The launch of Ponant’s new polar class expedition ship, Le Commandant Charcot, is the culmination of a 6 year long effort to create the world’s first electric hybrid vessel capable of deep polar exploration. The ship’s innovative design combines technological advancements like a PC2 class hull and carbon reducing, liquid natural gas batteries, with modern luxurious accommodations and spacious inviting public areas.
Onboard the designers have outdone themselves with beautifully appointed, inviting public spaces. The ambience onboard is that of a modern luxury mega-yacht. Features like the Blue Lagoon, a heated exterior pool sharing the deck with a large communal fireplace and open air bar, Le Commandant Charcot fosters a community of comfort and discovery among her guests.
The 123 accommodations onboard include suites and traditional staterooms. Ponant showcases their philosophy of creating “rare and exceptional ambiance” for their guests is on full display in the innovative new suites like the two story duplex suite. Complete with a private jacuzzi and steam fireplace, this is more of an adventure residence than a traditional expedition accommodation. All of the accommodations are designed to capture panoramic outward facing views for full destination immersion.
The Charcot also features 2 Michelin star inspired restaurants that build on the famous Ponant Culinary experience. Where many may assume the off the beaten path nature of these unique itineraries may necessitate sacrifices elsewhere. The culinary experience on Le Commandant Charcot raises the bar for Ponant. In Nuna (the gastronomic restaurant) features signature dishes from Alain Ducasse. The menu consists of french and international cuisine with curated wine pairings from the onboard wine cellar.
Perhaps most importantly, the Charcot was designed with the goal of providing guests with an experience that brings guests into even more remote areas. Some of these places have been explored less than the moon. Aboard the Charcot guests will have access to traditional expedition experiences like zodiac landings and polar kayaking. However, there are options that are unique to Ponant like polar diving and ice fishing. The technological advancements mentioned earlier also allow for deeper exploration of these remote environments which is truly how Ponant separates themselves from their competitors. A PC2 class hull is the second highest ice rating a ship can have. PC1 hulls are rare outside of research or military vessels, so this is arguably as tough as a pleasure ship can be. In fact, because the Charcot can reach these areas, the crew actually gathers scientific data for researchers! Ponant partners with Smithsonian adventures to provide their guests with the most enriching cultural and natural experiences available.
Le Commandant Charcot, will spend its inaugural season, summer of 2022, in the Arctic. Guests will embark on rare new and epic itineraries to the geographical North Pole, Northeast Greenland, remote icelandic coasts, and many more intriguing locales. Space onboard is limited so contact Luxury Cruise Connections for the best promotions and latest availability on Le Commandant Charcot.
