Le Commandant Charcot

Le Commandant Charcot is a purpose-built polar exploration vessel with a Polar Class 2 hull, allowing her to venture deep into sea ice and reach parts of the Arctic and Antarctica that conventional expedition ships can’t access. Yet onboard, the experience remains distinctly luxurious, with just 245 guests, all-balcony accommodation, French-inspired dining, extensive wellness facilities and a high crew-to-guest ratio.

Le Commandant Charcot’s fares sit at the very top of expedition cruising, reflecting both the ship’s capabilities and the remoteness of the regions she explores. Per-night fares can run well into four figures per person, with North Pole and deep Antarctic voyages typically sitting at the upper end. Repositioning and European sailings can provide a more accessible way to experience the ship. Call our Voyage Consultants for current fares and Ponant cruise deals. Current North Pole departures, for example, start from more than £30,000 per person.

Yes. Le Commandant Charcot operates on an all-inclusive basis, including accommodation, dining, a wide selection of drinks, and many expedition activities included in your voyage. Selected itineraries also include additional arrangements such as charter flights and transfers, so check the exact inclusions for your chosen sailing when comparing fares.

Le Commandant Charcot carries a maximum of 245 guests across 123 staterooms and suites, supported by up to 215 crew members. This relatively small capacity helps preserve the intimate atmosphere expected of an expedition ship, even though Charcot is considerably larger than many vessels operating in the polar regions.

Le Commandant Charcot specialises in some of the world’s most remote destinations, with voyages exploring both the Arctic and Antarctica. Depending on the season, itineraries can take you to the Geographic North Pole, Greenland and Svalbard or deep into Antarctica, including the Weddell and Ross Seas. You’ll also find selected voyages beyond the traditional polar programme, using Charcot’s unusual capabilities in other cold-weather destinations.

Le Commandant Charcot’s dedicated Geographic North Pole expeditions aim to reach 90 ° North, and the ship has successfully reached the North Pole with guests onboard. However, you’re travelling through one of the most unpredictable environments on Earth, so ice, weather and operational conditions always have the final say. Reaching the Geographic North Pole can therefore never be guaranteed.

Not necessarily, and that’s an important part of expedition cruising. The captain and expedition team can adapt the route based on ice, weather, wildlife, and local conditions, so treat the itinerary as an indication of what may be possible, not a rigid schedule. Some of the most memorable moments aboard Charcot can occur precisely because the original plan changes.

On expedition days, there are regular opportunities to leave Le Commandant Charcot for activities such as Zodiac trips, shore landings, kayaking, hiking, snowshoeing, or even walking on the sea ice. What’s possible will depend on your itinerary and the conditions encountered each day, and the expedition team will adjust the programme accordingly. North Pole itineraries, for example, specifically include opportunities for Zodiac outings, ice landings, kayaking, hiking and snowshoeing.

Weddell Sea voyages take you into one of Antarctica’s great expanses of sea ice, with opportunities on selected expeditions to search for emperor penguins and experience an environment very different from the more frequently visited Antarctic Peninsula. Charcot Island lies much further west, beyond the Antarctic Circle, and is an exceptionally remote, ice-covered island visited by very few people. Your choice should therefore depend on your itinerary and what you most want from your Antarctic expedition.

Yes. Children can travel aboard Le Commandant Charcot, and Ponant has operated polar expeditions with families onboard. However, this is an expedition ship rather than a conventional family cruise ship, and participation in certain activities may depend on age, physical requirements, conditions, and the expedition team’s assessment. We’d recommend discussing the specific voyage with our Voyage Consultants before booking with younger travellers.

It can be. Conditions in the Drake Passage vary considerably, ranging from remarkably calm to very rough, and travelling aboard a substantial expedition vessel doesn’t eliminate the possibility of movement. If you’re susceptible to seasickness, it’s worth preparing accordingly. Some of Charcot’s more unusual Antarctic itineraries also operate from destinations such as Tasmania or New Zealand rather than following the conventional South America to Antarctic Peninsula route.

No. Le Commandant Charcot’s helicopters are operational equipment, not a sightseeing experience for guests, so the expedition programme doesn’t offer helicopter excursions.