• Home
  • Sign up for newsletter
  • Find a personal travel manager
  • The Arctic explored as it has never been before


    Polar Bear in the Arctic. 2©StudioPonant Noemie WATEL

    Le Commandant Charcot: The world’s first luxury high polar exploration vessel launches 2022 Arctic journeys 

    Set sail for the Arctic aboard Le Commandant Charcot and embark on an immersive journey to discover a whole new vision of the world.

    Discover a selection of the Arctic 2022 luxury expeditions on board Le Commandant Charcot

    The Geographic North Pole
    Who has not dreamed of going to the ends of the earth? At 90° North, the geographic pole is a legendary point covered in pack ice all year round. 700km from any land surface, only a hardy few have had the chance to reach this point. Departing from Spitsbergen, Le Commandant Charcot will be sailing amidst spectacular scenery, ideal for observing the rich diversity of wildlife to the pack ice. A slow yet determined journey will forge to the very heart of this mystical world of extreme cold arriving at the planet’s northernmost point.

    Longyearbyen, Spitsbergen – Longyearbyen, Spitsbergen – 15 nights aboard Le Commandant Charcot
    3 sailings: July to August 2022


    Seal. image courtesy of Ponant

    Exploring Nordaustlandet
    PONANT is offering a choice of two cruises, nine or 11 days, to explore the remote territories north of Spitsbergen as far as NorthEast Land island – Nordaustlandet. On the programme:  stunning scenery in Kongsfjorden, then the Northwest Spitsbergen National Park, the Northeast Svalbard Nature Reserve, Kvitoya – “White Island” – and sailing through the Hinlopen Strait renowned for its basaltic islands and majestic glaciers. An unforgettable odyssey awaits, during which Le Commandant Charcot will reach latitude 80 deg North where guests will have the once in a lifetime experience close to the top of the earth.

    Longyearbyen, Spitsbergen – Longyearbyen, Spitsbergen – 8/10 nights aboard Le Commandant Charcot
    2 sailings: 15 to 23 June 2022, or 28 June to 8 July 2022

    Experiences and awakening


    Polar Bear. 14©StudioPonant Morgane MONNERET

    Opening the eyes of guests to the rich culture, wildlife and geographic wonders of these territories embodies the PONANT philosophy. Le Commandant Charcot has 23 experts on board who are all passionate about their subjects – glaciologists, ornithologists, biologists, archaeologists. Thus guests will discover this region through original and engaging experiences in harmony with the natural environment.

    Avail yourself of the heated swimming pools, choice of dining venues, spa and sauna, gym, boutique and winter garden, lounge, bar and theatre, of course, plus dedicated expedition boarding and disembarking rooms for seamless shore excursions in Zodiacs®, or perhaps the electric hovercraft, either way, perfect for exploring. 

    Le Commandant Charcot – Pioneering and responsible. A step ahead.
    Currently completing sea trials, Le Commandant Charcot is the world’s first luxury high polar exploration vessel, with hybrid propulsion powered by LNG (liquefied natural gas), the most eco-friendly energy source currently available. The innovation driving this ship underlines PONANT’s unwavering commitment to sustainable tourism. In addition to its Polar Class 2 (PC2) certification, the vessel’s design incorporates the very latest in green technologies, including wastewater treatment, 100% of waste recycled onboard and a ban on all single-use plastics.


    Mother and babies Polar bears Lancaster sound Canada

    Le Commandant Charcot symbolises the culmination of PONANT’s corporate commitment to reduce its environmental impact – a reflection of the company’s wealth of experience and expertise gained since inception in 1988.

    For more personalised information, tips and advice, or to book an incredible holiday contact your local TravelManagers’ personal travel manager.

    With compliments of First Class: visit them online or at Instagram