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Le Commandant Charcot

Navigate to the novel and unknown:

Discover the new Le Commandant Charcot website. Live an immersive digital experience deep at the heart of extreme lands and environments, as if you were really there.

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Accomodation Types

Exceptional suites and staterooms

Equipped with 123 suites and staterooms with private balcony or terrace, Le Commandant Charcot is fully in keeping with the PONANT philosophy: to provide a rare and exceptional ambiance for every passenger welcomed onboard and reinforce the feeling and sense of sailing on a private yacht. At the rear of decks 6 and 7 are four stunning 94 m² (1,011 ft²) split-level suites equipped with private terraces and jacuzzis.

The breathtaking 115 m² (1,237 ft²) Suite de l’Armateur (Shipowner's Suite) on deck 8 features wide sliding glass doors offering stunning panoramic views and opening out onto a 186 m² (2,002 ft²) private terrace.

Pillow Menu

All of our teams are available to help ensure your ultimate comfort onboard. That means paying attention to the smallest details. That’s why, you can select the pillow that best suits you from our "special menu".

Butler service

Our butler service is reserved for passengers travelling in one of the suites situated on Deck 6 aboard Le Boréal, L'Austral, Le Soléal or Le Lyrial, as well as all the Owner suites, Deluxe Suites, Privilege Suites and the Prestige Suites situated on Deck 6 aboard the PONANT EXPLORERS.

Attentive and discreet, your butler will provide a fully personalised service. Throughout your cruise, he will be at your service. You will benefit in this way from a bespoke, carefree voyage.

Owner's Suite

Duplex Suite

Privilege Suite

Grand Prestige Suite

Prestige Suite

Deluxe Suite

Prestige Stateroom

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Deck Plans

Exceptional suites and staterooms

Equipped with 123 suites and staterooms with private balcony or terrace, Le Commandant Charcot is fully in keeping with the PONANT philosophy: to provide a rare and exceptional ambiance for every passenger welcomed onboard and reinforce the feeling and sense of sailing on a private yacht. At the rear of decks 6 and 7 are four stunning 94 m² (1,011 ft²) split-level suites equipped with private terraces and jacuzzis.

The breathtaking 115 m² (1,237 ft²) Suite de l’Armateur (Shipowner's Suite) on deck 8 features wide sliding glass doors offering stunning panoramic views and opening out onto a 186 m² (2,002 ft²) private terrace.

Pillow Menu

All of our teams are available to help ensure your ultimate comfort onboard. That means paying attention to the smallest details. That’s why, you can select the pillow that best suits you from our "special menu".

Butler service

Our butler service is reserved for passengers travelling in one of the suites situated on Deck 6 aboard Le Boréal, L'Austral, Le Soléal or Le Lyrial, as well as all the Owner suites, Deluxe Suites, Privilege Suites and the Prestige Suites situated on Deck 6 aboard the PONANT EXPLORERS.

Attentive and discreet, your butler will provide a fully personalised service. Throughout your cruise, he will be at your service. You will benefit in this way from a bespoke, carefree voyage.

Deck 9

Deck 8

Deck 7

Deck 6

Deck 5

Deck 3

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Dining

The restaurants onboard Le Commandant Charcot

An integrant component of the PONANT hallmark approach, fine dining takes on an impressive new look on board Le Commandant Charcot. Chef Alain Ducasse and his team offer contemporary French cuisine of the highest standard. These artists align culinary know-how and cutting-edge kitchen technology to bring dishes worthy of the world’s top restaurants to the sea.

Gastronomy

Faithful to our commitment to spreading the French way of life around the world, we always pay special attention to the meals that we serve throughout the day.

Our talented chefs craft high end menus so you can enjoy the delights of a refined table. They share their passion for premium produce with passengers, enriched with the inspiring flavours from the stopovers that we make.

As we wish to develop sustainable and responsible tourism, we source our food directly from the places we stop at, while committing to respecting the local resources.

The advice and expertise of Ducasse Conseil

In January 2016, PONANT announced it had joined forces with Ducasse Conseil, a catering centre of excellence run by Alain Ducasse Entreprise, continuing its route to excellence aboard our ships. From the conception of the culinary offering to the training of the company’s Chefs, this long-term project aims to ensure that PONANT’s culinary standards are as high as possible and to satisfy the exacting requirements of our passengers.

On board Le Commandant Charcot

Le Commandant Charcot's onboard restaurant, Le Nuna, is the first-ever shipboard restaurant by celebrated French chef Alain Ducasse. It's here that you'll have the pleasure of enjoying breakfast, lunch, à la carte dinners and a selection of special signature dishes, all accompanied by the kind of service you'd expect to find at a luxury hotel on land.

Fine cuisine

We take care to instil the French 'art of living' even on the other side of the world. We respect the highest standards of cuisine and offer a varied menu, created by our chefs using superior quality ingredients, beautifully presented and flavoursome.

Nuna (The Earth) - Gastronomic Restaurant

Sila (the sky, outside) - Restaurant

Inneq (the fire) - Open-air bar

Room Service

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Entertainment

Leisure and well-being

Enjoy a moment of tranquillity at the spa or around the pool, work-out in the fitness room, enjoy a theatre show with your travel companions. Our ships have a variety of well-designed spaces to offer you space for relaxation or shared enjoyment to enhance your journey.

Good times together

During your stay you can enjoy a sophisticated ambiance. Each area has been considered down to the last detail and tastefully decorated. You're invited to enjoy good times with other passengers or to relax in total tranquillity.

The common areas on board have been designed in great detail to make every moment something special. While the private nature of each of these spaces has been preserved, they have also been laid out to let you enjoy some wonderful times together with other passengers and team members throughout the day.

Lounges and bars

The various different lounges allow passengers to meet up and share quality time together.

The main lounge is the ideal place to relax with a drink and enjoy the various activities that have been organised such as dancing classes or theme evenings.

The cosy piano bar is a panorama lounge with breathtaking views of the horizon.

The outside bar is a great space for relaxing and is handy for accessing the swimming pool* and its solarium.

The common areas of Le Commandant Charcot

Le Commandant Charcot has spaces that have never been seen before in the PONANT fleet, designed and fitted out to serve all your needs and requirements whilst at the same time preserving the privacy of each passenger. They were designed by two world-renowned French architectural firms: the Studio Jean-Philippe Nuel and Wilmotte & Associés, whose design brief was to create a real connection with the surrounding landscapes. Names derived from Inuit culture have been attributed to some of them as a reminder of our deep attachment to this fascinating culture.

The Anori Observatory

The Main Lounge

Reception

The Illu Shop

The Pool Deck

Promenade Deck

The Theatre - Kita (let’s go)

PONANT Studio

Cigar Lounge

Leisure area

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Enrichment

Everything is included when you take an expedition cruise onboard Le Commandant Charcot.

Everything is included in our services when you take an expedition cruise onboard Le Commandant Charcot. Excursions and onshore landings by Zodiac® inflatable or hovercraft; onboard, onshore and water-based activities and experiences – simply relax and enjoy the adventure with complete peace of mind. A complimentary parka is included and snow boots are provided.

Marvel at the sun rising over the pristine glaciers of Spitsbergen, set out to discover the mysteries of Scotland, enjoy enriching encounters in Alaska∘ or just relax, take your time, and choose a sun kissed journey through the Mediterranean.

The trip of a lifetime, a romantic getaway or a family holiday: cruising the PONANT way allows∘ you the freedom to organise your Odyssey∘ as a unique experience and tailor it according to your desires. Whether you have the spirit of a refined adventurer, a meditative mind or you love the great outdoors, Ponant will fulfil all your travel desires.

Take the time to extend the pleasure of a stay in a country before boarding your yacht, get to the heart of a culture or simply have fun for a while: the guides, lecturers and travel advisers are there to assist you. Music, golf, gastronomy; from port to port, the themed cruises allow passengers∘ to live their hobby to the full - or to discover a new one.

Carefully designed itineraries, quality guest speakers, attentive service: for more than 25 years, on land and at sea, or teams and their crews have been there to help you get the most out of your cruise.

Excursions

Excursions & land itineraries

Each itinerary has been thoughtfully created by our teams to offer you a complete excursion experience. You can discover the hidden gems of the regions you visit in line with your interests.

Hidden creeks, ancient cities, UNESCO world heritage sites... the world reveals its hidden gems as you journey along the routes taken by travellers. In keeping with our ethos “Accessing the worlds treasures by sea”, we offer a wide choice of land excursions during all our cruises (except for expeditions). Chosen by our PONANT experts for their cultural value and historic interest, these excursions can last a few hours or a few days. If you need to stay on land overnight, we take care of your stay from start to finish, until you rejoin your ship. These longer excursions mean you can discover the unmissable sites of the region you are visiting, like Cuzco in Peru for example or the Mekong Delta in Vietnam.

You can access these trips by pre-booking two months before your departure date.

Deep Polar Exploration

Le Commandant Charcot, the World's Only Luxury Icebreaker opens the gateways to the highest latitudes of the Arctic and the Antarctic. Embark for a faraway odyssey combining exploration with science, and become experts in these regions that for centuries have stirred the imaginations of the greatest adventurers. See this captivating and wondrous part of the world for yourself.

An on-hand expedition team by your side

Le Commandant Charcot expedition team, composed of 19 to 23 experts, constitutes one of the best guest-to-staff ratios found on any voyage of this kind. Biologists, naturalists, engineers, glaciologists, and geologists, these experts in the polar regions will be on hand to ensure the safety of all your activities and experiences and to share their passion for the poles. They will be by your side throughout your voyage of discovery, providing key insights to help you get the most out of the encounters with fauna, flora and local populations that await you, and helping you better understand the stakes and challenges involved in preserving this natural and cultural heritage.

Expedition leaders

Alongside the captain, the expedition leader is the main person responsible for managing and coordinating the exploration aspect of the cruise. They supervise the team of naturalist guides, ensure the safety of the organised activities offered, and tailor and adapt the experiences, thus ensuring the full richness of these fascinating ecosystems is revealed in all its glory.

Naturalist guides

A team of 23 naturalist guides trained in supervising activities in polar environments will be by your side every day to interpret and explain everything about these largely unexplored ecosystems, both onboard the ship and during onshore activities. Meet some of the members of the team.

Scientific coordinator

On board, the scientific coordinator manages the spaces designed and set up specifically for hosting scientists and their equipment. In parallel with this, they also organise laboratory tours and conferences with the purpose of raising awareness about the stakes and challenges involved in protecting the polar world, thus providing special moments of communication and interaction with researchers.

Expeditions and Conference Rooms

• Two dedicated expedition boarding and disembarking rooms to port and starboard.
• A conference room (Ilua - to be inside, to understand) : 30 seats

Expedition Desk

The Expedition Desk is located on Deck 5.

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Health & Fitness

Wellness Lounge - Nuan

The Gym

The Hairdressing Salon

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Kids & Teens

Please note: There are no designated children's facilities on board.

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Useful Information

Laundry

Your stateroom Officer will be able to take care of your laundry**. The washing and ironing of your clothes will take between 24 and 48 hours. Only ironing** can be delivered on the same day. As dry-cleaning is not possible on the ship, please only give us clothes that can be washed in water.

** These services are not free of charge and are billed directly to your stateroom account.

Smoking Policy

PONANT ships are non-smoking, even on the stateroom balconies. Smoking is only allowed in the exterior parts of the ship designated for the purpose.

Le Commandant Charcot has an onboard cigar lounge on Deck 5, where you can enjoy the delights of a refined selection of cigars (cigarettes are not allowed) and fine spirits.

Power Adapters

A number of electrical outlets are provided for our cruise guests to use in our common areas.

The 220 volt 50 hertz alternating current is distributed by sockets meeting European standards. Onboard power is 200 volt AC (European standard) and 110 volt AC (North American standard). For safety reasons, hair irons and clothes irons cannot be used in staterooms. Please note that on Le Ponant, 110 volt AC is only available in stateroom bathrooms.

Electrical outlets are available to our passengers in the common areas.

Age Restrictions

Children under one year of age shall not be authorised to embark on the ships.

On classic cruises, children are accepted from the age of one, with a maximum of 5 children between 1 and 6 years old on board.

On "expedition" cruises children are accepted from 6 years old (except cruises aboard Le Commandant Charcot) and must be fully independent during all the outside activities organised and during disembarkation in rubber boats, be sufficiently tall to sit on the inflatable sides of the boats, and old enough to understand, and immediately respond to the orders given by the persons in charge. As a result, children's participation in any activity in an inflatable boat shall be subject to the agreement of the Captain and of the Expedition Head, depending on the sea conditions, and the difficulty of disembarking at each location visited. The ships do not carry Parka’s in children’s sizes. Parents must arrange to bring a suitable Parka for children. In all cases, children and young people under the age of 18 are at all times on board or on land under the full and total responsibility of their parents or carers.

For all "expedition" cruises on board Le Commandant Charcot, children are accepted from 8 years old only.

Children aged 4 years or more can be welcomed in the Kid's Club when the service is offered on board (consult the list of cruises concerned).

Languages

The crew are bilingual in French and English. All signage and announcements made are in French and English. On certain cruises, crew members also speak other languages.

Telephone

A satellite telephone system is at your disposal for contacting anyone, anywhere in the world. The cost of the call is added to the stateroom account (€6/minute). Calls that you receive can be transferred directly to your stateroom or to any other communal area on the ship. To receive or send faxes, please see Reception.

Wi-Fi

Free Wi-Fi internet access is available on all of our ships, in both the staterooms and the communal areas. One or several computers are at your disposal in the recreation centres. Please note that the Wi-Fi connection may be discontinued depending on the navigation area and landscapes that may block the vessel from satellite coverage, especially at high latitudes (no connection possible beyond 80° North or South), or for technical reasons beyond our control.

Medical Facilities

There is a doctor on board available to the passengers on all our ships:

• The schedules of consultation are listed each day in the log book (emergency consultation 24/7).
• The Sisterships, PONANT Explorers and Le Commandant Charcot also have a hospital for any small surgery.
• During the excursions, the passengers are accompanied by a doctor or a nurse.
• There is a fee for consultations on board . The price may vary according to the time and place of the consultation (hospital or staterooms). You must also pay for medications.
• The doctor on board is not authorised to distribute sick leaves and prescriptions. Only accounts and invoices are provided which may be used by the passenger to obtain a refund from his/her health insurance if his/her contract allows.

Medical Consultations

There is a charge for medical consultations undertaken by the doctor or nurse on board. The price can vary according to the time and place of the consultation (hospital or stateroom). Any medication must also be paid for by the passenger. If using medications on a regular basis make sure to bring adequate supplies for the duration of your cruise.

Special Medical Treatment

If you have any special treatment, we ask you to inform the reservation service when you register for the cruise, to note it on the information sheet before departure, then inform the on-board crew at the moment of departure and always keep your medication with you for the duration of the cruise.

Seasickness

Our ships (except Le Ponant) have stabilisers equipped with dynamic fins which adapt to the movements of the ship. This system allows the ship to anticipate and compensate for the pitching and tossing of the sea to achieve greater stability. Passengers suffering from seasickness will see their symptoms alleviated and are pleasantly surprised to not feel uncomfortable during their journey. However it is wise to bring travel motion medication with you for peace of mind.

Guests with reduced mobility

Our Sisterships, PONANT EXPLORERS and Le Commandant Charcot were designed for people with reduced mobility in mind:

• Specially designed staterooms;
• Access ramps allowing easy movement in communal areas;
• Posters, signage and stateroom numbers are translated into Braille.

Despite these arrangements, each passenger should be able to be independent or travel with a close family member or friend who can give them whatever assistance they require during their trip.

If a person has not been judged suitably fit for travel in complete safety, the company reserves the right to refuse their embarkation. Disembarkation in difficult places or in a Zodiac® is subject to the approval of the Captain, who will always have the safety and wellbeing of the passenger in mind.

Packing Tips

Technical Accessories

We advise you to equip yourself with a ski mask, sunglasses, walking poles (available to purchase in the shop), a waterproof rucksack, binoculars, a technical watch, a mosquito head net (for the Arctic) and a waterproof pouch.

Dress Code

We recommend wearing elegant, casual clothes at your discretion, and for the gala evenings, a cocktail dress for ladies and a shirt and tie for gentlemen, and a white or black-and-white outfit for the Officers' evening. Shorts/Bermudas are not permitted in the evening in the gastronomic restaurants.

On an expedition cruise, be sure to bring practical clothes as well as comfortable shoes suitable for travelling in Zodiacs and disembarking on beaches or mud flats. On tropical expeditions be sure to bring a hat, sunglasses and long sleeved/legged clothing. For polar cruises, you will be given a polar parka in your size and suitable boots will be available for use when ashore.

Sustainable Development

Sustainable development is enshrined in the company's articles of association and has been at the heart of the PONANT project since its inception. Founded over thirty years ago by committed sailors, the company was born out of a desire to share a passion for the oceans and the treasures of the Earth. This responsibility commits us to a respectful dialogue with the environment and the populations we meet and to investing in many fields related to the preservation and development of the natural and cultural heritage of the polar and oceanic regions.

Clean Ships

We were among the first cruise operators in the world to abandon the use of heavy fuels, and our ships are equipped with electric diesel engines and SCR catalytic converters, which enable a reduction in fuel consumption and emissions. Our polar exploration ship, Le Commandant Charcot, is a hybrid-electric vessel, propelled by liquefied natural gas (LNG). LNG enables a 25% reduction in carbon emissions, an 85% reduction in nitrogen oxide emissions and a 95% reduction in fine particle emissions. Each time we design a new ship, we equip it with the latest available eco-technologies, enabling us to maintain our position as the cruise industry's environmental leader, ahead of international regulations in some areas. A commitment recognised by many independent organisations:

• Our entire fleet is Clean Ship certified by the Bureau Veritas. This certification guarantees that our ships fulfil very precise criteria: emissions levels, waste processing, waste water etc.
• In 2020, PONANT was recognised as “the cruise operator with the greenest fleet in the world in terms of airborne emissions” by the German NGO, NABU.
• PONANT was awarded the Prix des Palmes du Tourisme Durable 2020 (Prize for Sustainable Tourism) in the “Voyage” category for the elimination of heavy fuel oil in favour of LS MGO.
• In 2019, PONANT became the first European cruise company to obtain the North American Green Alliance certificate. This certifies that its members have adopted practices and technologies that are respectful towards the environment.
• PONANT is also a signatory of the Charte Bleue from Armateurs de France, which commits the maritime sector to act to protect the marine environment.

Wastewater

All of the wastewater is treated by means of processes that exclude the use of chemical products. The recycled water is used to clean the exterior of the ship. The water that is discharged into the sea is treated, drinkable water.

Waste

We have optimised our organisation in order to reduce waste at the source. Waste is nonetheless still produced on board. As of 2020, 60% of this is sorted and recycled, with an objective of 85% set for 2023. We ensure the complete traceability of this waste.

Single-use plastics

We have eliminated the use of single-use plastics (straws, cups, food serving trays, laundry bags etc.). A metallic flask is issued to each passenger on expedition cruises and water fountains are available in the common areas of the ships. We are also developing the bottling of our water in glass bottles.

The Travellers Code of Ethics

Each of us can contribute to building a better world. Travelling aboard Le Commandant Charcot means committing to leaving a minimal footprint, in line with the values we defend and share in this code of ethics. In polar regions, the expedition team will provide you with guidance for ensuring compliance with the IAATO and AECO regulations, the organisations that govern these regions. 

BEFORE THE TRIP

• Take an interest in the destination and find out about its inhabitants – their customs and practices – its wildlife, culture and history, setting aside all prejudices and preconceived ideas
• Only pack the essentials
• Ensure compliance with the prohibition on the import of forbidden products

DURING THE TRIP

Leave no lasting signs of your visit

• Do not leave litter on site
• Do not move anything or remove anything from the places visited (sand, stones, bones, plants, etc.)
• Do not carve on rocks, ruins or buildings
• Avoid trampling on the vegetation

Do not disturb the wildlife

• Keep conversation low and move slowly
• Comply with the minimum distance guidelines
• Leave all food on board the ship
• Give right of way to the animals when they’re on the move and accessing water

Show respect to the communities

• Behave in an open manner
• Adapt to the local customs
• Certain populations, in the tropical regions, wear little clothing: avoid inappropriate staring
• Ask before taking photographs
• Do not walk in the gardens, cemeteries, remains or other archaeological sites, and do not look into the windows of dwellings unless invited to do so
• Contribute to the local economy by purchasing craft souvenirs (unless they contain feathers, fossils, bones, plants and stones: ask the naturalist guides for advice) 

Comply with the security guidelines

• Listen carefully to the instructions issued 

  by the crew and the expedition team
• Stay on the signposted footpaths
• Follow the group
• Do not interact with guides responsible for bear watching
• Dress appropriately for the climatic and landscape conditions
• Know and respect your physical limits

AFTER THE TRIP

• Share your experience with others
• Raise the awareness of your friends and family and encourage them to get involved
• Continue to keep up to date on the regions visited 

All-Inclusive Offer

At PONANT, the "all-inclusive" includes:

• accommodation in stateroom,
• the full meal plan,
• the Open Bar: beginning with boarding, and during the duration of the cruise, a wide selection of drinks (mineral water, soft drinks, wine, beer, champagne, spirits, coffee, tea) is served on request and at any time of the day. Certain premium alcoholic beverages on the menu are not included in the Open Bar,
• free Wi-Fi internet access 24 hours a day*,
• activities offered during expedition cruises (see section "Expedition cruises")

Special Diets

So that everyone's tastes are catered to, special menus are available on request for guests with specific dietary requirements (low-fat, vegetarian, gluten-free, etc).