LE COMMANDANT CHARCOT

Le Commandant Charcot, the first-ever hybrid-electric polar exploration ship powered by LNG (liquefied natural gas), has made possible the ability to travel to the farthest reaches of the southern and northern hemispheres in a level of luxury never offered before.
 
This luxury vessel can accommodate up to 245 guests (200 in Antarctica) across 123 staterooms and suites all equipped with private balconies or terraces, to allow intimacy and relaxation after a day of exploration. 
 
Le Commandant Charcot boasts a number of public spaces, including a theatre that can accommodate every guest on board, a pool deck and a wellness space with massage and treatment cubicles and beauty care. The main lounge has a tearoom and bar, whilst the panoramic lounge, with its library, offers more of a relaxed environment. Guests can enjoy live music on certain evenings in both venues.
 
As you'll undoubtedly know, gastronomy is fundamental in French culture and you’ll not be disappointed with the outstanding level of French and international dishes plus fine wines on offer, as well as a grill restaurant.
 
Le Commandant Charcot is the world's first passenger ship to be fitted with a Polar Class 2 (PC2) hull, giving it the ability to sail between the sheets of drifting ice and reach the most remote and isolated regions, when conditions allow. The ship has been designed with a French style of discreet luxury and to educe amazement. It allows the light to infiltrate the interiors and bring out the best of the polar landscapes. Le Commandant Charcot also provides the greatest attention to detail in terms of safety and respect for the environment.

© Studio Ponant Morgane Monneret

Co-Director Martin Johnson says; "The hull of Le Commandant Charcot is not just strengthened for the polar regions, it’s a super strong ice breaker and capable of reaching the furthest corners of the polar world including the Geographic North Pole, which it had already successfully visited as part of its maiden test voyage! If that wasn’t enough, I also learned the ship uses the latest hybrid and LNG technology to offer one of the most carbon-efficient propositions in the market. It was more than enough to convince me that the next time I went to Antarctica, it had to be on this ship!"

"We carefully navigated our way through lees and openings in the ice, using the onboard helicopter to fly ahead and guide us like a star at night. We used the hull to move huge pieces of ice out of our way and took advantage of any opportunities that presented themselves to us, which turned out to be some of the most memorable moments of the entire trip! Le Commandant Charcot actively goes out of its way to boldly go where no one has (recently) been before… in 5* luxury and with an infectious ‘joie de vivre!’"

Read all about Martin's trip aboard this amazing ship in his special blog feature The Trip Of A Lifetime Aboard Le Commandant Charcot.

PONANT's Photo Ambassadors

With featured guests, Ian Dawson and Sue Flood, selected itineraries on Le Commandant Charcot offer the eye and advice of experienced photographers, and a privileged opportunity to immortalise your trip. In the programme enjoy workshops, conferences and personalised advice to improve your photographic skills.

Discover Photographic Expedition Cruises with Sue Flood                    Discover Photographic Expedition Cruises with Ian Dawson

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