passing icy landscapes. Near the heated outdoor pool, the Blue Lagoon bar—with its outdoor fireplace—offers an extensive range of drinks and a selection of sweet and savory snacks. Surrounded by the magic of polar expanses, this alfresco bar is ideal for unwinding after enjoying the Blue Lagoon heated pool.

 

A state-of-the-art spa, heated pools, and a cutting-edge fitness center

Le Commandant Charcot provides first-rate wellness and fitness facilities. The spa, named Nuan (meaning “well-being” in Inuit), offers an extensive range of upscale treatments. Passengers can relax in the heated indoor pool Imaq, which features a counter-current swimming course, or enjoy the winter garden with its breathtaking views of the polar landscape. Outdoors, the Blue Lagoon heated pool—powered by an energy recovery system—offers a unique open-air swimming experience even in the coldest climates. The fitness center, with ocean views, is equipped with Technogym® machines including ellipticals, Kinesis® equipment, treadmills, exercise bikes, and rowers. A dedicated fitness coach also offers group or private classes in fitness, yoga, Pilates, meditation, and aquagym, ensuring an exceptional experience of relaxation and well-being amid polar exploration.

 

Daily lectures and unique polar adventures

On board Le Commandant Charcot, passengers benefit from captivating daily lectures led by a team of polar science experts. These specialists, present throughout the voyage, cover a range of disciplines including glaciology, marine biology, climatology, geology, and the history of polar exploration. The ship is equipped with two dedicated scientific laboratories, allowing passengers to participate in interactive workshops and gain firsthand experience in polar research methods.

The onboard equipment, including 16 Zodiac® inflatable boats and sea kayaks, facilitates excursions to exceptional sites, offering immersive experiences such as polar plunges, snowshoe hikes across the ice, and wildlife observation in its natural habitat. This blend of intellectual activities and field adventures makes Le Commandant Charcot an unrivaled platform for exploration and discovery, enabling travelers to experience unprecedented adventures in some of the planet’s most remote regions.

 

 

Itineraries and destinations aboard Le Commandant Charcot

 

Arctic cruises

Aboard Le Commandant Charcot, Arctic cruises invite you to immerse yourself in the polar regions. Cruises to Svalbard traverse spectacular fjords and imposing glaciers of the Svalbard archipelago. These cruises departing from Longyearbyen—the gateway to Svalbard on Spitsbergen—invite passengers to explore the majestic ice fields in search of remarkable wildlife, including the famous polar bears, walruses, and reindeer. Zodiac® excursions and guided tundra hikes provide a complete immersion into this pristine environment.

Cruises departing from Reykjavík trace the Icelandic coasts, where volcanoes, glaciers, fjords, and geysers create unique panoramas. A cruise to Iceland invites travelers to discover fascinating wildlife such as Arctic foxes, puffins, seals, and whales, while also appreciating the richness of its culture and the historic heritage of the Vikings.

Greenland, accessible via cruises departing from Nuuk or Reykjavík, unveils spectacular fjords bordered by shimmering glaciers, rugged mountains, and a unique polar light. Travelers can visit traditional Inuit villages, explore monumental icebergs by kayak, try ice fishing, enjoy dog sled rides, and participate in guided hikes on the ice. A cruise to Greenland also offers the opportunity to navigate through legendary routes such as the Northwest Passage—a journey steeped in history and mystery. This wild territory is home to exceptional wildlife, including whales, narwhals, walruses, polar bears, muskoxen, Arctic foxes, and a rich variety of birds such as the three-toed gull, Brünnich’s guillemot, the puffin, eider duck, and the northern fulmar.

In September 2021, Le Commandant Charcot became the first cruise ship to reach the geographic North Pole. Amid vast icy expanses, the landscapes offer breathtaking beauty. Travelers can experience a unique journey that combines exploration and environmental respect in one of the last unspoiled regions of the Arctic.

 

Antarctic cruises

Antarctic cruises aboard Le Commandant Charcot offer a unique opportunity to discover the white continent. The legendary passage through the Drake Passage—linking the Atlantic and Pacific Oceans—is a must-see on these cruises departing from Ushuaia. Passengers can admire spectacular landscapes composed of tabular icebergs and crystal-clear waters, where exceptional wildlife thrives: colonies of emperor, royal, and gentoo penguins, leopard seals, sea lions, and whales. Activities include ice walks, Zodiac® excursions among the icebergs, and for the more adventurous, polar plunges. Onboard naturalist guides share their expertise on the fauna, geology, and the history of Antarctic exploration.

 

 

FAQ: Everything you need to know about Le Commandant Charcot

 

What specific equipment is available for polar exploration?

Le Commandant Charcot is equipped with 16 Zodiac® boats, four large tenders for polar expeditions, and sea kayaks. Its PC2 ice-class reinforced hull allows it to navigate through multi-year ice. This equipment enables it to reach polar areas that are inaccessible to traditional vessels.

 

What environmental certifications and labels has Le Commandant Charcot earned?

Le Commandant Charcot, Ponant’s polar exploration ship, has received several environmental certifications that attest to its eco-responsible design. It is certified by Green Globe, an international standard for sustainable tourism, and carries the Clean Ship label, confirming its performance in reducing environmental impacts and responsibly managing resources. Additionally, Le Commandant Charcot is rated Confort 1 by Bureau Veritas for its low noise and vibration levels, minimizing disturbances to marine wildlife while ensuring optimal comfort for passengers.

 

How does Le Commandant Charcot contribute to scientific research in polar regions?

Le Commandant Charcot features two dedicated laboratories (dry and wet) equipped for scientific research. It participates in research programs in collaboration with institutions such as the Alfred Wegener Institute (AWI) to study ice thickness and climate change in the Arctic.

 

How much does a cruise on Le Commandant Charcot cost?

Cruises aboard Le Commandant Charcot offer unique experiences in the heart of polar regions. An Antarctic expedition, including stops in the Weddell Sea or at Peter I Island, starts at approximately $25,500 for 15 days. An Arctic exploration, covering Greenland and Iceland, is offered from around $17,000 for 13 days. Finally, the unique experience of reaching the geographic North Pole on a 13-day cruise costs about $37,000.

Ship Details

Commissioning:

2021


Nb of passengers:

245


Nb crew members:

215


Width:

28 m


Length:

150 m


Speed:

15 Knots