Le Commandant Charcot

Max Passengers: 245
Ship Type: Ice Breaker Ship
Operated By: Ponant Explorations Group

Le Commandant Charcot, Ponant's first luxury hybrid electric polar exploration ship, is the ultimate of responsible and ecological sailing. Her expertise is in safe and low-impact polar navigation, utilizing cutting-edge technologies and solutions to make it one of the most modern polar vessels at sea today. Launched in Sept 2021, Le Commandant Charcot is a 245 capacity icebreaker operated by the Compagnie du Ponant. This Polar Class 2 icebreaker capable of reaching the Geographic North Pole has an LNG-powered hybrid power plant and 5 MWh electric batteries that may short drive the ship without engines.

Cabin Specifications:
Le Commandant Charcot, Ponant’s first luxury hybrid-electric polar exploration vessel, features 123 all-outside staterooms and suites, each with a private step-out balcony designed to offer panoramic views of the world’s most remote destinations. Of these, 68 are spacious suites with private patios. Cabins are divided into six categories: Owner’s Suite, Duplex Suites, Privilege Suites, Prestige Suites, Privilege Staterooms, and Prestige Staterooms.

All accommodations feature a king-size bed (convertible to twins), writing desk, lounge area, minibar, smart HDTV with on-demand entertainment, iPod dock, electronic safe, and individually controlled air conditioning. Bathrooms include a shower, WC, vanity, premium French bath products, bathrobes, and hairdryer. The Owner’s, Duplex, and Privilege Suites are enhanced with Balneo bathtubs and butler service. Each room also includes 24-hour room service, Wi-Fi, U.S. (110V) and European (220V) outlets, and a telephone. Three wheelchair-accessible Prestige Staterooms are located midship on decks 6 and 8 near the elevators.

Features Onboard:
Launched in September 2021, Le Commandant Charcot is a groundbreaking Polar Class 2 hybrid icebreaker powered by LNG and equipped with 5 MWh electric batteries, allowing short-distance sailing without engines. Designed for responsible, low-impact polar navigation, this vessel accommodates 245 guests across nine decks—five of which are passenger-accessible and three containing cabins.

Dining options include three restaurants: the Gastronomic Restaurant (Deck 5), the Grill Restaurant (Deck 9), and the Lido Buffet Restaurant. The Gastronomic Restaurant spans 5,210 ft² (484 m²) with 284 seats and features indoor and outdoor dining with a French gourmet menu and an extensive wine cellar. The Grill Restaurant offers buffet breakfasts and lunches, as well as themed dinners in a casual setting, while the Lido Restaurant provides additional relaxed dining space.

Social and leisure spaces abound throughout the vessel. Deck 5 houses the Main Lounge, Theater (276 seats), Cigar Bar, Lobby Lounge, Boutique Shop, and Image & Photo Desk. The Infirmary (Medical Centre) is conveniently located on Deck 4. Upper decks feature the Panoramic Bar Lounge with 270-degree windows, a Library, and the Winter Garden Spa Lounge with an indoor pool. Guests can enjoy the aft Sundeck (Deck 9) with an infinity pool, bar, and outdoor seating, or the wraparound Promenade Deck for scenic observation.

The wellness complex includes a Technogym-equipped fitness room, spa, sauna, snow room, beauty salon, nail studio, and three massage rooms. For exploration, the ship features a fore Helideck used for helicopter operations and outdoor viewing, and four tenders for Zodiac embarkation in remote regions.

With its state-of-the-art technology, refined interiors, and commitment to sustainability, Le Commandant Charcot redefines polar exploration—offering passengers the rare opportunity to reach destinations such as the Geographic North Pole while experiencing the height of French luxury, comfort, and eco-conscious innovation.

Ship specifications: