14-day Emperor Penguins of the Weddell Sea - Le Commandant Charcot

14 day expedition
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    Class of Ship

    Large Expedition Ship & Icebreaker
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    Sustainability

    Hybrid Electric, Science Centre, LNG Powered (liquified natural gas), Green Marine Certified, Ship to Shore Power
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    Berths

    245
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    Zodiacs

    16
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    Ice Class

    PC2 Rating
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Class of Ship
Large Expedition Ship & Icebreaker
/media/2flfscuh/leaf-icon.png
Sustainability
Hybrid Electric, Science Centre, LNG Powered (liquified natural gas), Green Marine Certified, Ship to Shore Power
/media/dx3mvpdd/bed-icon.png
Berths
245
/media/n3mjsfr5/zodiac-icon_3867.png
Zodiacs
16
/media/jzdbslpr/iceclass_2.png
Ice Class
PC2 Rating

14-day Emperor Penguins of the Weddell Sea - Le Commandant Charcot

The theatre of the greatest expeditions, a refuge for the rarest wildlife and an endless ice desert, the Weddell Sea promises to stir your emotions during this unique voyage of exploration aboard Le Commandant Charcot. This place is home to emperor penguins, majestic birds endemic to the Antarctic, rarely observed and only in the most southern latitudes. The ultimate quest and the promise of new and unforgettable encounters.

Why we love this trip
  • From the wind and waves of the Drake Passage, you will enter the southern seas, to the extreme and captivating Weddell Sea. Ice flows as far as the eye can see and gigantic tabular icebergs form the backdrop of the colonies of Adelie penguins that populate this wild expanse. Visiting these curious and quirky birds is a privilege in itself, yet the ultimate challenge of this exploration is the search for the majestic Emperor penguins. In this season, as the winter gradually makes way for the southern spring, you will hopefully, have the opportunity to encounter one of the largest penguins in the world. It is rare to discover their elegance and to encounter them in person, guarantees an equally fascinating and touching show.
  • While exploring the Weddell Sea, we will follow in the footsteps of the great polar explorers like Sir Ernest Shackleton. Your passionate naturalist guides will share the history of the surrounding, gigantic, tabular icebergs, including their birth in the heart of the immense Larsen Ice Shelf. The ice here boasts all possible shades and the white takes different forms in the surrounding reliefs. Let yourself be guided and set off on an adventure into the heart of this extraordinary wilderness. Your Captain and expert crew, will seize any opportunities to ensure that they offer you an experience of a lifetime.
  • An exploration into the Weddell Sea - in search of majestic emperor penguins
  • See tabletop icebergs and immense glaciers - in this immaculate and dreamlike landscape
  • Travel in the company of Nicolas Vincent - Endurance 22's Expedition Sub Sea Manager
  • Rare Wildlife opportunities - with the possibility to observe emperor and Adelie's as well as a variety of seals and whales

PARTNER OFFER

Explore!: Your fare includes: 13-night cruise, 1-night in a premium hotel, and all meals. Flights are NOT included but can be added at an additional charge.

ADDITIONAL DATES FOR THIS CRUISE

11 Nov 2025 - 24 Nov 2025*

23 Nov 2025 - 6 Dec 2025*

*prices for the dates shown above may be different to the one shown for October 30 departure, please enquire for up to date pricing.

Emperor Penguins of the Weddell Sea

Arrive into Santiago and transfer to your included hotel in Santiago, where you will be greeted by a local representative. Check-in is available from late morning onwards. The rest of your day is at leisure.

A light morning breakfast will be served before leaving for the airport for your flight from Santiago to Ushuaia - approximate flying time is 3 hours. You will be met on arrival and transferred to the ship, ready for embarkation at 4 p.m.

Capital of Argentina's Tierra del Fuego province, Ushuaia is considered the gateway to the White Continent and the South Pole. Nicknamed El fin del mundo by the Argentinian people, this city at the end of the world nestles in the shelter of mountains surrounded by fertile plains that the wildlife seem to have chosen as the ultimate sanctuary.

Use your days spent in the Drake Passage to familiarise yourself with your ship and deepen your knowledge of the Antarctic. The Expedition Leader will first present the IAATO rules of conduct that must be observed during landings in the region and will explain everything you need to know about the Zodiac outings.

Throughout your time in the north of the Antarctic Peninsula, you will find yourself in the heart of spectacular scenery, surrounded by exceptional wildlife. You will sail through the Antarctic Sound, named after Swedish explorer Otto Nordenskjöld's ship, which was trapped by the ice during an important scientific expedition in 1902. The gateway to the Weddell Sea, this sound is filled with gigantic tabular icebergs and plates of sea ice drifting northward from the coastal areas of this vast sea. It is home to Adelie penguins and a great many leopard seals.

Impassable, extreme and captivating: this is the best way to describe the Weddell Sea, much of which is covered by a layer of thick, densely packed ice. It is a challenge and a privilege to sail upon this sea. Polar exploration finds its full meaning here.

Heading towards the South is a real quest, with the promise of highly-charged encounters with the continent's endemic fauna.

In this southern sea, where the ice changes and is transformed continuously. You will sail into the heart of the immaculate ice floe, which is densely packed into an alley of icebergs. Among them are immense blocks of ice, tabular icebergs, that drift and illuminate the ocean with their cerulean blue halos.

This is the kingdom of the emperor penguin, the largest penguin in the world, renowned for its elegance. Unlike other penguins that live on the rocks, the emperor nests on the ice floe which it needs for its reproductive cycle. It is therefore on the ice floe that you will be able to observe it walking around with its characteristic gait.

Situated at the latitude of the infamous Furious Fifties winds, between Cape Horn and the South Shetland Islands, the Drake Passage is the shortest route to connect Antarctica to South America. Seasoned navigators will tell you that you must earn your visit to the White Continent by travelling this unpredictable stretch of water.

We arrive into Ushuaia in the early morning and will disembark after breakfast. You will be transferred to the airport for your flight to Santiago, where your trip comes to a close. We recommend that you book your International flights for a day later incase there are any delays back to Ushuaia.

Fares & Departure Dates

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 Privilege Suite Deck 6 

Priviledge Suite Le Commandant Charcot
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The Privilege Suite on Le Commandant Charcot features a spacious bedroom, lounge, balcony, and a luxury bathroom, with butler service and premium amenities, perfect for couples seeking comfort and style.

Capacity Up to 4
Beds One king-size bed (180 x 200 cm) or two single beds (90 x 200 cm)
Rooms 2 rooms
Footage 516 sq ft.
Windows Two panoramic sliding doors and rectangular porthole
Balcony 12.5 m² glazed private balcony
View Ocean view
Location Deck 6
Suitable for Couples, groups of two
Accessibility None
Amenities Bathroom with shower and Balneo bathtub, dressing room, flat screen TV, AC, direct line telephone, electronic safe, dressing table and hairdryer, Nespresso, minibar, Diptyque bath products, Bose speaker
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Concierge Service: tailor-made and fully customisable services, from your reservation until you return from your trip. Champagne and fruit basket upon arrival, Priority boarding (depending on port of embarkation), a fruit basket every day, a Samsung tablet connected to Wifi, two pairs of Swarvoski CL Companion 10 x 30 binoculars.

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 Privilege Suite Deck 7 

Priviledge Suite Le Commandant Charcot
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The Privilege Suite on Le Commandant Charcot features a spacious bedroom, lounge, balcony, and a luxury bathroom, with butler service and premium amenities, perfect for couples seeking comfort and style.

Capacity Up to 4
Beds One king-size bed (180 x 200 cm) or two single beds (90 x 200 cm)
Rooms 2 rooms
Footage 516 sq ft.
Windows Two panoramic sliding doors and rectangular porthole
Balcony Private Balcony
View Ocean view
Location Deck 7
Suitable for Couples, groups, families
Accessibility None
Amenities Nespresso coffee maker, minibar, Diptyque bath products, Flat screen TV, Bose speaker, Samsung tablet
More details

Concierge Service: tailor-made and fully customisable services, from your reservation until you return from your trip. Priority boarding, champagne and fruit basket upon arrival, fruit basket every day, two pairs of Swarvoski CL Companion 10 x 30 binoculars.

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 Prestige Stateroom Deck 6 

Le Commandant Charcot Prestige Cabin 829©Studioponant Morgane Monneret
Le Commandant Charcot Prestige Stateroom ©Studioponant Morgane Monneret 4457
Le Commandant Charcot Prestige Stateroom ©PONANT Gilles Trillard 4459
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The Prestige Staterooms on Deck 6 of Le Commandant Charcot offer elegant comfort, featuring a king-size bed that can be converted into two singles, a bathroom with a shower and a private balcony. They combine refined design with sweeping ocean views.

Capacity Up to 2
Beds One king-size bed (180 x 190 cm) or two single beds (90 x 190 cm)
Rooms 1 room
Footage 215 sq ft.
Windows Panoramic sliding window
Balcony Private balcony
View Ocean view
Location Deck 6
Suitable for Couples, groups of two, solo passengers
Accessibility Three ADA staterooms
Amenities Bathroom with shower, dressing room, AC, Wifi, Flat screen TV, Nespresso coffee maker, minibar, Diptyque bath products, Bose speaker
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Concierge Service: tailor-made and fully customisable services, from your reservation until you return from your trip.

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 Deluxe Suite Deck 6 

Deluxe Suite 832 (1)
Lecommandantcharcot Suitedeluxe Cabine804©Studioponant Morgane Monneret 4287
Le Commandant Charcot Suite Deluxe Cabine604©Studioponant Morgane Monneret 4286
Lecommandantcharcot Suitedeluxe Cabine832©Studioponant Morgane Monneret 4288
Le Commandant Charcot Suite Deluxe Cabine804©Studioponant Morgane Monneret 4310
Le Commandant Charcot Suite Deluxe Cabine804©Studioponant Morgane Monneret 4311
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The Deluxe Suite on Le Commandant Charcot offers refined comfort with a spacious layout: bedroom, separate lounge area, and bathroom with both a shower and a bathtub. Located on the upper decks, it features a private balcony with panoramic views, perfect for relaxing in luxury at the heart of the polar seas.

Capacity Up to 2
Beds One king-size bed (180 x 190 cm) or two single beds (90 x 190 cm)
Rooms 2 rooms
Footage 301 sq ft.
Windows Panoramic sliding window
Balcony Private balcony
View Ocean view
Location Deck 6
Suitable for Couples, groups of two
Accessibility None
Amenities Dressing room, lounge area, bathroom with shower, AC, Flat screen TV, Wifi, Nespresso coffee maker, minibar, Diptyque bath products, Bose speaker
More details

Concierge Service: tailor-made and fully customisable services, from your reservation until you return from your trip.

Show details

 Deluxe Suite Deck 7 

Deluxe Suite 832 (1)
Lecommandantcharcot Suitedeluxe Cabine804©Studioponant Morgane Monneret 4287
Deluxe Suite 832
Deluxe Suite Cabin 832
Le Commandant Charcot Suite Deluxe Cabine804©Studioponant Morgane Monneret 4310
Le Commandant Charcot Suite Deluxe Cabine804©Studioponant Morgane Monneret 4311
Le Commandant Charcot Suite Deluxe Cabine604©Studioponant Morgane Monneret 4286
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The Deluxe Suite on Le Commandant Charcot offers refined comfort with a spacious layout: bedroom, separate lounge area, and bathroom with both a shower and a bathtub. Located on the upper decks, it features a private balcony with panoramic views, perfect for relaxing in luxury at the heart of the polar seas.

Capacity Up to 2
Beds One king-size bed (180 x 190 cm) or two single beds (90 x 190 cm)
Rooms 2 rooms
Footage 301 sq ft.
Windows Panoramic sliding window
Balcony Private balcony
View Ocean view
Location Deck 7
Suitable for Couples, groups of two, solo passengers
Accessibility None
Amenities Dressing room, lounge area, bathroom with shower, AC, Wifi, Flat screen TV, Nespresso coffee maker, minibar, Diptyque bath products, Bose speaker
More details

Concierge Service: tailor-made and fully customisable services, from your reservation until you return from your trip.

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 Deluxe Suite Deck 8 

Deluxe Suite 832 (1)
Deluxe Suite Cabin 832
Deluxe Suite 832
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Suite Features: Enjoy a 53 ft private balcony with panoramic sliding windows, a comfortable lounge area with chaise lounge and armchairs, a king-size bed (or two singles), and a modern bathroom with shower.

Capacity Up to 2
Beds One king-size bed (180 x 190 cm) or two single beds (90 x 190 cm)
Rooms 0 room
Footage 301 sq ft.
Windows Panoramic sliding window
Balcony Private Balcony
View Ocean view
Location Deck 8
Suitable for Couples
Accessibility None
Amenities Dressing room, lounge area, bathroom with shower, AC, Wifi, Flat screen TV, Nespresso coffee maker, minibar, Diptyque bath products, Bose speaker
More details

Concierge Service: tailor-made and fully customisable services, from your reservation until you return from your trip.

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 Prestige Suite Deck 7 

Lecommandantcharcot Suiteprestige Cabine823©Studioponant Morgane Monneret 4284
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The Prestige Suites on Le Commandant Charcot feature a separate bedroom, a spacious living room, two bathrooms with showers, and two panoramic sliding windows opening onto a 10 m² private balcony, offering expansive space and comfort for polar exploration.

Capacity Up to 4
Beds One bedroom with king-size bed (180 x 190 cm) or two single beds (90 x 190 cm)
Rooms 2 rooms
Footage 430 sq ft.
Windows Two sliding panoramic windows
Balcony 107 ft² glazed private balcony
View Ocean view
Location Deck 7
Suitable for Couples, groups, families
Accessibility None
Amenities Dressing room, lounge area, bathroom with shower, AC, Wifi, Flat screen TV, Nespresso coffee maker, minibar, Diptyque bath products, Bose speaker
More details

Concierge Service: tailor-made and fully customisable services, from your reservation until you return from your trip.

Show details

 Prestige Suite Deck 8 

Lecommandantcharcot Suiteprestige Cabine823©Studioponant Morgane Monneret 4284
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The Prestige Suites on Le Commandant Charcot feature a separate bedroom, a spacious living room, two bathrooms with showers, and two panoramic sliding windows opening onto a 10 m² private balcony, offering expansive space and comfort for polar exploration.

Capacity Up to 4
Beds One king-size bed (180 x 190 cm) or two single beds (90 x 190 cm)
Rooms 2 rooms
Footage 430 sq ft.
Windows Two sliding panoramic windows
Balcony Private balcony
View Ocean view
Location Deck 8
Suitable for Couples, groups, families
Accessibility None
Amenities Dressing room, lounge area, bathroom with shower, AC, Wifi, Flat screen TV, Nespresso coffee maker, minibar, Diptyque bath products, Bose speaker
More details

Concierge Service: tailor-made and fully customisable services, from your reservation until you return from your trip.

Show details

 Grand Prestige Suite 

CDT Charcot Suite Grand Prestige 632©PONANT Gilles Trillard 4283
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The Grand Prestige Suite, located on the upper deck of Le Commandant Charcot, is an elegant suite offering generous living space, panoramic views and a private balcony, providing the perfect setting for refined relaxation at sea.

Capacity Up to 3
Beds One king-size bed (180 x 200 cm) or two single beds (90 x 200 cm)
Rooms 2 rooms
Footage 452 sq ft.
Windows Panoramic sliding bay window
Balcony Private balcony
View Ocean view
Location Deck 6
Suitable for Couples, groups, families
Accessibility None
Amenities Nespresso coffee maker, minibar, Diptyque bath products, Bose speaker, AC, Samsung tablet,
More details

Concierge Service: tailor-made and fully customisable services, from your reservation until you return from your trip.

Show details

 Privilege Suite Deck 8 

Priviledge Suite Le Commandant Charcot
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The Privilege Suite on Le Commandant Charcot features a spacious bedroom, lounge, balcony, and a luxury bathroom, with butler service and premium amenities, perfect for couples seeking comfort and style.

Capacity Up to 4
Beds One king-size bed (180 x 200 cm) or two single beds (90 x 200 cm)
Rooms 2 rooms
Footage 516 sq ft.
Windows Two panoramic sliding doors and rectangular porthole
Balcony 12.5 m² glazed private balcony
View Ocean view
Location Decks 6 & 8
Suitable for Couples, families, groups
Accessibility None
Amenities individually-controlled air conditioning, direct line telephone, electronic safe, dressing table and hairdryer, Nespresso, minibar, Diptyque Paris top-of-the-line bath products, Bose speaker
More details

Concierge Service: tailor-made and fully customisable services, from your reservation until you return from your trip

Show details

 Duplex Suite 

Prestige 1
Prestige 2
Duplex 3
Le Commandant Charcot Suite Duplex 640©PONANT Gilles Trillard 4308
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The Duplex Suite is one of the premium two-level suites aboard Le Commandant Charcot, located at the aft of decks 6 and 7. It’s designed for travellers who want expansive living space, elevated views, and outdoor access.

Capacity Up to 4
Beds A king-size bed (180 x 200 cm) or two single beds (90 x 200 cm)
Rooms 3 rooms
Footage 1011 sq ft.
Windows Five panoramic windows and a glazed panoramic swing door
Balcony A private 26 m² terrace: outdoor lounge with sofa and armchairs, jacuzzi
View Ocean view
Location Aft
Suitable for Couples, groups, families
Accessibility None
Amenities Minibar, Nespresso, BOSE Speaker, Diptyque Paris top-of-the-line bath products, Samsung tablet connected to Wi-Fi
More details

Concierge Service: tailor-made and fully customisable services, from your reservation until you return from your trip. Private return transfer, Priority boarding (depending on port of embarkation), champagne and fruit basket upon arrival, two pairs of Swarvoski CL Companion 10 x 30 binoculars,

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 Prestige Stateroom Deck 7 

Le Commandant Charcot Prestige Cabin 829©Studioponant Morgane Monneret
Le Commandant Charcot Suite Deluxe Cabine604©Studioponant Morgane Monneret 4286
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The Prestige Staterooms on Deck 6 of Le Commandant Charcot offer elegant comfort, featuring a king-size bed that can be converted into two singles, a bathroom with a shower and a private balcony. They combine refined design with sweeping ocean views.

Capacity Up to 2
Beds One king-size bed (180 x 190 cm) or two single beds (90 x 190 cm)
Rooms 1 room
Footage 215 sq ft.
Windows Panoramic sliding window
Balcony Private balcony
View Ocean view
Location Deck 6
Suitable for Couples, groups of two, solo passengers
Accessibility Three ADA staterooms
Amenities Bathroom with shower, dressing room, AC, Wifi, Flat screen TV, Nespresso coffee maker, minibar, Diptyque bath products, Bose speaker
More details

Concierge Service: tailor-made and fully customisable services, from your reservation until you return from your trip.

Show details

 Prestige Stateroom Deck 8 

Le Commandant Charcot Suite Deluxe Cabine604©Studioponant Morgane Monneret 4286
Le Commandant Charcot Prestige Stateroom ©PONANT Gilles Trillard 4459
Le Commandant Charcot Prestige Stateroom ©Studioponant Morgane Monneret 4457
Show gallery
STARTING AT:
PER PERSON

The Prestige Staterooms on Deck 6 of Le Commandant Charcot offer elegant comfort, featuring a king-size bed that can be converted into two singles, a bathroom with a shower and a private balcony. They combine refined design with sweeping ocean views.

Capacity Up to 2
Beds One king-size bed (180 x 190 cm) or two single beds (90 x 190 cm)
Rooms 1 room
Footage 215 sq ft.
Windows Panoramic sliding window
Balcony Private balcony
View Ocean view
Location Deck 6
Suitable for Couples, groups of two, solo passengers
Accessibility Three ADA staterooms
Amenities Bathroom with shower, dressing room, AC, Wifi, Flat screen TV, Nespresso coffee maker, minibar, Diptyque bath products, Bose speaker
More details

Concierge Service: tailor-made and fully customisable services, from your reservation until you return from your trip.

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About the Le Commandant Charcot

Ponant Le Commandant Charcot - Exterior, ©PONANT Credit. Julien Fabro

Exploring the most remote and inaccessible regions of our planet involves a considerable amount of responsibility: the responsibility of limiting the traces we leave behind. More than just a commitment, respecting the ecosystems is the fundamental condition for these unprecedented voyages in these regions to take place.Le Commandant Charcot is paving the way in this respect. It is the first deep polar exploration cruise ship to be equipped with a hybrid liquefied natural gas (currently the cleanest energy available) propulsion system and a bank of high-capacity batteries.This new propulsion system is also combined with the use of the latest available green technologies, resulting in an all-round approach designed with a single aim in mind: to minimise the impact of your polar odyssey on the planet and make a positive contribution to the peoples and lands visited and encountered.

The restaurants onboard Le Commandant CharcotAn essential component of French culture, gastronomy naturally has a place of honour onboard : Le Commandant Charcot hosts the first Alain Ducasse restaurants on a cruise ship.Fine cuisineWe 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.GastronomyFaithful 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.

Le Commandant Charcot Gastronomy Dining ©PONANT Gilles Trillard

Nuna (The Earth)

Nuna, the 484 m² gastronomic restaurant at the rear of deck 5, can seat all the ship's passengers at a single sitting. Elegant and refinement are all part and parcel of the à la carte dining experience it has to offer at breakfast, lunch and dinner. The ship's second bridge is located at the back of the restaurant: behind its large windows, you will have a front row seat to observe the crew during their operations.

  • Deck 5
  • Capacity : 245
  • French and international cuisine
  • Signature dishes by Alain Ducasse
  • Fine wine cellar
  • Furniture by Ligne Roset
  • Bernardaud French china and glassware by Elne

Ponant Le Commandant Charcot - Silla Restaurant, ©PONANT, Credit. Gilles Trillard

Sila Restaurant


In a more relaxed atmosphere, a 320 m² restaurant located at deck 9 will welcome you for your breakfasts, buffet lunches and themed dinners.

  • Deck 9
  • Indoor capacity: 142

Ponant Le Commandant Charcot - Inneq, ©StudioPONANT Credit. Olivier Blaud

Inneq

Open-Air Bar

At the open-air bar, you can enjoy a varied and refined range of international sweet and savoury dishes throughout the day (11am-6pm), as well as a permanent menu.

  • Deck 9
  • Bar capacity : 79
  • Restaurant capacity : 62

Ponant Yacht Cruises & Expeditions Room Service 2

Room Service

Whether you wish to have breakfast in the privacy of your stateroom, savour a snack in the middle of the day or enjoy your dinner in an intimate setting, our Room Service is available for you. Have a gourmet interlude and treat yourself from a varied menu at any time of day or night *.

The common areas of Le Commandant CharcotLe 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 to designate natural elements have been attributed to some of them as a reminder of our deep attachment to this fascinating culture.Good times togetherThe 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.

Le Commandant Charcot Observation Anori Lounge ©PONANT Gilles Trillard 3

The Anori Observatory

Anori (the wind) - Deck 9

  • A bar and a 262 m² (2820 ft²) observation lounge
  • Library, reading area, live entertainment on certain evenings
  • 2 Swarovski Optik telescopes

Le Commandant Charcot Main Lounge ©PONANT Gilles Trillard 0

The Main Lounge

  • A 313 m² (3,369 ft²) main lounge
  • A 24 m² (258 ft²) cigar lounge
  • A tea room and bar with a programme of live music on certain evenings

Le Commandant Charcot Reception ©PONANT Gilles Trillard

Reception

  • Deck 5
  • A reception area of ​​270 m²
  • The shipping office
  • Administrative services on board
  • The sales office run by our Reception and Travel Manager
  • “Ponant Studio” photo space
  • “Oscillations”: a digital work of art by Miguel Chevalier

Le Commandant Charcot Boutique ©PONANT Gilles Trillard

The Illu Shop

Illu (the igloo, the house) - Deck 5

The Illu boutique is a space of wonder, an authentic extension of your journey and the ship, dedicated to the polar world.

  • A range of ready-to-wear clothing and special outdoor items suitable for the polar adventure: The North Face, Garmin, Swarovski Optik, Vuarnet, Feelfree, Icebreaker, Black Diamond, Suunto, Eric Bompard
  • Bespoke tips and advice from experts about how to get the most out of the onboard experience and the shore excursions
  • A multilingual range of publications covering each different destination: informational guides, gorgeous photographic books, novels and adventure stories, a special range for children, etc.
  • Unique souvenirs so you can share the magic of the Charcot experience with others
  • A range of accessories for the home

Ponant Le Commandant Charcot - Pool Deck , ©StudioPONANT Credit. Olivier Blaud

The Pool Deck

  • Deck 9
  • A heated indoor swimming pool with a superb skylight thanks to its large glass roof
  • A sunroom with large external-facing windows
  • A Detox bar with sofas and armchairs
  • Blue Lagoon pools, an outdoor heated lagoon with a temperature that ranges from 27 to 37° C using recycled energy from the ship
  • A giant firepit (Inneq - le feu), so you can enjoy the polar landscapes in complete comfort
  • An outdoor bar (Blue Lagoon bar) where you can enjoy a varied and refined range of sweet and savoury food throughout the day (11:00-18:00)

PONANT Le Commandant Promenade Deck Copyrights belong to PONANT Olivier Blaud

Promenade Deck

The outside promenade deck is uninterrupted. This means that, unlike most passenger ships, it is possible to walk all the way around the ship and to the bow. It is also equipped with benches heated by energy recovery and two Swarovski Optik telescopes.

Ponant Le Commandant Charcot - Theatre, © PONANT, Credit. Studio Jean-Philippe Nuel - Axe 3D Studio

The Theatre

  • Kita (let’s go) - Deck 5
  • Capacity of 270 people
  • State-of-the-art sound and light technologies
  • LED wall at the back of the stage allowing the projection of supports in very high resolution

Ponant Studio

PONANT Studio

A photography and videography team escort you throughout your trip. These professionals capture the most beautiful moments of your cruise, which you can share with family and friends upon your return. Meet them on DECK 5 (DECK 6 on the PONANT Explorers ships) at the photo/video area, where you can also order souvenir pictures and videos.

Le Commandant Charcot Cigar Lounge ©PONANT Gilles Trillard 1

Cigar Lounge

The Cigar Lounge is located on Deck 5.

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.

PONANT Le Commandant ©PONANT Julien Fabro (1)

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.

PONANT Le Commandant ©PONANT Mike Louagie 4 (1)

This first ever deep polar navigation cruise ship 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 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 and scientific mediators, 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.

Science Mediators

The scientific mediation team on Le Commandant Charcot brings science to life for guests onboard the ship. Their mission is to give you an insight into the profession of scientific researcher and the challenges involved in the scientific approaches deployed, and enable you to contribute directly to the study and protection of the polar regions by giving you the opportunity to take part in citizen science workshops.

The poles like never before

Le Commandant Charcot takes you further than ever before, sailing well inside the polar circles and deep into the middle of the ice, where only a PC2 polar class ship (icebreaker) can safely venture. Onboard, on land, on the sea or on the ice, enjoy a range of unique, intense and authentically immersive experiences amidst the quasi-hypnotic power of the polar environment, such as dog sledding, sightseeing excursions in Zodiac® inflatable boats, snowshoeing, polar diving, kayaking, ice fishing and citizen science sessions.

A scientific research and monitoring vessel

Sailing through the remote and icy regions of the poles provides a unique opportunity to regularly and periodically collect scientific data for use in understanding how sea ice forms, analysing ocean circulation, studying the biological characteristics of the polar marine environment, tracking and monitoring marine megafauna, and analysing the social and environmental impacts of tourism. The data collected by researchers and passengers through citizen science sessions is helping to advance research into these regions – which more than a century after the heroic golden age of polar exploration still have much to reveal – and move forward efforts to protect and preserve them.

PONANT Yacht Expeditions & Cruises Le Commandant Charcot Expeditions and Conference rooms (1)

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

Le Commandant Charcot Expedition Desk ©PONANT Gilles Trillard (1)

Expedition Desk

The Expedition Desk is located on Deck 5.

WELLNESS & RELAXATIONEnjoy the benefits of the cold in the Snow Cabin Siku ('snow', in Inuit) following a treatment at the Spa Nuan ('well-being', 'happiness') or the Sauna Ikuma ('burning heat').Relax by the indoor pool Imaq ('sea water') and contemplate the polar landscapes through the panoramic windows, all while enjoying a fruit cocktail from the Detox Bar.Take advantage of the personalised services offered by the hair and nail salon that overlook the horizon. Biologique Recherche offers a personalised skincare methodology. Each treatment is unique. On board, you'll be offered follow-up care throughout your journey, with specific treatments tailored to skin weakened by extreme temperatures. The products are pure, concentrated, almost raw, blended into complex formulas to renew, soothe and repair your skin. 

PONANT Yacht Expeditions & Cruises Le Commandant Charcot Wellness Lounge

Nuan (wellness / happiness) - Deck 9

A hair salon facing the boundless horizon, massage cabins with large windows, a sauna with an unobstructed view of the immense white polar expanse… The wellness areas on board Le Commandant Charcot take on a new dimension. These spaces, designed by Jean-Michel Wilmotte, combine design and comfort, and have been created with expert know-how using repsonsible brands.

  • 430 m² dedicated to wellness
  • Spa Biologique Recherche : 3 massage and beauty cubicles (including one double cubicle with sea view), a nail salon, 2 lounges with sea view to to wait or relax after a session
  • A hair salon with Davines products
  • A Sauna (Ikuma - the burning heat)
  • A Snow Room (Siku - the ice) a fun and invigorating snow bath you can try out after leaving the sauna
  • Gym with with sea view and TECHNOGYM machines (elliptical trainers, Kinesis®, 3 treadmills, exercise bikes, rowing machine…), dedicated coach and group or private lessons (according to availability) of fitness, yoga, pilates, meditation, aquagym...
  • A heated indoor swimming pool (Imaq - sea water) with countercurrent swimming and a superb skylight thanks to its large glass roof
  • A sunroom with large external-facing windows
  • A Detox bar with sofas and armchairs

For Le Commandant Charcot, PONANT has chosen to work with two new partners: Biologique Recherche for facial and body treatments, and Davines for hairstyling. These two brands share the same philosophy of bespoke, personalised service and care for the environment.

  • 100% made to measure: a tailored approach with indvidually selected procedures.Every treatment is unique.
  • Natural and eco-friendly active ingredients: naturally or plant-sourced raw active ingredients, packaging made from recycled materials

Two signature treatments designed to give you a gentle return on board after shore excursions in extreme environments have been created especially for the Le Commandant Charcot: "expedition return" and "exploration return".

Ponant Le Commandant Charcot - Gym ©PONANT, Credit. Gilles Trillard

The Gym

The gyms on our ships are equipped with the very latest Technogym© equipment and machines. Treadmills, exercise bikes, Kinesis Wall© strength training machines and many other types of equipment are all provided in a laid-back relaxing environment. The wide floor-to-ceiling windows looking out over the sea add undeniable charm to the exercise sessions.

Each day also begins with organised morning workout sessions, either out in the open air or in the theatre. These are supplemented by water aerobics in the pool, or in the sea off the beach for PONANT passengers, when the situation allows it.

Ponant Le Commandant Charcot - Hairdressing Salon, © PONANT Credit. Gilles Trillard

The Hairdressing Salon

Provided in partnership with KÉRASTASE® and L’ORÉAL PROFESSIONNEL®, the hairdressing salon offers a complete range of top quality treatments designed to strengthen, nourish and reinvigorate hair's shine and brilliance. Our stylists are available to serve all your styling, highlighting, colouring, cutting and tailored hair advice needs.

Ponant Le Commandant Charcot - Deck 9

Deck 9

  • Inneq Bar
  • Blue Lagoon
  • Sila Restaurant
  • Indoor Pool
  • Winter Garden and Detox Bar
  • Fitness
  • Spa
  • Nail Bar
  • Snow Room
  • Panoramic Lounge
  • Sauna

Ponant Le Commandant Charcot - Deck 8

Deck 8

  • Bridge
  • Staterooms
  • Accessible Staterooms

Ponant Le Commandant Charcot - Deck 7

Deck 7

  • Staterooms

Ponant Le Commandant Charcot - Deck 6

Deck 6

  • Training Centre
  • Staterooms
  • Accessible Staterooms

Ponant Le Commandant Charcot - Deck 5

Deck 5

  • Promenade Deck
  • Nuna Gastronomic
  • Restaurant
  • Aft, Bridge
  • Photo Video
  • Reception Desk
  • Expeditions Desk
  • Shop
  • Cigar Lounge
  • Sales Cruise Desk
  • Main Lounge
  • Theatre
  • Bar

Ponant Le Commandant Charcot - Deck 3

Deck 3

  • Expedition Room
  • Conference Room

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